Ekiti Deputy Gov Seeks Decisive Actions Against Transborder Criminals, Economic Saboteurs.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Seeks Decisive Actions Against Transborder Criminals, Economic Saboteurs.

.…says safe borders helps peace building, economic growth.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has made passionate appeal to all the states of the federation to form a strong coalition against those using borders to perpetrate all manners of criminalities and economic sabotage.

Mrs Afuye said the spiraling cases of banditry, kidnapping, farmers-herders and smuggling of goods causing loss of lives and economic pillaging, could have been curtailed easily if all the states of the federation keep their borders well secured.

The Deputy Governor also warned against rising cases of inter state boundary disputes, saying the attendant loss of lives and rising bedlams are having a toll on the strides being taken to build a peaceful and united nation.

Mrs Afuye spoke at a two- day seminar tagged: ‘Engaging Local Government and Border /Boundary Communities in the Security and Socio Economic Management of Nigerian Borders’, organised by the Senate Committee on Boundary, in conjunction with National Boundary Commission, in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday.

Speaking about the significance of water-forced borders to the growth of the Nigerian nation, Mrs Afuye posited that peace across borders remain a veritable weapon to boost the economy through trade relations and checking of criminals constituting threats to the system.

She said the government of Ekiti State under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has initiated strong working relationships with all border states, and had midwifed a process of engagements with his colleagues to bring a halt to cases of criminalities being experienced at border posts.

“Recently, I led a delegation on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to Osun State and I was received by the colleague Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, where we robbed minds on how to resolve some of the boundary disputes between the two states, so that our people can begin to work together.

“Similar efforts will be taken to Ondo, Kwara, and Kogi States, which we also shared border with. No state can witness peace without working with other neighbouring states, because most of the criminals terrorising a state were from adjoining states, so there was imperative to build s strong synergy to be able to arrest such situation.

“Transborder criminals and bandits are doing a lot of havocs on our nation. Nigerian loses trillions of Naira yearly to smuggling, besides the killings and destruction of crops being caused by bandits and marauding herders to our economic and food crops.

“Since our means of livelihoods and security of lives are tied to how save our borders are, then our stares shouldn’t hesitate to work together to make Nigeria a safe entity”.

Speaking on the topic: “Managing Boundary Disputes: The role of National Boundary Commission”, the Director General of NBC, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, said the seminar was conceptualised to broader the horizons of stakeholders on the need to place high premium priority on the safety of their borders for socio-economic development of the country.

Adaji stated appealed to states of the federation to contrive ways to settle all the existing boundary disputes and prevent bloodshed, describing this as the only way to preserve and protect the country’s unity and security.

Adaji expressed optimism that after the seminar, the subnational would realise the expediency of ensuring safety at borders and need to settle inter state land disputes peacefully, to avoid bloodshed.

BATSV Chairman Slams Rivers State Court Ruling, Calls for Stay of Execution.

BATSV Chairman Slams Rivers State Court Ruling, Calls for Stay of Execution. 

The Global Chairman of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, has condemned the recent Rivers State High Court judgment that purportedly removed Chief Tony Okocha-led APC State Caretaker Committee (CTC) as an attack on democracy and the rule of law. 

Ambassador Owotomobi admitted that while the Rivers High Court has made its pronouncement, it is not yet uhuru for the Emeka Beke-led group who were in partnership with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar during the last presidential election.

The Global Chairman said it is baffling that those that were happy with the judgement come from three blocks in Rivers State, that is the Amaechi/Atiku political block, the Sim Fubara Apologists and those who were not satisfied with the progress APC as a party in Rivers State are making under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to the compensation given to Nyesom Wike for his support for Asiwaju presidential election.

Dr Owotomobi said he wonders what the rationale is behind some people questioning whether BATSV and Renewed Hope family is an alternative to APC as a party in Rivers State, asking whether they want Amaechi/Atiku to be the face?

He opined that Emeka Beke is just a crown prince that would never wear the crown as APC must do everything legally possible by asserting a Stay of Execution Order pending the determination of the substantive suit, while Chief Tony Okocha remains the State Chairman of the CTC.

Ambassador Owotomobi said Chief Okocha's indefagible effort in leading the BATSV in Rivers State by partnering with Wike to fill in the vacuum created by the absence of Rotimi Amaechi during the last presidential election and contributed to the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President.

He said this is different from those acting the script of the opposition without any peculiar benefits to APC as a political party and its Presidential Candidate. 

Dr Owotomobi said this shenanigan called judgement is just a legal mirage that never see the light of the day, as we must seek further interpretation of the so called judgement and the notoriety at which some meddlesome political Interlopers are vomiting and ejaculating prematurely on the coronation of a king that will not be crowned leaves must to be desired, because Emeka Beke and his cohorts are no more known to the APC leadership at the national level.

He therefore suggests that as a matter of urgency, the APC should obtain a Stay of Execution Order on this blatant miscarriage of justice as it is not standing on any known legal framework or foundation and a mirage that will never happen.

He decried the situation whereby an interloper claimed that the 26 member led House of Assembly are APC against their wishes, while the matter is still in court has a mission of destruction for the party and Rivers State PDP that had been running away from local elections that suddenly started hailing and encouraging Emeka Beke to conduct same leaves much to be desired and will never let this set of haters of President Tinubu to suffocate life out of the party.

And to the Renewed Hope family in Rivers State, the Global Chairman said there should be no cause for any alarm as the APC in the state has come to stay while the Chief Tony Okocha led CTC remains in office, and any member of our party must abide by rules and regulations binding the party and they should always explore all internal party crisis resolution mechanisms as there is supremacy of the party.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar 

Special Assistant Media to BATSV Global Chairman.

Oyebanji inaugurates first Ekiti innovation hub.

Oyebanji inaugurates first Ekiti innovation hub.

….says Ekiti to become beacon of innovation, technology advancement.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated the commitment of his administration to nurturing creativity, fostering entrepreneurship, and providing a conducive environment for the youths to thrive in the digital space so as make the state a beacon of innovation and technology advancement in the country. 

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this in Ado Ekiti on Monday while inaugurating the first innovation hub in the state, tagged “Ekiti Startup Garage”, said it is part of his administration’s vision to place the state at the forefront of digital transformation, economic development and prosperity.

Highlighting the importance of the startup garage as more than just a physical space, the Governor said it is a dynamic and comprehensive digital ecosystem where ideas will be born, nurtured, and transformed into impactful solutions that can address local and global challenges.

The Governor explained that the hub would also serve as a crucible for innovation, bringing together techpreneurs, researchers, developers, and investors to collaborate and create ground breaking solutions as well as serve as economic growth and job creation by providing access to state-of-the-state facilities, mentorship and funding opportunities.

While commending the Ministry of Innovation, technology and digital economy for their unwavering commitment and relentless efforts in bringing the project into fruition, the Governor assured the youths that his administration is determined to turn their innovative ideas, bubbing energy and drive into viable business that will stimulate the economy, attract investments, create jobs and enhance the overall prosperity of the state.

” Today, we celebrate not just the opening of a facility, but the realization of a vision- one that places Ekiti State at the forefront of digital transformation, economic development and prosperity. This Innovation Hub is a testament to our commitment to nurturing creativity, fostering entrepreneurship, and providing a conducive environment for our youth to thrive in the digital space.

” The Ekiti Startup Garage (ESG) is more than just a physical space. It is a dynamic and comprehensive digital ecosystem where ideas will be born, nurtured, and transformed into impactful solutions that address local and global challenges. This hub will serve as a crucible for innovation, bringing together techpreneurs, researchers, developers, and investors to collaborate and create groundbreaking solutions” the Governor said

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr Seun Fakuade appreciated the Governor for his unwavering commitment to youth development and establishing the state as a major talent hub for innovation ecosystem

The Commissioner who disclosed the determination of the Governor to making Ekiti the innovative capital of the country, said the Governor has approved the first phase of Innovation Enterprise Support Fund to empower talented youths in the state to develop their ideas.

A major highlight of the inauguration ceremony was a display of innovative projects undertaken by some young scientists. Each of them took some minutes to explain the ideas behind their innovations to the Governor. 

Also at the event were, Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sport Development, Hon Idowu Odebunmi, Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, members of the State Executive Council, among others.

AJONI LCDA Chairman, Prince Michael Ogunbemi, Provides Financial Support as Ajoni FC Captain Prepares for European Trial.

AJONI LCDA Chairman, Prince Michael Ogunbemi, Provides Financial Support as Ajoni FC Captain Prepares for European Trial.

The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. (Amb). Prince Michael Ogunbemi fcpa received the Team Captain of Ajoni Football Club, Sunday Michael Osasona in his office. Osasona's exceptional performance during the Ekiti State League tournament earned him an European trial invitation, recognizing his outstanding hard work, discipline, tactics, and skillful display.

As a striker for the team, Michael's impressive display on the field and exemplary conduct both on and off the pitch caught the attention of football agents who visited Ekiti State to scout for talented players from the grassroots. 

His consistency and moral excellence have led to an invitation from a football agent to trial with foreign-based clubs in 4 different countries which include Spain, Portugal, England and Germany where his skills can be assessed.

In a show of support, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, Chairman of Ajoni LCDA provided financial assistance to aid Michael's preparation for the European trial. 

This gesture demonstrates the Chairman led administrations unwavering commitment to empowering talented individuals and promoting sports development in the community which forms the basis of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's led administration in the area of Youths and sport development. 

Team Captain of Ajoni Football Club, Sunday Michael Osasona.

The Chairman lauded the efforts of the State Governor for his giant strides and providing enabling environment for Youths to thrive, he berates Youths restiveness and charges the Youths to take a clue from Michael.

Accompanying Michael on the visit were his brother, Temitope and the scout coach, Mr. Komolafe Kunle Joseph. In the meeting are Ajoni management team which included the Vice Chairman, Prince Tunde Famoroti, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Sola Alagbo, Director of Finance Elder Taiwo Igbalajobi and Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Tunde Arowolaju among others.

WAEC Releases 2024 WASSCE Results.

WAEC Releases 2024 WASSCE Results.

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has released the 2024 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for the May/June examination.

WAEC’s Head of Nigeria Organisation, Amos Dangut, who announced this on Monday, stated that results of 1,685,889 candidates, accounting for 93.9% were released.

Dangut added that although insecurity hampered the conduct of the exam in different areas of the country, 1,805, 216 candidates registered for the WASSCE.

“WAEC is releasing its results today as out of 1,805, 216 that entered for exam, 1,332, 089 candidates have credits in five subjects including any subjects with either Mathematics or English language and 1,301, 949 candidates got credits in five subjects including Mathematics and English language accounting for 72.9% of total candidates.

“This is a 7.6% decrease in examination performance compared to last year of 2023 WASSCE. Also 215, 267 results were withheld due to examination malpractice by the candidates. This accounts for 11.92% of the total number of candidates who wrote the examination,” Dangut said.

Ewi-in-Council Slashes Prices Of Goods In Ekiti.

Ewi-in-Council Slashes Prices Of Goods In Ekiti. 

The Ewi-in-Council, has cancelled various associations in markets and warned traders against inflating prices of goods.

The council gave the warning on Monday in Ado-Ekiti during a meeting with the leadership and some members of market women association.

The council noted with dismay the reports obtained from members of the public, confirming that most of traders hide under middle-men to inflate the prices of goods such as tomatoes, pepper, vegetable, palmoil, locust beans, meat, garri, among others by dictating prices to the farmers that brought them to the markets for sale.

Ewi-in-Council, who cancelled various association responsible for charging exorbitant prices for their goods ordered that vegetables should not be sold more than fifty naira, pepper, one hundred naira, garri, seven hundred niara while kilogram of meat should be reduced to four thousand five hundred naira.

Speaking during the meeting, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe noted that the step was taken to make life bearable for residents of the town while appealing to the leadership of traders in the market to effect the directive.

Oba Adejugbe said chiefs would continue to monitor the directives in market places to ensure strict implementation and sanction defaulters.

Oyebanji Names Prof. Ayodele New EKSU VC.

Oyebanji Names Prof. Ayodele New EKSU VC.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele as the new Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

Ayodele, a Professor of Education Management, is until the appointment, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University.

Prof Ayodele’s  appointment as Vice Chancellor takes effect from August 20, 2024.

He takes over from Prof, Edward Olanipekun, whose tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University ends on August 19, 2024.

Prof Joseph Babatola Ayodele was born in Ikere-Ekiti, Ikere Local Government  Area of Ekiti State on August 13, 1963. He attended Annunciation School, Ikere-Ekiti from 1974-1979. He later proceeded to the Ondo State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti for the Nigeria Certificate in Education between 1982 and 1985.

He obtained a First Class Bachelor of Education (B.ed) degree in Economics from the Ondo State University, (now Ekiti State University), Ado- Ekiti in 1992. He also bagged a Master’s degree in Education Management from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan in 1997; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Management from same University in 2000.

Prof Ayodele started his lecturing career as a Graduate Assistant at Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University), Ado-Ekiti, in 1995 and rose through the ranks to the position of a Professor in 2012.

He had served the University in different capacities notably as Assistant Director, Affiliate Programmes, (2006-2008); Acting Head, Department of Educational Foundations and Management (2010- 2012); Dean, Faculty of Education (2018-2020); Director, Directorate of Continuing Education Programmes/Distance Learning (2020-2022); Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) 2022- date.

Governor Oyebanji, who is the Visitor to the University, urges the new Vice Chancellor to bring his wealth of experience as an academic and a seasoned administrator to bear in the bid to further reposition the University as a world class institution of learning, even as he wishes him a successful tenure.

The Governor thanks the outgoing EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof Edward Olanipekun, for his meritorious service to the University and wish him success in his future endeavors. 

Signed 

Yinka Oyebode

 Special Adviser ( Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State. 

12-08- 2024