AT LAST, SOMETHING GOOD IS COMING OUT OF ATIKANKAN.

The BAO Impact Series No. 7.

AT LAST, SOMETHING GOOD IS COMING OUT OF ATIKANKAN.

BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

Mention the name "ATIKANKAN," in Ado Ekiti, the state capital or any part of Ekiti State, what comes to mind is negativity. What comes to mind is activities of the underworld, dingy brothels, dark alleys, filth, dirt, refuse, smokes and stench. 

"ATIKANKAN" is also synonymous with juvenile delinquency, petty crimes, big crimes and all manners of criminality. Ubiquitous street urchins reeking of alcohol and smell of Indian hemp and other hard drugs smoked, snuffed and hawked openly are regular sights.

It can be described as the biggest slum or the most notorious ghetto in Ado Ekiti where the bad, the ugly and the most unsavoury things outshine few positive things happening there on daily basis. Many regard Atikankan as a hideout and hangout for people referred to as "hard guys."

A popular question was asked in the Bible in John Chapter 1, Verse 46. The question was asked by Nathanael and the question was directed to Philip. Nathanael asked, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Nathanael found it difficult to believe that an unimportant community like Nazareth could produce an eminent personality like our Lord Jesus Christ.

Nazareth was a small community, it was remote, rustic, far-flung, lowly and very insignificant. It had residents who were lower in degree and esteem and relatively contemptible. But it was from there that the Saviour and Messiah, Jesus Christ, originated.

Atikankan finds itself in the same shoe with Nazareth where many people believe nothing good can from but the narrative is changing with a bold step being taken by a determined and visionary leader, Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Like Nazareth, many people in Ekiti State have been asking questions like, "Can any good thing come out of Atikankan?" "When will Atikankan be rid of crimes and criminality?" "Who is that Governor that will rescue Atikankan from the grip of those holding it hostage?" "Who will turn the ugly stories of Atikankan to beautiful stories?" "When will people pass through Atikankan and conduct their businesses there without the fear of being mugged, robbed or attacked?", among other questions.

Several attempts had been made in the past to sanitize Atikankan by successive administrations in Ekiti State but such attempts failed because of a combination of lack of political will, fear of losing future elections, deeply entrenched interests, lack of readiness to pay huge compensation and possible backlash from the restive youths who may not be ready to be displaced from their hideouts.

At the time of writing this piece, the bulldozers are still at work in Atikankan. The bulldozers are still roaring and bringing down old, derelict and dilapidated structures to give way to modern buildings and other state-of-the-art facilities to bring Governor Oyebanji's dream of turning the place to a Central Business District (CBD) a reality.

But Governor Oyebanji, divinely endowed with Solomonic wisdom, appears to have found a solution to the long-running Atikankan conundrum. He adopted a carrot and stick approach to resolve the jigsaw. The Governor made visits to the place, humbly cultivated the support of the people, carried them along and commenced a gradual physical development of the neighbourhood which had prepared the minds of the residents for the inevitable overhaul.

First, the monthly environmental sanitation, has Atikankan as a major focal point to continuously clear the filth and free up the drains. Also, a convenient parking space was carved out for vehicle owners to give them opportunities of enjoying shopping in the area. The traditional and cultural assets of the place were preserved.

A walk or drive through Atikankan in the night revealed a renewed nightlife that has been spiced with the needed illumination. Solar-powered streetlights were installed to boost nightlife, provide more visibility to gradually reduce crime and also extend business hours and this gesture is a boost to market men and women within that axis.

The only roundabout in Atikankan has been transformed with the branding of the structure by a toothpaste manufacturing company in conjunction with Ekiti State Signage and Advertising Agency (EKSAA).

All these did not happen overnight but they are products of a process that began in the Executive Council Chambers before manifesting on the streets. At the State Executive Council meeting held on 16th April, 2024, the Oyebanji Administration approved the payment of compensation for the Atikankan/Igbehin Urban Renewal Project.

The approval covers 130 claimants for permanent structures and 21 for temporary structures. The gesture was in line with the urban renewal vision to transform Ado Ekiti into a more economically viable state capital.

The affected Atikankan area, behind the Akodi Sasere, falls within the CBD of Ado Ekiti, which had degenerated into a complex urban shanty slum that is associated with serious urban, physical, social and environmental problems that require total clearance as the urban renewal resolution option for the area.

The Oyebanji Administration had earlier set up a committee under the chairmanship of the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode, on the valuation and compensation to be paid to the claimants following a reconnaissance survey of the area conducted by the Office of the Surveyor General and Bureau of Land Services.

On 20th May, 2024, the property owners got their compensation to the tune of N300 million and it was the payment of the compensation five months before the demolition of shanties that gave the workmen a peaceful atmosphere to conduct the exercise.

Speaking during the distribution of the cheques, the Governor said the ongoing transformation of Atikankan was aimed at providing more economic opportunities for the people and also boost the standard of living of residents.

Governor Oyebanji said: "One of the cardinal objectives of my administration is 'the transformation of urban slums into befitting central hubs that will boost economic opportunities.' This spurred the acquisition of Atikankan/Igbehin area.

"The proposed project will be one of the major trading hubs in the state where government, private individuals, business and corporate organizations can buy and sell goods and services in a decent and more coordinated manner.

"The project will have impact and improve the living standards of the people as it is capable of generating employments for the youths."

At long last, the transformation of Atikankan has started and this will bring relief to the people. The negative memories of the past will be banished and a new face of positivity in the areas of investment, commerce, beautiful scenery and a conducive atmosphere will loom large.

It is good and fulfilling to see that something good is coming out of Atikankan through the vision, determination and efforts of Governor Oyebanji.

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

Oyebanji Restates Backing for Ekiti Business Owners As LG Lifts 250 Traders.

Oyebanji Restates Backing for Ekiti Business Owners As LG Lifts 250 Traders.

As part of the poverty mitigation policy of his government, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised solid financial backing for the drivers of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as Ajoni Local Council Development Area lifted 250 business owners with fund.

During the disbursement, Oyebanji hinted about the resolve of his government to tapping into the rich potentials at the grassroots to advance the growth of MSMEs and change the business orientation of the rural dwellers .

The governor said these in Ayedun Ekiti, on Thursday, while flagging off the second phase of the Ajoni LCDA powered ‘Cash Disbursement Programme’ christened “BAO’s trader monie” to 250 business owners in the Council.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, saluted the Chairman of the LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi for conceiving the initiative to spread the tentacles of Human Capital Development and boost local economy, to stem the tide of poverty among the rural dwellers.

“Let me appreciate the Chairman of this LCDA for his giant strides in the promotion of Human Capital Development, Agriculture, Job Creation and Youth Empowerment and for his commitment to the replication of the six point agenda of our government at the grassroots”.

Oyebanji appealed to the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to expand the scope of their businesses, improve their living standards, reduce poverty and stop the sole dependence on government as only employer of labour in the State.

“This step being taken today remains one of the best ways to elevate the concept of MSMEs growth and self-employment in line with the industrialization policy of Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

“I have that belief that this programme will go a long way in making positive impacts in the lives of the beneficiaries, their dependants, as well as the local government in general”.

He said his government has demonstrated commitment to fighting poverty via employment of 3500 personnel into the civil service, building of the Micro and MSMEs Clinic and Ekiti Garment Hub, establishment of Cluster farming to attract youths into farming and push Ekiti to food security status, building of indoor sports complex for sporting activities.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the LCDA, Prince Ogungbemi, said the cash disbursement to the accredited MSMES operators, traders and market women, was a loud testament to his concurrence to the shared prosperity agenda of Governor Oyebanji.

Ogungbemi stated that the second phase of the cash disbursement will help in stemming scourges of hunger, crime, unemployment and dependence on government as sole employers of labour in Ekiti, assuring that the third phase is expected to come up March 2025.

He commended a non- governmental organisation, Interweaves Solutions International, for partnering the council expose the beneficiaries to better business skills that can expand the scope of their knowledge to better business dealings, lauding governor Oyebanji for releasing traders support funds to grow the local economy.

“Therefore, the governor’s vision of shared prosperity is one we must all embrace. This administration remains committed to creating opportunities, breaking barriers and fostering an environment where every entrepreneur, trader and market woman can achieve their fullest potential.

“Our journey towards shared prosperity is not merely a slogan, it is a commitment, a call to action, and a vision that must be actualised by all means possible”, he stated.

Applauding the programme, the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala, urged the beneficiaries to deploy the fund appropriately to uplift their businesses, to complement Oyebanji’s strides to conquer poverty in Ekiti.

Poor Population Data Fueling Poverty, Hunger, Unemployment - Oyebanji.

Poor Population Data Fueling Poverty, Hunger, Unemployment - Oyebanji.

The Ekiti State Governor , Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that inability of government at all levels to integrate the spiraling population rate into their development plans contributed largely to increasing poverty, hunger and neglect being suffered by Nigerians .

Oyebanji posited that a developing nation like Nigeria, with rising and explosive population, necessitated by unbridled birth rate, must prepare a proper economic policy that will cater for all citizens to reduce the poverty index.

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while declaring open a seminar tagged: "Integration of Population Variables into Development Planning", organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Bureau of Statistics. 

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, charged the governments to devise ways of having appropriate population data that can guide policy makers in making strategic economic decisions that  can benefit the nation. 

Oyebanji said the frightening indices of hunger and food insecurity, deprived population, unemployment, crime and associated social actions, make it imperative for government to plan for its population. 

He commended the Ministry of Budget and  Economic Planning for putting together the workshop, believing that it will significantly assist in addressing the topical issue of identification of population variables to be integrated into the development plans. 

Reminiscing on the trajectory of past actions taken by government, Oyebanji, said: "The National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development was enunciated in 1988 and revised in 2004 owing to emerging issues such as rising poverty, food insecurity, HIV/AIDS, effects of population on environmental degradation, special needs for the girl-child and the vulnerable, reproductive and sexual health matters, women empowerment and gender equity/equality.

"The revised policy, therefore, aims at improving standard of living and quality of life, promoting maternal and child health, achieving a lower population growth rate and addressing the issue of internal migration and population distribution. 

"Other goals to be achieved are sustained economic growth, poverty reduction, and capacity building to assure a strong and immediate response to outbreak of any pandemics and other related infectious diseases, balanced and integrated urban and rural development as well as balance between the rates of population growth, available resources and socio-economic development of the country.

"With the continuous increase in population due to high birth rate and other associated matters, it is imperative, perhaps more than ever before, to integrate population variables into development planning to make our planning people-centered". 

Oyebanji added it was in realisation of the explosive population, that the six pillars of his administration was crafted to cover thematic areas like Human Capital Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Industrialization, Good Governance, Arts, Culture and Tourism, Youth Development and Job Creation.

"Let me reiterate that the present administration led by our visionary Governor will continue to make people the centre of our planning and development efforts. I urge all individuals, and government and non-governmental agencies to key into this initiative and support the efforts of the State Government", he assured.

In his submission, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, applauded Oyebanji for capturing the poor masses, youths, pensioners and all the strata of Ekiti in his development plans. 

Adebayo urged the participants to place high interest in the intellectual discourse, to be able to garner the knowledge of using population variables for the actualisation of the development plans of the government. 

In their contributions, the Commissioners for Women's Affairs, Peju Babafemi, Capacity Building, Prof. Patrick Tedela, Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun ,Director General/Special Adviser, Office of Transformation and Delivery, Dr. Moyo Ekundayo,  described planning as central to development.

They said the government at all levels can no longer exclude the dynamics of population from its development  plans, saying available data brings pragmatic approach to tackling the economic indices confronting the citizens.

OYEBANJI APPROVES ANOTHER N1BILLION FOR GRATUITIES, PAYS TWO MONTHS PENSION ARREARS TO LG PENSIONERS.

OYEBANJI APPROVES ANOTHER N1BILLION FOR GRATUITIES, PAYS TWO MONTHS PENSION ARREARS TO LG PENSIONERS.

…Releases Subvention To Higher Institutions.

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the release of the sum of one billion naira as gratuity to State pensioners.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of two months pension arrears to local government pensioners.

This is coming barely a month after the Governor distributed a total N3.5 billion in gratuity cheques to retirees in the state, in a bold effort aimed at offseting the backlog of outstanding gratuities.

Additionally, Governor Oyebanji has also approved payment of two months outstanding subvention to Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and one month outstanding subvention each to Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti; Bamidele Olomilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; and College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero- Ekiti. 

Also, approved for release is one month outstanding subvention to the Judiciary.

The payments are in fulfilment of the Governor’s promise to priortise welfare and wellbeing of workers and retirees and ensure that all outstanding entitlements of workers and pensioners owed by previous administrations are paid to them in line with the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of the administration.

The Governor urges workers in the state to remain focused on excellent service delivery, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to their welfare as well as payment of all their entitlements.

 

Yinka Oyebode

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor

07-11-2024

Gov. Oyebanji Clears EKSU, EKSUTH, BOUESTI's Outstanding Subventions to Boost Education Sector.

Gov. Oyebanji Clears EKSU, EKSUTH, BOUESTI's Outstanding Subventions to Boost Education Sector.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has paid off two months of outstanding subventions to Ekiti State University (EKSU), signaling a major victory for the state’s education sector. This payment, which has been hailed as a much-needed relief for the institution, comes after the university faced financial challenges due to the backlog of unpaid subventions.

In a related development, the Governor’s administration also extended financial support to other state educational institutions. Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) each received one month of subvention.

Governor Oyebanji, who assumed office in October 2022, has repeatedly emphasized that education is a key priority of his administration. The recent payments to EKSU, EKSUTH, and BOUESTI align with his vision to enhance the state’s educational system, ensuring the smooth running of these institutions and improving the welfare of staff and students.

The move is seen as a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of educational institutions in Ekiti State. It is expected to have a positive impact on the operations of these institutions, providing them with the financial stability to better serve their students and staff.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration continues to make strides in fulfilling its campaign promises, with a focus on creating a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Ekiti State. As the state moves forward, citizens are hopeful that this development marks the beginning of more positive changes in the education sector and beyond.

Innovate Strategies to Tackle Disasters, Land Disputes, Ekiti Govt Tasks Board Members.

Innovate Strategies to Tackle Disasters, Land Disputes, Ekiti Govt Tasks Board Members.

The Ekiti State Government, has tasked the new board members of some Agencies and Commissions  appointed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to devise new innovations to tackle rising cases of disasters and boundary disputes in the state.  

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the charge, on Wednesday , while receiving the Chairmen and board members of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency(EKSEMA) and Ekiti State Boundary Commission, in her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

In her interface with the members, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, congratulated the board members for their appointments, urging them to be loyal and honest to the state in the discharge of their statutory duties.

She described the issues woven around disaster management and settling of land disputes as sensitive, urging them to exercise caution and be dispassionate while meddling in such issues.

She said: "When the appointments were made, it was with enthusiasm and with expectations that things will get better with the qualities of those that were brought on board by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to serve.

"Particularly, EKSEMA is an important agency of government. Nobody prays for calamities, but you can't prevent them from happening. When you pray for rain, it may come with storm and constitute problem for the populace. All we have to do is to manage the situation.

"The Governor  is expecting 100% commitment and performance from you, please, don't disappoint him. The board members are people with experiences in their chosen careers, who will add value to governance in Ekiti State", she stated.

Mrs Afuye assured that some of the challenges being faced by the Agency and Commission will be resolved, so that members can be be proficient in handling matters brought before them.

The Chairman of the Board of EKSEMA, Alhaji Ademola Bello, described the appointments as great opportunity to make positive impacts in the lives of Ekiti populace, by coming with ideas that will stem the tides of natural and man- made disasters in the state.

Bello, former Special Adviser, promised that the board members have come with several innovations that will ease disaster management in Ekiti, to complement the strategies already put in place by government.

Also, the Chairman of the Boundary Commission, Surv. Kayode Olaosebikan, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for the appointment, promising to bring his wealth of experience to bear to add value to boundary issues in Ekiti.

OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF COAS, GEN. LAGBAJA.

OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF COAS, GEN. LAGBAJA.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of the Chief of the Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja who hailed from Osun State, died after a period of illness. He was aged 56 years old.

The Governor in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the death of Gen. Lagbaja as a monumental loss to the nation.

He described the deceased as a dedicated soldier, a committed officer and a tested general who fought many battles to defend the territorial integrity of the country.

Governor Oyebanji pointed out that the deceased committed his youthful and adult life to the service of the nation as a commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army and served meritoriously in many formations across the country.

According to him, history would always be kind to Gen. Lagbaja in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast as the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in which he deployed his skills and experience to ensure the routing of terrorists.

He said Gen. Lagbaja's exploits was recognized in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) as a leading commander of the troops from the countries in the Lake Chad Basin in their quest to defeat insurgency.

Governor Oyebanji stressed that the deceased's industry and resourcefulness were instrumental to his appointment as the Chief of the Army Staff, noting that although his tenure was brief, it was remarkable especially in the deployment of technology in soldiering.

Recalling his encounters with the late COAS, the Governor said the late Chief of Army Staff’s swift response to the security challenge in Ekiti State after the gruesome murder of two traditional rulers and the kidnapping of school children is responsible for the current peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Governor Oyebanji commiserated with the family of the deceased urging them to take solace in the worthy legacies left behind by the three-star general.

The Governor also extended his condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Service Chiefs, the Army High Command, the government and people of Osun State and the entire nation on the loss of a great patriot.