Council Boss Partners Police to Curb Kidnapping, Banditry at Ekiti/Kwara Borders.

Council Boss Partners Police to Curb Kidnapping, Banditry at Ekiti/Kwara Borders.

The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, has signed a pact with the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Akinwale Adeniran, to enhance security and tackle criminal activities at the Ekiti/Kwara border.

The agreement was reached during a visit by Ogungbemi and a team of Ajoni LCDA officials to the Police Headquarters in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.

Speaking during the visit, Ogungbemi highlighted the importance of the partnership, emphasizing the need to align strategies for stronger synergy in implementing robust security measures across Ajoni communities and border areas. He stressed that the recurring issues of banditry and kidnapping at the Ekiti/Kwara border could only be addressed through a strengthened collaboration with the police.

Commending the existing partnership that has sustained relative peace in the region, Ogungbemi urged the Commissioner to intensify efforts in combating crime and criminality. He underscored the importance of continuous surveillance and collaboration to safeguard lives and property in Ajoni LCDA and its environs.

Ogungbemi also called for the establishment of a Police Divisional Headquarters in Ajoni LCDA, citing its critical role in protecting the area’s growing population and economic assets.

“More importantly, to protect the existing facilities, such as the only functional bank in the whole of Ikole Local Government Area, WEMA Bank PLC, protection of the students and properties of Federal University of Oye Ekiti Annex at Ajoni LCDA, Federal Government College, Cassava Processing Industries, Ekiti State Agricultural Processing Zone at Iyemero Ekiti, Agbeyewa Farms at Ipao Ekiti, Agricultural settlement at Oke Ako-Ekiti, Gede farms settlement, and other private industrial development in Ajoni LCDA,” Ogungbemi said.

He described the visit as a milestone in Ajoni LCDA’s proactive approach to governance and security, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to creating a safe and conducive environment for residents.

During the meeting, discussions also focused on addressing the porosity of Ajoni LCDA’s borders with Kwara and Kogi States. Ogungbemi noted that Ajoni LCDA, being the largest in population and landmass, hosts a high concentration of immigrant farmers and settlers, coupled with vast ungoverned areas requiring focused security attention.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police commended the council’s dedication to maintaining security and assured the Chairman of the Police Force’s unwavering support in achieving a safer Ajoni LCDA.

The delegation from Ajoni LCDA included the Vice Chairman, Prince Tunde Famoroti; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Sola Alagbo; and the Head of Local Authority, Mr. Tunde Arowolaju.

Ekiti Workers, Relatives Bid Farewell to Retired HLA, Comfort Modupe Dayo-Ige.

Ekiti Workers, Relatives Bid Farewell to Retired HLA, Comfort Modupe Dayo-Ige.

The late Mrs. Comfort Modupe Dayo-Ige (née Adeoti), a retired Head of Local Government Administration (HLA) in Ikere Ekiti Local Government, was laid to rest amidst tears and tributes from her children, relatives, and colleagues across Ekiti State’s Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).

The burial ceremony, held at her residence, drew a large crowd, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Titilayo Toba Ojo, who led senior officials and staff of the commission to pay their respects.

During the service, relatives and local government staff rendered emotional dirges, capturing the immense grief of the occasion. The atmosphere was charged with mourning as colleagues and loved ones recounted fond memories of the late Mrs. Dayo-Ige.

In her eulogy, Mrs. Toba Ojo described the deceased as a paragon of integrity, commitment, and discipline. "She was a diligent and down-to-earth professional who embodied heavenly consciousness in her dealings. Her legacy of truthfulness and dedication will remain etched in our hearts," Mrs. Ojo stated.

She further announced that funds contributed in honor of the late Mrs. Dayo-Ige would be directed toward the academic and welfare needs of her children, ensuring they continue to thrive despite the loss of their mother.

Adding to the tributes, officiating ministers extolled the virtues of the departed and urged attendees to emulate her God-fearing nature and dedication to service. They emphasized the transient nature of life and the importance of living purposefully.

"Mrs. Dayo-Ige lived a life of service to God and humanity," one of the pastors remarked. "Her exemplary life reminds us all to remain steadfast in faith and to ensure our lives positively impact those around us."

The ceremony concluded with prayers for the family and words of comfort, as attendees bid a final farewell to a beloved colleague and mother.

Oyebanji Restates Commitment to Education Infrastructure Upgrade to World Standard.

Oyebanji Restates Commitment to Education Infrastructure Upgrade to World Standard.

.…Commissions Senate Building at BOUESTI.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated the commitment of his administration to regular upgrade of infrastructure in the education sector to meet global standards.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ikere Ekiti on Thursday while commissioning an ultra Modern Senate Building, built and donated to the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI ) by the Chancellor of the University, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN). 

 The event was attended by the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro; Senator Olarenwaju Tejuoso; and Chairman, Governing Council of BoUESTI, Prof Patrick Aina, and Vice Chancellor of sister universities, among others.

Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of modernizing educational facilities to create an environment conducive for learning and teaching, stressing that a well-structured education system is key to the development of any society. 

He added that his government remained focused on ensuring that Ekiti students have access to world-class education and facilities. 

Speaking further, the Governor explained that his effort in the education sector in the state could be seen in the tremendous improvement in the infrastructure of primary and secondary schools across the state.

While commending Chief Olanipekun for his generosity as well as his remarkable contribution to the improvement of education infrastructure in the state, the Governor expressed his profound appreciation to the former NBA President for remaining strongly committed to the development and progress of the state.

Describing Chief Olanipekun as a pillar of development in the state, Governor Oyebanji said his contribution has significantly impacted various sectors, adding that his dedication to community service have set a benchmark for others to follow. 

While calling on other prominent Ekiti indigenes to join hands in building a brighter future for the state, the Governor noted that collective efforts are essential for meaningful development of the state.

“Today's event is very significant in the development of this university and the overall development of education in our state, I therefore congratulate Chief Olanipekun and his wife and the entire university community on the completion of this magnificent edifice. 

“As a government, we understand the importance of education to the overall development plan of Ekiti State. Indeed human capital development is one critical item in our shared prosperity agenda as encapulated in our six-pillars. Our government remains committed to continuous improvement of our education infrastructure to facilitate a conducive learning environment at all levels of education”, the Governor added. 

In his own remarks, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, who commended the donor for his selfless contribution to the education sector, described the gesture as a demonstration of his commitment to national growth and development..

While reiterating President Tinubu led-federal government decision to prioritize science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical sciences (STEM) as a key driver of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector, the Minister noted that Nigeria’s future growth and competitiveness on the global stage are tied to how well the nation prepares its youth to meet challenges of the 21st century.

Stressing the importance of equipping young Nigerians with the critical skills and innovative capabilities needed to succeed in the global economy, Dr Alausa maintained that the federal government remains committed to transforming the education system of the country.

In his address, the donor of the building and Chancellor of the University, Chief Wole Olanipekun( SAN), expressed satisfaction in contributing to the advancement of the education sector and the progress of the state.

He explained that the gesture was a way of giving back to his community and supporting the vision of the University of becoming a beacon of academic excellence.

He said he had to double up on the construction of the senate building in order to fulfill his earlier promise to Governor Oyebanji and demonstrate his support for his government’s efforts in the areas of education , human capital and infrastructure development.

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.