BATSV Chairman Defends Appointment of Daniel Bwala as Tinubu’s Media Adviser.

BATSV Chairman Defends Appointment of Daniel Bwala as Tinubu’s Media Adviser.

The Global Chairman of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, has defended the appointment of Daniel Bwala as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication.

Addressing critics of the appointment, Owotomobi described the backlash as baseless and unnecessary, urging supporters of the president to embrace a spirit of reconciliation and inclusiveness. He likened President Tinubu’s gesture to the biblical story of the prodigal son, where a father welcomed his repentant child with open arms despite past misdeeds.

“If Bwala can humble himself and return to the fold, there is nothing wrong with President Tinubu acknowledging this and rewarding him with a notable position,” Owotomobi said.

He further drew parallels to biblical teachings, citing how Saul, who once persecuted Christians, was later transformed into Paul and chosen as a vessel for Christ. The BATSV chairman emphasized the importance of magnanimity, urging loyalists to support Tinubu’s leadership without prejudice.

Owotomobi extended the call for forgiveness and unity to other critics of Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), mentioning prominent figures like Kenneth Okonkwo and Senator Dino Melaye. He argued that if they choose to return, they too should be welcomed.

“Dr. Doyin Okupe and Senator Ogunlewe, who were staunch critics during the 2023 general elections, are now part of the fold. This shows that people can change, and we must embrace them when they do,” he said.

Owotomobi concluded by drawing a comparison to the biblical Peter, who denied Jesus but was later anointed as a leader. He advised APC supporters to adopt the same mindset and avoid holding grudges against former adversaries.

The statement was signed by Jimmy Nanyak Lar, Special Assistant on Media to the BATSV Global Chairman.

Ekiti Govt Reinstates Two Suspended Chiefs, Orders Immediate Salary Payment.

Ekiti Govt Reinstates Two Suspended Chiefs, Orders Immediate Salary Payment.

As part of the troubleshooting efforts to resolve the factional and chieftaincy crises rocking Ipao Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government Area, the Ekiti State government, has ordered immediate reinstatement of two suspended Chiefs in the town.

In the same vein, the government, ordered the Council to immediately restore the monthly stipends of the embattled chiefs: Joel Kolawole, the Obae of Ipao and Ajayi Andero, who is the Alabusoye traditional title holder, and their colleagues affected by the action.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye gave the order on Thursday while intervening in a disagreement brewing between Obanla of Ipao, Oba Williams Ehinmodupin, and some kingmakers.

The intervention was sequel to a letter written by the monarch, calling on government to mediate in the issues surrounding how some Chiefs rebelled against him and formed parallel government that is dividing his kingdom and triggering unrest.

In her pronouncement, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Olakiitan Victor Ogunje, directed the Chairman of the Local Government, Mr. Bayo Omojola to midwife administrative actions through which the orders will be effected without delay.

Mrs Afuye assured that the pending court case instituted against the Chiefs and others in the Ekiti State High Court over illegal installation of the immediate past monarch, will be reviewed, if evidence shows that they are cooperating with the traditional ruler.

However, the Deputy Governor barred the Chiefs from holding factional meeting, or exhibit traits that could cause cleavages among the members of the Obanla- in -Council.  

Mrs Afuye said: "To begin the process of reconciliation, I direct the Local Government to write formally and reinstate the suspended Chiefs. He should also restore their salaries and others affected. We thank God that they have shown readiness to cooperate. What Governor Biodun Oyebanji wants is peace in all the towns.

"I want Kabiyesi to continue to call the traditional meetings and update the local government about the cooperation of these chiefs for the next three months to guide us on the actions the government will take about the pending court case against them", she said.

Speaking to the letter, Oba Ehinmodupin, explained that the alleged Chiefs and their backers, had refused to cooperate with him, since he  ascended the throne, despite the mediation midwifed by community leaders, security agencies and other interested parties. 

"What I want is reconciliation that can bring development to my town. I want unity and not division. We can't progress under the atmosphere of disunity and factional crisis. I am assuring the government that whatever needed on my side shall be fulfilled".

Speaking on why there were divisions,  the Obaleyo of Ipao Ekiti, Chief Olayemi Oladele, said the  rebellion stemmed from the trial of some Chiefs in court by government over allegations that they were promoting divisions and insurrection in the community. 

Chief Oladele added that another raging issue stoking the fire of crisis was the suspension of some Chiefs from the Obanla-in-Council and their monthly stipend, saying peace will be restored once the affected individuals are reinstated to their positions. 

The Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, advised that the town should hold a reconciliation meeting and come up with a resolution that can be presented in court to fasttrack the withdrawal  of the case pending in Court.  

An illustrious son of the community and Chairman, Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide and  Ikole Local Government Chairman, appreciated the government for taking expeditious actions to restore peace to the town.

Breast Cancer: Ekiti Gov’s Wife Sponsors 200 Women for Free Breast Scan.

Breast Cancer: Ekiti Gov’s Wife Sponsors 200 Women for Free Breast Scan.

200 women, drawn from various local governments of Ekiti State, have been given the opportunity to undergo a free mammogram and breast scan, courtesy the wife of Ekiti Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji

The free scanning was announced on Wednesday during an awareness programme in commemoration of the 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness themed: “No One should face Breast Cancer Alone” at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti

Speaking at the event, Dr. Oyebanji advised women to make early breast cancer screaning a top priority to avoid full-blown cancer.

According to the first lady, 150 women ranging from age 18 and 40 years would benefit from free breast scan while another set of 50 women ranging from age 40 years and above would benefit from mammogram examination.

She called for more and aggressive awareness in the state for every woman to be captured in breast scan and examination which she said have been heavily subsidized by the state government for easy accessibility, irrespective of class and social status.

To this end, Dr. Oyebanji called on all religious leaders, market women, and female political leaders to champion the cause and intensify cancer awareness campaign.

Speaking further, the first lady commended her husband, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for his various interventions in the health sector and for providing the Mammogram machine at Adunni Olayinka Women Diagnostic and Wellness Center for women in the state.

A resource person at the event, Dr Julius Olaogun, an Associate Professor of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, EKSUTH, stated that the breast cancer awareness campaign was vital, pointing out that the need for aggressive sensitization has become necessary more than ever before.

He encouraged healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, abstaining from smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, among others.

By following all these rules, the expert argued that cancer risk can significantly be reduced to the bearest minimum.

“Cancer is not a death sentence, early detection is very key and it’s preventable. Every woman should hence, examine her breast at least once a month,” he said.

Also, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani and her counterpart from Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs Peju Babafemi said the governor is committed to the good health and well-being of the people of the state.

They urged women to take advantage of the mammogram machine provided in the hospital by the government.

In particular, Dr. Filani disclosed that women from neighbouring states have been taking advantage of the mammogram machine service in the Teaching Hospital and so urged Ekiti women not to be left behind from benefiting from the gesture.

He noted that all women were eligible for early screening and prevention and called for an extension of the campaing across the state to enlighten the people.

Two breast cancer survivors, Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Bello and Mrs Titilayo Oluwadare narrated how early detection saved their lives and called on women to prioritize their health by ensuring that they visit health facilities for breast examination and diagnosis regularly.

Daurama Foundation Premieres Compelling Advocacy Film ‘Voices Within’ as Part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Daurama Foundation Premieres Compelling Advocacy Film ‘Voices Within’ as Part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. 

Daurama Foundation proudly announces the premiere of Voices Within, a powerful short film that sheds light on domestic and gender-based violence. Produced by Take 7 Media and directed by Bem Pever, with screenplay by Mahdi Eldaw and Emil Garuba, this evocative film forms a key part of Daurama Foundation’s initiatives for the annual 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to end violence against women and girls. The premiere will take place at Silver Bird Cinema, Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, on November 30, 2024, at 4:00 pm. 

Voices Within tells the story of a young girl who witnesses a tragic cycle of abuse at home and turns to writing as an escape. Through her storytelling, she finds the strength to express her pain and resilience while dreaming of a safer world. Her story also unveils her mother’s plight—a survivor of abuse who, due to a childhood disability, is unable to defend herself physically. This moving narrative amplifies the voices of those often unheard, encouraging audiences to stand in solidarity against violence. 

The cast features a talented ensemble of Nigerian actors, with standout performances by Grace Daudu, Mbasity Jesse, Tolu Asanu, Franca Igwe, Lanzy Janpak, Hoomsuk Alex Jibrin, Austin Mangs, and Senenge Abela. Dr. Samira Buhari, Executive Producer and Chair of Daurama Foundation, shares that Voices Within embodies the Foundation’s commitment to empowering women and fostering communities that advocate against violence. 

Daurama Foundation is a Nigerian non-governmental organisation focused on improving health outcomes and advocating for the rights of women and girls through education, outreach, and community engagement. Their work addresses critical issues affecting women’s and girls' well-being, developing programs and resources that combat domestic violence and provide a pathway forward for survivors. 

“The release of Voices Within marks an important milestone in our mission to not only raise awareness but also inspire action. We invite the public, stakeholders, and community members to attend this premiere, be moved by the story, and join us in saying ‘no more’ to gender-based violence,” said Dr. Samira Buhari. For those committed to creating a safer and more inclusive world, Voices Within is a call to action. These premiere promises to be a transformative event that unites communities in the fight against domestic violence and gender-based violence.

Economic Crisis: Ekiti Deputy Gov Distributes Palliatives to 500 Vulnerable Citizens.

Economic Crisis: Ekiti Deputy Gov Distributes Palliatives to 500 Vulnerable Citizens.

….Says Oyebanji’s policies favour poor masses.

To back the anti-Poverty policy of the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has distributed cash, farm implements and food palliatives to over 500 vulnerable groups in Ikere Local Government Area of the State to buffer the effect of the hard biting economy on them.

Mrs Afuye posited that the social security gesture, was targeted at upscaling and spread the safety net of the robust anti-poverty initiatives being rolled out by his boss to make lives more abundant for Ekiti citizens.

Amid cheers and expression of love to Governor Oyebanji’s government, the palliatives were distributed to the beneficiaries across the 11 Wards in the Council, with special focus on the aged, physically challenged, sick, widows and other categories of vulnerable population.

Interacting with the beneficiaries, Mrs Afuye, said no effort will be spared by Oyebanji’s administration to mitigate poverty among the masses, especially the grassroots, at this period of economic crisis being witnessed across the nation.

The Deputy Governor added that the Governor, had demonstrated commitment to making lives more abundant for the poor masses and economically weak citizens, through commercial farming for the youths, employment generation, conditional cash grant, trader moni, promotion of small and medium scale enterprises, among other innovations.

Mrs Afuye maintained that the life-changing policies of Governor Oyebanji were specifically tailored to favour the poor masses to foster equilibrium in the system and narrow the gap between the rich and poor.

The Deputy Governor promised that she would continue to spearhead regular social security interventions in the council to complement what Governor Oyebanji was devising at the state level to ramp up social inclusion and reduce poverty in the state.

“You could all attest to the fact that Governor Oyebanji has done well in the areas of poverty reduction, infrastructures, industrial development, agriculture, rural development, human capital development, arts and culture and governance, where security was a pivotal component.

“Before now, I have been giving N5,000 monthly stipend to 10 selected categories of people from each of the 11 Wards in Ikere Local Government. I decided to add food palliatives and farm implements to help in reducing the negative effect of astronomic increase in food prices.

“What we are doing today is a consolidation of our past efforts and strides to expand the scope of actions being devised by Governor Oyebanji to actualise the shared prosperity focus of his government.

“I want you to continue to support this government at both state and federal levels. What is happening now is going to be a temporary suffering, things shall come to normal very soon”, she assured.

Mrs Afuye directed the Ward Chairmen to always remember and capture the physically challenged and the aged people, who are also voters and committed members of the town.

Speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser on Women and Gender Empowerment, Mrs Kemi Olaleye, saluted Mrs Afuye for the gesture, saying it will help in cushioning the economic pains on the poor masses.

Mrs Olaleye appealed to those not captured in the scheme to exercise patience, assuring that the dividends of democracy shall surely get to their doorsteps under Oyebanji’s impressive and people-centric leadership.

The Chairmen of Ikere LG, Hon Olu Adamolekun and Ikere West LCDA, Hon Rufus Olorunfemi, were full of praises for the Deputy Governor, saying the gesture will help in alleviating poverty and reduce neglect at the grassroots.

The APC Chairman in Ikere Local Government, Hon Kayode Oyebode, the Chairmen of Atiba/Aafin Ward, Hon. Olu Orekunrin, and Oke Osun Ward, Hon. Albert Ajakaye, commended the Governor and his Deputy for placing high premium on the welfare of Ekiti populace to strengthen the concept of inclusive governance.

Some of the beneficiaries: Felicia Magbagbe, Asana Sola, Afolabi Matilda, Oluwaponle Felicia, Ayodele Victoria, Afolabi Ojo, Okpe Sunday, Ogoji Esther, Boluwaji Beatrice, Aluko Folakemi, and Esther Rawa, described the intervention as timely and came at a time when there was rising prices of food commodities in the market.

They appreciated the Oyebanji’s welfarist approach to governance, disclosing that the action will help in putting a soothing balm on their pains at this critical time.

On the Deputy Governor’s entourage are: Ikere Local Government Chairman, Hon. Olu Adamolekun , his counterpart in Ikere West LCDA, Hon. Rufus Olorunfemi, Special Adviser on Women and Gender Empowerment, Chief Kemi Olaleye, the All Progressives Congress Senatorial Chairman in Ekiti South, Hon. Akindele Akinbobola, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Victor Adeniyi, Special Assistants, among others.

Ondo guber election: Oyebanji rallies Ekiti indigenes’ support for Ayedatiwa.

Ondo guber election: Oyebanji rallies Ekiti indigenes’ support for Ayedatiwa.

As part of efforts towards ensuring victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa in Saturday’s Ondo Governorship polls, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on all Ekiti indigenes in Ondo state to vote for Ayedatiwa and return him as Governor of the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who said this during a solidarity rally held for the election of Governor Ayedatiwa in Akure on Tuesday. He expressed his assurance that Governor Ayedatiwa will sweep the votes in all the 18 local government of the state through a landslide victory.

While expressing his appreciation to all Ekiti indigenes in Ondo state for raising their united voice and their decision to endorse Ayedatiwa as the candidate to be voted for at the election, the Governor said he was in Ondo state with the paraphernalia of his government and party faithful including the Deputy Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, members of the state House of Assembly, Executive Council, local government Chairmen and APC party apparatus, mainly to dialogue with them and canvass for their unflinching support at the election that will help Ayedatiwa in securing victory.

He affirmed that since Ayedatiwa became governor a few months ago, no stone had been left unturned in the drive to bring unrivalled and remarkable development to the State.

Governor Oyebanji also used the opportunity to inform the electorates in Ondo state that returning Ayedatiwa as Governor would be a confirmation of the fact that President Tinubu is still highly loved, respected and recognized our beloved  leader in the southwest.

He commended Ekiti people for collecting their voters’ card as a weapon to win the election on Saturday, adding that their support for him during his election was well appreciated, just as he also appreciated all aspirants that contested the APC primary election in Ondo state for staying in the party to form a united force against opposition.

The Governor affirmed that the election will show the love southwest has for the president and former governor of the state, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu. Noting that it's important to win convincingly. 

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He added that the party has a duty to keep Ondo state within the progressive fold as he described Ayedatiwa as the most prepared and fit candidate for the job to enable him continue with the good works.

"I appreciate all of you for honouring our invitation and your support for us during our election in Ekiti state, this is the first time I am meeting you after the election, I am extremely grateful.

In his welcome address, Chief Jide Awe appreciated all Ekiti descendants in Ondo state and commended the Governor for setting up a committee to interact with all Ekiti descendants in the 18 LGAs of the state with the aim of supporting Ayedatiwa to win the election.

Chief Jide Awe said that the Governor has also approved regular meeting with them as he urged them to be part of government and support it so that they benefit from the dividend of democracy in Ondo state.

In his remarks, APC chairman in Ondo state, Engr. Ade Adetimehin thanked Governor Oyebanji for his leadership qualities noting that Ekiti and Ondo states have always been one.

Delivering the message from the governor, Adetimehin expressed the appreciation of Governor Ayedatiwa to all Ekiti people for their support for the APC in Ondo state as he promised to reciprocate the gesture during Ekiti Governorship election in the next two years.

HIV/AIDS: Ekiti to end mother to child transmission.

HIV/AIDS: Ekiti to end mother to child transmission.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated his resolve to bring an end to mother to child transmission of HIV/ AIDS in the state through effective collaboration with National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and other stakeholders in the health sector.

This is to ensure that no child is born with the virus and to further reduce the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the state. 

Governor Oyebanji disclosed this on Monday evening, while playing host to the Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori and her team during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s office in Ado- Ekiti. 

The Governor said his government will be more intentional and strategic in its drive and intervention towards preventing and eliminating mother to child transmission as a way of bridging the infection gaps among newborns in the state.

He stated further that the state government had always being committed to steps that have reduced the pandemic in the state.

“If you follow comments on Ekiti State, we have done a lot of things in that sector to ensure that we work in respect to their welfare and availability of health facilities and consumables across the state. We are actually punching beyond our weight in that sector.

“I am happy on the emphasis in reducing transmission from mother to child, it is very critical, yes, the prevalent rate may be low here, but the transmission from mother to child, we need to watch that. Whatever we need to do, we will do, because, it is in our interest to keep our people healthy and also protect the unborn children from contacting this disease. The Governor said.

Governor Oyebanji also promised to rejig and strengthen Local Action Committee on AIDS (LACA) at the local government level in the drive to ensure that the grassroots is effectively combed, adding that state government will ensure the establishment of HIV Testing Services in the 16 local government areas as a gateway to HIV prevention, treatment, care and other support services.

Earlier, the Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori lamented the huge burden of children born with HIV/AIDS through transmission from mother to child and stressed the urgent need to end the menace of pediatric HIV in every part of Nigeria. 

She said despite the huge resources committed to ending the HIV/ AIDS scourge over the years, the country is still lagging behind as it contributes about 25 percent of the global population of children born with HIV.

Dr Ilori also stressed the need to strengthen collaboration with the state government in order to further bring down the prevalence. 

While lauding the Ekiti State Government for recording  the least prevalence in Nigeria, the NACA boss also called for the involvement of religious leaders, traditional rulers as well as the traditional and new media to totally eradicate the scourge in the state.

Also at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani and officials of NACA and SACA.