Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde’s Appointment: A Bold Step for Ondo’s Infrastructure Growth.

Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde’s Appointment: A Bold Step for Ondo’s Infrastructure Growth.

The appointment of Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde Abiola, FNSE, as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing by the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is a testament to the administration’s commitment to competence and expertise. With his wealth of experience in civil engineering, project management, and consultancy, Engr. Ayorinde is a perfect fit for the role. His impressive track record in infrastructure development makes him an invaluable asset to the government, ensuring that projects within the state are executed with the highest level of professionalism.  

Engr. Ayorinde who hails from Ondo West Local Government Area and has built a reputation as a seasoned civil engineer with over 15 years of practical experience. His academic background, which includes a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and a Higher National Diploma (HND) from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, reinforces his technical expertise. Beyond academics, his professional affiliations with esteemed engineering bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Nigerian Society of Civil Engineers (FNICE) further validate his standing in the industry.  

His appointment is not just a political move but a well-thought-out decision based on merit. Over the years, Engr. Ayorinde has demonstrated his capabilities in infrastructure development, working on numerous construction and rehabilitation projects. His ability to deliver high-quality work while ensuring adherence to engineering standards has earned him respect in the field. This makes him the ideal candidate to oversee infrastructure, lands, and housing projects, aligning with the government’s vision for development in Ondo State.  

Unfortunately, as with many commendable appointments, there have been baseless attempts to discredit his credibility. Some unscrupulous individuals have falsely claimed that his appointment was influenced by Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac. However, this claim lacks any factual basis and is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the integrity of both Engr. Ayorinde and the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa. His appointment was strictly based on competence, experience, and a proven track record of excellence in engineering and infrastructure development.  

Furthermore, allegations suggesting that Engr. Ayorinde received payments for road rehabilitation contracts under the previous administration without executing them are entirely false. As a director of Elementary Engineering Consult Limited, he has successfully completed all projects awarded to his firm. His work on roads across Ondo State speaks for itself, with several completed projects contributing significantly to the state’s infrastructure. Claims that he abandoned projects such as the Oke Odu-Ijare Road rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of selected roads in Akure are mere fabrications intended to mislead the public.  

The reality is that Engr. Ayorinde’s commitment to infrastructure development is unwavering. His work ethic and dedication to seeing projects through to completion have earned him recognition within the engineering community. His appointment as SSA on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing is a strategic decision aimed at leveraging his expertise to further the development of Ondo State. Those spreading falsehoods are simply threatened by the competence and effectiveness he brings to the table.  

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to appoint Engr. Ayorinde is a step in the right direction for the state’s infrastructural growth. As a professional with deep-rooted knowledge of construction and project management, he is well-positioned to drive initiatives that will enhance road networks, housing development, and land administration. Rather than entertain baseless accusations.

Chinese investor inspects Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Ogbese.

Chinese investor inspects Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Ogbese.

Honourable Ojuawo Adeniyi Rufus, Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, hosted a follow-up visit from Chinese investors, Mr. David Zhao and Ms. Yvette Wei, Managers from CCECC Nigeria Limited, at his empowerment farm. The investors sent their team members, Mr. Joseph and Mr. Alexander, to assess the farm’s potential for collaboration. During their previous meeting at Hon Ojuawo’s National Assembly office, they discussed areas of potential partnership and agreed to inspect the farm before the rainy season.

Hon Ojuawo gave his visitors a tour of the farm, highlighting the crucial role of irrigation in farming, especially during the dry season. He proudly displayed the new pumping machine, long hose, and pipes he had acquired to work in tandem with the solar-powered borehole, which draws water from the Ogbese river, allowing for year-round planting. This setup enables the farm to maintain a consistent water supply, regardless of the weather conditions, and is a key factor in the farm’s ability to produce crops throughout the year . The farm is targeting 25 hectares of plantation this year, building on the success of their tomato pilot program last year. Mr. Joseph expressed his company’s readiness to partner with Hon Ojuawo, investing in farm assets, cultivation, and equipment for processing farm produce. He praised Hon Ojuawo’s efforts, noting that there is enough land to work with, and they are ready to move forward.

The team also visited the palm tree farming and cocoa plantation areas in Ise Ekiti, where Mr. Joseph highlighted the multiple layers of economic empowerment in agriculture, including both crop and livestock farming. The interest shown by foreign investors in Hon Ojuawo’s empowerment farm is a great indicator of the potential for foreign investment in Ekiti’s agricultural sector, which aligns perfectly with Governor Oyebanji’s administration’s agricultural drive. 

By partnering with the right stakeholders and providing the necessary support, farms like Hon Ojuawo’s can play a significant role in boosting Ekiti’s economic growth and ensuring food security.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Activities Marking Fayemi’S 60th Birthday Begin Monday.

Activities Marking Fayemi’S 60th Birthday Begin Monday.

…Mbeki, Mahama, others to speak at the anniversary symposium.

Activities marking the 60th birthday of former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, will commence on Monday with a roundtable discussion on “Beyond Administrative Boundaries: Reimagining Nigeria’s Development Through Regional Integration”, organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, (DAWN Commission) at its offices in Cocoa House, Ibadan.

Also, a commemorative colloquium with the theme: “Renewing the Pan-African Ideal for the Changing Times: The Policy and Leadership Challenges and Opportunities”, will feature a keynote address by elder statesman and former President of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki followed by a seminar in which leading scholars and political thinkers will discuss the place of Africa in the changing global context on Thursday, February 6 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The event will also feature the presentation of the celebrant’s own new book, “If This Giant Must Rise”

According to a statement by the Secretary, of the Planning Committee for Dr Kayode Fayemi’s 60th Birthday Celebration, Mr Egghead Odewale, the formal launch of the Amandla Institute For Policy and Leadership Advancement, founded by Dr Fayemi, will also hold during the colloquium.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), will also hold an event in honour of the former Governor, who served as its founding Director, on Friday, February 7th at its headquarters office, in Abuja.

A Youth Festival in honour of the former Governor, put together by Ekiti youths, will take place at Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, February 8th while the Commissioning of a block of classrooms built and donated to the Command Secondary School, Isan- Ekiti, by the celebrant, will hold in Isan Ekiti same day.

The week-long activities, according to the release, will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service at St Martins' Catholic Church, Isan-Ekiti on Sunday, February 9th, to be followed by a reception at his residence in the town.

Dr Fayemi, who is currently a Professor in the School of Global Affairs at King’s College, London, served two terms as Governor of Ekiti State (2010-2014 and 2018-2022) and was Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. He also served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development between 2015 and 2018 and was the pioneer Director of CDD, a think tank dedicated to policy-oriented scholarship on democracy, development, and human security in Africa. An advocate of regional integration, Dr Fayemi played a significant role in the formation of the DAWN Commission in 2013. He was born in Ibadan on February 9, 1965.

God is at the centre of peace and progress in Ekiti, Says Gov Oyebanji.

God is at the centre of peace and progress in Ekiti, Says Gov Oyebanji.

….Says state now a model of good governance in Nigeria.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has credited the state’s remarkable achievements and transformations to the grace of God, declaring that these developments have placed the state as a model of good governance, accountability, and integrity in the country. 

Governor Oyebanji, who disclosed this during the January edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at the Lady Jibowu hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti, on Friday, acknowledged divine guidance in driving reforms and initiatives that have significantly lifted the status of the state and its people.

The Governor said the divine support his administration enjoys has been instrumental to the various milestones it has recorded in the last two years. 

He highlighted some of the significant strides in areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and economic empowerment, which he said had improved the quality of life for the residents. He added that these achievements have earned the state recognition as a beacon of good governance and accountability in the country, in addition to improving the living conditions of the citizens. 

While maintaining that the state has continued to enjoy peace and progress at all levels, the Governor urged the people to continue to pray for the government, remain thankful to God and be united in supporting his administration’s vision for sustainable development.

”We started this year on a good note, a lot of good things are happening- the promotion of our SSG to the rank of Professor of Chemistry, just this week, our distinguished Senator, the Senate Leader was also appointed a Life Bencher by the Nigerian Body of Benchers and by the grace of God, our leader, Governor Kayode Fayemi will be sixty next week, so we have every cause to thank God.

“There is also a cheery news from our agriculture sector. On my way here, the Commissioner informed me that the Federal Government just appointed Ekiti as a pilot state in the Southwest for agriculture. So, God has been so good to us and we are starting this year on a positive and joyful note. And it can only get better.

“We should not relent in praying for ourselves and for the State. Ekiti State is now a poster for good governance, accountability, and integrity.”, the Governor added. 

The praise and worship programme featured music ministrations by the guest artiste, Bukunmi Ojo as well as the Agape Possibility Choir of the Agape Church, Ado Ekiti. 

Present  at the event were top government officials including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Emmanuel Aribasoye; Christian  leaders, and top civil servants, among others.

Enhancing Learning for All: Ekiti Govt Equips Teachers with Modern Teaching Skills.

Enhancing Learning for All: Ekiti Govt Equips Teachers with Modern Teaching Skills.

A two-day inclusive education training program for educators in special and mainstream schools in Ekiti State aimed at ensuring that all children, regardless of their abilities, receive quality education has successfully concluded. 

The initiative, organized through a collaboration between the Adolescent Girls' Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, focused on equipping teachers and non-teaching staff with modern strategies for inclusive education.

Held at the Government Special School for the Blind in Ikere-Ekiti, the training, themed "Technology-Driven Lessons and Inclusive Teaching Strategies," introduced participants to specialized techniques designed to improve the quality of education for children with special needs.

The objective was to ensure that these children receive the support necessary to excel academically and compete favorably with their peers in conventional schools.

Addressing participants at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, emphasized the importance of teachers being able to identify and understand the specific learning challenges faced by children with disabilities. 

She highlighted that early identification of a child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses is crucial for effective intervention.

"Every child has a cognitive profile that determines their strengths in areas such as concentration, reasoning, logic, perception, and language. By recognizing these, teachers can tailor their teaching methods to bring out the best in every child," she said.

Princess Agboola also pointed out that some children, though not classified as having disabilities, may struggle academically but excel in creative fields, urging teachers to nurture such talents and ensure that all students receive an education that supports their unique abilities.

Sharing their experiences, several participants expressed gratitude for the training, describing it as an eye-opener that had enhanced their approach to teaching.

A mathematics teacher from the Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti, Mr. Taiwo Tolulope, acknowledged that the training had helped him realize the need to adopt modern teaching techniques that cater to both children with disabilities and neurotypical children. 

Also, Mrs. Efoghe Queen Blessing, from the Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti, noted that she had learned valuable methods for identifying students' areas of difficulty and advocated for a redesign of the school syllabus to better accommodate children with disabilities, particularly during examinations.

A teacher from Babatope Memorial High School, Ikoro-Ekiti, Mr. Omotayo Temitope Olaoluwa, who also teaches at the Special School for the Deaf, admitted that teaching students with hearing impairments had been challenging due to communication barriers. 

He, however, revealed that the training had introduced him to various applications and software that would enable him to simplify subject topics, making learning more accessible for students, even in the absence of an interpreter.

Similarly, Mr. Sunday Forunsho from Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti, emphasized that identifying children’s specific strengths early would allow parents and educators to focus resources on nurturing those abilities, ultimately helping them integrate seamlessly into society alongside their peers.

Ojuawo Announces Free JAMB Registration for Ekiti South Constituency 1 Students.

Ojuawo Announces Free JAMB Registration for Ekiti South Constituency 1 Students.

Hon. Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, the lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 at the House of Representatives, has announced free registration for candidates seeking to sit for the 2024/2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The initiative, aimed at supporting students within his constituency, covers those from Ikere, Ise/Orun, and Ekiti South West local government areas. According to a statement from the Ojuawo Media Team, eligible students are advised to register with the Education Secretary of their respective local governments immediately.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to commence the official registration process on February 3, 2025. The lawmaker urged all interested candidates to take advantage of the opportunity and complete their registration as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute rush.

Ojuawo’s intervention is expected to ease the financial burden on parents and encourage more students to pursue higher education.

©️OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM 

Ekiti Govt Moves to End Dry-Season Tomato, Pepper Scarcity.

Ekiti Govt Moves to End Dry-Season Tomato, Pepper Scarcity.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a strategic move to tackle the annual scarcity of tomatoes and peppers between April and June, the Ekiti State Government has launched the "Operation Optimization of the Drought Season for Horticultural Production" initiative.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, disclosed that the state is partnering with East-West Seeds Ltd to provide farmers with improved tomato, pepper, and cucumber seeds. The selected varieties include Platinum 701 F1 (tomato), Piquante Red F1 (pepper), and Daewy F1 (cucumber)—all known for their resilience and high yield.

According to Boluwade, the initiative will kick off with youth farmers in Erinfun, as well as farm clusters in Erio and Awo that have access to water. Farmers operating under PostAgvest and other independent farmers who express interest will also be supported.

A key highlight of the intervention is the focus on seedlings distribution rather than raw seeds. The Commissioner emphasized that distributing ready-to-plant seedlings is more impactful, as it ensures higher germination rates and better productivity. To facilitate this, East-West Seeds Ltd and PostAgvest will train farmers on how to raise healthy seedlings, which will then be distributed for planting.

Beyond seedling supply, farmers will receive on-field training and coaching to boost productivity. To ensure market access, Ilu Eye Agro Trading and Aggregation Company is set to streamline the produce distribution across the state, ensuring that the benefits of this government-driven agricultural support reach the people of Ekiti.

Boluwade commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering support for agriculture, noting that the initiative aligns with the administration’s six-pillar development agenda aimed at fostering shared prosperity in Ekiti.

“This initiative will significantly enhance food availability in the state. The support of HE Governor Oyebanji continues to empower our farmers, strengthen the agricultural value chain, and ensure food security for all,” he stated.