EKSG Launches Move to Avert Bloodshed in Ekiti, Ondo Boundary Crises.

EKSG Launches Move to Avert Bloodshed in Ekiti, Ondo Boundary Crises.

....wades into Ugbesi/Igasi Akoko land tussle.

In a bid to avert bloodshed and strengthen the regional bond between Ekiti and Ondo States, Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration, is to intensify efforts to resolve holistically, the boundary disputes brewing among some towns in the two contiguous states. 

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye gave the hint, on Thursday, while intervening in a petition written by land owners in Iwada Community, Araromi Ugbesi Ekiti, in Ekiti East Local Government over the festering land dispute they are having with Igasi Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government of Ondo State. 

Appealing to the land owners to eschew crisis, Mrs Afuye, via a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said Ondo and Ekiti States, had built a long term relationship, and that land dispute won't be allowed to shatter such brotherhood and fraternity.

The Deputy Governor, told the community to assemble all relevant documents that could be presented as evidence of ownership when the matter is being resolved with Ondo State. 

"Let me commend you for toeing the path of peace. That has been the principle of our dear governor, who is a known peace maker. We knew that some of our towns are  having some crises with some towns in Ondo State. We don't want any bloodshed. If you lose your life, you can't be laying claim to any land.

"We will engage our brothers in Ondo State on some of these matters. What we want is peace and we will get it. Please, help us appeal to our youth to be patient with us. 

"We will soon visit Ondo State to engage them on some of these issues. But before we go, make sure you assemble all relevant documents that can help your case. The peace you are enjoying in Ekiti is a product of actions that this government is taking".

Defending the petition, the trio of Alala of Iwada Quarters, Ugbesi Ekiti, Chief Abraham Aluko, the Oloda, Chief Martins Oluyele, and the Secretary of Iwada Community,  Mr. Adebamigbe Owoyemi, alleged that their people  were attacked on March 26,2025 on a land belonging to them, but leased to some farmers in Igasi  Akoko for farming.

The claimants said the matter began with an allegation that Ugbesi farmers harboured Fulani herders on their land, when only people of Tivs nationality were the ones operating as farmers in the area that belonged to them from time immemorial.

They alleged that the attackers from Igasi Akoko, with the help of some military personnel, manhandled their people and inflicted bodily injuries on them, while some of their property, including vehicle, were seized and taken to their town.  

Tracing the historical trajectory of the land under contention , which was boundary between Ondo and Ekiti in that axis , they asserted that the area was demarcated in their favour in August 2006, while evidence abound substantiating how Igasi farmers paid royalties to the people of Iwada Community in Ugbesi Ekiti.

They also accused the attackers of removing the pillars and other insignia erected to demarcate the area, to confuse the public. 

"We have evidence of payment of royalties by farmers from Igasi Akoko to our fathers since 1957 up to 1966 and till 1993. We didn't know that their plan was to forcefully take over the land we gave to them out of love. 

"They have been beating and harassing  our people. We don't want to take laws into our hands or allow the matter to cause any loss of life and that is why we are here, so that you can intervene and call them to order".

Addressing the issue, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Abayomi Opeyemi and the Ekiti State Surveyor General, Surveyor Adebayo Faleto, pledged that the government will catalogue all the land crises between the two states and tackle them wholesomely  during their planned inter state parley.

EKSG Eulogies FG for Donating Medical Equipment, Drugs to Ekiti.

EKSG Eulogies FG for Donating Medical Equipment, Drugs to Ekiti.

•••Says 3.6m enrolled into "Ulera Wa" health.

The Ekiti State Government, has lauded the federal government for donating multi million naira medical equipment and consumables to the state to bring radical improvement to the health sector.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the commendation in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while handing over hospital equipment and drugs donated by the federal government to the Primary Healthcare Development Agency(EKSPHDA).

The Deputy Governor revealed via a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, that the materials, were donated by the Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency(NIMASA), to uplift the quality of healthcare delivery in the state.

Mrs Afuye added that the materials will be distributed to primary healthcare facilities in seven local government areas across the three senatorial districts, for effective and quality service delivery.

The Ekiti’s number two citizen itemized the equipment and consumables to include: ECG Machine to be donated to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital(EKSUTH), Urine Analyser to Oba Adejugbe General Hospital, hospital beds, Sunction machines, wheelchairs, stethoscopes, drugs, among others.

She averred that Governor Biodun Oyebanji places high premium on the health and wellbeing of the citizens, which accounted for the enrolment of an aggregate of 3.6 Millon residents into “Ilera wa” health insurance scheme, 10,000 pensioners for insurance coverage and 210,619 girls vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus.

“I want to emphasize that Ekiti State Government places high premium on the primary healthcare and wellbeing of Ekiti people. The state has put in place various health initiatives like enrolment of 3.6m residents into Ulera Wa healthcare insurance scheme.

“Over 400,000 residents benefitted free healthcare delivery in 2024, 10,000 pensioners captured into our insurance policy, 71,293 screened for diabetes and hypertension, 210,619 girls vaccinated against HPV, provision of tablets to all primary health facilities and provision of 600,603 vitamin A supplements to children.

“I appreciate NIMASA for counting Ekiti worthy of these donations. We know it can’t go round, but we value it and I appeal to our health professionals to make effective and quality use of these materials”, the Deputy Governor stated.

The General Manager, EKSEMA, Mr. Oludare Asaolu, was upbeat that the equipment will enhance human capital development, which encompasses improved and radical health care improvement and general welfare of the citizens, as encapsulated in Oyebanji’s policy thrust.

 

The SEMA boss added that the philanthropic gesture would go a long way in boosting access to healthcare delivery , improve the proficiency of medial staff and abate the indexes of child and maternal mortality rates in the state.

In his submission, the Chief Medical Director, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Prof Kayode Olabanji, commended Governor Oyebanji for his huge investment in the sector, saying this has helped in mitigating mortality and morbidity rates.

“If you go round our health facilities, so many projects are ongoing. Since he assumed office, Governor Oyebanji has donated many equipment to EKSUTH. There is no investment that is too much for the health sector, because health is wealth”, the medical practitioner said.

In their submissions, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga- Igotun, and Executive Secretary, EKPHDA, Dr Rasheed Adepoju, said the partnerships with productive agencies and private bodies, attested to the fact that Governor Oyebanji places high premium on the welfare of Ekiti citizens.

They said partnerships with corporate bodies and federal government agencies, have helped in crashing the indices of maternal and infant mortality through improved access to healthcare and enhanced professionalism in the health sector.

Easter Yuletide: Adaramodu Distributes Food Items to Ekiti South Constituents, Inspects Ilawe Market Ahead of Reconstruction.

Easter Yuletide: Adaramodu Distributes Food Items to Ekiti South Constituents, Inspects Ilawe Market Ahead of Reconstruction.

The Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, distributed food items to hundreds of constituents as part of activities marking the Easter celebration. The distribution, which took place across various communities within the senatorial district, was aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and spreading the spirit of Easter among the people. Adaramodu, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, noted that the gesture was part of his ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of his constituents, especially during festive seasons.

Speaking during the distribution, Senator Adaramodu emphasized that leadership is about compassion and being present for the people, not only during elections but at all times. “This is not the first time, and by God’s grace, it won’t be the last. As long as I have the capacity, I will always find ways to support my people. Easter is a time of love and giving, and this is my own little way of sharing that love,” he stated. Beneficiaries across various wards expressed their gratitude, describing the senator as a “rare breed” in Nigerian politics due to his consistency in reaching out to the grassroots.

In a related development, Senator Adaramodu visited Oja Oba Ojulawe market in his hometown of Ilawe-Ekiti for an on-the-spot assessment ahead of its planned demolition and reconstruction. Addressing traders during the inspection, he disclosed that plans were in top gear to replace the dilapidated market structure with a modern facility that would better serve the economic and social needs of the town and surrounding communities. “We are going to build a befitting market here. This is not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality, safety, and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.

The senator assured that the reconstruction project would be carried out in phases to minimize disruption to ongoing economic activities. He further promised adequate compensation and a well-organized temporary relocation plan for traders who would be affected by the exercise. According to him, the market reconstruction is part of his broader agenda to foster development and empower local communities across Ekiti South. The project is expected to commence later this year.

AJONI LCDA CHAIRMAN, OGUNGBEMI, SAVES MOTHER AND NEWBORN TWINS AT FMC IDO-EKITI.

AJONI LCDA CHAIRMAN, OGUNGBEMI, SAVES MOTHER AND NEWBORN TWINS AT FMC IDO-EKITI.

 ....leading with compassionate disposition towards vulnerable citizens.

In a profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership, the Executive Chairman, Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, displayed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people by responding to the urgent aid of a distress family. 

The Chairman was alerted to a critical medical emergency involving Mrs. Adeniyi Gboyega, billed to undergo a Caesarean section at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti, to deliver her set of twin babies. She's  faced with financial difficulty and in dire need of help to proceed with the life-saving surgery.

Out of compassion and strong sense of duty, Prince Ogungbemi, acted swiftly, to settle the medical bills. His swift intervention ensured the struggling twin were safely delivered and received timely postnatal care.

 Mrs. Gboyega express gratitude to this act of kindness and having her twin babies discharged in stable condition and safely returned home to Oke Ako-Ekiti, where they were warmly received by family 

Amb. Ogungbemi reiterated his administration will continue to prioritize the wellbeing of all citizens, especially the vulnerable and underprivileged. He emphasized, governance must be people-centered and driven by compassion, especially in moments of distress and need.

This intervention adds to the growing legacy of purposeful and people-focused leadership Ajoni indigenes has enjoyed under his administration.

Ekiti Labour Leaders Endorse Oyebanji’s Re-Election.

Ekiti Labour Leaders Endorse Oyebanji’s Re-Election.

… As Gov lauds President Tinubu’s economic policy.

In a stunning show of solidarity, the leadership of Labour unions in Ekiti State has endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office, citing his exceptional commitment to workers’ welfare and all round development of the state for their decision. 

Speaking at a Labour Round Table Meeting with the Governor at Lady Jibowu Hall of the Government House in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday evening, the Labour Leaders also vowed to continue to support the Governor in the realization of all his lofty policies and programmes aimed at achieving his shared prosperity agenda with a promise not to allow miscreant disrupt the pace of progress recorded under his leadership. 

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Sola Adigun, and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Comrade Oluseye Babatunde commended the Governor for prioritizing the welfare of workers which include timely payment of salaries, clearing of over nine months salaries arrears and leave bonuses, prompt payment of pension and gratuity, payment of financial benefits tied to promotions, approval of promotions up to date, increment of car and housing loans as well as the approval and payment of one of the best minimum wage table in the country, thereby setting a bench mark for other states.

According to them, the payment of the 70,000 minimum wage, among other gesture of the Governor, underscore his understanding of the economic realities facing workers and his dedication to alleviating their burdens.

The Labour leaders explained that it was the first time since the state was created that workers got what is due to them without agitation and confrontation addingthat the Governor’s policies have not only elevated workers’ welfare but has also transformed Ekiti into a model of sustainable development.

While describing the Governor as God sent and answer to Ekiti workers prayers, the Union Leaders said “When people say this has not been done, that has not been done, I smile and say you don’t know the kind of leadership we have in Ekiti State, all the workers agenda is on the Governor’s table and he go through it every day. 

“Your Excellency thank you for the minimum wage you approved, I and my colleagues will recall when negotiating for N13,000 minimum wage, it was returned to us for negotiation more than three times and after a year it was given approval but lo and behold when we were dealing with this N70,000 minimum wage and I saw what was there, I told the panel that my people will rejoice when this would be signed and it didn’t  take long for you to approve. Thank you, Mr Governor for making us proud”.

Also in her remarks, the Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi lauded the Governor for his exceptional dedication to workers’ welfare, disclosing that in the last 12 months, the Governor approved over 30 million naira to address health challenges faced by public servants, the gesture, which according to her, demonstrated his genuine concern for the well-being of the workforce.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi appreciated the Governor for not disappointing the workforce by fulfilling all the promises he made to them during electioneering campaign

Responding, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed his gratitude to the Union leaders for what he described as an uncommon gesture for labour leaders to speak of a government in such manner, said appreciation should go to President Bola Ahmed Tunubu whose visionary reforms have freed resources that significantly empowered the state to address pressing needs and deliver impactful projects that improve the lives of the people.

“Let me start on the note appreciation to you, I became afraid that look, this is an uncommon phenomenon, if not for God’s grace, for labour leaders to come out publicly and speak of a government in this manner and I was asking for God’s help so that I don’t disappoint you.

“But in fairness, apart from God, the person we need to thank is the President, because no matter how good intentioned a leader is, if you don’t have the resources, it’s only going to be a wish, but the President has taken a lot of courageous steps that has freed resources to the state, and I told myself that if this kind of money is coming to Ekiti state, we must spend it in a way and manner that those in government will be happy and those outside government will also be happy”. The Governor asserted.

Present at the event were the Speaker, Ekiti State Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi and Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun among others.

Ekiti State Congratulates Craneburg Construction Company on its Successful Bond Issuance.

Ekiti State Congratulates Craneburg Construction Company on its Successful Bond Issuance.

 

The Ekiti State Government extends its congratulations to Craneburg Construction Company, and its sister entity Craneburg EKSG Motorways PLC on the successful completion of its N32.5 billion 20-year bond issuance to design, build, operate and transfer the Ekiti Ring Road project.

 

The bond issuance, which was “AAA” rated and oversubscribed by domestic pension funds, is the first successful bond issuance for a road project in a State backed by an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee under InfraCredit’s Annuity PPP Guarantee Product, which is targeted at projects in States with strong PPP laws, as well as active investment promotion agencies.

 

Ekiti State remains at the forefront of attracting private capital, and has enacted a best-in-class Public Private Partnership Law, with the support of the House of Assembly.

Apart from the Law, the State has an active Investment Promotion Agency, whose board is chaired by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to demonstrate the emphasis placed on investment promotion. The successful completion of the public corporate bond issuance, approved by the Securities & Exchange Commission shows investors not only have strong confidence in Craneburg’s track record, but also have a lot of confidence in the business environment in Ekiti State, where the project being financed is situated.

 

This novel financing approach is a game changer in Nigeria, and will allow for a rapid development of infrastructure projects by private investors in States, thereby limiting the pressure on the States to fund such projects themselves. By closing this historic project, it means Ekiti State is now the second state, after Lagos, to attract 20 year financing from private capital for such large scale infrastructure deals. However, this is not the first time Ekiti State is attracting such investments. 

The Ekiti Independent Power Plant (IPP), another PPP project, was designed, built, and is being operated by Fenchurch Limited, delivering 3MW of electricity to the State.

 

The continuous attraction of capital to Ekiti State is clear proof that both private entities and the investment community are fully aligned with the shared prosperity agenda of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration. It also shows the result of continuity, and the Government of Ekiti State recognises the immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, whose administration birthed the idea of the Ring Road project.

 

When completed, the first phase of the Ring Road project will be a game changer in Ekiti State, and will provide quicker connections to several neighbouring towns and Ado-Ekiti, while also providing direct access to vehicles coming to and from the Ekiti Agro-allied International Cargo Airport. Once the first phase is successfully completed and put to use, the State will continue to explore creative ways of bringing more private investments to develop the second phase of the road which connects Ijan-Ikere-Ilawe-Igede-Iworoko.

 

The Government congratulates all the parties who made this possible: Craneburg/EKSG Motorways PLC, the concessionaire; InfraCredit, who guaranteed the bond; EKDIPA, who ensured the required investment environment exists in the State; but most especially, the road users, who will benefit from this project.

 

Signed

Yinka Oyebode

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor

17- 04-2025

Stop Declining Govt's Summons, EKSG Warns Traditional Chiefs.

Stop Declining Govt's Summons, EKSG Warns Traditional Chiefs.

The Ekiti State Government, has warned traditional chiefs across the 140 statutory communities in the state against resisting or declining summons issued to them by the state while intervening in any chieftaincy or communal issue.

The government threatened that any Chief, who disrespects the state by declining appearance before a panel to clarify any issue without tenable reasons shall henceforth face disciplinary action. 

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, handed down the warning, on Wednesday, while presiding over a petition written by the Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area, Oba Adebomi Babalola against two of his chiefs.

As contained in the petition, Oba Babalola, had accused the Eesa of Araromi Ekiti, Chief Olufemi Toyebi and Ojumu, Chief Idowu Atewogbola of installing one Mr. Bayo Alu as Odofin of the community without deferring to him as the prescribed authority, describing this as a flagrant insubordination and disrespect. 

While presiding over the matter, the Deputy Governor via a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, stoutly frowned at the absence of the chiefs at the parley, despite being contacted by the Ministry to inform them about the sitting. 

Mrs Afuye, represented by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, said disrespect to constituted authorities was becoming a recurrent decimal among the chiefs and that such won't be brooked under any guise. 

"The government will take punitive actions against some of our Chiefs for disrespecting the state authorities , by resisting or turning down summons to appear before it to resolve a crisis in their communities.

"We can't but take serious actions against  such conduct, because we won't fold our arms and allow our state to be disrespected. What the chiefs did by not appearing today is punishable. They claimed that  they were sick. How can the three of them fall sick at the same time?

"All these acts of disrespect must stop. What we are doing here is to ensure that we have peace in all our towns, in line with the agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and we won't allow anyone to frustrate us".

Speaking to his petition, the  Alararomi, Oba Babalola, alleged that the three individuals had allegedly been causing division and stoking the fire of acrimony in the community, by running a parallel government to debase his stool.

The monarch appealed that the erring chiefs must be punished for disrespecting the state and his stool to serve as deterrent to others, who are fond of treating the government and traditional institution with contempt and disdain. 

The monarch also requested  the government to order the installed Chief should stop parading himself as a traditional title holder in the community, saying he is not recognised in line with the Ekiti State Chiefs Law. 

Speaking about the matter, a first class monarch and Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, said the offence committed by the two traditional chiefs was grave and punishable under the law.

Oba Adewole averred  that what they did was tantamount to insubordination and stoking of fire of division in the town. 

"Only the king can install a chief and the Ekiti State  Chiefs Law said that whoever installs a Chief without the consent and approval of the prescribed monarch has committed a punishable offence.

"It was spelt out in the state chiefs law and edict that  whoever that is installed had also committed an offence as well. So, the three of them are prosecutable", the first class monarch stated.