Ojuawo Felicitates with Chief Afe Babalola on His Birthday.

Ojuawo Felicitates with Chief Afe Babalola on His Birthday.

Honorable member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, congratulates Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, founder and Pro Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), on his birthday.

In his congratulatory message, Hon. Ojuawo praises Chief Afe Babalola as an institution and model for future generations.

"Today marks an opportunity to wish our revered Baba a happy birthday and many more years of groundbreaking achievements ahead. I appreciate and thank him for his mentorship and transformative leadership in Ekiti and Nigeria. His impact on law, education, health, and agriculture is indelible, constantly supporting the government and society.

I salute his philanthropic and creative ideas that empower younger generations. Baba, I wish you many more years of great accomplishment".

Hon. Ojuawo also commends HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Aladejuyigbe for designating October 18 as Afe Babalola Day to celebrate the icon's trailblazing legacy, deserving recognition in his lifetime. He prays for Chief Babalola's good health, sound mind, and continued good work, leaving enduring legacies for generations to come.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

I Won't Relegate any Religion in Ekiti, Oyebanji Assures Muslim Community.

I Won't Relegate any Religion in Ekiti, Oyebanji Assures Muslim Community.

....your humility, home boy culture have paid off, Sheikh Bello tells Governor.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to continue to maintain fairness in dealing with religious affairs in the state as a way of fostering harmony and spirit of brotherhood among adherents of different religions, adding that he won't betray the confidence reposed in him by the Muslim community.

Oyebanji gave the assurance, on Friday, at a Jum'at Service commemorating his second year anniversary, held at the Central Mosque, Oja Oba, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Addressing the congregation, Oyebanji praised the Muslim leaders and faithful across the state for being steadfast in their support for his government, promising to rev up the pedal of development to benefit all the strata of the society for the rest of his tenure. 

He charged Muslims to maintain the culture of religious tolerance and harmony being enjoyed among all religious tendencies, urging them to sustain the tempo in the overall interest of the state, particularly in driving investments. 

"I am here to appreciate God and all Muslims for their support. Let me bring to your notice that none of those Muslims in my cabinet failed leadership tests, they all performed well, right from the Secretary to the state Government to the last person.

"Last time we came here, I pledged that flooding won't affect this Mosque again, I thank God that we have redeemed our pledge. 

"Let me assure you that whatever is due for you, I shall give you freely without you fighting for it. When things were tough and hard, Muslims stood by me, they never said I am not their member. Whatever you have interest in, I shall redeem it and make it possible for you. You said I have the best records in terms of appointments for Muslims, this is just the beginning, I shall do more by God’s grace.  

"I want to assure you that we are going to serve you very well and zealously. We are supposed to serve you as leaders. You elected us and sent us on this journey, so that we can serve you. I will never fail you. Muslims leaders, particularly the Grand Imam has been so nice and steadfast in his support. I appreciate you", Oyebanji said.

In his sermon, the President, League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, warned the  Muslim adherents against abusing their leaders and scolding them openly over any noticeable shortcoming.

The Islamic Cleric advised that they should rather offer prayer supplications that would direct the psyches and feet of those in leadership to the path of honesty, humanity, transparency and accountability. 

Bello, who doubles as  the Grand Imams of Ekiti State, appreciated the governor for embracing religious balancing and appointed many Muslims into his cabinet to contribute their quotas to the development of the State. 

"We should pray for our leaders, so that they can do more. The work they do is tasking and arduous. Governor Oyebanji is one Governor we should all pray for, he deserves our prayers. Our Governor is working hard, he didn't allow us to be hungry the way God wishes.

"We have been having governors in this state, Governor Oyebanji is different. In character, mutual respect , philanthropy and humility, he is unique. You are leading well and other arms of government like the State Assembly are following your footsteps. I want you to work harder. I am happy that you didn't abandon your predecessors, that is how a leader should behave", Bello stated.

Bello stated further that  the "homeboy culture" of Governor Oyebanji has paid off for the citizens of the state, praising those who supported him to be governor for propping up and marketed a good product for Ekiti populace. 

At the closure of his short exhortation, Sheikh Bello led the congregation to offer  prayers for the success of the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji. 

Present at the service are: the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Muslim leaders, among others.

Agbeyewa Cup Reaches Quarterfinal Stage as Eight Schools Battle for Supremacy.

Agbeyewa Cup Reaches Quarterfinal Stage as Eight Schools Battle for Supremacy.

The Agbeyewa Cup second edition has reached its crucial quarterfinal stage, with eight secondary schools emerging from a keenly contested round of 16. Yesterday's matches, held across eight different zones in Ekiti State, saw the following schools advance:

1. Omuo-Ore Secondary School, Omuo (Ekiti East Local Government)

2. Ayede Grammar School, Ayede Ekiti (Oye Local Government)

3. Government College, Ado Ekiti (Ado Local Government)

4. AUD Comprehensive College, Ikere (Ikere Local Government)

5. Iludun Community High School, Ilejemeje Local Government

6. Fabunmi High School, Okemesi (Ekiti West Local Government)

7. Doherty Memorial Grammar School, Ijero Local Government

8. Ifaki Grammar School, Ido Osi Local Government.

These schools will clash in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, across four different locations, with all games kicking off simultaneously at 3pm. The winners will progress to the semifinals on Thursday, 24th October, while the highly anticipated final match will be played on 29th October 2024 at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti.

The stakes are high, with attractive prizes awaiting the top three teams. The winner will receive a whopping N1,000,000, while the first runner-up will take home N500,000. The second runner-up will receive N250,000, along with other exciting packages.

As the competition heats up, fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating thrilling encounters between these talented young teams. Adl and team are on the ground to splash you with updates. 

Follow the Agbeyewa Cup for updates and stay abreast of the actions.

I am Adl

Ondo Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project Reaches Physical Stage, Says Akinwalire.

Ondo Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project Reaches Physical Stage, Says Akinwalire.

In a significant advancement towards providing clean drinking water to Ondo State residents, the state government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, has announced that the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Rehabilitation project has reached the physical component stage. This vital initiative, co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Ondo State Government, aims to deliver potable water from the Owena Multipurpose Dam, Owena Ondo Dam and Igbaraoke Water Supply Scheme to various towns and villages within the Ondo Central Senatorial District, including Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo.

Hon. Sunday Akinwalire, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation & Hygiene, made this announcement during a supervisory visit from AFD partners, to review the project's progress. The visiting delegation, comprising Mr. Clement Frenoux, Tax Team Lead, and Mr. Jean Guillermit, Project Manager for Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Federal Ministry of Finance Team expressed their satisfaction with the project’s development. They emphasized their mission to ensure compliance with project standards and provide necessary support for its successful completion.

Akinwalire, representing Governor Ayedatiwa, extended gratitude to the AFD team for their oversight and collaboration. He highlighted the Governor's eagerness to see potable water supplied to households across the state, particularly in the designated areas. He assured the visiting partners of the Ondo State Government's unwavering commitment to timely project completion.

In a related development, the General Manager of the Ondo State Water Corporation (ODWC), Engr.Ogunjobi R.S., led the supervision mission team to the Owena Multipurpose Dam for an inspection. He noted that the dam, with a design capacity of 36 million cubic meters and a clear water tank capable of holding 5,000 cubic meters of water daily, is also designed for irrigation, power generation, and potable water supply to major communities within the state.

During a technical session held at Royal Birds Hotel, the General Manager provided updates on the activities of the Project Implementation Unit and urged the AFD team to expedite the approval of various requests to ensure the project's timely completion. He also called on the Corporation's Project Implementation Unit Team to show greater commitment to actualizing the project.

The supervisory visit also included key officials such as Mrs. Victoria Adetoye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Engr. Omoge V.O., the State Project Coordinator, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the State Project Implementation Unit Team.

Olukoju Clement

Communication Desk Officer ODWC (PIU)

NANS Condemns Unrest at College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega, Calls for Immediate Intervention.

NANS Condemns Unrest at College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega, Calls for Immediate Intervention.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Comr. Lucky Emonefe GCNS, has expressed deep concern over recent disturbances at the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega, Kebbi State. This was conveyed through a statement from the National Director of Research and Innovation, Comr. Sadiq SK Zango.

According to reports, students, reacting to allegations of financial extortion, set fire to the residence of the Provost, Mr. Haruna Saidu-Sauwa, and vandalized his vehicle. The unrest is said to have been triggered by grievances related to a purported N23 million extortion scheme linked to index registration fees. Allegedly, 250 graduating students were asked to pay an additional N65,000 each, on top of an earlier N30,000 fee, following the merger of a newly introduced public health program with the Environmental Health Department.

The college's decision to merge the programs was reportedly taken to comply with the requirements of the Reproductive Health and Public Health Association of Nigeria. However, protests erupted over the financial burden imposed, leading to the destruction of vehicles and the provost’s residence.

NANS’ Position and Recommendations:

1. Condemnation of Violence: While supporting students' rights to express grievances, NANS condemned the acts of violence, arson, and vandalism, stating that destruction of property undermines the credibility of legitimate concerns.

2. Call for Transparent Dialogue: NANS called on the management of the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kebbi State Government, and other relevant stakeholders to engage with student representatives in an open, constructive dialogue to address grievances and restore peace.

3. Independent Investigation into Allegations: NANS demanded a thorough, impartial investigation into the allegations of extortion concerning the index registration fees. The association stressed that if the allegations are proven, those responsible must be held accountable to prevent future exploitation of students.

4. De-escalation and Non-Retaliatory Measures: NANS cautioned the college administration and security agencies against taking retaliatory actions. The focus, it said, should be on restoring order while respecting students' rights and ensuring a peaceful resolution.

5. Commitment to Student Welfare: NANS reiterated its dedication to protecting the welfare of Nigerian students and urged institutions to avoid imposing undue financial burdens that could hinder academic progress.

NANS, alongside the Deputy Coordinator of NANS Zone A, Comr. Adamu Ibrahim Dikko, assured students of their commitment to resolving the situation peacefully and called for all parties to work towards an amicable resolution that promotes justice, accountability, and academic excellence. The association pledged to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to achieve a just and lasting solution.

Don't Allow vandals Destroy Electricity Projects, Gov Oyebanji Charges Citizens.

 Don't Allow vandals Destroy  Electricity Projects, Gov Oyebanji Charges Citizens.            ….Commissions electricity projects across 3 LGAs.  

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has charged the people of the state to mount surveillance in all the communities and prevent vandals from destroying electricity facilities provided to shore up power supply and for steady economic growth. 

Oyebanji also warned communities experiencing restiveness to be wary of their actions, stressing that the government may not contemplate siting any project in any turbulent environment for security reasons. 

The Governor gave the charge on Thursday, while commissioning a 33 KVA Aramoko- Ijero electricity project in Ijero Ekiti, and another one for Ilawe - Igbala Odo Ekiti. 

Harping on the imperative of the towns working hard to avert destruction of the power facilities, Oyebanji stressed that no community can experience development while in perpetual darkness and mired in interrupted power supply. 

"Light and development are like twins. Any town without electricity will find it difficult to develop. I can see the stagnation and difficulty for Ijero to develop with this situation. From today, the economic activities will go up.

"Our traders, fashion designers, welders, bakers and other artisans will enjoy the full benefit and our local economy will be transformed. Some of the teachers and doctors posted here won't seek posting to other towns that are electrified. 

"For you to enjoy this facility, form a surveillance and watch over it. Don't allow vandals to destroy it. Those who are destroying our facilities are living within us. They are our people, so help us beg and appeal to them to desist from this unwholesome act.This project is not going to benefit Ijero alone, but all the towns in the local government".

On how the town can be evenly metered, Oyebanji, said: "I want the residents to work with the Ministry to ensure that all the houses are metered. It has happened in Ikogosi, Aramoko and Erinjiyan. But if you don't get the meters, you will only see the facilities, you won't see the light.

"I want to discourage the culture of bulk or estimated billings, so that you can only pay for the electricity used, nobody will cheat you", he said.

Oyebanji  promised to extend electricity to the General Hospital in Ijero Ekiti, so that the electricity provided can full serve the purpose for which it is meant for. 

On the decrepit  state of Aramoko-Ijero road that was constituting a threat to commuters, Oyebanji disclosed that the route is a federal road, saying efforts are being intensified to ensure that it receives the attention of the federal government via the federal lawmakers to fasttrack action on it. 

On the crisis in Ayegunle community, a vassal town under Ijero Ekiti between the traditional ruler and a faction, Oyebanji urged the people of of the town to maintain peace, saying the raging bedlam was a statement that will impede progress and development in the town, if not halted.

"Let us allow our traditional rulers to handle it. Let us await how the matter will be resolved. It is a traditional issue that we believed our traditional rulers can handle effectively. Let us allow them to handle it to restore peace to the town".

Speaking in Ilawe Ekiti at the commissioning of the electricity extension to Igbara- Odo and Ogotun Ekiti, Oyebanji, said the communities had hitherto been getting their power from Ondo State, but would now be receiving maximum supply from Ado Ekiti 33KVA substation, which will be more stable. 

In his submission, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Pubic Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, described the project as significant  on the premise that the the benefitting towns will be disconnected  from the hitherto electricity connection from far away Omu -Aran, in Kwara State and had now been reconnected to Ado Ekiti, which will bolster regular power supply, with high voltage.

"Electricity is the lifewire of development. All the people living between  Aramoko - Ijero won't suffer unstable electricity supply again. We have done this kind of project in many other places in Ekiti like Ilawe Ekiti and other towns. This is a huge success in the life of this administration". 

The Regional Head, Benin Electricity Distribution Company,  Mrs Akin Afuye- Moyosola, applauded the governor  for partnering the firm, by way of reconnecting some towns in Gbonyin, Ekiti East and Ekiti Southwest councils to national grid.

Applauding the government for its vision, the Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adewole and President, Ijero Development Forum, Otunba Niyi Babade, appealed to the community to protect the infrastructurae from vandals, so that they can enjoy the full benefit of its provision. 

Oba Adewole regretted that some of the government staff posted to the town used to seek sudden redeployment due to poor electricity supply, saying this will correct this shortcoming.

"Even when we have light, it used to be low supply, very low voltage that can't power anything. We know that this project will correct all the past sufferings and usher in a new chapter in our history. This project had been completed since June, 2024. Some of the conditions laid down by BEDC were provided by the government".

Commending the governor for extending electricity to Ogotun and Igbara Odo, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, and  Arajaka of Igbara Odo, Oba Edward Jayeola, said the communities will continually support Oyebanji to make a success of his six point agenda.

Besides electricity, the monarchs saluted the governor for reconstructing  Ogotun-Ikogosi road, Ilawe- Ikere road and Ogotun-Ikere road, that has been abandoned for over 50 years.

Oyebanji flags off multipurpose 80 bed hospital facility at EKSUTH.

Oyebanji flags off multipurpose 80 bed hospital facility at EKSUTH.

…..Says Ekiti Now Enjoying Positive Gains of Continuity.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that Ekiti citizens have started savouring the positive gains of continuity of governance under his leadership, saying the state would have developed faster across all economic facets, if the trend had continued since 1999.

Oyebanji spoke on Thursday, while flagging off the construction of a 80-bed multipurpose Medical Building at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti (EKSUTH), as part of activities marking his administration’s second anniversary. 

Oyebanji, who disclosed the contract would be completed within a spate of one year, said he decided to devote huge resources to develop the health sector, knowing the importance of a healthy population to nation building . 

Oyebanji disclosed that continuity of government from the administration of the former Governor Kayode Fayemi to him, has positioned his administration to seamlessly deliver democracy dividends to the people. 

"We have an economic roadmap 2021 to 2030 to serve as a guide to whoever that is leading Ekiti State. Whoever you bring as a governor will perform, except such person is not ready to work. We were able to do all these projects effortlessly because of continuity of government and being part and parcel of a future-thinking government. What you are witnessing is positive gains of continuity of government. 

"Whichever projects I commissioned are for Ekiti and they were financed through Ekiti's money. Only a stupid government will abandon the project of his predecessors. I am here to serve you, not myself. If we have continued in this track since 1999, we would have gone beyond this level that we are", the governor said.

Describing the hospital project as a masterpiece that will change the face of the tertiary health institution, Oyebanji posited that it will help in securing full accreditation for some courses being offered in the teaching hospital. 

"This project is very significant because it will help in securing accreditation for more courses. You can't underrate the importance of a healthy population to national growth, because health is wealth. There is no development anywhere you have high number of sick people.

"EKSUTH has a special place in my heart. This is the only tertiary health institution that we have and where most of the people will come to for safety during illness. We will continue to do our best to uplift the facilities here for quality health delivery", Oyebanji stated.

Oyebanji added that his administration is currently renovating nine out of 22 secondary health facilities in the state, disclosing that they will be equipped with requisite machines and personnel when completed.

The governor urged the women to patronise the Oncology Centre at EKSUTH, saying the expensive Mammogram Machine that was installed by government might be useless, if not well deployed for early detection of breast cancer.

Underscoring the significance of the structure when completed, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, maintained that it will further project the image of government as being incurably concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens. 

Attesting that Oyebanji has really consolidated in offering people the best health services, Filani disclosed that the recent  National Demographic Health Survey, vividly revealed  that Ekiti has performed excellently well in the last four years in terms of health indices. 

Also, the EKSUTH's Chief Medical Director, Prof. Kayode Olabanji, stressed further that the medical facility will help in ensuring quality healthcare delivery to the populace and will add value for the purposes of accreditation, where structures always place premium role. 

Prof Olabanji was highly enthralled with how the governor has shown keen interest in the growth of the medical facility, by increasing monthly  subventions that took off January, 2024, while also granted approval for the training of resident doctors and ensuring  uplift of equipment in the tertiary institution.

"The project is going to be a legacy project. The facility will create more space for our staff and patients. It will give confidential and private treatments for our people and improve quality of our services. It is timely and thoughtful". 

Speaking glowing about Oyebanji's commitment to the growth of the health sector, the Chairman, Nigerian Medial Association, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, hailed the governor over full transition of the school of Nursing into a full fledged College, installation of a Mammogram Machine, payment of medical residency training fund, provision of hostels in the Nursing College and payment of medical allowances to staff,  among others.