Ekiti Govt Approves ₦329m for 100-Bed Hostel Construction at Command Secondary School.

Ekiti Govt Approves ₦329m for 100-Bed Hostel Construction at Command Secondary School.

By Olamide Akinwumi

His Excellency Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. 
Executive Governor of Ekiti State.

The Ekiti State Government has approved the construction of a 100-bed hostel at Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti, at the cost of ₦329,474,681.08. This decision was made during the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday, 26th August 2024, at the Executive Council Chamber, New Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.

Announcing the development, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, stated that the project is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education in the state by improving boarding facilities at schools. The project, which is expected to be completed within 12 weeks, aims to provide a conducive learning environment for students and ensure that the school remains fully functional as a boarding institution.

According to Olatunbosun, the construction of the hostel follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier between the Ekiti State Government and the Nigerian Army. The agreement was part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure at Command Secondary School, ensuring that students have access to a conducive environment that supports both academic and personal development.

"The approval of this hostel project demonstrates the state government's commitment to enhancing educational facilities across the state. Governor Biodun Oyebanji is focused on providing a learning environment that not only encourages academic excellence but also fosters discipline and personal growth in our students," Olatunbosun said.

He added that the project is in line with the administration’s broader objective to transform the education sector through infrastructural development, with the ultimate goal of making Ekiti State a leading center of educational excellence in Nigeria.

The Commissioner assured that the construction of the new hostel would be rigorously monitored to ensure it is completed on schedule and adheres to required standards. He emphasized that the provision of modern boarding facilities would not only enhance students' ability to concentrate on their studies but also contribute significantly to the growth of the education sector in the state.

Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti, has been a significant educational institution in the state, with the boarding facility playing a crucial role in instilling discipline and fostering camaraderie among students. The construction of the new hostel is expected to further strengthen these values, providing a modern and comfortable space for students to live and learn.

The approval of the hostel project is one of several initiatives the Oyebanji administration has embarked upon to improve the education sector, including the renovation of schools, provision of teaching materials, and training of educators across the state.

EKSG Approves ₦229m for Tractors, ₦177m for Land Clearing to Boost Agriculture and Support Youths.

EKSG Approves ₦229m for Tractors, ₦177m for Land Clearing to Boost Agriculture and Support Youths.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Ekiti State Government has approved the procurement of tractors and other essential farm machinery to the tune of ₦229 million as part of its ongoing efforts to support local farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in the state. This move is aligned with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s broader strategy to empower farmers through targeted interventions aimed at boosting production along the agricultural value chain.

This development was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, following the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday, 26th August 2024, at the Executive Council Chamber, New Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.

According to Olatunbosun, the equipment to be procured includes three 75HP tractors, disc ploughs, harrows, and ridgers. The machinery will be supplied by AGCOMS International Trading Limited and is expected to be delivered within four weeks. This investment is aimed at increasing farmers' access to modern farming tools, thereby improving their efficiency and output.

"The approval of this contract demonstrates the government's commitment to transforming the agricultural sector by providing local farmers with the necessary tools to thrive," Olatunbosun said. "This initiative is part of the Oyebanji administration’s continued drive to support farmers and boost food production in Ekiti State."

The procurement of farm machinery is expected to improve mechanization across the state’s agricultural landscape, making it easier for farmers to cultivate larger areas of land and reduce the labor-intensive nature of traditional farming methods. This, in turn, is anticipated to enhance the state's food security and drive economic growth through increased agricultural output.

In a related development, the Ekiti State Government has also approved the sum of ₦177,937,500.00 as part payment for the clearing of 325 hectares of land across five Local Government Areas as part of the Youths in Agriculture Initiative. This project is targeted at empowering young farmers from Ikere, Emure, Moba, Ido-Osi, and Ekiti West LGAs and boosting the state's overall agricultural productivity.

The land clearing initiative is designed to enable the planting of crops before the end of the farming season, ensuring that the beneficiaries of the initiative can make the most of the available land and resources. The state government had previously allocated ₦355,875,000.00 for the project in partnership with the affected Local Government Areas.

The Commissioner for Information noted that the land clearing project, which is being executed by David-Moore Developmental Concept Limited, is a key component of the government’s efforts to encourage more youth participation in agriculture. The Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security are overseeing the project in collaboration with the affected LGAs to ensure its success.

“This initiative is a testament to the government’s unwavering resolve to support youth engagement in agriculture, which is vital for the sustainability and growth of the sector," Olatunbosun remarked. "We are committed to creating opportunities for our youth, particularly in agriculture, which remains a key sector for economic diversification in Ekiti State."

The land clearing is expected to be completed before the end of the current farming season, positioning the state’s agriculture sector for further growth and development. With these targeted initiatives, Governor Oyebanji’s administration aims to transform Ekiti into a leading agricultural hub, creating jobs and wealth for its residents.

The approval of these projects underscores the state government’s focus on revitalizing agriculture as a means of ensuring food security and providing economic empowerment for the people of Ekiti.

Tinubu Appoints Adeola Ajayi as New DSS DG, Replaces Bichi.

Tinubu Appoints Adeola Ajayi as New DSS DG, Replaces Bichi.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Adeola Ajayi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), succeeding Yusuf Bichi, who resigned from the position. The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson.

Ajayi, who has been serving as the Assistant Director-General of the DSS, will now lead the agency. His appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffle in Nigeria’s intelligence and security agencies, following the resignation of Bichi and Ahmed Abubakar, the former DG of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

In his new role, Ajayi, who has had a distinguished career within the DSS, is expected to bring his extensive experience to enhance the agency's performance. He has previously served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi states.

President Tinubu also announced the appointment of Ambassador Mohammed as the new head of the NIA. Mohammed, a 1990 graduate of Bayero University, Kano, has had an illustrious career in the foreign service since joining the NIA in 1995. He has served in various capacities, including as Director and head of the Nigerian mission to Libya. His previous roles include postings in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and at the State House, Abuja.

The President urged both Ajayi and Mohammed to work diligently to reposition their respective agencies for improved effectiveness. He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration with sister agencies and alignment with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to address the country’s security challenges more effectively.

NAMA, Ekiti Govt sign MoU for airport take-off.

NAMA, Ekiti Govt sign MoU for airport take-off.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ekiti State government to pave the way for a seamless takeoff of the newly established Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport at Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The MoU, which was signed at the agency’s headquarters annex at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos, attracted top officials of Ekiti State government as well as NAMA’s.

L- Secretary to Ekiti State government (SSG), Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, R- NAMA’s Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mrs. Isemiuhonmon Rita Egbadon.

NAMA’s Managing Director Farouk Ahmed Umar said the signing of the MoU or Service Level Agreement represented a mutual commitment to excellence and “a shared dedication to delivering an exceptional result”.

He said the MoU outlined a joint responsibility, expectation and standard for air traffic control services.

The NAMA boss noted that the epoch making event served as a foundation for a partnership between NAMA and the Ekiti State government to ensure that both parties worked together seamlessly and efficiently for the effective takeoff and operation of the airport.

Farouk, who was represented by the NAMA’s Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mrs. Isemiuhonmon Rita Egbadon, stressed that the MoU was more than a contract.

“It is a symbol of action, cooperation and shared vision,” he said.

The NAMA boss described the signing of the document as “a pledge to uphold the highest standards of quality and performance by both parties, to foster open communication and transparency, to embrace credibility and adaptability in an ever-changing environment, given that aviation is a catalyst for the development of any economy”.

He added: “If we are able to uphold the tenets of this agreement, we would be able to reap the fruits of our labour. We shall prioritise customer satisfaction and success of this project. We are not just signing a contract, we are making a promise to each other and to our customers.

“Let us work together to achieve greatness and make this partnership a shining example of collaboration and excellence.”

Also, the Secretary to Ekiti State government (SSG), Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, who represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji, noted that the event marked a crucial moment as the state advanced towards enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of airspace and air traffic management.

The governor said the state’s Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti was at the verge of starting full operation.

He expressed optimism that the establishment of the cargo airport would boost tourism, facilitate smoother and safer air travel and subsequently contribute to economic growth, job creation, and improved connectivity for Ekiti State residents.”

Esan Ayoola Christopher Unveils Five-Point Transformative Agenda for FPASU Presidency.

Esan Ayoola Christopher Unveils Five-Point Transformative Agenda for FPASU Presidency.

Esan Ayoola Christopher, fondly known as Privacy, a dedicated student of Electrical Electronics Engineering, has officially announced his candidacy for the position of President of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Student Union (FPASU). With a commitment to transformative leadership and student empowerment, he unveiled his Five-Point Agenda aimed at driving positive change across the institution.

Christopher's declaration reflects his vision of fostering a harmonious and inclusive campus environment that serves as a collective force for all students, both freshers and stalites. He emphasized the importance of unity, collaboration, and student welfare as key drivers of his presidential bid.

"The role of the FPASU President is to serve as the chief representative and spokesperson of the union, coordinating the activities of the executive council and convening general meetings when necessary," he said. "My goal is to lead a union that truly represents the interests of all Nigerian students on campus."

The Five-Point Agenda:

Christopher's manifesto prioritizes academics, student welfare, social life, sports, and skills development, emphasizing the importance of holistic growth for the student body.

1. Academics:

Christopher plans to establish a unified Academic Support Unit that will provide centralized resources for students. His agenda includes regular workshops, tutorials, mentoring programs, and collaboration with faculty to support students facing academic challenges. He also intends to introduce an online platform for students to access academic materials and resources.

2. Welfarism:

Addressing transportation challenges and other welfare issues, Christopher pledges to collaborate with management and staff to create a conducive learning environment. He aims to establish a student forum for open expression and ensure that concerns are promptly addressed through regular meetings with management.

3. Social Life:

Committed to enhancing the social experience on campus, Christopher plans to work closely with the Social Director to organize engaging events and foster connections among students. His vision includes building a vibrant, inclusive community that supports emotional and mental well-being.

4. Sports:

Christopher's sports agenda focuses on diversifying campus sports activities beyond football. He plans to introduce new sports like volleyball, basketball, and table tennis, ensuring inclusivity and opportunities for all students to participate and excel.

5. Skill Sets:

Recognizing the need for employability and financial independence, Christopher aims to launch a comprehensive digital skills training program, including forex and crypto trading, digital marketing, and other emerging technologies. His goal is to bridge the skills gap and equip students for success both during and after their studies.

Christopher underscored the importance of being an approachable leader with an open-door policy for students to share their concerns and ideas. He vowed to strengthen union advocacy for student interests and welfare, ensuring the union is responsive, inclusive, and proactive in addressing student needs.

"I am committed to leaving a lasting legacy of student advocacy and achieving remarkable success for Nigerian students," he said. "If elected, I will work tirelessly to enhance our student experience and build a brighter future for us all."

Christopher's message to the student body was clear: "Your vote is your voice. Together, let's create a union that champions your interests and empowers you to thrive."

As FPASU elections draw closer, Christopher's bold vision and passion for student empowerment set him apart as a leading candidate, poised to make significant strides in transforming the student union.

Oyebanji pays condolence visits to TUC Chairman, two APC Chieftains’ families.

Oyebanji pays condolence visits to TUC Chairman, two APC Chieftains’ families.

Ekiti State Governor Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday paid a condolence visit to the family of the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun, in Ado Ekiti, over the passing of his mother, Mrs Juliana Adigun.

The Governor also paid condolence visit to the families of two chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC)- the late Chief Omotayo Kolawole, in Efon- Alaaye and Pa Oluwatoogun Ademilua in Ikogosi- Ekiti, to commiserate with the families of the the two political leaders who passed on recently. 

The Governor, during the visit to the Adigun’s family home, urged the TUC chairman and the entire family to be consoled by the legacy of service and honour that their late mother left behind. 

She described the late Mrs Adigun, as an epitome of selfless service and urged the family members and sympathizers to take a cue from the deceased’s life of selfless service to the community and to humanity, noting that since death is inevitable, people would only be remembered for whatever they did or stood for while on earth. 

At Efon residence of the late Chief Omotayo Kolawole, Governor Oyebanji, who was joined by some APC Leaders in the town, described the deceased as a selfless leader whose life was marked by dedication to the service of humanity.

The Governor said the party would miss the late Kolawole, who until his death was the state APC Welfare Director. He assured that the state government would ensure that the deceased is given a befitting burial, said the late APC chieftain gave his best to the party and assisted many people to climb the ladder of success. 

"For the wife and the children, when it gets to this stage, we just have to thank God even if we are not pleased with what happened. What's left now is to ensure we take care of everything he left behind and the assurance I can give to the family is that we will not leave you alone, by God's grace everything we are suppose to do to help the family, we will do it". The Governor said

In his response, Mr. Afolabi Kolawole, the younger brother of the deceased, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for his support during Chief Kolawole’s illness. He acknowledged the state's assistance, particularly in covering the medical expenses, which he said was a testament to Governor Oyebanji’s compassionate leadership. 

“We are grateful for your unwavering support during this difficult time. Your efforts to save my brother's life will never be forgotten," Afolabi stated.

At the Ikogosi - Ekiti residence of Pa Ademiluwa, the Governor was received by the wife of the deceased, Mrs Ademiluwa, who was the Governor’s primary school teacher. 

Commiserating with the family, Governor Oyebanji urged them to be consoled with the fact the patriarch lived a life of service and left his footprints in the teaching profession and in his service to the community, the APC and the progressives family in the state. 

He urged the family to continue to uphold the good name the late Pa Ademiluwa successfully built during his life time.

Oyebanji’s silent infrastructure revolution in Ekiti.

Oyebanji’s silent infrastructure revolution in Ekiti.

In almost two years in office, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has raised the golden bar of governance in the state with every sector witnessing magical transformation, especially in the area of infrastructure, correspondent RASAQ IBRAHIM writes.

When Ekiti State Governor, Mr.  Biodun Oyebanji fondly called ‘BAO’ took over the mantle of leadership, he promised to transform the state, but not a few would have imagined what he meant by that statement. But two years down the line, the reality of the statements is beginning to dawn on many with the catalogues of ongoing projects in different parts of the state.

The governor has turned the whole Ekiti State into beehive construction activities. The presence of heavy earth-moving equipment and machine, has become a common feature across Ekiti State. Ranging from the litronic crawler excavators, compactors, cranes, pavers, to craters, the hills are being leveled, the contours sand-filled, grounds compacted and road tarred all in a bid to pave way for transformation.

Every part of the state is filled with men in hard hats and construction workers changing the faces of old structures or building new ones. From public buildings to bridges to road infrastructures (major and inner roads), the state is getting an infrastructural makeover as never before in the history of the state.

The governor is currently building new roads and bridges with streetlights and road markings, reconstructing deplorable roads, revamping healthcare centres, and renovating several schools with state-of-the-art facilities across the state. Rural areas are being opened up in a manner that would create a striking balance between urban and rural populations. The state is witnessing a magical transformation on all fronts.

No fewer than 16 road projects across the 16 local government areas of the state are under construction. These are Ado township road, the Ilawe-Ikere Road, Ado-Ilawe Road, Ikole Township Roads, Ado-Ilawe Road, Ilawe-Igede Ekiti Road, Igede-Aramoko Road, Ayegunle-Ijurin-Iloro Road, Iworoko-Are-Afao- Airport ring road.

Others are Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road, Ifaki-Ido Road, Imesi-Kosomolate-Ipole Road, Ikere-Ilawe Road, Igbaraodo- Ikere Road, Ikere-Ise Road, Awo-Ara-Ijero-Ekiti Road among others.

Apart from these roads, construction work has commenced on several farm roads across the 16 local government areas including the Enu Odi-Igirigiri Road, Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso Road, Ise-Imola Road, Owode-Anaye Road, Oye- Are Road.

Others are Afolu-Odofin Road,  Ilupeju-Igbo Egan Road,  Iye-Isapa-Olopemeji-Ikun Road, Erinmope-Irare-Ikosu Road, Igbole-Egan-Osi-Iropora road, FMS Farm-Oke Ako Road,  Ikogosi-Aba-Ori Okuta-Ikogosi Road and Ara-Ekameta school Road.

Similarly, the deplorable federal roads linking Ekiti State with the neighbouring states are currently under revitalisation to ease the hardship faced by transporters and commuters.

Ekiti state may soon attain the status of a megacity once the strategically outlined urban renewal programmes and policies are fully implemented and the ongoing developmental projects spread across sectors are completed.

Since he assumed office, the governor has exceptionally performed beyond the expectation of many, changing negative perceptions and shaming pessimists at the same time without making any noise. Many social commentators have opined with conviction that Governor Oyebanji is walking the talk in Ekiti state.

His imprints are everywhere. From Ado to Ijero-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti, Ilawe-Ekiti, Ido-Ekiti Aramoko, Ifaki-Ekiti, Omuo-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti among other places, the people are genuinely feeling the impacts of the Oyebanji’s purposeful leadership.

Everyone who has followed the trajectory of his administration will agree that he hit the ground running with a frenetic pace from the first day in office. He is not only fixing roads and bridges, institutions are being reorganised for effective service delivery, and rural areas are being opened up for development and interconnected for easy access.

Oyebanji has been a toast of the people in the past two years.

He has taken governance in the state to greater heights to the admiration of the Ekiti people and the chagrin of his traducers who never saw anything good in the policies and programmes of his administration.

Apart from being disruptively innovative and creative, Oyebanji is very proactive, assertive, and decisive. Once he has his eyes on the ball, he doesn’t give in to undue pressure and armchair criticism. His leadership style has quietly disrupted the status quo, a development that is gradually enthroning the politics without bitterness and governance that is anchored on developmental agenda in the state.

He is very at home with virtually all well-meaning sons and daughters of the state ranging from his former predecessors, Kayode Fayemi, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, and Adeniyi Adebayo to traditional rulers, opposition leaders, civil servants, students, market women, and transport union leaders. No one else has achieved such level of camaraderie in the political history of the state.

Anywhere the governor goes in the state, the people of Ekiti troop out to shout ‘Mr. Project’, his new sobriquet.  This again played out last Monday when he unveiled three road projects in different locations in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The roads were the Jimoh Aliu-Adewumi Road along the Adebayo Area, the Hospitals Management Board/Doctors’ Quarters Road;  and  Obisesan-Oke Ala Link Road along the Basiri Area of Ado-Ekiti.

The unveiling of the road projects in the three locations was turned into carnivals by euphoric and appreciative residents, landlords associations, transport union members, community and religious leaders, youths, and students of the three communities where the roads unveiled were located.

The jubilation could not be masked after enduring long periods of abandoned roads which made both human and vehicular movement difficult for the residents. For many years, they used to pray for rain not to fall.  Their reason was simply because of the derelict state of the roads in the communities.

But now, the story is different. Signs that a new lease of life beckons for residents of the three areas were noticed first when earthmoving equipment was mobilized to project site. So excited were they to see the three roads asphalted with stone-based and drainages on the two sides of the roads.

The new three roads were also complemented with solar-powered street lights to facilitate illumination and boost nightlife.

The members of the three communities were in a festive mood as the roads were inaugurated. House owners, private and commercial vehicle drivers, and commercial motorcyclists rolled out drums to sing and praise Governor Oyebanji for spreading development to inner neighbourhood.

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus deyemo Adejugbe cut the tape declaring one the Jimoh Aliu – Adewunmi Road; while the Hospitals Management/Doctor Quarters Road was inaugurated by the Governor himself. The Obisesan-Oke Ala link Road was commissioned by Chief (Mrs) Ronke Okusanya, an elder stateswoman who resides on the street.

Inaugurating the road projects, Oyebanji  described the road projects as another testament to his administration’s development agenda of transforming the state.