DAWN Commission Honours JKF at 60, Applauds His Role in Regional Development.

DAWN Commission Honours JKF at 60, Applauds His Role in Regional Development.

…As SWDC Urged to Focus on Rail, Power, Energy Transition.

The Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr ‘Seye Oyeleye, has commended the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for his instrumental role in the establishment of the Commission. He noted that DAWN, which was conceived as a policy and strategy hub for regional integration, will now serve as a think tank for the newly established Southwest Development Commission (SWDC).

Speaking in Ibadan on Monday at a roundtable marking Dr Fayemi’s 60th birthday, Oyeleye emphasised the importance of celebrating individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped governance and regional cooperation. He stated, “This conference is a recognition of Dr Fayemi’s commitment to regional integration and his role in setting up DAWN Commission, which will now help guide SWDC’s strategy. Unfortunately, we live in a society where we celebrate the wrong and overlook the right.”

Dr Fayemi, a two-term governor of Ekiti State and a founding member of the Afenifere Renewal Group, has long championed policies aimed at advancing regional development. His tenure as Minister of Solid Minerals also saw significant reforms in the sector, further reinforcing his legacy in national development.

The conference focused on the relevance of SWDC in fostering economic growth and regional cooperation.

 Delivering the keynote address, Professor Remi Aiyede of the University of Ibadan stressed the need for structured intergovernmental relations to drive the regional development agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

Professor Aiyede further highlighted that regional development commissions should not be seen as mere political instruments but as mechanisms for fostering multi-level governance. He urged policymakers to ensure these commissions function as engines for sustainable economic progress rather than political compensation tools.

The Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group and the Yoruba Academy, Wale Oshun, also spoke at the event, stressing that SWDC must remain apolitical if it is to achieve its core developmental objectives. 

Oshun, a former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, argued that partisanship would only derail its mission and limit its ability to deliver long-term benefits to the region.

Participants at the conference unanimously agreed that SWDC should focus on large-scale projects with a lasting regional impact. They urged the commission to prioritise investments in rail infrastructure, power, and energy transition rather than engaging in micro-scale projects such as road rehabilitation, classroom construction, and borehole installation.

Accountability and human resources were also identified as critical success factors for SWDC. The need for transparent governance, skilled professionals, and clear performance benchmarks was emphasised to ensure the commission effectively fulfils its mandate.

In his response, Dr Fayemi reflected on the journey towards establishing DAWN Commission and the milestones achieved so far. He expressed satisfaction with the renewed commitment to regional collaboration and called for sustained dialogue and partnerships in addressing shared challenges.

Dr. Fayemi, therefore, urged stakeholders to move beyond competition and focus on collective progress, stating that “true development is only possible when we work together with a common purpose.” His remarks reinforced the broader consensus that regional integration remains crucial for long-term economic transformation in the Southwest.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES EX-GOV ADEBAYO ON 67TH BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES EX-GOV ADEBAYO ON 67TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the first elected Governor of the State, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo on his 67th birthday.

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, celebrated Otunba Adebayo's virtues of selflessness, humility and exemplary service to Ekiti in particular and Nigeria in general.

Describing Otunba Adebayo as a history maker, Governor Oyebanji lauded him for laying a solid foundation for Ekiti development which his successors are building upon which has taken the State to an enviable status among the comity of states in Nigeria.

The Governor hailed the celebrant for practising politics of development and dedicating himself to building younger leaders for selfless service to their communities, states and the country.

He pointed out that Otunba Adebayo worked very hard to make a great impact in office at a time Ekiti had very limited resources and still left his mark in workers' welfare, attracting investors to the state and securing notable assets still yielding dividends to the state till date.

Governor Oyebanji said he would remain eternally grateful to Otunba Adebayo for mentoring him in politics and giving him opportunity to serve the State as a young man in different capacities which prepared him for the present office he occupies to the benefit of the people.

He further hailed the former Governor's contributions to national development as  Chairman of the Board of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and as a key player in the nation's corporate world which he used to the benefit of Ekiti State and its citizens.

Governor Oyebanji prayed God to grant Otunba Adebayo long life and sound health and more opportunities for selfless service to Ekiti State,  Nigeria and humanity in years to come.

Ekiti NYSC, Agbeyewa Farms Collaborate on Youth Development.

Ekiti NYSC, Agbeyewa Farms Collaborate on Youth Development. 

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, commended Agbeyewa Farms Limited for its support to the NYSC in Ekiti State. In a letter of appreciation personally signed and addressed to the Managing Director/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Aiyeleso, the Director-General thanked Agbeyewa Farms for donating 12 laptops to the NYSC Secretariat in Ekiti State.

"This kind gesture and many sponsorship gestures of Agbeyewa Farms is a testimony of your love for the youth and particularly Corps members and the special interest in the success of the NYSC, mandates in Nigeria," he said.

The partnership between the NYSC and Agbeyewa Farms has yielded significant results, as over 20 Corps members who had their primary assignments at Agbeyewa Farms have been gainfully employed.

This collaboration has effectively promoted unity and national integration among corps members in Ekiti State. 

Furthermore, Agbeyewa Farms' sponsorship of the NYSC Cultural dance/drama day, Talent Hunt event,   cultural carnival competition and Variety Night remain a memorable highlight for corps members deployed from all 36 states of the federation. The event provided an opportunity for them to bond, showcase their talents, and enjoy an enriching cultural exchange, fostering unity and national integration—values at the core of the NYSC mandate.

The Ekiti State Coordinator of NYSC, Alhaji Riko Abdullahi Shuaibu, also commended Agbeyewa Farms for its partnership, saying it has made a positive impact on the lives of youths in the state.

The collaboration between the NYSC and Agbeyewa Farms is expected to continue, with plans to explore new areas of partnership, particularly in agricultural development. As part of its commitment to agricultural development, Agbeyewa Farms has established a large-scale cassava farm in Ekiti State, creating employment opportunities for over 800 people and contributing to the state's food security.

Ekiti Govt ‘II Provide Affordable Commercial Buildings for Businessmen, Industrialists- Oyebanji.

Ekiti Govt ‘II Provide Affordable Commercial Buildings for Businessmen, Industrialists- Oyebanji.

…..commissions housing corporation’s shopping malls.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reassured the citizens about the government’s willingness to provide adequate residential and commercial building facilities that can accelerate business and industrial growth and development in the state.

Oyebanji described provision of affordable housing units that can accommodate investors in terms of residency and business premises as key and pivotal to Ekiti’s economic survival, which he said, can’t be treated with disdain, in the economic policies of government .

The governor gave the assurance, on Monday, while commissioning a 26-apartment neighbourhood shopping complex by the Ekiti State Housing Corporation located at the State Housing, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Speaking at the event, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, commended the management for conceptualising the project, he said, was in alignment with his vision to ensure Ekiti becomes an economically developed state .

Oyebanji asserted that the project is a loud testament to his avowed and unflagging resolve to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and for business owners to have unfettered access to modern amenities.

He said his government has strategically deployed legal instruments, policies, reforms, social and physical infrastructure interventions to position Ekiti as a prime destination for investment, by providing billions of naira credit facilities to Ekiti women to boost small scale businesses and the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“I commend the efforts of the Corporation for making the project a reality using direct labour approach. It is a confidence in the professionals that we have and a confidence in the state economy.

“This shopping complex is more than just a physical structure; it represents our vision for a modern, prosperous, and vibrant state. It will provide a platform for our entrepreneurs, artisans, and small business owners to showcase their products and services, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

“That the government through the Corporation has executed this project to complement the first phase done in year 2020 is commendable. It is in line with the statutory functions of the Corporation as outlined in the edict establishing it, to increase the availability of not only dwelling houses, but also industrial and commercial buildings.

“We are confident that this project will to a large extent, improve the commercial life of our people and economy of the state. It will also assist in the development and a fast flow of business activities in Ado Ekiti and the state in genera”l.

To give business units accelerated growth and viable lifeline, Oyebanji stated that his government has invested in the security architecture, which has greatly ensured the protection of lives and property that has facilitated inflow of investment into the state economy.

The governor stated that his administration has articulated life-changing policies with various projects cutting across the key sectors and landmarks recorded have won the State several awards and distinguished it among the other states in the country.

“The giant strides of this administration were as a result of the diligent execution of the six-pillar development agenda built on the 30-year Ekiti Development Plan guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“To the business owners that will occupy the place, I implore you to take personal responsibility for the maintenance of the shopping complex. To our people, I urge you to take full advantage of this facility. Let us patronize our local businesses, support our entrepreneurs, and contribute to the growth and development of our state”.

In his submission, the Special Adviser, Housing and Mortgage Development, Dr. Gboyega Oloniyo, said the edifice will help in creating jobs in Ekiti business ecosystem and propel industrial growth for more revenue earnings when leased to users.

Oloniyo said the facility was built at low cost and represents a significant step towards a journey to building a more prosperous state where business can thrive for improved Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

In the same vein, the Acting General Manager, Ekiti State Housing Corporation, Engr Odunayo Ojo, said the Corporation remains one of the best money spinning agencies in the state, promising to keep the flag flying to shore up the revenue profile of Ekiti.

Ojo assured that the Corporation won’t shirk its responsibility of providing affordable residency and commercial buildings that can boost industrial growth, calling on the government to provide all the necessary impetus to actualise the dream.

He appealed to users to embrace highest ethical standards of maintenance culture and prevent the premises from deteriorating in quality due to poor usage.

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.