Oyebanji Canvasses Maintenance Culture as Rainstorm Damaged Over 50 Buildings in Ekiti.

Oyebanji Canvasses Maintenance Culture as Rainstorm Damaged Over 50 Buildings in Ekiti.

…pledges support for victims.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged landlords to maintain their buildings as raining season approaches and following rainstorm that wreaked havoc on over 50 buildings in Ipoti, Ejiyan, Owatedo and Odo Owa Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area, Wednesday evening.

Oyebanji said regular maintenance of facilities on old buildings, remains the best option to avert annual rainstorm being experienced in some towns, thereby rendering many homeless and scores being sapped economically.

Oyebanji gave the charge in the affected communities, on Thursday during on the spot assessment of the buildings blown off by hurricane, on Wednesday, during a stormy downpour in the communities.

Buildings affected include residential buildings, shops, and educational institutions.

The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, sympathised with the victims and promised to initiate process that will lend a helping hand for them to repair their damaged buildings in record time.

He bemoaned the consistent rainstorm being witnessed in Ekiti and how many were being rendered homeless on account of this depressive occurrence.

The governor challenged the landlords to always take precautions by repairing damaged roofs and changed weak planks that can predispose their residences to unwarranted wreckage.

As part of the ways to halt and mitigate such occurrence, Oyebanji encouraged tree planting around residential areas to serve as wind breaker during stormy rainfall, urging the traditional institution to propagate such practice among the people at the grassroots.

“I am really saddened seeing people being homeless as a result of rainstorm. Moving round the town, you could see that the disaster was too much. We are promising you on behalf of the government that the officers of the State Emergency Management Agency will visit here and do the enumeration of the buildings and value the damage. We are going to help you, God shall heal your wounds.

“When something like this happended at Oke Ako Ekiti, the governor approved about N50m to rebuild the damaged buildings, likewise other towns like Ijesa Isu, Omu and Ijelu communities.

“Though we thank God that there is no loss of lives, that is our joy in this matter. The ruins were much, but we need rains to make our lives and farming flourish. But we have to do what is necessary to prevent damage to our buildings”, Oyebanji counseled.

Applauding the government for the swift action, the Olupoti of Ipoti, Oba Oladipupo Kolade and Oloja- Owa of Owatedo, Oba Adebayo Adewole, described the calamity as heartrending, saying it is necessary for people to manage their buildings to resolve such crisis.

Specifically, the Olupoti, Oba Kolade, said: “I nearly cried while going round yesterday to assess the level of damage. Mostly affected are the women and children, that makes the matter so worrisome.

“I want to appreciate the governor for being proactive in attending to this emergency situation in record time. The governor had again demonstrated that he is after the welfare of Ekiti people, so we are expecting the government’s help within a short time to give relieve to the victims”, the monarch stated.

Expressing grief over the matter, the Olowa of Odo Owa Ekiti, Oba Gideon Oyedeji, said those affected are poor people, who need emergency help to repair their damaged buildings and restore their hope.

“We appreciate the government for this respect and the promise to help the victims. We know the value of what the government is doing , particularly securing our lives, so that we can sleep and access our farms. We are grateful for all these”.

On the governor’s entourage are: the lawmaker representing Ijero Constituency, Hon Ademola Ojo, Chairman, Irede Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ayo Awe, political office holders, traditional leaders, among others.

Ojuawo donates transformers to Ikere, Ise Ekiti respectively.

Ojuawo donates transformers to Ikere, Ise Ekiti respectively.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Rufus Ojuawo, the Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, has donated a transformer each to Obasanjo Housing Estate in Ikere and Erinwa Quarter in Ise Ekiti. This gesture fulfills an electoral promise made to these areas.

During his visit to the two sites last Christmas, Hon. Ojuawo assured the residents that the transformers would be delivered soon. The new transformers will provide electricity to Obasanjo Housing Estate, and surrounding environments, as well as parts of Erinwa Quarters in Ise Ekiti.

The provision of these transformers is expected to boost economic activities, enhance security, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Hon. Ebenezer Oladipo, Chairman of Obasanjo Housing Estate, thanked Hon. Ojuawo for his love and compassion, saying, “He made a promise and delivered as said; we say thank you, sir.”

Similarly, Hon. Bamikole Ayodele, Chairman of Ise/Orun Local Government, and Hon. Dare Idowu, Chairman of APC Ise/Orun Local Government Exco, commended Hon. Ojuawo for his steadfastness and forthrightness. They expressed confidence in him and prayed for his continued success.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Oyebanji lauds Ekiti procurement system, contractors’ capacity to deliver.

Oyebanji lauds Ekiti procurement system, contractors’ capacity to deliver.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commended the state’s procurement process for ensuring efficiency in selection of contractors for government projects, stressing that the system has enabled his administration to engage contractors with capacity and ability to deliver projects to specification. 

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the commendation on Thursday during inspection of some projects in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, said the inspection was to validate the independent reports gotten from Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Independent Projects Monitoring Office, and Ministry of Budget.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the inspection, the Governor expressed satisfaction on the quality and pace of work done at the various projects visited.

Speaking about the Central Business District at Atikankan, the Governor said transforming Atikankan into a modern business district would not only uplift the face of the town but also create opportunities for businesses to thrive thereby further boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.

While expressing his appreciation to Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe and the residents of Atikankan for their cooporation with government, the Governor said his administration would continue to monitor all on-going projects closely to ensure they meet highest standard and deliver value for money.

“We have gone round three projects and I am impressed by the pace of work done by the contractors and it also speaks to the fidelity of our procurement process to be able to select the contractor that has the capacity and ability to work according to plan.

“In all the sites that we visited, I have no reason to complain about the pace and about the quality of the work done and one thing that we have put together in this administration to ensure continue monitoring and evaluation of projects”. The Governor stated.

Projects inspected include, Ekiti State International Centre for Art and Culture, Ekute, Ado Ekiti, Central Business District at Atikankan, Ado Ekiti, and Ekiti State Internal Revenue Office, Ado Ekiti.

Oyebanji to receive Silverbird Man of the Year Award on March 16.

Oyebanji to receive Silverbird Man of the Year Award on March 16.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will be formally presented the Silverbird Man of the Year Award (2024) at an event scheduled for March 16, in Lagos.

The award is held annually by the Silverbird Communication Limited to honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and have contributed immensely to the lives of Nigerians.

Silverbird Communications’ Chief Operating Officer, Mr Shiyanbola Salako, who presented the official letter of nomination to Governor Oyebanji in his office in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, commended the governor for his exemplary leadership and impactful governance, which, according to him,  had drawn national and international attention to the state.

He said the Governor was chosen as Man of the Year after a rigorous process that considered his achievements in fostering development and inclusivity in the state, good ratings by financial institutions, among other factors.

Why noting that a huge percent of the total votes cast during the selection process came from Ekiti State, Salako said the margin of votes was a clear indication of the overwhelming support and admiration the people of the state have for the Governor.

He noted that the governor’s developmental efforts across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, inclusive governance, among others had set a benchmark for purposeful governance and set the state on the path of sustainable growth, making him a deserving recipient of the prestigious Silverbird Man of the Year Award.

Governor Oyebanji, hailed the organisers of the award for allowing members of the public to have a say in the selection process through their votes. He added that the involvement of the general public in the final selection of the nominees that were shortlisted by the editorial team of the Silverbird organization, made the award more credible.

Describing the award as a vote of confidence in his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance to the people of the state, the Governor said the recognition was not just an individual honour but a reflection of the collective progress achieved through collaborative efforts of his team and the support of the citizens.

Clarification on Media Reports Regarding Senator Cyril Fasuyi’s Statement on Dr. Fayemi.

Clarification on Media Reports Regarding Senator Cyril Fasuyi’s Statement on Dr. Fayemi.

Our attention has been drawn to a news report published by The Cable regarding an alleged statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s Senate plenary. According to the report, Senator Fasuyi purportedly claimed that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, of sexual harassment.

We wish to categorically state that this report is inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the actual comments made by the Distinguished Senator from Ekiti. Upon reviewing the proceedings, it is evident that Senator Fasuyi never made such an allegation. Instead, what he actually stated was that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had, in the past, made false and defamatory claims against Dr. Fayemi when he served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, specifically regarding issues related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

At no point did Senator Fasuyi link Dr. Fayemi to any allegations of sexual misconduct by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. We are therefore at a loss as to how The Cable arrived at such a grave and unfounded assertion.

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to reiterate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—or anyone else, for that matter—has never accused Dr. Fayemi of any form of sexual misconduct. Dr. Fayemi has always upheld the highest standards of integrity in public service, and we strongly reject any attempt by the media to associate his name with baseless and damaging allegations.

Furthermore, we wish to make it clear that Dr. Fayemi has no interest in being drawn into the ongoing controversy in the Senate. His past engagements with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were strictly professional, and any differences that arose were purely based on divergent policy perspectives, not personal grievances.

Consequently, there is absolutely no basis for any claim that Dr. Fayemi intends to submit a petition to the Senate on this matter.

We urge the media to adhere to the highest standards of ethical journalism by verifying facts before publication. Sensationalism and the spread of misleading narratives not only damage reputations but also undermine public trust in the media.

Signed

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh,

Head, Fayemi Media Office, Abuja

March 5, 2025

Clarification Regarding Allegations Made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi Against Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Clarification Regarding Allegations Made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi Against Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

We have become aware of a statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s Senate plenary, in which he alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, of sexual harassment.

We categorically state that this claim is entirely false. At no time has Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—or anyone else, for that matter—ever accused Dr. Fayemi of such misconduct. It appears that the Distinguished Senator from Ekiti inadvertently misrepresented the facts, as no such allegation has ever been made against Dr. Fayemi.

Consequently, there is no basis for Senator Fasuyi’s further assertion that Dr. Fayemi would be submitting a petition to the Senate in this regard. We would like to believe that, in his enthusiasm to defend the Senate President, Senator Fasuyi inadvertently conflated events, leading to a misrepresentation of facts.

For the record, the only professional engagement Dr. Fayemi ever had with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was during his tenure as the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, when he oversaw matters related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company. While they may have held differing views on the future of the company at the time, their interactions remained strictly within the realm of policy discussions. At no point did Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan make any allegations of misconduct against Dr. Fayemi.

We urge Senator Fasuyi to exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.

Dr. Fayemi remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in public service, and we reject any attempt to tarnish his name with baseless allegations

Signed

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh

Head, the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja

March 5th, 2025.

Oyebanji to receive Vanguard Newspaper’s Award for Good Governance.

Oyebanji to receive Vanguard Newspaper’s Award for Good Governance.

… Says Ekiti development runs on transparency, accountability.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, is billed to receive the Vanguard Newspaper’s Best Governor’s Award (on Good Governance) during the award ceremony slated for next month.

The award, according to the Newspaper’s Board of Editors, is in recognition of Governor Oyebanji’s remarkable implementation of the six pillars of his administration’s development agenda, particularly in the areas of Human Capital Development, infrastructure and industrialization as well as Arts, Culture and Tourism.

The letter of nomination was presented to the Governor in his office in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday by a delegation from the Newspaper’s head office, led by the Deputy Editor, Mr Adekunle Adekoya.

Governor Oyebanji, while receiving the letter, thanked the management of the Newspaper for the recognition, which he said would further spur him to work harder.

He said the state is able to make remarkable and worthwhile achievements in the critical sectors of the economy because the government is being run on the principles of transparency and accountability.

He identified continuity in governance as one major factor that has helped the State to develop more rapidly under his watch, stressing that projects like the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, the Ekiti Agro-allied International Cargo Airport and the Agric Processing Zone are projects started by the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi, which his government completed for the benefit of the people.

He also said the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have also ceded more fund to the states, adding that the development has helped in the actualization of many projects and programmes of his government. “So, I am thanking the President for this”., he added.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said the revitalized  Ikogosi Wram Springs Resort, is government’s first attempt in PPP arrangement, adding that it’s success has redefined tourism development in the state and has emboldened the government to enter into more PPP arrangements to revitalize other tourism sites, starting with Arinta Water Fall in Ipole-Iloro. He also revealed that government was  already negotiating with some investors in the sector to establish games village and zoological garden between the two tourism sites.

 “On behalf of myself and my team, we express gratitude and appreciation to the board of Editors for counting us worthy for this award. This award coming from a credible organization like Vanguard Newspaper, to me, is exciting. I have looked at the trajectory of Vanguard over time and I see that it’s one of the most serious-minded newspapers in the country. They are objective, highly professional and they have survived the storm in the industry and that speaks to resilience of the management.

 “I am excited because of the pillar on which you are giving us this award, which is governance. We believe strongly that we must tilt government policies and processes to serve the people. We also believe that we have entered into a contract with Ekiti people and we must be deliberate and intentional in ensuring that the terms and conditions of those contracts are met, and that is what we’ve been doing quietly here in the last two and a half years.

“Gradually, people are beginning to see that Ekiti is working and I am so glad that you alluded to the BudgetIT Report on Transparency and Accountability. We are a very small state, we are punching beyond our weight. On the ladder of FAAC, we are second or third to the last in the country, but we have kept the state running due to our commitment to good governance, transparency, accountability and self-denial. The little resources we have, we are spending it to give the best value to the greatest number in the society. And that is why we cannot afford to be irresponsible.

Earlier, the Deputy Editor of Vanguard Newspaper Mr Adekunle Adekoya, had  said Governor Oyebanji earned the Best Governor Award on good governance due to the significant development his government had undertaken across various sectors in the state. This he said came after reviewing the public space to identify leaders of government that are impacting on the people that elected them.

Adekoya stated that Ekiti has been on the radar of the Board of Editors of the newspaper through the lens of the six pillar of the administration which had helped to deliver on the dividends of democracy with particular interest on improved connectivity index of good roads network through conscientious, deliberate and intentional efforts.

He highlighted three major achievements of the governor that excited the Board of Editors to include Ekiti Knowledge Zone and the Free Trade Zone status recently approved by the Federal Government; commitment to Ekiti mega fabric industry and art culture and tourism, adding that all these will help bring the needed sustainability of the development of the state’s economy.