Hon. Ojuawo Hosts Ekiti South Senatorial Elders Meeting.

Hon. Ojuawo Hosts Ekiti South Senatorial Elders Meeting.

The Honourable member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, recently hosted a meeting with elders from the Ekiti South senatorial zone at his country home in Ise Ekiti. The gathering was chaired by Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

1. Surveyor Aluko expressed gratitude to the elders for their cooperation and steadfastness, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term.

2. He emphasized the importance of unity among stakeholders, citing their previous meeting at Hon. Femi Bamisile’s residence in Omuo Ekiti, where they agreed to adopt Governor Oyebanji for a second term.

3. Hon. (Dr.) Ife Arowosoge stressed the need for unity among stakeholders and elders, highlighting the impressive turnout for recent contributions.

4. Engr. Bimbo Ogundipe and Hon. Ropo Adesanya advocated for increased opportunities for youth employment and empowerment, particularly for young graduates in the constituency.

Hon. Ojuawo assured the gathering that the National Assembly representatives for Ekiti South are working tirelessly to promote the zone’s progress and development. He encouraged all stakeholders to maximize opportunities and support one another.

In Conclusion, the meeting demonstrated the collective commitment to Ekiti State’s growth and development, with a focus on unity, youth empowerment, and support for Governor Oyebanji’s second term.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Oyebanji's Rural Devt Policy Reducing Hunger, Poverty- Mrs Afuye.

Oyebanji's Rural Devt Policy Reducing Hunger, Poverty- Mrs Afuye.

....rallies support for monarchs.

As Governor Biodun Oyebanji marks two years in office, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has urged the traditional rulers to support the current administration's strides in community development that will stamp out poverty, unemployment and hunger from Ekiti.

Mrs Afuye urged the monarchs to back the governor's well intended actions to stabilise the state through solid economic policy, security, infrastructures, agriculture and employment for youths to reduce poverty and hunger.

Mrs Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, spoke at separate events held at Erinmope and Ifisin Ekiti, on Saturday, in Ekiti North Senatorial District of the State.

Speaking at the second  anniversary of the installation of  Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti, Oba Sunday Aniyi, Mrs Afuye, said Ekiti  monarchs' support is essential and pivotal for the success of  the current administration, particularly in the area of rural development.

Mrs Afuye pledged that the government of Oyebanji won't neglect any town in his grassroots development agenda, in line with his intention to make the administration participatory and all-inclusive.

She appealed to the monarchs, to as stabilisers and peace makers, propagate the achievements of government in their domains to further smoothen the relationship between the government and the people.

Mrs Afuye saluted Oba Aniyi for his superlative leadership in Erinmope town, saying the unity among the residents of Erinmope Ekiti is translating to development and peace in the kingdom.

"Your support for government starts by you rallying your subjects to understand what the government is doing and the intentions behind it. You are the rallying points in all the towns and this is one responsibility that must be discharged in the interest of our state".

Similarly, speaking at the event marking the 43rd edition of Ifisin Day celebrations and conferment of chieftaincy titles on some eminent Nigerians, Mrs Afuye, praised the community for standing by the monarch for him to achieve success.

The Obaleo of Erinmope, Oba Sunday Aniyi, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for embarking on aggressive renovation of schools and construction of some roads in the community, particularly the Erinmope-Irare-Ikosun road and Erinmope-Ekan road.

Oba Aniyi said the community has embarked on many projects targeted at complementing Oyebanji's government, including school projects, sinking of boreholes, youth empowerment and building of  Erinmope Development Centre to equip the youths in vocations, skills and for academic development. 

"The N500m fund raising we are seeking, is meant to construct some buildings  inside the proposed study centre of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology in this town that can contain about 3,000 students  to realise the mandate of manpower development of the university", the monarch said.

Saluting Governor Oyebanji for his impressive performance in the area of grassroots development, the   Onifisin of Ifisin Ekiti, Oba Folarin Fabunmi, craved the government's intervention in the reconstruction of five kilometres Aaye-Ifisin-Igbole, road to boost food production in the axis. 

Oba Fabunmi urged his subjects to foster good relationship with other ethnic groups like Tivs, Ebira, Hausa, Igbo and Fulani to fasttrack development in the town.

As a way of partnering the youth development policy of government, the monarch revealed that the community has trained some jobless youths in different vocations and encouraging them into farming to reduce criminalities in the state.

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)