EKSG STRENGHTENS FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES WITH EIGHT VEHICLES, PLEDGES IMPROVED RESPONSE

Towards ensuring the fulfilment of the promise to reposition the State Fire Services for quick response to distressed calls during emergency situations, the Ekiti State Government, has strengthened the sector with eight fire fighting equipment.

Giving the breakdown of the fleet while test running the vehicles in Ado Ekiti, on Friday, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aliko, said the new vehicles consist of refurbished six FIre Fighting Trucks and two Water Tankers to be deployed to various offices for effective emergency responses.

Aluko, had in a meeting held with the State Fire Service personnel during the 2024 work plan meeting of the ministry, said the parastatal has been making remarkable strides under Biodun Oyebanji Administration by swiftly responding to the yearnings of the citizens.

He stated that Governor Oyebanji during a visit to the Ado Fire Service Headquarters, promised that the State Fire Services will be better equipped, describing the procurement as keeping to the pledge made during the assessment tour.

With the new equipment and many still in the pipeline, Aluko urged the personnel to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve a high fire safety status across the state.

" I encourage the Fire Service personnel to focus more on fire prevention and safety to reduce the incidents of fire outbreaks and distressed calls in the state by making judicious use of these equipment".

While test- running the equipment during a fire fighting platform and fire drilling exercise in Ado-Ekiti, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olumide Ajayi, charged the Officers of the Service to discharge their duties maximally, especially in times of emergencies.

He stated that Fire fighting equipment would be distributed to the seven Fire Service Stations located in Ado, Ikere, Omuo, Ikole, Ijero, Aramoko and Ido Ekiti to effectively curtail fire outbreaks and loss of property to inferno.

"The existing fire stations will be upgraded in coming years, and more will be built across the state to reduce response time. So the staff must work assiduously towards accomplishing the mandates of state fire services, which include: extinguishing, controlling and preventing of fire outbreaks in public and private facilities".

In his remarks, the Special Adviser/Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo, commended the efforts of the State Government for repairing the faulty Fire fighting equipment.

He charged the officers in charge to make judicious use of the equipment for the benefit of Ekiti people and conduct themselves well in the discharge of their duties.

Ekundayo, advised the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, in conjunction the Fire Service Department to embark on more awareness and sensitization programmes that will help people to always take precautions to avoid fire outbreak, especially during the dry season.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has recalled the General Manager of the State Sports Council, Mr. Adekunle Adeyemi from the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State to account for the poor kitting of the state’s athletes at the opening session of the competition.

The directive followed the shabby appearance of the State contingent at the march-past event during the opening ceremony of the National Youths Games.

Adeyemi is expected to explain circumstances leading to the shabby kitting of the state athletes at the opening session, which photograph is circulating online. He was directed to hand over to the next most senior official at the Games and return home immediately.

The official who will act as head of the delegation, is to oversee the welfare and wellbeing of the athletes at the competition.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, described the development as unfortunate. It however added that the State would take full responsibility for the regrettable incident.

The Commissioner, however maintained that the state Government made adequate provision for the team’s participation at the Games.

He restated the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to providing platforms for Ekiti youths to exhibit their God - given talents in line with the youth development and job creation agenda of the administration.

Ekiti State Government has cautioned residents of the State against erecting buildings and other structures indiscriminately and without necessary government approval .

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Karounwi Oladapo, gave the warning on Tuesday as officials of the Ministry sealed some buildings and structures in Ado- Ekiti that were erected in contravention of the extant rules on safety and structural integrity.

Some of the structures that were sealed by officials of the ministry include gas plants of two popular filling stations- AA Rano in Adebayo area and NNPC along Iworoko road as well as a two- storey building housing a popular eatery in Adebayo area.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the exercise, Hon Oladapo said that government would no longer take it lightly with anyone who carry out construction without building permit. He added that owners and developers of such buildings would face the wrath of the law for ignoring government directives.

Karounwi who berated owners of illegal structures who are in the habit of molesting officials of government, said such owners would henceforth be made to face the full weight of the law.

The Commissioner called on all owners of properties with no government approval to urgently carry out necessary regularization, stressing that the ministry had concluded plans to meet defaulters with stringent measures.

He added that government would soon launch “operation show your building plan” and embark on awareness campaign in all the local government areas, where officials of the ministry would meet the stakeholders and those buildings without plan were to be regularized in accordance with the law.

Hon. Karounwi explained further that any building that would be erected in the state must first get the approval of government. He said the exercise was not about an individual, but to ensure safety and security of the people. He added that government would not wait for any calamity to befall the state before taking necessary actions.

On flooding, the Commissioner reiterated the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to ensure that residents were no longer allowed to build structures that would disturb free flow of water leading to avoidable cases of flooding.

“If you look around, you will see we have a lot of planning problems in Ekiti State, particularly, Ado-Ekiti. People just put up building and structures indiscriminately without any recourse and regard to the building code and urban and regional planning law of 2011.

We want to send the right signal to Ekiti people that never again would anybody, no matter how highly placed, put anything on the ground without seeking to obtain the development plan, without having an approved building plan. Anybody who does that becomes a criminal because you do that in contravention of the law, and the ministry will not hesitate to take such individual to court.


“What we did today was just a starting point and the ministry is not going to relent, some properties were sealed up today and the ministry had contacted the owners several times for them to do the needful. The truth about it is that even before you embark on any development, the ministry must approve of it, but on this instants, they refused to seek the approval of government and the government was not aware of the type of structure they want to put on ground and whether it is compatible with the existing land uses or where they want to build is in consonance with the building code of the state or in line with urban and regional planning law.”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged police authorities to unravel the mysteries surrounding the death of fast rising music star, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba ( aka Mohbad )

The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said the minimum the country owes the deceased and his family is justice, which he said could only come through a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to his death as well as various revelations that came out thereafter.

Governor Oyebanji spoke on Tuesday just as Ekiti youths plan to hold a procession in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital to mourn the late Singer and demand justice for him.

Describing Mohbad as a talented singer, who at 27 had already carved a niche for himself in the entertainment world with several hit songs to his credit, Governor Oyebanji said the death of the singer at the peak of his career and the circumstances surrounding it are highly regrettable.

While extending condolences to members of the late singer’s immediate and extended families as well as his fans worldwide, the Ekiti State Governor urged the Nigeria Police to investigate the death and ensure that justice is done.

“Our condolences to the family and fans of the late singer, Mohbad. We feel their pains at this crucial moment and join other well- meaning Nigerians to demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to his death”, the statement added.

The Command Secondary School in Ekiti opened yesterday, admitting its first intake of 185 students into JSS1. This marks the culmination of a four-year journey to join the ranks of states with Army Command Secondary Schools. I extend my gratitude to the successive Chiefs of Army Staff, from Lt. General Buratai to Attahiru and Yahaya, as well as the two CDSs - Generals Yomi Olonisakin and LEO Irabor, and their officers who collaborated with me and the Ekiti team to achieve this goal. I must also express my thanks to my successor, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and his team for continuing the work we started to make the school a reality.

To the dedicated team on the ground, led by the Commandant Major Anifowoshe, I commend you for a job well done. The Isan Ekiti community, under the leadership of Kabiyesi Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, has been a warm and welcoming host, and I appreciate the community for their hospitality and generosity of spirit.

The school has quickly gained popularity and is already oversubscribed. We hope that the military authorities will soon consider establishing additional schools in the state to meet the enthusiastic demand from Ekiti and the surrounding states.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has urged labour unions to join his administration in its quest for higher and more equitable allocation to the state from the Federation Account to enhance the welfare of workers and the entire people of the state.

Speaking at this year's May Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti on Monday, which was the first he attended as Governor, Oyebanji assured that his administration would continue to make determined efforts to improve workers’ conditions of service within available resources.

He hailed the organized labour in the state under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and all their affiliate unions for their demonstrated maturity, courage, understanding and support to the government as a major stakeholder in the development of the state despite daunting challenges.

Oyebanji also commended the labour unions for the industrial peace and tranquility being enjoyed in the state which he attributed to their collaborative disposition and meaningful dialogue in resolving issues that border on the welfare of workers.

In line with the theme of this year’s celebration: ‘Workers’ Right and Socio-Economic Justice,’ the Governor urged labour unions to join his administration's crusade in sensitizing the citizens and the Federal Government to ensure justice and fairness in the sharing of the allocations from the Federal Account, expressing dismay that Ekiti's share is "extremely meagre" to meet the obligations it is saddled with.

He said: "Let me appeal to the organised labour to continue to sensitise the citizens and the Federal Government on the need to imbibe the spirit of fairness and equity in the distribution of national resources. The position of Ekiti State as it pertains to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations is worrisome.

"Our share is extremely meagre to meet the number of obligations we are saddled with. I believe the abundant resources of the country should be properly and equitably distributed to the federating units. Therefore, this administration will continue to strive for equity, fairness and inclusiveness. Please be our partner in this crusade for justice and fairness."

Assuring workers of his commitment to their welfare in appreciation of their services as the engine room of bureaucracy, Oyebanji disclosed that the limited resources would not discourage him from meeting their yearnings as the policy thrust of his administration is to create wealth and a better living standard and improve human capital development.

He said: "As you are aware, arrears of salaries of Local Government Workers and their State Civil Service counterparts have been paid. Prompt and regular payment of salaries remains our priority. Payment of deduction arrears has been completed, while all the 2018 deduction arrears have also been paid.

"The implementation of 2019 promotion has equally been approved, coupled with hazard allowances and residency training allowance for Medical Doctors. All these clearly show that workers’ welfare remains a top priority for our administration and all other outstanding issues shall be addressed in due course.

"I wish to place on record that as an Administration, we have paid a total sum of N30, 606, 198, 988.31 as salaries to all categories of workers and pensioners since we assumed office. Similarly, a sum of N4, 180, 081, 726. 53 was used to defray 2018 outstanding salaries to both state and local government workers.

"In addition, the Government has approved the sums of N700, 000, 000: 00 for the payment of gratuities to the State retirees and another N235, 000, 000: 00 for the local government retirees. Similarly, the sum of N6, 214, 563, 734. 01 has been released so far, to our subvented higher institutions of learning, including payment of outstanding arrears.

"Not only that, we have also released the sum of N267, 070, 000:00 as Housing Loan to 1, 901 beneficiaries comprising both state and local government workers including teachers, while another sum of N228, 300,000:00 was disbursed as car loans to all categories of workers. You are undoubtedly aware that payments of deductions have contributed, in no small measure, to the disbursement of car and housing loans to workers. This has helped workers to continue to meet their personal obligation and improve the economy of the State in general."


Governor Oyebanji used the opportunity of the Workers' Day to reel out various welfare initiatives and policies implemented by his administration since assumption office in October last year. He stressed that further efforts have been made to ensure that priority is placed on workers’ welfare and efforts geared towards fulfilling obligations to them.

The Governor equally restated the commitment if his administration to the actualisation of a merit-based and service-driven public service and insistence on merit and capacity to deliver to achieve optimal performance and excellent service delivery.
Earlier, the NLC Chairman Comrade Olatunde Kolapo has hailed the Oyebanji administration for its support and understanding for workers welfare and demands. He however, urged the Governor to strife to do more for the workers, whom he said have also demonstrated sufficient level of cooperation and support for the government.
The Governor joined the labour union and other top government officials to lay the foundation for the senior civil servant Staff club, a few kilometres from the venue of the workers rally.

Marathon enthusiasts from within and outside the Federal Capital Territory daily throng The Pavilion, the venue of the ongoing Abuja International Marathon Expo to collect their running kits in readiness for the first international marathon in Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Expo began last Friday and registered runners from neighboring states like Kogi State, Niger State, Nasarrawa State, Kaduna State and others were at the Expo venue The Pavilion to collect their kits. Members of the diplomatic community were not left out as residents in the seat of power FCT and other parts of Nigeria want to be part of the race.

Grace Bassey a marathon enthusiast who came all the way from Suleja to collect her kits said she has never missed an opportunity to be part of history,

“History will be made on April 29, 2023, when the first international marathon will take place in FCT, I have never missed an opportunity to be part of history that was why I come here early to collect my kits, I don’t want to hear stories that the kits have finished. I will be running the 10km with my friends”

A diplomat from one of the European countries who does not want his name in print said,” Running is part and parcel of my life; I have done races around the world where I have served. It will be great to experience a marathon in Abuja.

“Abuja is a beautiful city with an excellent road network; an international marathon will showcase the city to the world”.

Abuja International Marathon the first in FCT is slated for April 29, 2023. The race is in three categories 5km Student Run, the 10km Family Run, and the 42.195 Full Marathon.

The race will start at the City Gate and finish at Eagles Square. The best entertainers in the country will entertain runners and spectators at the Finish Point.
According to Race Director Olukayode Thomas, “Registration is free, it will close April 28, 2023, the last day of the Expo”.

The attention of the National Population Commission has been drawn to an audio tape going viral on the WhatsApp social media platform across the country which stated that the religious affiliations of respondents will be canvassed in the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

The audio tape calls on Muslims in Nigeria to see the purported canvassing of information on their religious affiliations as a tool to suppress their population figures. It therefore instructed adherents of the Islamic faith to resist any attempt to divide the religion of Islam by refusing to answer any question on their religious affiliations.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to state unequivocally that the 2023 Population and Housing Census will not canvass questions on religion and religious affiliations of respondents. The decision to exclude religion along with ethnicity from the census questionnaire was taken in due consideration of the sensitive nature of these issues within the Nigerian polity and the need to save the census data from needless controversies and attention.

A fact check on the origin of the purported message shows that it was first circulated in Ghana during its 2021 population census exercise through a Whatsapp message. This negative message found its way into the Nigerian social media space in July 2022 when the Commission conducted the Trial Census. The re-circulation of the message in audio form as the Commission sets to conduct the 2023 Population and Housing Census in May 2023 is an indication that some elements are bent on drawing the 2023 Census into unnecessary controversies through propagation of falsehood and incitement of a section of the population to destabilize existing peaceful coexistence in the country.

The Commission carried out extensive consultation with data users and stakeholders in coming up with the questions to be canvassed in the next census. The overarching goal of the questionnaire is to generate data that will facilitate sustainable development. The questionnaire is robust and include demographic characteristics of respondents and other socio-economic characteristics but without any question whatsoever on religion and ethnicity.

Members of the general public are therefore enjoined to disregard the rumour of question on religious affiliation contained in the audio tape in circulation and extend maximum cooperation to the enumerators for the sake of delivering a credible, reliable and acceptable 2023 Population and Housing Census data for national development planning.

Isiaka Yahaya, Ph.D
Director, Public Affairs
29th March 2023

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has signed the 2023 Appropriation Act of one hundred and thirteen billion, Six hundred million Naira (N113,600,000,000.00) as passed by the State House of Assembly, commending the Legislators for the robust and harmonious relationship between it and the executive arm of government.

Speaking shortly after signing the budget christened “Budget of Strong Beginning” at the Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Oyebanji expressed his appreciation to the people of the state for their overwhelming and unflinching support for his administration, noting that his first fiscal document in office was carefully crafted after due consultation with all relevant stakeholders in the drive to lay a solid foundation for his administration and achieve the desired prosperity for the people.

He expressed his profound gratitude to members of the State House of Assembly for their cohesiveness and for passing the 2023 appropriation bill in record time as well as doing thorough public opinion and legislative scrutiny of the bill before its final passage.

The Governor, who recalled that he presented the bill to the House on November 3rd, 2022 to afford the Honourable members sufficient time to scrutinize the document and engage all the relevant stakeholders in a bid to abide with the Fiscal Sustainability Plan that ample time should be allowed for legislative processing of annual appropriation bill, emphasized the focus and vision of the administration to make the state a land of prosperity, peace and progress where the people can reap the fruit of their labour in dignity, good health and safety.

He thanked the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) secretariat for providing technical support to the state in developing the latest NCOS template which will be used in the publication of the 2023 budget which is expected to be replicated in all the MDAs to further equip officers of the state for the implementation of the budget as well as ensure easy and seamless implementation of the fiscal document by the end users in view to meeting the disbursement link indicator.
While stating that that the budget was designed to lay a strong foundation for the administration by leveraging on the achievements of the past administration.

Governor Oyebanji disclosed that the breakdown of the budget would soon be officially presented to the members of the public by the Special Adviser on Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management
He noted that the signing of the appropriation bill into law was the administration’s affirmation of its readiness to ensure fiscal discipline and effective implementation of the budget.

The Governor used the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of his administration to further collaborate with development partners and donor agencies in the drive to hasten development of the state.

[b]“It is my pleasure to be in your midst today to sign into law the 2023 budget of strong beginning in fulfilment of my constitutional obligation bestowed on me by the 1999 constitution as amended as Governor of Ekiti state. I count it a rare privilege to serve the good people of Ekiti state in this capacity at this auspicious time. The year 2023 budget, which is the first fiscal document of our administration has been carefully crafted after due consultation with all relevant stakeholders to lay a solid foundation for our administration.

“I thank the good people of Ekiti state for their unflinching support and cooperation since my inauguration on October 16, 2022. Your support, which has been overwhelming has kept us going and resolute in our determination to further transform and develop our state through our blueprint as encapsulated in the six pillars of our administration. I thank you all for the love, prayers and unwavering support as we settle down to impact lives and banish poverty from our land through job creation and creating the enabling environment for micro, small and medium enterprises to thrive and empowerment programme for the teeming youths and women.[/b]

“I’m very delighted to state unequivocally that the House of Assembly worked tirelessly, conscientiously and diligently in the overall best interest of the good people of Ekiti state to ensure painstaking and careful legislative review and timely passage of the appropriation bill without compromising due process and quality review. It is instructive to place on record that without negotiating the autonomy of the three arms of government, the 6th House of Assembly has been a worthy partner in progress with the executive, rather that constitution a cog in the wheel of progress.

“As you are undoubtedly aware, budgeting is dynamic, on this note, our budget has fully adopted the National Charter of Accounts template, which is a requirement for the State Fiscal Transparency Sustainability Programme for result and now the state action on Business Enabling Reforms of the World Bank. He said.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bunmi Adelugba commended the Governor for making the budget process people driven as recommended under State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainable Programme (SFTAS).

The Speaker, who urged the Governor to ensure proper implementation of the appropriation law to the letter prayed for robust economy that would assist the administration achieve success in driving the six pillars to desired end.
She assured the Governor of the unflinching support of the House by making desired impact on the lives of the people.

The budget signing ceremony was also witnessed by senior government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu and other members of the state House of Assembly, others were the Secretary to the state Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, the Head of Service, Barr. Bamidele Agbede, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata and members of the State Executive Council.

The stage is now set for the first edition of the Abuja International Marathon (AIM).

At a press conference yesterday in the Federal Capital Territory, AIM’s Managing Director Zsuzsanna Ogunmiloyo stated that the first edition of the much-anticipated race will hold on December 17, 2022.

Ogunmiloyo, the CEO of Unicentral Resources, said she was delighted the Abuja International Marathon is finally moving away from being an idea into reality after three years of planning.

She said: “The journey to the first international marathon in our great city, Abuja, begins today. I am appealing to all residents of FCT and Nigerians, in general, to join hands with Unicentral to ensure we have a world-class race that will sell FCT and Nigeria to the world as a tourist destination, a place to invest and do business.

She thanked the Minister of FCT, Minister of State, members of the National Assembly, the Permanent Secretary of FCT, the Mandate Secretary, Director of Sports, FCT administration, the National Assembly and stakeholders for ensuring that the Abuja International Marathon finally gets a life of its own.

On his part, Senator Ayo Akinyelure representing Ondo Central Senatorial District reiterated that AIM as a fully-backed government project has the approval of the National Assembly

“This is another worthy addition to the laudable achievements of the Honourable Minister of FCT and Honourable Minister of State, this project will definitely enhance the image of FCT and Nigeria as a whole, we are enthusiastic about it and fully behind it,” Akinyelure affirmed.

Meanwhile, AIM’s Director of Communication and Media Olukayode Thomas, thanked the sporting press for the warm reception they have given to the project, adding they are stakeholders.

“ There will be a competitive media award that offer premium prize money for winners,” Thomas informed.”Entry for awards will open immediately after the race and winners in seven categories and the overall winner will be announced in first quarter of 2023.”

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on his election as the President of Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), saying the honour goes beyond him as an individual and is for the entire country.

Tinubu praised Fayemi who is also Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum for enjoying the trust and confidence of his peers across Africa who deemed it fit and proper to make him their leader.

Asíwájú Tinubu said the Ekiti State governor had always demonstrated capacity and competence in handling any responsibility entrusted to him.

Governor Fayemi was elected as President of Regions of Africa after a conference in Casablanca, Morocco last weekend. He will lead the continental body till the end of his tenure as Governor of Ekiti State in October after which the next Chairman of Nigerian Governors' Forum will take over.

The APC presidential standard-bearer said: "I warmly congratulate Dr. Kayode Fayemi on his election as the President of Forum of Regions of Africa.

"I am particularly happy that his peers across the continent found him worthy of this rare honour which goes beyond him as an individual.

"Dr. Fayemi's emergence is another resounding recognition for Nigeria's preeminent position in Africa.

"I have no doubt that Dr. Fayemi will justify the trust and confidence in him by his peers and provide credible leadership for the fledging organisation as it seeks to play its role in the development of our continent.

"I have known Dr. Fayemi for many years and his capacity for excellence is noteworthy. I am sure he will rally his colleagues across Africa to bring greater focus on issues that affect sub-national governments and rally them to assume greater roles and visibility that will catalyse the growth and development we desire for our continent."


Tinubu Media Office
Tunde Rahman
September 12, 2022

Ekiti State Governor- elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state, owes the First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a debt of gratitude for her invaluable contributions to the electioneering activities that led to the party's landslide victory in the June 18 governorship election.

The Governor-elect disclosed this on Monday during a "thank you" meeting with members of Ekiti APC Women Campaign Council in Ado- Ekiti, in company with his wife, Dr ( Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji; deputy Governor-elect, Chief(Mrs) Monisade Afuye, APC state Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotosho and other party leaders.

Oyebanji who relayed the mother-son relationship that exist between him ann Erelu Fayemi, described her as a great asset and pillar of support to the party and the outgoing administration in Ekiti State.

"Today is a special day. It is a bit emotional for me to be here because I know and appreciate the sacrifice made by women of our great party to make sure we win the June 18 election. In particular, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who has consistently played the role of a mother lived up to expectation, before, during and after the election. We can't thank you enough ma.

"There is no doubting the fact that, Erelu is a mother to me. She is not just a mother to me but a great asset and pillar of support to the party and this present administration. Erelu guided the party very well.

"She played a significant role that led to the victory of the party in the last election. Like an angel, Erelu appeared to us when the need arose, like a woman who saw tomorrow. She understands the importance of continuity and guided our great party to achieve it. To this end, APC in Ekiti owes her a debt of gratitude"

The Governor-elect noted the dedication of the Women Campaign Council, especially the way they traversed all the farmsteads in the state to solicit support for the party. He added that the landslide victory recorded by the party can be linked to their commitment. He therefore promised to make them proud.

"In the build up to the election, we were also concerned about primary elections for the our party's presidential candidate and other elective posts from the state to federal. This affected our campaign so much but our ever-dedicated Women Campaign Council filled the gap.

The only way to thank Her Excellency is to ensure that I take care of not only her women political lieutenants but the entire Ekiti women. All issues that concern women will be put in the front burner in our administration, that I can assure you all."

The Governor-elect also re-affirmed his commitment to maintain a cordial relationship with Erelu and her husband, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.

"My commitment to Erelu and her husband is armoured built. Nothing will come between us.

Responding on behalf of the campaign council, Erelu Fayemi gave gratitude to God for the landslide victory recorded by the party in the June 18 governorship election. She also commended the women council.

The first lady stated further that she supported BAO because she found him trustworthy to continue with the legacies of her husband.

"Today's event is significant because women from outside the state have been calling us to share our experience during the campaign. But to start with, I thank God that He has made this possible.

"Yes, it is true that BAO is my 'son' and of course my favoured candidate but there wouldn't have been any difference if the party and the people didn't accept him. Among other qualities, I found BAO as a trustworthy person who could continue with good legacies of Dr. Fayemi"

Erelu called on the Governor-elect to prioritize women's welfare and give them sense of belonging in his administration.

To drive home her point, the first lady presented a report of the activities of the Women Campaign Council and a big campaign photo log that showcased all the campaign activities to the Governor-elect, amid thunderous applause by members of the women campaign Council and party members present at the meeting.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said the people of the state would witness the beauty of continuity in government in the incoming administration of Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji which would be inaugurated on October 16.

Dr Fayemi who spoke during the 2022 Udiroko festival in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Sunday, noted that the Governor-elect would continue and build on the successes of his administration, assuring the people there won’t abandoned projects in the state.

The Governor explained that his administration in the last four years had initiated life-impacting projects across the state especially in the state capital, noting that Oyebanji who was part of his government would deliver on his campaign promises to the people.

While congratulating the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, on the occasion of this year’s annual Udiroko festival after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fayemi lauded the efforts of the traditional ruler in the peace being enjoyed in the state capital and support to the administration.

According to him, “I want to congratulate our revered Ewi of Ado-Ekiti for this year’s elaborate celebration of Udiroko festival since 2019 due to the pandemic. We are happy to be part of it this year which is significant because it will be the last I will be celebrating as a state governor.

“Our government has done so much for Ado, even more than what I did for my hometown of Isan-Ekiti, which shows my love for the state capital. We have the airport project and modern bus terminal project nearing completion in addition with the ultra-modern market in front of the palace here and other projects we have completed in the state capital.

“Let me tell our people that they should not have any fear in these projects because there won’t be abandoned projects in Ekiti again. I am happy to leave you in the safe hands of Biodun Oyebanji who was part of the successes of our administration. Ekiti people will see the beauty of continuity we have been clamouring for in Oyebanji government because we have no doubt about his capabilities to deliver.”

Speaking, the former governor of Niger state, Babaginda Aliyu eulogised the efforts of the traditional ruler in the development of the state capital, noting that he was happy to be part of the Udiroko festival.

Aliyu who holds a honorary chieftaincy title of ‘Aare Akinjagula’ in Ado-Ekiti, explained that for the nation to overcome the myriad of challenges confronting it, there is a need for government to collaborate with traditional institutions across the country.

Oba Adejugbe, who described the 2022 Udiroko Festival as “a much-desired restoration of the core of our cultural existence,” lauded all sons and daughters of the community for their support and prayers and the successful ceremony.

Ewi in his message titled, ‘Speech from the throne’ sought the support of all Nigerians to governments to tackle and overcome the rising problems of “insecurity, particularly in the context of banditry, kidnappings, herdsmen attacks and other vices in the country.”

According to him, “The way things are in the context of these crippling problems requires that all our hands as citizens must be on deck in supporting the government to make our nation a place that can be habited without trepidations. We must continue to be our brothers’ keepers.

“At this time of global and domestic economic hardship, unemployment, multiple health challenges, inflation, stagflation, depressive human existence occasioned by dehydrating exchange rates, global unrest, wars and conflicts in many parts of the world, it is important that we, as a people, must co-operatively strife to meet these challenges with determination and concrete hope that better days are ahead.”

A frontline traditional ruler in Ekiti State, the Oore of Otun in the Moba Local Government Area, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, has said Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, is to be honoured with a traditional title in his domain in appreciation of her sterling leadership qualities and roles in human development.

Oba Adeagbo said his community, in recognition of the attributes, would on Saturday, confer the chieftaincy title of
Fiwajoye of Otun Ekiti Mobaland on the governor’s wife.

The monarch said eminent personalities and traditional leaders including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, would be in the ancient Otun community to be part of the ceremony.

The paramount ruler of Mobaland, in a statement at Otun Ekiti on Sunday, titled, ‘Erelu Bisi Fayemi to bag chieftaincy title,’ urged Nigerians to celebrate with the governor’s wife on the occasion.

He said, “The traditional title is to celebrate the unique characters, worthy of emulation, of Erelu Fayemi and in recognition of her leadership qualities and roles in the Nigerian society and at the global level.”

The traditional ruler said the exploits of the governor’s wife as a gender equality activist, philanthropist and advocate of protection of child’s rights, could never go unnoticed and uncelebrated.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday flagged off the construction of work on 132/33 KV power substations in Ijesa Isu Ekiti and Ilupeju Ekiti which has sparked excitement in the two towns and raised hope of stable power supply in many towns in the state.

The Governor who expressed delight that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in 2020 resulted in commencement of work said the project was borne out of the collaboration of his administration with the Federal Government to solve the problem of epileptic power supply in the state.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the Governor who described the project as "another milestone in the quest to make life comfortable for our people" said his administration fulfilled some obligations before the project could see the light of the day.

The Minister of Power, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, commended the Fayemi Administration for its commitment to the realization of the project and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power to boost power supply to more communities in Ekiti State and stimulate social and economic development.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, interest groups, indigenes and residents of the communities expected to benefit from the projects when completed lauded both the federal and Ekiti State governments for investing in the project to boost their social and economic lives.

The project also incorporates the construction of Ikere (Ado Ekiti)-Ijesa Isu-Ilupeju 50 Kilometer 133 KV Double Circuit Transmission Line to widen access to regular and reliable public power supply when completed.

Dr Fayemi charged the contractor to on the need to ensure the construction of quality project saying "the people of the state are interested in early completion without compromising standards."

The Governor also restated the commitment of his administration to the ongoing work on the Independent Power Project (IPP) aimed at boosting power supply to government offices and facilities in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, to generate additional 5 megawatts.

Dr. Fayemi listed some of the obligations fulfilled by his administration before the project could take off to include survey of the proposed line route, gazette of the line, issuance of the title documents for the land allocation of the substations, acquisition of the right of way, route topography survey, environmental impact assessment and ongoing construction of fence of the project sites.

He said: "Today's groundbreaking event is to further reawaken the hope of our people, that both the federal and state governments are committed to improving the standard of living and welfare of the people. As I have said on many occasions, Ekiti people are the greatest assets we have and we cannot afford to fail them.

"As a government, we are also committed to the implementation of the Independent Power Project (IPP) which is aimed at generating 5 megawatts for use of government offices and facilities.

"The project which is a Public Private Partnership arrangement, upon completion will ensure adequate power supply to government offices and facilities, thereby increasing access to electric power by the public. The 5 megawatts hitherto supplied to the affected government premises from the national grid will he freed from the ise of the general public when the IPP is completed."

The Minister of Power who was represented by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, TCN, Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, described the projects as strategic noting that it would have a massive impact on power transmission in Ekiti and its environs.

According to him "the projects are parts of many projects being undertaken by the TCN in pursuit of grid expansion programme in line with the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari for extension of the power sector for sustainable development."

The Minister noted that when the two power substations at Ijesa Isu and Ilupeju Ekiti are completed, they would relieve the one in Ado Ekiti of its load and bring better power supply to the hinterland on the state.

He said: "The TCN is executing various substation projects which are at various stages of completion. This is an indication that the Federal Government is not relenting in ensuring that the nation's power sector receives the desired boost."

The Minister assured that the Ministry of Power would monitor the timeline of the project as contracted while TCN engineered would ensure effective supervision of the project to ensure that there are no lapses.

The supervising Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, noted that the project, when completed, would complement plans of the state government to improve the quality of energy supply to all the 16 local government areas and 19 local council development areas.

Prof. Aluko stayed that the level of electricity to the state from the national grid is grossly inadequate when compared to the 150-200 megawatts estimated needs of the Ekiti population projected to be around 3.2 million hence the need for the project.

He explained that the need to improve the availability of electricity from the national grid has necessitated the partnership with Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to construct 132 KV double-circuit transmission lines from Ikere switching station and two associated substations at Ijesa Isu and Ilupeju.

The Chairman of the State Council of Obas and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adejuwon, hailed Governor Fayemi and the Federal Government for collaborating to bring the project to the state.

Oba Adejuwon who was represented by the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala, who described the power project as a "game changer" noted that energy supply has become a big issue in the country welcoming commencement of work on the project.

The Obanla of Ijesa Isu, Oba Oso Adeniyi, who expressed joy on the project said it would go a long way in reducing insecurity promising that the community which has taken the project as its own would do everything within the ambit of the law to protect the workers and equipment on the site.

The Regent of Ilupeju Ekiti, Princess Mojisade Oniyelu, said the social benefits of the projects are unquantifiable and enormous promising the readiness of the people to cooperate with workers to ensure timely delivery.

On hand to witness the groundbreaking are former Deputy Governor, Chief Paul Alabi; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu; House Leader of Business, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan; Chairman, Ikole Local Government, Hon. Sola Olominu; Chairman, Ikole West LCDA, Hon. Kayode Ogunsakin; Chairman, Ifeloju LCDA, Hon. Babatunde Ogunmilugba; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Bamidele Faparusi, among others.

Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has hailed the judgement of the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti affirming him as the validly elected candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 18, governorship election in the state.

Oyebanji in a statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, shortly after the High Court judgement, described the ruling, which threw out the petition of one of the aspirants, Mr Kayode Ojo, as a landmark judgement which will put to rest the controversies surrounding the January 27 APC primaries.

While lauding the judiciary for living up to its reputation as the last hope of the common man, Oyebanji said he was happy the court upheld the decision of over a hundred thousand APC members that voted for him as the party’s candidate during the primaries on January 27.

The Governor-elect urged his supporters to be magnanimous in victory, stressing that the case is a family affair, which should not warrant any name calling or bad blood among members of the party.

He also called on Engr Kayode Ojo and a few others who might have issues with the outcome of the January 27 primaries of the party to sheath their swords and work with the in-coming administration in the onerous task of developing the state.

“I congratulate the judiciary for living up to expectation as the last hope of the common man. I also appreciate my brother, Engr Kayode Ojo for approaching the court for the determination of the matter, instead of resorting to self -help.

“Now that the Court has ruled and affirmed my candidacy, I urge my brother, Engr Ojo and all others who might have issues with the outcome of the January 27 primaries of our party to join hands with us in the task of building a more prosperous Ekiti State.”, he added.

Raheem Akingbolu
Media Assistant

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has granted autonomy to the state internal revenue service in order to be more productive in its revenue generating drives.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a week induction programme organized for its new staff in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, on Monday the Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service(EKIRS), Mr. Muyiwa Ogunmilade, said the autonomy would further fortify the revenue generating body to operate independently and rake in money monies into the state's coffers.

Disclosing giant strides made by the service to curtail financial drift, the EKIRS boss added that all loopholes and leakages had been blocked, while government had also deepened transparency and accountability in revenue processing and generation in the state.

Ogunmilade said the government had with the employment, hired the services of capable and competent hands to enable the service meet its mandate in terms of revenue generation.

He said the the one week induction programme would build the capacity of the staff towards optimal service delivery.

According to EKIRS boss, "effective IGR drive can only be achieved through robust ICT platform calling on government to support the service with state of the art facilitates.

"I encourage Ekiti people to always pay their rates and taxes as and when due. Let me assure you that government would continue to channel the available resources towards the provision of necessary infrastructural amenities that would improve on the wellbeing of the people", he said.

The state Head of Service, Mr Bamidele Agbede, who declared the induction ceremony opened, charged the newly recruited staff to strategize and display the right dexterity that can guarantee the boosting of the IGR drive of the state.

He submitted that improved IGR was the only way the state government could survive the dwindling allocation from the federation account.

Agbede commended Mr Ogunmilade for transforming the state internal revenue service.

The HoS, who charged the newly recruited staff to intensify efforts at increasing the IGR for the development of the state, maintained that the present administration was committed to excellent service delivery hence the need to engage the new staff.

Some of the newly engaged staff including, Esther Akinyemi and Kunle Adojutielegan, lauded the recruitment process and promised to put in their best towards improving the revenue base of the state.