Nigerian Youths Congress Ekiti State Chapter Not Rich But Will Impact Lives, Says Adedara Temitope.

Nigerian Youths Congress Ekiti State Chapter Not Rich But Will Impact Lives, Says Adedara Temitope.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Nigerian Youths Congress (NYC), Ekiti State chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and societal development despite limited resources. The organization made this known during its annual Colloquium and Heroes Awards held in Ado-Ekiti, where financial grants and skill acquisition opportunities were provided to youths across the state.

Over 100 young entrepreneurs and innovators, including four Vulnerable beneficiaries, benefited from the initiative, with startup grants of ₦50,000 awarded to many, while selected individuals received as much as ₦200,000 to scale their business ventures. These efforts, the organization noted, are aimed at complementing the state government’s drive to create opportunities for young people.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NYC Ekiti State chapter, Aare Adedara Temitope, highlighted the importance of youth-led initiatives in addressing societal challenges. “The government cannot do it alone. As a youth body, it is our responsibility to support our peers and make life easier for young people in Ekiti State. This is not about showcasing ourselves but about creating a standard for productive youth who can contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation at large.”

The Chairman of NYC Ekiti State Chapter, Aare Adedara Temitope.

The organization has also made significant strides in skill development. During the last International Youth Day celebration, over 300 youths were trained in areas such as ICT, fashion design, and agriculture, under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

Aare Adedara Temitope disclosed that 2024 has been a transformative year for the NYC Ekiti State chapter, with five impactful programs successfully organized. These include a leadership summit, Pad A Girl Volume 1 and 2, the International Youth Day training program, and the recently concluded Colloquium and Heroes Awards. Each program featured grant distribution to Ekiti youths as a way of empowering them to pursue their goals.

“The NYC Ekiti State chapter operates within its limited resources, but we are determined to keep making a difference,” Adedara added. “Our focus is to provide relevant orientation, build strong ideologies, and create opportunities for the youth to excel in their chosen fields.”

He further urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and determined in their endeavors, stressing that hard work and dedication are vital to achieving success.

The Colloquium and Heroes Awards have been widely praised as a timely intervention aimed at reducing unemployment and fostering innovation among young people in Ekiti State. Stakeholders have been called upon to invest more in youth-oriented initiatives to maximize the potential of Ekiti's vibrant population.

Adedara assured that the NYC Ekiti State chapter would continue to implement impactful programs that build a prosperous future for youths and the state as a whole.

Oyebanji approves N70,000 minimum wage for Ekiti workers.

Oyebanji approves N70,000 minimum wage for Ekiti workers.

….signs wage agreement with labour leaders. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in the state effective December 1. 

The approval follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the state Government and leaders of Organised labour in the state. 

According to the MoU, the new minimum wage will cover all strata of Ekiti workers, as well as pensioners. 

The wage agreement was signed on behalf of the state government by the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; while leaders of the labour centres in the state signed on behalf of workers. 

Dr Olomojobi said Governor Oyebanji approved the template the way it was presented by the committee based on the Governor’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare and wellbeing. 

While describing Governor Oyebanji as a “worker - friendly Governor” who desires the best for workers in the state, the Head of Service used the opportunity to express her appreciation to the labour leaders for their understanding, patience and dexterity in achieving the best for the workers. 

She also thanked Ekiti workers for waiting patiently for the outcome of the decision of the committee and for their unwavering trust in the state government that it will give them the best deal.

She called on workers to reciprocate the government gesture by enhancing their service delivery through their commitment to the success of the administration.

“Today is another landmark in the history of Ekiti State as we come together to sign the new minimum wage for Ekiti State Public servants. I want to first appreciate our Governor, who on the 31st August, 2024 put together the committee to negotiate Ekiti state public service minimum wage. This committee has taken not less than eight weeks to meet to deliberate on the minimum wage for Ekiti state.

“I want to emphasize that this was a very painstaking process, it was a process that brought to bear the funds available to Ekiti. In the midst of this, Mr Governor bent forward and backward to accommodate our yearnings, and today we have agreed on the minimum wage to be paid in Ekiti State. 

“In the past few weeks, we have also put together the consequential adjustment and I am happy to announce that the Governor of Ekiti State is bringing out the best for every public worker in the state.

“I have had the privilege of looking at what is done across the nation and I congratulate Ekiti state workers for having the best deal. Today we will be endorsing the consequential adjustment, across the state, local government areas, across every parastatals and MDAs in the state. The pensioners are not left out”, The Head of Service stated.

In their separate remarks, Chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde; Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko commended Governor Oyebanji for his efforts at giving the best to Ekiti workers.

The Labour leaders also noted that the new minimum wage cut across all strata of Ekiti workforce including the pensioners, adding that when the table is compared with those of other states, Governor Oyebanji has given the best.

Also at the brief event were the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Permanent Secretaries of Ministry of Finance and Office of Establishment, Training and Service Delivery.

It is recalled that Governor Oyebanji had since assuming office as the Chief Executive of the state on October 16, 2022 demonstrated strong commitment to workers welfare and wellbeing, in addition to creating economic opportunities for those in the informal sector. 

Aside regular payment of salaries and pensions ( usually paid around 22nd of every month), the Governor has also ensured regular payment of deductions to appropriate channels. 

In the wake of the subsidy removal last year, Governor Oyebanji also introduced a special wage award of  N15,000 to workers and N10,000 to pensioners to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal and the attendant economic challenges . 

The wage award, which was initially planned for six months, has since being paid along with salaries and pensions to workers and pensioners, thereby making Ekiti one of the few states paying wage award to workers and pensioners till date. 

In a bold attempt to defray outstanding gratuities owed by previous administrations, Governor Oyebanji had in the last two months doled out a total N4.5 billion to pay pensioners. 

The new minimum wage reflects the commitment of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration to ensure the state workforce is supported and motivated for a more effective service delivery.

EKSAA Launches Website to Enhance Ease of Doing Business in Outdoor Advertising.

EKSAA Launches Website to Enhance Ease of Doing Business in Outdoor Advertising.

The Ekiti State Signage and Advertisement Agency (EKSAA) is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed website www.eksaa.com.ng. 

This initiative marks a significant advancement in the technological enhancement of outdoor advertising management within the state.

The platform is crafted to streamline the processes related to advertising permissions, compliance, and public interaction, thereby facilitating a more transparent and efficient regulatory framework for outdoor advertising.

Mr. Bisi Adesua, Director General of EKSAA stated, "The unveiling of our new website is a testament to his Excellency Governor Biodun Oyebanji commitment to innovation and boosting investment in the local economy.

This digital transformation is not just about keeping pace with technology but about setting a benchmark in the outdoor advertising sector.

We encourage all stakeholders, clients, and the general public to visit our new site to experience its full capabilities."

This development is part of a broader strategy to modernize EKSAA's operations, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the advertising regulatory landscape. 

The website offers a range of services including application, submissions and access to regulatory guidelines, all aimed at simplifying the interaction between EKSAA and the advertising community.

Youth Leaders Decry Minister Disregard for Processes in Nigeria Youth Parliament Composition.

Youth Leaders Decry Minister Disregard for Processes in Nigeria Youth Parliament Composition.

The Southwest Progressive Youth Alliance has criticized the Honourable Minister of Youth, Mr. Emmanuel Olawande Ayodele Wisdom, over what they described as undue interference in the selection process for members of the Sixth Session of the Nigeria Youth Parliament.

In a statement released by the Alliance's Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Akande, the group condemned the Minister’s alleged disregard for established procedures, which traditionally allow state ministries of youth development the autonomy to nominate representatives for the Parliament. The Minister’s call for re-nominations has reportedly disrupted the process, leaving the inauguration of the Sixth Session overdue.

“This is the first time in the history of the Nigeria Youth Parliament that a Minister has called for re-nomination of members, even though the stipulated tenure for each session is two calendar years,” Akande said. He described the Minister's actions as a blatant disregard for established processes and an unnecessary delay in empowering the youth body.

The Alliance urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the Honourable Minister respects the autonomy of the state ministries and adheres to laid-down procedures.

“We expect the Honourable Minister to focus on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda by addressing critical issues like youth unemployment and restiveness instead of interfering with the composition of the Nigeria Youth Parliament,” the statement added.

The group called on youth organizations across the country to resist what they termed an attempt by the Minister to subvert the system. They emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to protocol in the Parliament's composition and inauguration.

The Nigeria Youth Parliament, established to provide a platform for young Nigerians to engage in governance and policy-making, has faced delays in its operations due to the ongoing controversy.

Comrade Sunday Akande

Coordinator,

South West Progressive Youth Alliance.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AIYEDATIWA ON ELECTION AS ONDO GOVERNOR.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AIYEDATIWA ON ELECTION AS ONDO GOVERNOR.

….Describes APC victory as confidence vote in Tinubu’s leadership.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated his Ondo State counterpart, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on his victory at the Saturday's governorship election.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16, 2024 election, was declared winner by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) shortly after the conclusion of collation of results on Sunday. 

Governor Oyebanji in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the electoral triumph of Governor Aiyedatiwa as an endorsement of good governance under the APC administration in Ondo State as well as a vote of confidence in the leadership of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

The Ekiti Governor expressed gratitude to the electorate in Ondo State for keeping their trust in the ruling party, the APC, based on verifiable indices of good governance since the party came to power in the neighbouring state in 2016.

Governor Oyebanji pointed out that the victory recorded by Governor Aiyedatiwa and the APC has put a fresh challenge on the Ondo Governor to do more for the people of the state who defied the odds to give him a fresh mandate. 

Similarly, he said the electoral victory shows that Nigerians appreciate the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and have unwavering confidence that the current socioeconomic policies and programs of the government would yield the desired results, leading to irreversible progress, development and economic prosperity for all. 

He commended the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; the Progressive Governors' Forum, the party's National Campaign Council, National Assembly members, elected and appointed political office holders and the entire party faithful for their hard work which contributed to the electoral success.

Governor Oyebanji hailed the people of Ondo State for conducting themselves in peaceful and orderly manner which resulted in the overall success of the governorship poll across the length and breadth of the state.

Governor Oyebanji specifically commended  indigenes of Ekiti State resident in Ondo State for heeding his clarion to use their votes to retain Governor Aiyedatiwa in office expressing optimism that they would reap the bountiful harvest of good governance from the new administration. 

The Governor also praised the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the improvements recorded in the Ondo poll especially in prompt release of result from the polling units and the collation exercise.

Governor Oyebanji further commended the security agencies for their professionalism, which  according to him, contributed largely to the peaceful conduct of the election from the commencement of voting exercise till the official declaration of results.

He urged the newly elected Governor to remain magnanimous in victory and reach out to his opponents in the election with a view to working with them to deliver dividends of democracy to the people. 

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate my dear brother, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa on this well deserved victory. While wishing him a successful tenure, we look forward to a more strategic partnership with his administration for the benefit of the citizens of the two sister states. 

“Hearty congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and for sanitizing the electoral process. Big congratulations to our party, the APC and a big congratulations to the good people of Ondo State who have voted for continuity of good governance under APC”, the statement added.

Ojuawo felicitates with Senate Spokesman on his birthday.

Ojuawo felicitates  with Senate Spokesman on his birthday.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, congratulates Senator (Chief) Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu on his birthday.

In his congratulatory message, Hon. Ojuawo praises Senator Adaramodu as a pragmatic leader whose dedication, determination, and vision inspire others. “You’re a guiding star, leaving an indelible mark on our people’s minds and consciousness through your responsiveness and commitment to Ekiti’s unity.”

Hon. Ojuawo fondly recalls their time together at the National Assembly, appreciating Senator Adaramodu’s valuable advice and unity efforts.

Joining the people of Ekiti State, Hon. Ojuawo wishes Senator Adaramodu a happy birthday and expresses gratitude for his grassroots support and development initiatives in the constituency.

As Senate Committee Chairman on Media and Publicity, Youth and Sports, Senator Adaramodu continues to make significant contributions.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

BATSV Chairman Celebrates Ooni at 50, Applauds Ojaja Multimillion Park Launch.

BATSV Chairman Celebrates Ooni at 50, Applauds Ojaja Multimillion Park Launch.

The Global Chairman of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, has joined prominent Nigerians in celebrating the 50th birthday of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II.

In a congratulatory message, Ambassador Owotomobi lauded the Ooni's exemplary leadership and dedication to preserving the rich traditions of the Oduduwa lineage since ascending the throne at the age of 41. He described the monarch as a charismatic leader who has skillfully upheld the values of the ancient Yoruba Kingdom.

Global Chairman of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi

Highlighting the Ooni's achievements, Owotomobi commended his effective adaptation to royal duties, particularly as the Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas and the custodian of Yoruba heritage. He also acknowledged the Ooni’s impact as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, noting his ability to integrate private sector expertise into his spiritual and administrative responsibilities.

“It is my prayer that God Almighty continues to grant the Ooni long life and good health to serve the people of Osun State, the Oduduwa Nation, and Nigeria at large,” Owotomobi stated.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II.

The BATSV Chairman also extended his congratulations to the Ooni for the successful launch of the Ojaja Multimillion Park in Akure, Ondo State. He described the initiative as a testament to the monarch's commitment to development and progress.

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