BATSV'S MEMBERS CELEBRATE THEIR GLOBAL CHAIRMAN.

BATSV'S MEMBERS CELEBRATE THEIR GLOBAL CHAIRMAN.

With gratitude to God for so many things he has done in the life of their Global Chairman, Ambassador Dr Dare Owotomobi, the group wants to specially celebrate him for adding another year to his sojourn on earth.

The members recall with nostalgia Ambassador Owotomobi's untiring efforts in going round the country to drum up support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, right from 2019 to ensure he emerged the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.

They specifically state that no Tinubu Support Group, TSG, equalled the feat attained by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard, BATSV, under the able leadership of Dr Owotomobi.

While urging the Global Chairman not to be detarred by the lack of political patronage, the members are making a passionate appeal to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please consider him for a very juicy appointment, so as not to dampen their spirits in the countdown to 2027.

All the members of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard, BATSV, both at home and in the diaspora therefore wish Ambassador Dr Dare Owotomobi long life in good health in order to continue to serve humanity.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar 

Special Assistant Media to BATSV Global Chairman

FUOYE Uncovers Another Intruder on Staff WhatsApp Platform.

FUOYE Uncovers Another Intruder on Staff WhatsApp Platform.

Barely 72 hours after an intruder was uncovered and arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has again exposed another infiltrator on its official staff WhatsApp platforms.

The latest intruder, identified by the codename “Ajasa,” was discovered through a joint investigation by members of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Union of Allied and Education Institutions (NASU). The university disclosed that Ajasa had been added to FUOYE’s official staff platforms, including the Joint Action Committee (JAC 3) platform, which comprises the three non-academic staff unions—Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), NAAT, and NASU. He was also present on SSANU platforms.

A member of the WhatsApp platform, Alabi Ajao, provided the information in a statement on Saturday, explaining that Ajasa was discovered after NAAT and NASU leadership directed all members of the JAC3 platform to submit their details for verification.

“This move followed the shocking revelation that another number on the platform was linked to the earlier detected intruder who, despite not being a staff member of FUOYE, had been smuggled into the university’s platforms to cause disruption and threaten members who opposed his views. He was recently arrested by DSS operatives for cybercrime-related activities,” the statement read.

In a bid to expose Ajasa, the sister unions issued a statement titled “ADDRESSING AJASA’S OPERATIONS ON THE JAC3 PLATFORM,” declaring that:

> “Ajasa, it is obvious that you were added to this platform to cause mayhem. Now that the ultimatum given to you to disclose your identity has expired, and you have failed to provide any verification, it is assumed that you are not a registered member of this platform. Your continued presence here is deemed illegal.

> “The leadership of NASU and NAAT remains committed to uncovering how Ajasa was added to the platform and will take appropriate action against those responsible. You are hereby removed from the JAC3 platform.”

Following the removal, a victory message circulated among union members, celebrating the expulsion of the intruder. The message read:

> “Freedom at last on JAC3! Now, the attack will persist on SSANU platforms, and the same executives who spend our dues monthly will continue to encourage and support such assaults. I hope members of staff are watching, and I wish newly recruited staff intending to join unions in FUOYE understand what SSANU currently represents.

> “Disagreements are a normal part of unionism, and it is not unusual for members to support different factions. Heated debates and occasional confrontations are also expected. However, when a non-member is deliberately added to platforms to attack the institution, the Vice-Chancellor, and financial members, it becomes a serious concern. Perhaps our national body will need to step in for further clarification.”

The university management, alongside the sister unions, has vowed to continue investigations into how Ajasa gained access to the platform and to ensure that those responsible face appropriate disciplinary action.

Dr. Fayemi mourns the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Foremost Nationalist and Renowned Afenifere Leader.

Dr. Fayemi mourns the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Foremost Nationalist and Renowned Afenifere Leader.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.

Adebanjo, a renowned nationalist and advocate for democracy, died on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lagos residence at the age of 96.

In a personally signed statement, Fayemi described the late Afenifere chieftain as a man who dedicated his life to fairness and democratic ideals despite facing adversity.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, foremost nationalist and leader of Afenifere. This is a great loss not only for the Yoruba nation but Nigeria as a whole. Pa Adebanjo was a true icon of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, an unwavering advocate of justice, and a pillar of progressive politics in Nigeria,” Fayemi said.

He noted that Adebanjo was more than a political leader, describing him as a moral compass who never wavered in his convictions.

“As a committed nationalist and a leading voice in Afenifere, he stood for fairness, justice, and the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure a more equitable society. His principled courage, wisdom, and steadfastness in speaking truth to power made him an enduring figure in our national political landscape,” he added.

The former governor stated that while Adebanjo’s death is a great loss, his life and contributions to nation-building should be celebrated.

“While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived, dedicated to the pursuit of a better Nigeria. His legacy will remain an inspiration for those of us who believe in the principles he championed,” Fayemi said.

He extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family, the Yoruba nation, Afenifere leadership, and all Nigerians who benefited from his leadership.

“On behalf of my wife, whom he specially adored, and the rest of our family, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Yoruba nation, the Afenifere leadership, and all Nigerians who are beneficiaries of his leadership and goodwill.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may God grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Fayemi concluded.

Ekiti Records Increase in Birth Registration in Government Hospitals- Health Commissioner.

Ekiti Records Increase in Birth Registration in Government Hospitals- Health Commissioner.
.....says Free Health Insurance available for all residents.

Ekiti State has recorded a surge in the number of pregnant women patronising government health facilities across the 16 Local Government areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani made the disclosure during a One-Day Dissemination Event from Data to Policy to Action in Ado-Ekiti.

Dr Filani said that the Ulerawa Health Insurance programme had helped in the reduction of child and infant mortality rates in the state as more women now patronise government hospitals for healthcare especially for antenatal and postnatal care.

The Commissioner appreciated the Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for approving Ulerawa Health Insurance which he said has boosted the number of people accessing Government health facilities for health care.

The Commissioner explained that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the state Ulerawa Health Insurance are two main health interventions in the State that have been offering free health care under the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration in the state.

According to him, the programmes offer free services, including malaria treatment, immunization, maternal and child health services, family planning, nutrition, HIV, and tuberculosis care across 177 health centres in the state while serious cases presented at the centres are referred to secondary and tertiary institutions for further treatment.

" Every resident of the state is fully covered under the Ulerawa Health Insurance services all across our primary health centres and we also have community influencers who ensure that pregnant women register at the government hospitals", he said.

In her remarks at the event,the State Head of Service , Dr Folake Olomojobi commended the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for approving the Ulerawa Health Insurance programme for every individual in the state.

In their Goodwill messages, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun as well as representatives of Civil Society Organizations, World Health Organization among others urged Ekiti people to make use of the health insurance for the betterment of themselves.

In his remarks CEO of NOIpolls and the moderator of the panel session of the event, Dr Chike Nwangwu noted  that with continued commitment to strategic investments in healthcare,  Ekiti State was on course to universal health coverage and achieving access to quality healthcare for all its residents

Former Students Rally Behind FUOYE VC, Prof. Fasina Amid Allegations.

Former Students Rally Behind FUOYE VC, Prof. Fasina Amid Allegations.

Over 300 former students of the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, have voiced strong support for him, dismissing recent sexual harassment allegations as a coordinated attempt to tarnish his reputation.

In a statement signed by representatives of the 300 Agricultural Sciences alumni from 2007 to 2020, the ex-students described Prof. Fasina as a dedicated mentor, an ethical academic and a responsible family man, insisting that the allegations against him are politically and ethnically motivated.

The former students expressed concern over what they see as an orchestrated character assassination, particularly as FUOYE approaches its convocation and Prof. Fasina’s tenure nears its end. 

They noted that certain dissatisfied individuals and media personnel with alleged personal grievances could be fueling the controversy.

“We firmly believe that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Fasina cannot be found wanting in this matter. It is clear that some forces within the university are attempting to discredit his administration and incite chaos,” the statement read.

The statement highlighted Prof. Fasina’s commitment to student welfare, academic excellence and administrative reforms at FUOYE, under whose leadership, the institution was ranked 4th most sought-after university in Nigeria by JAMB, while he has also provided scholarships and financial aid to numerous students.

The alumni emphasized that Prof. Fasina has always protected students from harassment and intimidation, creating an enabling environment for learning.

While acknowledging the ongoing investigation by FUOYE’s governing council, chaired by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the former students urged the public to wait for the panel’s findings before making conclusions.

They further warned against external interference, stating that sensational media reports could jeopardize the credibility of the investigation.

The alumni reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with Prof. Fasina, insisting that the allegations are designed to undermine his four-decade-long career.

“We encourage everyone to reserve judgment until the facts are fully examined. We stand united in support of Professor Fasina, confident that his character and integrity will prevail against these baseless allegations,” the statement concluded.

OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF AFENIFERE LEADER, ADEBANJO.

OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF AFENIFERE LEADER, ADEBANJO. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of a frontline leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

Chief Adebanjo passed on early Friday, aged 96 years old. 

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the late Chief Adebanjo as a committed nationalist and one of the first generation Awoists that laboured for the nation's independence.

The Governor described the late Chief Adebanjo as a complete democrat, a fighter of bad governance and an advocate of  true federalism in the Nigerian federation.

Governor Oyebanji noted that the late Chief Adebanjo was a consistent champion of the ideals of his leader, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo till he breathed his last.

According to him, the deceased played politics with decency as a committed member and chieftain of the Action Group (AG), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Alliance for Democracy (AD).

The Governor recalled the noble roles played by the departed nonegenarian alongside other pro-democracy activists like the late Chief Abraham Adesanya, the Chief Olanihun Ajayi, the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, the late Chief Alfred Rewane and other heroes too numerous to mention in ensuring the return of democracy in 1999.

He further credited the Chief Adebanjo with using the platform of Afenifere to speak truth to power and offer useful counsel and alternative options on how to have a stronger democracy and a more prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Oyebanji prayed God to grant the immediate family, friends and associates of the deceased, the government and people of Ogun State, his home state, the fortitude to bear the monumental loss.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I extend condolences to the immediate family member of our late leader, Chief Adebanjo and the leadership of Afenifere on this great loss and pray that Gid grant our departed leader eternal rest “, the statement added

Philanthropist Engr. Bayo Ajayi Donates 1,000 Customized Exercise Books for Children with Disabilities in Ekiti State.

Philanthropist Engr. Bayo Ajayi Donates 1,000 Customized Exercise Books for Children with Disabilities in Ekiti State.

Prominent philanthropist and politician, Engr. Bayo Ajayi, donated 1,000 specially designed exercise books to support children with disabilities in Ekiti State during an event in Ado Ekiti. This initiative underscores the importance of tailored educational resources for inclusive learning, aligning with Governor Biodun Oyebanji's efforts to enhance the well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Ajayi’s donation reflects his commitment to annual support for the Ekiti State Children’s Therapy Centre and is a fulfillment of last year's promise to assist PWDs in the region. The uniquely designed exercise books accommodate the specific needs of these children, promoting inclusivity in education.

Princess Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, commended the gesture, highlighting it as “a testament to the care and specificity required when addressing the needs of these remarkable children.”

In his speech, Ajayi emphasized the importance of investing in underserved communities, stating, “Nation-building goes beyond physical infrastructure; it’s about empowering people, especially those often overlooked.” He called on citizens to rally together in support of the governor’s vision for a more inclusive Ekiti.

Inclusion is expensive, but the Government of Ekiti State is doing much. However, other well-meaning members of the community are encouraged to support these initiatives through their donations and advocacy.