Oyebanji Strengthens Regional Security Collaboration.

Oyebanji Strengthens Regional Security Collaboration.

…As Ekiti Hosts Inaugural Meeting of Security Advisers of neighboring States.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday took a significant step towards enhancing regional security by convening a meeting of special advisers on security from Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Kwara, and Osun States.

The initiative aims at strengthening the security architecture of the states who share boundaries and ensuring the protection of lives and properties within their borders.

The meeting, held at the Bawa Lodge at the Ekiti State Government House, was chaired by the Special Adviser on Security to Ekiti State Governor, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd).

Attendees included Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant on Security, Ondo State; Commander Jerry Omodara, Kogi State; Brigadier Samuel Ojo (Rtd.), Osun State; and Brigadier General S.T. Bello, Kwara State, with Dr Adetunberu Oludotun, Director General Jomeland Security, Ekiti State as Secretary.

In his remarks, Gen. Ogundana emphasized that the meeting was convened at the directive of Governor Oyebanji in response to rising trans-border insecurity. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among the neighboring states, particularly in tackling inter-border crimes, where criminals evade prosecution by crossing state lines.

Gen Ogundana stressed that intelligence-sharing would be key in controlling such criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.

The retired General stated further that the inaugural meeting marked the beginning of massive collaboration among the states, adding that future meetings would involve local governments in the border areas in order to enhance cooperation among security personnel.

He also noted that security efforts were being intensified across Ekiti, including farm settlements, to encourage farmers to return to their businesses without fear. This, he said is to enhance food security.

“We are committed to ensuring peace across Ekiti State and in all our neighboring states”, Ogundana assured, stressing that improved security climate is a driver for increased investment, particularly in the agricultural sector.

“Without adequate security, there will be no investment, and we have seen big-time agro investors showing interest in Ekiti.”

Ogundana also addressed the recent food insecurity challenges, expressing hope that such issues would not recur this year due to proactive measures taken by the state, including resolving disputes between herdsmen and farmers.

He urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear of being kidnapped, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring a conducive environment for investors.

The meeting is set to continue periodically, with further discussions held virtually as needed, to stay ahead of potential security threats.

Tech Education: Ajoni LCDA Chairman Sponsors School Dropouts to Tackle Poverty, Illiteracy.

Tech Education: Ajoni LCDA Chairman Sponsors School Dropouts to Tackle Poverty, Illiteracy.

...distributes free admission forms.

In his quest to promote Technical Education and acquisition of vocational skills, the Execitive Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Hon. (Amb) Prince Michael Ogungbemi fcpa, has distributed free admission forms to fifty (50) accredited indigent students from all communities in the LCDA to study in a state owned technical school. 

The Chairman said the gesture was targeted at stamping out illiteracy, poverty and unemployment in the society, which he believed the action would help to alleviate and reposition the state in terms of Human Capital Development, Youth Development and Job Creation ahead of the future .

Some of the beneficiaries, who were school dropouts and have no hope of continuing with their education will have their education and upkeep fully sponsored by the LCDA administration throughout the 3-year programme which will earned them triple certifications i.e. NABTEB, Trade Test certificate and Diploma Certificate to gain further and higher education and to become employable and self employed.

Prince Ogungbemi disclosed this in Ayedun Ekiti, the headquarters of the LCDA through a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.

The Chairman reiterated his administration's commitment to supporting the students, stating that, "We will not only provide free education but also ensure there upkeep throughout the program. Additionally, we will equip them with start-up kits after graduation to enable them establish their own businesses so as to be self reliant."

Prince Ogungbemi highlighted the importance of Technical Education in equipping Youths with practical skills, saying, "Technical Education is crucial for economic development." 

He appreciated the efforts of the State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in creating an enabling environment for education to thrive.

"This initiative is part of the Chairman's pragmatic efforts to promote Technical and Vocational Education, empower indigent students and contribute to the socio-economic development of the entire Ajoni communities".

In his submission, the recently appointed Technical Assistant to the Chairman on Technical and Vocational Education, Comrade Aderemi Adeniyi, emphasized the significance of this gesture to stamp out poverty, unemployment and illiteracy.

Adeniji urged the lucky students to make good use of this opportunity, saying: "This is a rare chance to acquire skills that will empower you for life. We expect you to take this seriously and make us proud," he said.

OYEBANJI CELEBRATES EX-GOV ONI ON 70TH BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CELEBRATES EX-GOV ONI ON 70TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated a former Governor of the State, and Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party ( SDP) in the 2022 election, Chief Segun Oni, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, felicitated Chief Oni for attaining the landmark birthday in sound health, fulfillment and grace.

The Governor described Chief Oni as a selfless statesman and one of the notable contributors to the development of Ekiti State whose development strides in office are widely acknowledged. 

Governor Oyebanji said Chief Oni, remains passionate about Ekiti development, both in office and out of office.

He prayed God to grant the former Governor long life and good health for him to continue to contribute to nation building and mentor the younger generation of politicians. 

“On behalf of my wife, Olayemi; the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate my elder brother, former Governor Segun Oni for joining the exclusive club of the septuagenarians in good health and excellent spirit. Our prayer is that the Lord will grant him many more glorious years to continue to serve God and humanity”, the Governor added.

Accident: EKSG Pledges Speedy Action on Relocation of Iworoko Market.

Accident: EKSG Pledges Speedy Action on Relocation of Iworoko Market.

To permanently checkmate the incidences of recurrent auto-crashes causing deaths of innocent citizens, the Ekiti State Government, has pledged its commitment to speedy relocation of the Iworoko Ekiti Central Market, in Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State. 

In the sane fashion, government also promised to expedite action on the installation of a new Alaworoko that had been vacant since 2019, following the demise of Oba Aladejana to attract development to the town.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the pledge on Wednesday, while receiving stakeholders from the community, led by the Regent, Princess Aladejana, who paid a courtesy visit to her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital. 

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, lamented the recurrent cases of killings of traders and other citizens at Iworoko Market, due to persistent vehicular accident, saying such sordid scenarios will be reversed.  

The Deputy Governor disclosed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji is incurably committed to safeguard the lives of the people, adding that the request for the relocation of the central market causing persistent carnages was long overdue. 

"Let me sympathise with you on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji on the deaths of your indigenes who were killed in road accident that occurred inside the market. I think it had occurred almost four times in five years. This is unacceptable.

"I learnt that the House of Assembly had passed a resolution advising that the market should be relocated, which further signified how significant the relocation is.

"I will convey your message to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and I know something will be done urgently to salvage the situation".

In the request for the installation of a new Alaworoko, whose stool had been vacant for over five years, Mrs Afuye, counseled the community against resorting to frivolous legal actions that could stall the selection process.

"Go and do your homework very well, we are ready for you. I learnt that there was controversy over the Iworoko Chieftaincy Declaration. This will be streamlined and the correction will be done very soon". 

In his submission at the parley, the town's Regent, Princess Bolanle Ogundola and President, Iworoko Progressive Union, Engr. Tajudeen Fatayo, bemoaned how 15 persons were killed when a truck rammed into the market in 2019.

On the seeming delay in the installation of a new traditional ruler, the Regent appealed to government to dismantle all obstacles and install a substantive monarch, so that she can reunite with her family.

Speaking extensively on the market relocation, Engr Fatayo, said: "Just recently, two people died when a vehicle somersaulted inside the market. Sadly enough, four fatal accidents had happened inside the market within five years apart from minor ones". 

Fatayo stated that the community had taken copious actions by identifying a site where the market can be relocated, but expressed resentment at how a family within the town was serving as a stumbling block, by claiming ownership of the parcel of lands owned by the community for ages.

"We want the government to call this family to order. How can they be claiming ownership of every land in Iworoko Ekiti even when they are not the owners of the town? They are even dividing the town into two because of their interest in autonomy. All these are causing disunity and government must intervene to safe our community from crisis".

Fatayo made passionate appeal to the government to look into cases of land encroachment rearing its ugly heads on the land belonging to Iworoko Community High School, to safeguard the town's heritage in education sector.

Hon. Ojuawo Attends Legislative Training in the US.

Hon. Ojuawo Attends Legislative Training in the US.

As part of his efforts to further strengthen and deepen his legislative work at the Green Chamber ahead of the resumption from summer break, the Member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has commenced his training on Legislative and Strategic Management at the International Law Institute in Washington, DC.

Hon. Ojuawo confirmed his attendance at the Institute as a self sponsored and development mechanism to enhance his understanding of the business of law-making, oversight functions, and civil relations. "I am at the Institute to equip myself more on legislative matters. It is very important for me and a means of personal development in areas like Legislative Strategic Planning and Management, Policy Development and Implementation, Legislative Leadership and Governance, Strategic Legislative Analysis and Oversight, and Public Policy and Legislative Management."

Additionally, the holiday visit enabled him to meet with members of his constituency living in the US to seek their support and collaboration for their workaholic Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, in their constituency. He held successful meetings with people from his constituency in different states in the US to seek support and cooperation in grassroots development in areas such as the healthcare system, education, security, and agricultural development.

"I had a very fruitful meeting with my people here and requested their support for the government in the area of agricultural mechanization to bolster food production in Ekiti State. We need tractors and other farm implements to cultivate more crops and create a surplus in our value chain. Also, in our healthcare sector, we need their support to acquire hospital equipment for our general hospitals. The government cannot do it alone; while they sort out the manpower, we should help the government to equip some of the general hospitals for our people at the grassroots. I believe my engagement with my people here has been wonderful and an eye-opener, letting them know about current developments in Ekiti State across the local governments. Collaboration is one of the best strategies to lead the grassroots to growth and development through constant investment in education and addressing security challenges confronting our people from time to time. As I seek their support, I am confident that together, we can make a meaningful impact." Ojuawo assured.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

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.