OYEBANJI FELICITATES PRESIDENT TINUBU ON 73RD BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI FELICITATES  PRESIDENT TINUBU ON 73RD BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 73rd birthday.

The Governor who described President Tinubu as a caring Father of the Nation, hailed the celebrant for being a symbol of democracy, inclusiveness and unity. 

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the Governor eulogized the President for dedicating his life to the service of his fatherland and fellow countrymen in various capacities which had exacted great sacrifices from him.

He noted that President Tinubu is a man of history with various golden chapters as a professional in the corporate world, astute politician, pro-democracy activist, irrepressible campaigner against military rule and the arrowhead of a movement that fought for restoration of civil rule in Nigeria.

Describing the President as an uncommon gift and treasure to the nation, Oyebanji said the nation's number one citizen has made great imprints both at the subnational and national levels as a Senator, two-term Governor and now as President.

Oyebanji commended President Tinubu for his political, social and economic reforms since his assumption of office as President, which he noted have resulted in positive turnaround in various sectors in the country. 

He particularly appreciated the President for his demonstrated love and support for Ekiti State as well as his administration, resulting in rapid growth and development  of the state as well as greater opportunities for the citizens. 

The Governor described the new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti as the latest gift from Mr President which was one of the several goodies the state has enjoyed from the Tinubu Administration as a mark of his love for Ekiti State.

The Governor assured the President of the unflinching support of the government and people of Ekiti State in his avowed commitment to a more prosperous Nigeria that will become a pride to all African and a world power in years to come.

He prayed God to grant the President long life, sound health in body and mind and more wisdom to steer the ship of the Nigerian state to a glorious harbour.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, we say a happy birthday to the father of the nation.  “long and joyful may you live our dear President. “, he statement added.

EKITI GOVT CANCELS MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR SATURDAY’S ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION.

EKITI GOVT  CANCELS MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR SATURDAY’S ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the cancellation of restrictions on human and vehicular movement for this month's environmental sanitation exercise billed for Saturday, March 29, 2025.

This is to allow free movement across the state in view of Ekiti State University's  convocation ceremony slated for Saturday. 

The Governor however urges members of the public to continue to support Government’s efforts at ensuring a clean, safe and secured environment, by taking good care of their immediate environment. 

Signed 

Olayinka Oyebode 

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor

28-03-2025

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