Agbeyewa Cup 2024: Ekiti Government and Agbeyewa Farms Partners to Boost Youth Football Talent Development.

Agbeyewa Cup 2024: Ekiti Government and Agbeyewa Farms Partners to Boost Youth Football Talent Development.

The Agbeyewa Cup 2024 is shaping up to be more than just a football tournament; it’s a vibrant celebration of youth talent and community spirit. The Ekiti State Ministry of Education, in collaboration with sports coordinators from all 16 Local Government Areas, has injected a fresh wave of enthusiasm into the event.

This year’s tournament features teams from participating secondary schools adorned in high-quality, well-branded jerseys, showcasing the state’s commitment to promoting football and sporting events. 

During a recent meeting with top Ministry officials, it was highlighted that the government is engaging the private sector to enhance the tournament’s impact. This collaboration aims to unearth the best young football talents from across the state. “Agbeyewa will never regret this collaboration,” a Ministry representative stated, emphasizing its role in fostering talent discovery and community involvement.

John Olajide, Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, reinforced his company’s dedication to the tournament, aligning it with their corporate social responsibility mission to nurture young talents. “We are committed to making this tournament a lasting tradition. Our goal is to keep investing in it for the future, ensuring that we bring out the football talent in our youth,” he asserted.

This partnership not only aims to boost local talent but also enhances Agbeyewa’s brand, solidifying its commitment to community development in Ekiti State. With such strong backing, the Agbeyewa Cup 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the region’s sporting calendar.

Don't Make Enemies Over Politics, Oyebanji cautions Ekiti Citizens at budget town hall meeting.

Don't Make Enemies Over Politics, Oyebanji cautions Ekiti Citizens at budget town hall meeting.

....mulls plans for food surplus, bad federal roads.

.....monarchs, youths praise Governor’s budgetary policy.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned citizens of the state against fighting anyone over politics, saying scramble for positions shouldn't be a reason for the citizens to perceive themselves as sworn enemies.

The Governor also said his administration has started providing alternative routes on state roads for motorists to ply to ease inter- state transportation. 

He also said his government would actualise the cultivation of over 5,000 hectares of lands for farming in 2025 season to eliminate food scarcity and spiraling increase in the prices of food commodities in the state. 

Oyebanji stated these on Thursday, during a Citizens' Engagement/Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders, held in Aramoko and Ilawe Ekiti for Ekiti Central and South Senatorial Districts respectively, in preparation of the 2025 budget of Ekiti State. 

The well attended event was graced by critical stakeholders like traditional rulers, politicians, public servants, Local Government Chairmen, youth groups, market men and women, drivers, religious leaders, people living with disabilities, among others. 

Harping on the imperative of  eschewing politics of bitterness, Oyebanji said: "Let me beg all of you as party people, don't allow politics to divide us as Ekiti people.

"Don't let us create enemies for ourselves. Ekiti is one, I believe this and we should all believe it. Let us wait for the right time. At the appropriate time, we will know exactly who is on ground". 

To resolve the bedlams associated with the deplorable  federal roads in the state, Oyebanji declared that state roads identified as  comfortable alternatives were being awarded for reconstruction, while those yet to be touched will be captured in the 2025 budgetary provisions. 

Underscoring the significance of the consultation, Oyebanji stressed  the desire of his administration to be inclusive and participatory, so that the government can be strategic in the implementation of its  development plans as contained on the citizens' priority lists. 

In 2025, Oyebanji said his government will undertake aggressive works in agriculture, infrastructure, arts and culture, tourism, job creation, entertainment industry, security and payment of salary to workers to expand the scope of shared prosperity plans.

He said the fact that the demands made by communities last year were being accorded utmost attention by government signaled that the stakeholders' meeting is not a mere jamboree, but a pragmatic approach to governance. 

"I thank God that since I came on board, I stay connected with our people, which is part of what we are doing today. Though, we are in government, but we may not know all our problems, so this interaction is  necessary. When we wanted votes, we came to you. Nothing should stop us from coming to interact with  you".

He said the state  government has not been able to reconstruct or undertake palliative work on some federal roads, because such money won't be refunded. He however promised  to synergise with federal lawmakers to ensure that those roads  are captured in the 2025 budget. 

"I am assuring you that the Ado-Ijan road had been captured in the 2024 budget, soon the contractor will be mobilised to site. But it remains that of Ado-Aramoko-Ita Ore road. All these will be done, but the federal government can only do one federal road this year. 

"We are going to create alternative roads by making sure that some state roads that can serve as better alternatives are made motorable. If you are going to Ibadan or Akure, we have provided alternative roads. Let our people continue to use these roads until the situation improves", Oyebanji said. 

Highlighting the inclusion policy of his administration, Governor Oyebanji warned parents against locking any child suffering any form of disability at home. He urged them to surrender such wards to the government for proper care and monitoring in the special schools and special centres well equipped for that purpose. 

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, in his presentation, revealed that the consultation,  is an integral part of budget preparation and leeway to interact with communities and groups to deepen  open governance policy that can benefit the grassroots and society.

At the event, all the representatives of the communities articulated and submitted their demands, while applauding Governor Oyebanji for the interactions and commended the government for implementation of the demands contained in the 2023 and 2024 budgets. 

Essentially, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, represented by a scholar, Prof Michael Akindele and some traditional rulers, applauded the governor on the reconstruction of some strategic roads, reinforcing security and ensuring flood control measures in their domains.

Oyebanji wants leadership training entrenched in school curriculum.

Oyebanji wants leadership training entrenched in school curriculum.

....as Foursquare church’s annual lecture focuses on leadership question.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has made a case for the inclusion of leadership training and mentorship into the school curriculum at every cadre of education in the country.

Teaching of leadership and associated values, according to the Governor, would help inculcate the right leadership values and qualities in the younger generation, thereby addressing the leadership question more effectively.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Lagos on Tuesday, in his remarks at the 11th Annual Public lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church, titled: “Leadership in Nigeria and Its Impact on The Next Generation”.

Oyebanji, who chaired the occasion, said Nigeria ought to be futuristic enough to have embedded curriculum that teaches leadership skills and principles, both as practical skills and indoctrinated value in the young population. According to him, if we have identified bad leadership as the bane of the society, it is important to ensure a well structure leadership training for the younger generation.

He spoke just as the Guest Speaker at the lecture and founder The Chair Centre, Mrs Ibukun Awosika and Lagos State Governor, Mr Babjide Sanwo-Olu, also canvassed a deliberate effort at equipping future leaders with necessary values.

According to Oyebanji. “Leadership must be part of the basic everyday skills that every citizen should possess. Leadership training must be as important as basic education for literacy and numeracy. As a nation, we should have embedded curriculum that teaches leadership skills and principles, both as practical skills and indoctrinated values. For me, I believe if you want to change a people, teach them what you want them to change to.

“There is no doubt that a major problem with leadership recruitment in Nigeria is that, people, sometimes, just find themselves in leadership positions without the right aptitude and attitude. For long, Nigerians continue to gamble with leadership selection through try by error system.

“There are those who become leaders by default or by circumstances of privileged pedigree and not because of personal merits. Yet, the best of leaders are those who have been trained, tested and exposed to the nitty-gritty of leadership in addition to their innate ability.

“Leadership is such a serious thing that being certified should be one of the requirements to hold certain strategic positions in the society. Evidence abounds that technical skill on jobs are not enough for people to lead competently; there is the need for real and special training in the art and science of leadership for people to succeed today.

“I therefore subscribe to the argument that people should, of necessity, go through intentional leadership training before they can lead at some certain levels in the society. We all need to be well exposed to the call of leadership and how to manage a mass audience of people with differing characteristics, needs and tendencies.” He said.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said the foregoing propelled his government to introduce Ekiti Values Education (EVE) into the curriculum as a way of identifying  those with high propensity to lead in future at their tender age, adding that the domestication of this concept as part of educational development, was to make Ekiti a model in leadership among  the next generations of Nigerians.

"In Ekiti, we are already doing this. As a State that is serious about preparing the next generation of leaders from today, we have evolved a ’catch-them-young’ curriculum that prepares our future leaders for leadership position right from the primary school.

Ekiti State Hosts Groundbreaking Training on Ethics and Proficiency for Leaders and Advocates within the Community of People with Disabilities.

Ekiti State Hosts Groundbreaking Training on Ethics and Proficiency for Leaders and Advocates within the Community of People with Disabilities. 

The Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion had yesterday, 7th of October, launched a pivotal training program on "Fundamental Ethics and Proficiency in providing support for People with DisabilitiesEkiti State. The training, which is aimed at empowering leaders, individuals, and Non Governmental Organization working with the Community of People with Disabilities, was held at the Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti.

Princess Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, welcomed the participants and commended Governor Oyebanji for his visionary initiatives that have revolutionized the Special Education and Social Inclusion landscape in Ekiti State. These initiatives include the recruitment of specialized teachers and caregivers, monthly stipends for children with severe disabilities, and access to free healthcare services for all persons with Disabilities in the state. 

The keynote lecture was delivered by Mr. Oke Aruleba, a distinguished lecturer who emphasized the need for a transformative approach to leadership. In his lecture titled "Changing Leadership Narration: From Theory to Action," Aruleba urged the PWD leaders, people working within the PWD Community and NGOs to embrace a mindset of "learning, unlearning, and relearning" to keep pace with the evolving needs of the community.

Mrs. Olawunmi Famuyiwa, Director General of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, brought an important focus to ethical responsibilities in her address, "From Ethics to Accountability." She highlighted how ethical leadership is crucial in ensuring that the rights of PWDs are protected and upheld.

Further enriching the participants, Hon. Biyi Fashona, the Technical Advisor on Change Management in the Ekiti State Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, advocated for a paradigm shift in special education practices. He prompted the audience to adopt forward-thinking strategies that prioritize innovation and full inclusion.

Participants also benefited from the practical insights shared by Mr. Olajide Funso, the Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI). Mr. Funso provided actionable advice on equipping oneself with the necessary skills to excel in examinations, interviews, and entrepreneurial endeavours.

The training initiative is expected to foster a new generation of leaders committed to advocating for and supporting the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities in Ekiti State. Participants left with renewed enthusiasm for implementing innovative strategies in their communities.

As part of Ekiti State’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for People with Disabilities and transforming the special education sector, this event marks a significant step towards building a more inclusive society where no one, regardless of disabilities, is left behind.

Ekiti Governor Calls for Replication of State’s Human Capital Development Model in Local Councils.

Ekiti Governor Calls for Replication of State’s Human Capital Development Model in Local Councils.

Ekiti State Governor Mr. Biodun, has called on local government and LCDA chairmen to replicate the state's Human Capital Development (HCD) structure within their respective councils to fully harness the potentials in the three thematic areas: health nutrition, education and labour force participation.

He made this call during a capacity-building workshop for the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), organized by the Ekiti State Government in collaboration with the National Office of Human Capital Development, Abuja, held at the Sani Abacha Hall in the Old Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.

Represented by Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, who equally serves as the State Chairperson of HCD, was with the Special Adviser on HCD, Hon Olugbenga Agbeyo who is the State Focal Person of the program.

Oyebanji urged local governments to adopt a similar structure, where vice chairmen of LGAs/LCDAs would be appointed as HCD chairpersons, and focal persons be nominated by the council chairmen. 

"It is essential that every local government adopts a functional and sustainable Human Capital Development structure, in line with national HCD policy. The HCD is the third actionable pillar of this administration, aimed at providing quality education and equipping children with the tools to build successful lives". Oyebanji said. 

He reminded participants that the HCD programme was introduced in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari as a proactive measure to address Nigeria's poor global ranking in HCD.

Oyebanji added that the purpose of the workshop was to ensure that local governments domesticate the policies operating at the national and state levels, with the belief that investing in HCD would reduce youth unemployment and drive comprehensive growth.

The governor highlighted his administration's achievements across various sectors and urged stakeholders to actively engage in the workshop to develop a sustainable HCD blueprint for the state. 

He also expressed gratitude to the National Human Capital Development Office in Abuja for its support in advancing the state's HCD efforts.

Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Folakemi Olomojobi, stressed the need to prioritize education, health, and labour force development, stating that these sectors are critical for national progress.

The Special Adviser/Director General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Dr. John Ekundayo, represented by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on OTSD, Pastor Kayode Odunayo, echoed the importance of capacity building for public workers, noting that it enhances productivity across all sectors.

Earlier in his opening remarks, HCD Focal Person in Ekiti State and Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Capital Development, Hon. Gbenga Agbeyo, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to HCD and thanked the National HCD office for its support. 

He explained that the three days workshop aimed to incorporate HCD at the local government level, particularly as the implementation of local government autonomy progresses.

Hon. Agbeyo emphasized that establishing a robust HCD structure at the council level is crucial for unlocking the potential of the people and driving sustainable growth, describing the three-day workshop as a key step in preparing all stakeholders for the effective implementation of HCD programmes at the local level.

The workshop was attended by local government and LCDA chairmen, including the ALGON chairman, Chief Segun Ojo, represented by his deputy, Hon. Segun Afolabi; Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Hon. Femi Ajayi; and several commissioners from the Local Government Service Commission, among other dignitaries.

Oyebanji Makes Functional Education, Skills, Job Creation Cornerstone of Govt – Deputy Gov.

Oyebanji Makes Functional Education, Skills, Job Creation Cornerstone of Govt – Deputy Gov.

.…As Ekiti moves to domesticate HCD roadmap for LGs.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has disclosed that the Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration was making significant investment in functional education, skill development, job creation and farming, to promote human resources in the state.

Afuye said Oyebanji being a serious- minded leader, believed adequate attention must be accorded quality education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, skills and job creation, which accounted for why the government was focusing on these critical areas.

Mrs Afuye said these on Tuesday, while flagging off a stakeholders’ capacity building workshop for technical working group and Local Government Chairmen in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, stated that the workshop will be a leeway for the domestication of Oyebanji’s human capital development roadmap at the State level in all the Councils.

She said the foregoing became imperative to substantially complement the human capital development strides at the state level and efforts being intensified by the federal government via National Human Capital Development Office.

“As a serious government, adequate attention must be given to human capital development , especially in the areas of healthcare, nutrition, quality education, agriculture, skills and jobs.

“The essence of the quality education is to equip our children with the foundation required to build successful lives. This government has been adopting multi -pronged actions that would allow schools from primary to tertiary to be responsive to demands of today’s realities.

“It is on this note that the office of the HCD in Ekiti State and National Human Capital Development office organised this workshop in other to domesticate what operates at the national and state levels at the local governments”.

Similarly, Mrs Afuye added the current government was upscaling efforts to shore up food sufficiency through cluster farming at Oke Ako, Iyemero and Gede, in Ekiti North Senatorial District.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, said Human capital development as a Pillar 3 of the Oyebanji’s administration must be zealously focused on at the grassroots, where over 70% of the population reside.

She advised the drivers of the local government system to perceive the training as an opportunity to broaden their horizons about the HCD concept and the priority placed by this administration on the sector.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Capital Development and Allied Matters, Hon. Gbenga Agbeyo, emphasized the imperative of the council bosses’ readiness to key into the Ekiti’s HCD Agenda, to fight poverty, joblessness and neglect in the system.

Senate Leader Distributes 5,000 Bags of Fertilizer to Ekiti Farmers, Applauds Tinubu's Support.

Senate Leader Distributes 5,000 Bags of Fertilizer to Ekiti Farmers, Applauds Tinubu's Support.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has distributed 5,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, in an effort to boost agriculture and improve the livelihoods of residents. This initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu's agricultural support scheme aimed at enhancing food production across the country.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

Speaking during the distribution event in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Bamidele disclosed that President Tinubu had allocated 1,200 bags of fertilizer to each senator and 600 bags to each member of the House of Representatives for distribution to farmers in their respective districts. However, the Senate Leader explained that he took it upon himself to source additional funds to increase the number of fertilizer bags from the 1,200 allocated to 5,000 for his senatorial district.

“I felt I needed more than 1,200 bags for my district, so I looked for money and got additional bags to make it 5,000. These fertilizers are for registered farmers only,” Bamidele stated.

He emphasized that the distribution was targeted at genuine farmers and warned beneficiaries against selling the fertilizers. “Do not collect it if you will not use it,” he cautioned.

Bamidele also used the occasion to clear up rumors circulating about his alleged opposition to regionalism, dismissing them as “fake news.” He clarified that there was no bill or memorandum before the National Assembly on regionalism but pointed to his work in championing the passage of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) Bill, which would benefit all six states in the region.

The Senate Leader expressed confidence that once President Tinubu returns from his vacation, the SWDC Bill would be signed into law. The Commission, which will have its headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, will see key positions distributed among the Southwest states.

Bamidele commended President Tinubu for his commitment to improving agriculture, saying the fertilizer distribution was part of the president's broader strategy to make agriculture more productive and sustainable in the country. 

He further added, "The president believes we should go beyond sharing rice and actively invest in agriculture," highlighting the administration's goal of achieving food security and improving the economic conditions of Nigerian farmers.