Ekiti to Pay 70,000 minimum wage to workers ~ Oyebanji.

Ekiti to Pay 70,000 minimum wage to workers ~ Oyebanji.

By Yemi Olajutemu.

The Ekiti state Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji has announced his intention to pay the seventy thousand Naira minimum wage for workers as well as ensure the consequential adjustment for all pensioners at the state and the local government levels.

The Governor made the announcement during the 2024 Pensioners’ Day, held in Ado Ekiti, which marks the beginning of activities for the Second Anniversary of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji who explained that his administration sworn to an oath of defending the interest of the people and make life better for all, said the minimum wage has become a law binding on all States.

The Governor who presented 3.5 billion Naira cheque to eight hundred and twenty nine retirees of 2014 to March 2015 highlighted some of the programs meant for the senior citizens to include the free Health Insurance scheme for pensioners through the NIN registration.

Mr Oyebanji explained that the total of over seven billion Naira has been injected in defraying the payment of gratuity, and urged the retiree to continue to pray for the success of his administration

The chairman of the NLC, Mr Kolapo Olatunji and his JNC counterpart Mr Femi Ajoloko showered encomium on the Biodun Oyebanji led government for bringing succor and hope to the retirees while the state Head of Service Dr Folakemi Olomojobi thanked the pensioners for their support for the government.

The National Chairman of the NUP Mr Godwin Abumisi who was represented by Elder Ayo Ikumapayi and the State chairman of the Union Elder Joel Akinola lauded the various effort of the Governor pledging their support for his administration.

OYEBANJI SHOWERS N3.5 BILLION GRATUITY ON RETIREES AT PENSIONERS' DAY.

OYEBANJI SHOWERS N3.5 BILLION GRATUITY ON RETIREES AT PENSIONERS' DAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday brought joy to the faces of retirees by distributing gratuity cheques to the tune of N3.5 billion on a day they were marking this year's edition of Pensioners' Day.

At the ceremony which was marked at the Great Eagle Hall, Ikere Road, Ado Ekiti, over 500 pensioners benefitted from the latest tranche of payment with N2.3 billion gratuity paid to state pensioners while local government pensioners got N1.2 billion gratuity. 

With the payment of gratuity to the latest batch of pensioners, Governor Oyebanji's commitment to defraying of outstanding gratuity has seen the backlog cleared to March 2015 up from payment up to 2012 he met on assumption of office in October, 2022.

The gesture drew a deafening applause from the appreciative pensioners inside the hall who prayed for the Governor and expressed their readiness to keep him in office with their votes at the next governorship election describing him as a "pensioners-friendly Governor and "elders-friendly Governor."

At the event, the retirees, through the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. Joel Akinola, took time to reel out lots of goodies that pensioners have so far enjoyed from the Oyebanji Administration in the last two years.

Governor Oyebanji also assured on the readiness of his administration to commence the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 which he described as a law that must be obeyed. He however noted  that a little delay is being experienced in the state owing to the need to capture pensioners, teachers, state workers and local government workers together.

The Governor said: "On the payment of your gratuity, I don't think I have done anything spectacular. You are my parents and it is only a bastard that will not treat his parents well. My late mum died as a pensioner and my father who is at home is one of you.

"Whatever we are doing for you is not a favour, it's your right because you worked for it. It is my desire that you are alive to collect your gratuity and every other entitlement that is due to you. Out of the three months arrears of local government pensioners, I have approved one month and we will deal with the remaining two months.

“As at date our administration had paid the sum of Five Billion, Four Hundred Million (N5,400,000,000) to One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Six (1,796) State Pensioners and the sum of Two Billion, One Hundred and Seventy Nine Million, One Hundred and Ten Thousand, forty Six Kobo (N2,179,110,000.46) to Eight Hundred and Ninety One (891) pensioners at the Local Government level.

 

“Today, I will be flagging off additional payment of Two Billion, Three Hundred Million Naira (N2.3b) to State Pensioners and One Billion, Two Hundred Million Naira (N1.2b) to Local Government Pensioners totalling Three Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N3.5b).  This is another demonstration of our administration’s commitment to your welfare.  I urge you to continuously pray for the success of this administration so that we shall continue to do more for you.”

"After we might have paid (the beneficiaries of today), the gratuity payment will reach March 2015. We will continue to pay gratuity to our pensioners. Your prayers over me are getting answered, the only thing I need from you is your prayer."

The Governor hailed President Bola Tinubu for his support for Ekiti State in allowing the State to get what was due to it while he also commended the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode, for offering quality advice on setting aside certain amount of money to enable the state clears more backlog of retirees' entitlements.

While restating the commitment of his administration to regular payment of monthly pensions and offset of the backlog of arrears of gratuity, Governor Oyebanji also urged the pensioners to register under the State Health Insurance Scheme for them to have access to free health services at state-owned health centres.

He disclosed that only 9,028 out of 28,000 pensioners have so far registered under the State Health Insurance Scheme urging those yet to register to do so with their National Identity Numbers (NIN).

Speaking earlier, the state NUT chair, Mr. Akinola, commended Governor Oyebanji for according priority to the welfare of pensioners noting that the Ekiti helmsman has done so much for retirees.

He showered encomiums on the Governor for ensuring the payment of pension before the 25th of every month, clearing the arrears of pension he met on ground, ensuring payment of deductions previously withheld, approving a monthly special wage  award of N10,000 in addition to normal monthly pension and food palliatives to pensioners, among others.

The state NUP boss who described the latest tranche of gratuity paid as "humongous" said the Governor by his numerous gestures "have covered the nakedness of pensioners in the state" saying the state's number one citizen should be celebrated for caring for retirees.

The NUP National President, Mr. Godwin Abumhese, said Governor Oyebanji has set the pace for other Southwest governors in the area of pensioners' welfare saying the national body is happy with him for his gestures.

Abumhese said the national leadership of NUP would pay the Ekiti Governor an appreciative visit noting that Oyebanji has fulfilled his electoral promise to accord priority to pensioners”

RAAMP As Oyebanji’s Game Changer On Rural Roads In Ekiti.

RAAMP As Oyebanji’s Game Changer On Rural Roads In Ekiti. 

The BAO Impact Series No. 5

By Odunayo Ogunmola. 

Agriculture and Rural Development is a critical component of the six-pillar agenda of the Biodun Oyebanji Administration and the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has been up and doing in turning around the two sub-sectors for the good of the people.

Governor Oyebanji’s strides in agriculture has been widely acknowledged in the areas of attracting investment, empowering farmers with inputs and seedlings, reviving farm settlements, clearing of more land for farming, incorporating the youths and turning agriculture into business, among others.

It must also be noted that rural development occupies a special place in the heart of Mr. Governor. This is as a result of his belief that development should not be restricted to Ado Ekiti, the state capital and other major towns. The Governor believes that development must reach every town, community, village and hamlet in the state.

One of the means by which rural development can be accelerated is through construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of rural roads to give access to dwellers in rural communities and to connect them with other towns and communities.

In one of my earliest write-ups in these series, I highlighted the efforts of Mr. Governor in connecting with the development partners to ensure sustainable development of the state and ensure the realization of the Shared Prosperity agenda of his administration.

One of the development partners working with the Ekiti State Government is the World Bank. Ekiti is leveraging on one of the products of the Bank, the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), to carry out road projects in rural communities to open them up for transportation, agriculture, tourism and other economic activities.

The Ekiti RAAMP which has as a seasoned and tested civil engineer, Hon. Sunday Adunmo, as the Project Coordinator has been very diligent in complementing agriculture with the required infrastructure in a bid to making the state the food basket of Southwest Nigeria.

Hon. Adunmo is bringing to bear his experience in infrastructure engineering of over thirty years to bear having previously excelled in his role as the Special Adviser on Infrastructure (Roads) under the previous administration led by the former Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The Ekiti RAAMP is carrying out Governor Oyebanji’s marching order to add a fillip to his agribusiness and rural economic investment drive with the award of 13 rural road projects worth N17.2 billion to seven contractors and this is already eliciting joy in the communities that would benefit from the project.

With work kicking off on the road projects, the hardship and losses previously suffered by rural dwellers most especially farmers would soon be a thing of the past. Many farm produce used to rot away because of lack of access roads to evacuate them.

The loss is huge to rural farmers who had toiled to produce and harvest such food crops and cash crops; it is also huge to would-be consumers who were denied opportunity of prompt access and this contribute to food shortage with the attendant exorbitant prices charged on the available ones.

All these will soon become history with the commencement of work on these rural road projects through RAAMP with the Governor showing keen interest because good roads are critical to his desire of turning agriculture to big business to realize his vision of Shared Prosperity for the people of the State.

It must be noted that projects of this nature cannot be possible without the payment of counterpart funds. The Governor ensures consistent payment of counterpart funds to the World Bank for Ekiti to access more funds to facilitate the execution of these projects.

The contractors handling the projects have been given the directive to hire local workmen and artisans to create employment opportunities and improve rural livelihood in line with the local content policy of the administration.

The newly awarded roads are Enu Odi-Igirigiri Road, Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso Road, Ise-Imola Road, Owode-Anaye Road, Afolu-Odofin Road, Oye-Are Road, Ilupeju-Igbo Egan Road, Iye-Isapa-Olopomeji-Ikun Road, Erinmope-Irare-Ikosu Rod, Igbole-Egan-Osi-Iropora Road, FMS Farm-Oke Ako Road, Ikogosi-AbaOsun- Aba Ori Okuta Road and Ara-Ekameta School Road.

Governor Oyebanji’s Midas’ touch on the roads is already generating excitement in the rural communities and they cannot but express their gratitude for giving priority to rural development and by extension agriculture which is the major occupation of the rural dwellers.

The sighting of workmen, bulldozers and other earth-moving equipment on the Igirigiri Road which marked the commencement of work has brought immense joy to the residents and users of the road. They had endured hardship brought about by the dilapidated condition of the road but the story of the road is changing following the intervention.

The tears, pain and anguish of the past will soon give way. Farmers, residents, petty traders, commuters, drivers and staff of Ado Ekiti Local Government whose secretariat is located along that axis have heaved a sigh of relief because a big burden is about to be removed from their daily itinerary.

The Obanirare of Irare Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area, Oba Olukayode Adebowale, hailed the Oyebanji Administration and the World Bank for making his domain to benefit from one of the newly-awarded road projects.

Oba Adebowale said the construction of Erinmope-Irare-Ikosu Road would not only be beneficial to to farmers in the benefitting rural communities but also provide access road to Irare.

The Oba noted that the award and execution of the project would bring relief to the users of Erinmope-Irare-Ikosu Road which is the only road that leads to his community which becomes impassable during rainy season.

Like Oba Adebowale and his subjects are already excited, the same is the sentiment being expressed in all communities that are benefiting from road construction because of the multiplier effects on their personal, social and economic lives.

Ogunmola is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (Print Media).

Poultry Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter Donates 175 Crates of Eggs to Government Special Schools and Rehabilitation Centres for World Egg Day.

Poultry Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter Donates 175 Crates of Eggs to Government Special Schools and Rehabilitation Centres for World Egg Day.

In a commendable gesture, the Ekiti State chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria donated 175 crates of eggs to three Government Special Schools and Rehabilitation Centres in celebration of World Egg Day. The donation was graciously received by Princess Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser for Special Education and Social Inclusion.

Spearheaded by Alonge Oluwasetemi, the leader of the Poultry Association's Ekiti chapter, the initiative has significantly expanded this year, thanks to the intervention of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in the agricultural and food security sectors. "Last year, during our World Egg Day celebrations, we donated about 50 crates. This year, we're distributing over 1,000 crates, with 175 specifically for the special schools and rehabilitation centers in Ekiti," he noted.

Princess Agboola expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am thankful that the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State chapter, has remembered children with disabilities on a day like this. This generous gift underscores the positive impact of Governor Oyebanji’s initiatives on the poultry sector, benefiting those who truly matter to the governor." She commended the association for their commitment to enhancing the lives of special needs children, reaffirming the effectiveness of the governor's interventions.

The event celebrated both World Egg Day and the collaborative efforts of the Poultry Association and the Ekiti State government to promote food security and inclusivity, highlighting their dedication to supporting all citizens, including those living with disabilities.

Ondo State Government Revitalizes Water Infrastructure, Approves Solar-Powered Scheme in Southern District.

Ondo State Government Revitalizes Water Infrastructure, Approves Solar-Powered Scheme in Southern District. 

The Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is taking significant steps to improve water accessibility and prevent cholera outbreaks in the Southern Senatorial District. This initiative was highlighted during a recent inspection by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Sunday Akinwalire, who visited several water schemes, including a defunct facility in Iju Odo.

During the inspection, Akinwalire announced the governor’s approval for the rehabilitation of the Iju Odo water scheme, which had fallen into disrepair. 

He said, “Mr. Governor learned that the water project had become moribund and directed us to take immediate action to restore it,” he stated, assuring the community that all logistics are in place to make the water scheme operational within days.

In response, Oba Festus Oyedele Oyemoyegun, the Oniju of Iju Odo, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support, vowing to ensure the project's security upon its restoration. He also reaffirmed his backing for the governor in the upcoming election.

Akinwalire also inspected a solar-powered reticulated borehole at Ilutitun, which currently serves approximately 2,000 households. He further revealed plans for a new solar-powered borehole in the Erinje community, highlighting the governor’s commitment to the health of Ondo State citizens.

The Halu of Ode-Erinje, Oba Williams Akinmusayo Akinlade and his chiefs In-Council pledged to maintain the public facilities once completed, underscoring their support for the governor's initiatives.

They also appreciate and thanked Governor Ayedatiwa for the rear privilege of reactivating Ode-Erinje water supply scheme for the benefit of the entire community.

Hon. Akinwalire and his team also visited other water supply schemes within Okitipupa and environs.

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Sunday Akinwalire, was also accompanied by key officials during the inspection visit. Among those present were Mrs. Adetoye Victoria, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources; Engr. Ogunjobi R.S., General Manager of Ondo State Water Corporation; Engr. Rotimi Oladimeji, General Manager of RUWATSAN; Engr. Omoge Vincent, Project Coordinator of SPIU; and Engr. Sesan Ojo, Project Structural Engineer.

Olukoju Clement

Communication Desk Officer, ODWC (PIU)

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.