OYEBANJI MEETS CONTRACTORS, STATE OFFICIALS ON PROJECT DEADLINES.

OYEBANJI MEETS CONTRACTORS, STATE OFFICIALS ON PROJECT DEADLINES.

…Harps on quality job, commitment to delivery dates.

Desirous of meeting set deadlines and ensuring quality delivery of projects billed for completion this year, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday had a meeting with contractors handling projects in the state and heads supervisory Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Governor Oyebanji, at the meeting, which held at the Conference room, Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti, took a critical review of the progress reports on each of the ongoing projects in different parts of the state with the state officials and the contractors.

According to a release by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, made available to journalists on Wednesday, each of the contractors at the meeting restated their commitment to the scheduled delivery dates for their respective projects.

The Governor urged them to take advantage of the dry season to double up on the projects in order to meet the delivery dates, adding that he had directed appropriate authorities to promptly effect payment as and when due.

While restating his commitment to the scheduled deadlines for the delivery of all on-going projects, the Governor said his government is set to flag off new projects as contained in the 2025 budgets, hence the need to ensure timely delivery of the ongoing ones, which he said were designed to improve the living conditions of the people and enhance economic development of the state.

Governor Oyebanji promised to hold review meetings with the contractors and supervisory agencies on monthly basis in order to actualize the various timelines set for all the projects. He also urged the contractors to bring to his notice any difficulty they might encounter in the course of their work.

Projects that were reviewed at the meeting include the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road, Ikere-Igbaraodo Road, Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road, Ikole- Ara-Isinbode Road, Igbaraodo-Ikogosi road, Ikere-Ilawe road, Ado-Ekiti flyover, International Cultural Centre among others. 

All the contractors handling the projects provided detailed information on the projects, while the supervisory agencies also provided their reports.

State officials at the meeting include, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode; Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Mr Femi Ajayi; Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof Rasak Ojo Bakare; Chairman, Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Niran Olatona; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Alhaji Titilayo Ganiyu; Technical Advisor to the Governor on Road Infrastructure, Engr Fatukasi among others.

It is recalled that Governor Oyebanji had at the inception of his administration, declared he would complete all uncompleted projects inherited from previous administrations and would do everything possible to ensure all projects embarked upon by his administration are delivered timely and with high quality, in line with the shared prosperity agenda of the government.

Ekiti Govt Restates Commitment to Tackle Land Grabbing, Encroachment in Communities.

Ekiti Govt Restates Commitment to Tackle Land Grabbing, Encroachment in Communities.

…..wades into Araromi, Osi, Iropora boundary crisis.

The Ekiti State Government, has warned perpetrators of land grabbing and boundary encroachments in the communities to be wary of their actions, saying the government won’t spare those identified as notorious offenders in the state.

Exuding commitment to tackle the menace and foster peace and unity, the government, said forceful land acquisition and trespass often brew insurrection, enmity and bloodshed, insisting that such won’t be allowed to rear their ugly heads in the state.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, handed down the warning in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, while mediating in a land tussle among Iropora, Osi and Araromi Ekiti, in Irepodun/ Ifelodun, Ido/Osi and Ijero Local Government Areas of the State respectively.

The stakeholders’ engagement stemmed from separate petitions written by the communities over alleged brazen and recurrent cases of land encroachments and land grabbing in some sections of the towns by some families.

Speaking at the troubleshooting parley, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, appealed to the towns to embrace the spirit of give and take in the resolution of the matter.

Mrs Afuye stated that Governor Biodun Oyebanji wont tolerate bloodshed or bedlam in any community over boundary dispute that can be resolved amicably with exhibition of open minds by all parties.

“What we want in Ekiti State is peace. The Ekiti State Boundary Dispute Resolution Technical Committee will visit the place and determine the actual boundaries among you.

“This matter had lingered for too long. It started in 1971. It resurfaced again in 1991, before it escalated in 2021. We must be careful in dealing with such issue.

“It is wrong for us to start fighting over land, but what belongs to others should not be encroached upon. If you need lands, you can acquire them legitimately by paying or through lease option. Don’t hijack it, Ekiti won’t tolerate land grabbing under any guise”.

In his submission, the Ekiti State Surveyor General, Surveyor Adebayo Faleto, revealed that his officers had visited the contentious areas, which he believed can be easily demarcated if the two towns can imbibe give and take spirit.

“We have been to this portion of land, they can be resolved easily. But in doing this, we need your cooperation. Let your people show element of commitment to the resolution of the matter, this is the only way we can do it and the spirit of give and take must come into play, this is very essential”, he stated.

In their separate responses, the Oniropora of Iropora, Oba Joel Olonibua, the Olosi of Osi Ekiti, Oba Steve Alabi and the Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti, Oba Adebomi Babalola, consented that they would join hands together to help the government to resolve the matter amicably.

They said the three communities are so contiguous that there shouldn’t be any crisis among them, saying their people had inter-married and interwoven to a proportion that they can no longer engage in inter- communal land tussle that could lead to bloodshed.

Defending their rights to ownership of the land under contention, the duo of Olosi, Oba Alabi and Alararomi, Oba Babalola, reiterated that the two communities shared boundaries at Agiripa Forest, saying Iropora never had any land in the area.

The monarchs also urged the government to emphasize the fact that the status quo should be maintained as earlier ordered, meaning that all the farmers operating on the lands should vacate pending the resolution of the matter.

Countering the monarchs’ position, the Oniropora, Oba Olonibua, said the land his neighbours were claiming belonged to his community from time immemorial.

The traditional ruler also denied the accusation raised that his palace was collecting royalty from the occupants of the land.

Gov. Oyebanji seeks stronger military cooperation to combat crime in Ekiti.

Gov. Oyebanji seeks stronger military cooperation to combat crime in Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has charged the Nigerian Army to deepen collaboration with other security agencies in the state to strengthen security and eliminate criminal elements in the state.

The Governor gave the charge on Tuesday while receiving the new Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery, Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Akure, Brigadier-General Justin Ifeanyi, who was on a courtesy visit to his office in Ado- Ekiti. He added that such collaboration and military presence would complement efforts of other security operatives already working in the state.

Governor Oyebanji, said the existing synergy among security Chiefs in the State has helped the state to maintain its reputation as the most peaceful state in Nigeria. He urged the newly posted Brigade Commander to uphold and build on existing cooperation among the security agencies which has fostered effective intelligence sharing and effective joint operations. 

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said while the state enjoys relative peace, pockets of criminal activities still persist. This, he said, underscored the importance of a united approach to tackle the challenges and ensure that criminal elements are flushed out of the state, allowing citizens to live and work safely.

Reiterating the commitment of his government to maintaining the state’s status as the safest in the country, the Governor assured the new Brigade Commander of his administration’s support to ensure that he succeeds in his new role.

“As a government, we are grateful to the Nigerian Army, your sacrifices, your gallantry in ensuring that we have a secured country, without your efforts it would have been worse than this, we are extremely grateful for this. Like you said, this is not a strange terrain to you, you have been here before and I am happy you are the one they are bringing back here.

“One thing I can assure you, is that you will have our support and total cooperation, and to also plead with you, Ekiti State has been adjudged to be the most peaceful state in the country, but we still have some criminal elements around but the beauty of Ekiti situation is that there is a kind of synergy between all the security Chiefs in the state, they work hand in hand, share intelligence, share information. I just plead with the new Commander to ensure that we deepen this cooperation between the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies in the state”. The Governor said.

Earlier in his remarks, the new Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Justin Infeanyi said the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce himself to the Governor and assure him that the Nigerian Army will intensify its efforts to combat criminal activities and ensure peace across the state.

Also at the meeting were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on security, Brigadier - Gen Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd), Special Adviser (Media), Mr Yinka Oyebode; Garrison Commander, Col Kyari Babakura, Operation Officer, Ekiti State, Captain Daniel Yusuf.

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.