Making Women Economically Buoyant 'll Enhance Nigeria's Peace, Prosperity - Oyebanji.

Making Women Economically Buoyant 'll Enhance Nigeria's Peace, Prosperity - Oyebanji.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged government at all levels to mainstream women- friendly policies to launch gender equality in Nigeria, saying making female gender economically active and buoyant is a watershed to the country's peace and prosperity. 

Oyebanji reminded that stability of any country begins from homestead, where women play pivotal and financially tasking roles in ensuring good education, morality and social inclusion of their children for personal and national development .

The governor said these on Friday, while inaugurating a multisectoral programme tagged:  Nigeria For Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), held in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described the NFWP-SU as a World Bank Assisted Programme with the objective of institutionalizing Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and other platforms for Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) for improved economic opportunities.

He said the programme, which had taken off in six states of the federation, was aimed at empowering women, through a strategic partnership between the Federal Government and the World Bank, designed to support the Government’s goal of ensuring gender equality. 

"The parent project tested the Women Affinity Group (WAG) model as a platform for addressing key constraints to women’s social and economic empowerment at the household and community levels, thereby, addressing barriers to women’s prosperity and building social assets for women empowerment. 

"There is widespread evidence that enhancing women’s financial inclusion would generate significant economic and societal benefits. By building assets, women can better respond to family needs.

" When a woman has access to and control of  financial products and services, she contributes to not only her own well-being but also the well-being of her family. When a woman saves in a safe place, she saves for her children’s education, her family’s health, and their better housing-building both security and prosperity. 

"With greater security and prosperity, she gains greater economic empowerment, with ripple effects across communities and, eventually, societies" .

The governor  commended the World Bank for its various interventions in the State, hoping that the project will achieve the desired objective of improved livelihood for Ekiti women. 

In her submission, the Commissioner for Women's Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, said Governor Oyebanji, has demonstrated enormous  passion and readiness to breaking socio cultural and economic barriers rattling and limiting  female gender. 

The NFWP-SU Coordinator in Ekiti State, Mrs Toyin Familoni, added that the state has made significant steps in ensuring gender balancing by promulgating laws that mainstreamed gender equality and remove discriminations against womenfolk.

To actualise the functionality of the programme, Familoni revealed that Governor Oyebanji had approved funding and provided accommodation for its operation, while also allotted  three Local Governments as pilots to kickstart the project.

Hon Ojuawo Congratulates First Lady, Dr Oyebanji on her Birthday.

Hon Ojuawo Congratulates First Lady, Dr Oyebanji  on her Birthday.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, congratulates Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Jumoke Oyebanji, Associate Professor of Education and Management and First Lady of Ekiti State, on her birthday.

“In his congratulatory message, Hon. Ojuawo wishes Dr. Oyebanji a happy birthday, acknowledging her as a woman of substance whose support to the Governor has yielded remarkable productivity across sectors. ‘Your Excellency, I celebrate you for being a year older and wiser in serving humanity. Your exemplary leadership has inspired our women in various development indices, notably through WAOH, ADIRE Hub, and your invaluable contributions to tertiary institutions. Your unwavering support for the girl child across the state is truly commendable.

On behalf of my constituents and myself, I express gratitude and warmest birthday wishes to you, Ma.’ Hon. Ojuawo also seizes this opportunity to encourage women in politics to emulate Dr. Oyebanji’s enthusiasm, pragmatic leadership, and supportive role to achieve excellence.”

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Championing Transformative Healthcare in Ekiti through Holistic Health Systems.

Championing Transformative Healthcare in Ekiti through Holistic Health Systems.

In striving to be a regional health hub, and even beyond, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that from infrastructural development to service delivery, health financing, public health security, community engagement and social mobilisation, health information system, health workforce and capacity development, leadership and governance, and research, Ekiti State  government has invested considerably in delivering a transformative healthcare system that is robust, resilient, and inclusive

The inalienable right of every Nigerian to equitable access to quality healthcare cannot be overstated. A firm believer in this right, the Ekiti State government has continuously underscored its commitment to not just delivering a healthcare system that works, but also one that is robust, resilient, and inclusive. 

For Governor Biodun Oyebanji, keying into the right initiatives that leverage digital solutions for the improvement of the health sector was key. To achieve this, he walked the talk with the appointment of the Dr. Oyebanji Filani to head the Ministry of Health and Human Services as Commissioner. 

With his knowledge on health financing and policy reform, Filani, who also doubles as the chairperson of Nigeria health commissioners forum, has been able to bring the right mix of technology and policy reforms in tailoring and driving the health systems of the state, a feat he acknowledged was based on the level of support the ministry has gotten from the governor. 

Suffice to say that in Ekiti, the government has demonstrated significant commitment to improving the health status of the populace through a holistic approach to health systems development with particular emphasis on strengthening primary health care system as a way of promoting universal health coverage. 

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has also invested considerably in the health sector, which has upped the health indices of the state, as shown by the data mined from January to August 2024 on infrastructural development, service delivery, health financing, public health security, community engagement and social mobilisation, health information system, health workforce and capacity development, leadership and governance, and research. 

Infrastructural Development:

In terms of Infrastructural development, the state government has installed a new mammogram machine at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital to increase access to early detection of breast cancer; upgraded the Ikole Specialist Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre; as well as the the upgrade of the Ekiti State Drug and Health Supplies Management Agency warehouse to a pharma-grade facility.

According to the commissioner, this milestone was achieved through a signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Government of Ekiti State as the upgrade not only elevates the hospital’s status but also secures increased federal support and resources, thereby enhancing the quality of care and expanding the range of services available to patients.

Also, The Global Fund provided a Toyota Hilux program utility vehicle for Tuberculosis and HIV Control Program, ensuring that TB and HIV control efforts are efficient and effective, while IMPACT procured an Hilux and a bus for utility purposes, enhancing the capacity for program monitoring.

The state government also constructed a 1.85km HMB/Doctor’s Quarters road, including a bypass to reduce burden of health workers going to give care at the hospital. However, beyond this, at the moment, renovation of nine outstanding general hospitals and equipment are ongoing in Ijan Ekiti, Ijesa Isu, Ilawe, Okemesi, Efon Alaaye, Iye Ekiti, Ayede Ekiti, Ilupeju / Itapa Ekiti, and Ifaki Ekiti general hospitals, as well as the Government House Clinic in Ado Ekiti and Hospitals Management Board, also in Ado Ekiti. 

Health Financing:

As a core function of health systems, health financing pushes for progress towards universal health coverage by improving effective service coverage and financial protection. In Ekiti, this ethos is also key for its Ministry of Health and Human Resources. 

Presently, they have enrolled all 3.6 million residents of Ekiti into the Ulerawa Health Insurance Program, with almost 400,000 citizens utilising free, high-quality healthcare services this year alone while 19,000 pensioners were also enrolled into the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme for increased access to essential healthcare services.

Not done, the state registered over 1,000 persons for surgery, with 548 free surgeries performed, including herniorrhaphy, caesarean sections, cataract surgeries, 

myomectomies and lump excisions—transforming the lives of many residents. It also disbursed ₦100 million to 105 individuals for medical support, enabling access to critical treatments, surgeries, and medications.

Expatiating, Filani said as of September 2024, Ulerawa, the Ekiti State Government’s flagship health insurance program has enrolled 3.6 million residents and 403,371 citizens have utilised free, high-quality healthcare services. “Ulerawas has paid over two hundred and seventy-three million naira to PHCs in reimbursement for residents who has utilised free, high-quality healthcare services in ANC, Under-5 Malaria, Bacterial Intestinal Infection, Diarrhoea, Measles, Micronutrient Deficiency, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Family Planning, Immunisation Tranche 1, Immunisation Tranche 2, Adult Malaria, Delivery, Referral ANC, Xerophthalmia, Referral for Under-5s.”

In terms of the Basic Healthcare Provisional Fund (BHCPF), he noted that it offers a basic minimum health package that covers maternal and child health, care for vulnerable groups—including people living with disabilities, sickle cell warriors, the elderly, pregnant women, and children under five years—and general treatments such as malaria.

As of August 2024, the fund had enabled 179,059 residents to access vital health services, with ₦421,774,350 disbursed to 175 accredited Primary Health Care facilities across the state as capitation payments. In addition, 1,950 enrollees benefited from advanced treatments after being referred from PHCs to secondary healthcare facilities, with an additional ₦63,525,897.26 paid for these services.

 Attention to Service Delivery:

As a core function of health systems, Service Delivery takes shape in Ekiti by providing patients with the treatments and supplies they need at the moment.

For 210,619 girls between the ages of 9-14, they were vaccinated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, achieving 91 per cent coverage, as well as an increased number of individuals on HIV treatment to 93 per cent of the estimated cases of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). 

Infact, the Ministry has made significant efforts in enhancing HIV service delivery as part of a broader strategy to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV and to scale up prevention, testing, and treatment services across the state. As of December 2022, 8,536 individuals were on HIV treatment, which increased to 11,465 by June 2024, according to the National Data Repository (NDR). 

Additionally, the 95-95-95 cascade of care has shown notable improvement: in the first 95, related to case finding, Ekiti is at 93 per cent; in the second 95, concerning linkage to care, Ekiti is at 95 per cent; and in the third 95, pertaining to viral suppression, Ekiti stands at 97 per cent. 

Not done, they also distributed 71,430 Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) to improve the prevention of malaria, as well as provided 600,603 vitamin A supplements, with 81 per cent coverage for children (6-59 months) while screening 1,600 civil servants, focusing on hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, with timely referrals.

Also in the kitty were 1,307 women, who were screened for cervical cancer, which led them to identify 19 positive cases, with 15 receiving treatment. Additionally, to drive demand generation for maternal and child health services, the ministry recruited over 350 volunteer workers under the Ekiti State Health Vanguards (EKSHV) in all 16 LGAs. 

More importantly, the MOH&HS has improved emergency medical care by successfully integrating its ambulance services into the National Emergency Medical Systems and Ambulance Services. This integration has markedly enhanced response times and coordination, ensuring that emergency medical care is delivered more efficiently across the state. 

For Tuberculosis control, the state made significant progress through strategic integration of TB services with various public health programs and the optimisation of diagnostic capabilities across all healthcare tiers, leading to improved TB case detection and management. 

Another significant stride made by the state is in combating malaria through a multifaceted approach designed to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. According to the commissioner, central to these efforts has been the comprehensive distribution and monitoring of LLINs across all LGAs.

In the state, the implementation of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW) twice a year has been a cornerstone of the state’s efforts to improve maternal and child health as the ministry provided 600,603 vitamin A supplementation in addition to malnutrition screening, deworming tablets, reaching 81 per cent of children aged 6 to 59 months. 

Public Health Security:

With public health security, which is a framework for protecting populations from external health threats, such as pandemics by improving the ability to detect, prevent, and respond to infectious diseases through public health surveillance and partnerships between states, the Ekiti State government has been in form.

To do this, in 16 LGAs, they distributed essential medical items to primary and secondary health facilities while carrying out the quarterly infection prevention control (IPC) supportive supervision, across health facilities, as well as successful cholera sensitisation campaign, which led to zero reported cases.

The Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services has strengthened disease surveillance, public health education, and healthcare delivery across the state. Through routine data collection and analysis, the Ministry closely monitors epidemic-prone diseases and supports real-time tracking on SORMAS and SITAWARE. 

Monthly supervision ensures the effectiveness of malaria programs, while the Rapid Response Team actively monitors all 16 LGAs for emerging health threats, including malaria and diphtheria, and engages in community sensitization. 

 The ministry has also promoted health screenings and community outreach, such as a cervical cancer screening initiative that reached over 1,300 individuals in early 2024 and raised awareness through rallies and advocacy visits. 

Additionally, a health screening for civil servants covered 1,600 individuals, assessing them for hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Essential health supplies are consistently distributed to primary and secondary facilities across the state, with ongoing Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) supervision and yellow fever vaccinations to reinforce public health measures. Intensive case searches for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases have been conducted, with emergency response coordination maintained through the Public Health Emergency Operating Centre’s call center.

Community Engagement and Social Mobilisation:

In terms of community engagement and social mobilisation, the state has issued public health advisories on Diphtheria, Cholera, and Mpox, which were widely disseminated, raising awareness and strengthening prevention efforts across the state, as well as conducting extensive cholera sensitisation campaign in all LGAs, resulting in zero cases being reported.

Paying attention to social mobilisation, they have also boosted acceptance of vaccines by carrying out a robust and inclusive social mobilisation strategy with state health educators leading advocacy visits to key ministries, such as Women Affairs, Education, Local Government, and the Teaching Service Commission, fostering sector-wide collaboration. 

For a holistic approach, religious leaders were involved while extensive outreach campaigns were conducted, and radio jingles were aired at peak times to maximise public engagement.  

For the HPV Vaccination campaign, the ministry also organised town hall meetings to address concerns raised by vaccine-hesitant schools and churches. In addition, letters were distributed to schools to keep stakeholders informed. These efforts led to the successful administration of the HPV vaccine to 210,619 girls aged 9-14, achieving a coverage rate of 91 per cent and making substantial progress in preventing cervical cancer.

One of the highpoints was the introduction of Ekiti State Ekiti State Health Vanguards (EKSHV), who are trained officers from to drive improvements in maternal and child health in their respective communities. 

For Global Health Days, the state commemorated several global health observance days through public events and awareness campaigns, reinforcing key health messages and promoting healthier lifestyles like the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 8th, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, strengthening the fight against FGM in the state.

Other days like the World Hypertension Day was marked on May 17th, 2024, through a road walk and public campaigns; 2024 World Health Day through a road walk  on “My Health, My Right,” emphasizing the importance of individual health rights; World Malaria Day; World Tuberculosis (TB) Day; and Breastfeeding Week  highlighting the significant health benefits of breastfeeding, helping to promote maternal and infant health across the state.

Health Information System:

To build digital systems of open data that are used to generate strategic information for the benefit of public health, the government provided tablets to 177 primary health facilities to improve patient data management and streamline health insurance claims and at the same time, compile a comprehensive database to integrate traditional medicine into the broader healthcare framework.

This is important because in an era where data drives decision-making and the efficient delivery of health services, Ekiti State has made substantial progress in developing a robust Health Information System (HIS).

For the state, a key aspect of the data management was the tracking of Health Expenditure data across the entire health sector. This they have done by closely monitoring and analysing information, thus ensuring accountability and better resource allocation for health initiatives throughout the year.

Also, the ministry conducts Monthly LGA Data Validation Meetings, which have been institutionalised across all LGAs since January 2024, to review data reporting tools from each facility. According to the commissioner, regular engagement addresses data discrepancies and ensures harmonisation of health data, further strengthening the state’s health information system.

In recognition of the importance of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine, the ministry compiled a comprehensive Traditional Medicine Database, an effort to critically integrate traditional medicine into the broader health system, ensuring that practitioners are recognised,, regulated, and monitored, thus allowing for a more inclusive healthcare framework.

The ministry also updated the Health Partners Database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information on partners contributing to the state’s health initiatives. In addition, Human Resources for Health Data from various regulatory bodies were collected and updated, ensuring the availability of accurate workforce data for planning and capacity-building efforts.

Health Workforce and Capacity Development:

Even with technology, the import of a workforce with the right capacity cannot be overstated. A firm believer in this, the government trained 200 health workers and 20 medical professionals on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). For the GBV and FGM trainings, they were done to build their capacity as frontline service providers and community leaders 

while 34 mid-level and senior health managers completed a rigorous Healthcare Management and Leadership training program organised in collaboration with the Center for Epidemiology and Health Development and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Also, senior-level staff from the State Ministry of Health attended an executive course at Lagos Business School Executive Education; 48 state officers and 80 LGA officers across 16 LGAs participated in State Level Leadership and Management training; and 350 facility-level staff were trained in quality improvement modalities to enhance health service delivery across the state.

For monitoring, evaluation and surveillance trainings, they participated in the NMDR and surveillance training by NMEP in Lagos. Furthermore, state officers organized cascaded training on integrated Polio and VPDs surveillance for LGA teams in August 2024, followed by an annual training for community informants. Training on malaria surveillance, including a refresher for DHIS2 use, was also conducted for logistics and M&E officers in Akure, Ondo State.

Others include Health Logistics and Laboratory Capacity Trainings for molecular lab scientists on PCR diagnosis for LASSA fever, while laboratory scientists at secondary health facilities received training on microscopy and logistics management while training on logistics management was also provided for LGA Logistics Officers.

Several capacity-building programs on data management were organised on HMIS digitisation and NHMIS-LMIS Data Triangulation in Lagos and Ado-Ekiti, as well as trainings for malarial M&E officers on DHIS2. 

Leadership and Governance:

The Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services has demonstrated strong governance and leadership in its approach to public health, focusing on proactive monitoring, community outreach, and resource management. Through strategic oversight, the Ministry has created an effective system for tracking epidemic-prone diseases, enabling swift responses to emerging health threats across the state. This governance model prioritises data-driven decision-making, with Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) data collection as a foundational tool. 

It’s leadership in managing malaria programs showcases its commitment to public health at both local and state levels as the monthly supervisory visits ensure that malaria initiatives are implemented effectively, while any issues identified are promptly addressed to maintain program quality. The Ministry’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) further supports this work by actively searching for cases of malaria and other epidemic-prone diseases in all LGAs. 

Community engagement has also been a core part of the Ministry’s leadership strategy. Recognising the importance of public awareness in disease prevention, the ministry has led several sensitisation campaigns targeting specific health issues, such as diphtheria. Through public education and outreach, it has effectively communicated preventive measures and treatment options to communities, while improving safety standards for medicine distribution, ensuring community health and safety are prioritised through license renewals for Private Patent Medicine Vendors (PPMVs).

Preventive health screenings illustrate the ministry’s proactive governance approach in protecting public health. Early in 2024, a cervical cancer screening campaign reached over 1,300 individuals across all LGAs, including hard-to-reach communities. 

In a further demonstration of its commitment to good governance, the ministry has ensured a consistent supply of essential health commodities to both primary and secondary facilities across the state. Through efficient resource distribution, the ministry has maintained the continuity of medical services, strengthening healthcare infrastructure in a way that enhances community resilience against health crises. 

The ministry’s infection prevention efforts also underscore its leadership in facility readiness and safety. Quarterly Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) supervision for healthcare worker management is conducted, providing facilities with ongoing support to enhance preparedness for health threats.

Another pillar of the ministry’s governance is its efficient use of digital platforms for real-time disease surveillance. By integrating the SORMAS and SITAWARE systems, the Ministry has enhanced its capacity to monitor and respond to health threats as they arise, demonstrating a commitment to modernising public health infrastructure. This use of technology exemplifies the Ministry’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring that Ekiti State remains agile and prepared in the face of potential outbreaks.

In 2024, the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services conducted three pivotal studies to gain insights into healthcare utilisation and accessibility across the state. These studies—focusing on facility-based deliveries, willingness to pay for health insurance, and community health network mapping—were part of a data-driven approach to better understand the healthcare landscape and identify barriers to effective healthcare delivery and insurance enrollment.

To address the decline in facility-based deliveries, the Ministry commissioned NOIPolls to investigate why fewer births were taking place in health facilities. This study highlighted key factors such as the attitudes of health workers and the influence of spouses on women’s choices regarding delivery locations. The findings provided the Ministry with evidence-based insights to develop targeted interventions aimed at increasing skilled birth attendance, addressing these identified barriers to improve maternal health outcomes across Ekiti State.

In assessing the willingness to pay for state-sponsored health insurance, the Ministry aimed to ensure the sustainability of ULERAWA, Ekiti State’s health insurance scheme. With support from GIZ-Backup Health, the Ministry partnered with the Devstork Platform for Development (DPD) to conduct a study on the willingness and ability to pay (WATP) for health insurance premiums among citizens in both formal and informal sectors. This research explored citizens’ willingness to allocate a portion of their income for insurance and identified the factors influencing their decision to enroll. By understanding these dynamics, the Ministry aims to tailor the scheme to be more inclusive and financially accessible for all residents.

The third study was a community health network mapping and assessment of barriers to healthcare and health insurance across Ekiti State, supported by GIZ. This assessment focused on identifying structural and logistical obstacles communities face in accessing healthcare services and enrolling in health insurance. The mapping aimed to pinpoint gaps in healthcare infrastructure and highlight specific challenges that prevent people from accessing essential services.

Collectively, these studies provide the Ministry with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare needs and obstacles facing Ekiti State residents. The data gathered will be instrumental in shaping policies, enhancing service delivery, and improving healthcare access, ensuring that Ekiti State’s health system is responsive to its communities’ unique challenges and needs.

National Demographics Health Survey’s Indices for Performance 

All these above stated indices were supported by the recently released 2024 National Demographic Health Survey, which also highlighted Ekiti State Performance. 

When it comes to teenage pregnancy, there has been a significant decrease in the proportion of teens (aged 15-19) that get pregnant in the past four years in Ekiti State, which has implications for improved maternal and child outcomes, thus contributing to socio-economic progress by increasing educational attainment. 

As against 2019 and 2024, more women have access to family planning, which leads to healthier outcomes and enables women participate better in the workforce. 

Also within the same period of review, there has been an increase in health facility deliveries as more women are delivered of their babies by a skilled birth attendant, thus reducing neonatal mortality and promoting strengthened health system. 

Also, the proportion of children aged 12 to 23 months, who have received child survival vaccines has significantly increased compared to five years ago, thus protecting them from life threatening diseases and even death. 

Excitingly, Ekiti has significantly improved the early childhood mortality indices in the past five years, which is a reflection of the quality of care and nutrition offered.

Through these initiatives, the Ekiti State government has undoubtedly, cultivated  focused on accountability, accessibility, and proactive healthcare in its efforts in disease prevention, resource management, and community engagement, which perhaps reflects a deep commitment to building a healthier, safer Ekiti State while setting a standard for effective public health governance.

BAORESS@54: A Toast to An Icon of Humanity.

BAORESS@54: A Toast to An Icon of Humanity.

By Raheem Akingbolu.

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, an Associate Professor and wife of Ekiti State Governor, is 54 today to the Glory of God. Having worked with her closely, I can say without any contradiction that what defines her is not necessarily her office as First Lady but her penchant for humanity and service to God. 

Her willpower and focus to bring out the best wherever she finds herself has tenaciously distinguished her from the rest. She pays attention to details with a primal vision of setting new standards and raising the bar in her quests to uplift mankind. She devotes a considerable part of her time, energy and resources, on a regular basis, in advancing the cause of the less privileged and championing initiatives that support the needy in our society. Her dream is aimed at empowering and uplifting the disadvantaged people regardless of their age, education status, religious and political affiliations.

Just recently,  through her Widows, Aged, and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Support Foundation, Dr. Oyebanji empowered over 400 widows and orphans in Ekiti state. The initiative also provided scholarships to 50 pupils from primary school to university level and financial support of ₦100,000 each to 50 undergraduates.

Peter, NOT Peter the Apostle; but Peter, the hero of Hugh Walpole’s novel, FORTITUDE, said: ‘It isn’t life that matters; but the courage you bring to it.’ This, perhaps, summarizes the events that have consistently shaped the life of today’s birthday ‘girl’ -our elegant, humble and amiable First Lady.

Before her husband was inaugurated as Governor and she naturally resumed office as the First Lady, not many Nigerians had heard of this University lecturer and her stabilizing role in the home of the Oyebanjis.

For Dr. Oyebanji, expectations were high when she came on board because of many factors. 

But while the hues and encomiums were on, BAORESS, as she is fondly called, remained calm and preferred to study the situation to avoid playing to the gallery. She told everybody who cared to listen that she doesn’t, as a person, jump on the bandwagon. Being a senior lecturer at a reputable University -the University of Ibadan, Dr. Oyebanji saw the need to first research and evaluate the situation on ground before embarking on any project. Of course, she also didn’t allow the razzmatazz that characterized the early days of her husband in office to derail her spiritual life. To this end, the First Lady waited for two things; the result of the survey she initiated and the voice of God. Thus, she hit the ground running with the launch of the WAOH Project last year. The success of last year and this year events and the testimonies of over 750 (350 in 2023 and and 400 in 2024) vulnerable people who have been empowered speak volumes about the character of Dr. Oyebanji.

It must be added that before the official unveiling of her project, the First Lady had worked tremendously unannounced to lift many people and contribute her quota to Ekiti’s development in a unique manner. Among other ways, she had given financial assistance to those in need in hospitals, indigent students in schools, and women in the SMEs. For me, the peak of her approach to touching lives in a different and more impactful manner, has been the volunteer lectures she gives at various institutions in Ekiti State, where she has offered to teach students of Education Management for free, as a means of contributing to their development.

Oyebanji has said her gesture was borne out of her desire to leave her comfort zone in the Government House to do what she knows best – teaching and imparting knowledge to the students.

According to her, she is fulfilling one of the three core values of the academic profession, which include teaching, researching, and community service, noting her being the First Lady cannot take her away from her love for students as well as helping to mold their future.

Dr. Oyebanji is an accomplished scholar. Long before the media attention, following the inauguration of her husband, as helmsman of Ekiti State, she was a senior lecturer at the Department of Education Management at the University of Ibadan. Determined to make a difference in the lives of the Ekiti people, especially the women and children, the Ado-Ekiti princess has since embraced her duties as a supportive wife, mother, and lover of humanity.

Her simple disposition, unassuming personality, and down-to-earth nature, coupled with her intellectual prowess distinguish her from her contemporaries.

With a robust resume, the governor’s wife caught a picture different from her humble and gentle mien. Of all her achievements in life, Oyebanji’s teaching career as a university lecturer and her status as a born-again Christian, are two things that influence her life more than anything.

Dr. Oyebanji’s career trajectory has always revolved around the classroom as a teacher. Reflecting on this new status, she couldn’t have imagined at the beginning of her marital journey to Governor Oyebanji that he would one day seek an elective post.

Like her husband, Dr. Oyebanji has a homegrown advantage as a diligent young lady who had her primary and secondary school education in Ado Ekiti. As a brilliant child at primary and secondary schools, she was always being charged with responsibilities, the peak of which was her emergence as the Senior Prefect Girl at the Baptist Secondary School, Ado Ekiti in 1988.

Dr. Oyebanji is very strong-willed and she exhibits self-confidence, but yet she will exercise those leadership qualities in a very loving and motherly manner over those who were under her spiritual, political and educational care. She has such a close walk with the Lord so much so that one could sense a strong presence of the Holy Spirit in her family progression, a success that is beyond human words to explain.

As this woman of immense grace clocks 54 today, friends and associates are already in ecstasy of celebration of a woman who is determined to bring the best out of Ekiti women and children. Happy birthday Her Excellency!

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.