The BAO Impact Series No. 2 OYEBANJI: MAKING A BIG STATEMENT WITH INDOOR SPORTS HALL AND INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE CONSTRUCTION.

The BAO Impact Series No. 2

OYEBANJI: MAKING A BIG STATEMENT WITH INDOOR SPORTS HALL AND INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE CONSTRUCTION.

 BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA.

The recent two-day tour of projects across the nooks and crannies of Ekiti State by media executives and journalists showed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a man who has an undying passion to take the Land of Honour to greater heights through the hitherto neglected sectors.

During the tour, many of the media professionals were surprised about the quantity and quality of the projects which are being executed without fanfare but with the ultimate aim of making a great impact in the lives of the people and on the economy of the state.

The projects inspected by the journalists who were joined by the members of the State Executive Council (the state cabinet) included roads, schools, channelization and drainages, hospitals, a housing estate, among others.

Two of the ongoing projects which caught the attention of this writer were the International Centre for Arts and Culture being built on a site near the Ureje River/Dam along Waterworks Road and the Indoor Sports Hall coming up within the precincts of the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion along New Iyin/NTA Roads both in Ado Ekiti.

These two projects speak to the Governor's vision of using arts, culture and creative economy and sports to boost the profile of the state, raise internally generated revenue, create jobs for the unemployed, attract tourism, create a market for local artisans, traders and investors, make Ekiti a positive centre of attraction and market its potentials to the world.

The inspection team was surprised about the rapid pace of work at the International Centre for Arts and Culture and the Indoor Sports Hall. The former had its foundation laid by end of July while the foundation of the latter was laid shortly after. Despite the fact that the groundbreaking of the two projects were recently performed, the level of work was amazing.

The sporting sub-sector is an area Governor Oyebanji believes can be used to take many youths who could be tempted to be involved in unwholesome activities off the streets and be made productive and polished to become world beaters in various sports disciplines.

An indoor sports hall is a huge gap that needs to be filled to make the dream a reality. Since Ekiti State was created on 1st October, 1996, none of the successive administrations (military or civilian) thought it wise to build an indoor sports hall to expand the scope of sporting activities.

That narrative is about to change with the ongoing construction of an indoor sports hall. Addressing the media executives who visited the site as part of the two-day tour of projects, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, explained that the site of the project was informed by non-availability of space at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.

Dr Osetoba disclosed that the indoor sports hall, when completed, would be used for not less than 16 different sports including gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, handball, squash, badminton, table tennis, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, taekwondo, judo, karate, scrabble, chess, among others.

She added that when completed, the indoor sports hall would place Ekiti at an advantage in hosting regional, national, continental and even global competitions and also give sportsmen and women opportunity to showcase their talents and potentials.

With the ongoing construction of the Indoor Sports Hall for the first time in the history of the state, Governor Oyebanji is sending a clear signal of the readiness of his administration to provide an avenue to discover more sporting talents and nurture them to the global pinnacle achieved by distinguished Ekiti-born stars like Olympic 100 meters relay silver medalist, the late Oluyemi Kayode; African men's 100 meters champion, Olusoji Fasuba; African women's 100 meters champion, Damola Osayomi; and Super Eagles stars: the late Ajibade Babalade, Seyi Olofinjana and Olanrewaju Kayode.

With the ongoing work on the complex, Governor Oyebanji is taking Ekiti to the exclusive club of states in Nigeria with facilities capable of hosting international sporting competitions with the attendant attraction of athletes, coaches, sports administrators, the sporting media, enthusiasts and spectators which is expected to rub off on the local economy in the future.

When the sports hall is completed and the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium remodelled to taste, who tells you Ekiti State cannot bid to host the National Sports Festival in the nearest future. Governor Oyebanji had already sown the seed and this would be a great legacy in his name when the dream becomes a reality.

The International Centre for Arts and Culture is another legacy project the people of Ekiti and those coming from outside the state would benefit immensely from judging by the motivation behind the vision as brilliantly articulated by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Ojo Bakare.

Prof. Bakare revealed that the project, when completed, would have facilities like a theatre for performances, an events hall, a gallery of modern arts and sixteen huts (representing each of the constitutionally recognized local governments) where works of arts and crafts that define the people of the LGAs are showcased.

The Cultural Centre will also have an Artiste Camp where people who come to make films can reside, a mall, an editing suit, studios, a research library and museum capable of attracting arts researchers and scholars from within and outside the country.

Another selling point of the Cultural Centre that despite being wholly owned by the state government, it is being built to attract grants and funding from the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other international bodies.

Being located on the riverside means that aquatic activities like fishing and boat regatta can take place at the Centre with such activities capable of positively projecting the image of Ekiti as a destination of choice for leisure, recreation and tourism apart from its primary purpose of serving as a cultural centre.

The Centre promises to be a nectar which would attract arts and culture enthusiasts, lovers and promoters providing opportunities for marketing, branding, interaction, cross fertilization of ideas, pot-pourri of culture razzmatazz and showbiz in addition to giving platforms to make the creative economy flourish without let or hindrance.

All these are expected to complement what Ekiti has achieved in the arts and culture sub-sector where the state has acquired international recognition with the breathtaking performances of Ekiti Performing Arts Company within and outside Nigeria including places like Hungary, the Netherlands and most recently France.

The International Centre for Arts and Culture and the Indoor Sports Hall would add to the ever-increasing monuments in Ekiti and they are expected to serve as legacies for which Governor Oyebanji would be remembered long after he might have left office.

INFRASTRUCTURE: EKITI RAAMP PAYS #71.48MILLION AS COMPENSATION TO FARMERS, PAPs.

INFRASTRUCTURE: EKITI RAAMP PAYS #71.48MILLION AS COMPENSATION TO FARMERS, PAPs.

….Hints at Upgrade of Pilot Roads.

The Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has disclosed that it has paid #71,481,380 as compensation to farmers and other Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in 12 of the 13 roads it awarded in July.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, the State Project Coordinator, Hon Sunday Adunmo who noted that the beneficiaries were 217 farmers and other Project Affected Persons (PAPs) said RAAMP has also commenced the construction of a new mosque at Afolu in place of the old mosque which would be demolished later to allow creation of safe thoroughfare on the new road.

He said compensation is a critical component of the project as Project Affected Persons must be properly compensated before the commencement of civil works on the roads.

Adunmo who confirmed that site clearing had been completed on 12 roads explained that there was a delay in the payment of compensation to farmers on Igbole-Egan-Osi-Iropora road following the need for revalidation of PAPs hence the inability of the contractor to commence bush clearing.

The Coordinator who noted that progress report on the 13 roads showed different percentages of work done by each of the contractors hailed the contractors handling Oye-Are road and Ben Folarin-Omisanjana-Oke Aso road for their work pace which has gotten to concrete works; expressing hope that Oye-Are road may be completed within 12 months should the contractor continue work at that fast pace.

He stated that there is no room for shoddy jobs as the ongoing construction works are being monitored by the Project Monitoring Committee and the various Agencies of Government in charge of project monitoring.

While speaking on the economic benefits of the project to Ekiti people, the Project Coordinator revealed that all the contractors are employing both skilled and unskilled labour from the various project benefitting communities.

He added that the contractors have been mandated to procure construction materials that are available in the State in order to boost the economy of the State and curb capital flight.

Adunmo who stated that more road projects would be awarded in a couple of weeks disclosed that the five pilot rural roads initiated by the Project in 2021 would be revisited for upgrading. 

The roads are Itaji-Orisunmibare road, Iyin-Odo Oro-Aroto road, Ago Aduloju-Kajola road, Imesi-Kosomolate -Ipole road, and Ogotun-Alagbede road.

CavistaTechnologies Deepens Global Reach with Botswana Office.

CavistaTechnologies Deepens Global Reach with Botswana Office.

Raheem Akingbolu

Five years after the establishment of its Nigeria’s office, Cavista Technologies, a global technology services company, has extended its footprint and reach with the opening of the Botswana office, designed to add over 500 high-skill IT jobs to further boost Africa market.

Botswana’s President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, who inaugurated the office on Tuesday at Gaborone’s Central Business District, said the office was the result of his administration’s drive to attract foreign investment in the area of digital technology.

The Chairman of Cavista Holdings, which is the parent company of Cavista Technologies, John Olajide, noted, “We are in Botswana for the long haul,” adding, “Botswana’s youth represent a tremendous opportunity for us to create jobs, harnessing their technical and engineering skills to drive innovation and create value for businesses. Together, we will transform lives.”

This is as he disclosed that by the end of next year, Cavista plans to employ 100 highly skilled professionals in Botswana, collaborating with teams across the company’s global operations. ‘‘In the long term, the goal is to expand to 500 IT jobs in the country,” he said.

Olajide highlighted his commitment to Botswana, which grew out of two years of conversations with President Masisi. According to him, “Our journey here is a testament to the power of relationships built on trust.

“I believe Cavista’s presence in Botswana will help transform the lives of many young people, allowing both Botswana and Africa to thrive and reach their full potential in the years to come.”

On his part, President Masisi warmly welcomed Cavista’s entry into Botswana, stressing its significance for the nation’s growth. “The official opening of Cavista in Botswana is not just the beginning of a new chapter for this esteemed company, but also for our own country,” he said.

Adding, “This marks the beginning of a partnership built on shared values, collaboration, and a belief in Botswana’s potential as a key player in the global business landscape.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, who was a special guest of honour at the event, urged Government at the different levels in Africa to take deliberate action towards opening up the continent’s youth population to skill acquisition to boost the economy.

The former governor said, “In the midst of the current economic challenge, governments should endeavour to look beyond mere creation of jobs and focus on creation of skills. For instance, investment in technology that will roll out hundreds and thousands of software engineers like the Cavista operations in Nigeria, US, India and now Bostwana will help Nigeria and other parts of Africa to cater for multitude of young ones in our various communities. For instance, software engineers from Cavista office in Ilupeju, Lagos can service clients from different parts of the world and earn good money. In summary, the little job being provided by the government cannot fill the gap of unemployment in Nigeria but skills.”

Ekiti East Teachers Endorse Governor Oyebanji, donate funds for re-nomination form.

Ekiti East Teachers Endorse Governor Oyebanji, donate funds for re-nomination form.

In a bid to appreciate the giant strides of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and ensuring continuity of good governance in the state, the state teachers from Ekiti East have unanimously endorsed the governor for a second term in office.

The Ekiti East teachers in their decision to endorsed the governor, said they were convince and satisfied with works done so far by the governor since assumption of office.

In their unison decision, the teachers also donated cash funds as part money to purchase re-nomination form for the governor.

Education Secretary in Ekiti East Local Government, Hon.Tayo Apalowo who was visibly enveloped immeasurably with joy, in her appreciation averred; "We have been seeing Working Governors in Ekiti State, but Governor Oyebanji is working assiduously in the state, his giant strides have touched every nook and cranny in Ekiti, we applaud BAO leadership and praying for continuity of his glorious administration in Ekiti State"

The representative of Governor Oyebanji who is also the Director General (DG) Bureau of Community Communication, Hon. Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso received the cash on behalf of the Governor.

In her speech Omotoso said; "Your expression of love through donation of cash is unprecedented, I thank the entire teachers in Ekiti East local government for your unalloyed loyalty and unflinching support for continuity of infrastructural development in Ekiti State"

The teachers who adorned in colourful attires assured Governor Oyebanji of their unflinching support and reelection for second term.

Among the attendees of the cheering event includes; Ekiti East local government Chairman Hon.(Mrs) Alaba Omonusi, Education Secretary, Ekiti East Local Government Hon.Tayo Apalowo, SSA on Education, Hon Fatai Oluyede, S.A digital Media Hon.Oba Mathew, Hon.Toyin Tuase, Hon.Dolapo Obayemi, Hon Samuel Andero among others.

Ekiti State Government Ensures Inclusion of Local Artisans and Resources in Project Execution.

Ekiti State Government Ensures Inclusion of Local Artisans and Resources in Project Execution.

In a move to boost the local economy and mitigate capital flight, the Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has taken proactive steps to ensure the inclusion of local artisans, professionals, vendors, and resources in the execution of contracts within the state.

The Ekiti State Bureau of Local Content, led by the Director-General, Ijidale Olalekan, has been tasked with the responsibility of monitoring project sites to ensure compliance with the local content policy. The Bureau has conducted unscheduled visits to various project sites, including the Ikere-Ise Road project being handled by Dromo International Company, to perform headcounts and verify the inclusion of Ekiti indigenes in the workforce.

The Director-General emphasized that the Bureau stands firm in its commitment to ensuring that a minimum of 40% of Ekiti indigenes are employed on every project site. This move is aimed at providing employment opportunities for the state's residents and promoting the development of the local economy.

"The Governor's vision is to ensure that the economic benefits of these projects are not only limited to the contractors but also extend to the people of Ekiti State," said Ijidale Olalekan. "We will not spare any erring contractor who fails to comply with the government's directive on local content."

The Bureau has also advised the state's youths, construction professionals, graduates, and artisans to take advantage of these opportunities by visiting the Bureau of Local Content and registering their information on the Bureau's website. This will enable the Bureau to connect them with job openings in the ongoing projects across the state.

The Ekiti State Government's commitment to the inclusion of local artisans and resources in project execution is a clear indication of its dedication to the development of the state's economy and the empowerment of its people. This move is expected to create job opportunities, boost local patronage, and mitigate capital flight, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of Ekiti State.

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."