Renowned Social Media Influencer, ADL, Inspires Freshers at Venite University, Iloro Ekiti

Renowned Social Media Influencer, ADL, Inspires Freshers at Venite University, Iloro Ekiti.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Renowned social media influencer and Director of Community Engagement at Cavista Holding Ltd, Alhaji Dauda Lawal (ADL), delivered an empowering address to the newly admitted students of Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, on Thursday, December 5, 2024. The two-hour interactive session, part of the university’s ongoing orientation program, aimed to equip the freshers with the mindset and skills needed for a successful academic journey.

Addressing the students, ADL congratulated them on their admission and urged them to see their time at the university as a life-changing opportunity. He stressed the importance of adopting a growth mindset, urging the students to think creatively and approach challenges with a problem-solving attitude.

"Your time here is a chance to redefine your perceptions, challenge your assumptions, and develop a deeper understanding of the world," ADL told the students. "Think outside the box, use your brain to process information comprehensively, and don't be afraid to challenge your judgments."

The influencer also emphasized the significance of hard work, smart thinking, and effective time management. "Focus on your studies, avoid distractions, and leverage digital resources to enhance your learning experience," he advised. "Lecturers will provide only a fraction of what you need to learn. Take responsibility for your own learning by using tools like YouTube, Google, and AI."

ADL cautioned the students against the allure of quick wealth, urging them to prioritize their academic goals. "The investment your parents have made in your education is invaluable, and you must not squander it," he said. "Stay focused and committed to your academic pursuits."

In addition to academics, ADL highlighted the importance of building quality relationships. He encouraged the students to surround themselves with like-minded peers and mentors who would inspire and motivate them. "The friends you make here will influence your future direction and destiny. Choose wisely," he added.

As the session concluded, ADL challenged the students to become ambassadors for Venite University, both on campus and after graduation. "You are the future leaders and change-makers of our society," he said. "Focus on acquiring relevant skills, building positive relationships, and developing a growth mindset that will help you navigate the complexities of the 21st century."

He also urged the students to aim higher, not only in academics but in their contributions to society. He recommended reading books such as Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, which offers valuable lessons on wealth, entrepreneurship, and success. "Your ultimate goal should be to create value, solve problems, and make a positive impact in your community and the world at large," ADL concluded.

The session was well-received by the students, who left feeling inspired and equipped to face their academic journey with renewed purpose and ambition.

Ekiti Unveils One Billion Naira Support for MSMEs.

Ekiti Unveils One Billion Naira Support for MSMEs.

Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with Bosak Microfinance Bank, has inaugurated the EKSG-BOSAK MFB 1 Billion Naira Micro Credit Fund to bolster Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the State.

Addressing attendees at the launch event in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State underscored the significance of empowering small enterprises, highlighting that the initiative took root in 2021 through a pilot program conducted by the State Government and Bosak Microfinance Bank.

"This endeavouror aims to facilitate the expansion of traders' businesses and foster employment opportunities for the youth. As businesses flourish, they create job opportunities, thus contributing to the overall development of our communities,"remarked the Governor.

Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended the beneficiaries for their punctual repayment of loans and disclosed that his administration had infused an additional N500 Million into the fund, elevating the total to N1 Billion. He emphasized that the program incorporates educational loans and health insurance benefits to elevate the standard of living for the beneficiaries.

"This is not a loan from the state government; rather, the funds are managed by the bank with the government subsidizing the interest rates to ensure affordability,"clarified Oyebanji.

During her introductory speech, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola, lauded the success of the program since its inception two years ago, noting that the fund initially commenced with a smaller allocation before expanding due to its positive impact on market women and traders.

"The traders have exhibited commendable performance by promptly repaying their loans. Impressed by their dedication, Mr. Governor sanctioned an additional N500 million, bringing the total to N1 Billion," Adeola stated.

The State Commissioner commended the Governor's endeavors in fostering business growth by providing access to low-interest loans, asserting that "this initiative is geared towards empowering entrepreneurs, stimulating economic growth, and reducing unemployment."

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Bosak Holdings, Mr. Kolade Bello, commended the State Government's dedication to poverty alleviation through the program.

"Poverty often stems from a lack of opportunities. This initiative offers the necessary support for individuals to upscale their businesses, increase their income, and enhance their family's welfare. It is a pragmatic credit program that guides them and aids in lifting them out of poverty," emphasized the GCEO.

Elaborating on the loan structure, Bello explained that beneficiaries are grouped together with shared responsibilities, promoting accountability and incentivizing timely repayments.

Yuletide: Oyebanji assures of adequate security in Ekiti.

Yuletide: Oyebanji assures of adequate security in Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has assured residents of the state of adequate measures to ensure a peaceful and hitch- free celebration during and after the yuletide season.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance on Thursday during a meeting with traditional rulers in the state at the Traditional Council Chambers, Ado- Ekiti.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the meeting, Governor Oyebanji explained that he is not unmindful of the usual spike in criminal activities during yuletide seasons. He however disclosed that collaborative efforts with the security agencies and community leaders were already in top gear to forestall any potential threats to security of lives and properties of residents.

Adjudging the state as one of the safest in the country, the Governor said his administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and properties of the residents during and after the yuletide season and to maintain its reputation as the safest state in the country, adding that his government is adopting a comprehensive approach to address criminal activities in the state.

While urging residents to remain calm and go about their daily activities without fear, the Governor assured that security agencies are fully prepared to secure the state.

“Well so far so good, the security in the state is encouraging and there has been an improvement in the security situation. Though we still have a pocket of criminality here and there and that’s part of the issues we also discussed here.

“We will be combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure we tackle criminal elements in the state, but by and large, Ekiti is one of the safest states in the country, but we are not unmindful of the fact that as we move closer to yuletide season, there will be a spike in crimes and we are discussing with security Chiefs too and they are up to the task. 

“Even though I cannot give details of what we are doing but I can assure everybody in the state that they should just go about their businesses without any fear of insecurity”. The Governor assured.

EXCITEMENT AS "GAARI BAO" HITS THE MARKET.

The BAO Impact Series No. 9

EXCITEMENT AS "GAARI BAO" HITS THE MARKET.

....One Rubber sells for N500.

BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

Food security has become an important discourse in the nation's lexicon as food has been identified as an indispensable commodity for man's wellbeing and existence.

Its abundance and massive production are sine qua non in efforts at reducing hunger and ensuring a well-fed state and nation and making it affordable and available for the masses.

Agriculture and food security have been accorded a priority by Governor Biodun Oyebanji since he came to office and he has invested enormous resources of the state in the sector in his desire to make food affordable and available to the people of the state.

Some of the Governor's strides in agriculture and food security include revival of farm settlements, procurement and distribution of seedlings to farmers, distribution of fertilizers, procurement of more tractors and other equipments and incorporation of more youths into commercial farming.

Under Governor Oyebanji, Ekiti now has a Special Agriculture Processing Zone (SAPZ), more hectares of land have been cleared to make way for more commercial farming while more investors have been attracted to the sector to generate more employment, boost the internally generated revenue and also make Ekiti an agricultural export hub.

In a bid to beat down the prices of essential food commodities in the market, one of the investors attracted by the Oyebanji Administration, MAO Organic Farms Limited, on Thursday, 5th December, 2024, inaugurated sales of subsidized fried cassava flakes known as "Gaari BAO."

The sale of "Gaari BAO" created excitement at the Shasha BAO Market located along Agric Olope Road as residents trooped out in their numbers to benefit from the sales of the commodity.

Benefiting from the sales are men, women, students, commercial drivers and motorcyclists who conveyed some market women and customers to the market as the day falls on a market day.

The beneficiaries bought "Gaari BAO" at N500 per rubber which is lower than N1,000 per rubber sold by traders in the market while this selling the product in the neighbourhoods sell at higher prices depending on the location and quality.

The sales of "Gaari BAO" was flagged off by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who performed the symbolic sale to interested buyers whose awareness was aroused by a team from the Office of Community Communications.

The arrival of "Gaari BAO" is one of the steps by the Oyebanji Administration to crash the prices of food commodities in the market in line with the promise of Mr. Governor to make food affordable for the people of the state.

The officials of MAO Organic Farms said they are collaborating with the Oyebanji Administration by producing the "Gaari BAO" in appreciation of Mr. Governor's "investment, support and impactful interventions in agriculture" which has paved the way for profitable farming in Ekiti.

In a bid to allow orderliness and make the products accessible to the willing buyers, the sales will be taking place throughout the month of December at Shasha BAO Market along Agric Olope Road and Erekesan Market (Oja Oba) both in Ado Ekiti.

To prevent undue profiteering and sales racketeering, each buyer is only entitled to buy  maximum of five rubbers at N500 each. The arrival of Gaari BAO couldn't have come at a better time as the commodity represents an indispensable staple food in the menu of many families.

Apparently impressed with the initiative, some of the beneficiaries who urged the state government to sustain the initiative advocated that the sales should be extended to other food products like rice, beans, yam flour, palm oil, vegetable oil and chickens which use to be very expensive during the Yuletide period.

A beneficiary, Mrs Kemi Alonge said: "I was surprised on arriving at the market to discover that they are selling Gaari BAO at N500 per rubber. I had bought my own five rubbers because it is a very good opportunity. We thank our Governor for this."

Another buyer, Mrs Rachel Ajewole said: "God bless our Governor for this initiative because this will make life easier for the masses. But we want to suggest that it should also be extended to other food items like beans, rice, yam flour, palm oil, vegetable oil, plantain and chicken which come with high prices during festive period."

This is another populist initiative from the stable of an administration that prioritizes the welfare of the masses and always looking for ways reduce their suffering. 

Governor Oyebanji will not rest on his oars until his dream of achieving food security, abundance and turning Ekiti into a food production and export hub which partners like MAO Organic Farms Limited have keyed into.

Ogunmola is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (Print Media)

Ojuawo Advocates for Oruwo River Channelization in Igbara Odo Ekiti.

Ojuawo Advocates for Oruwo River Channelization in Igbara Odo Ekiti.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, the Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, has advocated for the channelization of the Oruwo River in Igbara Odo Ekiti, Ekiti South West Local Government.

In a bid to save Igbara Odo Ekiti from further dilapidation and flood scourge, Hon. Ojuawo moved a motion for the channelization of the Oruwo River, which has claimed many lives in the community. He proposed a two-way approach to tame the river.

Hon. Ojuawo emphasized that the Oruwo River has become a source of worry for the people of Igbara Odo Ekiti due to the collapse of the reservoir built 20 years ago to support irrigation and ease water scarcity. He urged the House to call on the relevant government agencies to address the issue and prevent future occurrences by rebuilding the collapsed reservoir and channelizing the Oruwo River.

Additionally, Hon. Ojuawo presented two bills on the floor of the House: the Nigeria Military Force Bill 2024 and the Veteran Federation of Nigeria (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2024. These bills aim to enhance the operation, civil engagement, and service delivery of the military and veteran organizations. The bills passed their first reading.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Take pride in Justice Adeyeye’s purposeful life, Oyebanji urges family of late CJ.

Take pride in Justice Adeyeye’s purposeful life, Oyebanji urges family of late CJ.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged the children and family of the late Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, to find solace and take pride in the impactful and purposeful life he lived as well as his significant contribution to the of justice system.

The late Justice Adeyeye, was the Chief Judge of the State between October 11, 2021 till his passing on November 4, 2024.

On hand to bid farewell to the late Chief Judge at the Service of Songs held at the Adetiloye Hall, Ado Ekiti on Wednesday evening were Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Acting Chief Judge, Hon Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Monisola Abodunde, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Dayo Apata (SAN); immediate past Attorney General, Barrister Wale Fapounda (SAN); members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council, members of the State Judiciary among others.

Governor Oyebanji, in his glowing tribute to the late jurist, highlighted Justice Adeyeye’s exemplary service to the state and his commitment to justice and the rule of law. He commended him for his role in shaping the judiciary and mentoring younger lawyers, noting that his life’s work would remain indelible and a guilding light for generations in the law profession.

The Governor described the late Adeyeye as a brilliant jurist, mentor, and a compassionate leader who touched countless lives through the advancement of judiciary system. He added that the departure of the late Jurist is painful but his remarkable legacies, which continue to inspire and uplift many must be celebrated.

The Governor assured the family that the state government would continue to support them during the difficult time in appreciation of the late Chief Justice contribution to the growth of the state. 

“After  listening to Pastor Oluwatusin’s exhortation, there is noting to add other than to encourage the family, the children and those of us mourning  that God is still God, this is a moment of greif but one thing I thank God for in the life of our departed Chief Judge is the testimonies. Since he went to be with the Lord, I have not heard anything negative about him and that’s a cause for us to thank God, cause for the wife to thank God and the children to take pride in that he left behind a very strong legacy”, the Governor said. 

In their separate tributes, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Attorney General, Barrister Dayo Apata, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Monisola Abodunde, Acting Chief Judge, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye all described the late Chief Judge as a towering figure of justice, hard work, fairness, and integrity.

Highlighting the contribution of the late jurist to the growth of judiciary system in the state, they maintained that Justice Adeyeye was not only a legal luminary, but also a patriot who dedicated his life to the cause of justice and fairness. 

They added that his commitment to upholding the rule of law was unmatched; leaving an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire the legal community and the general public.

In his homily, titled “Before I may be no more, the Pastor in charge of the Christ Apostolic Church, Faith Palace, Ado Ekiti, Pastor Rotimi Oluwatusin, who described the late Chief Judge as a devout Christian whose life reflected service to God and humanity, encouraged the congregation to emulate his virtues and prepare for eternal.

Agboola Leads Stakeholders' Meeting to Enhance Special Education and Social Inclusion in Ekiti.

Agboola Leads Stakeholders' Meeting to Enhance Special Education and Social Inclusion in Ekiti.

In a significant step towards advancing special education and social inclusion in Ekiti State, the Ministry of Education's School Department recently convened a stakeholders' meeting. The event, held to promote the development of special education frameworks and encourage social inclusion practices in schools, saw participation from various stakeholders, including education officers, principals , and notable government officials.

The meeting featured Mrs. Rhoda Olufunke Ojo, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, who emphasized the necessity of raising awareness among both teaching and non-teaching staff about the unique challenges faced by students with special needs. She shared an inspiring case of a deaf student who attended Christ School 40 years ago, where teachers quickly adapted by learning sign language to accommodate the child's needs. "Today's session highlights the importance of understanding the diverse requirements of all students under our care," said Mrs. Ojo.

Princess Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, led a crucial segment of the event. Agboola addressed the attendees on best practices for supporting students with disabilities, stressing the importance of fostering a culture of acceptance for special needs students within mainstream educational settings. "It’s vital that we establish a conversation about inclusive education in Ekiti State," she stated.

Agboola elaborated on the state's current approach, explaining that while Ekiti has made strides in supporting individuals with disabilities, the existing special schools structure are predominantly integrative . "We recognize that our special schools tend to be segregated, with children belonging to specific categories of disabilities. Our goal is to transition towards a model of inclusivity where all students, regardless of their challenges, can learn together," she asserted.

The Special Adviser emphasized the need for feedback from participants to enhance the effectiveness of inclusive education policies. "Today's program is not just a discussion; it’s a foundation for shaping our educational future towards a more inclusive system that aligns with global standards," Agboola added.

Dr. Kofoworola Aderiye, the Commissioner for Education, also commended the participants and encouraged them to learn additional languages and sign language to facilitate better communication beyond English and local dialects. 

The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration among educators, policymakers, and the community, aiming to ensure that every child, regardless of their ability, has access to quality education in an inclusive environment. With the combined efforts of stakeholders, the initiative aims to set a precedent for a more inclusive educational framework in Ekiti State, paving the way for a brighter future for students with special needs.