EKSU Don, Olofintoye Emerges Best Paper Presenter at International Conference.

EKSU Don, Olofintoye Emerges Best Paper Presenter at International Conference.

A Professor of Zoology and Environmental Biology at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Lawrence Kayode Olofintoye, has emerged as the Best Paper Presenter at an international conference held in the United Kingdom.

Professor Olofintoye’s groundbreaking research, titled Molluscicidal Effects of Ageratum Conyzoids and Datura Stramonium on Bulinus Globasus and Lymnea Natalensis, was adjudged the best paper at the International Conference on Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine organized by the World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology.

The award-winning paper explored innovative methods to combat snail-borne diseases, earning Olofintoye a prestigious Best Paper Award and recognition on a global stage.

Professor Olofintoye, who has served as Chairman of Quality Assurance and Dean of the Faculty of Science at EKSU, received commendations for his academic excellence and contribution to scientific research.

The Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Babatola Ayodele, has congratulated Olofintoye, describing his achievement as a significant milestone that highlights the university’s commitment to academic excellence and global relevance.

The recognition of Professor Olofintoye’s work at such a high-profile international event is seen as a boost to the reputation of EKSU and a source of pride for the academic community.

Ojuawo to Partner with Chinese Investors on Empowerment Farm Project.

Ojuawo to Partner with Chinese Investors on Empowerment Farm Project.

The Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Adeniyi Rufus Ojuawo is set to collaborate with Chinese investors on crop cultivation and livestock farming.

In a consultative meeting held at his office in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon, Ojuawo briefed Mr. David Zhao and Ms. Yvette Wei, Managers from CCECC Nigeria Limited, on the progress and achievements of his two empowerment farms located in Ogbese, Ise Ekiti, and Ogotun Ekiti.

'My empowerment farms were established to support the agricultural revolution initiated by our dear Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji,' Ojuawo explained.

'We are investing in agriculture to create more jobs and wealth, and build self-reliance for the youths in the Constituent. We plan to start all-year-round farming at both farms through irrigation and other inputs to produce high-quality crops. Our farmers have received training on crop production, and their recent produce is a testament to the success of this initiative.’

Mr. David Zhao stated that their visit was a follow-up to their previous visit to the Ogbese farm a few months ago. 'We came to discuss areas of collaboration where we can invest and build on your success at the farm. We are looking at mechanization, farm infrastructure, and livestock to complement your efforts at both farms. With mechanization, we can expand the cultivation areas, given the ample arable land available. We will also build a farm house and electrify the farms to ease the farmers’ workload and create convenience. Introducing livestock to the farm, in addition to crop produce, will increase the farmers’ income and profit margins. In the long run, we plan to introduce processing machines for some of our produce at the farm.’

Hon. Ojuawo expressed his readiness to embrace the Chinese investors’ initiatives, aimed at creating more employment and wealth for his people.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

NewsDesist from arbitrary selling of farmlands – Ekiti Govt warns communities.

NewsDesist from arbitrary selling of farmlands – Ekiti Govt warns communities.

Sequel to cases of fierce battles being fought in some towns over land dispute, the Ekiti State Government has warned land owners against arbitrary selling of farmlands.

The government said such action was triggering violence in many communities across the state.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, while mediating in a land dispute between Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government and Isan Ekiti in Oye Council Area.

The intervention was a follow up to a petition written by land owners from Ilale Quarters in Isan Ekiti, accusing the people of Ilije and Eda Odo in Eda Oniyo Ekiti of encroaching into the lands at Igbo-Ero farmstead, located at the border area between the two towns.

Addressing the feuding communities, Afuye, according to a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, directed the Ekiti State Boundary Technical Committee to visit the disputed land and do proper demarcation that will help in brokering truce in the matter.

Specifically, Afuye, warned that the contending forces shouldn’t allow self interest to stoke the fire of acrimony between the two towns that had coexisted peacefully for ages.

She regretted that indiscriminate selling of lands by farmers and land owners from the two towns was the main cause of the problem.

“It is sad that those who couldn’t see into the future were the root cause of this problem. I could see evidence here that the owners of lands in that area were indulging in selling of lands, which caused this encroachment.

“I want to advise that all this must stop. If your ancestors had behaved in this manner, you shouldn’t have been able to inherit the lands you are now quarrelling over today. You have to desist from this habit, it is happening in virtually all our towns.

“But I want to commend the two traditional rulers for rising to the occasion and prevented violence. Our Boundary Technical Committee will visit the area to do proper demarcation, so that you can know your actual boundary,” she said.

Speaking for Ilale Quarters, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adejuwon and a leader from the community, Mr. Dauda Gbengbeleku, alleged that arbitrary selling of lands by their rivals from Eda Oniyo was the cause of the acrimony in the area.

Oba Adejuwon lamented that some of the lands belonging to his people, had been sold off by Eda Oniyo farmers operating in the contentious area, thereby forcing them to move upland to the portion owned by his kingdom due to paucity of land.

The monarch applauded the state government for its readiness to intervene and rein in those trying to cause violence through aggressive land grabbing tendency that could stoke the fire of acrimony between the two towns.

In their defence for Ilije and Eda Odo people, the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola and former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. David Ajayi, posited that evidence were suffice to substantiate that Isan Ekiti farmers were paying royalty to Eda Oniyo from time immemorial on the usage of the land.

Oba Awolola added that the government’s preparedness to demarcate the disputed lands and border area between the towns will help in dousing the brewing tension and restore peace.

FUOYE Staff Unions Dismiss Allegations Against Vice-Chancellor as Baseless, Politically Motivated.

FUOYE Staff Unions Dismiss Allegations Against Vice-Chancellor as Baseless, Politically Motivated.

A coalition of staff unions at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has dismissed allegations against the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, as baseless and malicious.

The unions, comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Congress of Nigerian Academics (CONUA), Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), described the claims as part of a smear campaign orchestrated by disgruntled individuals.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in Ado-Ekiti, the unions alleged that the accusations were politically motivated and aimed at discrediting Prof. Fasina ahead of the 2025 Vice-Chancellorship race.

The allegations, initially detailed in a communiqué signed by SSANU branch chairman, Benjamin Faleye, and secretary, Ayomikun Aluko, accused the Vice-Chancellor of administrative misconduct, including the reassignment of teaching staff to non-teaching roles, sexual harassment, intimidation, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement. The communiqué, dated November 25, 2024, also called for a probe into the university’s finances.

However, the coalition of unions, led by FUOYE NASU Chairman, Comrade Ayeni Abraham, and FUOYE CONUA Coordinator, Dr. Ademola Akinsorotan, refuted these claims, describing them as speculative and lacking credible evidence. They likened the accusations to similar efforts in 2021, which they said failed when Prof. Fasina emerged as the university's fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor.

The unions highlighted Prof. Fasina’s achievements during his tenure, which they argued have drawn envy from detractors. According to the unions, the Vice-Chancellor’s administration has recorded numerous milestones, including the promotion of over 600 staff members, payment of hazard allowances, subsidised transportation for staff, and the introduction of remunerated online teaching programmes.

They also noted that FUOYE has grown significantly under Prof. Fasina’s leadership, becoming the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria, securing millions of dollars in research grants, and completing over 90 infrastructural projects.

On the issue of financial transparency, the unions pointed out that the university’s Governing Council, led by Dr. M. Lawal Yahuza, commissioned a forensic audit of the institution’s accounts, with external auditors affirming the administration’s financial integrity.

The unions further commended Prof. Fasina’s leadership style, which they said has earned him several accolades, including an Award of Excellence from the Ekiti State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). They also praised the openness of the recently concluded University Congregation poll held on November 13, 2024.

In their statement, the unions urged stakeholders and the public to disregard the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and unsubstantiated. They called on the university community to continue supporting Prof. Fasina’s administration, which they credited with transformative achievements that have enhanced FUOYE’s reputation.

Group Passes Vote of Confidence on Hon. Femi Bamisile; Warns Comrade Afuye of Impending Nemesis of Betrayals.

Group Passes Vote of Confidence on Hon. Femi Bamisile; Warns Comrade Afuye of Impending Nemesis of Betrayals.

Dear Fellow Residents of Ekiti South Federal Constituency,

We write to you today in response to the recent unfounded claims made by Comrade Afuye Idowu regarding the priorities of our esteemed representative, Hon. Femi Bamisile. It is imperative that we address these allegations with clarity and integrity, as they stem from a concerning pattern of behavior that speaks volumes about Comrade Idowu himself.

Comrade Idowu has a troubling track record marred by accusations of betrayal, fraudulent behavior, and blackmail. His tendency to criticize leaders—especially those from whom he has previously benefitted—is well-documented. Records indicate that during times of financial hardship, Comrade Idowu frequently seeks assistance from our leaders. When such requests are denied—often due to his insincerity—he resorts to vindictive accusations and smear campaigns, as he has recently directed towards both Hon. Femi Bamisile and Erelu Kemi Elebute.

In stark contrast, Hon. Femi Bamisile stands out as a dedicated leader who consistently prioritizes the welfare of our constituents. His numerous verifiable achievements speak volumes:

- **Infrastructure Development:** The construction of vital roads, including Iludofin township road and Edugbe/Ekurugbe/Ijero township road, has significantly enhanced connectivity in our region.

- **Water Access and Healthcare:** Hon. Bamisile has championed the construction of solar motorized boreholes and has provided essential healthcare services, conducting medical outreach that benefits thousands in our community.

- **Educational Investments:** His unwavering commitment to education is evidenced by initiatives that include providing free JAMB forms, scholarships, and the construction of critical educational facilities.

- **Empowerment Initiatives:** Through various empowerment programs, Hon. Bamisile has created job opportunities, facilitated skills training, and offered robust support for vulnerable groups within our community.

Hon. Bamisile’s achievements are not mere statistics; they reflect his steadfast commitment to uplifting the lives of his constituents. We stand united in our support of him and urge Comrade Afuye Idowu to reconsider his approach, understanding that a history of betrayal and deceit will inevitably lead to dire consequences.

We call upon all residents of Ekiti South Federal Constituency to join us in reaffirming our confidence in Hon. Femi Bamisile as our representative. Together, we must prioritize the needs and aspirations of our community, holding accountable those who seek to undermine our collective progress for personal gain.

Let us stand together to strengthen our community and support leaders who genuinely strive for our welfare.

Sincerely,

Dare Obe  

Ekiti South Integrity Group  

Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2

Oyebanji Unveils Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities.

Oyebanji Unveils Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities.

… Says he’ll create community where PWDs can thrive.

Ekiti State’s Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, again on Monday said he will continue to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of People with Disabilities by providing enabling environment for them to thrive irrespective of their circumstances. 

Governor Oyebanji, who made this commitment while unveiling the state’s first therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities built throughpartnership with Premium Trust Bank, said he would not relent in his drive to ensure social inclusion for everyone living with one form of disability or the other until they are reunited with the mainstream society.

He added that the multi-sensory and therapy centre was tailored to meet the diverse needs of the children with disabilities noting that his primary desire is to see the children achieve their potentials like their peers and develop into independent adults who can fend for themselves as well as contribute their quota to the development of the society. 

Facilities at the centre include Therapy jungle gym, Calming tents, Hammock, Balance beams, TENS machines, Bikes, Calming swings, Body sock and educational equipment. Some of the accessibility fittings include Fully ramped Swing up bars and hand rails in the rest rooms. 

The Governor also disclosed that in the drive to reposition the sector for effective service delivery, his administration has employed speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists at the public special schools to ensure that the children receive specialized care necessary for their development.

He also gifted the centre a bus to ease transportation of disabled the centre  

“Recently, we saw a boy who used to be on one side crutches walking unaided for the first time due to therapeutic intervention. This brought tears to my eyes and it reassured me that with more support for the children and modern equipment for their schools and centre, they would be able to live a better live. 

“Today, we take a monumental step forward by commissioning this public therapy facility which will provide essential speech, occupational and physiotherapy services to those children who cannot attend school due to the severity of their conditions. Some of these children have become burdens to their parents and the traditional schools reject them and some just need this therapy to advance in life. 

“Whatever the children’s situation are, as a state we are committed to supporting them, they are our children, created by God and we will never live them to suffer through life. 

“This event also marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating an inclusive society where every child, regardless of his abilities have the opportunity to thrive. As we gather to commission this public therapy facility for children with critical disabilities, I am deeply honoured and filled with hope for the future that lie ahead for these remarkable children.

“This project is made possible through the collaborative efforts of our administration and our generous partner, Premium Trust Bank led by a compassionate gentleman, Mr Emmanuel Emefienim, his commitment to community welfare aligns seamlessly with our vision of inclusivity, we have formed a partnership to bring this facility to life and embody a share dedication to empowering our most vulnerable citizens.

“Over the past two years, our administration has tirelessly focus on enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities, we have launched several initiatives. Some of the initiatives include adaptive rooms initiative where the children can learn using multi-sensory materials and therapy rooms across the three special schools, it is the first of its kind in any public school in Nigeria.”, He stated.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Premium Trust Bank, Mr Emmanuel Emefienim expressed delight that he was part of the commissioning of a remarkable project aimed to enliven the lives of physically challenged in the society adding that his organization’s contribution to the project was based on compassion and selfless service to leverage on ensuring necessary provision for the urgent needs of the children.

Emefienim commended Governor Oyebanji for providing the necessary impetus and conducive environment to drive public/private partnership describing him as someone who is selfless and has a compassionate heart for the less privilege by leveraging on the platform he already provided to support his laudable initiatives.

He encouraged the children not to give up on themselves as they all have the potential to succeed and make it in life adding that the government was ready to continue to provide all the needed support that will enable them fulfil destiny.

In her welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs Adetoun Agboola stated that the Centre was established to provide support for children who are out of school or at the verge of dropping out of school due to critical disability needs adding that the Centre is structured to also provide speech, occupational, physiotherapy, and educational therapy to serve as havens where children can access essential support, engage in therapeutic activities, and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Agboola, who disclosed that the Centre is equipped with 21st century therapeutic and learning materials adding that the Centre will be fully accessible to individuals with disability, as she used the opportunity to call on residents of the state to avail people with disabilities the use of this facility.

She also thanked Governor Oyebanji for redefining inclusion and support for the community of people with disabilities stating that his contributions to the growth and development of people with disabilities is unprecedented in that annals of Nigeria.

Some of the parents at the event, expressed their gratitude to the Governor for showing keen interest in the welfare of children with disabilities. They promised to take maximum advantage of the centre in improving the lots of the children. 

They applauded the Governor for making the centre free for the children and for his promise to donate a bus to the centre so as to ease movement for the children. 

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; members of the state Executive Council, and officials of Premium Trust Bank among others.

Council Chairman Begins Office Renovation to Boost Workers’ Welfare.

Council Chairman Begins Office Renovation to Boost Workers’ Welfare.

The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government (IILG), Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, popularly known as Chenco, has commenced the renovation of the council secretariat in Igede-Ekiti. The initiative, which kicked off on Monday, November 26, 2024, includes repainting the secretariat building and improving structural elements, such as ceilings, to create a more conducive work environment.

Hon. Oluwagbenga emphasized that the project is aimed at boosting workers' morale, enhancing service productivity, and rebranding the image of the council and its staff. Speaking during the launch of the project, he said, “The essence of renovating the IILG secretariat is to increase service productivity, rebrand its image and those of the workers, and significantly improve staff morale, which is an integral aspect of staff welfare, beyond salaries and other entitlements.”

The chairman noted that upon resuming office, he observed the secretariat’s deteriorating state, characterized by discoloration, stained walls, and an overall loss of appeal. These, he explained, had negatively impacted the psychological well-being and pride of the workforce.

He further explained that replacing damaged asbestos ceilings in some offices is just one step, with the repainting project marking a pragmatic effort to improve the building’s visual appeal and value. He added that the renovation would ultimately enhance the image of the council.

The contractor handling the renovation was urged to adhere strictly to professional standards under the supervision of the Director of Works, Engineer Adebayo. “We expect the use of standard materials and adherence to stipulated specifications to ensure durability and quality,” Oluwagbenga said.

Engineer Adebayo praised the chairman’s initiative, describing it as a transformative step. “This renovation is turning an outdated office structure into a shining light among local government secretariats in Ekiti State,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Aina Olawole-Festus, expressed gratitude on behalf of the workforce. He commended the chairman for addressing long-standing demands and making visible improvements since his inauguration. “We are confident that these strides will continue to meet the outstanding needs of the workforce,” he added.

The project is expected to uplift the morale of workers and enhance the overall operational environment of the council secretariat.

Asubiojo G.O 

Information And Civic Orientation Department.