skymediaconsults.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Bishop Abe demonstrated unwavering commitment to humanity, says Oyebanji at commendation service.

Bishop Abe demonstrated unwavering commitment to humanity, says Oyebanji at commendation service.


Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has described the demise of the late Retired Bishop of Ekiti Dioceses and Archbishop of Anglican Communion, Most Rev Adedayo Abe as a glorious exit of a man who, all his life, demonstrated unwavering faith and commitment to humanity and a man who lived a life of purpose and devotion to God throughout his life.



Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Wednesday at the commendation service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado Ekiti said the late Bishop’s life was a testament to unwavering faith and commitment to humanity.



Reflecting on his life, the Governor who commended the deceased for his humility, service to humanity and his contribution to the spiritual upliftment of the society. He said the late Bishop was not just a servant of God but also a beacon of hope and source of inspiration to many in the state and beyond.


“After listening to the sermon of our father that preached, this is indeed a glorious exit for Daddy, it is painful but like we are told, when God says time is up, there is nothing anybody can do. 

“But reflecting on Bishop Abe’s life, it is glorious because he lived to a very ripe age, 82 in Nigeria is a big deal and he lived well, he served God all his life and as far as we are concerned, based on his lifestyle and the sermon, heaven is assured for him”. the Governor said.



Earlier in his homily, the Retired Bishop of Igbomina Diocese, Most Rev Michael Akinyemi described the late Bishop Abe as a true man of God, known for his faithfulness, accountability and dedication to God’s work.


While commending the deceased for his remarkable compassion and willingness to go the extra mile for others, the clergy noted that his selflessness and humility set him apart as a shepherd with a heart after God, Rev Akinyemi urged the congregation to emulate the late Bishop’s life of service.

Your Patriotism Saved Nigeria from Anarchy, Oyebanji Praises Military.

Your Patriotism Saved Nigeria from Anarchy, Oyebanji Praises Military.



The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has praised the patriotism of the men and officers of the Nigerian Army, saying their sense of commitment to national duties saved Nigeria from drifting into anarchy and protect the country’s territorial integrity.

The governor posited that it was in recognition of this onerous duty that Ekiti state government under his watch donated a whopping sum of N10 million to support the war veterans, besides the personal donation he made for the upkeep of those who fought to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, during a programme commemorating the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the palatial Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

The event featured laying of wreaths, which was performed by the Governor, Speaker of the Ekiti Assembly, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, representative of the 32 Artillery Brigade Commander, Major Gen Imam Babakura, Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Eribo, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and other high profile dignitaries.

Addressing the war veterans and soldiers, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said Nigeria could have been plunged into ebullition, through horrendous activities of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers, but for the efficiency of the Nigerian Military, who deployed their strength to avert such sordid scenario.

Oyebanji thanked the military profoundly for partnering other security networks to make Ekiti safe for habitation and investments, assuring that his administration shall work hard to cement the bond of unity among the security outfits in the state.

He commended those who lost their lives in the course of fighting for the nation and those who are still at the battlefields to restore normalcy to all the beleaguered areas.

In an extreme exhibition of empathy, Oyebanji urged Nigerians to pay huge respect and lend supports to the families of those in these categories in the spirit of brotherhood and patriotism.

“Let me seize this opportunity to specially commend the immense contributions of the military in Ekiti State to the relative peace we enjoy in Ekiti State. Without your efforts, the society could have been in a state of anarchy.

“Your sleeplessness, restlessness and commitment are the reasons we can all go about our daily businesses with the conviction of coming back unhurt.

“I am committed to supporting the Legions as exemplified by my personal donation at the emblem launch and I am aware that the state government equally donated a sum of N10m for their support.

“This is an expression of my appreciation to the military personnel and the legionnaires on this important event. I can assure you that we will continue to do everything to make life more comfortable for you”.

Reflecting on the state of the nation, Oyebanji appealed to the citizens to unite and confront the insecurity pummeling the nation and constituting serious malaise to the socio economic growth of Nigeria.

“As we reflect on the sacrificial patriotism displayed by the fallen heroes, we must acknowledge the continuing challenge of insecurity that still confronts us as a nation. As a season like this calls for unity , cooperation and solidarity.

“We must tolerate one another to build a great nation where peace and justice reign”.

Oyebanji assured that he would ramp up efforts to make lives more abundant for the servicemen, war veterans and other Ekiti residents, by scaling up performance in the areas of road infrastructures, human capital development, security, job creation, food security and good governance.

2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Ajoni LCDA Chairman Joins Counterparts to Honor Nigeria's Fallen Heroes.

2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Ajoni LCDA Chairman Joins Counterparts to Honor Nigeria's Fallen Heroes.


Today, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, marks a significant occasion as the Executive Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Ambassador Prince Michael Oluwadare Ogunbemi, joins his counterparts from Ikole Local Government area, including Hon. Bayo Omojola, Mrs. Adeyemi, of Ikole west LCDA,and Hon. Chief Adebayo Ojo Ajayi, Chairman of Kajola LCDA, to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

This annual event honors the sacrifices of Nigeria's fallen heroes, veterans, and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The ceremony includes speeches to pay tribute to the bravery and patriotism of Nigeria's military personnel, special prayers by the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Ikole, and wreath-laying to remember the fallen heroes.

Prior events included a Jumat Service at Central Mosque Ipao-Ekiti on January 10, 2025, and a Sunday service at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Ayebode-Ekiti, on January 12, 2025. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a nationwide event that acknowledges the contributions of Nigeria's military personnel, past and present .

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Calls on Stakeholders to Collaborate with the State Government in Empowering the Girl-Child at the 14th AOFFEP Awards.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Calls on Stakeholders to Collaborate with the State Government in Empowering the Girl-Child at the 14th AOFFEP Awards.



In her address at the 14th Annual Adeyinka Ologbenla-Falusi Female Empowerment Programme (AOFFEP) awards ceremony held at C.A.C Grammar School in Efon-Alaaye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, urged stakeholders to collaborate with the state government to empower the girl-child.



This prestigious event honored outstanding female science students from Efon-Alaaye, marking a significant milestone in promoting gender equality and educational excellence in science, organized by Prof. Adeyinka G. Falusi, a distinguished scientist and L'Oreal-UNESCO (FWIS) laureate, the awards recognize the achievements of top female science students in Efon-Alaaye while serving as a call to action for the empowerment of young women in STEM fields.


This year’s top honors were awarded to Oni Adeola Gold of Our Saviours School, Efon Alaaye for her scoring 74%. Afolayan Adediwura from Ekiti State Government College, Efon Alaaye secured second place with a score of 70%, while Oluwatoyin Mosunmola of Gloryland College, Efon-Alaaye completed the top three with a score of 64%. The event also recognized  other deserving candidates with consolation prizes.

In her remarks, Mrs. Babafemi commended the awardees for their brilliant performances and stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive educational environment that promotes gender equality. "Science and innovation are crucial to sustainable development. "However, gender disparities persist in this domain with women making up only one-third of the global scientific workforce," she stated. 

Prof. Falusi, in her keynote address, shared insights from her personal journey, emphasizing the critical role that early education and parental support played in her success as a woman in science. She paid tribute to her parents for their steadfast support, which helped her overcome societal barriers. "As the saying goes, 'Train a girl, and you train a nation,'" she urged parents and guardians to invest in their daughters' education and act as their champions.

The event served as a  reminder of our collective responsibility to empower girls and dismantle systemic barriers that hinder their progress. 

Personalities at the event included Pastor Chief M.T. Olowookere, former Commissioner for Information Hon. Odunayo Ategbero, and Efon Local Government's Education Secretary, Mr Femi Afolayan. 

As part of the awards, participants received cash prizes for their academic excellence, with the top three female students recognized explicitly. Additionally, the best male science student from each secondary school in Efon Alaaye was given a prize reflecting AOFFEP's inclusive approach to education.

Gold Adeola, speaking on behalf of the awardees, expressed her gratitude to the event organizers and pledged to continue her diligent pursuit of a career in  science "Everything I have achieved today is due to hard work and the unwavering support of my parents," she stated, encouraging her peers to remain committed to their academic goals.

The AOFFEP awards celebrated not only academic excellence but also served as a beacon of hope, encouraging future leaders to have their careers in science.  The call to dismantle gender stereotypes echoed throughout the event,  emphasizing the need for a collective commitment to gender empowerment.

WHY THE IDOWU OSATUYI TROLL?🤔

WHY THE IDOWU OSATUYI TROLL?🤔



_Igi ti o ba l'eso ni araiye ma nju'ko lu._ (It is the tree that bears good fruits that haters haul stones at). 

Please don't chart that path. You can do better. Come out of the facade into the open and do something better with yourself. I'm talking of the guy who borrows the pseudonym of Idowu Osatuyi to troll our Governor for governing us, his people, well. 

You and I and all other persons in this clime know you don't bare your name or face. You're a fake identity. You're neither truthful not confident to be real. You're rather pinching a jejune name to propagate negativity. Pity! You're actually writing in despair. You want to be recognised, but you're punching the air, not substance. 

Before you post something online from behind the safety of your keyboard, ask yourself if your contribution is educating, entertaining, or otherwise enlightening the people; or if you are simply acting like a troll.

Of course, sharing your ideas and beliefs have the potential to create more in-depth conversations. Words matter, and now more than ever, it is temptingly easy and cheap to tap out a few poorly chosen ones to be pithy, or in some cases, mean-spirited. You're only hurting yourself by doing so. 

_Oo se mi, ara re lo nse..._ 

Those who are ignorant, obnoxious, or spiteful like you, behave like trolls because they feel threatened by people who try to progress from the current state to a possibly far better future. Trolls prey on the weak, the unsuspecting, and those who don’t validate their beliefs. Fundamentally, trolls, and bullies of all types, are fearful and insecure. Ekiti people have since left their Gomorrah. But Like the biblical character of Lot's wife, a disobedient woman who was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back, you're still looking back to our past, to see whether there is something  for you to take into the future to haunt us. Zilch! 

In case you are expecting this writer to confront you by addressing the (non) issues raised by you in your unprovoked diatribe, Nay, I won't, and I'm sure I'll be hurting you by not doing so. The reason is not far fetched, you're only attempting to be relevant by dragging my like to  your stenchy gutter, where only your like permanently reside and try to beat us with the gutter experience. Well, I won't let you have your way with that. 

So, do you still want to demonstrate your fears, follies and insecurities, or would you rather prefer to join us in our journey to Eldorado in Ekiti? 

When you join the forward looking team, you become a magnet for alternative ideas and critique positively. You'll be more courageous enough to enter the arena and be a leader of thought. Critics in your present state are not always cohesive. You have lost the art of loyal opposition and instead, behave like whiners or victims, incessantly bashing those who are in the thick of things, doing what they can, to try and make ends meet. And BAO is actually making things better among the Ekitians. Know this, know peace. 

If you want to start leading instead of whining, come out from behind that unsecure dark glow of your screen. Stop being unnecessarily cagey. You're even not doing well for yourself as a keyboard warrior. Rather, you're failing in your attempt at bashing the contributing advocates.

Again, know this, know peace: If you spend all of your time spewing wrong thoughts and criticisms on the social media, you’re accomplishing nothing. I repeat, you're inducing puke. So, why don’t you take that energy and actually work with the positive people to improve things and get the opportunity to implement your ideas, if you have any. You don’t have to run for office to make your community a better place. You simply have to be positively focused by tapping into what BAO is doing presently. The cynics of BAO administration are reducing daily and they now come in your like -incongrous and irrelevant. The more of us seeing where Ekiti is heading in BAO's time, the better. Come and join us. 

If indeed you love your community as you're trying to profess, then do not troll the person toiling to breath life into the same community. Rather, start with one or two items on the list of positives and take action immediately. Instead of cluttering the internet with useless sniping, or tearing people down, you can choose to become a positively contributing force. Even if you intend to oppose whoever is currently in charge of things in your world, you can still do it decently, and strive to become the better option of yourself. Every critic should feel compelled to not only offer their hot-take but also provide an alternative course of action; otherwise, it’s a wasted opportunity that only the lousy louts perpetuates. And they don't get far before they run out of gas. 

My advice: Don't be one of such in this good times of BAO. Ekiti is currently on the right path and won't reckon with your like. Not now, not ever any more. 

_-SEGUN DIPE is my real name._🤣

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Ayan Atayero Festival Shines in New York, Celebrates Nigerian Heritage.

Ayan Atayero Festival Shines in New York, Celebrates Nigerian Heritage.




The Ayan Atayero Yearly Festival, a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, lit up the Nigeria House in New York recently . The event brought together notable figures from the Nigerian diaspora, traditional rulers, and cultural enthusiasts to honor the diverse traditions of Nigeria.



The festival, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in New York, Royal Festival Inc., and led by HRH Amb. Dr. Olusegun Aderemi,a Royal Eminence of Atayero of Arakale Ruling House ,Aramoko - Ekiti,in Ekiti State,showcased an array of Yoruba customs, arts, music, dance, and values.


Dr. Aderemi, graced the event alongside Queen Mother Dr. Deloise Bakery, a religious leader, pan-Africanist, and humanitarian. Also present were the Honorable Commissioner Olamide Davies Talabi, Rev. Kayode, and other distinguished dignitaries.



HRH Amb. Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, the Royal Eminence of the Atayero of Arakale Ruling House of Aramoko, Ekiti State, re-emphasized the importance of such events in fostering unity and preserving the Yoruba heritage. “This festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the beauty of Nigeria’s culture with the world,” he said. “It strengthens the bond between the diaspora and our homeland while promoting cultural pride and identity.”


The Ayan Atayero Festival is a unique platform aimed at preserving Yoruba culture, particularly its drumming tradition. The drums, known as Ayan, are a central symbol of the festival, representing communication, history, and artistry in Yoruba culture. The event also highlighted traditional foods, dances, fashion, masquerades, and other elements of Yoruba life.




Queen Mother Dr. Deloise Bakery described the festival as a “remarkable display of Nigeria’s diversity,” adding that it serves as a bridge connecting the Nigerian diaspora to their roots.

Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR). President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


Also speaking at the event,Hon. Olamide Davies Talabi, a Newark, New Jersey Taxi Commissioner and humanitarian, commended the festival’s vision of cultural preservation. “This initiative which goes beyond entertainment; it’s about ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate their heritage,” she said.

Queen Mother Dr. Deloise Bakery.


The Ayan Atayero Festival, a brainchild of Dr. Olusegun Aderemi and Hon. Davies Talabi, aims to prevent the neglect, adulteration, and historical extinction of Yoruba traditions. It also seeks to emphasize the socio-economic significance of Yoruba culture in the global community.

Hon. Olamide Davies Talabi, a Newark, New Jersey Taxi Commissioner.

Dr. Aderemi, who is also a member of the Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria and the Lagos Business School Governing Council, reiterated his commitment to using the festival as a developmental tool for cultural appreciation and economic growth.



Rev. Kayode. 

With its success, the festival has become a cultural milestone for Nigerians in the diaspora. Attendees left the event with a renewed sense of pride, looking forward to future editions that will continue to celebrate and promote the Yoruba heritage.

HRH Amb. Dr. Olusegun Aderemi.







The festival is open to Yoruba and non-Yoruba audiences across the United States and remains a vital effort to preserve Nigeria’s cultural legacy for generations to come.

Deconstructing Idowu Osatuyi's Misdirected Diatribes Against Oyebanji.

Deconstructing Idowu Osatuyi's Misdirected Diatribes Against Oyebanji.
By Dr. Raphael Babalola



I have read with utmost amusement and grave disappointment, the tantrums threw at Governor Biodun Oyebanji by one Idowu Osatuyi. 

In his ridiculous journey to discredit the governor, he rigmaroled and maneuvred to spew all manners of lies and spurious accusations to deride the government. In fact, in this journey to perdition, he painted a lugubrious picture of underperformance by the current administration, raising litany of spurious allegations to justify his stoutly ludicrous claims.

UNFOUNDED SUFFERING AND SMILING THEORY:
In many of his ridiculous claims, this writer posited that Ekiti people have been suffering and smiling, thereby making the citizens to  grumble underneath against Oyebanji's government. He said only a few members of the political appointees are in joyous mood, with others under the heavy burden of economic crisis. Let it be clarified that Ekiti people have never been at home with any government like that of BAO since the advent of democracy in 1999. This accounted for the electrifying popularity the governor savours among the people. Wherever the governor goes, the chanting of BAO always rented the air, signposting his wide acceptability. Ekiti people are not fools. If they have any ill- feeling or misgiving against the government, they will overtly express it through their actions. The positive responses he is getting from the people further amplified the open lies being told by this misguided and uncouth writer.

WORKERS' CHRISTMAS BONUS:
It is a verifiable fact that the best Christmas ever celebrated by Ekiti workers was that of 2024. This was the time the Governor strategically began the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage that uplifted the monthly take home of each worker by almost 100%. Rather than offering tokenism in the name of Christmas bonus, the governor decided to pay a level one officer earning a sum of N30,000 a sum of N70,000. By simple arithmetic, this was an increase of N40,000. If the policy adopted by government was to offer mere Christmas bonus, the highest this officer would have got was between N5,000 and N7,000. Which one was more beneficial between the two alternatives? The public should judge.

POOR STANDARD OF LIVING:
Series of statistics being released by public and non governmental organisations negated the assertion made by the writer that Ekiti people are wallowing in abject poverty. Looking at every economic indices, Ekiti remains one of the states with low prices of food commodities in Nigeria. This was due to the fact that the government has introduced several measures, including the Youth in commercial agriculture to ramp up food production. Over 20,000 jobs have been created at both formal and informal sectors. Little wonder, the state has the highest Life expectancy in Nigeria. The health centres are being equipped with facilities and personnel . Little wonder, the state has the highest Life expectancy in Nigeria and one of the least mortality rate. 

TINUBU'S VISIT TO ENUGU:
It was a fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the southeast state of Enugu to commission projects. This was a fact. But, was the writer in a trance or deep slumber when the Vice President, Kashim Shettima visited Ekiti last year to hold the MSME clinic, and commission the ultra modern Vocational centre and the Omisanjana-Deeper Life Camp-Ajebamidele road. The VP was in Ekiti to represent his boss who was busy with state matters at that time. And today, the government has several road projects, flyover, Ekiti State smart schools, Ekiti cargo airport and many other monuments that are almost on the verge of commissioning. So, this assertion does not in any way diminish the towering achievements of our Frontline governor .

GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER'S MARRIAGE:
This matter had generated so much fuss in the polity. It was rather sad and disheartening that people could mischievously make a matter that was private to become a matter of state policy. In a desperate attempt to blight the governor's integrity, the writer also raised the fact that holding the governor's daughter's wedding in Ibadan was a disservice to Ekiti State. Let it be known that issue of marriage is not one that the Governor could decide unilaterally. It revolves around the couple, the governor and the groom's family. If it was a general consensus that since the trio are based in Ibadan and such ceremony should be held in Oyo State, so be it. The writer also glossed over the spiritual connotation of a wedding from his discourse. Marriage is an institution of God, so consulting God matters a lot to give a guide. What of the choice of venue and other decisions were divinely directed? This is also a possibility and I have seen so many Ekiti indigenes who married from other States, but held their marriages in Ado Ekiti where they have network of friends, or for logistics reasons and heaven didn't fall. What is this hubris surrounding the marriage ceremony about? Mere sulking of the adversaries just because the governor remains a man of the people and he is topnotch in this game.

AIRPORT:
It was true that Governor Oyebanji inherited the airport project, from the immediate past administration. Today, due to Governor Oyebanji’s  consistent entreaties with federal government agencies, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria have given the agro Allied Airport the license to operate non scheduled flight for a period of six months, while awaiting the final nod for the commencement of scheduled flights. 
Just a few days ago, the National Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA) carried out the calibration of landing equipment that will facilitate the take off of the facility full fledged. 

Let the writer tell the world the sin the governor committed  for not abandoning the multibillion naira project. Has he failed in any way to take actions that could fasttrack the usage of the facility? In a matter of days, full operation not by happenstance, but due to putting in place necessary facilities and collaborating with federal agencies and Ekiti will savour the benefit of an international airport and liars and skeptics like Idowu Osatuyi will be put to shame. 

TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION:
When it comes to operation of the traditional institution, Ekiti has become a model under Governor Oyebanji. This starts with the huge respect being accorded the traditional rulers and the traditional institution. Today in Ekiti, government no longer pokes its nose into the selection of Obas, it is the statutory work of the kingmakers. They do this without their hands being fettered. When it comes to welfare of traditional rulers, Governor Oyebanji has not done badly. It is a first line charge on the priority lists. He gleefully approves whatever that was due to them with joy and despatch. This accounted for the acceptability the governor commands among the traditional rulers. Don't forget that our traditional rulers are one of the most educated in Nigeria. They can't be cowed by any governor. If Oyebanji has defaulted in any way , they would have raised eyebrows. They have no reason to do this because the governor is doing fine. Again, it is now an offence for any local government to delay monthly payments to all palaces and chiefs. People should stop being cynical about government. The partnership  between Oyebanji and the monarchs is mutually beneficial. It is not a case of suffering and smiling as painted by this hired writer who was out to do a shady job.

Take it or leave it, BAO is working and Ekiti is making steady progress under the Omoluabi Governor.