Ekiti Roundtable: Stakeholders Seek Realistically Approach Towards Achieving Ekiti Knowledge Zone's Main Objectives.

Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds have called for a concerted effort and realistic approach to ensure that Ekiti Knowledge Zone achieve its main objectives. The participants at the Ekiti Future Agenda Roundtable and Awards 2024 on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital unanimously agreed that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the purpose of the Knowledge Zone is ultimately utilized.
Speaking on the theme; Ekiti Knowledge Zone: Its Mission and the Missing Point, the Ekiti Commissioner for Innovation, Technology and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, who was the Lead Discussant at the event said; "a total amount of about $18 billion has been approved to run the project and it is the project will come to reality in the next two years. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is expected to generate a revenue of 100million dollars annually. More so, the Knowledge Zone is going to be an industrial park, a cluster of innovative ideas, and new generation cum revolutionary economic start-ups that will help to transmit knowledge to money."
Speaking further, the commissioner affirmed that "With the Knowledge Zone, Ekiti will become the intellectual capital of Nigeria in truth and indeed. In a very nearest future, developers will see Ekiti State as their most resourceful destination point. More importantly, the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has put in place startups innovations, finance, academia and other significant research entities which will create economic wealth for Ekiti State. Therefore when the Knowledge Zone is in full operation, it will be a home for people with productive ideas and innovations"
In the same vein, Otunba Taiwo Ojo, an IT expert, innovator and international business man said "all hands must be on deck to ensure that the dream comes to reality. And if the idea is followed with genuineness of mind and intention, Ekiti can get more than $100billion if annually from the Zone. We should be preparing ourselves ahead for this opportunity coming. And one of the ways to prepare ahead for this opportunity is by creating more awareness especially by orientating the youth populace and encourage them towards personal development and skill acquisition."
Also speaking at the event, another discussant, Aare Temitope Amerijoye expressed his dissatisfaction with the level of poverty in the land and encouraged the government to do more in the areas of job creation for the teeming youths.
Most of the participants who contributed to the discourse were with the opinion that in the contemporary world internet is the heart of business and they unanimously advocated for reliable internet services across communities and settlements in all the 16 local government areas and 19 local council development areas of the State. They also posited that Ekiti sons and daughters home and abroad must take advantage of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and learn skills which will enable them to be functional in the society. More so, the State government needs to review and modify both primary and secondary school curriculum to encourage acquisition of relevant modern skills. As well as introduction of ICT Club in the schools to reinforce the spirit of technology innovations in the young ones.
Meanwhile, welcoming guests and participants to the event, Adesina Adetola, the Convener of Ekiti Future Agenda, the organizers of the event said; the roundtable is designed to provide a platform for Ekiti stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to rub minds and fashion out way forward for the State in all areas.
Some of the highlights of the events are investiture of 20 Ekiti leading lights and role models into Ekiti Future Agenda Hall of Fame and honoring a good number of individuals as emerging leaders and inspiring personalities in different categories.

SEUN FAKUADE, TAIWO OJO, OTHERS TO SPEAK ON EKITI KNOWLEDGE ZONE AT EKITI FUTURE AGENDA ROUNDTABLE

The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr. Seun Fakuade, Otunba Taiwo Ojo , an IT professional and entrepreneur as well as Aare Temitooe Amerijoye, a public affairs analyst and commentator are among the distinguished personalities that will speak at the Ekiti Future Agenda Roundtable and Awards 2024 slated for Thursday 29th February in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. While Fakuade will lead the discussion, the duo of Ojo and Amerijoye will join to expand the scope of the discourse titled; Let's Talk About Ekiti Knowledge Zone; Its Mission and the Missing Points'.

Speaking on the event, the Convener of Ekiti Feature Agenda; Mr Adesina Adetola, said; “Through this event, the Agenda is providing a platform for Ekiti stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to rub minds and fashion out way forward for the State in all areas. This is by giving opportunities to Ekiti people, irrespective of their political affiliations, educational backgrounds, religion sentiments and social statuses to propose possible suggestions to the government of the day for the development of the State, not leaving out space for constructive and unbiased criticism devoid of hatred and personal interest."

Other events of the day include; investiture of 20 Ekiti leading personalities and role models into Ekiti Future Agenda Hall of fame and special awards to emerging leaders and inspiring individuals. While the Governor of the State, Biodun Oyebanji will be the Special Guest of Honour, Asiwaju Oludotun Adetunberu will moderate the occasion.

The roundtable is designed to serve as a rendezvous of ideas and strategies towards development of Ekiti State in all areas.

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The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr. Seun Fakuade, Otunba Taiwo Ojo , an IT professor and entrepreneur as well as Aare Temitooe Amerijoye, a public affairs analyst and commentator are among the distinguished personalities that will speak at the Ekiti Future Agenda Roundtable and Awards 2024 slated for Thursday 29th February in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. While Fakuade will lead the discussion, the duo of Ojo and Amerijoye will join to expand the scope of the discourse titled; Let's Talk About Ekiti Knowledge Zone; Its Mission and the Missing Points'.

Speaking on the event, the Convener of Ekiti Feature Agenda; Mr Adesina Adetola, said; “Through this event, the Agenda is providing a platform for Ekiti stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to rub minds and fashion out way forward for the State in all areas. This is by giving opportunities to Ekiti people, irrespective of their political affiliations, educational backgrounds, religion sentiments and social statuses to propose possible suggestions to the government of the day for the development of the State, not leaving out space for constructive and unbiased criticism devoid of hatred and personal interest."

Other events of the day include; investiture of 20 Ekiti leading personalities and role models into Ekiti Future Agenda Hall of fame and special awards to emerging leaders and inspiring individuals. While the Governor of the State, Biodun Oyebanji will be the Special Guest of Honour, Asiwaju Oludotun Adetunberu will moderate the occasion.

The roundtable is designed to serve as a rendezvous of ideas and strategies towards development of Ekiti State in all areas.

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A front line Nigerian events and communications company, PRIMAA Productions and Promotions Limited, has announced a 3- day unlimited and exciting fun-packed "Nigeria Independence Fiesta." in celebration of the nation's 63rd independence anniversary to be held at the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja from Saturday 30th September to Monday, October 2nd 2023.

Speaking about the event tagged "Green and White Party", the organisers led by Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare of
Primaa Productions and Promotions Limited said the "event is designed for Nigerians to commemorate the 63rd anniversary and share a special day with families and friends in a very moderate but extinquiste manner."

On her part, the General Manager, Lagos Airport Hotel Mrs Folashade Awe FCA said; the "event which is also aimed at providing a platform for an exciting get-together for associates, colleagues, families and friends on the national day is going to be fun parked days of celebration at the exclusive pool side of the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The event is packaged to deliver an outdoor unforgettable and exciting social event in celebrating Nigerian uniqueness."

"The 3-day event which is to be celebrated with Nigerian
contemporary music and dance with have a good number of Nigerian outstanding music stars thrilling and entertaining their fans in spectacular ways. The artistes include Don P, Kenny J, Hismusic, Young Lop, ACENUNKY, LYRIKA, Helix, Oluwafrozy, Macqelin, Omalicha(BlazeG), Emoh Grand, MC MACAVALI and MC 525, with the reputable DJ AK is going to be the DJ for the 3 days of unlimited fun of music,dance, comedy, swimming competitions, games and many more."

Supported by Fresh FM, Goldmyne TV
Landmark Media limited and
LASAA and exclusively packaged by 3P Events and Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja it is promised to be an exciting weekend between 9am- 5:00pm Daily and evenings from 7pm till fade.

Interestingly aside the entertainment galore and side attractions, the Gate Pass also goes with specific benefits. While a child with N2,000 will have free drinks and popcorn, an adult, with N3,000 will be entitled to free drink and small chopsticks, a couple paying N5,000 gate pass will also get free drinks and chopsticks, and a family of four is N10,000 and will get free drinks and small chopsticks. Every ticket also attracts 20% Discount on Airport Hotel room. The dress code for every attendee is a touch of Green and White.

The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Alumni Association with 1993 Matric Number is set to hold their annual reunion and dinner at the Airport Hotel, Ikea Lagos this Saturday, November 26th

The dinner and reunion which is tagged "let's relax, refresh and recharge" is principally designed as an event for the alumni to once again come together, relate, reconnect as well as discuss on the ways to contribute their own quota to the development of humanity, especially their Alma Mater.

Speaking on the event, one of the organisers, Bidemi Atobatele said the event would mark another experience, where the members of the association who have left the prestigious university over two decades ago would reconnect the beautiful relationship built over the years

"it is going to be a great experience, and another nostalgic reflections of the years back as well as redesigning a more rewarding future for the association where we relate on the best ways to give back to the society and most especially our Alma Mater" he stated.

Expected at the reunion are graduates of the University who had 1993 as their admission year as indicated by their matriculation numbers and possibly graduated from the University in February 2000.

The Ikoro Students' League, the umbrella body of Ikoro-Ekiti students in the Tertiary Institutions home and abroad has felicitated with the communities under the newly created Irede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ekiti State with its headquarters at Ikoro-Ekiti.

The body in a joint statement by the the League's President, Olasunkanmi Falade, General Secretary, Tosin Olasehinde and the Public Relation Officer, Busuyi Adeosun congratulated all the communities under the new LCDA, Ikoro, Ipoti, Ejiyan Odo-Owa Ilukuno and Owa communities for a dream come true in bringing governance closer to them. According to the statement; "the new LCDA is a dream come true, Ikoro students home and abroad congratulate every community in the LCDA. This is a great opportunity to change the narrative. We must come together in unity to ensure that this LCDA becomes the pride of all in socioeconomic development and growth."

Applauding Governor Kayode Fayemi for his giant strides in good governance and ensuring the benefits of democracy are felt by all and sundry, the statement read; "the governor has laid an unprecedented legacy in public governance."

In the same vein, the students' body also congratulated the traditional ruler of Ikoro-Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Adebanji Adeleye, the Olukoro of Ikoro-Ekiti and the entire people of the town for this great development that have come their way. While appreciating the efforts of all the stakeholders who have made this a reality, the students also encouraged everyone to see the new development as an opportunity to open a new lease of life for everyone in the area.

"We must also congratulate our Kabiyesi, Olukoro of Ikoro-Ekiti, your reigns have brought good tidings to the town, we join you in this moment of happiness and joy. We also appreciate all the stakeholders who have done one thing or the other to get this done, we thank you all." The students stated.

Last week, the Ekiti State goverment created 19 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDA s). Irede LCDA with the headquarters at Ikoro-Ekiti was one of them. This was an addition to the existing 16 Local Government Areas in the state.

As a fallout of the newly created Local Government Council Area (LCDA), Irede LCDA, in Ekiti State, with the headquarters at Ikoro-Ekiti, a social club, Galaxy Club of Ikoro-Ekiti has called for cooperation and understanding of all communities in the new LCDA.

In a statement on behalf of the Club by the Galaxy Chief, Idowu Adewole, the Club sougth for an amiable relationship among the towns in the newly created LCDA to usher in, a new era of unprecedented socioeconomic development and growth.

Adewole said; "the purpose of LCDA is to bring dividends of democratic governance to the doorsteps of the people, it would therefore be a thing of joy if every community in the new LCDA see the creation as an opportunity to develop in all ramifications. We therefore call on everyone, Ikoro, Ipoti, Ejiyan, Odo-Owa, Ilukuno and Owa communities to come together and set for next level of development."

While thanking the governor of Ekiti State, Governor Kayode Fayemi for not reneging on his promise of bringing governance closer to the people, the Club also congratulate the traditional ruler of Ikoro-Ekiti, the headquarter of the new LCDA, Oba (Dr.) Adebanji Adeleye for the new development.

Adewole said "the people of the communities are very grateful to the governor. He has obviously shown that he is a man of his word. We also use this opportunity to congratulate our Kabiyesi, Oba(Dr.) Adebanji Adeleye, the Olukoro of Ikoro-Ekiti, the Ikoro Progressive Union and the entire people of Ikoro-Ekiti as well as all and sundry in the area for witnessing this remarkable moment."

It will be recalled that last week, the Ekiti State government created 19 new LCDAs as additional administrative areas to the existing 16 Local Government Areas in the State. One of the newly created LCDAs was Irede LCDA with its headquarters at Ikoro-Ekiti. It was carved out of Ijero Local Government.

Ikoro-Ekiti, the headquarters of the newly created Irede Local Council Development Area in Ekiti State has expressed its gratitude to the governor of the State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for fulfilling his promise of bringing governance closer to the people.
The community, in a statement by the President, Ikoro Progressive Union (IPU), the umbrella body of the sons and daughters of the town at home and in the Diaspora, Dr. Sehinde Benson said; "Governor Kayode Fayemi has once again demonstrated the fact that he listens to the yearnings of the people and is committed to the delivery of dividends of democracy to all."
While assuring the determination of the community to ensure the successful take off of the new LCDA, as well as the readiness of the community to facilitate its socioeconomic sustainability, development and growth, the IPU also rejoices with all the communities that make up the new Irede LCDA.
Benson said; "We want to also use this opportunity to rejoice with all the member communities; Ipoti, Ejiyan, Odo-Owa, Ilukuno and Owa communities for this great development at this particular time. Though, the headquarter is sited at Ikoro-Ekiti, the LCDA belongs to all of us. This is the time to consolidate on our efforts to ensure that the good purpose of the creation is achieved."
Emphasising the economic viability of the new LCDA, Benson said; "the area has the wherewithal to make the new LCDA economically viable, in fact, we are ready to set the pace for others in this regard. It should not be forgotten that the area's contributions to the economic development of the state has always been very significant. Since the era of the defunct western region, when cocoa was the mainstay of the economy and till today, the area has never looked back in expanding the state's IGR, through commercial agriculture, trade and commerce, not to talk of its vast human resources who are holding sway in diverse areas of the society."

It will be recalled that until the creation of the new LCDA; Ikoro-Ekiti, one of the oldest towns in Ekiti land, was a prominent town in the Ijero Local Government area of Ekiti State. Last week, the town was announced by the state government as the headquarters of Irede LCDA, one of the 19 new LCDAs created by the government to deepen democratic governance and bring it closer to the people.

A socioeconomic group, The Pacers, has lauded the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for the creation of Irede Local Council Development Area with its Headquarters in Ikoro Ekiti as one of the newly created 19 Local Council Development Areas in the state.
While appreciating the efforts of the governor in ensuring that governance is closer to the people, the group also congratulated the traditional ruler of Ikoro-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oba (Dr.) Adebanji Adeleye the Olukoro of Ikoro-Ekiti on the milestone which comes during his reigns.
The Gov'nor of the group, Pacer Alexander Oke in the group's appreciation message to governor stated that, "with the creation of LCDAs and siting of the headquarters of Irede LCDA at Ikoro-Ekiti, Governor Fayemi has taken governance to the doorsteps of the people. This is highly commendable. It shows his commitment to socioeconomic development of all and sundry in the state. Democracy is all about people, it is about development of the people and creation of these LCDAs is obviously one of the catalysts in this regard."
Congratulating Oba Adebanji Adeleye, the Olukoro-In-Council, the Ikoro Progressive Union and the entire sons and daughters of the community home and abroad, Pacer Oke said the group is delighted that this development is coming at this particular time. According to him; "the new area has all it needs to be economically viable and sustainable. It has great economic potentials as well as natural resources to develop at all fronts. In this regard, all hands must be on deck to ensure its rapid growth"
The group also expressed her support for the new area saying the people of the area as well as the state government can count on her support where necessary in ensuring that the new Irede LCDA becomes the pride of the state in terms of socioeconomic development and growth.
Speaking further, the Pacers in the statement also reached out and felicitated with other towns making up the new Irede LCDA, Pacer Oke said; "what is necessary now is the cooperation of all, with this, the new area would achieve great successes."
It should be recalled that last week, Governor Fayemi created 19 LCDAs in addition to the existing 16 Local Government Areas in the state. The new LCDAs created were; Ado Central LCDA; Ado North LCDA ; Ado West LCDA ; Ajoni LCDA ; Araromi LCDA ; Ekameta LCDA ; Ekiti South East LCDA ; Ero LCDA ; Gbonyin LCDA ; Ifedara LCDA and Ifeloju LCDA.
Others include, Ifesowopo LCDA; Igbara-Odo/Ogotun LCDA; Ikere West LCDA ; Ikole West LCDA ; Irede LCDA ; Irewolede LCDA; Isokan LCDA and Okemesi/Ido-Ile LCDA.
In a statement by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, Olawale Fapohunda, the Committee on the creation of the new LCDAs consulted extensively over a five-month period and submitted a comprehensive report that took into consideration several issues.

A Chieftain of the APC in Ekiti State, Captain Sunday Adebomi Rtd, has hailed the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi from PDP to APC.

Captain Adebomi, in a press release made available on Sunday from Ise Ekiti joined President Muhammadu Buhari in describing the defection of the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi to the All Progressive Congress(APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a welcome development. Adding that such move would boost the chances of the party in future elections.

He said: " I join President Mohammadu Buhari to welcome the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency David Umahi to our great party, APC. It is my belief that his entrance to the party will usher in progress for the party and will indeed boost the chances of the party in future elections. I see it as a welcome development and a great opportunity for the party to maintain its spread accross the country. I will also like to use this medium to advise the Ebonyi Governor to use his office to woo more members from the opposition to the APC."

The APC stalwart also reechoed his appeal to all members of the party all over Nigeria to close ranks, stop infighting and work selflessly for the progress of the party.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State SEMA Chairman according to the statement also felicitated with a former governor in the state, Ayodele Fayose on his 60th birthday.

"Though I don't share the same political ideology with the celebrant, but I share in his joy as a true Nigerian who had contributed to the growth of Ekiti. I pray to God to grant him more strength and grace to celebrate." He said:"

Olamide Ajayi is a London, United Kingdom based entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder of Olamide Ajayi Foundation, he spoke about his ideas and activities in development of youths in Ekiti State and by extension Nigeria as a whole and also his efforts in considerably taking people out of poverty.


What Is Main The Focus Of Your Foundation?

My foundation is saddled with the responsibility of helping young people leap out of poverty by way of providing both leadership developement and skills acquisition programs in Ekiti Central. My foundation has also heaily invested in youths and sports. We recently organised a football tournament for the youths in Ekiti Central where the winner received a trophy and 100,000 naira and the runner up received 50,000 naira with a trophy. We also gave cash and other items to best player, best goalkeeper, best behaved player and so on.

Our foundation is although focused essentially on the youths but we have micro initiatives for the elderly. we are planning to help many farmers with fertilisers and also provide food stuff for the less privilege seniors in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State


What Is The Inspiration Behind Your Projects?

The inspiration behind my projects is the fact that, from when I was young, I have always believed that I was born to make a difference and play a part in making my state especially my home town a place of honour and excellence . Apart from that, I was badly affected by the poor background that I came from, so, seeing people live in poverty hurts my soul, I'd rather spend all I have on people so we can all be okay than stand as the only eyed man in the community of the blind.

The Initiative At Ekiti Recently, What Is It All About? What Has It Achieved? What Are The Lessons Learnt From The Initiative? The Experience And So On


Olamide Ajayi Football Competition is one of its kind in Ekiti Central,
This competition has equipped more than 14 different teams and IKORO UNITED with set of jersey.
The winner went home with 100k with set of Jersey among numerous awards, the runner up went home with cash gift of 50,000 Naira.
Ikoro Ekiti teams has been the major beneficiary of this esteem competition because the community got 4 different sets of Jerseys. It has fostered unity among the youths in that region especially Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State
The competition has spurned Ikoro Ekiti to have a Community team called IKORO UNITED.
Olamide Ajayi Foundation also donated a set of Jersey to Ikoro United as well.

What Is The Next Line Of Actions? Those Discovered At The Football Tournaments What Are The Immediate And Future Plan For Them?

We don't really have mission to build a team or club, but this exercise has a huge potential of great clubs emerging and that can be sponsored or fostered by other philanthropists or individuals. But my real mission is to use football as a conduit for reconnect.
As I earlier mentioned that there is huge disconnect among youths, especially in Ekiti State. Meanwhile, what we see in Ekiti is a mirror of what is happening in our larger society. Not just Ekiti, so I don't want to make it as if Ekiti youths has gotten issues, but that is the group or demography I am focusing on. So the on us is on me to speak extensively on matters relating to them and using them as my reference point.
Back to what I was saying, the football competition is just to get talent, create opportunity as well as give them opportunity to be involved and catch the attention of local and international football scouts and sponsor. The competition is essentially to create a platform for the youths to exhibit their passion and develop their talents. It is to resourcefully engage the youths and encourage positive use of their talents, passion and strength while getting attention of relevant football promoters and sponsors at both national and local levels. That is why we are taking the football competition from town to town starting with Ijero Local Government and of course Ekiti Central.

Shed Light On Your Agricultural Initiatives, How Is It Set To Help The People?

I was born and raised in Ekiti. I see the huge potential that farming has for the young people and how much rejection that is based on ignorance that farming has suffered. And a kind of wrong attitude of young people towards farming. This is not encouraging. So it is not bringing the wealth in the forest into our hands. Many think that the best way to go is when you go to the university and when you finish you go to the city, obviously to pick up white collar job and really many of them end up being poor. This is because not every white collar job has the potential to make you rich. It is just to keep you average or to keep you somewhere. Except you get involved in illegitimate activities, may be embezzling company's fund and things like that. Many don't get rich just working for companies.
And if you want to stay legitimate, if you want to stay fit and proper, you want to be honest and reliable, you got to be entrepreneurial. The fact is that you don't neccessarily need to go to any workshop, training or symposium or things like that for you to know how to do farming. The good thing about most youths in Ekiti State is that most of us already have backgrounds in farming. And most of our parents, grand parents and great grand parents have some sort of lands in Ekiti that you can just leverage on. You can seek for funds and start small scale agriculture business, small scale farming and then build your life up from there. So that is one reasons I am doing this.
Second reason is just to give a lot of Nigerians, especially Ekiti in the Diaspora the opportunity to invest back home. Helping them to look for land, a good thing is that lands are relatively cheap in Ekiti State, you can buy few hectares of land and start your farming business from there.
There are lot of Ekiti indigenes in Diaspora who don't come home often or who don't have people they can trust enough to help them with their farming business, so we help them with this. Of course, farming for me as well is a way of securing my future and I am working hard in that regard. I am planting trees which don't bring profits until after 10, 14 years and more. I am planting them in thousands, so I am kind of securing a good future for me and my children. So I want young people to take a clue from that and build not just today but also build tomorrow from today.

Considering The Recent Youth Unrest In The Country, What Do You Think Make Today's Youths Seem Agitated And Restless?

The question is not about today's youths, youths have always been agitated. Youths have always been restless. It is not just youths in Nigeria only but everywhere. For example here in the United Kingdom, there is that sense and feeling of marginalisation with black minority young people, the root of this here is racism, so black people in the UK, although worse in America, they have been marginalised, they have been stereotyped, and pushed to a corner. And when you are pushed to a corner and you know you can't break through the wall and you don't want to loose your life or die, what you do is attacked back. And that is exactly what the youths in Nigeria are doing. They have been pushed to the wall, it looks as if the minute you become rich or you assume a public office and you have all the wealth at your disposal you are cut off completely from the reality, the struggles, the pains of the people around you. So these young people consistently each day of their lives live in pains, in penury and in misery. Their parents are poor, nobody in their families has any wherewithal and they are not too sure of what the future holds for them. And to know that you completely live in the midst of wealth and in the midst of abundance and complain of lack everyday is one of the most torturous experience. Like when you know that it is the same equal right you have to wealth of the nation, it is the same right I have to that wealth, but by dint of office you occupied, you sidelined me and you gave yourself permission and access to that wealth, and you take everything from all of us and you use what you have taken for yourself and your families is annoying, so people would want to fight back in a situation such like that.
I know that the recent protest in Nigeria is focussed on #EndSARS, but that is not just the issue. This is because SARS is just an entity a body that stepped out of a corrupt system and any other body that step out of that system will equally be corrupt. It is like a trunk of a tree that is corrupt will always produce branches that are corrupt and fruits coming out of that tree or the branches will equally be corrupt. So young people have seen the composition if the trunk and the corruption of the tree, so the Nigeria keeps producing bad elements, bad fruits and I saw the young people have come to a place that they feel fighting back is one of the ways to get their freedom.
So they are not fighting the goverment, No! They are fighting the system, they want a change, they want reformation. Until the goverment sees the need to attend to young people, there would never be total transformation in Nigeria. Take it or leave it, any government that is going to thrive and have economic power that is reasonable must leverage or trade in the skill, the brilliance and the technical know-how of the young people. If you don't leverage on that, if you don't take the advantage of that, there is nothing you do that is going to make sense. They have gotten the technology, they can use the the technology to bring transformation at any level. So young people should be encouraged. The goverment should have huge budget for young people, they should cater for the young graduates, their allowances should continue after they completed their NYSC until they are able to find job. That is what they do in the United Kingdom. The problem of unemployment has actually thrown the young people into unscrupulous activities that are really mind blowing, annoying and disheartening. You see young people who killed girls for money rituals, they call them Yahoo Yahoo. Many of these young people don't even want to get involved in these things, but there is no other options, it has become a do or die affairs. And life shouldn't be like that.

What Advise Would You Have For Government In Taking Care Of The Youths And In What Areas Do You Think Government Can Adequately Empower The Youths?

I earlier mentioned the budget for young people. Nelson Mandela said "the issue and the challenges of Africa can only be solved by Africans". The issues and the challenges of young people in Nigeria can only be solved by young people themselves. If you want to have a Minister for youths and this Minister is already in his or her 60s, he or she is already completely cut off from the realities of the young people. But if you want to have the Minister for Youth and Sports or Commissioner for Youth and Sports get a 40+, 30+ or a 20+ years old person who can engage with a good track record. Not just someone who is just hungry to get the position and take all the public funds into his or her private account. Get someone who is tested, proven and who is fit and proper. These are very important. And goverment should be about the economy. The economic power has to come to a new level. The goverment has to be more intelligent, exposed and they should care more about the people more than the infrastructure. Though infrastructure is good because is going to aid development, but the care should be more about the people and they will build the infrastructure. But if you don't build the people, the infrastructure you built is going to be ruined by the people you are not built.
We see what happened in Lagos and some other states of Nigeria, those hoodlums were not built and now they are destroying things that they were built. Therefore let's have a way which the goverment can build the youth.
I am offering myself in Ekiti State doing my solo works, organising football competition, going from one secondary to another impacting young people. And I am trying to organize quiz competition in the secondary school with great prizes to be won. I also have other programs. Such programs that can positively and resourcefully engage the young people as well as programs that can deepen our democracy, where the young people will be mentored and provided platform to understudy the democratic institutions in the state and federal levels. All these are in the offing. I believe as we introduce the young people into these, we are actually creating a better tomorrow.

Nigeria marked 20th year of returning to democratic rule in May last year. No doubt, since the landmark return, as it is said in local parlance, many river have gone under the bridge. It has indeed been a complicated experience. The polity has gone through different stages of political reengineering and electoral reforms. In the same token, the political system has experienced various doses of constitutional crises, institutional malfunctioning and organisational challenges. It is a fact that in the space of these twenty years, Nigeria had very phenomenal political governance with epic events and epoch making scenarios. More importantly, the democratic experience has significantly brought to the fore, the need for all hands to be on deck in establishment and sustenance of pristine democratic values and ideals that would take the country to the next level of development and growth.
In this assignment, the role of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) becomes very sacrosanct. Globally, the place of the judiciary in democratic governance can never be overemphasized. It forms one of the formidable pillars of democracy, where it is widely acknowledged as the last resort of a common man. While it is a fact that the Bar occupies a premium place in the judiciary, it also forms the backbone of the legal system.
Apparently, at present, Nigeria's democracy in the eye of the public is in a critical state. The political cum electoral system is in a serious state of help which has perpetually made the judiciary an integral part of the political system, recurrently giving electoral verdicts and ultimately determining the fate of the ballot. Without mincing words, the situation in a couple of times had inadvertently robbed the legal institution the integrity and the confidence the general public repose in it. The bottom line is that in time like this, the polity needs a formidable structure that would deepen the nation's jurisprudence.
From the time immemorial, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is popular for its traditional role of defending the rule of law, human rights and judicial independence. More relevantly, the NBA has continually played significant roles in maintaining the sanctity of the Nigerian judiciary system. Even in the years of military dictatorship, NBA was at the forefront of the struggle, not to just ensure that the military returned to the barracks, but also championing the course of public governance rooted in democratic ideals and principles.
Meanwhile, more significantly, the role of the NBA over the years had in some ways determined by the quality of its leadership. It is therefore of national importance and professionally necessary for the revered body in its forthcoming national election to do the nation and the polity a great favour by putting on the field its first eleven; the best of the bests in its erudite fold. The Association and its learned members should look beyond the euphoria of the electoral period, but ponder on the future of the legal system of the Africa's largest democracy. They should see the need to re-establish and sustain public confidence in the judicial system; they should see the reason to pursue institutional professionalism and restore integrity of the legal system as well as see the necessity in nurturing Nigeria's democracy on ideals and principles rooted in the rule of law.
In this regard, the formidable body should kindly permit me though, ‘unlearned’ but as an ordinary citizen to join thousands of the learned fellows to push for a candidate in Dele Adesina, SAN. A thoroughbred legal icon, a Bar man par excellence who has spent over 37 years of his life, actively at the Bar and also in private legal practice. His pedigree indeed speaks volume.
Dele Adesina SAN, whose evergreen professional Mission Statement is “to harness our potentials to promote Justice and Rule of Law through a demonstrated degree of professionalism and proven integrity”, has on many occasions successfully occupied different positions of authority and service in and outside of the legal profession. He, among other positions, was the Publicity Secretary, the Secretary, and Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch at various periods. Particularly, in 2002, he was elected the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association. The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association at the time during which he occupied the power house of the Association in the capacity of the Associations General Secretary is reputed for creative promotion of the welfare of Lawyers, uncompromising defence of Rule of Law, protection of the independence of the judiciary and the promotion of sustainable democracy.
Therefore, in a plural and deeply divided society like ours, in a time like this, the body needs a unifying leader in person of Dele Adesina SAN to lead a highly significant professional association like NBA to push a campaign for reform of Nigerian judiciary, defend the judicial independence and uphold professionalism in the legal system. As a matter of fact, in a society where politics is gravely coloured by ethnicity and beclouded by religion, the body in time like this needs a liberal and detribalized leader in Dele Adesina SAN, who as an employer of labour indiscriminately employs people across religion divides and beyond tribal boundaries. He is a legal luminary who is committed to a resourceful judiciary cum legal system that would enhance the country's quest towards a virile nationhood and a pan-Nigerian democratic development.
More importantly, in a time like this of our nationhood, the Bar needs Dele Adesina SAN, who has over the years been consistent and committed to the rule of law, and evidently has the capacity, experience and character to restore the respect of the Bar, to promote the sustenance of the integrity of the legal system and by extension to aid the development of a democratic governance rooted in constitutionalism and rule of law.

*Adetola is a public affairs analyst and Public Relations strategist

Political governance, today, means different thing to different people. To many, it is an opportunity to amass wealth, enlarge material coast or claim an unimaginable portion of the communal wealth. While many see it as a channel to settle political score, climb a pedestal to oppress rivals or boost personal ego; on the other hand, to some, it comes as an avenue to inject development ethics into the society, encourage values that will permanently makes the world a better place and also promote ideas that are beyond parochial interest and personal reward.
It is a fact that in a complex society like ours, having diverse characters in governance is not unexpected and using political office to achieve an array of mundane interests has become a notable part of the system. Public office holders, their aides, associates and more relevantly spouses are made of different characters, depending on whom fate has launched at a particular time on the people. Though, it could not be outrightly disputed that the nature of the society in most cases produces the kind of leadership it gets, but in some cases, it could never be wished away that leaders could emerge in isolation of what the society dictates. In the Nigerian context, leaders have emerged in different forms and the characters of the leaders have gone a long way in determining what befalls the society while they hold sway in public offices.
In Ekiti State, a leader has emerged at this particular time to bring to the fore, that a land of honour and fountain of knowledge as the state bears, needs nothing short of characters that would continually promote the values that have distinguished the state. Meanwhile, as this particular character emerges, he doesn't come like a lone ranger, he is well accompanied by a character of equal pristine value and stupendous quality. Governor Kayode Fayemi's character has been recurrently acknowledged far and wide. He belongs to a political class of his own; intelligent, outstanding and unpretentious. His wife, though, not really surprising, also belongs to this class.
Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the wife of the governor of Ekiti State has continually shown that, Nigeria has never lost the hope of having quality character in public governance and political admnistration. Ever since her husband has been re-elected as the governor of the southwest state, she has never looked back in ensuring that the people feel the presence of a couple that has devoted most parts of their lives, not just in empowering dreams, but also in contributing to the advancement of a just world, a society where everyone has equal right to life and more importantly in promoting good governance and democratic ideals.
Erelu Bisi Fayemi, as an internationally renowned feminist activist, as well as gender and development specialist, has continually made her worth to be felt as the first lady of Ekiti State where she has been actively involved in a range of policy advocacy, grassroots empowerment and social inclusion programs. This is not just in leading campaigns to enact and institutionalize laws that see to social development, welfare of the people as well as equity and just society, but also in making a lot of interventions in lifting the lives of the citizens beyond pedestrian level in diverse areas. Both in the first coming of her husband, Dr. Kayode Fayemi as Governor of the state, (2010-2014) and in this current administration, Erelu Fayemi, as a global brand and world-class individual, has been rendering resourceful support to her husband, complementing his efforts in ensuring that Ekiti is taken to the height it rightly belongs in the comity of nations.
Born on June 11, 1963, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has a BA (1984) and MA (1988) in History from the University of Ife, Nigeria (now Obafemi Awolowo University). She also received an MA in Gender and Society (1992) from Middlesex University, UK.
She served as the Director of Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), an international development organisation for African women based in London, UK, with an Africa regional office in Kampala, Uganda, from 1991-2001. While she was the Director of AMwA, she established the African Women's Leadership Institute (AWLI), a training and networking forum for young African women. The leadership institute she developed has become such a powerful legacy that today, the AWLI has trained over 6,000 women across Africa, and most of these women are now in senior decision-making positions as Vice-President, Ministers, Members of Parliaments, academics, civil society leaders and employees of international organisations.
She co-founded the African Women's Development Fund, (AWDF) - the first Africa-wide grant-making foundation for women based in Ghana, and served as the first Executive Director from 2001-2010. She currently runs an online community called Abovewhispers.com as well as the Above Whispers Foundation. She was until recently, a UN Women Nigeria Senior Advisor, and is currently a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Africa Leadership Center, King’s College, London.
A social entrepreneur, policy advocate, and writer of repute, who has written hundreds of articles and essays on feminism, social justice, relationship, inter-generational issues, religion, culture, as well as governance, politics among others, Erelu Fayemi is the author of ‘Speaking for Myself’: Perspectives on Social, Political and Feminist Activism in Africa (2013), ‘Speaking above a Whisper’, (2013) an autobiography and ‘Loud Whispers’ (2017). She also co-edited ‘Voice, Power and Soul’, with Jessica Horn (2008) a compilation of images and stories of African Feminists.

Experts in the Real Estate industry in Nigeria have projected that the sector would speedily pick up immediately after this novel pandemic is over. The Real Estate gurus made the assertion recently at a Webinar organized by Boing Luxury Estates.The Webinar, which paraded the top echelon of the Real Estate sector was held last weekend.

Speakers at the well -  attended virtual gathering included Esv (Sir) Rowland Enyinna Abonta, Fnivs, Mrics, Rsv, who is the President and Chairman of National Council of Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers; Rev (Surv.) Ugochukwu Chime, immediate past President, Nigerian Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria and Chairman, Copen Group.

Others are: Ory Martins, Principal Partner, Nigeria Real Estate Partners (NREP) and the CEO of Boing Luxury Estates Limited, a property development company; Temi Alade-Mustapha,Fellow, Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria; lead Consultant, Money Mathematician, and Investors Network and Arch. Patrick Elikwu, FNIA, is the Past National Public Relations Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Architects. He is also Principal Partner, Pelicon Associates.

In his presentation, Sir Abonta stated that Real Estate sector is the only sector that guarantees safety of investment in whatever capacity the investment is made, as it assures the investor of the appreciation in the value of his property within a short period of time. And most importantly, this is the sector that create employment opportunities. According to him, as the world recovers from this pandemic, the Real Estate sector around the world would be in the forefront in the economic recovery process.

“Recently, in the US, the National Association of Home Builders of America stated that the Real Estate sector would provide the most gainful employment for the people. This is because the demand for more conducive accommodation is on the increase. Also, we have many people working in the sector – there are marketers, developers, architects, etc. There are also huge demand for the low and medium income housing as it has been predicted that there are more babies on the way because of the lockdown.” He stated.

Other opportunities in the Real Estate sector are Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country when roads and other critical infrastructure are being constructed.

Immediate past President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, (REDAN) and Chairman Copen Group, Rev Ugochukwu Chime, in his projections also maintained that there would be more demand for secured houses. According to him, people are now conscious of where they live, taking into consideration the location, security and the community. The recent lockdown made people to know their neighbors

“People are now selling their houses and moving into gated Estates/ communities. People also desire bigger homes in terms of capacity and functionality. Therefore, there will also be greater demand in the Real Estate industry” he said.

Speaking on his post Covid – 19 projections, CEO, Boing Luxury Estate, Mr. Ory Martins stated that Nigeria will not be an exception in the scheme of things as the pandemic has altered our way of lives in so many ways. Government, he said needs to look inwards and reinvent the wheel and start producing those things that we have not been producing within the country.

“Less and less people will look into China now. We have to package our building materials facilities, our agricultural produce and make it attractive to our citizens first and possibly, we can begin to export them” he maintained.

For Mrs. Temi Alade –Mustapha, she strongly advised individuals and corporate organizations to have financial goals which they should strive to work towards. And also, people should focus on the way forward by investing in themselves, set goals generally, invest in viable businesses and more importantly, invest in Real Estate as it is the only guaranteed investment of all times.

The Webinar is the second in the series where industry experts come together to cross fertilize ideas on how to make the Real Estate industry in Nigeria better than what it is and to make people see the inherent opportunities in the sector.

Ekiti State sons and daughters both at home and in the Diaspora had been urged to emulate the kind gesture and benevolence of the Pacers in this critical period of Coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking in Ikoro-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, where an Ekiti based socioeconomic group, the Pacers was distributing cash gifts among other palliatives to the residents of the community, the paramount traditional ruler of the community, Olukoro of Ikoro-Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Adebanji Adeleye said, "this is a kind gesture from the Pacers and I am very proud of them, I will also like to encourage good number of indigenes of this town and of Ekiti State as a whole to emulate this noble act. Though we are having some of them around at this period, but the more the merrier, I pray God will continue to be with us all."
While giving out the materials which included N2,500 cash to over 100 people and hundreds of face masks and bottles of hand sanitizer to hundreds of residents, the group Gov'nor, Alexander Oke who was represented by the Information Officer of the group, Odunayo Yussuf said, the Pacers is committed to enliven the spirit of the people especially at this critical period. According to him, "what we are doing is essentially to enliven the spirit of the people. It is a fact that the challenges people are facing at this particular time are enormous, the economic activities is at it's lowest, so we decide that out of our little resources we should help our people."
Also commending the effort of the group, the residents of the community in their tens said with this kind of gesture, the adverse effects occasioned by the pandemic will be greatly alleviated.

In its effort to alleviate the challenges that the people are facing at this critical period of Coronavirus pandemic, an Ekiti based socioeconomic group, the Pacers, had taken it upon itself to assist the people with some palliative materials. This was in distribution of cash and gift items to over one hundred people in Ikoro-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Speaking on the purpose of the gesture, the Gov'nor of the organisation, Alexander Oke said one of the main focus of the group is to aid the socioeconomic development of the people and this is what they have been doing for over 18 years of its establishment.

According to him, "as a group which has over the years been committed to the betterment of the people, we feel the pains they are experiencing at this particular period, and there is nothing we could do other than giving out to them, out of the little resources that God has benevolently put in our custody. Some of our people are peasant farmers, small business owners and low income earners who are highly affected by the low level or non existent of economic activities as the result of the restriction in movement to curtain the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic, so we believe we should do whatever we can do now, to assist the people, no matter how small."
Meanwhile, in appreciating the efforts of the Pacers, the paramount traditional ruler of the community, Olukoro of Ikoro-Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Adebanji Adeleye said the group has proved once again that they are very passionate about the wellbeing of the people. He stated, "this is a commendable effort by the Pacers, though, am not surprised because it has been their trademark, only thing I can say is that God should continue to uphold and strengthen them.'
The Pacers which has "laying the legacy" as its watchword is made up of about 16 professionals from diverse walks of life; the group was in Ikoro-Ekiti where they gave out N2,500 cash to over 100 people and made provisions of hundreds of face masks and bottles of hand sanitizer to hundreds of residents.

As part of its resolve to cushion the biting effects of the Corona Virus Pandemic, Nigeria’s foremost Real Estate Development Company, Boing Luxury Estates last week presented some food stuffs and other materials to 6 communities and some families in Port Harcourt and farmers and other indigent stakeholders at Apo and Garki, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
In Port Harcourt, items which includes bags of rice, bags of Semolina, pack of noodles, packs of seasoning cubes and salt were presented to the Omagwa community; with other sub-communities of Omuwena, Omuchukwuogo, Omadowana, Agwanawa community. Also gift items were presented to the Omuchiorlu and Omuokiri communities, Aluu town in Ikwerre Local Government area of Rivers State.
While stating the reasons behind this kind gesture, the CEO, Boing Luxury Estate, Mr. Ory Martins stated that the company as a responsible corporate entity feels concerned about the plight of the people at this period of the nationwide lockdown. “we know that the people cannot move around freely because of this pandemic, therefore, we took it upon ourselves to assist the people of these communities in any little way we could by providing the palliatives items to complement what the government is given out” he maintained.
The beneficiaries of this initiative could not hide their joy as they expressed their gratitude to the company in an emotionally laden tone. His Royal Majesty, Eze Sylvanus Okpara, The Royal Highness and Nyewelli of Aluu Kingdom,Rivers State, stated thus “on behalf of myself and my community, I want to thank Boing Luxury Estates for this wonderful provision for my community. You people have done what Federal Government of Nigeria has not been able to do. The items provided went round the widows, aged women and all the family of the community. I appreciate you people. God will bless you” he enthused.

The ESU of Apo District, Chief John Jika Inji the Dakachi of Apo, who also received the items, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude of the Chief to the company for this life –saving gesture. “Since this pandemic has started, means of moving about looking for food have been difficult. So, for any company to take it upon itself to give out freely at this time, is commendable”.
So far, over five hundred families and households in Rivers State and Abuja have benefited from this kind gestures by Boing Luxury Estates.
At the beginning of the lockdown, Boing had sensitized its stakeholders on the need to stay safe and adopt some protective measures, use of hand sanitizers, wear facial masks, maintain social distancing and stay productive. The company has also procured cartons of face mask ready to be distributed to clients, host communities, staff and all stakeholders in and around her area of her operations.

The University town of Choba-Aluu, Port –Harcourt, Rivers State, was agog last weekend as Nigeria’s foremost Real Estate development company, Boing Luxury Estates Limited had the Ground-Breaking Ceremony of its landmark project called Boing Luxury Apartments located within the company’s Lakeview Estate just behind UNIPORT/UPTH.

The special guest of honor, Honorable Prince Solomon Eke, who is also the chairman of Obiakpor Local Government; in his speech at the occasion, stated that projects that aim to alleviate the pains of humanity is a welcome development in Rivers State. He went on to talk about the efforts of his government to eliminate the incidence of land grabbing and resolution of disputes to encourage development, he congratulated the company on the project and assured the management of his continuous support.

CEO, Boing Luxury Estates Limited, Mr. Ory- Martins who welcomed the gathering, also used the opportunity to explain the rationale behind the project. He stated that the need to meet the housing needs of the teeming population of resident doctors, lecturers, and high-net worth individuals who have to commute long distances daily due to absence of suitable accommodation within the area gave birth to the idea.

The occasion, which was graced by dignitaries such as government officials, members of the academia, traditional rulers, the press and elites in the society was colored with several forms of entertainment, and the special guest of honor, Prince Solomon Eke accompanied by the CEO Boing Luxury Estates Limited, led the attendees on a tour of the project after cutting the ceremonial tape.

Already, so many subscribers and other investors have bought into the project. There are few units left in the apartment as almost all the units are sold out.

The CEO of Boing Luxury Estates Ltd, Mr. Ory Martins along with two other Nigerians were awarded honorary membership of the Japan Property Management Association (JPMA) in faraway Japan recently. The two other honorees are: Paschal Dike, past JCI World President and CEO of DEGA Multi Concept Ltd and Arc. Tonye Braide, past President, Nigeria Institute of Architect. The organization controls over 60% of rental properties in Japan.

Ory Martins, a Real Estate strategist and advisor as well as the two professionals were invited to Japan by JPMA as special guests to understudy the Real Estate sector in Japan. The Japan Property Management Association, has more than 900 companies registered with it and has about 6.5million property under her control.
According to Mr. Ory Martins, “the delegation paid a working visit to the Amix Co. Ltd. The company President and CEO, Mr Suenaga Teruo and the company Cambodian CEO, Mr.  Takasu were on hand to receive us. The company is one of the largest Real Estate development and management company in Japan with over 10,000 properties under her coverage. The company has properties in more than six countries of the world and Nigeria as a large Africa market is about to be added to the list as a result of the collaboration with Boing Luxury Estates Ltd”. He stated.

The delegation also visited Art Avenue Company Ltd, a leading Property Agency firm in Japan with over a thousand staff working 24hrs to provide services to residents and house owners across Japan. Areas of collaboration was also discussed during the visit. Mr Ryo Harada was on hand to attend to the team.

At Seek Edge company, a financial and consulting company, the team was received in the prestigious office by the company CEO, Mr. Takeo Segawa where they were taken through the ease of doing business in Japan and the collaborative efforts of Japanese business community with the outside world.

The delegate also had an audience with Mr. Tosh Komamura, President of Komamura Corporation. He impressed the team with his scientific findings and discoveries over the years and how his products are being used in the highest places in the world.

Hundreds of home buyers in Abuja have indicated interest and have bought into the company’s luxury estates in Abuja in the on-going Black Friday Blast where up to 70% discount has been generously approved for BMC Estate, Ushaffa and Spring Resorts Estate, Kuje. The Asokoro Rock Villa and Apo Rock Villa Estates would enjoy 50% discount. These special discounts would take effect on the 7th of December between the hours of 7am to 2pm.

Speaking on these mouth-watering offers, Nigeria’s foremost Real Estate advisor, who is also the company’s CEO, Mr. Ory Martins stated that “this is the company’s way of appreciating our loyal clients and also encourage as many people as possible to have a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory without breaking a bank”, he said.

In the same vein, Mr. Ory Martins has admonished Nigerians to invest wisely in their future today, as time, they say waits for no man. He gave the advice recently at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital where he was the lead speaker at the 2019 Reunion of the Class of 2001 Accountancy department, The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Ory Martins who is also the President, Nigeria Real Estate Partners (NREP); spoke on the theme: “Investing Today for a Better Tomorrow”. During his presentation, he delved into four major areas where people need to consider very seriously when thinking about investment. These according to him, include: Business, Property, Stocks and Children.

“Life generally, is not able being trendy or being successful in business or not, it’s about being financially intelligent. Some of us are in our mid 40’s on the average, so, what we do today would determine whether we would be comfortable at our retirement or not. We have to be ready to make the necessary sacrifice to ensure a better tomorrow for ourselves, our children and our loved ones. To achieve this, we have to jettison being trendy or buying things on impulse” he stated.

As a Real Estate expert, he emphasized the need for Nigerians to invest in real estate because it is an investment that can stand the test of time. He went on to defineReal Estate as “property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals, or water; immovable property of this nature”.

Furthermore, he enunciated some advantages in Real Estate investment compared to other forms of investment. This include but not limited to: 1. You can recover from mistakes in Real Estate but with others you may not. 2. You can work with other people’s money (Leverage). 3. It iseasier to multiply your investment. 4. Value can increase with minimal investment; repairs, infrastructure, repaint etc.

Other advantages include: 5. Unlike other types of investment, you don’t monitor Real Estate every minute. 6. It requires less intellectual input. Just a handful of information is enough. And lastly, it is considered one of the most secured investment you could ever make, that is why banks will take property as equity when you want to borrow from them.

One of Nigeria’s foremost Real Estate strategists, Mr. Ory Martins has admonished Nigerians to invest wisely in their future today, as time, they say waits for no man. He gave the advice last weekend at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital where he was the lead speaker at the 2019 Reunion of the Class of 2001 Accountancy department, The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Ory Martins who is the CEO, Boing Luxury Estates Limited and also the President, Nigeria Real Estate Partners (NREP); spoke on the theme: “Investing Today for a Better Tomorrow”. During his presentation, he delved into four major areas where people need to consider very seriously when thinking about investment. These according to him, include: Business, Property, Stocks and Children.

“Life generally, is not able being trendy or being successful in business or not, it’s about being financially intelligent. Some of us are in our mid 40’s on the average, so, what we do today would determine whether we would be comfortable at our retirement or not. We have to be ready to make the necessary sacrifice to ensure a better tomorrow for ourselves, our children and our loved ones. To achieve this, we have to jettison being trendy or buying things on impulse” he stated.

As a Real Estate expert, he emphasized the need for Nigerians to invest in real estate because it is an investment that can stand the test of time. He went on to define Real Estate as “property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals, or water; immovable property of this nature”.

Furthermore, he enunciated some advantages in Real Estate investment compared to other forms of investment. This include but not limited to: 1. You can recover from mistakes in Real Estate but with others you may not. 2. You can work with other people’s money (Leverage). 3. It is easier to multiply your investment. 4. Value can increase with minimal investment; repairs, infrastructure, repaint etc.

Other advantages include: 5. Unlike other types of investment, you don’t monitor Real Estate every minute. 6. It requires less intellectual input. Just a handful of information is enough. And lastly, it is considered one of the most secured investment you could ever make, that is why banks will take property as equity when you want to borrow from them.

Taking into cognizance, the fact that not everyone has the means to go into full time Real Estate investment, he encouraged those at the gathering and interested members of the public to join Nigeria Real Estate Partners (NREP) where they could work with established Real Estate Companies and earn mouth –watering commissions and incentives; thereby begin their Real Estate investment journey.

Apart from the Real Estate advisor, other speakers at the event were Hon. Saheed Akinade – Fijabi who spoke on his “Experience as a two-term House of Representative member and why more youths need to get involved in Politics” and Dr. Adewale Oladimeji who gave a lecture on “The Efficacy of Traditional Medicine as an Alternative”.

The Reunion 2019 provided an avenue for members to network, relax and unwind and also to discuss ways of contributing their quotas to the development of their alma mater. The climax of the event was a visit to Olumo Rock by those who attended the fun-filled reunion.

A book centered on restoration of core values of Ekiti people, titled Ekiti State: Beyond Politics and Propaganda, restoration of Ekiti Core Values for Genuine Development and Socioeconomic Transformation of the State-a collection of articles thoughts and ideas, is set for public presentation on Saturday, November 23. in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
According to the editor of the book, a prolific writer, author and socioeconomic development strategist, Adesina Adetola, the book, second in the series, is a community development effort and an intellectual assignment that is very unique in its own right. Not Just because of its significance in the face of the societal decadence that dominates this contemporary age, but also its importance in redirecting the path of the people and repositioning the society for a greater future.
The book, a collection of ideas and thoughts of
 selected distinguished and eminent individuals from the state which cut across diverse walks of life, such as academics and university dons, research scholar, a former deputy governor and frontline educationist, international diplomat and an Officer of Order of the Niger, accomplished entrepreneurs, legal luminary, politicians of repute, corporate technocrats, seasoned banker, community development strategists and organisers, award winning journalist, prolific writers and versatile authors, as well as exemplary student and youth leaders, is a cohesive submission that have gone a long way to appraise the current situation, establish the dearth of the core values that were once dear to the people and consequently suggest formidable ways that the core values can be restored to guarantee genuine development and socio-economic transformation of the state
Expected at the presentation which will be chaired by the chairperson, National Board for Technical Education and a former Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Modupe Adelabu, are top government functionaries, private individuals, stakeholders and opinion leaders from the state which include the governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his wife Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

In a bid to give a quality and productive service to his people, a successful agro-entrepreneur, industrialist and chartered accountant, Taiwo Akanbi has declared his intention to vie for the chairmanship position of Ijero Local Government in
 the forthcoming Local Government election in Ekiti. Set to change the narrative in political governance and public admnisration, Akanbi has said his mission in politics is to make a difference, by ensuring that the main dividends of democracy get to the grassroots.
According to him "having the right people in politics is the only way we can move forward as a people. We need to change the narrative by bringing in people who have made good impact in both corporate and private lives into political governance.

Speaking further, Akanbi, who is also a successful arable farmer said he would bring his experience to the fore in the sector and the youth population will be encouraged to tap into the numerous opportunities in agriculture.

He said; &quot;It is high time we made sure that our people feel impact of democracy by ensuring the people at the grassroots enjoy good governance. Agriculture is the main job of our people and through agriculture, a lot can be done to raise the living standard of the people. Therefore to ensure the genuine dividends of democracy get to all and sundry,  agriculture sector shall witness a big revolution under my watch as the Chairman. Agriculture shall be made attractive once again in its practice and more people would be encouraged to go back to the farm through sustainable and effective agricultural programs.&quot;<br>

In the same vein, Akanbi is also willing to bring his knowledge and experience in  community development and youth mentorship to play in the area of social investment. Aside agriculture, one of his main cardinal goals is to ensure a good number of youths in the local government area have access to quality skill acquisition and training. This he promised to be resourcefully done in partnership with the Nigerian Directorate of Employment (NDE). <br>
&quot;This shall be made resourceful and sustainable, where there shall be necessary certification given accordingly to the participants and considerable take-off grants shall be provided for them.&quot; He stated.

Moreover in ensuring a seamless relationship with the state government to take the people to the next level of socioeconomic development, Akanbi also declared that his admnisration shall strictly align with the  four Point Agenda of the Governor Kayode Fayemi led administration aimed at transforming the State and implement projects that can impart positively on the lives of the people of Ijero Local Government.

Taiwo Akanbi, a native of Ikoro-Ekiti  is an accomplished taxation, management and financial consultant with over 28 years professional experience in the financial industry.  He is a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

The Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA has released its Official Selection for the 2019. The festival received 461 entries from 71 countries. However, 34 entries have been selected for screening at the festival.
According to the Festival Director, Muyiwa Kayode, “LIFANIMA provides a forum for projecting the incredible possibilities and potential of animation to transform the movie industry across Africa”
“LIFANIMA will also provide a platform for animators to interact with other stakeholders for optimum value creation and rapid growth of the animation industry”.
LIFANIMA ‘s objectives are; to promote the rapid development of the animation industry in Nigeria and across Africa; to improve the movie industry through increased inclusion of animation content; to provide a platform for the promotion of local animators and development of the quality of animation and to expose animators to the latest technologies in animation hardware and software.
The festival will feature Screening of Selected Works, Award Presentation, Networking and Entertainment.
The Keynote Speaker at the festival’s animation seminar is Femi Odugbemi, FTA, award winning documentary film maker and Director of the Multichoice Talent Factory. Guest Speaker is UcheNwuka, Group Head, Creative Industry Group, Bank of Industry.
The event will attract local and foreign animators, film makers, Investors, Financial Institutions, Advertising agencies, Musical Video Producers, Media Practitioners, Digital Marketing professionals, Government agencies, Information Technology companies/manufacturers and the general public.
LIFANIMA 2019 holds at Freedom Park, Lagos on Thursday June 6.

LIFANIMA 2019 OFFICIAL SELECTION
3D ANIMATION
TITLE PRODUCER
HADIDANCE CHRIS BONANI – South Africa
UNDONE CHRIS BONANI – South Africa
MOTHETSI CHRIS BONANI – South Africa
POWER UP ESTHER KEMI - Nigeria
BA ROFIA BLACKICE STUDIOS/TUNDE OLUWA - Nigeria
STAY WOKE OMOYEFE MAJOROH - Nigeria
BAE N BOO VALENTINE GBEGE OMOYEFE MAJOROH - Nigeria
THE EX NIMATOR - Nigeria
MR JOHN 32AD - Nigeria
NEW AFRICA LA DEMO WITI ANIMATION/YVAN DASSIE - Cameroon
A KALABANDA ATE MY HOMEWORK CREATURES ANIMATION - Uganda
ISOLATED BRIAN TARUS - Kenya

2D ANIMATION
TITLE PRODUCER
BROS JAMIU OLUMIDE OJIKUTU - Nigeria
36,000 FEET KAMSO OGBOLU - Nigeria
BLACK PANTHER CONCEPT HARRY DUNKWU - Nigeria
DOWNTOWN LAGOS JOHNSON MBUOTIDEM - Nigeria
DEAR DIARY MAGIC CARPET - Nigeria
STOOPID ALAGOA MAKENI - Nigeria
BAD DAY ALAGOA MAKENI - Nigeria
THE GREEDY TORTOISE JIMOH SHAMSIDEEN - Nigeria
SPIDERMAN IN NIGERIA SEGUN SHOKUNBI - Nigeria
UYO SEGUN SHOKUNBI - Nigeria

ANIMATION COMMERCIAL
TITLE PRODUCER
EFFINA KAMSO OGBOLU - Nigeria
TECNO CANON LIQUID CINEMA - Nigeria
FIDELITY RICHARD OBOH/ORANGE VFX - Nigeria
DSTV STEP UP RICHARD OBOH/ORANGE VFX - Nigeria
DIAMOND XTRA RICHARD OBOH/ORANGE VFX - Nigeria
DIAMOND MOBILE RICHARD OBOH/ORANGE VFX - Nigeria
TOTAL LUBRICANT OLUMIDE ADEOSUN - Nigeria
MTB OLUMIDE ADEOSUN - Nigeria

VISUAL EFFECTS
TITLE PRODUCER
GOH. TA. WOH. TA KAMSO OGBOLU - Nigeria
UNDONE CHRIS BONANI – South Africa
EXISTENCE IAN FOX - USA
ARTVIDEO HAMID HAGHJOO - IRAN

The Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA has released its Official Selection for the 2019. The festival received 461 entries from 71 countries. However, 34 entries have been selected for screening at the festival.
According to the Festival Director, Muyiwa Kayode, “LIFANIMA provides a forum for projecting the incredible possibilities and potential of animation to transform the movie industry across Africa”
“LIFANIMA will also provide a platform for animators to interact with other stakeholders for optimum value creation and rapid growth of the animation industry”.
LIFANIMA ‘s objectives are; to promote the rapid development of the animation industry in Nigeria and across Africa; to improve the movie industry through increased inclusion of animation content; to provide a platform for the promotion of local animators and development of the quality of animation and to expose animators to the latest technologies in animation hardware and software.
The festival will feature Screening of Selected Works, Award Presentation, Networking and Entertainment.
The Keynote Speaker at the festival’s animation seminar is Femi Odugbemi, FTA, award winning documentary film maker and Director of the Multichoice Talent Factory. Guest Speaker is UcheNwuka, Group Head, Creative Industry Group, Bank of Industry.
The event will attract local and foreign animators, film makers, Investors, Financial Institutions, Advertising agencies, Musical Video Producers, Media Practitioners, Digital Marketing professionals, Government agencies, Information Technology companies/manufacturers and the general public.
LIFANIMA 2019 holds at Freedom Park, Lagos on Thursday June 6.

LIFANIMA 2019 OFFICIAL SELECTION
3D ANIMATION
TITLE PRODUCER
HADIDANCE CHRIS BONANI – South Africa
UNDONE CHRIS BONANI – South Africa
MOTHETSI CHRIS BONANI – South Africa
POWER UP ESTHER KEMI - Nigeria
BA ROFIA BLACKICE STUDIOS/TUNDE OLUWA - Nigeria
STAY WOKE OMOYEFE MAJOROH - Nigeria
BAE N BOO VALENTINE GBEGE OMOYEFE MAJOROH - Nigeria
THE EX NIMATOR - Nigeria
MR JOHN 32AD - Nigeria
NEW AFRICA LA DEMO WITI ANIMATION/YVAN DASSIE - Cameroon
A KALABANDA ATE MY HOMEWORK CREATURES ANIMATION - Uganda
ISOLATED BRIAN TARUS - Kenya

2D ANIMATION
TITLE PRODUCER
BROS JAMIU OLUMIDE OJIKUTU - Nigeria
36,000 FEET KAMSO OGBOLU - Nigeria
BLACK PANTHER CONCEPT HARRY DUNKWU - Nigeria
DOWNTOWN LAGOS JOHNSON MBUOTIDEM - Nigeria
DEAR DIARY MAGIC CARPET - Nigeria
STOOPID ALAGOA MAKENI - Nigeria
BAD DAY ALAGOA MAKENI - Nigeria
THE GREEDY TORTOISE JIMOH SHAMSIDEEN - Nigeria
SPIDERMAN IN NIGERIA SEGUN SHOKUNBI - Nigeria
UYO SEGUN SHOKUNBI - Nigeria

ANIMATION COMMERCIAL
TITLE PRODUCER
EFFINA KAMSO OGBOLU - Nigeria
TECNO CANON LIQUID CINEMA - Nigeria
FIDELITY RICHARD OBOH/ORANGE VFX - Nigeria
DSTV STEP UP RICHARD OBOH/ORANGE VFX - Nigeria
DIAMOND XTRA RICHARD OBOH/ORANGE VFX - Nigeria
DIAMOND MOBILE RICHARD OBOH/ORANGE VFX - Nigeria
TOTAL LUBRICANT OLUMIDE ADEOSUN - Nigeria
MTB OLUMIDE ADEOSUN - Nigeria

VISUAL EFFECTS
TITLE PRODUCER
GOH. TA. WOH. TA KAMSO OGBOLU - Nigeria
UNDONE CHRIS BONANI – South Africa
EXISTENCE IAN FOX - USA
ARTVIDEO HAMID HAGHJOO - IRAN

Years ago, it was a South African writer, Alvin Masarira who opined; “the best way to hide something from the black people is to put it in a book”. Today, the statement is not only still valid but more pronounced. Reading has predominantly fallen off the priority of an average black man. While taking the case closer home, it becomes more crucial, an average Nigerian sees little or no reason to read. Less for examination or job interview, today’s generation doesn’t see reading as an important aspect of life.
Meanwhile, it is no longer news that one of the greatest challenges of this current age, militating against all-round development in this part of the world is the continuous dwindling reading culture among the general populace. The nature of the book notwithstanding, either hard copy or ebook, people these days generally find it difficult to open a book and read. This is however not limited to a particular class of people, status, age or creed.
The most bothersome part of it is that, not only that people no longer read, our leaders do not also read. This is unlike other climes where leaders are readers. This gives reason for the huge difference between the developed and the underdeveloped countries. This is because it is unequivocal that no nation can develop beyond its leadership. The situation is so low to the extent that some of our leaders recruit special aides to read daily newspapers and reveal what therein to them in form of executive summary.
Mores so, it is a universal truism that “you are what you read”, then what happens when you read nothing! An American journalist, Margaret Fuller once said; “today a reader, tomorrow a leader”, the summation here is that leaders must necessarily be familiar with the development in all areas of life. This could be done via reading!
It is said that amazing leaders worldwide have exceptional habits, where chief of them is “reading”. These are great leaders who are also passionate readers. There have been series of stories of how distinguished leaders from politics to business, entertainment as well as arts and science have become phenomenal through the act of reading and have consequently shook their respective worlds positively.
From American billionaire, Bill Gate, whose father, Williams, described as a “voracious reader” from the age of 13, to Guy Kawasaki, the renowned Silicon Valley author, investor and businessman and to shorten the list, we come home to mention Obafemi Awolowo an advent reader who till date had unequalled achievement in Nigerian political administration.
Summarily, books can be best described as the greatest reservoir of history where knowledge is acquired and information is transferred from one generation to another and its significant to this present age can never be overemphasized.
It is a fact that a society that does little or nothing positively about her reading culture, especially that of her younger generation is on the highway to generational mental perdition.
On this note comes a cheery intervention from the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi. A writer, policy advocate and feminist scholar who teamed up with a Nigerian multi-concepts firm, OpenWay Global Concepts on this year’s international world book day, April 23, to promote reading culture in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
Starting with a 2-kilometre reading awareness walk in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, organised by OpenWay and sponsored by Fayemi’s Above Whispers, an online community initiative, the walk saw youths in their good numbers led by Adesina Adetola, the CEO of OpenWay Global Concepts educating and sensitising the public about the importance and benefits of reading.
The climax of the day’s activities was the reading colloquium where Erelu Fayemi as the guest reader, made a special public reading from one of her books, Loud Whispers. It was an interactive session where the Ekiti First Lady advised Nigerian youths to develop a good reading habit for intellectual benefits.
She said; “sustainable growth and development could only be achieved through adequate and continuous pursuit of knowledge.”
While lamenting the nonchalant attitude of the youths towards reading, Erelu said “the act has constituted clog in the wheel of progress for Nigeria. It is unfortunate that our youths devote their time to frivolities rather than engaging in activities capable of sharpening their intellectual capacity.”
Speaking at the event which was attended by notable state government officials, academics, authors, book critics and advocates as well as hundreds of youths and students, the CEO of OpenWay Global Concepts, Adesina Adetola said; “the event is organised to promote the objective of the world book and copy right day, celebrated every April 23. It is a symbolic date for the world to pay tribute to books and the authors who wrote them.”

According to him, books are formidable tools for national development and agent of change therefore it is necessary to do everything possible to encourage literary works and promote its relevance in national development.
In upholding one of the main objectives of the day which is to contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goal number four, that is; to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; Erelu Fayemi declared that the state administration will embark on improving on the public library for the advancement of quality education in the state. According to her, “this will also promote one of the main agendas of the administration which is restoration of our core values.”

In order to promote reading culture among the Nigerian populace, a multi-concept firm, OpenWay Global Concepts in conjunction with a nongovernmental organisation, the Convergence is set to stage a reading awareness walk and colloquium on Tuesday, 23rd of April in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The event which will feature a special public reading by the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, will also see a good number of youths drawn from various organisations in the state having a two kilometre walk to create reading awareness.
According to the coordinator of the project, which has the technical support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Chief Executive Officer of OpenWay Global Concepts, Adesina Adetola, the event is designed among others to promote the objective of the world book and copyright day, celebrated every April 23rd.
He said;” over the years, the dwindling reading culture have been identified as one of the ugly trends in this current age which has evidently become a great challenge to every developmental process at all levels, therefore the need to encourage reading at all strata and in all forms. For every society to attain the net level of development, every leader must be a reader. It is on this ground that UNESCO sets aside every April 23rd to encourage literary works and promote its relevance in national development.”
“It is our belief that the project would certainly contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goal 4; -to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’’.
In the same vein Tosin Adara, leader of the Convergence also said that;“the importance of reading can never be overemphasized, it is a fact that you can never grow more than your mental capacity and what you read is whom you are. We are organising this event to rekindle the dying reading culture.”

Relying on its vision of producing generation of women who will excel, compete globally and contribute meaningfully to nation building, the Director and Principal of Queen’s College, Lagos, Dr. Mrs Tokunbo Yakubu-Oyinloye has reiterated the commitment of the school to sustaining excellence in girls’ education. Speaking on Thursday at the 57th Annual Inter House Athletics Competition of the School, she said “the school will never rest on its oars in ensuring that our girls are moulded for all-round development”
“Queen’s College as I am sure you are all aware is the flagship for girls’ education in Nigeria. Established in 1927, the college has made giant strides in preparing and moulding young girls into queens who are academically excellent, physically fit and morally upright. Our queens are making their marks in various areas of life both within the country and outside. Truly the story of Nigeria and its education cannot be told without Queen’s College.” She said.
Speaking further, Dr. Yakubu-Oyinloye stated; “the school believes in the maxim, a sound mind in a sound body, we believe in the all-round development of our girls and in developing their talents, potentials and creative abilities. This is what we are committed to and we shall never leave any stone unturned in ensuring that.
Also speaking at the event which took place at the College’s sports ground, the representative of the Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Lami Amodu expressed the government’s commitment to all-round development of every pupil. “The government have put in place adequate policy that will ensure that the pupils are developed in all areas of life. The school curriculum has provisions for activities that encourage development of skills and talents of the pupils, in this regard; sports development plays a crucial and profound role.” She said.
In the same vein, the chairman of the occasion, the Chief Executive, New Horizons Systems Solutions, Mr. Tim Akano advocated for right mentoring of every child. According to him; “the world is currently a global village where our children are competing with the rest of the world, therefore, we must put them in the right mind to be compatible with the today’s world of information technology.”
Meanwhile the Head Girl of the College, Gloria Akinsaya has expressed the appreciation of the students to the school authority for giving them enabling environment to develop their talents. “On behalf of my fellow students I thank the school management for organising a very great sports event. We are very happy to be part of the school and what we learn here will forever live with us.” She said.
The school which have produced notable sports women like Manu Uche who represented the country in Germany, Kenika Lola who was an African Junior Champion in Tennis, Somito Okpegbue who represented the country in African Youth Chess Championship 2015 in Zambia and Oluyisola-Abiola Gold who also represented the country in Chess game at the African Youth Championship 2016 in South Africa has this year’s Inter House Athletics Competition won by Obi House who had 15 Gold, 10 Silver and 10 Bronze medals to beat Efunjoke House who had 10 Gold, 12 Silver and 6 Bronze medals and Obong House who had 7 Gold, 7 Silver and 6 Bronze medals to second and third positions respectively, while Emotan House, with 4 Gold, 7 Silver and 5 Bronze medals, Obasa House with 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 9 Bronze medals and Danfodio House with 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze medals came third, fourth and with respectively.

A nongovernmental and public advocacy organisation, Centre for Democracy and Socio Economic Rights (CEDESER) has teamed up with the Independent Electoral Commission INEC, Lagos State to educate the Nigerian voters.
The organisation which embarked on the sensitisation campaign in Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos encouraged the voters not to allow any situation to disenfranchise them, but to come out on the forthcoming general elections days to perform their civil rights.
The campaign which took the organisation to a good number of popular motor parks and bus stops in the Lagos state capital last weakened saw the organisation telling the people the evils in involving in any act of electoral malpractices. The people were advised not to sell their votes under any reason and should not be involved in ballot stuffing, snatching or any electoral violence.
Speaking in the same vein to the members of Lagos State Artisans and Technician Association at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat during the campaign, the Executive Secretary, of the organisation, Michael Popoola Ajayi, said every hand must be on deck to ensure the growth of the Nigerian democracy. He encouraged the executives of the association to further educate their members on their responsibilities during and after elections.
Meanwhile as part of the campaign efforts, the organisation also visited some selected churches and mosques in Ikeja and its environs. It used the opportunity to encourage the religious leaders to advise the members of their congregations that haven’t collected their permanent voters’ card PVC to do so at their respective area of registration before the Election Day.

• Says No State Develops Without Accurate Data For Planning
The candidate of the Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance, APDA in the July 14 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, Barrister Tope Adebayo has berated the incumbent government for non disclosure of the financial status of the state. He decried the unavailability of data required for proper planning towards development of the State. This was on Wednesday at Ekiti 2018 governorship candidate debate organised by “Ekitis in Diaspora”- a group of Ekiti indigenes residing outside the state.
Speaking at the event, Tope Adebayo said; “by the time I commenced my plans to contest this election, I and my team visited the State revenue office in Ekiti to confirm what we generate, the allocation received from Abuja and what the debt profile looks like; there was no reasonable data to answer all these important questions. No data to ascertain what we generate as IGR on monthly or annual basis, there is none to show the number of tax payers in the state, or what we spent on salaries. This is very appalling, because no state or society will be able to provide adequate plan for its future under these circumstances.”
Speaking further, at the event where candidates from other political parties participated, the former student union leader posited that; “no serious state will develop based on speculations and unconfirmed assumptions. The current arrangement in Ekiti State cannot support any move to improve the quality of lives and standard of living”.
Adebayo therefore called on Ekiti electorates to seek an alternative that can guarantee a better future for the state and its people. According to him; “APDA, with its redemption strategy, has the way out of this current economic doldrums. The earning power of the people must be increased by restructuring the economic order through strategic human capital development.” He stated.
Meanwhile, in his closing remarks, an elder statesman and frontline politician, Dr. Kunle Olajide who chaired the occasion decried the economy situation of the state and declared that Nigerian polity needs political restructuring to put the country on the right path.

The Candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti state, Mr Akin Ayegbusi has revealed the secret behind his joining the murky waters of politics to vie for the number one political office in Ekiti state.

He made the exclusive disclosure at a church programme held at Region 25 Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ado Ekiti. The SDP flag bearer who is a Deacon in the church was a Guest of Honour at the church's mid week service where he formally seek the face of God for his campaign tour which commences this week.

Ayegbusi, in the company of his campaign team and party stakeholders declared that he has a special covenant with God to take Ekiti out of Egypt they are currently sojourning.

“My political ambition is not human; if it is human it won’t stand. It is a special ordination that God has made. Ordinarily I won’t be doing this, but for God who has ordained it and assigned this great job to a young man like me. It a divine mission and at the end I am sure it is going to be liberation for Ekiti and its people.” He stated.

Speaking further before the capacity crowd of about 5000 worshippers, Ayegbusi said that he had no interest of contesting the governorship race as at March this year, but has a change of mind in his contact with a senior citizen and a well respected elder statesman in the country, Retired General TY Danjuma.

“It was a meeting I had with the retired General that changed my mind set about politics and how to liberate our people. I'm comfortable with my job and everything was going well for me but it was later the voice came clearer and said to me that this journey is not about me. The evil people will continue to reign if the good people refuse to participate. Since the inception of the current dispensation in 1999, we haven’t got it right. The people have never gotten anything close to the deserved dividend of democracy. The leaders are paying lip service to governance at all levels. I sat down and had a rethink. It is indeed a divine call to service of a fatherland; the manifestation of this was my emergence as the SDP candidate where I defeated established and known politicians in the race. They never gave me a chance. Many still wonder that; who is this small boy? But with God, all things are possible”. He declared.

Meanwhile, the officiating minister, Pastor Goke Kuti while praying for the success of the candidate at the July polls encouraged his members to abstain from any violent act before, during and after the election.