BATSV's GLOBAL CHAIRMAN SENDS XMAS AND NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE OF RENEWED HOPE.

BATSV's GLOBAL CHAIRMAN SENDS XMAS AND NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE OF RENEWED HOPE.

The Global Chairman of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard, BATSV, Ambassador Dr Dare Owotomobi warmly extends his Christmas and New Year's felicitations to BATSV members, both at home and in the diaspora and indeed all Nigerians.

He calls on all BATSV members to remain steadfast while ushering them to a bountiful 2025 filled with renewed hope and expectations, which they will soon be proud of.

Ambassador Owotomobi said that despite all odds, the New Year holds a very bright future for the country, considering the numerous economic reforms put in place by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2025 budget, which shall start yielding fruits sooner than later.

The Global Chairman therefore prays that God Almighty gives us all the grace to achieve our goals in 2025 and beyond.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar Special Assistant Media to BATSV Global Chairman

Ojuawo Commissions Six-Classroom Block in Ogotun High School.

Ojuawo Commissions Six-Classroom Block in Ogotun High School.

The lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd.) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, on Tuesday commissioned a block of six classrooms at Ogotun High School in Ogotun Ekiti. The project, facilitated by the retired Air Vice Marshal, is part of his commitment to improving educational infrastructure in the constituency.

During his visit, Hon. Ojuawo paid a courtesy call to the Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adesanmi, and the Ologotun-in-Council to express his respect and engage in festive homage before proceeding to the commissioning ceremony.

At the event, the Elemo of Ogotun Ekiti, Chief Disu Bakare, who spoke on behalf of the Ologotun-in-Council, lauded Hon. Ojuawo for his dedication to the community. While expressing gratitude for the new classrooms, Chief Bakare appealed for assistance in addressing the shortage of manpower at the Ogotun Police Station and other pressing challenges in the community.

The Principal of Ogotun High School, Mr. Ojo Akinlusi, also praised the lawmaker for initiating the project during his tenure, describing him as a humble and approachable leader. “The humility of the Retired General is second to none; he is very friendly and homely,” Akinlusi said.

In his remarks, Hon. Ojuawo thanked the Ologotun and the chiefs for their support throughout the project and assured them of his commitment to addressing their additional requests. “I have listened to your additional requests, and I will review them carefully, particularly the security issue, which is crucial to our daily lives,” he said.

Hon. Ojuawo also used the occasion to drum up support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's re-election bid, urging the people of Ogotun to work together to ensure the governor’s continuity in office. He commended their support for the administration and pledged to remain committed to the well-being of the community.

Responding, Oba Adesanmi expressed the community’s gratitude to Hon. Ojuawo and reiterated their backing for Governor Oyebanji. “We are happy with you, Honourable, and we assure you of our full support for the governor. Please, do not forget our additional needs,” the monarch said, adding prayers for Hon. Ojuawo’s continued success.

The commissioning ceremony further cemented Hon. Ojuawo’s reputation as a development-driven representative committed to improving the lives of his constituents.

NYC Ekiti Chapter Welcomes 2025, Preaches Unity and Progress.

NYC Ekiti Chapter Welcomes 2025, Preaches Unity and Progress.

The Nigerian Youths Congress (NYC), Ekiti State chapter, has extended heartfelt New Year greetings to the people of Ekiti State, urging them to embrace the opportunities of 2025 with hope and determination.

In a statement signed by the chapter's Chairman, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses (Topmost), the NYC expressed gratitude for the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Ekiti people in the face of challenges.

"On behalf of the Nigerian Youths Congress, Ekiti State chapter, I wish to congratulate Ekiti Kete on successfully transitioning into a new year," the statement read. "We acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of every individual toward the growth and development of our beloved state. May this year bring prosperity, unity, and fulfillment to every household."

Aare Adedara, in his message, also called on youths across the state to remain committed to nation-building, emphasizing the role of young people in shaping the future of Ekiti and Nigeria at large.

"As youths, we must continue to be the beacon of hope, innovation, and positive change. Let us unite to drive progress and ensure a brighter tomorrow for all," he added.

The NYC urged residents to support the government's efforts in fostering peace and development, while also advocating for inclusive policies that prioritize the welfare of all citizens.

As Ekiti Kete looks ahead to a new year filled with possibilities, the NYC reaffirmed its commitment to championing the cause of the youth and working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

"We remain steadfast in our resolve to champion initiatives that uplift our youths and contribute to the collective progress of Ekiti Kete. Together, we can achieve greatness," Aare Adedara added.

The statement concluded with prayers for a prosperous and peaceful year for all citizens of the state.

OYEBANJI APPOINTS NIYI ADEBAYO AS CHIEF OF STAFF.

OYEBANJI APPOINTS  NIYI ADEBAYO AS CHIEF OF STAFF.

 …..reassigns Femi Ajayi, Wole Ajakaiye

….Akingbolu to head new transport agency.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanj has approved the appointment of  a member of his cabinet, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff to the Governor.

Adebayo, who is currently the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, is to assume the role of Chief of Staff with effect from January 2, 2025.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Adebayo is expected to bring in his wealth of experience in finance, management and planning to bear in the coordination of activities of the Governor’s office.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved the appointment of Hon Femi Ajayi as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

Ajayi, a one-time Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, is presently the Special Adviser to the Governor, Independent Project Monitoring Office. He takes over as Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Budget and Economic, which has now reverted to its original name, effective January 2, 2025.

The Governor has also created the Office of Special Services to be headed by Prince Wole Ajakaiye as Special Adviser. Ajakaiye is currently Director General/Special Adviser SDGs.  The Office of Special Services will be in charge of SDGs, Independent Project Monitoring and other functions as determined by the Governor.

Oyeniyi Adebayo, who hails from Usi-Ekiti, joined the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration as Special Adviser Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management in November 2022. He was later inaugurated as honourable  Commissioner in charge of the ministry in August 2023.

He holds a Bachelor of Science second class upper degree in Forest Resources Management and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from University of Ibadan. He also has an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA. He has attended several management courses at other leading business schools such as Harvard Business School, Insead School of Management and Kellogg School of Business. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

The new Chief of Staff began his career with Arthur Andersen where he provided audit and financial consultancy services to leading oil & gas and manufacturing companies. Subsequently, he worked in global financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management Group in Los Angeles, USA.

On his return to Nigeria, he joined Capital Alliance Private equity where he distinguished himself managing a portfolio that included the original Nigerian shareholders who owned 25 percent of the telecom giant MTN Nigeria. He later joined the banking industry and worked in institutions such as United Bank for Africa (UBA), and First City Monument Bank where he served as General Manager and Head of National Distribution. His last banking position was at Enterprise Bank, where he was an Executive Director up till December 2014.

Upon leaving the banking industry, Adebayo founded and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Bodani Advisory Services Limited, a financial advisory services and management consulting firm.

In a related development, Governor Oyebanji has also approved the appointment of Barrister Tajudeen Akingbolu as Director General, Ekiti State Transport Agency.

Akingbolu, a former member of the State House of Assembly, is to manage the newly floated agency effective from January 2, 2025.

Governor Oyebanji wishes all the appointees success in their respective assignments, even as he urged them to justify the confidence he reposed in them by ensuring more effective service delivery.

OYEBANJI PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT FOR REVENUE AGENCY TO BOOST IGR.

OYEBANJI PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT FOR REVENUE AGENCY TO BOOST IGR.

….lays foundation for new EKIRS Head Office.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has pledged to give more support to management and staff of Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the state and enhance greater development. 

The Governor therefore charged all the revenue-generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate with EKIRS to block all revenue leakages by putting a stop to manual collection of tax and revenue.

While commending the EKIRS for the improved revenue profile, Governor Oyebanji urged the revenue-generating agencies to support and cooperate with the tax agency charging them to do more for the state to rake in more funds into its coffers for his administration to serve the people better.

The Governor made the remarks on Monday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, while performing the turning of the sod for the construction of the Revenue House that will serve as the corporate Head Office of EKIRS.

The Governor commended the EKIRS Chairman, Mr Olaniran Olatona, and the staff of the agency for working very hard in 2024 to receive a national recognition as one of the best performing state revenue agencies in Nigeria by raising the IGR from N600 million to N1.8 billion monthly.

Apparently impressed with the figures posted by EKIRS in the outgoing year which he described as "an impressive performance," the Ekiti Governor said the welfare of the staff has been of a paramount concern to him hence nothing would be spared to improve their welfare for better service delivery.

According to him, the groundbreaking of the new EKIRS corporate headquarters was not merely symbolic but it signified a critical step in enhancing a seamless revenue generation and tax administration. The gesture, he added, was aimed at fostering economic growth and improving the lives of the citizens.

Governor Oyebanji noted that the staff members of the revenue agency have demonstrated capacity and nothing should be spared to invest in them to do more hence the express approval granted the proposal for a new office complex that would motivate them to do more.

Reiterating the readiness of his administration to block all revenue loopholes, Governor Oyebanji promised to crack down on MDAs that engage in acts that encourage fraud in tax administration through alleged underhand dealings including manual collection of revenue which end up in private pockets.

He said: "I want to commend Team EKIRS for doing us proud by posting a very impressive performance nationally this year. With what you have been able to do, you have demonstrated dedication, you have demonstrated commitment you have demonstrated capacity so, no amount is too much for us to invest in you in all fairness.

"I also commend all revenue-generating agencies for their support; I charge them to do more and I plead with them to cooperate with EKIRS so that we can block all these leakages. I am aware that some of these MDAs are still doing manual transactions because that is  window for them to continue stealing government money.

"As we move into 2025, we are going to be deliberate about this and we are going to come very hard on MDAs that deliberately sabotage our efforts to serve our people to the best of our ability. I know that EKIRS staff can do more than they are doing if they have the fullest cooperation of these MDAs.

"We will try as much as possible to support you so that you can post a better performance in 2025 and I assure you that your welfare, I repeat, your welfare will be a personal concern to me. You have done so well that people are asking what are we doing differently in Ekiti but we just have dedicated staff that have put on the caps of a  private sector player."

Earlier in his address, the EKIRS Chairman, Mr Olatona, expressed gratitude to the Governor for providing the agency with a prime piece of land which is strategically located in the heart of the state capital noting that the approval of the land was predicated on the Governor's delight with the performance of the staff.

Mr Olatona noted that the Revenue House would enable the agency to qualify for more collaborations with the Joint Tax Board and other bodies, reduce the stress for taxpayers and also provide them with seamless access to services and information. 

The Ekiti Revenue boss said the project stands as a beacon of his team's dedication to excellence, transparency and accountability revealing that all professionals involved in the construction including architects, engineers, builders and workmen are from the state whom he said are competent to do a good job.

Former EKIRS Chairman, Mr Isola Akingbade, noted that the project, when completed, would be one of the best in the country. He hailed the Governor's commitment in making life better for the entire people of the state since his assumption of office.

The Project Manager, Engr Olajide Dada, promised to deliver the job within the scope of time noting that the enough men and resources are available to ensure the construction and delivery of a quality project.

The event was attended by the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, among others.

Ekiti Governor’s Aide Honoured with Global Impact Leaders Award.

Ekiti Governor’s Aide Honoured with Global Impact Leaders Award.

The Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Youth Empowerment, Hon. Yemi Olubusoye, has received the prestigious Global Impact Leaders Award from EDUCRAFT Initiative in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development.

The award, conferred on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the Arowolo Garden Hall, Fajuyi, Ado Ekiti, highlights Olubusoye’s impactful strides in fostering entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities, and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). The organizers, in collaboration with partners in Belgium, noted that the honour was a testament to his significant role in advancing business development and human capital growth among Ekiti youth and young adults.

Speaking at the event, the leadership of the Ekiti Youth Entrepreneurs lauded Hon. Olubusoye, describing him as a shining light in the state. They commended his efforts in promoting Ekiti’s image through innovative empowerment programs and initiatives that have positively transformed lives.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Olubusoye expressed gratitude to the EDUCRAFT Global Initiative for the recognition. He dedicated the award to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whom he credited for providing the enabling platform, and to God for the grace to achieve such milestones.

“This award will inspire me to further intensify efforts in driving more empowerment initiatives within the entrepreneurship ecosystem,” Olubusoye said. “My focus remains on addressing the challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly in identifying opportunities and resources needed to start and grow their businesses. I see entrepreneurship not just as a career path but as a viable solution to unemployment.”

The award has been widely celebrated, with many describing it as a well-deserved honour for Olubusoye, who is regarded as the first Youth Empowerment specialist in Ekiti State.

#GlobalImpactAward

#Entrepreneurship

#YouthEmpowerment

#EkitiState

Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju Commissions Projects Across Ekiti State.

Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju Commissions Projects Across Ekiti State.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, a Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matter to President of Nigeria, on Monday, 30th December, commissioned a block of three classrooms at the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Satellite Campus, Otun Ekiti, in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The commissioning, which was part of his developmental strides across the state, came just hours after he inaugurated other projects in Iye Ekiti and Ayetoro Ekiti.

The Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, who graced the occasion, offered prayers for Hon. Olarewaju, describing him as a distinguished son of Otun Ekiti and a beacon of development in Mobaland.

Also present at the event was Chief Jide Awe, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Awe, a seasoned political figure in the state, declared the building officially open on behalf of the governor.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Olarewaju expressed his commitment to education and youth empowerment, emphasizing that the project was part of efforts to complement the governor’s agenda of improving infrastructure in the education sector.

The newly commissioned classrooms are expected to ease the accommodation challenges faced by students and provide a conducive learning environment at the satellite campus.

This development further highlights the collaborative efforts between the state government and federal representatives in fostering growth across Ekiti State.