Cavista Holdings' Expansion to Botswana, a Vote of Confidence – President Masisi.

Cavista Holdings' Expansion to Botswana, a Vote of Confidence – President Masisi.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

The decision by global technology solutions firm Cavista Holdings to establish a presence in Botswana has been hailed as a major endorsement of the country’s business environment. President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi described the move as a result of Botswana’s deliberate efforts towards job creation and economic transformation.

Speaking at the official opening of Cavista Holdings’ Botswana office in Gaborone, Dr. Masisi highlighted the significance of the investment. He explained that the idea for Cavista’s expansion to Botswana was conceived during his meeting with John Olajide, the company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), at the US-Africa Business Summit in Morocco in July 2022.

“During that meeting, I extended an invitation to Mr. Olajide to consider Botswana as the next home for his rapidly growing global company. I knew then, as I do now, that Botswana is fertile ground for growth, with an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” Dr. Masisi said.

He praised Botswana's robust infrastructure, political stability, and the government's commitment to economic transformation through innovation and technology. These factors, he said, make the country an ideal destination for global businesses like Cavista Holdings, which has established operations in the United States, Nigeria, the Philippines, India, and other countries.

The President emphasized that Cavista’s decision to set up operations in Botswana reflects its confidence in the country’s stability and business environment. He expressed optimism that the company's operations in Botswana will mirror its success in other countries, while being tailored to address the specific needs of Batswana.

“The decision by Cavista Holdings to expand its global footprint to Botswana is a bold vote of confidence in our country’s potential to grow into a leading technology hub in Africa,” President Masisi noted.

Botswana President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi

He pointed out that technology, innovation, and digitisation are key drivers of modern economic growth, with the digital economy expected to create over 200 million jobs in Africa by 2030.

Dr. Masisi stressed that Cavista’s presence in Botswana would significantly contribute to the nation’s goal of creating a knowledge-based economy, particularly by offering opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

“This partnership will create jobs, build skills, and provide a platform for Botswana to participate actively in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he stated, adding that the investment aligns with Botswana's Vision 2036 and the Presidential Reset and Reclaim Agenda.

Mr. John Olajide, CEO and Founder of Cavista Holdings.

In his remarks, Mr. John Olajide commended President Masisi for his leadership and commitment to job creation. He shared that their numerous interactions over the past two years, both in Morocco and the US, convinced him of Botswana’s potential as a hub for Cavista Holdings.

Mr. Olajide, who also serves as the founder and CEO of AXXESS, North America’s leading home healthcare technology company, headquartered in Texas, said the primary reason for choosing Botswana was to create jobs and align with the country’s leadership vision.

With Cavista Holdings' expansion, Botswana is set to reap significant benefits as the firm joins efforts to drive economic diversification, job creation, and the nation’s advancement in the digital economy.

Hon. Tale Adebawo Expresses Gratitude Over Special Assistant Appointment.

Hon. Tale Adebawo Expresses Gratitude Over Special Assistant Appointment.

In a move that has been met with widespread applause, Hon. Tale Adebawo has expressed heartfelt gratitude following his appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The appointment, which was announced on the 6th of September, 2024, is part of a broader initiative to strengthen leadership across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and 203 Wards.

In Pic Hon. Tale Adebawo.

Speaking on his appointment, Hon. Adebawo described the news as an “honour and a call to service,” pledging his full dedication to the development and progress of Ondo State under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration. “I am exceedingly elated to receive this good news. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the ongoing transformation in our state, and I assure His Excellency that I will give my best,” Adebawo remarked.

He further expressed profound appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for deeming him worthy of this pivotal role, stating, “I sincerely thank you, sir, for this important appointment at such a crucial time for our state. I remain committed to upholding the values of this administration and ensuring that the people of Ondo State continue to experience positive development.”

Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

The newly appointed Special Assistant joins a team of key aides chosen to foster grassroots development and governance efficiency. This latest round of appointments aligns with the governor’s strategy to ensure effective leadership and representation across the state's political and administrative units.

Governor Aiyedatiwa's administration has been lauded for its inclusive approach, as seen in the balanced distribution of appointments across the state. 

Hon. Adebawo closed his remarks with words of gratitude to all who supported him, adding, "Many thanks and God bless."

Ekiti Government Spends N100m on Medical Bills for 105 Citizens.

Ekiti Government Spends N100m on Medical Bills for 105 Citizens.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. 

The Ekiti State Government has disbursed a total of N100 million as financial assistance to 105 beneficiaries for the treatment of various medical conditions. 

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, disclosed this on Friday in Ado Ekiti during the distribution of cheques to the beneficiaries. He explained that the support was aimed at ensuring that the recipients could afford their medical treatments.

According to Filani, the medical conditions covered under the initiative included kidney and cancer treatments, appendectomies, cataract surgeries, and fibroid removals. 

He stated, “The assistance is for those who are currently undergoing treatment or are about to begin treatment, and it covers individuals receiving specific treatments both within and outside Ekiti State.”

The Commissioner appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji for approving the disbursement, highlighting the governor’s continued commitment to the welfare of the masses. Filani also encouraged the beneficiaries to remain optimistic, adhere to medical advice, and follow prescribed treatments for a swift recovery. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to all citizens.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, noted that the financial aid was a response to the heavy burden of illness and the inability of many citizens to afford medical care. She emphasized the need for residents to prioritize their health, engage in regular exercise, and maintain a healthy diet.

One of the beneficiaries, Chief Babatunde Ayowale, expressed his gratitude to the governor, commending the administration for prioritizing the health and well-being of Ekiti State citizens.

OYEBANJI'S PROJECTS EXCITE EKITI RESIDENTS, PROMISE TO APPRECIATE GOV WITH RE-ELECTION.

OYEBANJI'S PROJECTS EXCITE EKITI RESIDENTS, PROMISE TO APPRECIATE GOV WITH RE-ELECTION.

...Media executives assess ongoing, completed projects.

It was commendation galore for Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, by residents of towns, communities and neigbourhoods where ongoing and completed projects are located during a two-day media tour which ended on Friday.

The tour which commenced on Thursday took general managers of broadcast stations, officials of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), print and electronic arms of the Correspondents' Chapel of the NUJ to the project sites on an on-the- spot - assessment of the projects fact. 

The media executives and practitioners felt the pulse of the appreciative locals who sang, danced, and hailed Governor Oyebanji for coming to their aid with projects like roads, channelization of drainages, opening up of new areas, renovation and equipping of schools and hospitals among others.

The tour which cut across the three senatorial districts also gave the journalists the opportunity to ask questions from contractors, consultants, commissioners and special advisers whose ministries, departments and agencies had supervisory roles over such projects.

The journalists also enquired on the quality of materials used for ongoing projects, when they were started, the completion dates and the level of their longevity as well as the cost of the projects. They were taken to some of the completed projects and the impact in the benefiting communities.

Residents of Ilukuno-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government during the tour declared their readiness to reward Governor Oyebanji with re-election for another term in office in appreciation of work done so far on Ilukuno-Ayegunle Road where one kilometer had been tarred out of the 5.6 kilometers stretch of the road.

Led by the Odofin of Ilukuno, Chief Toyin Obabiolorun, they expressed gratitude to the Governor for remembering their community which they described as "long abandoned" noting that although the work is still ongoing, the joy the project has brought to them is "indescribable."

The community leader said his people have resolved to use their votes to re-elect the Governor noting that "he deserves a re-election to encourage him to continue the good work he is doing in Ilukuno and other parts of the state which they are hearing of on daily basis."

"Without mincing words, BAO, our father, deserves another term in office and that is our resolution in Ilukuno and our decision cannot be changed. We appreciate him for the work done on this road because our farm produce used to perish because of the bad condition of the road in the past but the story has changed now," Chief Odofin said.

Also, many residents of neighbourhoods along Faglo-Olorunsogo Road in Ado Ekiti including Ikingbinsin and Irewumi Communities trooped out in their numbers chanting "BAO for Second Term," "Four Plus For," in appreciation of the work carried out on the road including the blaster of the rock at a bend along the stretch to expand the road.

Some of the completed projects inspected during the media tour included the Model Smart School at Ekiti Knowledge Zone in Ijan Ekiti; renovation of dining hall and construction of therapy room at the Special School in Ido Ekiti; 100-capacity hostel at Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti; ICT Centre and Catering Department at Government Technical College, Igbara Odo; renovated classrooms and ICT Centre at Corpus Christi College, Ilawe Ekiti and GRA 3rd Extension Road in Ado Ekiti.

Ongoing projects inspected included Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road, Ilukuno-Ayegunle Road, Itapa-Omu-Ijelu Road, Ilawe-Ikere Road, Igbara Odo-Ikere Road, Erekesan Market interior-Ewi Palace Link Road, Ado Ekiti New Town Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti Ring Road Phase One, Indoor Sports Hall and International Centre for Arts and Culture.

Speaking on the benefits of some of the projects when completed, cabinet members said they were carefully conceived in line with the six-pillar agenda of the Oyebanji Administration to enhance the standard of living of the people, attract investors in and tourists and to generate revenue into the state coffers.

Special Adviser on Housing and Mortgage Development, Mr. Gboyega Oloniyo, disclosed that the Ado Ekiti New Town Housing Estate was embarked upon to make shelter available to people at home and those in Diaspora who intend to own property in organized and planned environment.

He revealed that the estate being constructed on a 60 hectares of land would be equipped with facilities like a 100-room hotel, a police station, a filling station, a mini stadium, an amusement park, among others for the comfort of the would-be residents.

Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Bakare, explained that the International Centre for Arts and Culture would boast of an arts theatre for performances, an events hall, a gallery of modern arts and craft, an artistes' camp, a research library and a museum.

He further explained that the Centre being built with the aim of attracting grants from the international agencies like UNESCO and would also be used to boost tourism and generate revenue.

Speaking on the Indoor Sports Hall, Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, said the project is a big statement from Governor Oyebanji to provide facilities to place the state on national, continental an global sporting map.

She noted that the indoor sports hall, when completed, can be used for not less than 16 sports including basketball, handball, table tennis, squash, badminton, gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, among others.

Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the media tour afforded the media professionals opportunity to have a first-hand knowledge and physically see the work being done by the Oyebanji Administration and feed the people back with what they have seen.

Olatunbosun said the tour also served as a means of giving account of stewardship and carrying the media along in the development of Ekiti State in recognition of its role as a partner in dissemination of the right information to the populace.

Oyebanji seeks NASS’ intervention in NYSC camp, Youth development.

Oyebanji seeks NASS’ intervention in NYSC camp, Youth development.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has sought the assistance of the Senate Committee on Youth Development in providing critical support for the upgrade of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in the state.

The Governor also appealed to the Committee to develop policies aimed at fostering skill acquisition among Nigerian youths, emphasizing that education without skills in this modern era will put the youths at a disadvantage. 

Governor Oyebanji, who stated these in Ado- Ekiti on Friday during a meeting with members of the Senate Committee on Youth Development led by the Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, shortly after their fact finding visit to the NYSC camp in Emure Ekiti.

The Governor expressed concern over the poor condition of the NYSC camp, noting that the facility had suffered neglect over time following the inability of the NYSC to adequately maintain the camp. 

The Governor said his government had already commenced rehabilitation efforts which include construction of 45 units toilet and bathrooms in the camp, rehabilitation of the road leading to the camp to curb accidents and kidnappings along the route, as well as giving approval for procurement of utility vehicle to enhance the operation of the scheme in the state. He however urged the Senate Committee members to ensure adequate budget provision for the camp in next year federal budget, in order to upgrade facilities at the camp.

"I am not happy that NYSC has shifted its responsibility to the state. Ideally both of us should be responsible but NYSC just washed off their hands from their facilities in the state. We are doing our best to fix the road leading to the camp and fix 45 Units of convenience facilities, in addition to other interventions. I implore you to ensure adequate provision for the camp in the next budget so the facilities can be upgraded.”, the Governor said. 

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman Senate Committee on Youth Development, Senator Yemi Adaramodu while appreciating the Governor for his quick intervention during the recent near-disaster in the NYSC camp and his commitment and dedication towards the youth development in the state, said the purpose of their visit to the state was to assess the condition of the camp and identify areas requiring urgent intervention, adding that despite the Sanate being on recess, the visit was prioritized to incorporate the rehabilitation of the camp in the upcoming budget deliberation.

Senator Adaramodu highlighted the significance of their visit to include providing support for the efforts of the state government, while also promising that his Committee would contribute 250 mattresses and chairs to the camp as palliative measure while working on the major intervention.

He also promised to personally facilitate the construction of a new hall as a constituency project and the installation of solar-powered street lights to improve security within the camp.

Also at the meeting were members of the committee- Senator Kenneth Eze, Senator Wasiu Saani Eshinlokun, Clerk of the Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagement, Mrs Ijeoma Chukwuem, Ekiti State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Riko Shuabu.

Others were Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Adedayo Gold, Commisoner for Local Government Mr Folorunso Olabode, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs Sola Adeluyi, Permanent Secreatry, Ministry of Education, Mr Micheal Omolayo

Oyebanji, Fayemi others bid farewell to ex- Commissioner, Titilayo Ojo.

Oyebanji, Fayemi others bid farewell to ex- Commissioner, Titilayo Ojo.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Friday led other dignitaries including the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye to pay last respect to a former Commissioner in the state, the late Chief (Mrs) Victoria Titilayo Ojo at Odo Ayedun Ekiti. 

Chief (Mrs) Victoria Titilayo Ojo, a respected leader of the party, was a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism during the Otunba Niyi Adebayo led-administration between 1999 and 2003. 

Speaking at the burial service held at the Sir Remi Omotoso Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Odo Ayedun Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the deceased was a great woman of substance who left an enduring legacy in both professional and private life.

The Governor, who described the late Mrs Ojo as not just a public servant but a woman of great character, whose value of integrity, dedication, hard work stood throughout her career,  said the deceased’s dedication to humanitarian causes extended beyond her official duties. 

He noted  that the deceased’s selflessness and compassion were qualities that endeared her to the people of the state. 

While consoling the husband, children and the family of the deceased, the Governor urged them to take solace in the fact that their mother lived a fulfilled life in the service to God and humanity.

"I know this is very painful. But the Bible tells us that in all circumstances we should praise God. Mummy has been a mother to me since 1999. And, it's a personal loss to me as a person, but I thank God. when I woke up this morning, I was just thinking about her and giving glory to God for her life". The Governor said.

In his homily titled "shall we still meet in the kingdom of God"? The Bishop of Ayedun Diocese of the Methodist Church of Nigeria,Rt Revd. (Dr) Titus Ilori Omoniyi, described the deceased as a lover of peace , charitable to the work of God and His people and a devoted Christian who did everything possible to support her community.

IF I HAD MY WAYS, OYEBANJI WON'T BE GOVERNOR.

IF I HAD MY WAYS, OYEBANJI WON'T BE GOVERNOR.

All thanks to God that men do not have the powers to determine the fate of other men, If wishes could make things happen, I would have stopped, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji from becoming the Governor of Ekiti State, infact, if I have my ways, I will stop him NOW.

On the 5th of September, 2024, I had the opportunity to join General Managers of media houses in Ekiti State and cabinet members of the Governor Oyebanji's administration on a tour of some government's projects which was led by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatubosun.

What I saw in the first day of the tour brought about my curiosity to want to wish that Oyebanji was a president or become a president one day. Perhaps, maybe I should just say that states across the country should borrow his pattern of governance because it is working.

I make bold to say without mincing words that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is a MODEL of what governance should be. If some of his strategies in Ekiti State are applied at the Federal level and in other states, Nigeria will rank among the best in the world.

During that tour, I saw two major features of good governance which has been missing over the years in Ekiti and even Nigeria at large and these are QUALITY and SINCERITY.

These two major features are the reasons roads like Ado-Ikere, Iyin- Aramoko, Ado - Afao, Ikere- Ise and other roads in Ekiti State have been constructed several times and yet still remain an eye sour except for those that are undergoing repair by this government.

These same features were also responsible for the huge investment in projects that are today serving no purpose instead lying fallow and begging for attention.

But, I saw a new Ekiti where abandoned projects are resuscitated without unnecessary noise, I saw a new Ekiti where communities are getting desired needs and not white elephant projects that is rather a burden than blessing, I saw projects that would serve the test of time, I saw projects that would save government from future cost of maintenance, I saw self sustaining projects in education, health and Agriculture.

One major project that caught my attention most were the special schools which were renovated, equipped with modern facilities including therapeutic machines through donations made from the 56th birthday of the Governor, what an Irony?

In some of the communities visited, people of different age groups spoke to me about how they were overwhelmed by the various intervention programmes of this government. At a community called Ilukuno, a woman who was overwhelmed disclosed that she left her food and came out to show her joy about the ongoing road projects in the community with a promise that when the road is being officially commissioned, she would pound yam and make special soup to commemorate a new dawn in her community. You can imagine that.

If Oyebanji matches on like this and if those two major features of Quality and Sincerity are sustained, Ekiti will become a model for new Nigeria in no distant time.

It is not as if there are absolutely nothing more to be done, there are much more but with time, I believe we will have less to yearn for. As much as my wishes couldn't change anything now, I take solace in the fact that I am part of new Ekiti and will continue to hope for a better Nigeria one day some day with Governor Oyebanji or who ever God disposes.

Please note that the this write-up is absolutely my personal opinion as an Ekiti person and has nothing to do with any of my offices. 

I am Kayode Babatuyi.

Chairman Ekiti State NUJ.