Take charge of security architecture in your areas, EKSG tells council chairmen .

Take charge of security architecture in your areas, EKSG tells council chairmen .

Ekiti state government has called on chairmen of local government areas in the state to be alive to their responsibility of maintaining effective and adequate security of lives of properties in their areas.

The Chairman of the State Security and Intelligence committee, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd) at the third quarterly meeting of the committee on Wednesday stressed the need for council chairmen to synergize with government to bring permanent end to reports of insecurity in the state.

While affirming that Ekiti State has been enjoying relative peace in recent time, Gen. Ogundana, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, condemned in its entirety the current wave of kidnapping and insecurity in some areas, assuring residents that government was already on top of the situation as it has beefed up security on all fronts to ensure protection of lives and properties of innocent residents.

He hinged the security problem the state is facing on incursion from neighbouring states that has high level of insecurity. He, however, added that government was already taking action to curtail the embarrassing situation through various proactive measures government is taking in that directions. 

Describing the kidnapping incident that happened between Isan and Iludun as unfortunate, Gen Ogundana however stated that there was a swift response from the Commandant of Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti who detailed a patrol team that was able to rescue the victim who was shot by taking him to the hospital.

“You observed well that we have been enjoying relative peace in the state, but early this week, we woke up to some ugly news. That is why Governor Oyebanji directed that this meeting should be convened. We shall also convey a meeting of the security agencies and other stakeholders to review our security architecture and arrangement so that we can control some of these security challenges we are facing.

 “I am using this opportunity to assure all residents of Ekiti state that the Governor is up to the task and as one of his primary responsibilities, which is to protect lives and properties, he is up to the task with security agencies he put in place, the security structure that we have in Ekiti state today which had been making everyone to sleep with their two eyes closed. 

“Problems are bound to happen, but it is the ability to respond to it that is needed. And we assure you that Mr Governor is capable with his security team to ensure that we have peace in Ekiti state”. He stated.

Also briefing Journalists, Ekiti state Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Oluwasegun Ojo said council chairmen were already collaborating strategically with a number of security agencies in their efforts to ensure effective policing at the grassroots.

Ojo, who is the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government assured residents of protection of lives and property as he restated critical roles security play in socio-economic development of the direction. 

Present at the meeting which took place at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Ofrice, Ado-Ekiti were chairmen of the local government areas and local Council Development areas.

Oyebanji building legacy of good governance, excellent performance – Elebute-Halle.

Oyebanji building legacy of good governance,  excellent performance – Elebute-Halle.

A former Governorship candidate in Ekiti state, Mrs Kemi Elebute-Halle has commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for building a legacy of good governance and excellent performance through the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Elebute-Halle, who stated this in Oye Ekiti during a tour of local government areas by the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji also commended the effectiveness and workability of continuity agenda in the state, saying it has enhanced rapid development. 

Speaking to Journalists in Oye Ekiti, Elebute-Halle stated that Governor Oyebanji’s stand on women inclusiveness in governance has also confirmed the importance the administration attached to women development and empowerment by adding value to their lives through the establishment of adire hub, widows’ support and other initiatives that have put Ekiti women in front burner of politics and governance in Nigeria.

She assured that women of the state are solidly behind Oyebanji administration and will do everything to ensure that he wins the next election 100 percent. She added that Governor Oyebanji is a good product  that must be marketed for the world to see.

“At first, when I contested and people mentioned continuity, I was one of the people that stood against it. Continuity of what, but this continuity is working now. You see, BAO government is actually laying a very good legacy in government and in governance, he has stood out as Omoluabi of Ekiti state, irrespective of his party affiliation, we all know that APC is at the top of politics in Nigeria. But if you want to rank governors, even among APC governors, if there is anything above 100 percent, you give it to BAO.

“Our governor is improving infrastructure, carrying all political parties along irrespective of where you come from, some people call him ‘dobale governor’ and we have seen some governors who are arrogant, whom will you prefer among them, those who messed up traditional institution with no respect for Obas or community leaders. And I want to appreciate Mr President for giving us a governor well-deserved in Ekiti state, a governor that has combined humility with service, governor of the people.

“You know, a good market doesn’t need advertisement, but sometimes, a good market has to be put out to the world to see and not kept in the room. So, we that have seen what he has done in Ekiti state, we are saying we appreciate him, and most especially the gesture of the wife of the governor for counting the women worthy, inclusion of women have been what women all over the world have craved for and for Ekiti, there has always been inclusion of women in governance because BAO understands the importance of women in politics and governance.”

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