APC DESCRIBES EKITI AIRPORT APPROVAL AS BEFITTING XMAS GIFT.

APC DESCRIBES EKITI AIRPORT APPROVAL AS BEFITTING XMAS GIFT.

...We rejoice with the Gov and entire Ekiti people.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State says it received with great delight the news that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved commencement of flight operation in the state from the 15th of this month. 

The party, through a release by its Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, heaped praises on the State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO and the entire people of the state, saying the good news couldn't have come at any better time. 

The news filtered in Thursday 12 December 2024 that Ekiti Cargo Airport has been granted approval to commence Non-Scheduled Flight operation from December 15 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. 

The NCAA dated the letter December 11, 2024 and addressed it to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, saying the approval of the non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the airport was for a period of six months- December 15, 2024 to June 15, 2025.

With the approval, airplanes will now land and take off from the airport in Ekiti like everywhere else between 6.00am to 6.00pm (or sunrise to sunset). 

"This is a promise made and promise kept, a Christmas gift specially wrapped for all in the state. That is how we see it. We are very happy and we make bold to say that it will serve us well to the delight of all." 

Dipe said that at this point, it's not about what had been said wrongly or rightly about the airport project, but what has been achieved. He urged everyone to give the State Governor a pass mark for walking his talk and ignoring the naysayers till the project made a headway. 

"This is the summary of it all: We dreamt big and we have achieved big. It is today's achievement for tomorrow's greatness. 

"On the surface, it was a tall order for a State like Ekiti to boast an airport, but with the saying that with God, all things are possible, coupled with our having in the saddle a highly determined governor, then we can be greatly joyful that great things are happening to us in Ekiti in diverse ways. "

"And we believe the good people of the State will be very delighted that this is happening to us at this crucial time. No one could have wished for more," Dipe said. 

Signed:

SEGUN DIPE

Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State.

YAN Congratulates Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

YAN Congratulates Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) National Headquarters has extend its heartfelt congratulations to Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede on his well-deserved elevation as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Hon. Famuyibo National Speaker YAN.

The National Speaker of YAN said this during the 2nd world press conference of the organization in Lagos.

"This remarkable achievement is a testament to his unwavering dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service to our nation. We are confident that his wealth of experience and leadership qualities will significantly contribute to the advancement of the Nigerian Army and the security of our beloved country.

As the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyede has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing the complex security challenges facing Nigeria. His proactive approach, strategic reforms, and focus on operational efficiency have already yielded commendable results. The Youth Assembly of Nigeria acknowledges his steadfast efforts in ensuring the Nigerian Army remains a formidable institution capable of defending the sovereignty of our nation. We encourage him to sustain this momentum and take the Nigerian Army to greater heights.

Lieutenant General Olufemi, Chief of Army Staff.

In light of his new position, we charge the Chief of Army Staff to prioritize the reformation and modernization of the Nigerian Army. The youth of Nigeria call for innovative strategies to tackle insurgency, banditry, and other forms of insecurity threatening our nation's peace and development. We believe that through enhanced training, improved welfare for troops, and the adoption of cutting-edge technology, the Nigerian Army can be better equipped to face contemporary security challenges. Lieutenant General Oluyede has a unique opportunity to set a legacy of transformation and progress.

Furthermore, YAN commends his efforts so far in fostering discipline, unity, and professionalism within the ranks of the Nigerian Army. His emphasis on meritocracy and accountability has not only boosted the morale of officers and soldiers but has also restored public confidence in the military. We urge him to continue building bridges of collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, as collective efforts are key to achieving lasting peace and stability in Nigeria.

The Youth Assembly of Nigeria reaffirms its support for Lieutenant General Oluyede as he embarks on this critical journey of leading the Nigerian Army. We are optimistic that under his capable leadership, the Army will achieve unprecedented milestones in safeguarding the lives and properties of all Nigerians. Once again, congratulations to the Chief of Army Staff on this well-deserved elevation, and we wish him immense success in his service to our nation, he said".

Autonomy Granted Communities is to Fasttrack Devt, Not Acrimony - Ekiti Govt.

Autonomy Granted Communities is to Fasttrack Devt, Not Acrimony - Ekiti Govt.

The Ekiti State Government, has again restated that the autonomy granted to some communities was intended to propel development at the grassroots, and not to stoke the fire of acrimony between towns.

The government lamented the emerging  recurrent cases of violence and enmity among  the hosts and excised towns, warning that no community will be  allowed to display belligerent actions that  could thwart  its  efforts to actualise the set goals around autonomy.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the clarification in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while interacting with stakeholders on the raging land tussle between Igbemo and Orun Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State. 

Orun, which had hitherto existed as a Quarter in Igbemo Ekiti, was granted autonomy on September 14, 2013, during the first term administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi.  

Addressing the stakeholders at the meeting, Mrs Afuye, told the Onigbemo of Igbemo Ekiti, Oba Adewumi Daramola and Olorun of Orun Ekiti, Oba Joshua Osalusi, to rein in their subjects and avert any bedlam that could result in carnage in the two communities.

She said: "The two Kabiyesis can sit and settle this matter amicably. The concept of autonomy granted to some towns as gazetted  in the Ekiti State Government White Paper, was to accelerate development at the grassroots. But sad enough, some people are making it looks like the other way round.

"Some of you had inter-married and had a lot of things in common. I expect the old and new communities to be friends. Development of your towns and subjects should be your focus, not unnecessary fights over lands".

Mrs Afuye promised that government will  deploy experts of the Ekiti State Boundary Resolution Technical Committee to undertake proper boundary demarcation between the two towns to resolve the issue permanently. 

In his submission at the parley, the Onigbemo of Igbemo Ekiti, Oba Daramola, said there wasn't any document from government suggesting that Orun Ekiti was allocated any land taken from the aborigines, despite being granted full fledged autonomy.

The monarch stoutly posited that since this land demarcation has not been done, that it remains a well  established fact  that all the lands within the radius of the two towns belong to his community.

Countering the position canvassed by the traditional ruler, the Olorun of Orun Ekiti, Oba Osalusi, said the autonomy accorded his people in 2013 went with benefits, including the right to manage their own traditions, lands and development, without interruption from Igbemo Ekiti.

However, Oba Osalusi concurred with the position of his colleague that delay in the boundary delineation between the towns by government sparked off the impression that his community has no land of its own, describing this as a gross violation of his people's rights.

The monarch said: "There was a time in this country that the Western Region was the government in place in the southwest. Six states were later created from it, of which Ondo State was one. Later, Ekiti State was created from Ondo State. Today, is Ekiti not having a land of its own? 

"I appeal to government to carry out the boundary delineation in time. The delay of this process is making things difficult for us", the monarch said.

Meanwhile, the two monarchs promised to cohabit peacefully and mediate in the land dispute to restore normalcy where necessary.

2026: Don’t Relent in Aggressive Campaigns for Oyebanji, Deputy Gov Tells Groups.

2026: Don’t Relent in Aggressive Campaigns for Oyebanji, Deputy Gov Tells Groups.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has urged all the support groups working for the actualisation of the 2026 second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the All Progressives Congress as a ruling party.

Mrs Afuye said Governor Oyebanji recorded resounding victory in the 2022 governorship election, winning in 15 out of the 16 Local government areas, saying the forthcoming 2026 election will be more victorious with all hands on the deck to campaign for the governor’s reelection.

Mrs Afuye said these on Thursday, while playing host to the members of a pro-Oyebanji group under the auspices of Progressive Grassroots Development and Support Foundation, who paid a visit to her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Addressing the group, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, applauded the members for being steadfast in their campaigns across the 177 wards and over 2,000 units across the state to bolster Governor Oyebanji’s popularity.

Mrs Afuye said most astounding was the aggressive campaigns being intensified by the group across the state to project the development strides of the current administration to the grassroots level for better understanding and acceptability of the government’s policies.

The Deputy Governor added that ruling APC, despite its acceptability and good performance won’t underrate the opposition in the next political battle, saying the party and government will work with all interest groups to win the election resoundingly.

“You have been working very hard, but I want you to work harder. I love your campaign strategies, which were about speaking directly to the people at the grassroots about the performance and development strides of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

“With the feedbacks we are getting, your efforts are resonating well with the people and don’t relent. Most important is the fact that you have to do this with loyalty to our governor and our party. And don’t forget that whatever you do, you will be rewarded by the party”, she said.

The group’s Coordinator , Mrs Rachael Babatunde, commended the Deputy Governor for her unflinching loyalty to her boss, saying this has ushered in stability and development under the current administration.

Mrs Babatunde clarified that the group’s support for Oyebanji stemmed from the good performance of the governor and increased dividends of democracy accruing to the citizens under his leadership.

“Let me assure you that this group is doing this campaign with all our hearts, because we knew that we have a good product in5 Governor Oyebanji to market to the people.

“We know how highly acceptability the governor is to the people, but with our campaigns across all the towns, wards and units, we will make him more popular to make his reelection easier in 2026”, Babatunde said.

YAN Holds Second World Press Conference, Passes Vote of Confidence on Governors Sanwo-Olu, Matawalle, and Minister Olawande for Quality Leadership.

YAN Holds Second World Press Conference, Passes Vote of Confidence on Governors Sanwo-Olu, Matawalle, and Minister Olawande for Quality Leadership.

The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) convened its second world press conference today at the Civil Service Union House in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State. This significant event not only marked a milestone for the organization but also included the inauguration of new appointees, a youth town hall meeting, and an engaging dialogue with the press.

In his opening remarks, Rt. Hon. Famuyibo Oluwasegun, the National Speaker of YAN, highlighted the organization’s recent achievements in resolving leadership crises and mending factional divisions across the country. “Today, we celebrate the progress of our great organization, which has successfully restored unity within YAN,” he stated, underscoring the critical importance of collaboration and solidarity among the youth.

Oluwasegun provided insights into their working visit to Lagos State, which commenced on December 9, 2024. During this tour, YAN representatives observed over 40 ongoing projects spearheaded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, concentrating particularly on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and human capital initiatives. “We applaud the remarkable vision and dedication of His Excellency, Governor Sanwo-Olu,” he remarked. The Youth Assembly of Nigeria also passed a vote of confidence on Governor Sanwo-Olu, Hon. Olawande Ayodele, and H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle for their quality leadership styles.

In a further commendation, YAN expressed strong support for the appointment of Hon. Ogunlende Mobolaji as Commissioner for Youth Affairs, acknowledging his dynamic leadership style and approachability. “We proudly express our confidence in the Governor’s youth-focused policies and initiatives,” Oluwasegun added.

The press conference emphasized the vital role of strategic collaborations between YAN and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Oluwasegun lauded Engr. Olawande Ayodele, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, for his proactive engagement with youth across Nigeria. “We urge him to integrate the Youth Assembly into all ministry initiatives to ensure holistic youth development nationwide,” he asserted.

Amid continuing economic challenges, Speaker Famuyibo called for prompt intervention regarding the high cost of food commodities in Nigeria, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing economic reforms. The Youth Assembly appealed to the President to take decisive actions to tackle the rising costs of essential goods, emphasizing that such measures are crucial for renewing young Nigerians' faith in his administration. “We remain steadfast in our support for initiatives aimed at uplifting the youth sector and the nation as a whole,” stated Oluwasegun.

The Youth Assembly also addressed pressing national security concerns, congratulating Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff. YAN called for adequate security measures to protect lives and property during and after the Yuletide festival and expressed readiness to collaborate in enhancing national security. The organization further recognized the honorable efforts of H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense, commending his proactive engagement in addressing safety issues.

In concluding the conference, Oluwasegun reaffirmed YAN's commitment to fostering peace and unity among Nigerian youths, irrespective of tribal or religious differences. “Our shared commitment will further strengthen the bonds of unity that underpin our great nation,” he declared.

The National Speaker expressed gratitude to all attendees for their support and emphasized the assembly's dedication to championing youth interests in Nigeria. “Together, we will continue to advance the cause of our nation's future leaders and contribute to Nigeria's progress,” he concluded.

Ekiti Airport gets NCAA’s approval to commence non-scheduled flight operation December 15.

Ekiti Airport gets NCAA’s approval to commence non-scheduled flight operation December 15.

Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) Ado-Ekiti has received the approval of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operation effective December 15th, 2024.

The NCAA, in a letter dated December 11, 2024 and addressed to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, said the approval of the non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the airport is for a period of six months- December 15, 2024 to June 15, 2025.

The letter, which was signed by NCAA Acting Director General Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, was in response to the state government’s application for flight operational permit for the airport. 

According to NCAA, the approval for a six months non-schedule operation at the airport is to enable the NCAA validate the implementation of the pending findings and to allow Ekiti State Government time to rectify a few outstanding Corrective Action items indicated in the agency’s last inspection report.

As part of compliance steps towards the commencement of the non-scheduled flight operations at the airport, operations are to be in agreement with relevant agencies for provision of essential services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services,  Aviation Security and Meteorological services. 

It will be recalled that the State government had earlier signed MoUs and Service Level Agreements with these federal  aviation agencies.

The Government of Ekiti State welcomes NCAA’s approval for the non-scheduled flight operation, which allows private jets and other chartered flights to land and take off from the airport between 6.00am to 6.00pm (or sunrise to sunset),  preparatory to the final approval for commercial flight operations.

Most new airports are usually given non-scheduled flight approval to allow them clear audit gaps in their compliance before final approval for flight operational permit.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji describes the NCAA’s approval as a welcome development and a justification for the state’s investment in the airport project, which was designed to boost Ekiti State’s socioeconomic development by making the state more readily accessible.

Governor Oyebanji had earlier in the year assured  stakeholders that the Ekiti airport would become operational before the end of the year. 

 

Yinka Oyebode

Special Adviser  (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State

12- 12- 2024

I 'll Bring Back Ekiti's Old Glory in Agriculture, Education, Oyebanji Vows.

I 'll Bring Back Ekiti's Old Glory in Agriculture, Education, Oyebanji Vows.

The Ekiti state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his unwavering determination to devise means to reignite the state's old glory in agriculture and education that earned it being classified as the Food Basket of the Southwest and Fountain of Knowledge. 

Oyebanji described farming, skill acquisition, small and medium scale enterprises, as well as education, as magic wands being deployed by government to collaborate, network and open a vista of opportunities for the people at the grassroots for businesses to grow exponentially.

Oyebanji stated this at the official opening of the 2024 Trade Fair marking the fourth of its kind, held in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital, on Wednesday. 

The 2024 trade fair holding at the Trade Fair Complex in Ado Ekiti attracted many investors, farmers, artisans, manufacturers, captains of industries and entrepreneurs to showcase their products to the world, with many of products being sold at discounted prices compared to the general market.

The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, observed that Ekiti made remarkable headways in farming and education in time past, promising to overhaul the sectors to restore the lost glory through huge investment in these thematic areas of the economy.  

The State Chief Executive assured that his administration would continue to engage captains of industries locally and internationally to make Ekiti the first destination of choice in investment to diversify the economy away from the monolithic civil service structure. 

He said: "These we are going achieve by providing enabling environment that supports entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in order to take Ekiti to new heights in terms of viable economy among the comity of states in Nigeria and Africa as whole.

"Partnering critical stakeholders was  part of measures to redefine Ekiti economy through partnership, innovation and collaboration with necessary stakeholders in industry, commerce and agriculture.

"In actual fact, this was part of my administration's commitment to boost the state economy and achieve the mantra of my government, which is shared Prosperity for all the citizens".

Lending credence to Oyebanji's position, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperative, Mrs Tayo Adeola,

said the programme was designed to bring about economy growth by attracting investors and showcase Ekiti to the whole world with a promise that the trade fair would now be holding on annual basis.

Cataloguing some of the government plans and policies to bring dividend of democracy to the grassroots, Adeola advised the market women, farmers, youths and other interest groups to take advantage of government's soft loans provided to assist the teeming  populace and relief many of heavy interest on loans in various commercial banks and  address the problem of collateral which often debar many from expanding their businesses.

She pointed out that measures were in place to attract more investors,  modernize locally made products such as locust beans popularly called " iru",  Honey, Gaari and other local delicacies so that people would come to Ekiti and buy goods. 

The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly,  Hon Adeiye Aribasoye represented by Mr. Tope Longe, promised the continued support of the Lawmakers to the current Executives by making laws that would create enabling environment for  businesses and build a multi system economy that would  advance Ekiti and open the state for more investors.

The Speaker also enjoined farmers, especially youths in  entrepreneurship to maximize the opportunities of the policies and programmes of Governor Oyebanji  to make poverty a history in Ekiti. 

In his message, the Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Ayorinde Faboro challenged  the Ekiti state government to attract more manufacturers to the state in order to place Ekiti in the map of developed state in Nigeria.

The traditional Ruler said that products like  Marbles, and other building materials could be manufacture in the state so that other people would come to buy from the state.

The Chairman,  Planning Committee, 2024 Trade Fair, Dr Abimbola Oni, who said that the trade fair would henceforth hold on annually to grow industry and bring about economic development with the aim to attract more investors, said that all the farm produces and stable foods would be sold at a very reduced rate during the fair.

Other stakeholders at the Forum including the President Ekiti Chambers of Commerce, Alhaji Olufemi Hassan,  President, National Association of the Chamber of Commerce, Yahaya Oladiran assured government of  their continue support to promote its interest to achieve meaningful economy and provide enabling environment to advance the nation's economy.