The New Spring Team Celebrates Principal, Professor Siji Olamiju's Achievement, Sympathises with Akol Pharmacy on Loss.

The New Spring Team Celebrates Principal, Professor Siji Olamiju's Achievement, Sympathises with Akol Pharmacy on Loss.

The New Spring Team has expressed immense joy in celebrating their principal, Professor Siji Olamiju, on his recent achievement of attaining professorship. Professor Olamiju, a former cabinet member in charge of Public Health under the leadership of ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola, fondly known as "Akol," was lauded for this significant milestone.

In a statement released in Osogbo, the team conveyed their admiration for Professor Olamiju's unwavering dedication to community development and education. They praised his focus, commitment, and leadership, describing him as a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope for the youth and those around him.

"Your achievement is a testament to your hard work and perseverance. You are not just a leader; you are a role model worthy of emulation. Your words of encouragement have been a constant source of inspiration to us all," the statement read.

However, the celebration was tinged with sorrow, as the New Spring Team also sympathised with Akol Pharmacy, following the devastating loss of its inventory store in Esa-Oke, Ibokun Local Government, which was ravaged by fire in the early hours of today.

The team expressed their deepest sympathies for the unfortunate incident and prayed that God grants the pharmacy strength and resilience during this challenging period.

In conclusion, the New Spring Team offered their prayers, wishing Professor Olamiju further success in his endeavors and stating, "May your heart's desires be fulfilled, and may you continue to soar to greater heights. Congratulations once again, Professor Akol."

_Akolmediateam_

Renewed Hope Initiative: 1000 Ekiti petty traders receive N50,000 grant.

Renewed Hope Initiative: 1000 Ekiti petty traders receive N50,000 grant.

The wife of Nigeria President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has given cash grants of fifty thousand Naira to 1000 petty traders in each of the thirty states of the Federation to boost their businesses .

Ekiti state First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji presenting the cash grants to selected beneficiaries drawn from artisan groups, market women and other groups in the state said Small and Medium Enterprises, especially women petty traders form the backbone of Nigeria’s local economy.

Senator Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, noted that the project was funded through Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme to re-capitalize and grow petty traders businesses.

She explained that the initiative spearheaded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu was not a financial aid but an expression of commitment to the upliftment of lives, especially in these challenging times.

The Nigeria’s First Lady therefore urged each beneficiary to use the support wisely by investing in their businesses or enhancing skills that would further strengthen their capacity towards a better future for themselves and their families.

“This program is a reminder that our administration is deeply committed to the welfare of every citizen. We will continue to work tirelessly to create more opportunities, alleviate poverty, and support the most vulnerable among us,” the first lady explained.

In his remark, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji applauded the initiative for boosting local economy.

Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo, therefore sought the continuous support of the people of Ekiti State for President Tinubu led administration .

In their respective messages of Goodwill, Commissioner for women Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Council Chairpersons and other top government functionaries, urged the beneficiaries to always re-invest, innovate and forward-looking so that the purpose of the grants would not be defeated.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event, appreciated the gesture and commended the efforts of both federal and Ekiti state governments at re-vatalisation of small scale business.

Oyebanji Instals New Alararomi, Warns Against Bloody Chieftaincy Squabbles in Ekiti Towns.

Oyebanji Instals New Alararomi, Warns Against Bloody Chieftaincy Squabbles in Ekiti Towns.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday installed a new Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area, Oba Babatunde Adebomi Babalola, with a charge to citizens to abstain from actions that could trigger bloody chieftaincy squabbles in any of the communities.

Oyebanji warned the communities against allowing Obaship and chieftaincy tussle to create cleavages and internal aggression within them, saying such scenario may hinder development and unity in the state. 

Oyebanji gave the charge in Araromi Ekiti, on Thursday, while presenting an instrument and staff of office to Oba Babalola from Odimulele Ruling House.

The seat became vacant, following the demise of Oba Caleb Adeoye, from Falomo Ruling House, on  November 18, 2021, after which Oba Babalola was picked in a rigorous and fiercely contested  selection process from Odimulele royal dynasty. 

Addressing the residents, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye,  posited that the installation of the new monarch , was in consonance with Part 1 sections 1-2 of the provisions of the Chief Law 2012  cap C5 Law of Ekiti State.

"While congratulating Oba Babalola for ascending the throne of his forebears, I urge you to work harmoniously with your people to accelerate the rate of development, as a tree can't make a forest, there is need for collective responsibility, If we desire to have a society of our dreams. 

"I implore you to always carry your people along while taking critical decisions. Don't do a one-man show. This is the best way to build unity and spirit of  oneness among your people".  

Harping on the imperative of unity among Araromi citizens following crisis that dogged the selection process, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Chief Ojo Atibikoke, said the process leading to Oba Babalola's ascension to the stool  was thoroughly monitored in line with the extant law.

The Commissioner saluted the kingmakers and the Alararomi- in- council for their contributions to the emergence of the new monarch, and for holding forth during the vacuum created by Oba Adeoye's demise.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Babalola, promised to unite the community by pursuing aggressive fence-mending mission that would restore love, unity and orderliness to the town.

Oba Babalola appreciated Governor Oyebanji for granting the approval for his installation, saying he won't betray the confidence reposed in his ability to usher development to the agrarian community. 

"I will set up a truth and reconcilation committee comprising elders to broker truce with those that are aggrieved, so that we can be living together peacefully.  I know that any town  that divides against itself shall fall.

"We need to see ourselves as one big family, it is under this that we can progress and develop. We are assuring our governor that we shall always stand by his government.

I have resolved within me to spend the rest of my life serving the good people of Araromi. You have shown enough love for me and I shall reciprocate this in no small measure".

Displaying his love for development, the monarch appealed to the government to fastrack action on the reconstruction of Iropora-Araromi-Epe-Ijero road, employ over 300 unemployed graduates in the community, provide stable electricity, and modern healthcare centre to offer quality healthcare delivery for the residents.

Unifier Governor: Oyebanji's Leadership Style Rooted in Unity, Integrity, and Progress Drives Ekiti State Forward.

Unifier Governor: Oyebanji's Leadership Style Rooted in Unity, Integrity, and Progress Drives Ekiti State Forward.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji is carving a niche for himself with his leadership and governance style, which are rooted in the values of unity, empathy, humility, integrity, and prudence. Many now refer to him as a unifier Governor.

For those following Governor Oyebanji activities, this nomenclature is not mere flattery. In words and actions, he has demonstrated traits that are rare in our political space. Even those traits hitherto exhibited by others, he is taking these traits to a new level. He is the true epitome of politics without bitterness.

Governor Oyebanji understood from the beginning that nobody has a monopoly of knowledge and that reducing the political temperature in the state would help him succeed. A toxic atmosphere stunts growth, no matter how good or intelligent a person is.

 However, as a thoughtful, earnest, decent, dignified, farsighted, and focused leader, Governor Oyebanji knew that, as a follower of Christ, there is no substitute for Unity and Faith. Even the Nigerian coat of arms shows that what usually follows are Peace and Progress.

The dividends of this relative peace are now evident as he is making giant strides in agri-business, rural development, infrastructural renewal, education and more.

OBABABA GCFR

Governor Oyebanji Names Ajeigbe New Rector Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji Names Ajeigbe New Rector Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Dr Sunday Osinkolu Ajeigbe as the new Rector of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti.

Ajeigbe, who holds a doctorate degree in Chemistry, is until the appointment, the Deputy Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ile- Oluji, Ondo State.

In Pic; Dr Sunday Osinkolu Ajeigbe.

Dr Ajeigbe’s appointment as Rector of the Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan- Ekiti, takes effect from September 2, 2024.

He takes over from Prof, Johnson Kayode Adesodun, whose tenure as Rector ends on September 1, 2024.

Dr Ajeigbe was born in Ayede-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area on October 1, 1967. He completed his secondary education at Ayede Grammar School, Ayede-Ekiti in 1987. Thereafter, he gained admission to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Industrial Chemistry in 1992. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from same University in 2003.

Dr Ajeigbe also bagged a Master’s degree (M.Sc) in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State in 2003. He studied for his doctorate degree at the Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia between 2013 and 2017, and bagged a PhD in Chemistry in 2017.

He started his working career as an Assistant Quality Control Officer at National Salt Company of Nigeria Plc, Ota between 1992-1993. He also served as Product Development Officer at Rockwool Nigeria Limited, Ota between 1994-1997.

Dr Ajeigbe joined the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State in December 1999 as Lecturer II and rose to the level of a Chief Lecturer in January 2016. While at Federal Polytechnic Bida, he served in various academic and administrative capacities namely Head of Unit, Head of Department, Coordinator of Accreditation Programme and Academic Board, among others. He transferred his service to the Federal Polytechnic, Ile -Oluji, Ondo State as a Chief Lecturer in the Science Laboratory Technology Department in February 2023. He also served as Director, Directorate of Research, Development and Innovation among other positions before emerging as the Deputy Rector of the Polytechnic in September 2023.

 

Governor Oyebanji urges the new Rector to bring his wealth of experience as an academic, administrator and Innovator to bear in the bid to further reposition the Polytechnic as a world class institution of technical education, even as he wishes him a successful tenure.

The Governor also thanks the outgoing Rector, Prof Johnson Kayode Adesodun, for his meritorious service to the Polytechnic and wishes him success in his future endeavours. Similarly, the Governor extends his appreciation to the Chairman and members of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic for the painstaking manner they handled the selection process.

 

Signed

Olayinka Oyebode

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

21-08-2024.

Oyebanji, Barau, Bamidele others storm Ado-Ekiti for Udiroko festival.

Oyebanji, Barau, Bamidele others storm Ado-Ekiti for Udiroko festival.

…. As Ex-Gov Fayose endorses Oyebanji for second term.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former Governor Ayo Fayose, and other prominent leaders on Wednesday stormed Ado-Ekiti for the 2024 Udiroko festival. 

The dignitaries were led to the Ewi’s palace, venue of the event , by Govenor Oyebanji who called on all Ado-Ekiti descendants home and in the Diaspora to use the platform provided by the Udiroko festival to strengthen the bonds of love, empathy, and brotherhood that bind them together, stressing that these values are essential for the unity and progress of the community.

Governor Oyebanji urged the people to see the festival as a reminder of the enduring cultural legacy of the Ekiti people and the importance of coming together to build a brighter future for the state.

Governor Oyebanji, spoke just as a former Governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose publicly declared support for the Governor’s second term bid. 

The former Governor who addressed the audience in Ekiti dialect, said he looked forward to seeing Governor Oyebanji as Governor of Ekiti State till 2030, based on the excellent performance of the Governor coupled with his deep understanding of governance. 

“Kabiyesi I congratulate you on the success of this year’s Udiroko Festival and I look forward to seeing you and Governor Oyebanji during next year’s edition. In 2025, I will attend and I will see you and the Governor; in 2026, I will attend and celebrate with you and Governor Oyebanji; In 2027, I will see you and the Governor; in 2028, I will see you and the Governor; in 2029, I will see you and the Governor. In 2030, I will attend, I will celebrate with you and tell Governor Oyebanji, welldone.” The former Governor declared, in apparent reference to Oyebanji’s second term ( 2026- 2030). 

Fayose’s speech was greeted with a wild jubilation by the audience many of whom sang: “BAO till 2030”, “No Vacancy till 2030” and dancing round the arena. 

 The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibril Barau ( who represented the Senate President) and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in their separate addresses, commended the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe for his unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of Ado- Ekiti, and the state in general. They also praised Governor Oyebanji for creating a conducive environment for socioeconomic development and growth. 

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji who thanked the Deputy Senate President, the Senate Leader and former Governor Fayose for gracing the event, congratulated Oba Adejugbe and Ado Ekiti indigenes for the success of the annual event. 

Oyebanji described the Ado-Ekiti monarch as a beacon of wisdom and leadership, whose influence has significantly contributed to the peace and stability of the town.

Highlighting the monarchs role in fostering unity among divers groups within the community and ensuring that Ado Ekiti remains a center of cultural heritage, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting cultural values and supporting initiatives that would enhance the socio-economic development of the state.

“I congratulate you Kabiyesi. This is extremely beautiful and I thank God I am here today, your time is good for us in Ekiti and in Ado Ekiti and it will continue to please us, I pray for long life for you on the throne, you have toiled for this state, the state will serve you and this state will make you proud. I am so happy that Udiroko is taking an international dimension during your time.”

The Governor urged the people of the state to continue to live in peace and show love to one another. “Please, as we celebrate, lets love one another, those that have enough, lets share with others, all of us that God has blessed, let’s help the less privileged. I urge us, lets show love to one another, don’t let the love end at the Udiroko festival”. The Governor asserted.

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