EKITI STATE POLYTECHNIC HOLDS 5TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY.

EKITI STATE POLYTECHNIC HOLDS 5TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY.

....Rector Urges New Students to Embrace Discipline and Excellence.

The Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, celebrated its 5th Matriculation Ceremony for 2024/2025 academic session on Thursday 27th March, 2025 for the newly admitted National Diploma (ND) 1 students. The event, held at the Polytechnic campus, featured a keynote address by the Rector, Dr Sunday Osinkolu Ajeigbe, who welcomed the students and outlined the institution's expectations and opportunities.

In his speech, Dr. Ajeigbe emphasized the importance of adherence to the Polytechnic's rules and regulations. He congratulated the new students on their admission, urging them to fully dedicate themselves to their studies and maintain discipline both within and outside the campus. He also encouraged the students to make optimal use of various facilities provided for them.

He urged the students to avoid activities that could lead to their expulsion and emphasized the importance of integrity and academic excellence. 

Also at the matriculation ceremony, four National Diploma (ND) II students were honoured with a handshake from the Rector, and a cash award for their outstanding performances academically.

The Registrar, Mrs. Abimbola Yetunde Adewumi highlighted that the selected students had demonstrated exceptional conduct and academic excellence across various departments. 

This recognition demonstrates the institution's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and rewarding students who exemplify the values and standards of the Polytechnic.

Martins Olowoyo,

Head, Protocol and Public Relations Unit 

EKSPOLY

CUSTOMS AND THE HIGHWAYS EXTORTION IN EKITI.

CUSTOMS AND THE HIGHWAYS EXTORTION IN EKITI.

As a federal agency, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has a duty to patrol the borders and prevent illegal goods from entering the country. However, the NCS has become notorious for raiding hotels and car lots to impound cars without proper documentation. This controversial culture has now extended to the highways, where operatives mount illegal checkpoints, particularly around Ekiti State, and extort motorists under the guise of examining vehicle duty payment papers.

I have fallen victim to this notoriety, and my son suffered the same fate today. Customs officials staged a roadblock around the Ifaki/Ido road, stopping vehicles and extorting money from motorists. One of the cars I sent to convey my son from Kwara State (Ilorin) to Ado Ekiti was intercepted around the Ifaki area. The customs men claimed that the import duties paid on the vehicle were short of about N5 million and threatened to impound the car if the money wasn't paid. This was despite the vehicle being legally cleared within the Nigerian Port, with all custom papers duly signed.

My son and the driver were harassed, and after all said and done, N250,000 was eventually paid in cash to the custom officials. I have all the necessary evidence of payment, as the customs officials refused transfer payments, insisting on cash only. 

All attempts to reason with me over the phone when I asked my son to let me speak with the custom men were rebuffed. They were delayed until my boy and the driver looked around to search for a POS transaction in order to convert the money I sent to them to cash. 

As a federal agency, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has a responsibility to patrol the borders and prevent illegal goods from entering the country, not harassing innocent Nigerians on inter state roads. That was an outcome of court judgment  against the custom authority in 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2021.

The harassment the citizens of this country are going through in the hands of security agencies is far becoming unbearable, and the government both at the state and the federal levels needs to do something fast about this. We are going through a lot in our own land. This cannot continue this way.

I am ADL.

LGSC Permanent Secretary Encourages IILG Staff to Stay Focused, Proactive in Service and Prayers.

LGSC Permanent Secretary Encourages IILG Staff to Stay Focused, Proactive in Service and Prayers.

By Asubiojo G.O. and Omolara Oladija.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Mrs. Selina Toba Ojo, has urged local government workers to remain dedicated, proactive, and prayerful in the discharge of their duties. She made this call during an official visit to Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government (IILG) on Thursday, where she was received with pomp and pageantry by staff members, senior officials, and prayer band groups.

The event commenced with fervent prayers led by clergymen, seeking divine intervention for the growth and progress of the local government, wisdom for its leadership, and continued success for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).

In his address, the NULGE Chairman, Comrade Aina Festus-Olawole, lauded Mrs. Ojo for her visionary leadership, which has significantly transformed the local government system. He acknowledged her efforts in ensuring timely payment of salaries, staff promotions, continuous training, and the creation of five additional departments—a historic achievement in the state’s local government administration.

The chairman further appealed to the Permanent Secretary, fondly referred to as Mother General by staff, to assist in completing the NULGE Secretariat building. In response, Mrs. Ojo donated ₦250,000 to support the project, reinforcing her commitment to the welfare of local government staff.

Mrs. Ojo emphasized that the prayer initiative, which began over a year ago, is yielding results, citing the elevation of two senior LGSC officials to the rank of Permanent Secretary—a first since the creation of Ekiti State. She encouraged workers to remain steadfast, believe in the growth of the local government system, and continue supporting Governor Oyebanji’s transformational agenda.

She further reiterated the Oyebanji-led administration’s dedication to workers' rights, emphasizing that the payment of accrued leave bonuses is not a privilege but a rightful entitlement of LG staff.

She urged staff members to maintain excellence in service delivery and not take for granted the positive reforms being implemented under BAO’s administration. "We must support and pray for the governor, as his vision is to uplift the LG system to an enviable height," she said.

Speaking with journalists, Mr. Familoye, the Head of Local Government Administration, commended Mrs. Ojo for her logical and inspiring speech, which motivated staff to be more efficient and committed to their duties.

Similarly, the IILG Head of Local Government Administration (HLA), Prince Oladimeji Adegoke Peter, described the visit as a testament to inclusive governance, where leadership goes beyond office administration to direct engagement with staff, fostering trust and unity in the system.

The visit was marked by excitement and appreciation from local government workers, as they pledged renewed dedication to service delivery and unwavering support for Governor Oyebanji’s administration.

OYEBANJI APPROVES INCREMENT IN SUBVENTION TO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, JUDICIARY, LEGISLATIVE ARMS OF GOVT TO ACCOMMODATE CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENT.

OYEBANJI APPROVES INCREMENT IN SUBVENTION TO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, JUDICIARY, LEGISLATIVE ARMS OF GOVT TO ACCOMMODATE CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENT.

…PAYS 2020 LEAVE BONUS TO LG WORKERS.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved a major increment in the monthly subvention to the Judiciary and the legislative arm of Government as well as the subvented institutions in the state.

The increment which amounts to N438.9 million monthly is to enable the institutions take care of the new minimum wage and the attendant consequential adjustment for workers.

Beneficiaries of the increment include the  Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State High Court of Justice; Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, and Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Others are Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, (EKSU); Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti; Ekiti State Polythecnic, Isan Ekiti; College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and associated Institutions.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers, in fulfilment of his promise to defray all outstanding entitlements of workers inherited from previous administrations.

While restating the commitment of his administration to the wellbeing and welfare of workers and retirees, Governor Oyebanji says efforts are being made to ensure payment of all outstanding entitlements including gratuities in line with the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of the government.  

He urges workers in the state to remain focused on excellent service delivery and to see themselves as strategic stakeholders in the Ekiti Project.

 

Olayinka Oyebode

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State

27-03-2025

EKSG Allocates Mechanisation Service Providers to Boost Agricultural Productivity.

EKSG Allocates Mechanisation Service Providers to Boost Agricultural Productivity.

Ekiti State Government has allocated Mechanisation Service Providers (MSPs) across towns, communities, and local government areas under its Tractorisation Subsidy Support Scheme.

The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, stated that the initiative aims to ease farmers' financial burdens and enhance productivity by subsidising mechanised land preparation and cultivation services.

Reaffirming Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to modernising agriculture and ensuring farmers have access to improved farming techniques, Boluwade assured that all interested farmers would benefit from the scheme.

The Commissioner noted that while rainfall patterns remain inconsistent across the state, some areas have received sufficient rain to commence mechanised farming. He, therefore, urged farmers to contact their designated MSPs for pre-tractorisation visits and land assessments or liaise with the engineers assigned to their senatorial districts to facilitate the process.

According to him, each farmer is required to contribute 50% of the estimated cost based on land size and required operations, payable into a designated account after assessment. He assured that once payment is confirmed, the assigned MSP would be mobilised to commence work within 48 hours.

Boluwade emphasised that the process would be transparent and accountable, as both farmers and supervising engineers are expected to submit reports on the respective sites, which will be remotely validated to ensure compliance with set standards.

Encouraging farmers to take advantage of the initiative, the Commissioner reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to food security and agricultural development. He added that the list of MSPs would be continuously updated to accommodate more service providers and farmers.

"This initiative is part of our broader commitment to making agriculture more productive and less labour-intensive for our people. We encourage farmers to key into the scheme and maximise its benefits," he said.

#EkitiAgriculture #FoodSecurity #EkitiFarmers #KeepingEkitiWorking #BAOGovernance

Oyebanji’s Subvention to Youth Organizations Applauded, As NYC Chairman Hails Governor’s Commitment to Youth Development.

Oyebanji’s Subvention to Youth Organizations Applauded, As NYC Chairman Hails Governor’s Commitment to Youth Development.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has been commended for his unwavering commitment to youth development through the recent disbursement of subvention to youth organizations across the state.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Ekiti State Chapter, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses (Topmost), expressed profound appreciation to the governor, noting that the financial support would go a long way in enhancing the activities and programs of the various youth organizations in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the 47 recognized youth organizations, Aare Adedara lauded the governor’s inclusive approach to governance, particularly in ensuring that youth bodies are adequately supported to drive development initiatives. He also extended his appreciation to the Commissioner for Youth Development, the Special Adviser on Youth Development, and the entire Ministry of Youth Development for their role in facilitating the subvention.

“This subvention will significantly strengthen the implementation of our outlined programs for the year. It is a testament to Governor Oyebanji’s genuine interest in youth empowerment and participation in governance,” Adedara stated.

He further urged the benefiting youth organizations to be diligent, transparent, and purposeful in utilizing the funds, emphasizing that the opportunity given to them is one that must be maximized for the collective growth of Ekiti youths.

Reaffirming the unwavering support of the youth constituency for the Oyebanji administration, Adedara assured the governor that the youth organizations in the state would continue to align with his development agenda, fostering a more progressive and inclusive Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has remained steadfast in advancing youth development through various initiatives, including skill acquisition programs, entrepreneurship support, and leadership training. The latest subvention, many believe, is another bold step in ensuring that the youth remain at the forefront of Ekiti State’s socio-economic growth.

Agbeyewa Farms Strengthens Partnership with NSCDC Ekiti Command.

Agbeyewa Farms Strengthens Partnership with NSCDC Ekiti Command.

In a move to enhance security and foster collaboration, the leadership teams of Cavista Holdings and Agbeyewa Farms have paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti Command, Commandant Toma Matthew Enya (PSLC).

The meeting, which took place earlier this week, centered on reinforcing security partnerships to ensure a safe and conducive environment for business operations and community development in the state.

Speaking during the visit, the representatives of Agbeyewa Farms emphasized the importance of strong security networks in driving sustainable development. They reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the NSCDC to promote a safe business environment.

The courtesy visit underscores the growing synergy between private enterprises and security agencies in Ekiti, aimed at fostering economic growth and ensuring the safety of investments.

#CavistaHoldings #AgbeyewaFarms #StrongerTogether #Collaboration #SecurityPartnership #CommunityDevelopment