EKSG Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Road Side Traders.

EKSG Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Road Side Traders.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has given a two-week ultimatum to road side traders at Bisi Market, Kings Market and other strategic places in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital, to relocate to the newly completed ultral-modern Agric Olope Market within the metropolis.

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the directive on Thursday during a meeting with the market women at the Palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, said all traders operating on unauthorised roadside spaces must relocate to the newly completed ultra-modern Agric Olope Market on or before the 23rd of June or face the full wrath of law.

Stressing the importance of Ado-Ekiti as the state capital and the attendant economic and infrastructural development, the Governor urged the traders to support his administration's policy of order and safety in the city, adding stay street trading pose health and safety hazards to the people.

He explained that the newly completed market was equipped with all the facilities needed for a confortable and efficient trading experience which include,  water supply, modern toilets, good roads network, security infrastructure, warehouses, solar light for night trading, and other essential amenities tailored to meet traders needs, which, according to the Governor reflects his government’s commitment to ensuring traders' convenience and promoting a vibrant commercial environment in the state.

While appreciating the traders for their willingness to relocate, the Governor assured them that his government remains commited to making life better for the citizens and ensuring that Ado Ekiti becomes a smart and modern city.

“Today’s meeting is just to consult with market women, we just completed an ultra-modern market for them and we want them to move to the market and this speaks to our belief in consultation than using force to move them. I discuss with Ewi and the Ewi in council and we agreed to bring the market women to the palace so that we can have an agreement.

“We are in democracy and democracy requires consultation, we don’t want to use force on those that brought us to office and I am happy that we were able to reach a consensus. They have promised to move without force and by the middle of the month they will start moving, the market was built to their taste, we met with them and they told us what they wanted and we have done it. We have provided water, toilet, security, warehouses, parking space and other things to make them comfortable”, the Governor asserted.

Speaking about what will happen to defaulters, the Governor said “I don’t expect anybody to default, but within a group of people there are some people that will not want to align with us, we will enforce the agreement reached here today that they have to stop street trading, it is not healthy, it is not safe and they don’t even get to make money, so if anybody goes against the agreement reached today, such a person will face the full weight of the law.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola, who commended Governor Oyebanji for his visionary leadership in completing the ultra-modern Agric Olope market with state-of-the-art facilities, noted that the market stands as a testament to the Governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of traders and enhancing the commercial landscape of Ado Ekiti.

Mrs Adeola urged the traders to begin obtaining forms for the allocation of shops and space in the new market starting from next week Tuesday.

While assuring them that the allocation process would be conducted transparently to ensure fairness and equity among all interested traders, Mrs. Adeola charged them to take advantage of the opportunity promptly , emphasizing that the government is committed to facilitating seamless transition for all the traders.

Also in his own remarks, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, who recalled the longstanding efforts to  modernize Ado Ekiti, urged the traders to move to the designated market, which he described as well-equiped and conducive for business

While commending Governor Oyebanji for his dedication to realizing the aspirations of the state’s founding fathers in transforming Ado Ekiti, charged the traders to comply with the directive of the government, which according to him aligns with the broader vision for the city growth and development.

Also at the meeting were, Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Mobolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ajobiewe Kehinde, Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, Ado Local Government and Local Council Chairmen, Ewi-in-Council, market women, among others.

Eid-el-Kabir: Akomolede Felicitates Muslim Workers in Ekiti LG Loans Board.

Eid-el-Kabir: Akomolede Felicitates Muslim Workers in Ekiti LG Loans Board.

By Rotimi Akomolede

The Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Local Government Staff Loans Board, Mr. Rotimi Akomolede, has extended warm felicitations to all Muslim faithful working with the Board as they join their counterparts across the world in celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

In a goodwill message personally signed by him on Friday, Akomolede described the festival as a period of deep reflection, sacrifice, and renewed commitment to the values of faith, unity, and service to humanity.

He urged Muslim staff of the Board to imbibe the enduring lessons of Eid-el-Kabir, which he said include love, peace, patience, and total submission to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

“As we celebrate this sacred occasion, I encourage all our Muslim brethren in the Ekiti State Local Government Staff Loans Board to use the moment to strengthen the bond of brotherhood among staff and continue to demonstrate the virtues of honesty and dedication in their service to the government and people of Ekiti State,” the statement read in part.

Akomolede prayed for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for Ekiti State and Nigeria at large, urging all workers to remain steadfast in their responsibilities.

He also expressed optimism that the season would usher in greater unity and productivity within the Board, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to workers’ welfare under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

“Eid Mubarak to you all,” he concluded.

Ojuawo Celebrates Sallah with Constituency Members.

Ojuawo Celebrates Sallah with Constituency Members.

As Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, the member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, has extended warm Sallah greetings to the Muslim faithful in his constituency. He commended their devotion, peaceful conduct, and resilience, describing the season as a period for reflection, sacrifice, and unity among all people.

In his message, Hon. Ojuawo encouraged Muslims to emulate Prophet Ibrahim's faith and obedience to God, which defines the spirit of Eid. He also promoted acts of selflessness, generosity, and compassion, especially during these challenging times, and called for continued prayers for peace, security, and progress in Ekiti State and Nigeria.

To mark the occasion, Hon. Ojuawo distributed cash gifts to muslims faithful across Ise/Orun, Ikere, and Ekiti South-West Local Government Areas, putting smiles on their faces. According to the lawmaker, this gesture not only aligns with the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir but also demonstrates his commitment to the welfare and well-being of his constituents. The beneficiaries appreciated Hon. Ojuawo's thoughtfulness and continuous support, particularly during significant festive periods.

Additionally, Hon. Ojuawo presented a wheelchair to Mrs Julianah Ojeyinka, a physically challenged woman at Afolu, Ise Ekiti, showcasing his dedication to caring for the less privileged in his constituency.

OJUAWO  MEDIA TEAM.

EKSG commences distribution of food items to religious bodies.

EKSG commences distribution of food items to religious bodies.

… As Aliko Dangote foundation donates 10,000 bags of rice to Ekiti.

Ekiti State Government on Thursday began the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice to religious bodies in the state to cushion the effect of hardship especially during the  festive period.

Distributing the bags of rice donated by Aliko Dangote Foundation on behalf of Ekiti state government, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade affirmed that the state received 10,000 bags of 10kg rice from the foundation which he said were mainly for the two religious bodies in the state.

The Commissioner stressed the need for the two bodies to ensure that the food gets to the vulnerable in their religious organization as a way of fulfilling Governor Oyebanji’s mantra of shared prosperity agenda to the people, noting that the food distribution is an intervention to support the less privileged in the society.

“We got 10,000 bags of 10kg rice from Aliko Dangote Foundation, it was actually meant to be distributed during the fasting period, you know the fasting of Muslims and Christians overlapped, so, it was actually meant for vulnerable that are Christians and Muslims, that is why you can see Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and their Muslim counterpart here today. 

“Dangote gave a categorical instruction that we must distribute the rice to vulnerable that are Christians and Muslims.”, said Mr Boluwade, who used the opportunity to commend the foundation for the gesture and Governor Oyebanji for supporting the distribution of the commodity to the local government areas. 

He issued stern warning to religious leaders saddled with the responsibility of distributing the food items to ensure that the items get to the actual people they were meant for, as government will not take it lightly with anyone who diverts the commodity to inappropriate destinations.

Presenting the commodity on behalf of Aliko Dangote Foundation, an Operation Officer with the Headquarters of the company in Lagos, Mr Victor Ejiro said the gesture was part of the foundation’s annual national food intervention programme, aimed at giving back to the people, and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

While affirming that Aliko Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is reduced to the barest minimum in Nigeria, Ejiro added that the purpose of the initiative is to help households in Nigeria alleviate the suffering they are going through in feeding themselves.

In their separate remarks, the Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr David Fabusuyi and the President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Bakare were full of praises to the donor and the state government, which facilitated the good gesture for deeming it fit to remember the downtrodden hoping that it will go a long way in alleviating the state of hunger the people are going through especially during the Muslim festive period.

The Clerics, who promised to ensure that the commodities get to the actual people they are meant for, thanked Governor Oyebanji for his welfare stance for the less privileged in the state.

Oyebanji Rejoices With Muslims At Eid-el-Kabir.

Oyebanji Rejoices With Muslims At Eid-el-Kabir.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has extended his felicitation to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year’s Eid -el-Kabir festival.

In a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji highlighted the significance of Eid-el -Kabir as a festival of sacrifice and joy for the Muslim faithful.

He congratulated Muslims in the state and Nigeria for witnessing another Eid-el-Kabir noting that sacrifice is usually the price to pay for victory, fulfillment, success, profit and joy as told by the story of Ibrahim's obedience to the command of Allah to sacrifice his son Ishmael with a ram slaughtered in his stead.

The Governor enjoined Muslims to imbibe the core lesson of Eid -el -Kabir which is total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah which he says brings rewards.

The Ekiti number one citizen also stressed the importance of love, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among Muslims and adherents of other religions in the state.

He equally emphasized the need for collective efforts in the task of developing Ekiti describing the Muslim Community as an important partner in taking the state to a higher pedestal of development.

The Governor urged the Muslim Ummah in the state not to relent in supporting his administration and that of President Bola Tinubu with prayers expressing optimism that a brighter and a glorious future is in the horizon.

He also enjoined Muslim Ummah to celebrate in moderation and to extend love to neighbors and especially the less privileged members of the society as the holy book admonished. 

“ We wish the Muslim Ummah in our dear state and in Nigeria a happy Sallah and pray that God accepts our sacrifices as an act of Ibadah, “ the statement added.

Sallah: Fayemi Extends Greetings to Muslims, Emphasises Unity Despite National Challenges.

Sallah: Fayemi Extends Greetings to Muslims, Emphasises Unity Despite National Challenges.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), has extended warm wishes to Nigerian Muslims as they celebrate this year's Eid al-Adha festivities.

In a statement issued by the Fayemi Media Office, the former Ekiti governor described the celebration as a period of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and commitment to the values that define the Islamic faith.

"I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating our Muslim brothers and sisters as they commemorate this significant religious festival," Fayemi stated. "The spirit of Eid al-Adha reminds us of the importance of sacrifice, charity, and our collective responsibility to one another as citizens of this great nation."

The former governor, however, called for moderation in the celebrations, urging Muslims to be mindful of the current economic realities facing many families across the country. 

“Let us balance our festivities with empathy and kindness towards those less fortunate. While we celebrate, let us do so with consciousness of the challenges many of our compatriots are facing. 

‘’The true essence of Sallah does not lie in extravagant festivities, but in acts of kindness, sharing with the less privileged, and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood," he emphasised.

Reflecting on the current state of the nation, Fayemi acknowledged the challenges confronting Nigeria, including economic hardship and security concerns. "We cannot deny that our country faces significant challenges today, especially with the rising cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity.

"However, what inspires me is the unwavering spirit of our people. In the face of adversity, Nigerians have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, creativity, and an unshakeable belief in our collective destiny," Fayemi said.

He pointed to the country's youthful population, rich cultural diversity, abundant natural resources, and growing technological innovation as foundations upon which, a stronger Nigeria can be built. "Our diversity, often seen as a source of division, remains one of our greatest assets when harnessed constructively. The energy and innovation of our young people, the wisdom of our elders, and our shared values across religious and ethnic lines provide the bedrock for national transformation."

Fayemi called on all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the Sallah period for introspection and renewed commitment to national unity. "This is a time for us to look beyond our differences and focus on what unites us as Nigerians - our shared aspirations for security, prosperity, and good governance. 

"As we celebrate, let us renew our faith not just in our religious beliefs, but in our capacity as Nigerians to overcome present challenges and build a more prosperous, secure, and united nation for current and future generations," Fayemi concluded.

Signed

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh

Head, Fayemi Media Office,

June 5th, 2025

Oyebanji Approves Additional ₦100 Million Recapitalisation Fund for Local Government Loans Board.

Oyebanji Approves Additional ₦100 Million Recapitalisation Fund for Local Government Loans Board.

...Akomolede Hails Governor's Commitment to Workers' Welfare.

By Rotimi Akomolede

The Ekiti State Local Government Staff Loans Board has applauded Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) for the recent approval of an additional ₦100 million recapitalization fund, describing the gesture as a landmark in the welfare and financial empowerment of grassroots workers.

The commendation was contained in an open letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Mr. Rotimi Akomolede, who noted that the latest disbursement comes barely a year after the first tranche of ₦200 million was approved by the governor in September 2023.

His Excellency Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
The Executive Governor of Ekiti State. 

Akomolede described the fund as a lifeline for many Local Government staff, enabling them to pursue essential goals such as home ownership and vehicle acquisition, without falling victim to high-interest, predatory lenders.

 “This approval marks a remarkable milestone. Your Excellency’s visionary leadership has set a high standard for excellence, transparency, and accountability. This support will protect our staff from the grip of ‘Shylock’ moneylenders and improve their quality of life,” he said.

Mr Akomolede Rotimi, Permanent secretary Ekiti State Local Government Loans Board.

He also highlighted key achievements of the Oyebanji-led administration that have impacted the Loans Board and its beneficiaries, including:

●The promulgation of the Ekiti State Local Government Staff Loans Board Law, 2023

●The initial ₦200 million recapitalization fund (September 2023)

●Procurement of two Toyota Corolla vehicles (2010 models) for official use (April 2025)

●Recent ₦100 million recapitalization fund (May 2025)

Akomolede described the governor's track record as “a shining example of what Nigeria’s future can become when visionary, compassionate, and accountable leaders are entrusted with power.”

He also used the opportunity to commend the Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, for his unwavering support and instrumental role in advancing the Board’s objectives.

 “Chief Folorunso Olabode has been a pillar of support and a voice for local government workers. His coordination and intervention at critical moments have helped make this recapitalization dream a reality,” Akomolede added.

Chief Abejide Samuel, Chairman Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

Furthermore, the Board expressed appreciation to Chief Abejide Samuel, Chairman of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, for his consistent advocacy and commitment to the growth and welfare of local government workers across the state.

In his closing remarks, Akomolede assured Governor Oyebanji that the staff of the Local Government Service are not only grateful for his pragmatic and people-focused leadership but are also fully aligned with his vision for a greater Ekiti.

 “Your Excellency, we are inspired by your results-driven approach to governance. You have rekindled hope, restored dignity, and empowered families at the grassroots. Be assured that the entire Local Government workforce stands firmly behind you—not only in words but in action. We are committed to supporting your policies, your vision."

 “On behalf of the entire management and the thousands of beneficiaries across the local government system, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Your Excellency and all stakeholders who made this possible. May your administration continue to record monumental successes, and when the time comes, we will reward this leadership with our massive votes in your second term bid” the letter concluded.