Oyebanji restates commitment to tourism development.

Oyebanji restates commitment to tourism development.

….as UN body, FG partner Ekiti on tourism master plan. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated the commitment of his administration to the development of tourism as a means of creating wealth and job opportunities, stressing that if properly harnessed could change the fortune of the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Tuesday during a meeting with the leadership of the United Nations Tourism, led by the Deputy Director of United Nations Tourism Technical Corporation, Mr Marcel Leijzer, said the success of the tourism sector would significantly contribute to the economic diversification and prosperity of the state.

Highlighting tourism as a key pillar of his administration’s economic agenda, the Governor explained that Ekiti, with its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, has the potential to become a leading tourism destination in the country.

While expressing gratitude for the support of United Nations tourism and the Federal Government for partnering the state in developing a tourism master plan for the state, the Governor pointed out that the master plan will serve as a blueprint for the systematic development of tourism assets in the state.

He explained further that the master plan would also guide the state’s effort in ensuring that the state becomes a preferred destination for tourists seeking cultural, historical, and natural experiences, thereby drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall well-being of the state

“We campaigned on the mantra of shared prosperity and I discover that in Ekiti State we are so blessed, so when I sat with the DG of Nureau of Tourism Development, I told him, look we are not going to work in the dark, we need a master plan.

“So, I am excited today that UN tourism and the Federal Government are partnering with us to develop this and one thing I can tell you is that am irrevocably committed to this”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Director of United Nations Tourism Technical Corporation, Mr Marcel Leijzer commended the Governor’s initiatives to enhance the state’s tourism potentials, describing them as model for other states in Nigeria.

Emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and collaborations in achieving sustainable growth in tourism sector, Mr Marcel said the tourism master plan would not only focus on infrastructure development but also on community engagement, environmental conservation, and the promotion of local entrepreneurship.

While assuring the Governor of the United Nations,' tourism continued support throughout the implementation process of the state’s master plan, the UN Deputy Director expressed optimism that Ekiti would soon become a shining example of how tourism can be a catalyst for development and economic prosperity.

Prior to the meeting, the UN delegation which also include officials of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, together with officials of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development had spent about three days touring various tourism sites in the state. 

The DG Bureau of Tourism, Ambassdor Wale Oko Lanre who led the team on the tour, said the UN team where amazed at the huge number of tourism attractions and sites in the state, adding that he was optimistic that through the succession implementation of the tourism master plan and collaboration with institutions such as the UNTourism, Ekiti would soon become the main center of tourism attraction in the country.

Ekiti State Explores Electric Mobility Partnership with QORAY Mobility by sterling bank.

Ekiti State Explores Electric Mobility Partnership with QORAY Mobility by sterling bank.

In a move to address transportation challenges and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the Ekiti State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment convened a meeting with the QORAY Mobility team, Sterling Bank's electric mobility initiative. The meeting, held yesterday, focused on exploring opportunities for Ekiti State to partner with QORAY Mobility and bring the same benefits experienced in Ogun, Delta, and Kano states to the region.

During the meeting, QORAY Mobility presented a detailed pitch outlining the advantages and potential impact of Ekiti State adopting their electric mobility solutions. The presentation highlighted the initiative's focus on accelerating the adoption of price efficient, cleaner, safer, and more sustainable transportation options, ultimately aimed at easing the state's transportation system and mitigating the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The Ekiti State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment expressed keen interest in the partnership, recognizing the potential for QORAY Mobility to contribute to the state's transportation and economic development goals. The meeting served as a platform for both parties to discuss the logistics, implementation strategies, and potential benefits of a collaborative effort to bring QORAY Mobility's expertise and resources to Ekiti State and to collaborate with vehicle associations.

This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of Ekiti people. 

The meeting marks a significant step towards Ekiti State's adoption of electric mobility solutions, showcasing the government's proactive approach to addressing transportation challenges and positioning the state as a leader in sustainable development.

UNDP to partner Ekiti on innovation.

UNDP to partner Ekiti on innovation. 

… As Gov. Oyebanji reiterates commitment to improved educational curriculum.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his developmental strides in the state saying that the organization will sell the state’s innovation and digital prowess to other southwest states and Nigeria in general.

UNDP’s Country Senior Innovation Adviser, Dr William Tsuma, who stated this in Ado Ekiti on Monday during a working visit to the Governor’s Office, said the various efforts of the government in agriculture, education, arts and culture as well as digital economy have placed the state in the front burner of states in a hurry to develop.

The visit came barely a week after Governor Oyebanji inaugurated the first Innovation Hub (startup Garage) in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. 

Dr Tsuma said : “We are looking to borrow your brain and see how we leverage on some of the expertise, the knowledge, the good work that you’ve done here and export some of these ideas to this great nation. Sometimes, we are only as strong as our neighbours, everyone wants to understand what is going on in Ekiti, how can we learn from Ekiti.

“Mr Governor, one of the discussions we are having is “Ekiti to Nigeria” because I know that the state is busy and you have a lot you have to offer the region and the sub-region. It is a lot of expertise and experience and work that you do which our immediate neighbours and beyond could benefit from. We are also looking at how we amplify some of the great work that you do around arts and culture.”

Dr Tsuma stressed the need to innovate around the public sector to ensure integrated portfolio to achieve deliverables that the sector can offer as the programme was ready to work with the state to achieve the human development agenda for the people by increasing the employability index of the youths.

The UNDP top official also commended the Governor for launching a Maker Space in addition to being an Innovation Hub, adding that the UNDP will work to support the crystallization of the idea behind such noble move.

He also hailed Oyebanji for creating enabling environment for the citizens of the state, especially the youths to gain practical experience in the public sector of the economy. This, he said will enhance the nurturing of a new generation of well-equipped young people which gave them easy transition into the workplace with more wisdom and skill.

In his remarks, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji said that the establishment of Ekiti Knowledge Zone  has provided a veritable platforms towards taking the state out of the woods of poverty by creating an ecosystems to address and drive innovations and technology and as well increase the employability index of the people.

Governor Oyebanji, who affirmed the need for effective collaboration between the state’s Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy to address the curriculum deficiency in the educational system right from the elementary school to the university in furtherance to his administration’s determination to produce global citizens who will live in the shores of the state and still be relevant and useful all over the world.

 

The Governor stressed the need for government to ensure that knowledge of the citizens is translated to prosperity in order to enable the state move forward to become the economic hub of the nation.

While affirming that youths covers more than 75 percent of the population who have practically helped to educate themselves in certain areas of their lives, the Governor also stressed the importance of building bridges and platforms for them that will allow them do better and achieve greater heights in their chosen careers and aspirations.

The Governor at the meeting also revealed plans by his administration to replicate the innovation hub ( startup garage ) across all the 16 local government areas of the state. 

He thanked the UNDP for showing interest in what is going on in Ekiti, adding that his government will continue to leverage on the capacity of its citizens to provide veritable leadership in the area of education, innovation and digital economy.

“A people, so educated and so informed should not be poor. So, our knowledge must translate to something, if we are still knowledgeable and we are still the poverty capital of the country, then there is question mark on that knowledge and that is why we are making so much efforts to change the narratives.

The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr Seun Fakuade, in his remarks, said the state is set to partner UNDP in the areas of innovation and capacity development, adding that the Ministry intends to drive development and growth through innovation. He added that the youths are at the centre of the vision.

Hon. Ojuawo Felicitates with Prof. Joseph Ayodele on his Appointment.

Hon. Ojuawo Felicitates with Prof. Joseph Ayodele on his Appointment.

The Honourable Member Representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has congratulated Prof. Joseph Babalola Ayodele on his appointment as Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

In his congratulatory message, Hon. Ojuawo rejoiced with Prof. Ayodele for attaining the pinnacle of his career as an academic. 'I seize this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of EKSU. Your academic record and experience over the years have earned you this enviable position. It is my belief that your track record and excellent performance in your academic career will have a great impact on the human and capital development of our great institution. Once again, accept my heartfelt congratulations.'

Prof. Joseph Babalola Ayodele Nwely Appointed Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

Hon. Ojuawo implored him to lead with a team spirit in management and administration for the university to continue leading and maintaining its current status as a fountain of knowledge. Prof. Joseph Ayodele is a professor of Education Management from Ikere Ekiti.

'On behalf of my constituents and myself, I wish you a very successful tenure as the university helmsman,' Ojuawo added. OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

AJONI LCDA CHAIRMAN VISITS HEALTH COMMISSIONER, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT.

AJONI LCDA CHAIRMAN VISITS HEALTH COMMISSIONER, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT.

The Executive Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Hon. (Amb). Prince Michael Ogungbemi fcpa paid a working visit to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani in his office. The meeting is aimed at exploring areas of partnership and collaboration for the development of Ajoni LCDA.

During the meeting, discussion centered on bringing the presence of the state government to the LCDA through health interventions in projects and programmes. The Chairman emphasized the need for improved healthcare services in the area, highlighting the challenges faced by the community.

The Commissioner for Health expressed willingness to collaborate with Ajoni LCDA, outlining potential areas of partnership, including:

- Healthcare infrastructure development

- Medical outreach programs

- Training and capacity building for healthcare workers

- Disease prevention and control initiatives

The Chairman and the Commissioner agreed to work together to build, identify and sustain specific projects and programs that align with the state government's health sector priorities within Ajoni Communities. 

This strategic partnership aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Ajoni LCDA and demonstrate the state government's commitment to grassroots development.

Governor Ayedatiwa embarked on provision of potable water in Ondo State.

Governor Ayedatiwa embarked on provision of potable water in Ondo State.

The Ondo State Government has announced that 500,000 households from the Ondo Central Senatorial District will benefit from the first phase of its Urban Water Supply and Sanitation (UWSR & AWSS) project.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon. Sunday Akinwalire, disclosed that the project aims to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities across the district.

“This project will target about 500,000 households, impacting no fewer than two million people between 2025 and 2030,” Akinwalire said this during the meeting attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, market women and various stakeholders in the water sector.

In his welcome address, the General Manager of the Ondo State Water Corporation, Engr. Remigiius Ogunjobi, emphasized the importance of creating public awareness about the project. He highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring residents have access to safe and drinkable water.

“The efforts of the state government to provide good drinkable water are selfless, and in the best interest of the people of Ondo State,” Ogunjobi remarked.

The Project Manager, Engr. Kehinde Michael in his presentation noted that the initiative, which costs $87.5 million, would improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene across Akure and its neighboring towns, including Ondo, Idanre, Ifedore, Ile-Oluji, Ilaramokin, Igbara Oke, Iju-Itaogbolu and others.

“We are committed to ensuring that people in Akure city and its environment have access to high-quality hygiene water,” Michael added.

Environmental and Social Consultant, Alaanuloluwa Obaisi, assured that the project would not negatively impact the residents.

“We are implementing this project in a manner that will not adversely affect the people of Ondo State. We must all work together to ensure its success,” he said.

Also, a foremost National Labor Leader, and a former NLC National Vice President, Comrade Solomon Adelegan, who is the Chairman of the project Grievances and Conflicts Resolution Committee reiterated the commitment of Governor Ayedatiwa lead Government in making adequate provision of compensation for the affected individuals and bodies in the course of the project. He added that his committee had met with all the affected communities and individuals to alley their fears of being deprived of their entitlements.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urged residents to see the project as their own and collaborate with the government, as it will also have positive impact on the socioeconomic well being of the people. “If any areas need correction, readjustment, or additional input, they should be brought to the government’s attention for immediate changes. Let us unite to lift Ondo State to greater heights,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The attendees at the forum pledged their support for the successful realization of the water project, emphasizing its importance to the well-being of the people.

Signed;                                                                    Olukoju Clement; Communication Desk Officer ODWC (PIU)

Local Government Autonomy: Omoluabi Group Advocate FG Dissolution of 36 States LGA Caretaker Committees, Advise the Appointment of Sole Administrators in the Interim.

Local Government Autonomy: Omoluabi Group Advocate FG Dissolution of 36 States LGA Caretaker Committees, Advise the Appointment of Sole Administrators in the Interim.

A well known socio-cultural and political group known as the Omoluabi Group in the southwest has decided to pioneer the voice calling for the immediate dissolution of all caretaker committees appointed by State Governors in all the 36 States of the federation.

The call follows the supreme court judgement which recently granted full autonomy to the 774 LGAs'. To further implement this judgement is the constitution of a presidential committee for the implementation of the court judgement by Mr. President. This is a good step in a good direction indeed.

The group through its' National Secretary Alex Akinfolarin have now decided to give the FG moves a boost by speaking up loud on all fronts. It has now become pertinent that we call on all Nigerians to support Mr. President in his bid to take good governance back to the grassroot and entrench the principles of democracy in all the nooks and crannies of the country forthwith.

As a responsible and responsive group whose core calling is to speak truth to government at all levels and provide directions to same. We call on Mr. President to take the bull by the horn and continue to work towards the implementation of the supreme court judgement. It is in our opinion that the immediate disbandment of all caretaker committees appointed by some state governors should apply while those whose elections were conducted by their respective state independent electoral commissions should have their seats declared vacant. Using presidential executive power, sole administrators may be appointed by the President to oversee the affairs of all the 774 local government areas pending implementation of full autonomy. 

The group beckon on all governors in the southwest and by extension their colleagues in other geopolitical zones to immediately allow the rule of law prevail in this matter and begin to channel their efforts at entrenching unadulterated and non- manipulated democratic culture at the grassroot. 

We also call on INEC to begin to map out plans, put in place logistics and strategies that will be needed to adequately prepare them to conduct free, fair and credible election in all the 774 local government areas enmass in no distant time as we envisage that the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will implement the apex court judgement to the fullest.

Nigerians are waiting to see that the third tier of government is fully independent and allowed to run its' affairs as empowered by law.

 E-Signed.

 Omoluabi Alex Akinfolarin

 National Secretary

 20/8/2024