We’ll continue to prioritize welfare of our Senior Citizens - Oyebanji.

We’ll continue to prioritize welfare of our Senior Citizens - Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has commended elderly persons in the state for their invaluable contribution to the growth and development of the state, stressing that their decades of service have laid the solid foundation for the state’s stability and progress.

Speaking at a special event tagged “ Senior Citizens Engagement with the Governor in Ado- Ekiti on Monday, as part of activities marking the second anniversary of his administration, Governor Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of the senior citizens, which according to him has motivated his government in delivering good governance to the people of the state.

The Governor who was represented at the event by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, reiterated the commitment of his administration to welfare and wellbeing of the elderly, said the policies and programs of his government are elder-friendly.

He highlighted several initiatives targeted at enhancing the welfare of the senior citizens including, provision of easy access to basic facilities to enhance their well-being, upgrading and renovation of health facilities across the state, road constructions, prompt payment of pension, salaries, gratuities and free health insurance scheme, among others.

Oyebanji maintained that these efforts are part of his broader strategy to ensure that the senior populations is not left behind in the developmental strides of the state

Acknowledging the key role the elderly continue to play in shaping the state’s economy and ensuring stability, the Governor said the senior citizens deserve the utmost respect and support from both the government and the society.

“This administration and indeed the Governor values,  in no small measure,  your roles in the development of our dear state. Your wisdom, experience, input has greatly enhanced the successes achieved by this administration in the last two years.

“Distinguished elders, your welfare and well-being is central to the government agenda of this administration. This informed the state government’s efforts provision of easy access to basic facilities to enhance their well-being, upgrading and renovation of our health facilities, road construction, prompt payment of pensions, salaries, and gratuity, health insurance scheme, among others are all strategies to ensure the comfort of our senior citizens. He stated.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi appreciated the Governor for his interest in the elders’ well-being as well as the various elder-friendly programs, said the event was a clear demonstration of the unwavering love the Governor has for the elders and the acknowledgment of the invaluable roles in the state’s development .

Mrs. Babafemi charged the senior citizens to continue to pray for the Oyebanji led-administration so tha the good work of the Governor can continue.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman Council of Elders, Prof Joseph Oluwasanmi, represented by Prof Ibikunle Ogundipe, appreciated and commended the Governor for his commitment to the welfare of the elderly.

While thanking the Governor for recognizing their contributions to the development of the state, Prof. Oluwasanmi expressed confidence that the Governor's administration would continue to initiate programs that would further enhance the living condition of the elderly.

Highlight of the event was a special prayers session held for the Governor led by the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria in Ekiti, Rev Emmanuel Aribasoye.

Oyebanji Presents N42million cash prizes to 82 deserving workers.

Oyebanji Presents N42million cash prizes to 82 deserving workers.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his commitment towards ensuring that the state civil service becomes the envy of others in the comity of states of the Federation with reforms aimed at improving their efficiency, capacity and capability to drive the activities of government.

Governor Oyebanji who made this assertion at the 2024 Public Service Forum and Award ceremony organized as part of the programmes marking the second anniversary of his administration on Monday at the State Secretariat complex in Ado Ekiti, commended labour centers in the state for showing understanding with government which has brought remarkable conducive working relationship between government and labour in the state.

While affirming that strike and conflicts should always be the last option, Governor Oyebanji promised to strengthen the Civil Service to respond to the needs of all citizens to enable it continue to render quality services adding that in the following years, training and retraining of workers will become a regular feature of the public service. 

He noted further that his government will lead a number of reform initiatives, which include the development and adoption of specific service goals that will make civil servants alive to their responsibilities.

On national minimum wage, Governor Oyebanji reassured workers that they will smile at the end of the day because he believes in the rule of law and since the minimum wage was a function of the law already passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President, he added that it has become mandatory for him to abide by it because he swore to uphold the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Governor however affirmed that the implementation was having little delay because of the need  to ensure that all segments of the public service including pensioners benefit at the same time.

 “Let me start by appreciating Ekiti state workers for your support for the past two years, I am extremely grateful to all of you for your understanding, for your patience and for your trust in us. Be rest assured that I will not take this support for granted, I appreciate everything you have done, what you are doing and what you will do, without your support, we would not have recorded any achievement. Government can come up with policies and ideas but if you are not there to implement them faithfully, nothing worthwhile can be achieved.

“I know that some of you are fighting with bare knuckles, we’ve not been able to provide you with enough working tools, but despite that, you have kept faith with us and have delivered all the assignment we have given you. And that is why I support the Head of Service in attempt to ensure that we continue to reward performance. I will continue to scale it up on yearly basis because you deserve the best and the best we will give you.

“I just want to plead with you to trust your labour leaders, they are fighting for you, but because we have been transparent and we are always discussing together, so we don’t have to fight before we do what we need to do. If they are not calling for strike, it is not because they are weak, its because they recognize that at the end of the day, we still negotiate and that is why I do a lot of things for workers without even waiting for them.

 “I discussed with Head of Service to know the main focus of the administration for the civil service, I told her that the service must be ready for reforms, this require a lot of training and retraining, and I will give her very strong support to ensure that we have a service that is fit for the 21st century, so as from next year, get ready for a lot of training innovations in the service.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi thanked the Governor for his unrivalled support for the state civil service especially in the areas of prompt payment of salaries, payment of deductions, approval for payment of car and housing loans to workers.

Dr Olomojobi also commended Governor Oyebanji for not owing arrears of salaries and promotions as well as providing a well conducive environment for workers in the state which had invariably assisted in boosting their outputs.

In their separate goodwill messages, chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde; Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Sola Adigun and Chairman Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Femi Ajoloko noted that labour in the state has been able to overcome pressure from public servants through the welfare programme of the Governor as they also commended the Governor for rewarding hardworking and deserving civil servants in the state.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, members of executive council, labour leaders and civil servants among others.

We 'II Nurture Ekiti Talents in Sports for Wealth Creation, Global Reputation - Oyebanji.

We 'II Nurture Ekiti Talents in Sports for Wealth Creation, Global Reputation - Oyebanji.

....lays foundation of indoor sports complex.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to commit huge resources into sports development in order to develop more talents, nurture them to national and global reckoning as well as for wealth creation. 

Oyebanji spoke, on Tuesday, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the multimillion naira Indoor Sports Complex in Ado- Ekiti. 

Describing sport as a veritable weapon to stamp out poverty,  joblessness and crime from the society, Oyebanji said his government would expand the scope of opportunities for Ekiti youths, who are richly endowed with requisite skills in the sector. 

Oyebanji said the project is in firm alignment with the Human Capital Development; and Job Creation and Youth Development pillars and policy thrust  of his administration, with special focus and propensity to building  profitable careers for the productive youths in every sector of the economy.

Commending Ekiti athletes for their patriotic zeal, Oyebanji said: "I have been to the stadium, I knew you have not been  training under the most conducive  condition,  in spite of that, you are still winning laurels for Ekiti. I commend you for this.

"This project  is part of my electioneering campaign promises, which I made when I was campaigning. I promised to take sports out of the Ministry, which I have done. It is now being run as  a full  Commission.  These are the two promises I have made for you and I am fulfilling the second one today.This aligns with the Youth Development and Job Creation and Human capital development pillars of my administration . 

"Our mission is to build  world champions here. We are not just building an indoor sports complex  alone, we are building a centre of excellence, where talents are discovered, nurtured and developed to the global level.

"We are going to build this facility, equip it and get the best coaches to train our youths. I don't have any doubt about the ability of the contractor to deliver the best job for our people. To me, I consider this project a talent development center to train players for them  to gain global reckoning" .

Speaking further, Oyebanji  commended Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for embarking on the construction of stadia in some towns in Ekiti Central Sectorial District, saying this giant leap will further complement the government's strides in the sector.

In his submission, the Chairman, House Committee on Sports Development, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, said the facility will go a long way in stemming the spiraling tides of internet fraud and robbery that are rampant among the youths, while their talents will be tapped fully for self development. 

Outlining the significance of the project, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Sports, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, said the facility will help in engaging the youths and offer  them veritable avenue to shine in local and international competitions. 

Osetoba commended the current administration for turning sports into a sustainable career that can create wealth and fame for the youths, saying in attempt to bolster financial backing for sporting activities that Oyebanji created the Ekiti State Sports Commission to give the sector unfettered latitude to operate freely and enjoy financial independence.

"This facility will be an indoor sports facility for  Baseball, Volleyball, modern gymnasm and others. The effect will be far-reaching. It will help in fostering youth development through enabling  environment to get improved skills to participate in national  competitions. 

"With this facility, we can have opportunity to host national competitions that will boost local economy. I am indeed glad that this administration has positioned Ekiti as a hub of sports in Nigeria".

Rehabilitation and Empowerment: Bridging the Gaps in Government and NGO Interventions.

Rehabilitation and Empowerment: Bridging the Gaps in Government and NGO Interventions.

By Comr. Aderibigbe Sikiru. 

Comr. Aderibigbe Sikiru has emphasized the urgent need to address the gaps in government and NGO interventions in rehabilitation and empowerment processes. While both entities are pivotal in restoring dignity and autonomy to communities and individuals affected by conflict, poverty, and marginalization, recurring failures continue to hinder progress.

Government Failures in Rehabilitation and Empowerment Programs:

Several challenges plague government interventions. One major setback is the misallocation of funds and resources. Insufficient budgetary allocations often cripple the implementation of effective rehabilitation programs, leaving many vulnerable groups underserved.

Comr. Aderibigbe Sikiru.

Another challenge is the bureaucracy that stifles efficiency. Excessive red tape, compounded by corruption, prevents timely service delivery, delaying the benefits meant for the target populations. This bureaucratic inefficiency, coupled with a lack of accountability, weakens the overall impact of government initiatives.

Furthermore, government programs are often top-down, with limited community engagement. These programs fail to consider the unique perspectives, needs, and cultural contexts of local communities, thereby rendering many interventions ineffective. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure and facilities hinder the proper implementation of rehabilitation efforts, leaving individuals and communities with substandard services.

NGO Shortcomings in Rehabilitation and Empowerment Efforts:

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), while often filling gaps left by the government, face their own set of challenges. Many NGOs operate with limited capacity, lacking the necessary resources, skills, and reach to effectively carry out long-term rehabilitation and empowerment programs.

Moreover, a heavy reliance on external funding makes their initiatives vulnerable to uncertainty. When funding dries up, so do the projects, leaving beneficiaries stranded. Poor collaboration between NGOs and other entities further exacerbates this issue, leading to either duplication of efforts or gaps in service delivery.

Additionally, cultural insensitivity is a significant problem for many NGOs. By failing to fully understand the local contexts and values of the communities they serve, some NGOs implement programs that are out of touch with the needs of the people.

Solutions for Improved Rehabilitation and Empowerment:

To address these gaps, both the government and NGOs must adopt new strategies. For governments, increasing funding and ensuring transparency in resource allocation is crucial. Community-led initiatives, which involve local populations in decision-making, should replace the traditional top-down approaches. Furthermore, upgrading infrastructure and investing in capacity building for personnel are essential for improving service delivery.

For NGOs, the focus should be on capacity development. Training staff and diversifying funding sources can help reduce dependency on external aid. NGOs must also foster collaborative partnerships with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach. Culturally sensitive programming, tailored to local needs, is also critical for success.

Comr. Aderibigbe Sikiru. 

Community and Additional Solutions:

Communities themselves must play an active role in these processes. Empowering local leaders, promoting economic independence through self-sustaining initiatives, and fostering social cohesion can significantly enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation and empowerment efforts. Additionally, the integration of technology, data-driven approaches, advocacy, and cross-sectoral collaboration with the private sector, academia, and media can amplify the impact of interventions.

Case Study: Rwanda’s Post-Genocide Rehabilitation:

A notable example of successful rehabilitation and empowerment is Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery. The country employed community-led reconciliation programs, economic empowerment through cooperative farming, and psychological support services, all of which contributed to long-term healing and growth.

Conclusion and Recommendations:

Rehabilitation and empowerment demand comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable strategies. Governments and NGOs must recognize their failures and prioritize solutions that foster community engagement, build capacity, and respect cultural contexts. Regular assessments, interagency collaboration, and policy reforms are critical in driving meaningful progress.

Looking Ahead:

To ensure the future success of rehabilitation and empowerment efforts, the integration of technology, development of culturally sensitive programs, strengthening of community ownership, and fostering of cross-sectoral partnerships are essential. By embracing these strategies, both governments and NGOs can bridge the gaps and truly empower individuals and communities for lasting change.

Senator Comr. Alimi Nafisat Jumoke Makes History as First Female Senate President of FPASU.

Senator Comr. Alimi Nafisat Jumoke Makes History as First Female Senate President of FPASU.

Senator Comr. Alimi Nafisat Jumoke.

In a historic election that marks a significant milestone for female representation in student leadership, Senator Comr. Alimi Nafisat Jumoke of the Department of Business Administration and Management has emerged as the first female Senate President of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Students Union Government (SUG). 

The election, held yesterday, was fiercely contested, with Jumoke securing 29 votes against her opponent's 28, highlighting the close nature of the race and the support she garnered from her peers. 

Jumoke's victory is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and commitment to student welfare. As she takes on this prestigious role, she has expressed her gratitude to her supporters and vowed to prioritize the needs and concerns of all students at the institution. 

"I am honored and grateful for the trust placed in me by my fellow students," Jumoke stated. "This victory is not just mine; it belongs to all the young women who aspire to lead and make a difference. I promise to work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard and that we continue to advocate for positive change within our university community."

Her election as Senate President is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the leadership of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, as she aims to bridge gaps and foster unity among students from diverse backgrounds. 

Students and well-wishers have taken to social media to celebrate her groundbreaking achievement, with many expressing optimism about the future of the SUG under her leadership. 

As the first female to hold this esteemed position, Comr. Alimi Nafisat Jumoke's journey will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female leaders at the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti and beyond. Congratulations to Senator Jumoke on this remarkable achievement.

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.