Ekiti State Launches Artisan Training Programme to Boost Job Creation and Youth Development.

Ekiti State Launches Artisan Training Programme to Boost Job Creation and Youth Development.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a bid to advance job creation and youth development, the Ekiti State Government has announced a new artisan training programme set to kick off on August 12, 2024. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Board of Technical and Vocational Education, will provide comprehensive training to Master Craft persons across the state.

The inaugural phase of the programme will see 250 participants trained over a period of six weeks at the Government Technical Colleges (GTC) in Ado-Ekiti and Ikole-Ekiti. The training is designed to address key challenges faced by artisans, including difficulties in obtaining internationally recognised trade certification and accessing digital employment platforms.

Ekiti State’s Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola, emphasized that the programme aims to equip artisans with essential skills such as value orientation, work ethics, and modern technology. By integrating artisans into digital hiring platforms and providing them with trade certification, the initiative marks a significant step towards modernising the state’s workforce.

Mrs. Adeola urged artisans to seize this opportunity to enhance their skills and leverage the new opportunities presented by the programme. This effort is part of the state government’s broader strategy to create job opportunities and foster development for both skilled and unskilled youth in Ekiti.

EKIFEST Has Launched Ekiti's Creative, Hospitality Industries on Global Map - Oyebanji.

EKIFEST Has Launched Ekiti's Creative, Hospitality Industries on Global Map - Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that the glamour surrounding the just concluded Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST), has showcased the state on the world map as home to hospitable, ingeniously artistic and  culturally endowed people. 

Oyebanji acknowledged that the weeklong event, that featured various programmes contiguous with arts and culture, as well as the number of contingents that visited the state to participate in the festival, had impacted positively on the growth of the local economy.

Oyebanji said these on Saturday, during the grand finale of the 2024 edition of EKIFEST, held at the palatial Ekiti Parapo Pavilion  in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. 

The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, saluted the security agencies for providing the best security cover for all the contingents throughout their stay in Ekiti.

In the same fashion, Oyebanji commended the contingents for cooperating with the security outfits, saying their peaceful and lawful  dispositions largely contributed to the glamour and reception EKIFEST 2024 garnered among the populace.

On the significance of EKIFEST, Oyebanji posited that the carnival-like event demonstrated that the government was making huge investment in arts and culture sector to boost creative industry to generate jobs and income for Ekiti citizens .

"With 2024 edition of EKIFEST, we have successfully showcased our rich cultural heritage, our sense of hospitality and creative arts to the world.The one week programmes improved the commercial activities in the State, the contingents and other visitors were exposed to the ways of life of Ekiti people. 

"It familiarized the contingents from other States and FCT with the people of the state.  The Dance and Drama competition for visiting States and, Traditional Wrestling were to encourage good performances, showcase healthy competition and spirit of sportsmanship among the contingents.

" It is also to win awards for hard work.The bush bar/traditional cuisine , was to show the rich local delicacies. On same day, command performance of Langbodo- a drama directed by our own Professor of Dance, Prof. Ojo Bakare, who is also  the State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, showcased the value of  the culture of our dear State,  and the Yorubas at large. 

"The drama evidently portrayed the heart of bravery, unity of purpose and desire for peaceful co-existence, as a cogent tool for tangible development of a people.  As a way of empowering our youths, improving their livelihood and building a peaceful society, dress making completion was organized as a part of the activities of the event.  All, the programmes were well packaged to refresh, equip and encourage all to preserve our cultural heritage.   

"I wish to sincerely appreciate the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji for leading by example, for creating a conducive environment for peace to reign in Ekiti State.  I thank him for granting approval for the hosting of this kind of unifying event in the State".

Oyebanji commended the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her unique roles at equipping the youths, through creative enterprises such as the Adire Hub, which has empowered and lifted many households from shackles of poverty within the few months of its establishment.

"This event was well planned, packaged and brilliantly executed. Ekiti State is indeed grateful to the leadership of the Ministry, Prof. Ojo Bakare. To other contingents from other States of the Federation and FCT,  I commend and appreciate your peaceful conduct during the events despite the apprehension of protests all over our nation". 

Oyebanji showered encomiums on  delegates from all the Local Governments for their participations and spectacular performances, while specially saluting the contingents that won awards during the festival for their brilliant outings that earned you  the laurels. 

In his submission, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof Rasaq Ojo Bakare, assured that the state government will work hard on the gains of this year's edition to make the subsequent annual programmes more grandiose.

"Creative industry is our next oil, Nigeria will never lack or be poor, if we can develop this sector. If you see what we have witnessed in the last few days with EKIFEST, you will realise that Nigeria has no reason to be poor.   

"We appreciate the governor for believing in the creativity of our people to transform the state and take it to a higher pedestal. We are assuring you that we are going to implement all the policies of government in this sector, so that we can achieve the set goals for our citizens".

Why Ekiti people‘ll reelect Oyebanji –Fakunle-Okieimen, Assembly member. By Priscilla Ediare.

Why Ekiti people‘ll reelect Oyebanji –Fakunle-Okieimen, Assembly member.

By Priscilla Ediare.

Hon. Barr. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen, member Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Ilejemeje Constituency

Hon. Barr. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen, is a member of the seventh Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Ilejemeje Constituency.

In this interview, she spoke on the Assembly, current government in the state, the need for more women to hold positions of authority, among other issues.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji assumed office on October 16, 2022. What is your assessment of his administration of almost two years?

Well, all I can say is that we have been so blessed by the administration of His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. He has been a blessing to the people of Ekiti State. Because, Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a round peg in a round hole. He is running a welfarist government. It is a government of the people and for the people. He is somebody that is so passionate about the people of Ekiti State and their welfare. And he is doing it so roundly in the sense that there is hardly any part of life, any part of living that he has not impacted. There is something that I always say that I really love. Everyone knows that before now when a government comes on board, its main focus is on the party men and women. It is like all of us worked together to enthrone this government so you have to put them in positions. But this present governor did not do like that. As he is taking care of the party people, he is even focusing more on the non-party people because like I said earlier, he said that these people are in the majority. And you know it, everybody knows it. Those of us that are in partisan politics, our number is less than the people out there. The vegetable sellers, the tomato sellers, the meat sellers, the Okada riders, the bricklayers and all the people in the informal sector, they are in the majority. And you know politics is a game of numbers. If I am contesting for a position, let’s say when I contested to be a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, if I have 300 votes, and my opponent has 290, I am the winner. It is simple majority. So, these people are in the majority and they are the ones that are giving us their votes. And the governor is such a person that has conscience. He doesn’t want a use and dump situation, that, it is only when you need these people every four years that you send them something or remember them. He wants to take care of them all through his tenure. He has created platforms to accommodate these people. So, there are BAO progressive, BAO this, BAO that, artisan group, and so on. There are so many of these groups that have been formed. For instance, these days that palliatives have been coming from Abuja. They have been calling the leadership of these groups to meetings and they have been giving all of them their own. So, it is not only youth leaders, women leaders or party people that have benefitted. This governor carries everybody along. And everybody is on the same page with him and what he is doing is resonating with a lot of people. Even the people living with disabilities, they have never had it so good. He is bringing everybody on board and everybody is happy. I am happy that he is my governor. He is doing well.

Hon. Barr. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen, member Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Ilejemeje Constituency

The 26 lawmakers of the current(7th) Assembly recently celebrated one year in office. How would you describe the relationship between the House and the government in the state?

The relationship has been very cordial. Another thing I want to say about this present governor is that he has been in the polity for long. He was the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, SSG. So, he knows all the intricacies of governance. Our current Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has also been in government for quite sometime. He is a lawyer and he understands the workings of the legislature. They have been like brothers before now. Almost everyone that is in the House has been in one position or the other. When this new governor was the Secretary to the State Government, he was part of the people that were there when I was chosen as Honorable Commissioner for Environment under former governor, Kayode Fayemi. And that is the beauty of continuity. It engenders seamless transition, it engenders development and growth, it prevents unnecessary rancour. And in a situation where a former governor from another party started a project, and a new governor will come and say no I am not continuing and is abandoned, in fact, the Sixth Assembly made a law against abandonment of projects. So, this is what we have gained in Ekiti State and it is really helping us. So, the relationship between the Seventh Assembly and the current governor has been a very cordial one. He understands us, we understand him, and we are on the same page. Though people might want to query that is it not supposed to be a check and balance thing. We are still doing our job. We are still checking and balancing. We are still checking the government. Even this morning, I still went for an overnight function in one of the government MDAs. So, we are doing our job but we can achieve progress without bitterness, we can achieve progress without rancour, we can achieve progress without unnecessary bickering and unnecessary witch-hunting. If somebody is doing well, let us say it. So, things are good between us.

Out of the 26 lawmakers in the Assembly, 24 are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the remaining two are from the Social Democratic Party (SDP). What can you say about these two lawmakers from the opposition party?

I can say they just answer opposition by words of mouth. When we are in this Assembly, we don’t operate on partisan or party level. We operate as the 7th Assembly, as one. In fact, those two gentlemen are just exceptional. They are good, they contribute and they have never given us any problem. And they still identify with their own party. In fact, let me shock you, very recently amongst us we set aside some of our salaries and entitlements to take care of our party (APC). So, we procured a bus, not a brand new one, we don’t have that kind of money. It was a Sienna bus, so we went to give it to our party. So, we thought these two people(SDP members) also contributed to purchase the bus because we do things together. So, we said it will not be fair. Do you know that with the permission of our party because we don’t do anything ultra vires, so we sought the permission of the leadership of our party that we think that it will not be fair for us to just limit our welfarist thing to APC alone. Please, we want to seek your permission to go to SDP office to also give them something, and they said we can go. And we packaged something not another bus, but some reasonable amount of money and we gave it to their party. All of us went there, even with the Speaker. They too joined us when we went to APC office, we too had to go with them to their SDP office. It was all over the place in the social media. So, this is the kind of relationship that exists among our members.

Ekiti APC caucus, stakeholders, political appointees, groups among others have endorsed governor Oyebanji for second term. Some political analysts and watchers are of the opinion that his re-election move is coming too early having spent less than two years in office. They said it could distract his administration. What’s your take here?

You have asked two questions. The first one is that some political analysts and watchers said that his re-election move is coming too early. Secondly, that it could distract his administration. Let me first of all address it that it is not too early. Anybody that has seen the timetable of INEC for the next election will know that it is not too early because they may not know that the primaries for 2026 are happening next year. And we are in August. So, how would they say his re-election move is coming too early. It is not too early. They don’t know, that is why they are saying that. So let them know now. Then secondly, Governor Oyebanji is a focused person. In fact, when people started the endorsement thing, he was against it, saying please, let me concentrate. But when people started saying, Mr governor, we are almost there. But I want to assure you that it has not removed anything from him. He has been focused, he has been doing his job. He is not distracted. He has been doing what he has been doing right from day one and he will continue to do it until the next election.

The race for the 2026 governorship election will soon begin in the state. What are your expectations and predictions ?

Well, they say the earthly witness is heavenly witness. As far as I, Honourable Iyabo Fakunle -Okieimen is concerned, no shaking. No shaking at all because like I said earlier, if somebody is doing well, let us say it. l have not seen how Governor Oyebanji will not win both the primaries and the main election hands down. Go and write it down and you will tell me later that I said so. This is because he has done very well. Who are the people that vote? If you are good to the electorate, why wouldn’t they vote for you the second time. Like I said earlier, he is not focusing his attention on the party people alone. In fact, he is doing more for the informal sector. He is doing more for the common man on the street. Everybody is feeling him, apart from the welfarist thing, he is still very much into infrastructure. He is building roads, and constructing bridges. Look at our electricity, since we started this interview, has the light blinked? We have our Independent Power Project(IPP)where Ekiti State is generating its own electricity and that is what has been extended to the state secretariat and the Assembly here. When I was a Commissioner, there were times when there won’t be light. Former governor Kayode Fayemi started that IPP project and was completed by Governor Oyebanji and that was why I told you about continuity. So, when things continue like that seamlessly, the people are better for it.

There is security in Ekiti State. Ekiti is now one of the safest in Nigeria. When you talk about security, things are okay except the few skirmishes that happened some months ago and the Committee on security called all the security outfits and everything is under control. So, Ekiti is good. Look at our tourism sector, everything is going on very well. The civil servants are paid as and when due their salaries, deductions, and all their arrears. For the pensioners, the governor just released another one billion naira to offset their pension arrears. So why won’t he be re-elected without any problem? That is my own conviction because he has done well. So, I don’t see why anybody in their right frame of mind will not want him to continue his good works.

The current Assembly comprises six women lawmakers. How are you impacting on the lives of women and girls in the state?

There is a saying that women hear themselves better. And I thank God we are not just women. All the six women in this Assembly, we are quality women, virtuous women. Two of us were former commissioners. We have the daughter of the late deputy governor who is the deputy speaker. We have two former SSAs, then there is one that was even in the Sixth Assembly that got re-elected. We are doing our best. All of us have mentorship platforms where we mentor young women. Ekiti State has the highest number of women in the parliament in all the 36 states of the federation and this is not just a happenstance.

Oyebanji Hails Ayeni’s Appointment As Deputy Comptroller General, Immigration Service.

Oyebanji Hails Ayeni’s Appointment As Deputy Comptroller General, Immigration Service.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has hailed the appointment of Mr Afolayan Ayeni as Deputy Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service. 

Governor Oyebanji , in a statement signed by his Special Adviser ( Media) Yinka Oyebode, in Ado- Ekiti on Wednesday, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of the Ayedun- Ekiti born Ayeni for the exalted position. 

The Governor described Ayeni as a dedicated and patriotic public servant with a distinguished career in the Immigration Service, adding that his elevation to the position of Deputy Comptroller General was well earned. 

Oyebanji said he has no doubt that Ayeni would excel in the new assignment, as he had done in previous positions he held, giving his pedigree as a well decorated officer. 

He urged the new Deputy Comptroller General to deploy his vast experience and trainings to make a remarkable difference in the new assignment. 

“We thank the President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Mr Ayeni’s appointment, which we consider a demonstration of the President’s belief in his ability. 

“Hearty congratulations to our brother- the newly appointed Deputy Comptroller General as he assumed the new position following his official decoration on Wednesday. On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish him success in this important assignment”, the Governor added.

Dearth of visionary leadership, bane of Nigeria’s development - Oyebanji

Dearth of visionary leadership, bane of Nigeria’s development - Oyebanji .

….Gives reason for introducing values orientation in Ekiti schools. 

Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has cited the need to build visionary leadership qualities in Ekiti children as reason for the introduction of Values Education in primary and secondary school curriculum in the state. 

Governor Oyebanji added that the state has made the subject - Ekiti Values Education- a compulsory subject with particular focus on leadership development aimed at teaching children the meaning, types and practical exposure to leadership training from primary schools.

The Governor, who made this known at the opening ceremony of Domfas International Leadership Academy in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said the curriculum aimed to raise students’ self-awareness about their individual roles as a member of the future leadership train as well as prepare them to face the challenges of building a future through selflessness, honesty and integrity.

While commending the founder of the academy for siting the school in Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji stressed that the school will further complement his administration’s ongoing effort to prepare Ekiti with a league of future leaders who have been well exposed and trained on the role and responsibility of a leader.

He added that Nigeria as a nation needs an array of visionary and positively ambitious leaders capable of dissipating their brilliant minds towards achieving a more refined and egalitarian Nigeria.

He noted that while many pungent critics have seen this problem as a bane of Nigeria’s development, they have not been able to suggest useful solution to it in the right way.

“I am glad that the vision of Domfas compliments ours in many intersections of purpose. I therefore wholeheartedly welcome the arrival of this academy in our State, as it will further expand the frontier of learning and empowerment of Ekiti people and beyond. 

 “This school will further complement our ongoing effort to prepare Ekiti with a league of future leaders who have been well exposed and trained on the role and responsibility of a leader.  Our strategy as a State was to evolve a curriculum that prepares our future leaders to leadership competence right from the primary school. As a result, we currently run a compulsory subject called Ekiti Values Education with a considerable module that focuses on leadership development. 

“The subject aims to teach young Ekiti children the meaning of leadership, types of leadership, responsibility of a leader and practical leadership exposure. It aims to raise their self-awareness about their individual roles as a member of the future leadership and to prepare them to face the challenge of building a future through selflessness”.

In his remarks, the founder and president of the Academy, Dr Tunji Arowolo noted that the institution was dedicated to providing a nurturing and innovative learning environment that empowers students to reach their fullest potentials.

Dr Arowolo noted that the motto of the academy “Transforming Learners into Leaders” reflected commitment to fostering academic excellence, critical thinking and leadership skill in every student in a state where education takes center stage.

Also at the event were the Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Adeoye Aribasoye, his deputy, (Rt. Hon.)  Bolaji Olagbaju, members of the state House of Assembly and executive council, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, represented by his wife, Eyesorun Adejugbe among others.

Ekiti NYC Chairman, Aare Adedara, Urges Vigilance and Community Support for Security.

Ekiti NYC Chairman, Aare Adedara, Urges Vigilance and Community Support for Security.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Chairman of Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC) Ekiti State Chapter, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, has called on Ekiti State residents to heighten their security consciousness and actively support security agencies.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, Aare Adedara emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activities and individuals to the security agencies.

The Chairman of Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC) Ekiti State Chapter, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses.

 

Aare Adedara urged the public to be vigilant and collaborate with security agencies to combat criminal activities effectively. "We must not allow criminals to operate freely," he warned. He stressed the need for community cooperation in providing crucial information to help law enforcement maintain safety and order.

He also called on the security agencies to be responsive and readily available when called upon by the public. Highlighting the role of parents, Aare Adedara advocated for both moral and educational guidance to prevent youth from turning to crime. "Children and youths are the leaders of tomorrow and the reflection of their families," he stated.

In addition, Aare Adedara expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his support towards youth development but urged him to enhance employment opportunities. He described unemployment as a breeding ground for criminal behavior, saying, "An idle man is a tool for evil."

He further appreciated the youth in Ekiti for not supporting the national protest of faceless, unidentified individuals whose mission was to sabotage the goodwill of the people and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the country through looting.

In closing, Aare Adedara prayed for the continued peace, development, and progress of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.

We 'lI Make Ekiti's Creative Industry Economically Profitable - Oyebanji.

We 'lI Make Ekiti's Creative Industry Economically Profitable - Oyebanji.

....As Annual EKIFEST 2024 kicks off in Ekiti.

As Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture(EKIFEST) kicks off on Tuesday, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his readiness to make dedicated and progressive investment in arts and culture sector to create economic prosperity for the citizens.

Oyebanji said besides agriculture and education where Ekiti has a long standing comparative advantage, his government was making copious diversification strides to further diversify the economy through huge investments in creative industry.

Oyebanji gave the assurance on Tuesday, while declaring open the 2024 edition of the EKIFEST, held at the popular EkitiParapo Pavilion, in Ado Ekiti, the State Capital.

At the event, the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, was garlanded with the 'Award of Grand Matron of Arts and Culture' to appreciate her contributions to the growth of the sector, while the governor observed a guard of cultural parade from contingents across the 16 Local Governments.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, alluded to EKIFEST as a flagship cultural fiesta, specifically designed to celebrate the state's rich cultural heritage, creativity and innovation in the arts and culture world.

The governor stated that the cultural festival, which started in 2012, was initiated as a platform to showcase Ekiti's diverse cultural traditions and artistic expressions and image, promote tourism, economic growth and job creation.

Assuring the contingents of their security during the fiesta, Oyebanji said the large number of tourists that will be participating in the festival will make surfeit of contributions to the growth of hospitality business, tourism, which will ultimately add values to the local economy.

"Similarly, this festival was launched to foster unity, social cohesion and community engagement; in addition to providing a platform for artistic expression, skill development and talent discovery.

"By hosting this Festival and promoting cultural tourism, entrepreneurship and creativity, we aim to: empower our people through economic opportunities, enhance our State's reputation as a hub for cultural excellence, encourage collective ownership and participation in our development journey..

"It is our hope that through this Festival, we are able to demonstrate our commitment to inclusive growth, social equity and human development. We are convinced that through EKIFEST, we can inspire creativity and build a brighter future for Ekiti State".

To further fortify the creative economic sector, Oyebanji revealed that efforts are on top gear for the construction of a modern Ekiti State International Centre for Arts and Culture to create a veritable rendezvous and strong platform for practitioners to exhibit their talents and cross fertilize ideas.

In the same fashion, Oyebanji recalled that he recently approved the disbursement of a single digit loan among the active members and associations within the State's creative sector, with intention to stimulate, develop and promote creative entrepreneurship, focusing particularly on arts and crafts production.

"To this intent and purpose, our administration is committing itself to constructing one of the biggest multi-purpose arts and culture infrastructures in Nigeria. Just yesterday, 5th of August, I did the official Foundation Laying ceremony of Ekiti State International Centre for Arts and Culture. 

"The Centre, when completed, would be a hub of activities, accommodating wide clusters of creative businesses and a gallery for the unique endeavours of Ekiti people in diverse arts".

Receiving the award, the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, promised to continually support the sector, saying the Adire Hub, which she said earned her the award, was conceived to provide employment for youths and preserve the state's rich culture. 

In his submission, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Razak Ojo Bakare, disclosed that the proposed Centre for Arts and Culture will employ over 20,000 practitioners when completed besides fostering innovation and enriching the lives of the citizens.

Bakare said the creative arts and culture has become a big industry generating millions of jobs to the youths and other practitioners apart from being a veritable weapon to preserve the people's identities, foster unity and strengthen the bond of oneness among citizens. 

Other high profile figures at the event are: Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, ex-Nigeria's Ambassador to Netherlands, Eniola Ajayi, Ondo State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Alhaji Rasheed Badmus, Ekiti.

Others include: Ekiti State Commissioners for Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon.Oladapo Karounwi, Local Government Affairs, Folorunso Olabode, Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, Wale Ojo-Lanre, among others.