SHASHA BAO MARKET, ANOTHER FULFILMENT OF OYEBANJI'S SHARED PROSPERITY VISION.SHASHA BAO MARKET, ANOTHER FULFILMENT OF OYEBANJI'S SHARED PROSPERITY VISION.

SHASHA BAO MARKET, ANOTHER FULFILMENT OF OYEBANJI'S SHARED PROSPERITY VISION.

BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA.

The BAO Impact Series No. 1

Since his assumption of office on October 16, 2022, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has proved his mettle as a promise keeper. The Ekiti landscape is dotted with incontrovertible evidences of promises he has fulfilled in making life better for the citizens of the State.

Recall that Governor Oyebanji rode on the crest of a development blueprint famously known as the six-pillar agenda which he has gradually, steadily and assuredly implemented to the benefit of the people under two years with so many good stories to tell.

Standing on the fifth leg of Governor Oyebanji's roadmap to keeping Ekiti working is Infrastructure and Industrialization. He is conscious of the fact that solid infrastructure is needed to attract investment and generate more job opportunities to make shared prosperity he envisions a reality.

One of the major concerns of Mr. Governor is how to provide more infrastructure to market men and women to ply their trade and also expand the choice of citizens in terms of market facilities where they can get affordable goods and services.

The Governor has scored another goal with the full take off of Shasha BAO Market located in Agric Olope area of Ado Ekiti. If you have not been to the market before, go there and see what Oyebanji has done as the market has been added to the list of prominent markets in the state capital.

Shasha BAO Market was not there before Oyebanji's ascension to power but with Mr. Governor's vision, diligent pursuit of same, tenacity and avowed commitment to fulfillment of promises, the market has become a reality.

There are many gaps the new market has come to fill. First, it was established to reduce the pressure on the two major markets in Ado Ekiti: Oja Erekesan (King's Market) and Oja Bisi; second, to open up new areas for more economic activities; third, to provide enabling environment for traders and customers to interact freely; to attract more amenities to hitherto hidden areas; to save lives of residents from possible accidents that may occur from displaying wares by the roadside, among others. 

Shasha Market, anywhere it is located, serves as a trading hub for food produce from local farms and also the ones brought from the northern part of the country whose indigenes are also play prominent roles in the buying and selling that such markets are synonymous with.

Shasha BAO Market can be reached from Moferere side, Ajilosun side (through Agric Olope junction) and Matthew side off Ijigbo. To make access to the market easier, the Governor ensured the reconstruction of the road linking Agric Olope with Matthew and fully complemented with drainage to prevent erosion and solar-powered streetlights to provide illumination.

Private vehicle owners, commercial drivers and motorcyclists commuters, traders, buyers, artisans and passersby now have good stories to tell on the road that used to be dilapidated and had caused damage to vehicles in the past. It used to be impassable during rains before it was turned around by the Governor.

One of the long-term goals of the Oyebanji Administration was to ensure the relocation of traders from the Okesha Market to the new market which deals in sale of foodstuffs at more affordable prices. Their relocation to the Shasha BAO Market has now been made possible judging by the visit of this writer to the market earlier this week.

With Shasha BAO Market now having good road connectivity, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and tricycle operators now ply the market conveying traders and buyers there from any part of the state for business transactions.

The hustle and bustle witnessed by this writer during his visit to the market couldn't have been imagined years ago. Oyebanji has changed the narrative, Oyebanji has changed the story of that entire corridor for good.

Another incentive being benefited from the market is in the area of security. A new police station was constructed at the market and it has since become operational. Also, the Amotekun Corps also have their post very close to the market and this gives assurance to people doing business there of combat-readiness to deal with any security breach.

Shasha BAO Market also boasts of water facilities to boost sanitation and hygiene and parking space to prevent parking on the road and prevent traffic congestion which is a major problem in market areas.

Business activities was in full swing during this writer's visit to the market. The beauty of this market is that there is still room for expansion. Looking for cheaper food items to purchase, Shasha BAO Market is there for you.

This is another blessing that Governor Oyebanji has brought to the people of Ekiti State and you will agree with me that his Shared Prosperity mantra is not a lip service but a reality indeed.

With the establishment of Shasha BAO Market, Governor Oyebanji has immortalized himself in the hearts of the people as the market would continue to bear his name (even though he didn't name it after himself) and serve as an eternal legacy to generations yet unborn.

Ogunmola is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media

NYC Celebrates Udiroko Festival with Traditional Blessings, Commends King Contributions to Ado-Ekiti development.

NYC Celebrates Udiroko Festival with Traditional Blessings, Commends King Contributions to Ado-Ekiti development. 

The Ekiti State Chapter of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), under the leadership of Chairman Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, has extended warm congratulations to His Royal Majesty Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejuyigbe (Aladesanmi III), the Ewi in Council, and the entire Ado Ekiti community in celebration of this year’s Ọdun Ọlọrunbọrun, also known as Udiroko.

His Royal Majesty Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejuyigbe (Aladesanmi III), Ewi of Ado Ekiti. 

In a statement issued to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the Youth Congress highlighted the cultural significance of the Udiroko festival, which marks the beginning of a new year for the town. This vibrant celebration, deeply embedded in local traditions, signifies a time of renewal and optimism.

Chairman Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Ekiti State Chapter, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses.

The Congress commended Oba Adejuyigbe for his pivotal role in advancing the development of Ado Ekiti. His proactive leadership and commitment to progress have been instrumental in driving the town’s growth and fostering a harmonious community environment.

The statement expressed prayers for prosperity, peace, and continued success for all Ado Ekiti residents and Ekiti State as a whole in the coming year. It underscored the importance of unity and tradition, wishing for ongoing harmony and advancement throughout the state.

“Congratulations to Ado Ekiti on this significant festival,” the Youth Congress concluded. “May peace and prosperity prevail throughout the year, and may the town continue to flourish under the guidance of our esteemed King.”

FOOD SECURITY: Oyebanji presents bus to youths in agribusiness.

FOOD SECURITY: Oyebanji presents bus to youths in agribusiness.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has presented an 18- seater bus to youths in agribusiness to ease the transportation challenges faced by the youths in the agric clusters. 

The bus was in fulfillment of the promise made by the Governor during the flag off the planting season and distribution of seedlings and implements to the young farmers. 

Presenting the bus on behalf of the Governor at the Osutokun pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, said the gesture was part of the Governor’s broader strategy to empower the youth and promote agribusiness as a viable career path in the state.

Highlighting the importance of transportation in agriculture value chain and noting that access to efficient logistic is crucial for the success of any agribusiness, the Governor stressed that the bus would help in conveying the youth to the farm as well as reaching the market, transporting goods, and connecting the suppliers, thereby enhancing the profitability and sustainability of their business.

The Governor described agriculture as a sector with numerous potential for job creation and economic growth, and assured that government would continue to provide necessary infrastructure and support to make agribusiness more attractive to the younger generation.

In his own remark, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade said the provision of the bus was just one of numerous initiatives of Governor Oyebanji’s administration aimed at reducing the barriers that young entrepreneur face in the industry.

He expressed confident that with various intervention of the state government in agriculture sector, Ekiti would soon become the food basket of the country.

Responding on behalf of youth in agriculture, Mr Jonson Owoeye, who expressed their profound gratitude to the Governor for the gesture, acknowledged that the provision of the bus would significantly ease the challenges of logistics which has been a major hurdle in scaling their business.

Owoeye assured the Governor that the Youths in agribusiness will use the bus responsibly and continue to working hard to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in the state.

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