Fayemi Expresses Grief over Tragic Ibadan Stampede, Calls for Event Safety Standards.

Fayemi Expresses Grief over Tragic Ibadan Stampede, Calls for Event Safety Standards.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate-past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of over 30 children in a stampede during an event in Ibadan recently. 

The former governor, in a statement by his media office, extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Oyo State Government, describing the incident as heartbreaking and casting a pall of sadness over the Christmas celebrations.

Fayemi emphasized the need for organizers to prioritize safety and follow global best practices for large gatherings and urged precaution to prevent similar occurrences while praying for the injured and grieving families.

Fayemi stated: “It is with a heavy heart that I received the devastating news of the tragic loss of over 30 children in a stampede during a Christmas event in Ibadan. This heartbreaking incident, which has also left many children injured, stands as one of the most devastating incidents involving children in our nation's history.

‘’As a parent and leader, I am deeply shaken by this unprecedented tragedy. The loss of even one child is unbearable; the loss of over thirty young souls is unspeakable. My heart goes out to all the families who lost their beloved children in this terrible incident. To those whose children are injured, I pray for their swift and complete recovery. 

‘’I also commiserate with the government of Oyo State and the people of Ibadan on this painful loss.

 ‘’This incident is devastating, coming as it does during the festive season, a time meant for joy and celebration. The loss of so many young lives has cast a pall of sadness over the Christmas celebrations.

“This incident, perhaps unprecedented in its scale, underscores the critical need for event organizers to prioritize safety and adhere to global standards in planning gatherings, especially those involving large crowds. 

‘’It is imperative that event organizers take responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, especially children. I urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. 

‘’I urge state governments to consider banning non-academic events in public schools unless strict safety measures are guaranteed and implemented.

‘’May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’’

Share love, spread joy, Oyebanji charges privileged Nigerians at carol service.

Share love, spread joy, Oyebanji charges privileged Nigerians at carol service.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has called on members of the political class and other privileged Nigerians to show love and kindness to the less privileged, especially during this festive season, affirming that the essence of Christmas lies in sharing love and spreading joy to those around us.

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the charge during the 2024 Ekiti State Government Carols service at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Conventional Centre in Ado Ekiti, emphasized that it is the time to share love, show kindness and uplift those in need.

Stressing the importance of using the festive period to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which is rooted in selflessness and generosity, the Governor noted that such act of compassion aligns with the teaching of Jesus Christ and help foster a more united and caring society.

While appreciating Ekiti people for their support for his administration, the Governor said he remains grateful to God for how far he has helped his administration and also expressed his deepest gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for his administration.

The Governor called for more prayer for his administration, the state and the federal government, just as he urged Nigerians to have faith in the policies  and reforms being implemented by the President, assuring that the sacrifices being made today will yield significant benefit in the future and guarantee prosperous 2025.

“Like the Pastor said, we should distinguish between joy and happiness, the choice is ours either to be joyful or you want to be happy but as we leave this place, we should not lose the essence of the celebration, Christ came and gave us joy, so the question we should ask ourselves is how many people can I make happy during this Christmas period.

“For those of us God has blessed let us remember those people created by the same God, let us assist them, I am just pleading with us especially political appointees because all of you are anjoy minimum wage, your salary has increased, so you have no reason not to give back to people around you. I am just pleading with you to share love and spread joy to people around you”. The Governor asserted.

Lessons were read in turn by the Governor, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Wife of the Governor, Dr (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Acting Chief Judge, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Budget, Mr Niyi Adebayo, PFN Chairman, Bishop Kolade Kayo-Ajayi, and Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro

In his homily, the Pastor in-charge of House of Faith Christian Center, Ado Ekiti, Rev. Dr Tunde Afe said the joy that Christ bring is a profound reminder of God’s unending love and presence for his people.

He commended the Governor for his tireless efforts in spreading joy and putting smiles on the faces of the people of Ekiti through his initiatives and compassionate leadership, stressing that he has embodied the essence of Christmas by showing care and concern for the welfare of the citizens.

AFRD: Oyebanji Launches 2025 Emblem, rallies support for ex-servicemen.

AFRD: Oyebanji Launches 2025 Emblem, rallies support for ex-servicemen.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has, launched the emblem appeal fund for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, praising the armed forces for their resilience, dedication and sacrifices towards achieving the security and stability of the nation.

Governor Oyebanji, who performed the launch at the Jibowu hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti on Thursday noted that armed forces remembrance day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our gallant servicemen and women, who through courage stood as defensive wall of our national unity as well as a moment to honour the veterans who continue to inspire the nation with their dedication and resilience.

While noting that the significance of the launching of an appeal fund is to show love and support for the gallant soldiers, the Governor reaffirmed the State’s commitment towards building a society where peace, security and unity prevail. He called on all residents of the state to support the Armed Forces Remembrance Day’s activities handsomely.

Governor Oyebanji stressed the need for all residents of the state to prioritize security matters to make the environment safe for everyone adding that it is the duty of all to sustain a mind for freedom and greatness of the country to ensure that the labour of ur gallant heroes past and living is not in vain.

The Governor, who made a donation of 0f N10 million on behalf of the state and personal donation of N5million, emphasized that his administration has zero tolerance for insecurity and will live no stone unturned in his drive to ensure security of lives and property of all residents of the state.  

He said, “Steady efforts will be made to protect the atmosphere where every citizen will be secured. It is expected that citizens in return will hold the government in the areas of information and vigilance as most occurrences in the security could be easily tacked with the cooperation of all.

“The reality of the human experience is that there is hardly any part of the world where absolute peace exist, despite our best efforts as human communities, but for the men and women in the arms world, the world will be inhabitable and then short and brutish, we are therefore always grateful to them. 

“The irony of life is that this great men and women who have decided to protect the rest of us often do so losing their lives in their thirties. Evidences are bound that a greater percentage of those who escaped death, but sustain permanent disabilities may be living from hand to mouth, neglected by the ociety they tried to protect and unable to sustain their health and ageing process set in

“In nation building, all of us give something to people in our country but there are men who give everything and these men are part of Nigerian Armed forces; and that is why it is imperative that we remember their sacrifices.”

“Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where peace, security and unity prevail; a society worthy of the sacrifice made by our Armed Forces. It is in this light that I wish to reemphasize the need for us to work as a nation together in unity; beyond diversity, beyond differences of tribes and tongues and religion, to come together and build a sense of nationalism, loyalty and brotherhood; and there is no better body presently in Nigeria that symbolizes this brotherhood than the Nigerian Armed forces.” He added 

In her remarks, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi pledged the continued support of the public servants to the course of the Nigerian Legion and cherished their supreme sacrifice to the development and security of Nigeria.

The Chairman, Nigerian Legion in Ekiti state, Mr Atoki abdurazak Nigeria legion thanked God for giving their members a Governor like Mr Biodun Oyebanji who has the passion and feelings for them by giving them the platform to thrive in the state.

Also at the event were the acting Chief judge, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd.), members of the state executive council,  Service Chiefs, Chairman, Ekiti state Council of traditional rulers, represented by te Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye and, labour leaders among others.

Ex-Gov. Oni hails Oyebanji's road infrastructure development.

Ex-Gov. Oni hails Oyebanji's road infrastructure development.

…urges attention for Federal roads.

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to road and power infrastructure development across the state, which according to him is responsible for the socio-economic growth the state is witnessing.

Engr. Oni also urged the Governor to extend similar attention to the federal roads within the state, stressing that while federal roads are under the jurisdiction of the federal government, it is the people of Ekiti who use these roads daily and bear the brunt of their poor conditions.

The former Governor stated these on Thursday when Governor Oyebanji paid him a courtesy visit at his Ifaki- Ekiti residence.

Speaking with Journalists shortly after the visit, Engr Oni, who praised the visible transformation of the state roads across the state, describing it as a testament to the Governor’s commitment to improving the lives of the people, maintained that functional roads networks are crucial for economic growth and commended the administration for its proactive approach.

While calling on the Governor not to relent on his efforts in prioritizing critical infrastructures that directly impact the well-being of the people, the former Governor implored him not to neglect the federal roads within the state, stressing their importance to the overall development of the state.

Emphasizing that although federal roads are technically the responsibility of the federal government, Engr. Oni said the deplorable state of the roads pose a significant challenge to commuters and businesses, hence the need for the state government's intervention regardless of jurisdictional limitations.

Adjudging the current administration’s two years in office, Engr Oni expressed satisfaction in the progress and development of critical sectors of the state, maintaining that everything he could have done as Governor was already being done.

“Yes, I can say that those things I could have done, the Governor is doing them, I have said it before and I will say it again that among all of us, in terms of public relation, bringing all of us together he is number one.

“ He’s doing well but I want him to still do more, roads will open our state , the economy and it will open up the security aspect, I want him to please do more on roads so that we would have good roads everywhere. 

In his own remarks, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji described the visit as one of his administration’s methods of learning from past leaders, which according to him, is key to delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Describing the former Governor as a statesman and a leader whose wealth of experience remains invaluable, Governor Oyebanji said tapping from his extensive knowledge of governance and leadership would further guide his administration in shaping policies that align with the aspiration of the people 

“Well, you cannot underrate the place of experience in this job and Engr. Segun Oni is one leader that did so well serving people while he was in office. Today’s visit is just a regular visit to tap from his wealth of experience and to greet him for the Christmas and the new year”. The Governor said.

NYC Ekiti State Congratulates Mr. Adegboyega Bamisile on Appointment as Executive Director.

NYC Ekiti State Congratulates Mr. Adegboyega Bamisile on Appointment as Executive Director.                                                  By Olamide Akinwumi 

Aare Adedara Temitope Topmost, the Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Ekiti State Chapter, has congratulated Mr. Adegboyega Bamisile (Ijile) on his appointment as the Executive Director of Finance, Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority.

The chairman described the appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as a well-deserved recognition of Mr. Bamisile’s dedication, professionalism, and outstanding contributions to public service. He noted that the new role, covering Edo, Delta North, Ondo, and Ekiti States, is a testament to Mr. Bamisile's capacity to drive meaningful growth and development.

Aare Adedara Temitope stated that Mr. Bamisile’s success serves as an inspiration and beacon of hope for youths in Ekiti State. He emphasized that the milestone motivates the younger generation to strive for excellence and contribute to national development.

The chairman further expressed confidence in Mr. Bamisile’s ability to excel in the new role, adding that his leadership will bring about impactful policies, innovative solutions, and transformative achievements for the betterment of the region and the nation as a whole.

Aare Adedara Temitope concluded by praying for divine guidance, wisdom, and strength for Mr. Bamisile as he takes on the responsibility. He called on Ekiti youths to celebrate the appointment and draw inspiration from the remarkable achievement.

Ekiti Government Denies N25,000 Christmas Cash Grant Rumor.

Ekiti Government Denies N25,000 Christmas Cash Grant Rumor.

By Olamide Akinwumi  

The Ekiti State Government has debunked claims circulating on social media about a purported ₦25,000 Christmas cash grant from the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, the government described the information as false and urged residents to disregard it.

Oyebode clarified that Governor Oyebanji does not engage in any form of cash distribution or grants through unofficial channels or online platforms. He further cautioned the public against falling victim to fraudsters who might exploit the rumor to collect personal information.

“All official communication from the Ekiti State Government is disseminated through official channels and designated state officials,” the statement read.

The government appealed to residents to remain vigilant and verify information through trusted sources to avoid being defrauded by unauthorized individuals or websites.

NO BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR ME, GOV OYEBANJI TELLS FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES.

NO BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR ME, GOV OYEBANJI TELLS FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES.

…urges donations to special schools.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged friends, associates and the general public not to organise any birthday party or newspaper advertisement in commemoration of his 57th birthday billed for December 21, 2024. 

Instead of advertisement placements, gifts or social gatherings, Governor Oyebanji said anyone willing to celebrate with him should make cash or material donations to the less privileged children in the State.

Specifically, the Governor requested that gifts and cash be sent to the three Government Special Schools in the state vis: Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti; Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti; and Government Special School for the Mentally and Physically Challenged, Ido-Ekiti, as well as the State Relief and Rehabiitation Centre for the Mentally Challenged in Ado-Ekiti.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Governor Oyebanji said financial and material gifts sent to these schools by his friends and well-wishers would be better appreciated, adding that deliberate efforts should be made at reaching out to the less privileged in the society at any given opportunity. 

The Governor said he was happy at the number of family members, friends  and associates that presented gifts to the special schools in commemoration of his birthday last year, and the  joy the gestures brought to the faces of the students.

The Governor said he would be happy if his friends and well wishers would join  him again this year to put smiles on the faces of the students with disabilities. 

According to the statement, details of the donation accounts of the schools are:

1. Disability Affairs Office Overhead 

Account No. 0080045180  

Premium Trust Bank

2. EKSG SPECIAL SCHOOL for The Deaf, Ikoro- Ekiti 

Account No:  0080047610 

Premium Trust Bank 

3. EKSG Special School for The  Blind,  Ikere- Ekiti.

Account No : 0080047593

Premium Trust Bank 

4. EKSG Special School for Children with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, Ido Ekiti

Account No:  0080047634

Premium Trust Bank.