Land Dispute: Don't Resort to Thuggery, Vandalism, Ekiti Govt Warns Communities.

Land Dispute: Don't Resort to Thuggery, Vandalism, Ekiti Govt Warns Communities.

The Ekiti State Government, has warned communities experiencing inter- communal boundary disputes against resorting to thuggery and vandalism, saying such tendencies will no longer be tolerated to forestall unwarranted crisis in the state . 

Sequel to this, the government threatened that whoever found destroying crops or displays any act of hooliganism on disputed farmlands would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

The Deputy Governor,  Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the directive in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, while interfacing with stakeholders from Iloro, Odo- Owa and Ejiyan Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area over escalating boundary dispute among the communities . 

The traditional rulers present at the parley are: Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti, Oba Olufemi Olugbesoye , the Olowa of Odo Owa, Oba Ayorinde Oyedeji and Obalaaye of Ejiyan Ekiti, Oba Adesesan Adepoju.

Addressing the stakeholders, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said issues of criminalities being recorded on this disputed  farmland won't be tolerated by Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration, to avert bloodshed and wanton destruction of property. 

Mrs Afuye expressed disgust over how some people were going to the farms cultivated by individuals in the area under contention to either steal or destroy them, even when the government was making frantic efforts to resolve the bedlam, saying such won't be tolerated since the society is governed  by law. 

 

"Whoever came to the farmland to harvest Cocoa, Kolanut, maize and others when he is not the true owner should be arrested. Let us exercise patience and restraint. If there is a crisis on a land, whoever farms there should be allowed to harvest their products. But if the case doesn't favour him in the end, then he will vacate the land.

"Nobody should deploy thugs to the farms to enforce anything. Allow government to take dispassionate actions and adjudicate on the disputed land matters, instead of individuals taking laws into his hands. 

"The technical committee will visit the place to ascertain the veracity of your claims. But we don't want to hear anyone burning down people's farms or steal their crops, it is criminal and such will not be tolerated".

Mrs Afuye warned that  whoever found perpetrating criminality  should be arrested and handover to the police for prosecution, rather than killing or inflicting injuries on them that could be deemed to be illegal and actionable. 

As part of the troubleshooting efforts, the Deputy Governor, pledged that  the paramount Ruler of the kingdom and Ajero and Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph  Adewole would be invited by government  to shed light on the ownership of the land under contention.  

Corroborating the Deputy Governor's position, the Surveyor General of Ekiti State, Surveyor Adebayo Faleto, said the Ekiti State Boundary Technical Committee will visit the disputed land and ascertain the ownership to prevent unnecessary crisis.  

The traditional rulers of the towns: Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti, Oba Olufemi Olugbesoye , the Olowa of Odo Owa, Oba Ayorinde Oyedeji and Obalaaye of Ejiyan Ekiti, Oba Adesesan Adepoju, promised to work with the technical committee to resolve the dispute.

However, the monarchs in their respective  submissions insisted that the lands in the area belonged to their communities from time immemorial and that history supported such position.

Owolewa Taiwo Declares Candidacy for NANS Southwest Coordinator, Unveils 5 Visionary Agenda.

Owolewa Taiwo Declares Candidacy for NANS Southwest Coordinator, Unveils 5 Visionary Agenda.

In a bid to usher in a transformative era of leadership for the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Owolewa Taiwo, popularly known as Taiwo NANS, has formally announced his candidacy for the position of NANS Southwest Coordinator. A student of Federal University Oye, Oye Ekiti, Taiwo’s campaign, aptly named the "Movement of Transformation," is anchored on a clarion call for a renewed commitment to the union's core values and the pursuit of excellence.

Driven by a steadfast belief in the liberal principles of meritocracy, freedom of expression, and the fundamental right to quality education, Taiwo is poised to lead the Southwest arm of NANS into a new chapter of growth and development. His candidacy is not merely about occupying a position; it is about fulfilling a lifelong dedication to service in various spheres, including social, religious, and academic circles.

"If elected, I pledge to uphold the rules and regulations of our institution and leverage my leadership skills to advance our union's mission," Taiwo said. He emphasized that his extensive connections and influence across campuses in the Southwest would serve as a powerful tool in driving the movement forward. Taiwo's campaign promises a leadership that is accessible, responsive, and deeply attuned to the needs of Nigerian students.

Reflecting on the current state of the union, Taiwo believes that the time is ripe for a change in leadership that is not only knowledgeable but also experienced in the service of humanity. His campaign is built on a solid 5-Point Agenda, which he believes will catalyze the growth and development of students across the Southwest.

The 5-Point Agenda:

1. Students' Welfare: Ensuring that the welfare of every Nigerian student is prioritized and adequately addressed.

  

2. Academic Excellence: Promoting academic excellence through initiatives that enhance learning experiences and educational outcomes.

  

3. Advocacy for Rights and Justice: Standing firm in the defense of students' rights and ensuring justice is served in all matters affecting the student body.

  

4. Career Development and Stakeholders' Placement: Facilitating career growth opportunities and strategic placements for students in relevant industries and organizations.

  

5. Unionism and Unity: Fostering unity within the student union and strengthening the bonds that tie Nigerian students together across the Southwest.

Quoting Dwight D. Eisenhower, Taiwo remarked, "The growth and development of the individual is the highest calling of leadership." He stressed that his leadership, if given the mandate, would focus on the holistic development of every Nigerian student, leaving a legacy that future generations will look back on with pride.

Taiwo concluded his declaration with a resolute promise: "I will be accessible to all Nigerian students, listen to their concerns, and work tirelessly to champion their interests. I aim to be remembered as a leader who pursued the interests of Nigerian students and achieved great things, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come."

As the race for the NANS Southwest Coordinator position heats up, Comrade Owolewa Taiwo's "Movement of Transformation" stands out as a beacon of hope for a new dawn of leadership. His unrelenting commitment to justice and equality, coupled with a clear vision for the future, sets him apart as the candidate to watch in this crucial election.

COMR. OWOLEWA TAIWO, NANS SOUTHWEST COORDINATOR HOPEFUL.

Oyebanji Congratulates Research Aide, Femi Owolabi for winning UK Scholarship.

Oyebanji Congratulates Research Aide, Femi Owolabi for winning  UK Scholarship. 

…hails two other Ekiti winners.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Mr Femi Owolabi for emerging one of this year’s winners of the prestigious Chevening scholarship. 

Owolabi is among the 32  successful Nigerian applicants out of 10,750  that applied for the scholarship progranne run by the British Government. 

He will be proceeding to the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom, for a Master’s degree programme in Governance, Development and Public Policy. 

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Yinka Oyebode, hailed Owolabi for the remarkable feat, describing it as a befitting reward for his  demonstrated diligence, brilliance and commitment to professional and academic excellence. 

 

The Chevening scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to become future leaders, and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them to create positive change in society.

The scholarship is awarded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). 

This year, the UK received 10,750 applications from Nigeria. Only 32 scholars made it from Nigeria and got the awards. Three of these 32 are from Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji also congratulated the two other Ekiti indigenes - Omotoke Titilope Olugbode and Kayode Banji Adeniyi, for wining the scholarship, urging them to utilize the opportunity to advance their careers as well as their contributions to the the development of the society. 

While Olugbode will be going to the University of Hull for a Master’s degree in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion; Adeniyi will be proceeding to the London School of Economics and Political Science for a MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation. 

Governor Oyebanji said seeing Ekiti citizens competing favorably with their contemporaries in the global arena remains a source of personal joy to him and a pride to his administration, stressing that his government remains committed to creating opportunities for its teeming population of youths in line with the shared prosperity agenda.

How Oyebanji Won the Hearts of Ekiti Pensioners.

How Oyebanji Won the Hearts of Ekiti Pensioners.

By Raheem Akingbolu

With the recent disbursement of N1 billion in gratuities to Ekiti state pensioners, the mood in the  Land of Honour is fast changing as the beneficiaries and their families are rededicating their loyalty to Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Raheem Akingbolu reports.

In Nigeria, words like salary, pension and gratuity evoke strong feelings in the mind of members of the public and they send jitters to the inner marrow of governors. Oftentimes, the country witnesses protests over non-payment of either salaries or gratuities, with governors resorting to blame game or attributing the failure to lean resources.

Under Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, the reverse has been the case since he assumed office on October 16, 2022.

In the build up to the election that produced Oyebanji, there were varied feedback on the stand of the members of the Ekiti State chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners.

While some sources claimed the retirees had vowed not to support the APC candidate, it was also confirmed that a large number among them wanted to give Oyebanji a benefit of the doubt because of his background as a son of one of them who should know where the shoe pinches.

Meanwhile, in his humble manner, Oyebanji kept on pushing while the electioneering campaign was ongoing, by assuring them of his readiness, not only to clear the backlog of their monthly stipends but to give their affair the priority it deserved. From time to time, the governor was also said to have reminded the pensioners and civil servants in the state of his humble background as son of retired teachers and that his education was financed by salaries and deductions like an average child of a civil servant.

True to type, immediately he took over the mantle of leadership, Oyebanji swung into action by distributing gratuity cheques of 130 million naira to retired Local Government workers and Primary School Teachers in the state  restating his administration’s commitment to prioritising  welfare of workers and pensioners in the State. This according to the Governor was in fulfilment of his campaign promises to pensioners in the state.

Later he instructed the State Ministry of Finance to commit N100 million monthly to service outstanding gratuities payment. The amount was recently increased to N200 million monthly. This, he said,  would go while a committee ( comprising of government officials and some executive members of NUP) set up by the Governor would come up with a creative way to offset the outstanding gratuities once and for all.

The other leg of the Governor’s intervention in the plight of the pensioners was his directive that pensions must be paid same time salaries of workers are paid. So, Ekiti pensioners had since 2022 been receiving their monthly pensions same time the state workers receive their monthly salaries.

According to him, the intervention is aimed at providing financial support and recognition to those who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to public service and education.

Today, Oyebanji’s administration can be attested to be the most worker-friendly administration in the current dispensation in the country. The question that therefore leaves one hazy is how the Governor has been able to live up to expectation when it comes to payment of salaries and still able to attend to capital projects here and there.

Few weeks ago, the Governor did the unexpected when he disbursed N1 billion in gratuities to another batch of 450 state pensioners. The event which was designed as a brief ceremony was turned into a carnival by the pensioners who trooped to the venue in their large number with banners bearing appreciation messages.

The Governor assured the audience at the cheque presentation event held at Jibowu Hall, Government House in Ado Ekiti that his administration would implement the new minimum wage once President Bola Tinubu signs the bill into law, noting that pensioners will also benefit from the minimum wage as well.

Oyebanji disclosed that over N12 billion and N2.3 billion have been paid as pensions and gratuities, respectively, to pensioners in the state since he assumed office in 2022.

The Governor said his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of senior citizens who had served the state diligently and meritoriously. He said this was his way of appreciating their service to humanity and the growth of the state.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to defraying all outstanding gratuity arrears in the state, assuring the people that his government is working hard to ensure that gratuity arrears become a thing of the past. Government, he said, intends to achieve the goal of a “pay-as-you-go” basis.

The Governor urged public servants in the state to key into the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) recently introduced, which guarantees a more seamless and quicker payment of gratuities.

“As elder statesmen, your welfare is always a priority to this administration, and that is why your monthly pension has been on the first-line charge. I am proud to say that we have paid, in total, the sum of N12,569,562,240.00 in pensions since we assumed office.

“Similarly, this administration has paid a cumulative sum of N2.3 billion as gratuities to our retired senior citizens. This is apart from the gratuity already paid to local government retirees. Today, in this batch, we are paying out a total sum of N1 billion, while continuing with the monthly gratuity payment of N200 million to both state and local government pensioners.”

Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, commended the governor for paying the substantial sum as gratuities to the pensioners, describing the act as unprecedented.

In their separate remarks, the Chairmen of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ekiti State Chapter, Elder Joel Akinola; the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olatunde; the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun; and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, expressed their gratitude to the governor for prioritising the welfare of the pensioners and the entire workforce in the state

Meanwhile, the governor has said what he did was not unusual and that the ultimate objective of his administration is to completely liquidate all gratuity arrears in a short time. He has also promised to ensure that retirees are not left out in the payment of wage awards to Ekiti government workers.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES VP SHETTIMA ON 58TH BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES VP SHETTIMA ON 58TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on the occasion of his 58th birthday. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Vice President Shettima as an eminent statesman in the Nigerian project.

The Governor hailed Vice President Shettima for being a diligent bridge builder, and a national leader who is at home in every part of the country and who is always ready to identify with all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

According to him, Vice President Shettima is a detribalised Nigerian, a patriot, a nationalist and a loyal servant of the people imbued with diplomatic skills to support the President in managing a complex country like Nigeria.

The Ekiti helmsman also hailed the Vice President for being a loyal deputy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and for adding value to governance at the federal level with the experience garnered over the years.

While congratulating Vice President Shettima on his 58th birthday, Governor Oyebanji urged him to continue to give his best in his service to the Nigerian people.

He prayed God to grant Vice President Shettima long life, sound health and wisdom to discharge his duties and offer more service to his fatheland.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, we wish our Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima a happy birthday and pray that God grants him many more years in good health and endless joy”, the Governor added.

Ekiti 2026: I won’t contest guber poll, says Oni.

Ekiti 2026: I won’t contest guber poll, says Oni.

…endorses Governor Oyebanji.

By Rasaq Ibrahim.

Former Ekiti state governor, Segun Oni, has declared his intention not to contest for the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Oni, who announced his withdrawal from partisan politics for now, said he took the decision after reflecting on the trajectory of his political life and old age.

He announced this on Sunday, September 1, while addressing newsmen in his country home in Ifaki-Ekiti, Ido-Osi Council Area of Ekiti State ahead of his 70th Birthday.

The former governor, who ran for the July 18, 2022, governorship poll in the state under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stated that he had ceased being a member of any political party.

Oni added that his doors are open to any individual or group of individuals for his advice on any issue, assuring that he would respond freely to the best of his ability.

He said: “Here I am, held up with no membership in any party. For now, I’m not interested in joining any political party for now. I don’t think I will re-contest, but nobody knows tomorrow.”

“I don’t have a political party, but I have people, some of whom are here, that I know I still owe. I owe them, even if it’s just advice, and I offer it free because I am now getting older.”

Speaking on governance in Ekiti State, Oni lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unique leadership style which he said has closed the gap between people and government even more than he did when he was in the saddle.

He said that the governor has revved up the pedals of development in the state, adding that his inclusive approach to governance has further fostered unity and peace in the state, thereby creating an environment conducive to growth and prosperity.

On endorsing Governor Oyebanji for the second term, Oni said: “Of all of us, he has been best at bringing people closer; if that be an endorsement, so be it. 

“Let me see those who will line themselves against him, and let me see if there is anyone I will prefer; if there is none, then my endorsement will make better sense then.”

Oyebanji raises committee as EKSG commences minimum wage negotiation with labour.

Oyebanji raises committee as EKSG commences minimum wage negotiation with labour. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has raised a 13- member negotiation committee as the state government commences meetings with organised labour preparatory to the commencement of the minimum wage payment in the state. 

This is sequel to the signing of the minimum wage law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on July 30th, 2024. 

The negotiation committee comprises of Government Officials and leadership of the organised labour in the state. 

Members of the Negotiation Committee are: 

A. Government Officials: 

1. Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi - Head of Service ( Chairman )

2. ⁠Mr Akintunde Oyebode - Commissioner for Finance- Member 

3. ⁠Comrade K. Faromiluyi - Special Advisor on Labour Matter - Member 

4. ⁠Mrs Titilayo Olayinka - Accountant General / PS - Member 

5. ⁠Mr Bamise Sunday Julius - PS Ministry of Justice - Member 

6. ⁠Mr Oluwadare Jolumo- PS Ministry of Finance - Member 

7. ⁠Mrs Janet Ajibola - PS Office of Establishment and Service Matters - Secretary 

B. Organised Labour:

1. Comrade Olufemi Ajoloko- Chairman, Joint Negotiation Council. 

2. ⁠Comrade Olatunde Kolapo - Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress 

3. ⁠Comrade Sola Adigun - Chairman, Trade Union Congress 

4. ⁠Comrade Yetunde Emmanuel- Secretary, Joint Negotiation Council. 

5. ⁠Comrade Dr. Israel Taiwo- Secretary, Nigeria Labour Council . 

6. ⁠Comrade Yemi Peters- Secretary, Trade Union Congress. 

The first meeting of the committee is slated for Wednesday, September 4th, 2024. 

Signed 

Yinka Oyebode 

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State 

01-09-2024