EKSG Completes Construction of 90 Toilets and Bathrooms at NYSC Camp.

EKSG Completes Construction of 90 Toilets and Bathrooms at NYSC Camp.

Ekiti State Government has completed the construction of nine public conveniences, comprising five toilets and five bathrooms each, at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Ise-Emure. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Adesola Gold Adedayo, during an inspection of the project. He noted that the construction was in its final stages and would be fully ready before the next batch of Corps members began orientation.

Mr Adedayo expressed gratitude to Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development, for his significant support in enhancing the camp's facilities. He also revealed that, in collaboration with the Senate Committee, the state had installed 30 solar-powered poles to improve lighting at the camp. This project marks the first phase of a broader effort to revamp the camp, following Governor Biodun Oyebanji's directive to conduct integrity tests on all structures within the facility. The governor remains committed to ensuring a conducive environment for the orientation of Corps members.

"This is the first phase of the Governor’s intervention to give this camp a facelift," Mr Adedayo said. "We deeply appreciate His Excellency, our youth-loving governor, for his swift response. After the unfortunate incident here, the governor approved the construction of the toilets and the integrity test on all the buildings. There are more interventions on the way."

The Commissioner highlighted that this is the most significant development the camp has seen since its inception, noting that it addresses long-standing challenges that had previously been overlooked. "This is the first time since the establishment of this camp that we’ve received such a comprehensive intervention," he added. "We are grateful to Governor Oyebanji for addressing these issues head-on."

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun reiterated the government's commitment to transforming the Permanent Orientation Camp into a vibrant hub with safe and comfortable accommodation and clean and hygienic facilities. He assured that the state would continue prioritising the welfare of indigenes and non-indigenes residing temporarily or permanently in Ekiti.

Other officials present during the inspection included the Special Adviser, Independent Project Monitoring Office (IPMO), Mr Olufemi Ajayi; the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr James Folorunso; and the Director General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Engr. (Dr.) John Ekundayo.

#BAOGovernance 

#SharedProsperity

 #KeepingEkitiWorking

Fayose's Women's Support Group Endorses Oyebanji's Continuity in Ilejemeje, Ekiti State.

Fayose's Women's Support Group Endorses Oyebanji's Continuity in Ilejemeje, Ekiti State.

In a significant development, Ilejemeje has followed in the footsteps of Emure and Gboyin in Ekiti State politics. The women's support group associated with opposition leader and former Governor Ayo Fayose in Ilejemeje Local Government has announced their endorsement of the current Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for continuity following their Emure and Gboyin LGAs women endorsements.

Former Governor Fayose, a prominent figure in the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor of Ekiti State under the PDP, the major opposition party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has openly supported the continuity of the current government.

Bisola Ogunmodede (Bisengy), the Ilejemeje LGA leader of the Osoko women's wing under Fayose's leadership, led contingents of women who displayed banners signifying their steadfast support for Governor Oyebanji until 2030. They mobilized in significant numbers to welcome the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, during her interaction with the women of Ilejemeje LGA, similar to Emure and Gboyin as part of her ongoing tour of Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Bisengy, who serves as the health supervisor in Ilejemeje Local Government, expressed confidence in the BAO-led administration and thanked Her Excellency for her visit to the local government. She praised the First Lady for her nurturing role played throughout the state, ensuring and assuring that the continuity of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is non-negotiable. She stated that Osoko, our leader, has directed the women's wings to mobilize extensively, as evidenced by our activities in Emure, Gbonyin, and now Ilejemeje, with the promise of an even larger turnout in Ado-Ekiti women's engagement.

In her response, the First lady Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji acknowledged and appreciated the women, pledging to continue the partnership with women across the state.

Ekiti Govt Insists on Neutrality, Due Process in Oba's Selection.

Ekiti Govt Insists on Neutrality, Due Process in Oba's Selection.

The Ekiti State Government, has assured the residents of its avowed commitment to the doctrines of neutrality and strict adherence to due process of the law in the selection of traditional rulers to inject peace and stability into the system.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the assurance on Thursday, while playing host to a delegation from Araromi Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area, led by the newly installed Alararomi, Oba Adebomi Babalola, who paid a visit to her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

The stakeholders paid a visit to the Deputy Governor to thank the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration over the peaceful installation of a new Alararomi in spite of the initial dingdongs that dogged the installation process. 

To fasttrack development into the community , Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, urged the new monarch to put the fierce tussle experienced with other contestants behind, and unite the residents for him to have a memorable and glorious reign.

The Deputy Governor was emphatic that what the government did during  the installation process aligned fully with the Ekiti State Chiefs Law, saying the government was neutral and unbiased in the whole saga.

Mrs Afuye described Governor Oyebanji as an avid lover of peace and due process, saying nothing will neither make him waver nor compromise the process for the  selection of a traditional ruler in any town. 

"We were not biased in the selection of your monarch. We worked based on what the kingmakers did and brought to us. Governor Oyebanji had always been saying it that the government will not impose traditional rulers on the people. Whoever we are going to put there must enjoy the approval of his subjects", she stated.

Mrs Afuye promised that the government will extend to the town basic  infrastructural facilities that can boost development in Araromi Ekiti to complement the efforts being intensified by the monarch to attract  development to the town.

In his submission, Oba Babalola, applauded the government for being insistent on due process in his emergence, describing this as largely responsible for the relative peace being enjoyed in the town after the installation. 

Meanwhile, the monarch was impassionate about the allotment of political appointments to his subjects by the current administration to give them a sense of belonging,  stating that the community has quality  products who can make the state proud if considered. 

The monarch called for the restoration of electricity to the town and neighbouring communities  after 10 years of power outage, while appealing for expeditious action on the reconstruction of Iropora-Araromi-Epe road to ease transportation along that axis.

The monarch said: "I am here to say thank you to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for restoring peace and install a monarch in the community. We know the value of your action, because any town without a traditional ruler will a suffer serious setback in terms of development. 

"Within this short time we ascended the throne, I want to appreciate the government for sinking two boreholes in Araromi community. I am also making passionate appeal for the construction of security post, provision of pipe borne water and reconstruction of Iropora-Araromi-Epe road".

EKITI RETURNING TO AWOLOWO'S FARM SETTLEMENT ERA TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY, SAYS OYEBANJI.

EKITI RETURNING TO AWOLOWO'S FARM SETTLEMENT ERA TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY, SAYS OYEBANJI.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has said his administration is returning the state to the farm settlement era witnessed in the old Western Region under the leadership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in order to boost agriculture and food security.

The Governor who utilized the Independence anniversary public holiday to undertake a visit to young farmers in three cluster areas in the state, on Tuesday disclosed this during his visit to the Ikere Farm settlement. He also said construction work on ultramodern dormitories at the farm settlements would commence within the next three weeks. 

About 930 youths are involved in the youth agriculture scheme known as “ Bring Back Youth into Agriculture” being carried out the state government in collaboration with a private entity YSJ Farms. Under the scheme the Government provides land to the young farmers, assists them with land clearing and seedlings as well as agric extension services among others. It also has an arrangement to buy their products for storage purposes. 

The Governor said he was determined to invest hugely in agriculture, as a form of empowerment for the youths, to ensure food security and to drive industrialization. He stressed that revamping the old farm settlement strategy of the late Chief Awolowo was the only way to ensure the young farmers stay on the farms and maximize government’s support for the scheme. 

Governor Oyebanji also made stopovers at some farms and took time to personally interact with farmers and asked of their needs which he drew the attention of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade to for prompt action.

The proposed dormitories for the young farmers, according to him, would have facilities like sitting rooms, kitchens, security posts, sick bays, among others in his administration's bid to attract more young farmers into agribusiness and turn the state into a huge agriculture hub.

The three clusters visited by the Governor and some officials included those in Eporo-Emure, Ikere and Aramoko-Erio where he monitored the young farmers who are participating in one of the agricultural initiatives of his administration “Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture. 

Oyebanji also assured of the readiness of his administration to expedite action on other requests of the young farmers which include motorable roads, security at the locations and provision of vehicles and motorcycles to aid mobility of the participants.

The Governor had to defy the challenge of muddy and swampy terrain posed by the road which led to the Aramoko-Erio cluster by hopping on a motorcycle in his determined bid to reach the young farmers who were excited by his gesture of getting to the place to pay them a morale-boosting visit.

Oyebanji who had earlier paid visits to Oke Ako, Iyemero and Igede Farm Settlements over the weekend, said it was unacceptable for the people of the State to be complaining of hunger and be queuing up for palliative materials when the State is blessed with arable land, stressing that a paradigm shift has just begun with his administration's investment in agriculture.

He described agriculture as a lucrative business noting that farmers are among the richest set of people in developed economies pointing out that the participating youths in particular and the state in general would reap bountiful harvest in agribusiness in the long run.

The Governor assured the youths of security in all the clusters visited, adding that a massive security cordon has been woven around the locations which he said would be consolidated upon to eliminate all forms of criminality in the area. 

He commended the Chief Executive Officer of YSJ Farms, Mrs Yemisi Joluwe, for partnering with his administration to take agriculture to a higher pedestal.

Oyebanji explained that with the massive clearing of land for agricultural purposes carried out by his administration, the stage has been set for the resuscitation of farm settlements established during under the leadership of Awolowo to ensure mass production of food for location consumption, export and provision of job opportunities for the teeming youths.

“The land we are returning to now were last cleared by Chief Awolowo during his time as Premier in Western Region.

"This is the beginning of greater things that will happen in Ekiti State. Western Region was renowned for agriculture under Chief Awolowo and he developed Western Region without oil money and we had food surplus in those days. With what we are doing with our youths now, we are returning to the era of Awolowo's farm settlements.

"In Ekiti State, only six local government chairmen have keyed into this initiative. I want to ask other local government chairmen that have not keyed into this project to do so. Within the next three weeks, construction of the dormitories will start. We now have more youths showing interest in the scheme, they will have that opportunity to join in the next stage once we get more land”, the Governor added . 

The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, who lauded the Governor's vision to invest in agriculture pledged the support of his kingdom for the project and charged the youths of the town who are participants in the scheme to work hard and justify their inclusion.

In all the three locations visited by the Governor, the participants including Margaret Basorun, Olu Okeya, Kolawole Ganiyu and Folasade Filani hailed the state government and YSJ for giving them a platform for self development and to contribute to the state economy.

Excitement as Ojuawo Inspects Farm Inputs Initiative in Ogotun-Ekiti.

Excitement as Ojuawo Inspects Farm Inputs Initiative in Ogotun-Ekiti. 

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, inspected the farm inputs initiative in Ogotun-Ekiti on Monday. The project, aimed at empowering 32 people in Ekiti South West (Ilawe, Igbara Odo, and Ogotun Ekiti), involves nursing pepper at Ogbese farm and transplanting it to Ogotun.

Accompanied by his aides, Hon. Ojuawo expressed delight at the initiative's progress, citing its alignment with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's agricultural revolution vision.

"My passion for constituents' development through agricultural revolution is to train youths in various means of better living, enabling them to feed their communities," he emphasized.

Key Highlights:

- Empowerment Through Agriculture: 32 people in Ekiti South West will benefit

- Community Development: 5-hectare farm, part of a 20-hectare land donated by the Ologotun of Ogotun

- Economic Growth: Focus on high-demand crops, starting with pepper, to enhance livelihoods and stimulate economic growth

- Sustainable Agriculture: Builds on Ogbese Empowerment Farm's success, benefiting Ikere and Ise/Orun local governments

Agriculture is not just a means of livelihood but a pathway to economic empowerment," Hon. Ojuawo stressed, reaffirming his commitment to community empowerment through sustainable agriculture.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

OYEBANJI EXPRESSES DELIGHT IN EKITI'S GIANT STRIDES IN ANNIVERSARY BROADCAST.

OYEBANJI EXPRESSES DELIGHT IN EKITI'S GIANT STRIDES IN ANNIVERSARY BROADCAST.

...Hails President Tinubu's Unflinching Support.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed satisfaction with giant strides made by the State since it was created as a political entity exactly 28 years ago.

The Governor noted that the creation of the State on 1st October, 1996 has accelerated the development of Ekiti land which has culminated into the state becoming a trail blazer in every aspect of human development under his watch as the chief executive in the last two years.

Addressing the people of the State in a broadcast to mark the 28th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State and the 64th anniversary of the nation's Independence, Governor Oyebanji also hailed President Bola Tinubu for his unflinching support for Ekiti development since coming to power on 29th May, 2023.

Governor Oyebanji said Ekiti is "grateful for President Tinubu's numerous interventions and approval of critical federal infrastructure in the State and his support especially in tackling security challenges that confronted us early in the year." He noted that the presidential intervention has provided Ekiti with the right atmosphere for its growth as a  State. 

He used the opportunity of the broadcast to eulogize the former Military Administrators and former elected Governors who had held office before him for their contribution to the growth and development of the State on which his administration is presently building.

The Governor paid respect to the Founding Fathers especially Royal Fathers who championed the struggles for the creation of Ekiti State through the Committee for the creation of Ekiti State under the chairmanship of Chief Deji Fasuan. He also appreciated Aare Afe Babalola for his contribution towards the actualization of the Ekiti Project.

While paying tributes to traditional rulers and other Ekiti patriots for their roles in the struggle for the creation of the State, Governor Oyebanji also hailed the Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus under the leadership of Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Ekiti State use of Assembly, the State Executive Council and other political office holders for adding value to governance.

Making reference to empirical evidence of social and economic growth being witnessed in the Land of Honour, Governor Oyebanji stated that Ekiti is building a robust profile on all indexes of development attested to by recent figures released by Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which was realized through the robust implementation of his administration's six-pillar development agenda.

He said: "There is no doubt the creation of Ekiti State has accelerated the development of Ekitiland. Today, we are more than happy to affirm that Ekiti is now a trailblazer in every aspect of human development index, with those who started before us, now struggling to catch up with us in critical development indices.  

"For instance, in the recent data on education by the National Bureau of Statistics, Ekiti was adjudged the second most literate State after Lagos in the South West and one of the most literate in Nigeria. Similarly, the same Bureau also reported that Ekiti has the least out-of-school children in the South West. 

"We are very proud to say Ekiti is a front-liner in education, life expectancy, access to quality healthcare services, physical infrastructure development, access to water, peaceful co-existence, ease-of-doing business, gender equality, social inclusion among others. Gradually and assuredly, Ekiti is building a formidable profile of a progressive and development-oriented State that is poised for prosperity for all.

While acknowledging some challenges being faced in the governance of the State, including macroeconomic, security and infrastructural challenges and low industrial presence, the Governor said the six-pillar agenda of his administration was carefully crafted and is already yielding fruits across all sectors.

He added: "To respond to this, we came up with the Six Pillars of Administration with the primary objective of ensuring a shared prosperity for all. It is gratifying to note that our efforts are already yielding fruits across all sectors. We are not only meeting targets, we have surpassed targets in many instances.

"We believe in inclusive growth and sustainable development without leaving anyone behind. As it can be seen in our efforts so far, our Government is very focused and strategic in our development drive. We want to ensure every policy and programme of Government is connected to the chains of Ekiti Development Master Plan and the Six Pillars of Administration to deliver the shared prosperity promise. 

"We are also deliberate  in our plan that every Government spending must lead to job creation, inclusive growth and sustainable development. In the last two years since we came on board, we are glad to report that we have made some giant strides in different aspects of administration in accordance with our social contract with Ekiti people.  

"Law and order is the primary responsibility of every government, Accordingly, we have made security of life and property our topmost priority. As a State, we have, like many other parts of the country, had to contend with occasional opportunistic attacks of ‘hit-and-run” kidnappers, I am glad that we have been able to bring  them to book while we continue to do our best to prevent future recurrence.

 

"Similarly, we have been able to end the frightful incidence of street hoodlums who troubled the city of Ado-Ekiti in recent months. We have arrested them and they are currently facing trial. I therefore want to assure you that we will continue to do our best to protect you while we also appeal to you to help the Government by providing helpful information that can assist the security agencies to prevent and fight crimes in our dear State." 

The Governor assured the people of the State of his commitment to the social contract he has with them stressing that the people's welfare and wellbeing remain the sole pursuit of his administration expressing gratitude to their trust in his leadership.

28th Anniversary: You Haven't Disappointed Ekiti's Founding Fathers, Ogungbemi Salutes Oyebanji.

28th Anniversary: You Haven't Disappointed Ekiti's Founding Fathers, Ogungbemi Salutes Oyebanji.

.....rallies support for Tinubu as Nigeria marks 64th independence anniversary.

As Ekiti State celebrates 28th anniversary of its creation today, the Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Prince (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi, has praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for gradually fulfilling the vision of the state's founding fathers.

Ogungbemi said Governor Oyebanji, being one of the founding fathers of the state and Secretary, Committee for the creation of Ekiti State, was proving his mettle and acting as a committed patriot ready to bring the vision of the founding fathers to fruition at all costs.

Ogungbemi gave the commendation in a statement released in Ayedun Ekiti, headquarters of the LCDA in commemoration of the 28th anniversary of Ekiti State, having been created on October 1, 1996.

At the national level, Ogungbemi congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians on the country's 64th independence anniversary, urging the citizens to rally round their leaders at all levels, rather than beating war drums that can destabilise the system.

In his congratulatory message, Ogungbemi commended Ekiti citizens for their sacrifices to make the state work in spite of the initial pessimism caused by low socio- economic endowments of the State, describing this as an uncommon  sacrifice and display of patriotism. 

He appealed to the residents to continually support the government in its intensified efforts to make Ekiti greater than the current rating, so that the efforts of its founding fathers can be adequately complemented. 

He said: "As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Day Anniversary and Ekiti State at 28, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the good people of Ajoni Local Council Development Area. 

"Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria and Ekiti State history as we progress in democratic principles and government. I urge everyone to reflect on our collective progress and the promising future ahead.

"As we commemorate this special day, I want to acknowledge the resilience and determination of our community. Your unwavering spirit is the driving force behind our growth and development.

" I encourage you to keep faith with the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's leadership, as we work tirelessly to build a better tomorrow.

"We recognize the challenges of the past but we are committed to overcoming them. The APC led administration both at the national and subnational levels   remains dedicated to delivering essential services, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of all citizens.

"As we move forward, I reassure you that the government of the day is working diligently to address pressing concerns and create opportunities for everyone to thrive. Better days lie ahead, and together, we will achieve greatness.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation".