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Saturday, January 11, 2025

Oyebanji Intensifies Push for FG Support in Ekiti, meets Works, Education Ministers.

Oyebanji Intensifies Push for FG Support in Ekiti, meets Works, Education Ministers.


Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has intensified his engagement with federal ministries and agencies to ensure greater federal presence in the state and fast-track development.  



The Governor emphasized this on Friday, with visits to some ministries, including Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Ministry of Works and Ministry of Education, where he had engagements with the Ministers. 

The Governor met with Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, which was also attended by the Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunji Ojo, focused on harnessing federal programmes to improve the lots of Ekiti residents.  



Speaking with journalists after the closed-door session, Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to exploring every opportunity to enhance the welfare of the people, noting that his discussions with the minister centered on federal initiatives such as livelihood support, conditional cash transfers for women, support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and assistance for persons with disabilities (PWDs).  

“We had a fruitful meeting that will greatly benefit Ekiti people. I must commend President Bola Tinubu for appointing a capable hand to oversee this critical ministry. It is a strategic institution for improving livelihoods and providing safety nets for Nigerians. 

“This visit was a follow-up to a phone conversation facilitated by Hon. Oyetunji Ojo, an illustrious son of Ekiti State. The discussions focused on leveraging federal programs to uplift our people. I am particularly grateful to Hon. Oyetunji Ojo for creating this opportunity, which reflects the quality of our representatives at the federal level.”  

In his response, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe, praised the state government’s existing programmes noting that they have set a solid foundation for federal collaboration.  

“The current administration in Ekiti has programmes that align perfectly with our ministry’s agenda. This makes it easy to partner and provide the necessary support,” the minister said. He assured the governor of increased federal assistance in 2025, particularly in areas such as job creation, social safety nets, and livelihood support for women and vulnerable groups.  



Governor Oyebanji also met with the with the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja to secure federal support for key developmental initiatives in Ekiti State where he restated his administration’s resolve to foster meaningful partnerships that will transform education and human capital development in Ekiti State.

He also visited the Ministry of Works, where he held meeting with the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi and the Permanent Secretary, Engr Adebiyi.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT ENDS WORK-FROM-HOME POLICY, DIRECTS WORKERS TO RESUME MONDAY.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT ENDS WORK-FROM-HOME POLICY, DIRECTS WORKERS TO RESUME MONDAY.



 

The Ekiti State Government has announced the end of its Work-From-Home Policy, which was introduced to cushion the effects of the economic situation on workers in the state. The policy, which commenced on September 9, 2024, and was extended to January 11, 2025, allowed workers to work from home for one to three days a week, depending on their grade levels.

According to a statement from the government, all workers in the public service of Ekiti State are expected to return to work on Monday, January 13, 2025. The government has invested significantly in the welfare of workers and has made notable contributions to the nation's economy, making the Work-From-Home Policy a success.



Accounting officers have been directed to note the content of the circular and give it the necessary publicity to ensure compliance. With the policy coming to an end, workers are expected to resume their normal duties on Monday.

NAMA commences calibration of landing equipment at Ekiti Airport.

NAMA commences calibration of landing equipment at Ekiti Airport.
… EKSG says airport set for commercial operation.



The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Friday commenced the calibration of landing system at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in readiness for commencement of commercial flights operation. 


This is coming barely a month after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), granted approval for non - scheduled flight operations at the airport for a period of six months. 


The calibration aircraft that conveyed he NAMA officials touched down on the runway of the airport at exactly 4.13pm. The exercise commenced immediately. 




Calibration, in the air system industry is a process that allows safety of air navigation by conducting regular flight inspection, calibration of test equipment systems, and surveillance of airspace system. It is also part of the final stages of ensuring the facility meets global aviation standards for safe and efficient operations.


On hand at the airport to receive the NAMA team were the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Airport Project , AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd); Commissioners for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Environment, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko- Ajisafe; Transport, Hon Kolawole Akobiewe; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Mr Yinka Oyebode; among others. 



Briefing Journalists at the airport, AVM Makinde (Rtd) said, the landing of the calibrator aircraft as well as the calibration exercise by NAMA officials was a major step in the final approval for commercial operations at the airport. 
According to him, the exercise was to assess and fine-tune the navigational aids equipment installed at the airport which include, instrument landing systems, communication radios, and other essential equipment required for safe and efficient operations.



Expressing his delight at the progress of the airport, AVM Makinde explained that the airport is fully ready for commercial operation, adding that it can accommodate any type of aircraft.

"What's happening here today is actually a working flight operation, this plane is a calibration plane from NAMA. Basically what they came for is just to ensure that our systems, especially our navigations, are able to pick any frequency of any aircraft coming to Ekiti and also check out communication systems. The Ekiti Agro Cargo international airport is fully ready." He assured.



In his own remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatubosun, explained that with series of inspections by relevant regulatory aviation agencies, and certifications, the Airport is ready for smooth take off.



Describing the development as a dream come true, Olatubosun said the airport would open new doors for investment, tourism, and economic growth in the state as well as facilitate business, attract investors, and make life easier for the people.



While assuring that the development would boost the socio economic and industrial development of the state, the Commissioner said the completion of the airport is a testament to Governor Oyebanji ‘s commitment to the transformation of the state’s economy and establish it as a hub for both local and international connectivity.

The NAMA team is billed to depart the airport on Saturday.

Ekiti Activates EBOPS Program with 10,000 Day-Old Chicks at Ado Poultry Hub.

Ekiti Activates EBOPS Program with 10,000 Day-Old Chicks at Ado Poultry Hub.
By Olamide Akinwumi.


The Ekiti State Government has commenced the year on a strong note with the activation of the Ekiti Broiler Outgrowers Production Scheme (EBOPS) at the Ado Poultry Hub. The initiative, aimed at fostering food security, youth empowerment, and agribusiness development, saw the stocking of 10,000 day-old chicks at the hub on January 10, 2025.


The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Boluwade Ebenezer, visited the centre to oversee the stocking process and assess the progress of ongoing projects at the hub. During his visit, the commissioner commended the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to agribusiness and food security in Ekiti State.




In his remarks, Hon. Boluwade said, "The EBOPS program is a transformative initiative that has positioned Ekiti youths as key players in agribusiness. Governor Oyebanji’s vision of empowering young people through agriculture is not just creating jobs but also driving wealth creation and ensuring food security for the state. I encourage all participants to give their best efforts to make this program a resounding success."


The commissioner also used the opportunity to inspect the construction of additional poultry pens at the Ado Poultry Hub. These new pens, once completed, will increase the hub’s capacity to 20,000 broilers, accommodating the growing number of interested youths, which currently stands at hundreds.

The 50 participating youths at the hub expressed their gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for the initiative. One of the participants noted, "This program has changed the way we view agriculture. It is not just farming but a tool for job creation and economic empowerment."




The Erinfun Hub boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including solar-powered, well-furnished accommodations for participants. The next phase of the program will see 10,000 birds stocked at the Ilupeju and Ido Ekiti hubs by January 20, 2025.

The activation of the EBOPS program is part of Governor Oyebanji’s broader agenda for food security and youth empowerment, solidifying Ekiti State’s position as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices.

With more progress anticipated in the coming months, Ekiti State continues to set the pace for innovative governance and impactful initiatives.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Human Rights Community names Oyebanji 2024 Governor of the Year.

Human Rights Community names Oyebanji 2024 Governor of the Year.



A coalition of human rights and community based organisations spread across Nigeria has named the Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji as the Governor of the Year 2024

In a release signed after it's General Congress meeting held in Lagos, the Nigerian Human Rights Community, (NIHRCO) said the process for the selection of the best Governor of the year 2024 began last year with various suggestions made by leaders of the coalition whose groups are spread across the country.  The statement signed by the group regional coordinators, Taiwo Adeleye, Kudu Abubakar, (North), Digifa Werenipre (South South) and Fred Ojinika (South East) singled out Oyebanji as a potential leader of Nigeria at the highest level. The Governor, the group said will be presented with a Plaque on behalf of the 130 civil society and community based groups across the 36 states, with the hope that it would  encourage other state Governors to address the fears and aspirations of the people they govern.                                                                                                                                                                                                          


                                                                                                                                                                                  
The group said Ekiti remains the most politically stable and peaceful state all through 2024 adding that the Governor has been able to build bridges that unites all political factions and interests by defining the Lowest Common Factor that has sustained mutual co-existence in the state. The coalition established in 2003, and made up of 130 civil society and community based groups across the 36 states said the Governor of Ekiti stood out in the year 2024 in the area of transparency, promotion of human dignity, civil rights, peace building and sustainable development. The coalition said his special welfare provisions for People with Disability, PWD inspires a paradigm shift from agelong state actors' perception of vulnerable communities.

During the Year, Oyebanji  built the first PWD thereuperic centre in Nigeria lifting over 300 people with disability in Ekiti State from stupor, despair and melancholy.



The centre was equipped with Therapy jungle gym, Calming tents, Hammock, Balance beams, TENS machines, Bikes, Calming swings, Body sock and educational equipment.  Other fittings were fully ramped Swing up bars and hand rails in the rest rooms.

The coalition said Oyebanji supported the PWDs with over 200 assisting devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, among others  marking the 2024 International Day of People Living with Disabilities in a remarkable way the stirred the conscience of humanity. The coalition said it is significant that in the year 2024, Ekiti emerged as the best-performing state in the area of good governance, people-driven initiatives, transparency and accountability.

The State was singled out in excellent management and utilisation of public funds and excellent implementation of public policies as detailed in the Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index conducted by Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), a non-state actor known for its work on monitoring public accountability.

The SAE assesses the level of transparency and accountability operational in the management and utilisation of public funds and implementation of public policies across all 36 states of the federation through public audit and key in the year 2024, the World University Rankings by Times Higher Education listed Ekiti State University as one of the top 20 in Nigeria out of over 250 higher institutions bringing the state into National and global reckoning.

It noted that in the year 2024, Ekiti State won an Award of Excellence as the best

performing state in Nigeria on Disease Surveillance at the 4th Annual Disease Surveillance Meeting of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) held in Abuja. The Government has drastically reduced communicable diseases and infant mortality rate through aggressive primary health care.

It noted that the Government of Ekiti also spent N1.5 billion allocated for the expansion and rehabilitation of 177 primary healthcare centres to enhance healthcare delivery.

Ekiti under Oyebanji has improved electricity supply and construction of access roads to boost industrial development in Ekiti State His efforts have been complimented by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji

Apart from the 50 pupils she awarded scholarships from primary to University,

through her pet project, the Widows, Aged, and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Support Foundation, she has left landmarks through  assistance to over 400 widows and orphans. "She supported over 300 widows and orphans with exceptional empowerment" taking up the responsibility of addressing the fears of vulnerable communities as the focal point of her office.

 

Signed:
Taiwo Adeleye Director of Publicity

Kudu Abubakar (North)

Digifa Werenipre (South South)

Fred Ojinika (South East)

Ekiti NULGE Chairmen Forum, honour former coordinators with awards of excellent performance.

Ekiti NULGE Chairmen Forum, honour former coordinators with awards of excellent performance.


The Forum of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ekiti State chapter, recently honored nine of its outstanding former coordinators during a grand ceremony held at the Ikole Local Government Secretariat. The event, which was described as a glorious celebration, brought together serving NULGE chairmen and representatives, including Prince Obaleye Soji, who represented the NULGE National President.


The honorees, recognized for their exemplary service both in their local governments and as coordinators of the forum, include Comrade Olabisi Kayode, the founder and pioneer coordinator of the forum, Comrade Asubiojo Gabriel Olanipekun, Comrade Isijola Dare, Comrade Obaleye Adesoji, Comrade Adeoye Ademola, Comrade Odesanmi Cosma-A, Comrade Adedoyin Abimbola, and Comrade Akindele Ayo.



In his speech, the serving coordinator, Comrade Ebenezer Adetunji Olumide, praised the strong foundation laid by the former coordinators, attributing the forum's current successes to their visionary leadership. He highlighted the visible achievements of the forum, including its support for Ekiti State's former and serving NULGE presidents, and emphasized the need to sustain the legacy of excellence they had established.

“We owe our progress to the solid foundation built by these remarkable leaders. Their commitment to unity, excellence, and service has been a beacon for us. It is now our duty to extend these values to the current NULGE leadership to create a prosperous and cohesive future,” Olumide stated.


Comrade Olabisi Kayode, in his typically eloquent and analytical speech, expressed gratitude to the organizers, led by Comrade Ebenezer Adetunji Olumide, for recognizing the contributions of the former coordinators. He urged the forum to continue promoting love, harmony, and impactful initiatives to translate visions into tangible achievements.




He also called on the serving coordinator and chairmen to establish a pragmatic and supportive forum for former NULGE chairmen, noting that such a group would serve as a platform to assist comrades in need.



The highlight of the program was the presentation of Excellence Awards to the former coordinators, following an inspiring reading of their citations. The ceremony was filled with excitement as songs, dancing, and trumpets enhanced the celebratory atmosphere.



Mrs. Cecilia Isijola's thrilling performance energized the crowd, prompting unrestricted dancing and cheers. The event also featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence in Exemplary Service to the current NULGE President, Comrade O.B. Olatunde, for his outstanding contributions, including advocating for additional departments and prioritizing the welfare of local government workers.



The vote of thanks was delivered by Comrade Olajide Adedayo, NULGE Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government and the forum's secretary. He commended the organizers and attendees for making the event a memorable occasion.

Closing prayers were led by Comrade Asubiojo Gabriel Olanipekun, followed by a photo session with the awardees, NULGE branch chairmen, and well-wishers. The session created lasting memories of a historic celebration.

One of the attendees, Mrs. Ibijola Oluwakemi, expressed her excitement, stating, “This is a remarkable and historic celebration. I am truly elated to witness such a grand occasion that recognizes the hard work and dedication of these leaders.”

The event stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of NULGE in fostering unity, excellence, and progress within Ekiti State.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

The Historic Unification of Ekiti's Former First Ladies.

The Historic Unification of Ekiti's Former First Ladies.


In a remarkable display of unity and camaraderie, former First Ladies of Ekiti State came together for the first time in the state's history  to celebrate the wedding of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's daughter.

This historic gathering proved the Governor Oyebanji’s unifying prowess, bringing together the esteemed women who have played significant roles in shaping the state's history; from Her Excellency, Erelu Angela Adebayo to Her Excellency, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose to Her Excellency, Mrs Kemi Oni and then Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi .

The traditional wedding, which took place on Saturday, was a grand affair attended by Nigeria's who's who, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, Chief of Army Staff, governors, and senators. However, the presence of the former First Ladies stole the show, marking a significant milestone in Ekiti State's history. Their unity and solidarity with the  First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji demonstrated the power of putting aside differences and coming together for a common purpose.

It is worthy of note too that these beautiful women were in the company of their husbands-former Governors. The fact that they all graced the occasion shows that it must have been inspired by the robust relationship that exists between their husbands and Governor Oyebanji.

This alone speaks volumes about the Governor’s quality leadership style and commitment to unity and progress.

Governor Oyebanji has made it a priority to foster a sense of unity and cooperation among stakeholders in Ekiti State. His humility also has aided progress in the state in numerous ways.

Governor Oyebanji has successfully bridged the gap between different political parties, fostering a collaborative environment that has led to significant progress for Ekiti State in different areas. This has helped to reduce tensions and promote a sense of unity among the people of Ekiti State. There is peace.

Governor Oyebanji's administration has been characterised by inclusive governance, ensuring that all stakeholders have a seat at the table and a voice in the decision-making process.

As Ekiti State continues to evolve and grow, the historic unity displayed by the former First Ladies at Mr Governor’s  daughter's wedding serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration. Governor Oyebanji's unifying spirit  and political tolerance has been a game-changer for Ekiti State, this is inspiring a new generation of leaders and citizens.

#BAO #Manoftheyear2024 #Manofthepeople