Oyebanji Making Ekiti Best Investment Destination — Deputy Governor.

Oyebanji Making Ekiti Best Investment Destination — Deputy Governor.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, on Saturday, gave a thump up for the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for making the state one of the best and dependable investment destinations in the country.

Mrs Afuye posited that the numerous friendly policies and robust security networks being offered by the current administration accounted for the high and unceasing influx of investors into the state.

Mrs Afuye made the assertion, on Saturday, while commissioning a Resort Centre: Kudis Royal Apartments Limited, established by a young  businessman, Mr. Ademuyiwa Rasheed Ayinde, in Ado Ekiti capital city.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, maintained that the inauguration of the business outfit confirmed the receptiveness of the Oyebanji's administration to foster seamless working relationship between the public and private sectors.

"I appreciate the initiative of the owner of this business entity and his resolve to site same in Ekiti State to boost business and economic activities that can create wealth and jobs for our teeming population. We appreciate this sense of patriotism and love for our dear state.

"Since the advent of this government, Governor Oyebanji had always reiterated his willingness to create enabling environment to attract intending investors and make the existing ones flourish.

" This accounted for why the government has been creating investment -friendly atmosphere through our good policies. I want to say without doubt that with peace and good policies that we enjoy today, Ekiti remains one of the best destination of choices for investors in Nigeria".

Mrs Afuye assured the owner of this Resort Centre that the government is neither relaxing nor resting on its oars to provide water-forced security system that can protect and  sustain businesses . 

"The Governor and the Security Chiefs are  taking copious and relevant  actions to provide security and ward off criminals from our dear state. We are not unaware of the fact that increase in the level of insecurity can erode the viability of any business, so no effort  will be spared to protect investments".

In his response, the Chairman of Ado Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Bosun Osaloni, said good things are happening to Ekiti under this dispensation, because of robust  security and peace being enjoyed under Governor Oyebanji's administration.

The Chief Executive Officer, Kudis Royal Apartments Limited, Mr. Ademuyiwa Rasheed Ayinde, said he decided to open the business outfit in Ekiti owing to his unflagging belief that business can thrive in a peaceful state like Ekiti.

The Abeokuta, Ogun State born business guru, asserted that every responsible citizen should make meaningful contributions to the growth of the economy, saying government doesn't have the limitless financial wherewithal to solely transform the economy.

SAHARA REPORTERS: LOSING THE WAR OF FACTS.

SAHARA REPORTERS: LOSING THE WAR OF FACTS.

_By Segun Dipe_

What does the online publication named Sahara Reporters really want? What is their mission? Or, tearing the veil, what is the publisher, Omoyele Sowore, really getting at? Is Sowore genuinely a journalist or a libeller? These questions beg for answers, yet the answers don't seem to be far fetched. 

Sahara Reporters goofs and gaffes at will, yet it parades itself as an online community of international reporters and social advocates dedicated to bringing you commentaries, features, news reports from a Nigerian-African perspective. It locates itself in the United States and prides itself as "A unique organisation, founded in the spirit of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, comprising of people with an overriding commitment to seeking the truth and publishing it without fear favour..." One begins to wonder if this is the true mantra of an online publication notorious for spewing more fiction than fact, not on its domiciled country though, but hauling stones at home from outside, in a catch-me-if-you-can manner. 

The Article 19 Sahara Reporters refers to states inter alia that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. And for such right, there is also the duty to be factual, not fictional. 

Sahara Reporters' claim to investigative journalism rests more on hearsay and jaundiced facts. Its version of criticism of government corruption is grudgery. While the publication would lay claims to having made significant contributions to Nigerian journalism, the " SR journalists" have more than anything else, practised yellow journalism, thus facing much criticism for errors, inaccuracies, and controversies. 

Some of the goofs or criticisms levied against Sahara Reporters over time include inaccurate reporting, which has led to series of public apologies and legal disputes, including libel suits and copyright infringement claims. Bias and partisanship, with critics arguing that Sahara Reporters has a political agenda and targets specific individuals or groups unfairly. Sensationalism: The outlet has been accused of prioritizing sensational headlines over fact-based reporting. Lack of transparency, with its non-disclosure of sources or methods, leading to questions about their reporting practice. Staff controversies, resulting in public disagreements and departures of key staff members, raising questions about the outlet's internal governance. The publication's funding and independence had also been queried. Questions were raised about its funding sources and the potential influence this had on its reporting.

Sowore left Nigeria for the United States in 1999 in a controversial way. At the time, he was a student leader and activist at the University of Lagos, where he was involved in anti-government protests and advocacy for human rights and democratic reforms. Due to his activism Sowore allegedly faced persecution and harassment from the Nigerian government, led by General Sani Abacha. He was arrested and detained several times, and, truly or falsely, he claimed to have been injected with lead poison and could only be treated abroad. So his trip to US had to be funded by well-meaning Nigerians. 

In 2018, Sowore returned to Nigeria, floated his own political party, with the intention to run for president in the 2019 elections, but his campaign was drudgery, marked by controversies and challenges. He was arrested and detained on charges of treasonable felony. This perhaps further heat up his grudge against government and the people of Nigeria. He felt his people had not been fair to him not to have voted for him. He could not gather majority votes in any community and never can. He thus resorted to the _kaka-k'eku-ma-je-sese_ approach, turning himself to a bull in the china shop. He has since been battling his real and perceived enemies. In his mind the only way to get noticed and become accepted was to trouble every emerging government. Every Nigerian government must be pulled down until Sowore emerges. After all, it's a game of thrones and nothing more! 

Here are some specific instances of Sahara Reporters' "goofs" or controversies to date:

1. False report on Buhari's health (2017): Sahara Reporters claimed President Buhari was dead, which was later debunked.

2. Incorrect story on NNPC GMD (2019): They reported the wrong person as the new NNPC GMD, causing confusion.

3. Libel suit from Rivers State Government (2018): Sahara Reporters was sued for N1 billion over a report on alleged corruption.

4. Copyright infringement lawsuit (2020): Sahara Reporters was sued by a journalist for using his work without permission.

5. Retraction and apology to Femi Adesina (2020): Sahara Reporters retracted a story and apologized for false information about President Buhari's spokesperson.

6. Controversy over source protection (2019): Sahara Reporters faced criticism for revealing a source's identity, potentially putting the individual at risk.

7. Criticism for sensationalism (2018): Sahara Reporters was accused of prioritizing clicks over fact-based reporting.

8. Staff departure and public feud (2020): A former staff member publicly criticized the outlet's editorial approach and funding sources.

9. Inaccurate report on EFCC Chairman (2019): Sahara Reporters reported the wrong person as the new EFCC Chairman.

10. Legal battle with Nigerian Army (2019): Sahara Reporters was sued for N1 billion over a report on alleged military corruption.

11. There is a pending libel case against Sahara Reporters in court instituted by Dr. Fayemi. 

The list is endless. 

And what of Sowore's beef with Ekiti? When did he start and why so? Findings revealed that the beef started with the ex-governor of the state, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi for reasons only Sowore can explain. 

The Sowore-Fayemi feud had a complex and contentious history in activism. Both had differing views on how to approach activism. Sowore had publicly accused Fayemi of betraying their activist ideals and collaborating with the government, a claim Fayemi has denied.

Thus, under Sowore's leadership, Sahara Reporters kept lashing at Fayemi, publishing several critical articles laced with falsehood about Fayemi's governance and policies, particularly during his tenure as Ekiti State Governor. Fayemi on the other hand questioned Sowore's commitment to activism, hinting the latter was parading tainted values. According to the ex-Ekiti Governor, Sahara Reporters published by Sowore was biased, publishing inaccurate reporting. As earlier mentioned, Dr Fayemi has instituted a libel case against Sowore, which pends in court as I write. Little wonder Sowore had to transfer the aggression to Fayemi's successor. It's however doubtful if Sowore is mindful of the developmental progress the state is currently making under the present governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO. Does Sahara Reporters care a hoot about development journalism? Theirs is to publish and damn. 

As per the recent publication on the award of contracts in Ekiti, Sahara Reporters admitted that they goofed big time, but whether the publication was remorseful about it has yet to be seen. As usual, even when they published a rejoinder to that effect, they still grandstanded about it. 

In any case, Sahara Reporters' claim to investigative journalism keeps going south, and the publication has to be gorged for a serious libel at some point. Here are some key points about the Nigerian law on libelous publications:

Section 373 of the Criminal Code Act defines libel as a false and malicious publication that damages a person's reputation thus a criminal offense punishable with imprisonment for up to two years or a fine as provided in Section 375, Criminal Code Act.

As civil action, victims can also sue for damages under Tort of Defamation. The law presumes malice if the publication is false and damages reputation in Section 374, Criminal Code Act.

Some of the defenses Sahara Reporters might have been coming up with include: (i) that the publication is true, (ii) that it is a fair comment or (iii) that the publication enjoys some privilege to write. Only time will tell for how long these defenses will continue to avail erring Sahara Reporters. 

_Segun Dipe writes from Ado Ekiti_

Oyebanji Enthrones New Olosi, Says Govt Impartial, Apolitical in Oba's Selection.

Oyebanji Enthrones New Olosi, Says Govt Impartial, Apolitical in Oba's Selection.

....insists unity requires to build economically viable Ekiti. 

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has warned the citizens against actions that could trigger internal unrests capable of widening the gulf of divisions, as Oba Stephen Adegboyega Alabi was enthroned as the Olosi of Osi Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the State.

The governor maintained that his government has not been partial in the installation of any monarch nor receive gratifications from anyone since the advent of his administration, saying impartiality would continue to be his guiding principle to accord respect to traditional institution. 

The governor said these in Osi Ekiti, on Saturday, while presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Oba Alabi, a renowned Broadcast Journalist and Lawyer, who ascended the throne of his forebears. 

The coveted First Class Royal seat became vacant, sequel to the demise of Oba Oladiran Adewoye Agunbiade in August, 2021, after which the new monarch was selected through a rigorous selection process from Arubiojo Royal Dynasty.

In his message of peace to the town, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, urged the contestants and other stakeholders, who lost out in the scrambling for the seat to cooperate with the monarch, saying: "only God can enthrone a king".

On the barrage of allegations leveled against the state government on the selection process, Oyebanji said: "We didn't know any of the contestants and we didn't collect bribes nor gratifications from anyone. We only acted on the name submitted to us by the kingmakers. 

"We want to state expressly that our government has no reason to turn down any name forwarded to us for consideration by kingmakers. We have always acted as unbiased umpire on any issue that deals with traditional rulers and we will continue to accord that institution the deserved respect".

Harping on the imperative of unity, Oyebanji reiterated the strong aversion of his government to intra- communal crisis, saying such tendency could derail the new monarch and deprive him of the opportunity to implement his development agenda for the community. 

"I want all of you to see this contest as no victor, no vanquished. It was a collective victory. You should also remember that this town belongs to all of you. If you develop it, then you will all take the glory together and generations yet unborn won't forget your contributions". 

The governor urged Oba Alabi to perceive himself as a rallying point, who should embark on a fence-mending and troubleshooting mission to douse the raging tension and unite his people for meaning development to be attainable in the agrarian town.

"With your rich background and experience, you shouldn't have problem uniting your people. Make sure you seek the counsel of your Chiefs and subjects before taking critical decisions".

In his submission, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atobioke, said the selection of Oba Alabi was approved by the state government , after emerging through a transparent and open contest.

Atibioke applauded governor Oyebanji for ensuring that all the vacant stools in the state are filled without crisis and bloodshed, saying this has helped in attracting development to the grassroots. 

In his acceptance speech, Oba Alabi applauded Governor Oyebanji for speedily acceded to the request to fill the vacant stool of Olosi, saying the action has portrayed the governor as having enormous respect for traditional institution. 

"The governor has done well. We voted for him in the first term and we will vote for him again for second term".

The monarch promised to restore peace among the ruling houses, promote education of his subjects, foster religious harmony, ensure political harmony and take proper actions for his subjects to be accorded prominence in elective and appointive political positions.

"My mission is to restore the lost glory of Osi Ekiti. This is a town with rich cultural values and strategic historical placement in Ekiti and Yorubaland. It is an objective that will require multiple tasks. We shall pursue the restoration agenda with vigour and we must achieve it".

For accelerated development, Oba Alabi sought the the cooperation of all his subjects for his developmental agenda, saying no effort will be spared to ensure that his town develop in every sphere of the economy.

The event was attended by former Governor Segun Oni, ex- Ondo State Deputy Governor, Chief Omolade Oluwateru, Senator Tony Adeniyi(SAN), Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, Traditional Rulers, members of Nigerian Bar Association, among others.

God has been good to us in Ekiti, Gov Oyebanji declares at monthly worship programme.

God has been good to us in Ekiti, Gov Oyebanji declares at monthly worship programme.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has attributed the significant development being witnessed in the state and success recorded by his administration in critical sectors so far to the divine grace of God and the support of the people. 

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this during the August edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at the Lady Jibowu hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti, on Friday, said his government has been able to record various achievements within a short time due to the divine help of God.

Sharing his thoughts on the current state of the nation and the challenges faced by states across the country, the Governor admitted that when he considered the difficult economic situation, he often find himself wondering how Ekiti has been able to achieve so much in such a short time.

Present at the event were top government officials including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council, some members of the state House of Assembly, wife of the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Mrs Aribasoye and top civil servants. 

While maintaining that the past 22 months have been transformative for Ekiti, the Governor said he remained thankful to God for the success recorded so far by his administration. 

The Governor added that he remained optimistic that the future of the state is bright because God is in control and would always provide the direction as well as resourceful men and women that will drive the shared prosperity agenda. 

He assured the people that as long as they appreciate God for his blessings, they will always receive more, adding that the monthly programme was designed as an avenue for government officials to thank God for his blessings on the state and to show that success in any endeavor is not about efforts alone, but through God’s grace. 

“When I look at the situation in the country and the little we have been able to do, I keep asking myself how? If you look at where we are coming from and how far we have come, you will agree with me that God’s presence is with us. God is passing through the state and I know before we complete this tenure, it will be glaring to everybody in the state”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State Chapter, Rev Emmanuel Aribasoye had encouraged the congregation cultivate the habit of appreciating God for the peace and progress being enjoyed in the state even as he landed the state government for the monthly programme .

Oyebanji Inaugurates Ekiti Development Committee, Abuja Branch.

Oyebanji Inaugurates Ekiti Development Committee, Abuja Branch.

...Urges members on State’s Growth.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has inaugurated the Abuja Branch of Ekiti Development Committee, with a charge to members to actively promote and defend the interest of the state in their various capacities.

Speaking at the event held at the State House, Abuja, during the week, Governor Oyebanji emphasized his administration's commitment to fostering collaborative efforts and partnerships for the state’s development. 

He expressed gratitude to the committee members for their willingness to leverage their influence to attract benefits for Ekiti people, stressing the importance of securing strategic positions for Ekiti indigenes at the federal level to accelerate infrastructure and human capital growth.

“This is a fall out of the stakeholders Summit we had in Abuja in July. We agreed that there is the need for us to put a committee in place to do follow up and look after the interest of the state in the Federal Capital Territory, and I am glad today that the committee has been inaugurated, comprising of eminent Ekiti Indigenes living in the FCT. 

“My charge to them is just to see this as a God-given assignment for them to assist their father’s land. And with the enthusiasm I have seen on display by the members, it points to the fact that the best is yet to come.” Oyebanji stated. 

The Governor also briefed the gathering on his efforts to engage various federal ministries and agencies in supporting Ekiti’s development, assuring the committee of his administration's readiness to back their initiatives, as well as their career progression, urging them to provide timely information for government action.

A prominent member of the committee and Permanent Secretary at the State House, Engineer Funsho Adebiyi, lauded the Governor’s initiative in bringing stakeholders together for the state's progress. He pledged the committee's full support, noting that their mandate includes attracting local and international investors to Ekiti and securing scholarships for Ekiti indigenes through private and international contacts.

“We will work across different sectors— from infrastructure and security to health services, education, and agriculture. For instance, the Minister of Agriculture has graciously agreed to provide us with 1,300 bags of fertilizers. Ekiti is set for good times,” Adebiyi remarked.

The committee, chaired by Mr. Remi Olatunbode and comprising Ekiti indigenes who are directors in various federal ministries and agencies, held its inaugural meeting shortly after the event.

EKITI GOVT RESTATES COMMITTMENT TO DUE DILIGENCE, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC FUNDS MANAGEMENT.

EKITI GOVT RESTATES COMMITTMENT TO DUE DILIGENCE, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC FUNDS MANAGEMENT.

....Says N1.189billion Projects Carried Out By Direct Labour.

Ekiti State Government has restated its commitment to due diligence, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun who gave the assurance in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, said the claim by an online publication suggesting that Government awarded contracts worth N1.189billion to Permanent Secretaries, General Managers and Directors General of Government Agencies is very misleading and deceitful.

 

Olatunbosun emphasized that the clarification became necessary in order to set the record straight and correct the false impression dished out by the online publication that is capable of causing distrust, disaffection, anxiety and possible strife if not addressed”.

The Commissioner wondered why the publication downplayed the fact that the procurement process it referred to was conducted under strict guidelines of Direct Labour Procurement Law of the State and involved amounts well below thresholds allowed by the law.

He stressed that the Direct Labour Procurement Laws were established to ensure that procurement activities are conducted transparently, efficiently, and within the bounds of fiscal responsibility. 

Olatunbosun explained that “the Direct Labour Procurement method is principally designed for projects that require urgent attention, and it is well-regulated to prevent any form of abuse or misallocation of resources. All contracts awarded through this process have been thoroughly vetted, ensuring that they meet the necessary requirements and contribute to the public good without exceeding the legally permissible financial limits”.

“It's important to understand that the Permanent Secretaries involved in these processes are not beneficiaries of the contracts. Rather, they are the custodians, as Accounting Officers of their respective MDAs, that shoulder the responsibility of ensuring that public procurement adheres to the highest standards of accountability and transparency”.

“Any suggestion that they are personally benefiting from these contracts is not only inaccurate but also undermines the integrity of the civil service”.

He noted that information on the website of the State Bureau of Public Procurement that was misrepresented by the publication to the public clearly stated the specific purpose of the projects, adding that the project involving the Ministry of Transportation comprised the internal electrification and installation of 1MVA,33/0.415kva transformer at the State Cargo Airport while that of the Ministry of  Investment, Trade, Industries and Cooperatives was for empowerment of skilled-workers through training and securing Trade Test Certificate for artisan groups in the state and the State Electricity Board  were to handle repair of damaged transformer at Falegan as well as install relief transformer at Olaoluwa/Orisun Egbewa communities along Ilawe road in the State capital.

Reiterating the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in all procurement processes, Olatunbosun appealed to newsmen to avoid misrepresentation of facts to the public stressing the need to be thorough to avoid distortion of facts.  

 

“We remain committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in all our procurement processes. Any inquiries into these matters will reveal that we have strictly followed due process, in line with the provisions set out by the government. We welcome any further scrutiny or independent review to verify these facts", he stated.

Esan Ayoola Christopher Unveils Agenda 1: Ambitious Academic Support Plan in SUG Presidential Campaign.

Esan Ayoola Christopher Unveils Agenda 1: Ambitious Academic Support Plan in SUG Presidential Campaign.

In a bold declaration, Esan Ayoola Christopher, also known as 'Privacy,' has pledged to prioritize academic support and student empowerment if elected as President of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Student Union (FPASU) for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Drawing inspiration from Dwight Eisenhower's belief that "the growth and development of the individual is the greatest calling of leadership," Christopher outlined a comprehensive agenda focused on enhancing academic success and overall student experience on campus.

Commitment to Academic Excellence:

Christopher emphasized that academic success is the cornerstone of campus life. His agenda includes the establishment of a unified Academic Support Unit designed to centralize resources and guidance for students. This initiative will feature regular study skill workshops, tutorials, and mentoring programs. By collaborating with faculty members, Christopher aims to identify and support students facing academic challenges.

A key component of his plan is the development of an online platform that will provide students with access to academic materials, resources, and support services. Additionally, he intends to organize review sessions, exam preparation seminars, and academic boot camps to further support student achievement.

Support for Financially Challenged Students:

Recognizing the financial burdens faced by some students, Christopher promises to provide financial support and scholarships to those in need. He aims to foster a culture of academic excellence by recognizing and rewarding outstanding students. His plan also includes encouraging interdisciplinary research collaborations and innovation projects, as well as developing partnerships with academic institutions and industries to offer internship and job opportunities.

Innovative Student Engagement:

Christopher’s campaign also highlights his previous initiative, Kampus Konnect, a chat platform designed for real-time discussions and engagement among students. He promises to enhance this platform with new features to further support academic and social interactions.

Esan Ayoola Christopher, with his campaign slogan “The Outright Voice Of The Masses,” is committed to ensuring that every student reaches their full potential. His vision for FPASU aims to not only support academic excellence but also to build a thriving, interconnected student community.

As the election approaches, Christopher’s comprehensive plan positions him as a strong candidate for the role of FPASU President, with a promise to elevate academic standards and student support across the campus.