Oyebanji Pays Respect to Departed Elemure, Warns Against Infighting.

Oyebanji Pays Respect to Departed Elemure, Warns Against Infighting.

In demonstration of his enormous respect for the traditional institution, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday, paid respect to the departed Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, who recently joined his ancestors after suffering undisclosed illness.

The monarch, who was a retired Police Commissioner and one of the Pelupelu Obas, the highest in the hierarchy of Ekiti traditional rulers, died on May 30, 2024, after reigning for 16 years.

Speaking in Emure Ekiti during the final outing service held in honour of the late monarch, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, urged the community to prioritise peace and eschew infighting that can exacerbate the insecurity being witnessed in the town during the selection process.

Oyebanji, who sympathised with the family and community, said they should take solace in the fact that the late monarch's reign ushered in unprecedented development into the community.

On the likelihood of emerging fierce battle to fill the vacant stool, Oyebanji warned that such should be prevented to avert internal crisis that can stoke disunity and rancour capable of destabilizing the town.

"There is nothing to gain under the atmosphere of crisis. I appeal to you to allow the will of God prevails in who fills the vacant stool. Only God can anoint a king that will make this town great for you.

"Oba Adebayo was a king who stood for peace and development. He was nice and honest. I want you to keep his legacies glowing and shining for the benefit of all of you", the governor counseled.

On the government's entourage were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, among other officials at the state and local government levels. 

In his submission, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti and Chairman, Ekiti State Council of  Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, described the departed monarch as a honest and dependable man, who lived a life of sacrifice for his people.

Oba Faboro urged the town to begin the process for the selection of a new monarch in earnest, saying they shouldn't place high premium on money, but honour and honesty in appointing a new monarch that will replace the deceased monarch.

"I was close to Kabiyesi during his lifetime. He was friendly and honest. In fact, his life was full of fulfilment from his background to his careers and his time as a king. This town witnessed tremendous development under his reign.

"The entire kings of Ekiti urged me to tell you that you shouldn't waste time in selecting a new monarch. You know that if you don't have a king, you may not develop as expected. But in selecting a new king, don't place priority on money, but look for a good, honest and honourable man. God will help you".

Speaking on behalf of the family, Prof Williams Adebayo, applauded the state government for its solidarity and love during the reign of Oba Adebayo, saying such gesture was still being demonstrated after the monarch's demise. 

Enthralled by the large number of the people at the spiritual event, the academic, said the mammoth crowd further substantiated the widespread impression that the late monarch served the town with honour and dignity .

In his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye, appealed to the town to form a united front against kidnappers and killers terrorising the people  along Emure-Eporo-Emure Ile road.

The Cleric urged the town to sustain the good legacies Oba Adebayo left behind, describing this as the best way to get the requisite consolation after losing such a priceless and distinguishable  monarch .

OYEBANJI COMMISERATES WITH AKWA IBOM GOV OVER WIFE’S DEATH.

OYEBANJI COMMISERATES WITH AKWA IBOM GOV OVER WIFE’S DEATH.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has commiserated with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his wife,  Mrs Patience Umo Eno.

The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Mrs Eno’s death as a monumental loss not only to Governor Eno’s immediate family, but to Akwa Ibom State and the  entire country.

Governor Oyebanji said he received the news of the demise of the Akwa Ibom First Lady with extreme shock and deep sorrow describing her loss as unfortunate and devastating. 

He said the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Ekiti State are with the government and people of Akwa Ibom State who are in a state of mourning on the transition of the state’s First Lady.

Governor Oyebanji said the absence of the Akwa Ibom Governor's wife will be sorely felt by children, women, physically challenged and the vulnerable segment of the population of her state whom she had so far touched during her husband's tenure.

He described Mrs Eno as a godly, compassionate, generous and virtuous woman and a devout Christian who served God and humanity to the best of her ability in her lifetime.

Governor Oyebanji urged Governor Eno to keep his faith steady and strong in God during this period of grief, noting that it is only the Almighty that can sustain the bereaved who is mourning the death of a loved one.

"On behalf of my wife, Olayemi, my family, the Government and the people of Ekiti State, we express our condolences on the passage of our dear Mrs Eno. May God grant the deceased eternal repose and give Governor Eno, his family the government and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.", the Governor added.

A Lifetime of Dedication and Service: Celebrating the Retirement of Engr. Fatukasi S. Tope.

A Lifetime of Dedication and Service: Celebrating the Retirement of Engr. Fatukasi S. Tope.

By Gabriel Adesoji.

As the sun sets on an illustrious career, the Ekiti State Civil Service bids a fond farewell to a true luminary, Engr. Fatukasi S. Tope. With unwavering dedication and an unparalleled commitment to excellence, Engr. Fatukasi has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Ekiti State, both literally and figuratively.

Born on July 17th in the early 1970s to the esteemed family of Pa Joseph Dada and Mrs. E. Fatukasi, Engr. Fatukasi's journey began with humble beginnings in Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Driven by a passion for knowledge and a desire to serve, he embarked on a path of educational excellence, honing his skills and cementing his reputation as a distinguished engineer.

Engr. Fatukasi's educational journey is a testament to his perseverance and determination. He commenced his elementary education at the Our Saviour's Anglican Primary School in Owena, Idanre/Ifedore Local Government, Ondo State. Thereafter, he attended the Oke-Osun Muslim Grammar School in Osogbo before progressing to the prestigious Imade College Owo (Great IMACO) in Ondo State for his secondary education.

Recognizing the potential within, Engr. Fatukasi joined the Ondo State Civil Service in 1989 as a Road Labourer, where his exceptional performance caught the attention of the Military in Governor's Office. In 1991, he was seconded to the Signal Section, preparing for the handover to civilian administration.

Undeterred, Engr. Fatukasi continued his educational pursuits, studying Civil Engineering at the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, and the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, on a self-sponsored basis. His commitment to professional development led him to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ado-Ekiti, now the Ekiti State University, in 2010 and 2015, respectively. Further solidifying his credentials, he pursued advanced studies at the prestigious University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard Campus) in South Africa.

Engr. Fatukasi's professional accomplishments are a testament to his exceptional abilities. He is a Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), and a COREN Registered Engineer. He has served the NSE, Ado-Ekiti branch, in various capacities, including as the Public Relations Officer from 2010 to 2012.

Engr. Fatukasi's impact on the Ekiti State landscape is undeniable. He was the driving force behind the opening and construction of the Awo-Ara Road, a project that overcame the challenges of a highly undulating and difficult topography. His expertise was also instrumental in the design and supervision of the Fayose Market, which was situated in a swamped location.

As a pioneer member, Engr. Fatukasi played a crucial role in the design and supervision of the ongoing Ekiti State Cargo Airport project. Additionally, he has been instrumental in the rehabilitation and construction of numerous major and minor roads throughout Ekiti State, serving as the State Engineer under the leadership of former Governor Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and the current Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

Engr. Fatukasi's contributions extend beyond his professional accomplishments. He is a dedicated minister of God, happily married, and blessed with children. His humble and approachable nature has earned him the admiration and respect of all who have had the privilege of working with him.

As Engr. Fatukasi embarks on his well-deserved retirement, the Ekiti State Civil Service and the broader community bid him a heartfelt farewell. His legacy of excellence, dedication, and service will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come. As I joined his friends, colleagues and Family to celebrate Engr. Fatukasi's remarkable achievements and express our sincere gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our beloved State.

Gabriel ADESOJI (ANGELGABBY)

S.A New Media to Ekiti State Governor

Ekiti Gov's wife hails First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu's Food Bank, ICT Initiatives for Women.

Ekiti Gov's wife hails First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu's Food Bank, ICT Initiatives for Women.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji has praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her various interventions in Ekiti, including delivery of a trailer load of foodstuff for women under her Food Bank Initiative.

Addressing women during her visit to Ekiti Southwest and Ikere local government areas of the state on Thursday, Dr. Oyebanji announced that Ekiti women also benefitted from the First Lady’s initiative including distribution of fertilizers to women farmers, ₦50,000 grant for 1,000 women, and establishment of an ICT center at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti among others. 

She attributed this support to the strong relationship between Governor Biodun Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which she said has resulted in several investment opportunities and infrastructure upgrade in the state.

“The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has a foundation, Renew Hope Initiative, a platform to reach out to children, women and vulnerable in our society, and wives of the 36 states Governors are the coordinators at the state level. So, whatever mama is going to give to women in any state, she will channel it through the wives of the governors. 

“A typical example is the empowerment of female farmers where 20 women farmers were drawn from each of the states and the First Lady empowered them with five hundred thousand Naira each. Another one is fifty million Naira that mama put in each of the thirty six states called traders’ money set aside for small business owners, and in Ekiti state, that money was given to 1000 business owners”. She explained.

The Governor’s wife reassured women that her office is committed to their welfare, particularly in addressing gender-based violence, urging them to report cases of abuse to her office, stressing that her office remains open and unbiased, regardless of political affiliation.

She also restated her unalloyed commitment to women empowerment and development, adding that her various projects has successfully produced young Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) excelling in various sectors including Adire making.

Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that 600 youths from the three senatorial Districts have been trained through the Adire Ekiti hub are now manufacturing Adire fabrics in large quantities, serving both local and international demands.

The Governor's wife emphasized that the initiative has not only created self-employment opportunities for youths but also aligned with the zero-capital flight policy of Governor Oyebanji's administration, disclosing all food items distributed to women during the tour totaling N20 million were sourced locally, from artisans and farmers across Ekiti.

In her address,  the Deputy Governor,  Chief Monisade Afuye promised more dividends of democracy to the people in Ekiti Southwest  and Ikere local governments . She also promised those that had benefited from the present administration to contribute meaningfully to the development of their immediate environment.

She said Governor Oyebanji would not hesitate to remove any market woman who conspired against the present Government by making life difficult for the people. 

The Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe tasked women not to relent on their support for the present administration and promised them more political offices  as there are still boards appointments that would soon be announced.

Also on the entourage of the first lady  were  former Commissioner for Cukture and Tourism, Chief (Mrs.) Ronke Okunsanya; Mrs Fola Richie-Adewusi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi; and Special Advisers Hon. Yemisi Ayokunle and Chief Mrs. Kemi Olaleye, among others.

Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Boosts Youth Development in Ekiti South West.

Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Boosts Youth Development in Ekiti South West.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 at the green chamber, has launched the second phase of his farm empowerment project in Ogotun Ekiti.

The 5-hectare farm, part of a 20-hectare land generously donated by the Ologotun of Ogotun, aims to improve the lives of 32 constituents in Ekiti South West, specifically in Ilawe, Igbara Odo, and Ogotun Ekiti. The project focuses on cultivating high-demand crops, starting with pepper, and provides training, resources, and support to enhance livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.

"Agriculture is not just a means of livelihood but a pathway to economic empowerment," emphasized Hon. Ojuawo.

This initiative builds on the success of the Ogbese Empowerment Farm, which benefited Ikere and Ise/Orun local governments. The Ojuawo Empowerment Farm demonstrates Hon. Ojuawo's commitment to community empowerment through sustainable agriculture, paving the way for a brighter economic future in his constituency.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Governors Oyebanji, Sanwo-Olu , Ex- NBA President Olanipekun for EDGE AWARDS.

Governors Oyebanji, Sanwo-Olu , Ex- NBA President Olanipekun for EDGE AWARDS.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji;  his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) will lead other prominent dignitaries and industry giants at the 2024 Marketing Edge’s  Brands and Advertising Excellence Award in Lagos on Saturday. 

According to a release by Mr John Ajayi, the  CEO Marketing Edge Magazine, organisers of the event which is slated to hold at the Balmoral Convention Center, Ikeja, Governor Oyebanji will be presented the Governor of the Year Award (Inclusive Leadership and Grassroots Development), in recognition of his sterling performance as Governor of Ekiti State in the last two years as well as his unique leadership style, which has brought peace, progress and developement in the state. 

Governor Sanwo- Olu of Lagos State will also receive the Grand Prix Political Leadership Award in recognition of his exceptional performance as a public servant of repute. 

Also Chief Olanipekun will be conferred with the EDGE Lifetime Achievement Award in Law. The award is in recognition and appreciation and celebration of life-long professional and entrepreneurial odyssey in the Legal profession in Nigeria and across other jurisdictions beyond the shores of the country. 

MARKETING EDGE, Nigeria’s leading brand-focused marketing and advertising publication, has been at the vanguard of brand journalism in the last twenty-one years. During this period, the publication has served as a witness to the fortunes of players and gladiators in the integrated marketing communications industry, and has positioned the magazine as a valuable and veritable source of intelligence on the evolution, growth and development of the industry in Nigeria. MARKETING EDGE has, through these two major events, recognized, rewarded and celebrated deserving brands, companies, agencies and personalities.

We Are In Ekiti to Create Jobs, Grow Economy - Olajide.

We Are In Ekiti to Create Jobs, Grow Economy - Olajide.

 ....as Traditional ruler, Commissioner, Hail Cavista's investment.

The Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr. John Olajide has reaffirmed his company's commitment to creating jobs, growing the economy, and developing the Ekiti communities.

Mr. Olajide made this disclosure on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, at the annual public lecture/award ceremony and launching of digital journalism tools organized by the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State.

Represented by the Director, Community Engagement at Cavista Holdings, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, Olajidw emphasized Cavista Holdings' dedication to transforming lives and creating value among the people through significant investments in agriculture and hospitality sectors

"Our presence in Ekiti is a testament to our commitment to create jobs, grow the economy, and develop the community," Olajide said. "At Cavista Holdings, we believe our investments should positively impact the communities where we operate."

Cavista's investments in Agbeyewa Farm and Glocient Hospitality, owners of Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Center, aim to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and showcase Ekiti's beauty and potential.

Olajide explained that Agbeyewa Farm is revolutionizing agriculture in Ekiti by introducing modern farming techniques and empowering local farmers through its outgrower program.

"Glocient Hospitality's Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Center offers luxury and comfort, promoting tourism and showcasing Ekiti's natural beauty," he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, commended Cavista Holdings for its agricultural strides in Ekiti, ensuring food security and job creation.

"Ekiti State needs more investors like Cavista Holdings," Oba Olatunde said. "Their commitment to agriculture and hospitality will have a lasting impact on our state."

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, praised the Cavista giant for his investment strides in Ekiti State, Nigeria and around the world. He described  Olajide's strides in agriculture as the best in the history of the Agricultural Revolution in the State.

"He also eulogies the remarkable roles the Ekiti NUJ Chapel has played in shaping public discourse and holding leaders accountable.

Dignitaries awarded at the event included Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun, Commissioner Adesola Gold Adedayo, and Prince Adewole Adebayo.