I’ve No Regret Working With You, Oyebanji Salutes Deputy, Afuye at Mum's Burial.

I’ve No Regret Working With You, Oyebanji Salutes Deputy, Afuye at Mum's Burial.

Echos of eulogies pervaded the air on Friday in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, as Governor Biodun Oyebanji overtly showered encomiums on his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, and glowingly saluted her  for being loyal and dependable  since assumption of office.

Governor Oyebanji said he never regretted in his close to 36 months in office working with a dependable personality like Mrs Afuye, whose loyalty and dependability are superb and exhilarating.

Oyebanji gave the commendations on Friday, at the funeral service held at Saint Luke's Anglican Church, Uro Quarters, Ikere Ekiti, in honour of the late Madam Esther Iyalaje Adegboye, the mother of the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Afuye.

Madam Adegboye, respectable community leader,  died on February 18, 2025 at the age of 97.

Governor Oyebanji, while addressing the congregation, praised the late Mrs Adegboye for living an impactful life, saying this reflected in her contributions to Ikere community and the quality of children she raised. 

"Today is a day of joy, though we have lost someone and no matter how old our parents are, we don't want them to leave us. We are glad that Mama lived to a ripe age. 

"The joy of it is that, she enjoyed and saw goodness  at the twilight of her time. I want to congratulate my Deputy and  big aunty, Mrs Monisade Afuye, a very loyal and dependable Deputy. 

"Let me use this opportunity to say thank you for your support and understanding. I never had cause to regret for once  in my close to three years working relationship with you. In fact, I appreciate you for this", Oyebanji said. 

Governor Oyebanji applauded the church of God and the entire Ikere community for their support to the Deputy Governor and her siblings for the success of the burial, particularly for joining the family to give the deceased a befitting burial. 

Governor Oyebanji spoke at the church service which was attended by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Governor Niyi Adebayo; former Governor Segun Oni; Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Former First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Senators Yemi Adaramodu; and Cyril Fasuyi and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, among others. 

Speaking on the sideline at the event, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Afuye, commended Governor Oyebanji, the first lady, members of the state executive council, political leaders and Ikere community for their solidarity and honour for her late mother.

Mrs Afuye added that she will eternally be grateful to her mother for inculcating in the children the virtues of hardwork, honesty, integrity, content and humility, that have been their guiding principles and moral compass. 

In his sermon, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Olusola Ajayi, described the world as a vanity, urging Nigerians  to divorce themselves from greediness, avarice and corruption that are crippling the country's economy and shaking its foundation.

Commenting on  the deceased's outstanding  virtues, the Cleric said madam Adegboye distinguished herself as a community leader, great women mobiliser and dependable  mother, who invested in the education of her children.

Speaking against the backdrop of preponderance of fraud and substance abuse in the society, the clergyman, appealed to the youths to stop fraternising and keeping bad companies that can attract them into drug abuse, internet fraud and robbery, which may end up ruining their lives and all the stand for.

He also emphasized the imperative of well meaning citizens of Ekiti State partnering the government to ramp up the level of development in all facets of the economy. 

"Take a look at Chief Wole Olanipekun, he has been partnering the government to expand development in Ikere Ekiti. Don't join those that will introduce you into alcoholism, fraud, corruption and drug abuse. Move with the right people who can influence your destinies positively.

"Let me also say this, as a rich person and a man of means,  try and impact positively on the lives of those around you. Don't treat the poor as non-existent. Help them to overcome their challenges, rather than allow them to suffer. 

"Take a look at the deceased, she was gentle women. The Deputy Governor took after her. She always moved with the right people and look at her end. She ended well. Run away from sins and be a man of integrity and to achieve these, you must resist the devil. 

"Don't be corrupt in your working places or offices. Remember your final destination, which is heaven. Be heavenly focused, because this world is a vanity and there will be judgement after your sojourn in this world. Remember that whatever you sow, you shall reap and harvest", the cleric said.

Other dignitaries at the colourful event include: Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, House of Representatives members, Hon. Femi Bamisile and AVM Niyi Ojuawo. 

The roll call also include: Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Babafemi Ojudu,  Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro,  Head of Service l, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Legal Icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN), former Deputy Governors Biodun Aluko and Kolapo Eleka, and Prof Modupe Adelabu; an ICT entrepreneur  and politician, Mr. Kola Alabi,  members of Ekiti State Executive Council, members of Ekiti State House of Assembly, heads of security agencies, and chairmen of board and parastatals and traditional rulers. 

Also in attendance were leaders of APC in the state and chairmen of local government councils.

Cavista Holdings Leads at the U.S - Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.

Cavista Holdings Leads at the U.S - Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.

 

Cavista Holdings has said it was a lead sponsor for this year’s US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola because as a brand, it is deeply committed to making strategic investments and building business that create value and transform lives. The company also pointed out that the sponsorship was a result of its belief that more trade, investments, and commercial engagements between the U.S. and African countries would create win-win outcomes. 

The U.S.-Africa Business Summit organized by the Corporate Council on Africa promotes economic cooperation and investment between the United States and Africa with a focus on fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. By bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society, the summit provides a platform to discuss key issues and opportunities in U.S.–Africa commercial engagements, ultimately driving growth and development on both sides.

Against the backdrop of engaging public and private sector leaders on how to strengthen commercial relations between the US and Africa, Cavista Holdings stood as a beacon of entrepreneurship and economic development, truly embodying the spirit of the summit.

With the theme, “Pathways to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for United States-Africa Partnership,” the 17th United States(US)-Africa Business Summit in 2025 in the city of Luanda, Angola, opened a new path for African development. Among other things, the summit looked at the possibility of fostering a climate conducive to investment and trade; promoting business and investment opportunities in Africa and providing a platform for US and African businesses to explore new opportunities.

Executive Director, Government and External Affairs at Cavista Holdings, Olumide Olayomi expressed pride and gratitude for the brand’s involvement, stating that it further deepened the brand philosophy of Cavista Holdings as a company that is committed to creating value and transforming lives through strategic and sustainable investments. 

“At Cavista, we are committed to bridging the talent gap, expanding digital capacity, and enabling inclusive growth across Africa. To this end, we see the US-Africa Business summit as a platform that gives us the opportunity to play a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting economic integration across Africa,” he stated.

While expressing the company’s delight in being one of the platinum sponsors, he pointed out that Cavista Holdings has always been deeply rooted in promoting economic development across Africa development and that the summit provided the perfect platform to do so.

“We are proud to continue advancing our mission of creating value and transforming lives as we invest across Africa. I am also very proud of our team of professionals, led by our Chairman, John Olajide, who participated and shared their expertise while forging strategic partnerships throughout the summit” he added. 

At the summit, Cavista Holdings showcased its unwavering support for the global event, leaving an indelible mark on the summit through practical thought leadership given its track record of success across various industries and geographies. 

Over the years, Cavista Holdings has cemented its footprint as a brand that encourages technological drive in Africa, which is one of the ultimate values of a market leader through different initiatives such as its annual software hackathon aimed at bridging the digital skills gap in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

Recognising the incredible opportunity that the summit brings, the brand offered tailored technological talk shows and exclusive dialogue with U.S and African businesses and policy makers. 

By aligning itself with such a significant summit, Cavista Holdings continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting technological advancement across Africa.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS FOUR TAX BILLS INTO LAW TOMORROW.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS  FOUR TAX BILLS INTO LAW TOMORROW.

President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, sign into law four groundbreaking tax reform bills that will transform Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.

The four bills, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, were passed by the National Assembly after extensive consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.

When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments.

The historic presidential assent to the bills at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, will be witnessed by the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senate Majority Leader, House Majority Leader, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and his House counterpart.

The Chairman of the Governors Forum, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, the Minister of Finance and Coordination Minister of the Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation will also attend the ceremony.

One of the four bills is the Nigeria Tax Bill (Ease of Doing Business), which aims to consolidate Nigeria’s fragmented tax laws into a harmonised statute.

By reducing the multiplicity of taxes and eliminating duplication, the bill will enhance the ease of doing business, reduce taxpayer compliance burdens, and create a more predictable fiscal environment.

The second bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, will establish a uniform legal and operational framework for tax administration across federal, state, and local governments.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the third bill, repeals the current Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and creates a more autonomous and performance-driven national revenue agency— the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). It defines the NRS’s expanded mandate, including non-tax revenue collection, and lays out transparency, accountability, and efficiency mechanisms.

The fourth bill is the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. It provides for a formal governance structure to facilitate cooperation between revenue authorities at all levels of government. It introduces essential oversight mechanisms, including establishing a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman.

AMBASSADOR DR. DARE OWOTOMOBI CELEBRATES GBAJABIAMILA @ 63.

AMBASSADOR DR. DARE OWOTOMOBI CELEBRATES GBAJABIAMILA @ 63.

The Global Chairman, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard, BATSV, Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, felicitates with the Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on the auspicious occasion of his 63rd birthday celebration.

In a statement released to the media by his Special Assistant  on Media, Jimmy Nanyak Lar, Ambassador Owotomobi exalted Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila's starling qualities as someone who has tremendously impacted in nation building right from his days as a member of the House of Representatives, to being a Minority Leader to a Majority Leader and lastly, as the Honourable Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives.

The Global Chairman said it is this sterling qualities, coupled with Gbajabiamila's quality representation to his Surulere Federal Constituency and unalloyed loyalty to Asiwaju that culminated to his appointment as Chief of Staff to the President.

It is therefore Ambassador Owotomobi's prayer that as he celebrates his 63rd  birthday, may the Almighty God in his infinite mercy continue to give him the grace to STAND and deliver on his MANDATE.

EKSU TO HOST NATIONAL DIGITAL, CREATIVE ENTERPRISE HUB — NUC.

EKSU TO HOST NATIONAL DIGITAL, CREATIVE ENTERPRISE HUB — NUC.

...VC hails development as milestone for innovation, entrepreneurship in Nigerian universities.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

 The National Universities Commission (NUC) has selected Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti as one of the Nigerian universities to host the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Hub — a landmark programme designed to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development in the country’s tertiary institutions.

The announcement was made in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday by the Deputy Registrar and Head of the Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Bode Olofinmuagun.

According to the statement, the shortlisting of EKSU was conveyed in an official letter dated June 17, 2025, and addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele. The letter was signed by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.

The iDICE initiative is a Federal Government-backed programme being implemented through the Bank of Industry (BOI), with support from international development partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

The NUC stated that the programme is aimed at fostering job creation by promoting technology-driven and creative ventures, while also equipping Nigerian youths with 21st-century skills in innovation, digital enterprise, and creativity. This will be achieved by establishing digital innovation hubs within selected universities across the country.

NUC described the choice of EKSU as a reflection of the university’s “potential, demonstrated readiness, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to national transformation through innovation and enterprise.”

In his reaction, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele, expressed delight at the recognition, noting that the development reaffirmed EKSU’s growing relevance in the comity of Nigerian universities.

He assured that the university is committed to leveraging this opportunity to build a robust platform for talent development and digital innovation, in alignment with global standards.

“This milestone further reinforces our dedication to academic excellence, technological advancement, and the transformation of our students into future-ready innovators and entrepreneurs,” he was quoted as saying.

The iDICE programme is expected to not only reposition participating institutions but also serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth across Nigeria by tapping into the potential of its youthful population.

Akinbobola charges workers on professionalism, loyalty, diligence, integrity and apolitical conduct.

Akinbobola charges workers on professionalism, loyalty, diligence, integrity and apolitical conduct. 

...commends Bao landmark strides, lauds Hon Oluwatuyi 's visionary pragmatic leadership.

By Asubiojo G.O.

The Head of Local Government Administration (HLA), Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Igede Ekiti, Mrs. Akinbobola, has called on all staff of the council to uphold professionalism, discipline, punctuality, and a high sense of responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

She gave the charge during a media interaction with the Information and Civic Orientation Department of the local government, led by the Director, Mr. G.O. Asubiojo. According to her, the values of secrecy, honesty, dynamism, analytical objectivism, apolitical conduct, and professionalism should remain the guiding principles of every civil servant.

Mrs. Akinbobola reminded staff that by joining the civil service, they have pledged to uphold the official code of conduct, hence the need to always act with integrity and be proactive in carrying out their assignments.

She further encouraged the LG workforce to be steadfast, enterprising, and result-oriented, noting that only through dedicated service can they reach the peak of their careers within the system.

“Official documents and issues must remain confidential,” she stressed. “They are not meant for public circulation or political exploitation. As public servants, our strength lies in our silent but strategic contributions within official boundaries.”

She used the opportunity to commend Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) for his purpose-driven and impactful leadership, especially in the local government system. She highlighted some of his notable achievements, including:

●Clearance of inherited salary arrears

●Prompt and consistent payment of salaries

●Restoration and regular payment of leave bonuses

●Ongoing training and retraining of LG staff

●Improved access to staff loans through the Local Government Service Loans Board

●Recapitalization of the LG Loans Board to meet financial needs of staff

●Provision of operational vehicles to LG departments

●Rehabilitation of rural roads to ease local transportation

●Increased funding for primary health care centres and public schools

●Digitalisation of LG operations for efficiency

Mrs. Akinbobola noted that these strides have significantly improved the welfare and productivity of LG workers across the state.

She also commended the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga (popularly known as Chenco), describing him as a game-changer whose pragmatic approach and inclusive governance style have fostered harmony and progress within the local government.

In her contributions, Mrs. Adeniyi and Mrs. Akode echoed similar sentiments, urging workers to remain diligent and committed to their duties, stressing that BAO’s achievements should motivate staff to do more.

Engineer Adebayo, Mrs. Olanrewaju, and Mr. Faluyi equally stated that staff must reciprocate the governor’s people-centered leadership with exemplary conduct, excellence in service delivery, and unwavering loyalty.

In her own remarks, Director of Finance, Mrs. Odeyemi Mosunmola, described the present era as “a season of renewed hope” for civil servants. She urged workers to “seize the opportunity, show capacity, and rise beyond mediocrity to become pillars of transformation in their various departments.”

Also speaking, the Director of Administration, Prince Adegoke Peters, advised staff to “always be alive to their responsibilities, be proactive and goal-driven, and uphold the image of the service with pride.”

On his part, the Chairman of NULGE in the local government, Comrade Aina Olawole-Festus, said the union appreciates the governor’s labour-friendly policies and looks forward to more positive interventions. “As comrades, we are like Oliver Twist — we ask for more, not from a place of ingratitude, but because of the positive transformation we’ve seen so far. It is now our duty to match these gestures with loyalty, punctuality, reliability, and excellent service delivery.”

The event ended on a note of optimism, with various directors and stakeholders affirming their commitment to supporting the administration of Governor Oyebanji and Hon. Oluwatuyi. Staff were urged to continue flying the flag of excellence as true custodians of grassroots development.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES LAGOS GOVERNOR, SANWO-OLU ON 60TH BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES LAGOS GOVERNOR, SANWO-OLU ON 60TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated his Lagos State counterpart, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his 60th birthday.

Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, said  Governor Sanwo-Olu’s attainment of Diamond age is a personal milestone worthy of appreciation and praises to God.

The Ekiti Governor said the celebrant has always been a committed patriot and exemplary servant-leader whose impact and excellent public service record have served as a motivation for those coming behind to serve their fatherland with unrestrained  enthusiasm.

He described Sanwo-Olu as an experienced administrator, a team player and a brilliant statesman who had committed a greater part of his adult life to touching lives and putting in place legacy projects that not only have direct impact on the lives of Lagosians, but positioning the state as a true mega city. 

Oyebanji equally described Sanwo-Olu as the torchbearer for a greater Lagos noting that he had in the last six years taken development of Lagos to a greater pedestal by building on the solid foundation laid by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Governor of Lagos State. 

He further noted that Sanwo-Olu has proved himself to be a loyal party man giving him the credit of excelling in many party assignments where he executed his coordinating roles effectively. 

Oyebanji urged the celebrant to rededicate himself to greater service of mankind and prayed God to grant him long life, sound health and greater success in tasks ahead of him.