Ekiti Records major Improvement in Health Indices Released by NDHS Report.

Ekiti Records major  Improvement in Health Indices Released by NDHS Report.

…as neonatal, infant, and under 5 mortality drop by more than 50 per cent.

Ekiti State has recorded  significant improvements in its  health indices according to the recently released report of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. 

 

The report indicated that neonatal, infant, and under 5 Mortality in the State had reduced by over 50 per cent in the past five years.

According to a breakdown of the report, teenage pregnancy has reduced by 30 per cent ; decreased unmet need for family planning by 30 per cent, and increased facility delivery by 14 per cent. 

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani,  noted that with the NDHS report,  Ekiti State has surpassed its expected targets set four years ago. 

In his words, "45,000 additional under-5 lives have been saved between 2019 and 2024 representing 75% of children under 5 that would have died if we maintain 2018 under 5 mortality figures."

Also, the states moved from 31st to 5th best performer in neonatal mortality between 2019 and 2024.

Dr Filani, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, said there were key strategies that contributed to the milestone, which was a significant improvement compared to what was obtainable some four years ago. 

Filani disclosed that despite high coverage of selected interventions four years ago, the health outcomes of the state remained suboptimal and lagged behind other southwestern states. 

"According to the 2019 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), one in 24 infants died within the first month of births, and one in 11 children died before their fifth birthday." 

The Health Commissioner said several factors were responsible for the commendable stance of the current state of the state’s  health sector, including strong political leadership and support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, leading to huge investment in the health sector; regular meeting and reviews, accountability as well as team work.

Other strategies, according to Dr Filani, include building aggressive partnership portfolios through demonstration of results, maintaining fiscal fidelity, and ensuring accountability through which more development partners felt comfortable working with the state. 

"All these strategies, amongst others, have not only improved health outcomes but also laid a strong foundation for a resilient and sustainable health system in Ekiti State." He stated.

Ekiti State Advances Agricultural Mechanization with New Partnerships and Tractors.

Ekiti State Advances Agricultural Mechanization with New Partnerships and Tractors.

...investor set to bring over 20 additional tractors to Ekiti by the end of next month.

Ekiti State is taking a significant step forward in agricultural development with a new partnership involving Hello Tractor and John Deere. This collaboration, endorsed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, aims to boost farming efficiency and support smallholder farmers across the state through enhanced farmland mapping and Tractorization subsidy schemes.

Earlier this year, Ekiti State partnered with Hello Tractor to launch a groundbreaking initiative, leveraging advanced technology to map over 2,000 hectares of farmland. The initial phase saw about 80% of the targeted land successfully Tractorized, a development that has considerably improved farming operations for local producers. However, the project also faced challenges, particularly for Mechanization Service Providers (MSPs), whose operations were impacted by equipment downtime due to challenging terrains, delaying timely service to farmers and affecting crop yields.

To address these challenges, the Commissioner of Agriculture and his team decided to acquire additional tractors to support emergency intervention projects and facilitate timely assistance for farmers without disrupting the current market. Today, Ekiti State received a first batch of new tractors and agricultural equipment from John Deere. These resources, managed by the private sector, will ensure higher standards of efficiency, durability, and accountability, promoting a sustainable mechanization framework that empowers both service providers and farmers.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to an inclusive model, the Commissioner thanked Governor Oyebanji for his steadfast support of agricultural growth. The Ekiti government will continue to subsidize land preparation to make it affordable for smallholder farmers, while encouraging private service providers to actively participate in the mechanization sector.

In a promising move, an investor is set to bring over 20 additional tractors to Ekiti by the end of next month, boosting the state’s capacity for comprehensive land clearing and expanding Tractorization access for farming clusters free of charge. Ekiti State stands ready to welcome more Mechanization Service Providers to support its vision of agricultural resilience and prosperity. With these initiatives, the state positions itself as a leader in modernized agriculture, paving the way for enhanced productivity and economic empowerment for its citizens.

You 've Justified People's Mandate with Excellent Performance, Group Hails Oyebanji.

You 've Justified People's Mandate with Excellent Performance, Group Hails Oyebanji.

A group under the banner Ekiti Patriotic Vanguard(EPV), has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for adequately justifying the mandate given to him as the State's Chief Executive through sterling performance in two years into his administration.

The body of Ekiti professionals, expressed satisfaction and pride with the quantum and standard of projects commissioned and flagged off for future prospect by Governor Oyebanji, saying the current administration is steadily stabilising Ekiti and attracting investors across all sectors of the economy.

The EPV National Convener, Arch Olayemi Ogunjobi, gave the verdict , in a statement issued in Lagos and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Friday.

Arch Ogunjobi said most interesting among Oyebanji's landmark achievements in two years, was the reconnection of over 40 towns that were hitherto locked in total power outage for over a decade  to national grid, saying this policy has helped to rejig local economy and bridle poverty across board.

The group was enthralled with how Governor Oyebanji strategically implemented its road infrastructure, in a fashion that will help in easing transportation, particularly boosting agriculture considered a veritable  area of comparative advantage .

He stressed  that the state should be grateful to the current administration for commissioning and flag off roads that can offer alternative travelling routes to dilapidated federal roads, by making the state owned roads pliable, disclosing that this was responsible for the spike in influx of travelers making Ekiti a transit route in recent time. 

"Ekiti Patriotic Vanguard expresses satisfaction with Governor Biodun Oyebanji's performance in two years and congratulate Ekiti people who are the greatest and ultimate  beneficiaries of this benevolence and commitment demonstrated by the governor. 

"We are proud to associate with Governor Oyebanji and the on the spot assessment of his achievement  that indicated that his government had reconnected over 40 towns to national grid among them are over 12 towns in Gbonyin Council and 10 towns in Ekiti East who experienced over two decades of power outage. 

"We are also glad that Ijero, Ijesa Isu, a section of Ikere, some sections of Ado Ekiti, Ilawe, Ogotun, Igbara Odo, Ikogosi, Erinjiyan, Ipole and many other strategic towns are now back to the national grid to spur local economy through active participations of artisans in economic activities to banish poverty among the ranks of our locals", the group said.

Specifically, Arch Ogunjobi hailed Governor Oyebanji for spearheading the construction of roads to sections considered  the arteries of food production in Ekiti, saying this will ease transportation of farm products to market centres to curb astronomic increase in prices of food commodities. 

"We are happy about the commissioning of Ilawe-Ikogosi Link Road. This axis is renowned for the production of Plantain, Banana and yam products. The commissioning of Agric Olope-Moferere-Matthew road, Ikole township road, GRA 3rd extension road, De Head- Faglo road, are also pivotal to the opening up of Ekiti cities to a new vista of investment opportunities".

The group saluted Governor Oyebanji for midwifing partnership with the private sector to upscale the Human Capital Development, with particular reference to the commissioning of a 628 hostel accommodations for the students of  the Ekiti State University Teaching hospital, College of Nursing, Ado Ekiti. 

"With this, Ekiti Nursing College will become a platform for the  training of medical personnel that can compete favourably with the counterparts nationally and globally, having passed through the crucible of training under a more conducive atmosphere".

Arch Ogunjobi commended the governor for flagging off the construction of 1,000 low cost housing units to bridge the existing gap in the State's housing deficit, describing the policy as a game changer in the attraction of investors to make Ekiti a destination to live, work and invest.

"We consider this  policy as a weapon against some landlords who have become shylocks and charging exorbitant rents, thereby narrowing down opportunities of people making Ekiti a destination of choice.

" A 1,000 low cost housing units will go a long way in attracting intending investors who will have limitless opportunities of purchasing or renting the houses at affordable prices to settle and perform their legitimate businesses when completed", he said. 

In the area of Youth and Job Creation, Arch Ogunjobi, stated that the flag off for the construction of a modern Indoor  Sports Complex by the governor  will make Ekiti a land of possibility for the training and nurturing  of athletes that  can do the state proud in both national and international competitions. 

"When our youths are gainfully engaged, security threats in the facets of internet fraud, ritual killings, banditry, robbery and other nefarious acts will reduce and Ekiti can be categorized as a state where peace is enjoyed in the state", the group added.

Gov. Oyebanji Approves Payment of Over N3.5 Billion Counterpart Fund For 2024 UBEC/SUBEB Intervention Projects.

Gov. Oyebanji Approves Payment of Over N3.5 Billion Counterpart Fund For 2024 UBEC/SUBEB Intervention Projects.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has approved the payment of a whooping sum of N3, 554,642,584.46 as counterpart fund for execution of 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

This is coming at the heels of the bid opening ceremony signaling the commencement of the 2023 similar projects.

The approval was also upon the payment of an equivalent amount by the Commission as Federal Government Statutory Allocation of the UBE matching grant to the state.

The Executive Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi in a statement, disclosed that the approval was a bold step by the governor towards providing conducive teaching and learning environment for public primary schools across the state.

According to him, Governor Oyebanji has within the last two years of his administration paid the UBEC/SUBEB counterpart funds for 2022 and 2023 matching grants apart from other landmark achievements of the governor in the basic education sector.

He added that other unprecedented development for the sector include procurement and distribution of instructional materials to enhance teaching and learning, employment of several teaching and non-teaching staff, construction and renovation of classrooms, training and retraining of teachers and provision of ICT equipment for the schools.

Prof. Akinwumi stated further that the approval of Governor Oyebanji to pay the counterpart fund would continue to strengthen the state’s collaboration with UBEC for execution of more developmental projects for enhancement of basic education and effective delivery of UBE programme.

He re – echoed the determination of the board to ensure the speedy and successful implementation of the 2023 projects so that those of 2024 can follow almost immediately, stressing that the governor having fulfilled his part would be anxious about the early completion of the projects according to specifications.

Prof. Akinwumi while thanking the governor for his passionate interest in the development of basic education in the state urged the successful bidders in the on – going 2023 UBEC/ SUBEB projects to comply strictly to the UBEC guidelines, the federal and state procurement acts for timely and efficient delivery of their contracts.

He also charged the teachers and other education stakeholders to be more proactive in the dissemination of their duties to ensure that the huge investment of the state government on education is not a waste of the state’s scarce financial resources.

Ojuawo Receives Award of Honour from Anti-Corruption Group.

Ojuawo Receives Award of Honour from Anti-Corruption Group.

Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, received the “Icon of Integrity” award from Zero Tolerance for Corruption Association (ZTCA), an anti-corruption group with nationwide networks.

ZTCA collaborates with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, and Nigeria Intelligence Agency to report corruption and financial indiscipline through project monitoring, surveillance, and mapping, as well as investigating individuals and public officers.

Ambassador Aminu Abass, ZTCA’s president, presented the award to Hon Ojuawo at his National Assembly office, praising his contributions to national development. 'We’ve been monitoring you, and your commitment, forthrightness, and honesty are exemplary. Hence, we present this award to encourage you to continue on this path.'

Hon Ojuawo thanked the group, acknowledging their complementary role in stamping out corruption. “Your award motivates me to do more. The greater Nigeria is our collective responsibility; I won’t rest on my oars' Ojuawo assured his guests.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

EKITI GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF AYO FASANMI MODEL COLLEGE OVER STUDENTS’ SAFETY CONCERN.

EKITI GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF AYO FASANMI MODEL COLLEGE OVER STUDENTS’ SAFETY CONCERN.

Ekiti State Government has announced the temporary closure of Ayo Fasanmi Model College, Ado- Ekiti for the safety of students and teachers of the school pending the renovation of the defects noticed in the buildings.

Reiterating the commitment of the State Government to the safety and well-being of all and sundry in the State, particularly school-age children, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement made available to newsmen, also stressed the commitment of Government to the provision of conducive learning environment in Ekiti schools.

Olatunbosun explained that Government in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) is working round the clock to renovate the affected building, adding that arrangement has also been made to move the affected students to alternative facilities pending the completion of work at the school.

The Commissioner appealed to parents and guardians of the students to be patient, assuring that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring the students do not suffer unduly. He added that the school would be reopened for academic activities as soon as it is safe to do so.

Don't make nonsense of our huge investment in agric, EKSG warns herders.

Don't make nonsense of our huge investment in agric, EKSG warns herders.

... as state Prohibits underage, night grazing.

Ekiti state government has issued a stern warning to herders operating in the state not to make a mess of government’s huge investment in agriculture by allowing their flocks invade and destroy farms in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd) gave the warning in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting of Ekiti State Farmers’/Herders’ peace committee at Jibowu hall, Government House. He said government will henceforth invoke the full weight of the law on any underage found herding or anyone herding at night.

Gen. Ogundana, who is also the chairman of the committee, disclosed that Governor Oyebanji inaugurated the committee in 2023 in his effort to bring permanent end to farmers/herder clashes in the state. He affirmed that the ban became imperative in order to bring peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding between farmers and pastoralists in the state.

“Since the government will not fold its arms and allow the lawlessness to continue, the Herders/Farmers Peace Committee was inaugurated by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2023. The Committee is to interface between the herders and farmers. In addition, there are other policies and control measures put in place to strengthen the relationship between them.

“Some of these policies include; Anti-Grazing Law which is an Act of the state House of Assembly. The law is to ensure that there is no grazing at night, Prohibition of under-age from grazing, no grazing on the farmland and the defaulters are to be dealt with according to the law of the land. 

In the drive to also ensure effective coordination and compliance at Local Government levels, the committee inaugurated 18 local government Coordinators to serve as representatives of the committee at the LGAs. Gen Ogundana said the effort will bring about the desired cooperation among herders, farmers and the host communities. 

He called on traditional rulers, local government Chairmen and representatives of farmers and herders to create a forum where they can dialogue on the need to be inter- dependence and invariably address the issue of suspicion, trespasses by either party as well as educate one another on the importance of abiding with the Anti-Grazing Law of the state.

Gen Ogundana also hinted that government has set up Farm Settlements across the state in order to address food shortage. This, he said, is in addition to the Agro-Task Force comprising of Security Agencies to provide protection for farmlands and farmers.

“Identification of herders, farmers and the host communities staying on the farm settlements. Registration of the concerned groups is in progress. This will enable the communities to identify intruders or criminals entering the areas to carry out illegal activities, instead of allowing innocent people to suffer. You are requested to cooperate with the team that will be going round to carry out the exercise.

“There is the need to prevent herders migrating from other States to Ekiti State. It is a general belief that the migrating herders come from outside Nigeria to graze in Nigeria. This group of herders are suspected to have some criminal tendencies and they are destructive in nature.”, He asserted.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade also revealed Governor Oyebanji’s plan to invest heavily in agriculture in 2025 hence the need to make adequate preparation towards ensuring security and protection of farmers and farmlands from miscreants that that come in form of herders.

Boluwade also noted that there is hardly any society that can achieve development without peace, adding that this year alone, government had invested over N2Billion in agriculture stressing the importance of seeing the turnover to encourage both government and farmers to do more.

Speaking on behalf of all security chiefs in the state, Commissioner of Police, Kayode Akinwale commended the efforts of the state Governor at ensuring peace and security of the state and called on traditional rulers to take charge of the security of their domain by constitution security vigilantes to protect their communities.

The Chairman, Ekiti state Council of Traditional Rulers, represented by the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, called on security forces to be alive to their responsibility as he expressed trust in the various commitment of government at ensuring peace and adequate security in the state.