Ekiti Government most women- friendly, says Oyebanji’s wife during LG tour.

Ekiti Government most women- friendly, says Oyebanji’s wife during LG tour.

....says Governor’s shared prosperity agenda gaining tractions.

Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, says she feels proud and fulfilled that Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration has the highest number of elected and appointed female officials among the 36 states, thereby making the administration the most women- friendly in the country. 

Speaking against the backdrop of the spiraling inflation crisis in the country, Dr. Oyebanji, predicted economic boom for Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership, saying efforts were being made to redirect the economy to the right path to benefit the masses.

The First Lady spoke on Tuesday in Oye and Ikole Local Government Areas, during a courtesy visit to female groups in the councils to appreciate them for their support for Governor Oyebanji.

At the event in Ikole Ekiti, the rank of the opposition People's Democratic Party further depleted, as members, led by the ex-Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Mrs Abiola Kayode, defected to the All Progressives Congress to back Oyebanji's progressive governance and politics. 

Addressing the women at the carnival-like ceremony, Dr. Oyebanji appreciated them for standing firm behind her husband in the last two years, saying this has helped in smoothening politics and raise the bar of governance in Ekiti.

She said the steady progress being enjoyed under Oyebanji's leadership was accomplished because the governor earned the trust and loyalty of the citizens, expressing joy that Ekiti has the highest number of elected and appointed female politicians under his hubby.

 

Dr. Oyebanji  saluted her predecessor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, for setting the high pace for women's recognition in Ekiti politics, saying the tally had risen under the current administration, thereby giving the womenfolk more recognition and respect in the scheme of things. 

Applauding the federal government for its support, Mrs Oyebanji, said the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, had empowered  women  farmers in the state besides other empowerment programmes the federal government was devising to buffer the effect of economic crunch on the citizens. 

Dr Oyebanji disclosed  that the Office of the President's wife donated a whopping sum of N50 million to each state of the federation to empower women for rapid economic recovery, revealing that  Ekiti benefited from the gesture. 

"Meeting people, especially women is part of progressive culture. Governor  Oyebanji is a good product, even Vice President Kashim Shettima attested to this. He is passionate about Ekiti and you can see all he has done in terms of development. 

"My office has Adire Ekiti that has trained over 400 people across two senatorial districts on how to produce Adire local fabric. The next set of 200 participants are due to resume training soon. We have special programme that have benefitted thousands of vulnerable people  like widows and orphans. I am not doing these for you to praise me, but to add values to your lives and whatever I do is to support my husband.

"Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a  compassionate and  God- fearing leader, because he is homegrown. He is very passionate about the people. I urge you to continue to stand firm by this man you know very well”, she said . 

Speaking about political appointments for female, Dr. Oyebanji, said: "The Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service are women and Accountant General are women. We currently havesix female lawmakers in  the state House of Assembly, seven female local government Chairmen, 33 female Councillors and many women were appointed as Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants and Permanent secretaries. 

"Let me assure you that the tally will continue to increase, it won't come down, because you have a governor who is passionate about female gender".

Speaking copiously about the six-point agenda of  Oyebanji's government, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, maintained that her principal has fulfilled his electioneering promises to the people in firm alignment with his policy thrust. 

Tracing the trajectory of politics in Ekiti under progressive governments, Mrs Afuye, commended Mrs Fayemi for fighting for the implementation of 35% political appointments for female in the state, saying the current First Lady is sustaining the tempo and even surpassing the past records. 

She expressed confidence that Ikole and Oye local governments are populated by progressive politicians, who will not betray the cause and will rev up the pedal of support to ensure that Oyebanji returns in 2026 to complete his lofty developmental agenda.

"Governor Oyebanji has just spent two years in office and he has done this much, let us support him for a second term to be able to turn things around completely. He has touched the six pillars all round . He is constructing roads, employing people, paying salary, reinforcing security, promoting education, agriculture and many others.

"I want to appeal to political appointees to make themselves accessible to the people and share the gains they are getting across, because the governor can't do it alone. Let us support our people and make them happy the way Governor Oyebanji planned it".

Applauding Ekiti citizens across the State for their solid backing for the governor, the Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, described the government of Oyebanji as women friendly, particularly in the allotment of elective and appointive  political positions.

Predicting the 2026 poll, the former State APC Chairman, said: "The Governor  has done his own campaign by his performance. He has done creditably well. Begin to support and pray for him that he should remain steadfast with this progressive path he is toeing".

A woman leader and former Commissioner in Ekiti State, Mrs Ronke Okunsanya, urged the women to solidly stand behind the Governor's reelection bid and prevent the PDP from poaching the party's ranks ahead of 2026 poll. 

High profile politicians  at the event are: Commissioner for Women's Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Special Adviser to the governor on Empowerment, Mrs Kemi Olaleye, Special Adviser on Governance, Barr. Odunayo Ayeni, a top rated female politicians,  Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, former commissioners, women leaders, traders, young women  politicians, among others.

Education Is The Bedrock Of Sustainable Development - Ogungbemi.

Education Is The Bedrock Of Sustainable Development - Ogungbemi.

....Distributes Exercise Books to Over 2,400 Pupils Across 32 Public Primary Schools.

The Executive Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State Prince Michael Ogungbemi has described education as the bedrock of sustainable development and growth of any society.

Ogungbemi who stated this during back to school programme where his administration distributed exercise books to all the 32 public primary within his council area having over 2400 pupils.

The council boss who noted that the height that any state or country can attain in development and advancement in technology is a function of the level of education at the disposal of her citizens said effort to promote education and to secure the best possible future for all children in all the schools in his LCDA would be sustained.

He noted that it is the responsibility of a responsive government to make sure that needed materials   to aid education and goals of all students are provided in a bid to ease financial  burden hanging on them and their parents .

According to him" I am committed to sustaining and even expanding our investment in the education sector by improving  on the infrastructures in our schools and provide quality instructional materials that can facilitate qualitative and quantitative education 

Ogungbemi who commended teachers,school administrators and parents in the area for their commitment and dedication to the well being of children and students called on them not to rest on the oars as quality education is a responsibility of all .

Dignitaries who spoke at the event which included Oba Olufemi Aribisala,of Oke Ayedun ,the Education secretary of Ikole Local Government,Comrade Lasisi Oguntuase, NUT chairman Ikole local government Comrade Mrs Aroso, they all commended the chairman for his unmatchable and unthinkable passion for human capital development .

They called on the pupils to use the exercise books effectively

EKSG APPLAUDS FG OVER AWARD OF ADO- IFAKI- IKOLE- OMUO- KOGI; ADO- ABUAD- IJAN- ILUMOBA ROADS.

EKSG APPLAUDS FG OVER AWARD OF ADO- IFAKI- IKOLE- OMUO- KOGI; ADO- ABUAD- IJAN- ILUMOBA ROADS.

The Government of Ekiti State welcomes with excitement and gratitude news of the award of the Ado-Ekiti- Ifaki- Ikole- Omuo- Kogi border; and Ado- ABUAD- Ijan- Ilumoba roads by the Federal Government.

The approval of the Federal Executive Council at its Monday meeting, for the construction of of the two major roads comes as a great relief to the people of Ekiti State who have suffered untold hardship on the roads.

The approval, which came as works on the Ado- Ikere- Akure road reached advanced stage is a vindication of the struggle of the Government and people of the state in the last two years. 

It is also a demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong support for the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration as well as a vindication of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji’s frequent visit to the seat of power in Abuja. 

It is recalled that aside interventions by some prominent leaders, Governor Oyebanji had stepped up engagement with relevant agencies of the Federal Government and relevant committees of the National Assembly on the two roads, a development that saw him shuttling the Federal Capital Territory in the past few weeks. 

While the Government awaits the resumption of the contractors on site, it urges the people, especially motorists, to show appreciable level of understanding for some inconveniences they may experience in the course of the construction of the roads. 

The Government of Ekiti State remains committed to the welfare of the citizens and will continue to collaborate with relevant Government institutions, agencies and private entities to advance the socio- economic and infrastructure development of the State in line with its shared prosperity agenda. 

Yinka Oyebode

Special Adviser ( Media) to the Governor.

24-09-2024

Deputy Gov Mobilizes LGs, Philanthropists Against Dropouts, Out- of- School Children in Ekiti.

Deputy Gov Mobilizes LGs, Philanthropists Against Dropouts, Out- of- School Children in Ekiti.

....as Ikere LG distributes educational materials to pupils.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has advised the Local Governments and spirited philanthropists to join Governor Biodun Oyebanji to fight the scourges of out- of- school children and incidences of school dropouts in the State. 

Mrs Afuye stated that Governor Oyebanji's government has zero tolerance for school dropout and out- of -school children due to financial incapacitation, saying this necessitated the declaration of free education at both primary and secondary school cadres to buffer the burdens on parents. 

Mrs Afuye gave the charge in Ikere Ekiti, on Monday, at the flag off of the distribution of  educational materials to indigent pupils in primary and secondary schools in the council, organised by the wife of the Chairman of  Ikere Local Government, Mrs Iyabo Adamolekun.

Instructional materials distributed to pupils drawn from  schools in the council at the "Back to School Support" programme include: school bags, bottles, exercise books, among others.

Addressing the stakeholders, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the programme spearheaded by the council  fully aligned  with the Human Capital Development of the Governor Oyebanji-led administration.

Mrs Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in her Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, appealed to all Ekiti spirited individuals and Local Governments to join the battle and raise the efficacies of  policies  being initiated to tackle the menace.

"Though, Ekiti has one of the lowest school dropout and out- of- school children rate in Nigeria due to good policies of our government, but we want our councils, philanthropists, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to always remember the children of the poor and contribute for them to have access to education". 

She stated that Governor Oyebanji  reasoned that for the community to develop, the human capital must be focused on, disclosing that this accounted for why opportunities were being provided for  children and youths in the education sector to build their mental capacities. 

Mrs Afuye said it was in a desperate attempt to improve the standard of education that Governor Oyebanji continually recruit qualified teachers to fortify the sector and bolster students' performances in external examinations like WAEC and NECO.

She added that the Governor also approved housing and vehicle loans for primary school teachers to boost their morale, saying this policy was a novelty in the history of Ekiti State. 

"Before now, teachers in primary schools who are graduates always had their promotions terminated on grade level 14, but the governor had created a cadre for them. They can now rise to level 16. With the support of teachers, I know that things will get better in the education sector. 

"I appeal to teachers to impact sound knowledge in these tender children. The government is working hard to improve your standards, please, let us reciprocate by working hard, honestly and dedicatedly, to develop the future of our dear state in education sector".

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairperson of the Council, Mrs Iyabo Adamolekun, described the policy as a unique opportunity to back Governor Oyebanji's support for  parents who lack the financial wherewithal to provide educational materials for their wards.

Mrs  Adamolekun alluded to  education as the best weapon to unlock the potentials of children and youths and make them productive under the 21st century economy in the future, saying no amount is too huge to be expended in the sector.  

She said the council under her husband, Hon. Olu Adamolekun, will ceaselessly  intensity efforts to provide support that will buffer the financial burdens on parents and ensure that no child of school age is impeded from accessing schools on account of financial encumbrance. 

A Commissioner in the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Olufunke Fajobi, promised that all the dilapidated buildings across the primary schools in the state will be rehabilitated to make learning conducive and attractive.

Dr. Fajobi revealed that Governor Oyebanji had given approval for the training of 500 teachers to further sharpen their mental horizons, while promotions will be effected as and when due to buoy the morale of teachers.

The wife of Ogoga of Ikere, Olori Olufunmilola Adu, described the programme as a soul-lifting policy for both and parents and pupils, saying it will lessen the financial burdens being experienced by parents in the training of their wards.

Stand Up Speak Out Initiative (SUSO) Enhances Media Leadership with Key Appointment.

Stand Up Speak Out Initiative (SUSO) Enhances Media Leadership with Key Appointment.

The Stand Up Speak Out Initiative (SUSO), a prominent non-profit organization committed to social and community development, has announced the appointment of Comrade Sadiq SK Zango as the new Head of its Media Communications Department. The announcement was made on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

This appointment was made during a strategic planning meeting of SUSO’s Board of Trustees, where members reviewed recent activities and discussed strategies to better position the organization to achieve its corporate goals and objectives.

“Sadiq SK Zango has demonstrated exceptional skills and a profound understanding of the media landscape, particularly in engaging the younger generation,” stated Dr. Doyle Edeni, Founder of SUSO. “We are confident that his leadership will be pivotal in revitalizing our media presence and amplifying our message to the communities we serve.”

In his new role, Comrade SK Zango will oversee the organization’s media strategy, content creation, and outreach efforts. He will collaborate closely with regional correspondents and the broader SUSO team to ensure effective communication and engagement with the public.

“I am honored to take on this role and contribute to SUSO’s mission of driving positive change in Nigeria,” said Comrade Sadiq SK Zango. “I look forward to working with our talented team and leveraging our media capabilities to reach a wider audience and create a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”

The organization also discussed plans to expand its poverty and hunger reduction initiatives, including partnerships with local farmers and the recruitment of ambassadors and volunteers to support these efforts.

For more information about SUSO and its initiatives, please visit www.susoinitiative.org.

About SUSO:

SUSO is a non-profit organization dedicated to social and community development in Nigeria. Through various programs and initiatives, SUSO aims to empower individuals, foster sustainable growth, and address pressing societal challenges.

Media Contact:

Media Communications Department

Stand Up Speak Out Initiative

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES OKPEBHOLO, EDO GOVERNOR-ELECT.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES OKPEBHOLO, EDO GOVERNOR-ELECT.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his emergence as the winner of the just concluded Governorship election in Edo State.

Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to beat his closest opponent, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 247,274 votes in the September 21 governorship election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) on Sunday evening.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, made available to journalists on Monday, hailed the people of Edo State for reposing confidence in the APC and its Renewed Hope agenda, and rewarding the party with Okpebholo’s victory. 

The Ekiti Governor who stated that Edo people have spoken through the ballot, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deepening democracy in the country, adding that the outcome of the Edo election is a vote of confidence in the Tinubu administration. 

Oyebanji also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring that the people’s votes count, stressing that democracy is taking a firm root in the country, with the electorate being able to reward political parties and candidates, appropriately with their votes. 

He called on the Okpebholo, the Governor-elect and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to be magnanimous in victory and extend hands of fellowship to their opponents in the election.

Oyebanji also urged the Governor- elect to see his election as a call to serve, urging him to implement people-oriented programmes and policies that would bring progress and prosperity to the people. 

“The Edo people have spoken clearly and loudly. Hearty congratulations to my brother, the Governor- elect, Monday Okoebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa. 

“The victory is also a vote of confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has deepened our democracy. It is victory of our party APC and indeed victory for democracy. 

“It is a new day in Edo State and I congratulate the people of the state for returning the state to the progressives fold”, the Governor added.

Oyebanji Bags Marketing Edge Outstanding Governor Award for Inclusive Leadership.

Oyebanji Bags Marketing Edge Outstanding Governor Award for Inclusive Leadership.

The management of Marketing Edge Magazine and organizers of the EDGE Awards, has named Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as 'Outstanding Governor of the Year for Inclusive Leadership and Grassroots Development' in the 2024 edition of its annual awards and recognitions.

Oyebanji, who will mark his two years in office in October this year, was unanimously voted for the coveted category by the team of assessors and Editorial Board who painstakingly evaluated the governor's approach to governance, development and leadership, alongside other governors in Nigeria.

The organizers who disclosed this in a statement which was signed by the Editor-in-Chief of the country's number 1 Marketing Journal, John Ajayi, at the weekend, stated that the award was given to the Governor Oyebanji in recognition and celebration of his political credentials as a respected technocrat and renowned public servant, who has not only impacted the people of the state with laudable projects and policies but has also used his exalted position to redefine governance by promoting peace and uniting leaders across the states, irrespective of their political and social backgrounds.

The management of Marketing Edge Magazine noted Oyebanji's sterling performances as the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, in which office he has distinguished himself through exemplary inclusiveness in governance, as well as his result-oriented, transformative turn-around in the infrastructural landscape of the state, particularly in projects and policies that engender grassroots development across the state.  

The statement said, "In the last two years running, Governor Oyebanji distinguished himself through exemplary continuing and result-oriented, transformative turnaround in the infrastructural landscape of the state.

"Your Excellency parades a record that is already speaking for itself and is being applauded recognized and celebrated across Nigeria and beyond, over the years," the statement stated.

Continuing, the organizers stated that they have watched with keen interest Oyebanji's administration’s consistent and result-driven initiatives in the areas of youths empowerment through employment creation, agricultural development and his daring moves to generate employment and boost personnel capacity in guaranteeing a successful educational development in the state.

According to the management of , Marketing Edge Magazine, these and several other laudable initiatives are no mean feat despite the current economic situation in the country.

While congratulating the governor on his outstanding achievements in the last two years, the statement indicated that the 21st anniversary of the Nigeria’s leading brand-focused marketing and advertising publication, would be used to confer an award on Oyebanji.Other eminent Nigerians like Chief Oluwole Olanipekun, SAN , Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu, Lagos State Governor and top industry leaders and captains of Industries are billed to attend the event scheduled to hold at Sheraton Balmoral Convention Center , Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday 28th September , 2024.