MINMUM WAGE: EKITI GOVERNMENT, LABOUR REACH AGREEMENT ON CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENT FOR SENIOR WORKERS

The Government of Ekiti State has signed an agreement with Organized Labour on the implementation of minimum wage and consequential adjustment for workers in core civil service and Local Government Service as well as Judiciary and Health workers in the state.

The implementation of the consequential adjustment commences in January, 2021.

The new development is a product of a series of meetings between labour leaders and government negotiation team as well as meetings with the state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi at the tail end of last year.

In the new agreement which was jointly signed by the government negotiation team and labour leaders in the state on Tuesday evening, it was agreed that the salaries of officers in the civil service be adjusted.

Adjustment for GL13-17 will be implemented by the government based on the recommendation of the Economic Review Committee which will comprise labour and government representatives as allocation improves, while implementation for officers on GL 07-12 will commerce by January 2021.
Workers on Grade level 01 to 06 have been enjoying the new minimum wage since October 2019.

It was also agreed that government would not retrench, victimize or intimidate any worker as a result of the implementation and no labour leader would be penalized or sanctioned over roles played in the course of the negotiations.

“It was jointly signed that this agreement has brought to an end the agitation on minimum wage and consequential adjustment for officers on GL 01-12 and shall be implemented for officers on GL13 and above without prejudice”, the document stated.

The Head of Service, Mrs 'Peju Babafemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Oluyemi Esan and Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishments and Service Matters, Mr Bayo Opeyemi, signed on behalf of government.

The Chairman Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi, Secretary, Comrade Gbenga Olowoyo; Chairman NLC, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, NLC Secretary, Comrade Akinyemi Taiwo; Chairman Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adegun; and Secretary, Comrade Lawrence Kulogun, signed on behalf of Labour.

The Head of Service, Mrs 'Peju Babafemi expressed profound gratitude to the Government for creating a conductive and peaceful environment for Ekiti Workers.

She affirmed that Ekiti is blessed with cerebral, hardworking and diligent officers in the public service who are ready to deliver on the agenda of government to the people of the state.

"I want to assure the workers that the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi is committed to their wellbeing. On this note, I urge all our workers to continue to put in their best", she added.

The Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi, speaking on behalf of Labour, said the journey towards signing the agreement was quite hectic and involved serious brainstorming sessions. He added however, that he was happy that both government and labour have come to a conclusion.

He stressed further, that "the organized labour have confidence in our amiable Governor that he walks his talk and we want to believe that what we have signed (today) is in the best interest of our teaming members".

It will be recalled that the negotiation meeting was put on hold in March 2020, following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to that, Government had commenced the implementation of the minimum wage for the junior officers in October 2019. Governor Fayemi however directed that negotiations should resume in November 2020, which led to the signing of the agreement on Tuesday.

The Deputy Chief of Staff and Personal Assistant to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Hon. Tolu Ibitola, has doled out numerous valuable gifts to the residents of Ido-Ekiti local government.

The Usi Ekiti born politician in his characteristic manner donated the gifts as part of the ways of showing love to the residents during Christmas and new year celebrations.

The materials were presented through Fayemi’s Special Assistant on Logistics , Hon Aribasoye.

Items distributed at an event held in Usi Ekiti on Wednesday included: 150 bags of rice, 200 bags of soya meal, 2 cows and 80 gas cylinder.


 

Receiving the items, APC Chairman in ido/Osi local government, Hon Adewumi Aina received the gifts in company of other excos and praised the donor for counting them worthy at this festive mood.

They thanked Ibitola for giving them yelutide gifts which will be distributed across the eleven wards in the local government.

The APC Chairman urged Ibitola to keep doing the humanitarian gesture to his people, describing him as an emerging leader with a good heart.

Whiteshield:
Only the OP's post, no replies yet and it's straight to front-page.
Fayemi's campaign has begun in earnest.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has commiserated with the family of the late business mogul and former Presidential aspirant, Chief Harry Akande, who passed on Saturday, aged 77.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, the Governor described Akande's death as an unfortunate and irreparable loss not only to members of his family and the good people of Oyo State but to the nation at large.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum said the late Akande worked his way to the top, built a solid business empire and became influential across the globe through dint of hard work, brilliance and diligence.

Fayemi said the Ibadan-born Billionaire ventured into the Nigerian politics with the intent of using politics as a tool for social and economic change, but could not achieve his dreams of ruling the country as a presidential hopeful on the platform of the then All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

The Governor however said that Chief Harry Akande played politics without bitterness because his decision to participate in politics was to deepen democracy and create a system that caters for the masses and not for self-aggrandisement or wealth acquisition.

Recalling his first meeting with the late politician in England during the struggle for the revalidation of the June 12 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O Abiola, Fayemi said the late Harry Akande was a great supporter of the struggle.

"The news of Chief Akande's death came as a shock. He was indeed a great man, and a refined politician who envisioned a system that would cater for the Nigerian masses. There's no doubt that he had a great reputation across the globe as a successful businessman and a peace-loving politician.

“I first met Chief Akande in the heat of the June 12 struggle in England. He was very committed to Chief Abiola’s electoral victory and supported wholeheartedly those of us at the forefront of the struggle to respect the sanctity of that election and rid Nigeria of militarydictatorship.

"This is a great loss not only to his family and the people of Ibadan, but the country as a whole. We are however consoled by the fact he lived a good life, impacted many lives and left a good name and legacy.

"It is my prayer that the Lord will grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. On behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Government and people of Oyo State", the Governor said.

FAYEMI RAISES PANEL ON SARS’ BRUTALITY, RIGHT ABUSES
…..TO REVISIT CREATION OF LCDAs

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has revealed that his administration is taking steps to ensure justice for victims of police brutality in the state through the setting up a Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS and Related Abuses in the state.

He equally unfolded plan by his administration to revisit the creation of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to develop the grassroots and bring governance closer to the people promising to forward a bill to that effect for immediate consideration.

Dr. Fayemi spoke on Friday while presenting the State of the State Address on the floor of the State House of Assembly, Ado-Ekiti before the state legislators and other distinguished personalities as part of activities marking his two years in office.

The State of the State Address was attended by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Houses of Representatives member, Hon. Femi Bamisile, members of the State Executive Council and traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the State Council of Obas/Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi and community leaders.

Governor Fayemi, who had earlier in the morning addressed a large crowd of ENDSARS protesters at the Fajuyi area of Ado-Ekiti, said his administration was setting up a panel to look into cases of human rights abuses and brutality by the disbanded squad.

He said: "In line with the recommendation of the National Economic Council, I have today constituted a Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses in the State.

"The panel will look at all verifiable cases of SARS brutality and fatality and ensure offending SARS officers are identified and prosecuted appropriately while victims or their families are duly compensated.

"Membership of the panel will include a retired judge of the State High Court as Chairperson, and representation from Civil Society Organisations, including youth groups.
"The Honourable Attorney-General will publish additional details, including giving information on how our citizens can access the panel.

“My administration will continue to participate actively in this national dialogue; we have suggested that consideration should be given to the merit of decentralizing policing in Nigeria. We have also proposed that the Nigerian police council should be enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria to be more active and regular in its oversight function of policing.
“Irrespective of our diverse condition however, I believe what we have in common is our collective desire for a police institution that works in the interest of all Nigerians, irrespective of age, gender, economic status or any other difference. Our own people should not be criminalized or stigmatized simply on account of what they wear, the car they drive or the gadget they carry.”, he added.

Addressing the agitation for a revisit of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) that was dissolved by the immediate past administration, Governor Fayemi said his administration, having reviewed the development has decided to revisit the issue and would be forwarding a Bill to the Assembly for consideration.

According to him, "After extensive consultations, my administration has decided to revisit the creation of Local Government Development Areas.

"I have therefore directed the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to re-present a Bill for the establishment of Local Government Development Areas in Ekiti State for the immediate consideration of the State Executive Council and subsequently for Legislative scrutiny.

"May I use this opportunity to appeal to this House to give the Bill the urgent consideration that it deserves, the Governor said, with a thunderous applause form the audience.
Presenting the scorecard of his administration in the last two years backed with relevant statistics, the Governor said appreciable progress had been made in the execution of life changing policies and projects for the benefit of Ekiti people despite the prevailing economic challenges.

The Governor noted that the five pillars of governance which include Agriculture and Rural Development, Governance, Infrastructure and Industrial Development, Knowledge Economy and Social Investments were being diligently pursued to improve the standard of living of the people.

He noted that the first year in office was used to lay a solid foundation for the legacy projects which are now in various stages of completion, adding however, that the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19 pandemic led to the review of the 2020 Budget.

The Governor said: "Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained committed to completing all unfinished projects by previous administrations and following through with those we initiated.

"We have done this to demonstrate that regardless of our partisan leanings, Ekiti State remains our common heritage, and we must do all we can to lay a foundation for sustainable development.

"Today, I address you with restrained joy but a strong conviction that despite the challenges we have faced in the past year, we are making visible progress and steady strides towards our goals for Ekiti.

"I am happy to report back that despite the economic realities of the year under review, we are making remarkable progress with our Agro-Cargo Airport project.

"All the necessary documents are being perfected and work is ongoing at the site. Ekiti Agro-Cargo Airport remains a priority for us and we project that it would be completed in record time before the end of my tenure."

The Governor disclosed that his administration will shortly present a bill to the Assembly with a view to ensuring that it becomes mandatory for all successive governments to present an annual State of the State address for the consideration of the State House of Assembly.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, said the achievements recorded by the Fayemi administration in two years "are too visible to be ignored even by the morbid critics."

The Speaker lauded the Governor for consistently delivering good governance to the people despite the shortfall in the allocation coming from the Federation Account and putting the state on the path of sustainable development.

He promised the commitment of the Assembly to drive a legislative agenda that would resonate with the five pillar agenda of the Fayemi administration

Wife of the Ekiti State governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi on Wednesday donated equipment worth over N23 million to the Adunni Olayinka Cancer Diagnostic Center in Ekiti as part of activities marking this year’s cancer awareness week.

The governor’s wife also announced that the fund amounting to N3 million had been paid for no fewer than 21 cancer patients to have surgery free of charge in the centre.

Speaking at the presentation of the equipment to the diagnostic centre at the premises of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti, the first lady noted that the gestures was aimed at encouraging women in the state to visit the centre for regular check-up.

The governor’s wife listed the equipment donated to include, 100 KVA generating set, television set and projectors and other digital accessories.

She revealed that stakeholders in the society must be united in efforts to sensitize women especially in the rural areas, saying early detection was in key in the battle against cancer in the society.

According to her, ” October is the breast cancer awareness week and for us Ekiti, we must continue our advocacy around the need to enlighten our women in rural and urban areas on the need to check themselves regularly to have early detection.

“The center here need a lot of equipment and we have been able to mobilize resources from the SDGs office, from the network I belong to with our first ladies and from well spirited individuals. The value of the equipment is around N23.4 million.We have also mobilized resources today about N3 million for surgery of 21 breast cancer patients for them to have it free of charge.

“The early diagnosis is everything when it comes to cancer and I am calling on our women to come forward to have the checks and I am encouraging men to push their wives to come for regular checks.”

World Teachers’ Day: Fayemi commends teachers for contributions to nation building

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has described teachers as major stakeholders in the drive towards nation building, adding that government policies in education sector cannot succeed without the unflinching support and cooperation of teachers.

Dr Fayemi stated this at the 2020 World Teacher’s Day celebration, in Ado-Ekiti on Monday. He urged the teachers to brace up for the tasks of rebuilding the school system which had been under lockdown in the last six months.

The Governor spoke just as the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr Samuel Olugbesan and Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) Mr Sola Adigun, in separate presentations, commended the Governor for his giant strides in the education sector.

They cited introduction of free and compulsory education; renovation of schools; appointment of three tutors general among the secondary school principals; establishment of four new secondary schools to address the challenge of overcrowding in some schools and implementation of 2015 promotion with financial benefits, car and housing loans for secondary school teachers as part of the goodies the teachers had received from the government.

Governor Fayemi in his keynote address at the event enjoined teachers to maintain the hard work for which they were known in order to improve on the remarkable performance of students in their external examinations and other related academic activities as they are gradually returning to school.

He applauded the steadfastness and dedication of the entire teachers in the State, both in the public and private schools many of whom could not attend the ceremony which was held in line with Covid-19 safety protocols that disallow large gatherings.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Wife of Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye; Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye; members of the state executive council and House of Assembly as well as other stakeholders in the education sector.

Speaking on welfare of teachers, Dr Fayemi who said there were other developmental projects begging for attention, however promised that government would continue to ensure payment of salaries as well as make more efforts to pay outstanding ones as economy improves.

The Governor reinstated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of teachers as well as students, said the outbreak of the coronavirus earlier in the year was responsible for the slight delay in the issuance of letters of employment to newly recruited teachers in the state. He however said that applicants that had already been interviewed would collect their letters soon.

Dr Fayemi also promised to look into the various demands of the teachers which include effecting promotion of teachers from 2015 to 2018; outstanding salaries of primary and secondary school teachers owed by the immediate past administration as well as making teachers advance to GL17.

He alerted the teachers to the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic was still prevalent, urging them to ensure proper use of the facilities provided for them in order to keep the pandemic out of the school system and from Ekiti state.

While ascertaining that teachers has important role to play in the development of the society for improved future, the Governor urged the teachers to see their calling as one to assist in the personal and continual development of the learners.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration to pursue compulsory, functional, basic and free education to ensure that all school age children are in school in accordance with the mandate of the National Policy on Education Law.
Expressing his appreciation to the teachers, Dr Fayemi said,
“I Also commend you all for your immense contributions to nation building. I know quite well that policies in education sector cannot succeed without the unflinching support and cooperation of teachers. It will not be an overstatement for me to say that all of us have enjoyed the mentorship and benefitted immensely from the services of a teacher to attain our present status in life.

“In light of this, our government recognizes critical roles of teachers in the development of the education sector in Ekiti state. We will keep putting every measure in place towards empowering teachers, improving and professionalizing teaching through the activities of the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board.

“We are not unmindful of the importance of quality education to manage the socio-political and economic challenges being encountered by the society. A good and dutiful teacher is not just a person who teaches academic lessons, rather, he is the one who mentors and helps the learner in each sphere of his life.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of checks of N400,000 each to the best teachers in the primary and secondary school categories, among other prizes and promises to the teachers. The beneficiaries are Mr Abiodun Olukayode of AUD Pilot Nursery and Primary School, Ado Ekiti and Mr Owoeye Femi Samuel of St. Augustine Comprehensive High School, Oye Ekiti.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education and Technology, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye expressed her appreciation to the governor for his efforts at repositioning the sector and ensuring welfare of teachers in the state.

FAYEMI CONGRATULATES NATIONAL BEST TEACHER, ASUBIOJO

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated Mr Henry Olaoluwa Asubiojo, a teacher at Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti, who emerged the Best Teacher in the country on Monday.

Mr Asubiojo, who was Ekiti State Best Teacher (Secondary School category) in 2019, was announced National Best Teacher in Abuja on Monday as part of activities marking the 2020 World Teachers’ Day.

Governor Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described Asubiojo’s feat as “ highly commendable and heart warming”.

The Governor said he was not surprised at the feat because Asubiojo, had demonstrated the stuff he was made of having emerged the Best Teacher (secondary school category) in Ekiti State, in 2019.

“Excellence, hard work, honesty, honour, integrity are part of the Ekiti values that this administration is restoring in the collective efforts to reposition the state.

“The emergence of Mr Asubiojo as the Best teacher at the national level further reinforces our belief that excellence would always be recognised and celebrated." Dr Fayemi said.

The Governor said his administration would continue to provide enabling environment and platforms for Ekiti sons and daughters to excel in their chosen areas of human endeavours.

Noting that the administration has made huge investments in education, Governor Fayemi said he is happy that the results are showing in the quality of students and teachers in the state’s public schools.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate Mr Asubiojo, our worthy ambassador, for this remarkable feat. We look forward to more good news of remarkable achievements from our citizens, even as our government continues to provide conducive environment for citizens to exhibit their God- given talents.” The Governor said.

FAYEMI APPROVES CONVERSION, INTER-CADRE TRANSFER FOR 603 CIVIL SERVANTS

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, has approved the conversion and inter-cadre transfer of 603 officers in the State Civil Service.

The conversion and inter-cadre transfer were granted for the officers who obtained approved study leave to undertake courses of study in higher institutions.

The last time a major conversion and inter-cadre transfer were carried out by the State Civil Service Commission was in 2012 during Governor Fayemi’s first term in office.

Governor Fayemi said the approval was in line with the administration’s commitment to excellent service delivery through highly motivated work force, adding that the civil service remains a strategic partner in the quest for an all-round development of the state through effective implementation of the administration’s five -pillar development agenda.

He urged the beneficiaries not to relent on their oars in their quest for personal and professional development, assuring that his administration is committed to the transformation agenda of the state civil service.

The Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, who disclosed the new development in her office, in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, said the Governor’s approval for the conversion/advancement was a reflection of his commitment to the welfare of workers and their capacity building.

Mrs Babafemi commended the Governor for his positive disposition to the enhancement of the career of workers in the State and advised workers to continue to give their best in terms of effective service delivery.

The Head of Service directed that the 387 officers in the senior category and 216 officers in the junior category would undergo due process in line with the extant rules before letters are issued to them by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of Establishments and Service Matters.

GOVERNOR FAYEMI' S PURPORTED SUSPENSION: A JOKE TAKEN TOO FAR

In his reaction to the purported suspension of Governor Kayode Fayemi by an unknown group, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described it as a joke taken too far.

Oyebode said the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party is governed by laws, adding that members of the group cannot hide under their recent suspension to announce a dubious suspension they lack the locus to handle.

While one would have dismissed their claims as another failed attempt to polarise the party in the state, it is also important to put it on record that the action of the group smacks of criminal impersonation as none of those who signed the purported suspension letter were executive members of the party at ward, Local government or state level.

The action is but a joke taken too far as they never had such power they want to arrogate to themselves while they were members of the party, much less now that they have been suspended.

Governor Fayemi however remains unperturbed by this antics of suspended members.

Well meaning members of the public as well as members of APC are urged to disregard the news of the purported suspension as it only exists in the imagination of members of the group.

Dr Kayode Fayemi remains the indisputable leader of the APC in Ekiti State.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has hailed leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State over their resolve to unite and work towards repositioning the party in the state.
Dr Fayemi stated this in Ibadan on Sunday shortly after hosting a meeting of leaders of the APC at his Jericho, Ibadan home.

The meeting which was called to amicably reconcile leaders of the party in the state was a follow up to the one held in Abuja last week.

Leaders of the party at the Sunday’s meeting include a former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, two former deputy Governors, Chief Iyiola Oladokun and Chief Alake Adeyemo; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare; former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu; Senato Adesoji Akanbi, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Femi Lanlehin, Senator Fatai Buhari, governorship candidate of the party in 2019 election, Chief Bayo Adelabu.
Others include, state APC Chairman, Mr Akin Oke; Hon Shina Peller, Prof Adeolu Akande, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Mrs Yetunde Ajibola as well as representatives of groups within the state chapter of APC.
Governor Fayemi while briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, said he was happy the leaders have resolved to close ranks and work together in the interest of the party.
He said the APC leaders spoke frankly at the meeting and came to the conclusion that they could achieve much by working together in unity.

“It is a fruitful meeting and I am happy all our leaders and stakeholders at the meeting resolved to work together to reposition the party in Oyo State.

As you heard His Excellency, Governor Alao-Akala said: there is no vanquished. All differences have been settled, We are now a united front as a party moving strongly towards retaking Oyo State and working in the interest of progressive politics” Fayemi said.