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Tag: Efon Alaaye

  • Efon Alaaye renews clamour for university, more govt presence

    Efon Alaaye renews clamour for university, more govt presence

    Key stakeholders in Efon Alaaye Kingdom, beginning with its first class traditional ruler, the Obalufon Alayemore, Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, Alayeluwa, Oba (Dr) Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, Agunsoye II, down to several prominent indigenes, have sought for more government contributions and presence in the community, revisiting it’s long time call for the citing of a university in the town to boost its economic and social activities.

    The call was made during the annual celebrations of the Efon Day 2025 tagged: EfonXtraVaganza, which played host to sons and daughters of the Kingdom, as well as friends and well-wishers, at the town’s mini stadium.

    Addressing the gathering, the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, Alayeluwa, Oba (Dr) Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, Agunsoye II, called for continuous cooperation and unity among his subjects towards ensuring that the One Billion Naira Efon Alaaye Strategic Development Fund conceived few years ago becomes a reality in no distant time. This, he said, will enable the ancient community achieve speedy transformation.

    Oba Aladejare further charged his subjects never to be weary or relent in their developmental communal efforts, but to continue to be inspired by the desire to actualise the goals and dreams perfectly laid out, by pursuing the development and progress of Efon community as a whole.

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    He reminded them not to forget the advice of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in respect of developing and financing the tourism potentials of the Efon Kingdom, most especially, the Oke Sagbonke recent hiking experience held in April 2025, which was tagged: ‘Hike and Dine in the Clouds,’ organised courtesy of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, through the Ekiti State Board for Tourism Development.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the Efon XtraVaganza 2025, Barrister Olajide Olakanmi Panaf, hailed the financial contributions of the people of the community towards the 2025 event, despite the economic challenges confronting individuals and corporate entities in the country.

    Fielding questions from journalists during the event, Olakanmi used the avenue to call on potential investors globally to take advantage of the town’s rich land for agricultural purposes; the good weather and the unique topography of Efon Kingdom to visit it and harness it’s tourists centres for profits.

    “Despite the topography of Efon Kingdom, the community has strived very hard to improve its afforestation by regularly planting trees to combat any occurrence of global warming, thereby removing doubts and preventing natural disasters in the community, and making it safe for investors”.

    He revealed that the greatest desire of the people of Efon Kingdom is to have a higher institution, promising that the community has enough building, space and a friendly environment that will help sustain and nurture its establishment.

    Giving his own address at the event, the President General of Efon Development League, Mr Thomas Olabode Fagbemiro, pleaded with the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to consider Efon Alaaye for more physical projects and infrastructures that will help add more value to it, in addition to his assistance in facilitating and approving the citing of Efon Alaaye Study Centre of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, BOUESTI, Ikere Ekiti, which is presently located at the premises of CAC Grammar School, Efon Alaaye.

    Fagbemiro also appealed to the State Government to do more in empowering the youths in Efon Alaaye, to be self-reliant, and be encouraged to go into arts and agriculture, so as to be less dependent on the government.

    The Chairman of Efon Local Government Area, Honorable Afolabi Segun, speaking during the event equally called on the sons and daughters of Efon Alaaye – home and in the diaspora, to engage actively in the development of the community by tackling the pressing challenges of education, healthcare, infrastructures and that of the environment confronting the ancient community.

    He however promised to continue to do his best in creating a more inclusive approach that will help to improve the current state of the infrastructural facilities in Efon community, enhance its public service, invest in projects that will rate Efon community high and also retain the cultural heritage which defines it.

    Responding to questions from the press at the event, the Ajiroba of Efon Kingdom, Chief Patrick Ojo, described Efon Day as the only event that unites Efon people throughout the whole world. He calls for more attention on the growth of young people in Efon community.

    Chief Ojo, a retired top police officer turned businessman, community leader and a philanthropist of note, advised and coroborated the need for the youths to go into agriculture to avoid being perpetually dependent.

    Princess Adekemi Adewumi, daughter of the first Ajiroba and first lawyer in Efon Kingdom, and a prominent politician, speaking shortly after receiving a post humous award on behalf of her late father, Chief Adebodun Adewumi, commended the efforts of Oba Emmanuel Adesanya at uniting all his subjects and involving them in his activities.

    She pleaded with all the major stakeholders in the Efon project to come together to ensure that more development is achieved for the community, noting that everything cannot be left in the hands of the government.

    “Time for all the sons and daughters of Efon Alaaye to brace up, and work towards attracting more development and growth to the ancient community”, Princess Adewumi submitted.

    The Gbobaniyi of Efon Kingdom, Chief Olatunde Ashaolu, described the 2025 EfonXtraVaganza as a colorful and vibrant one.

    Chief Ashaolu, the United Kingdom-based financial expert assured the community that he will continue to do his best in the area of education by supporting students of the community with more funds and scholarships to excel in their academics.

    Prince Adeyemi Adejolu who coordinated the Efon Day hiking event revealed that a good number of tourists participated, urging the youths to continue to take advantage of the uniqueness of Oke Sagbonke to positively promote Efon Kingdom.

    Equally, the Miss Efon Beauty Pageant 2025 organised as part of the EfonXtraVaganza saw Miss Faith Fadekemi Adetuberu, emerging as the winner. Agemo Gloria came 2nd, while Caleb Felicia Ayomide came 3rd and Akinwale Bosede Omolewa came 4th. Cash gifts of over N400,000, Certificates and prizes were given to each of the four contestants at the event held at the Efon Civic Centre.

    At the grand finale of the EfonXtraVaganza 2025, awards were presented to Efon Community legends like Late Pa P.O. Fagbeyiro, Human Capital development award to Mr Jide Ojo, Agribusiness Pioneering award to Professor Adio Folayan, Youth Empowerment awards to Efon Alaaye Club and Pastor Steven Korede Oluwasola, as well as Girl Child Inspiration Icon award to Princess Aderonke Okusanya and Pastor Mrs Peju Babafemi.

    Mr Kola Ajumobi, the head of the media committee for the EfonXtraVaganza 2025 speaking with newsmen after the event, thanked and appreciated those who graced the occasion.

    Highlights of the event featured parades and homage to Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare by each of the six quarters in Efon Alaaye, clubs, associations and groups.

  • Efon Club elects officers

    Efon Club elects officers

    Efon Alaaye High Society (EHS), one of the foremost Efon Alaaye  sociocultural clubs, has elected executives under the leadership of Elder Alani Daramola, (a retired executive secretary in the civil service of Ekiti State), to run the affairs of the club for the next two years.

    The EHS leadership team emerged at a special meeting of the club held on Sunday. It will succeed the former executive led by Prince Sunday Adeyemi-Adejolu.

    The newly elected 10-man executive, in addition to the three past presidents (who are automatic ex-officio members in the leadership team), are as follows: Elder Emmanuel Daramola- President,

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    Sir. Peter Ojo- Vice-President, Sir. Anthony Olarubofin – General Secretary, Dr. David Oladipo – Assistant General Secretary, Pastor Ezekiel Adeniji – Treasurer, Opeyemi Fabunmi – Financial Secretary, Pastor Itunu Afolabi – Publicity Secretary, Adebowale Adebayo – Social Secretary/Welfare Officer, Titus Ayeni – Internal Auditor. Emmanuel Ojo- Chief Whip,

    Pastor Caleb Olajuyin (pioneer president) – ex officio, Mr. Titus Ojo (past president)-ex officio and Prince S. A. Adeyemi-Adejolu (immediate past president) – ex officio

  • Unveiling tourism potentials of Efon Alaaye

    Èfòn Aláayè council area, no doubt has great potentials for tourism. If these potentials are exploited, they will provide job opportunities for youths and boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Ekiti State. The tourism potentials are in six categories: those of geographical interest, those of therapeutic or medical interest, those of Industrial interest, those of Spiritual interest, those of Sporting interest and those of Historical interest.

    Tourism potentials of geographical interest

    These are the Agboro Gorge, the Aye (Crater probably formed by the impact of a meteorite or perhaps the after effect of a volcanic eruption in the very distant past), the Akodi Abeta, the table land at the junction where the footpath from the gorge meets the footpath leading to Abéta – let us call it the Agboro Junction  and the Echo Phenomenon (Gbohungbohun in Yoruba).

    The Agboro Gorge is between two vertical stone walls with ice – cold water drizzling night and day throughout the year.

    The Ayé is a very deep and very extensive chasm adjacent to the narrow path leading to Abéta farm and within shouting distance of the Agboro Gorge. One edge of the narrow footpath is a boundary of Ayé while the footpath itself is the foot of a mountain of rocks. Hence, walking along this narrow path is risk – laden. Any carelessness may cause the walker to plunge into the abyss below with the probability of survival practically zero. (In the recent past, one or two fatal accidents occurred at the Ayé). The Ayé is similar to the one at the Nine – Mile corner near Enugu where the warning Better Late Than Never is inscribed on a signboard at each end of the portion of road adjacent to it. If a road is desired adjacent to the Ayé, it has to be driven through the rock hill facing the Ayé. Cables may be thrown over the Aye for physical training and for the execution of stunts by circuses. The Àkòdi Abéta is opposite the Ayé. It is a space sheltered from the rain and sun by overhanging rocks (Àkòdi is the Yoruba for the mini palace of a Chief – so, the Àkòdi Abéta is a home which protects people from rain and sun).

    To get to Agboro Junction from Èfòn Aláayè, we have to ascend a hill. The Junction itself is flatland. So, the Agboro Junction is a tableland or plateau enroute Abéta farm. At the Àkòdi Abéta, Èfòn Aláayè town may be viewed with or without binoculars. If a tower is built at the Àkòdi Abéta, the towns surrounding Èfòn Aláayè may be viewed from it’s top. An hotel or guest house may be built at the Agboro Junction. Tourists can relax or even lodge at such an hotel.

    The tableland at Agboro Junction is only a few metres from the hilltop where MTN Mast is situated. A road can be constructed to link the tableland with this hilltop so that tourists who do not want to trek along River Oni – Abéta on footpath can come to the tableland by road to the MTN Mast and from there go to the tableland, the Ayé and the Àkòdi Abéta through the link road. Between the tableland at AGBÒRÓ Junction and the Àkòdi Abéta, any speech we utter is echoed back to us. This is an interesting phenomenon which Yoruba’s call Gbohungbohun.

    Tourism potentials of therapeutic or medical interest

    These are the Rivers Òni and Olúa. River Òni is on the way to Abéta while River Olúa is in Oníyò Area of Èfòn Aláayè. Tourists from all over Nigeria come to River Òni to bath and collect the water – it is widely believed that a sick man who uses this water for drinking and bathing will be cured and a woman who has difficulties about conception will be made fruitful by drinking the water or bathing with the water. The Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C.) has built bathrooms on the River Òni where people can have their bath in privacy.

    The waters of River Olúa are used to cure guinea worm infections. The portion of this River that can be so used is known to its priests – the Owágbonan and his assistant, the Olómò.

    Tourism potentials of industrial interest:

    This is the River Aféni which is situated half way between Idagba and the Federal Government Girls’ College, Èfòn Aláayè along the Ìdàgbá – Ìwárája road. Samples of it’s water have been analysed and found to be free from germs. So the waters can be bottled for sale by a Company incorporated for that purpose.

    Tourism potentials of spiritual interest:

    These are the Owas (caves of divination). Many of the Owás are situated in Èfòn Aláayè – Owá Oòduà whose priest is the Aláhún, Owá Òkín (under Ejíókin), Owá Alánàká (under Alánàká), Owágbon and Olómò). Some of the Owás are situated outside Èfòn Aláayè – Owa Agidanyin is at Erinmo in Osun State (but it is controlled by the Ejionita of Èfòn Aláayè: Erinmo used to be a satellite town under Èfòn Aláayè until one Aláayè who abdicated the Aláayè throne and later ascended the throne of Owá of Ijesaland ceded Erinmo to Ijesaland), Owá Atita is now in Ipole Area but it used to be in Agboro Area on the way to Abéta farm and Owás Ariyan with its main branch at Abéta and its subsidiary branch in Ijíó, Èfòn Aláayè , under the control of Ejió.

    There is one important deity called Mojalaye which is invoked by the Ejigan people to complicated issues. Its wooden statue with an extra big phallus is situated in a bush opposite Òréréìdò Area of Èjigan Quarter, Èfòn Aláayè. The priest – Chief in charge of Mòjaláyé is the Ejisùn of Ejigan.

    Although Christianity and Islam are the popular religions, in times of crises, people (Pastors, Evangelists and Alfas not excluded) resort to these deities for help. So, why can’t the State Government generate IGR through the patronage of these deities?

     

    • Emmanuel Adeniran writes from Ekiti
  • Fire razes school hostel in Ekiti

    Fire razes school hostel in Ekiti

    150 Students lose Personal Effects 

     

    Students of Federal Government Girls’ College, Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State are now counting their losses following a fire incident in their hostel on Monday.

    The inferno which started at about noon raged for few hours consuming the students’ personal effects like clothes, books and provisions. No life was lost in the incident.

    Also gone with the blaze are mattresses, cupboards, curtains and some facilities with over 150 students losing their personal belongings.

    A source told our reporter on Tuesday that the fire incident might have been caused by power surge as faulty electricity in the dormitory was rectified the previous day.

    The fire which razed the Favour Integrity Hostel was said to have started from the ceiling.

    All the students in the hostel are left with just single uniforms on them during the inferno as other uniforms and personal clothes had been burnt.

    The students called on the Federal Government, the owners of the school, to come to their aid.

    The school authorities called men of Fire Service from Ado-Ekiti, the state capital and nearby Ilesa in Osun State but their vehicles could not gain access into the school because of the hilly topography.

    Lack of access to the school compound by the firemen gave the inferno a free reign razing the dormitory and materials inside.

    The Alaaye of Efon, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, paid a sympathy visit to the school and was there for over three hours.

    Parents who had been notified of the fire on phone rushed to the school on Tuesday to check on the welfare of their wards assess things for themselves.

    They kicked against the school management’s call on them to provide palliatives for the students without the input of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).

    School authorities declined comments on the incidents and even prevented the crew of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) from covering the incident.

  • Ooni relives Yoruba history, culture at Efon book launch

    Ooni relives Yoruba history, culture at Efon book launch

    The bond between Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race and Efon Alaaye, an ancient kingdom in Ekiti State, came to the fore at the public presentation of a book, Ooni Obalufon Alayemore: The Founder of Efon Alaaye Kingdom, during which the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, canvassed sound knowledge of Yoruba history. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    Efon Alaaye is one of the principal towns in Ekiti State. It’s famous for its beautiful scenery and industry of its people. It celebrated its importance in Yoruba history at the weekend.

    Its monarch, the Obalufon Alayemore, the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, Agunsoye II, led his subjects to celebrate the public presentation of a book entitled Ooni Obalufon Alayemore: The Founder of Efon Alaaye Kingdom.

    The public presentation was attended by prominent men and women from all parts of Yoruba land and beyond who came to identify with a worthy cause that aimed at placing history in proper perspective. The event was also a platform for charting a new course for the kingdom.

    The book is a collation of Yoruba oral traditions. It also investigates the claim of the Efon Alaaye Kingdom to ancestral connections with Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race and civilisation. The 1,420-page book chronicles the exploits and sacrifices of the Obalufon Alayemore who was the third Ooni, who vacated the Ife throne for his brother, Oranyan who returned from Oyo on the death of his (Oranyan’s) brother.

    The book was written by Prince Adelegan Adegbola while Prof. Biodun Adediran reviewed it. Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola was chairman of the book launch while former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, was the chief launcher.

    Governor Ayo Fayose, who was co-launcher, was represented by his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    Other launchers included Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lasun Yussuff (who were both represented); Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Otunba Olabiyi Durojaiye, political office holders, captains of industry and other distinguished individuals.

    Many kingdoms in Yoruba land were, in one way or the other, related to Efon and Ooni Obalufon Ejijimogun Alayemore either by birth, followership or through migration and they still maintain the ties till date.

    They include Erin Odo Ijesa, Erin Osun, Erinmo, Erin Oke, Ido Osun, Aragberi, Ara, Oba Ile, Idominasi, Ora, and Iba (all in Osun State), Erin Ile (Kwara State), Igbara Oke, Aaye Ifedore (both in Ondo State), Igbara Odo, Aaye Ido/Osi and Aaye Quarters in Ilawe (both in Ekiti State).

    That explained why traditional rulers and chiefs of the communities mentioned above assembled at Efon Alaaye in their numbers to witness the public presentation of the book.

    The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who exuded profound royal awe and splendour, was received amid pomp and ceremony at the book’s public presentation. Oba Aladejare and other distinguished Nigerians left the high table to receive the Adimula Yoruba to the hall.

    Oba Ogunwusi has said God has put the Yoruba race in prime position to conquer the world in all fields of human endeavour. He called on the Yoruba to have good knowledge of their history and use it as a catalyst to take their pride of place in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world.

    The Ooni, who hailed Obas for maintaining peace at their various domains, urged the Yoruba to sink their differences and be united to achieve their aims.

    He commended the Efon monarch, Oba Aladejare, who pooled resources to ensure the production of the book, which he said was a gesture to preserve history.

    Oba Ogunwusi said the Yoruba must show interest in their history for the sake of the future generation. He added that it would be improper for foreigners to write the history of Yoruba for them.

    The Ooni said: “The Yoruba is the head because God has put us in eminent position and when we take our rightful position, things will move in the right way.

    “God has blessed us abundantly but we must know our history, we must know our source and our history should not be written for us by foreigners.

    “The history of the Obalufon is not an inconsequential one; on my arrival in Efon today, there was no single filth or refuse in the town and this has a meaning if you don’t know. This town is not swept by commercial sweepers and it remains clean as we have seen.

    “Every good thing we enjoy today, including civilisation, was made possible by the Obalufon and the white men learnt this from us. That Efon is neat today is not an accident, it has been like that since iwase (the beginning).

    “You (Efon people) came from the compound of Iraye (in Ile-Ife) and he is still holding fort for you in Ile-Ife. The setting was made possible by the Obalufon and the whole world is enjoying it.

    “The Obalufon began the bronze technology from Ile-Ife and it extended to Benin Kingdom, to far places such as Greece, Egypt and Ethiopia. But if we don’t know this history, it cannot motivate us in Yoruba land.

    “But today, there is much disunity among the people. All the same, we must come together. If you don’t put our history in proper perspective, foreigners will be the ones to do it for us. It is the honour we give to ourselves that the whole world will give to us.

    “Let us take this book home and give it to our children because you don’t know the place your children will find themselves in the future.

    So, good knowledge of history is very important for us and our future.”

    Contributing, Oba Aladejare said: “Today is one of the greatest and most remarkable days in the history of Efon Alaaye Kingdom. It is not because we want to launch the book which will become a reference point about our history, origin, customs and culture, but most importantly, for being able to bring together the elite in current Nigerian society.

    “For upwards of nine years, I, Oba (Dr.) Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejate (CON, JP), 46th Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, have passionately pursued my vision and mission in inaugurating the writing of the book we are about to launch today.”

    Fayose said his administration has made History compulsory as a subject to give the younger generation insight into the past and promote culture and tradition.

    He said: “I was at an event in Ife where some students were asked about what happened to (the late Lt.-Col.) Adekunle Fajuyi and some students could not answer the question. I was disappointed.

    “That is why we have now decided in Ekiti State that History should be made a compulsory subject because history is important because it helps us to put things in proper perspective.

    “History imparts vision and if we don’t promote history, our values are destroyed. History will help us determine our future.”

    Olanipekun explained that there is always a connection between the past and the present, history and culture; even as he urged the Yoruba to always have respect for their kings and culture.

    The legal luminary said: “We are celebrating a history of over 1,000 years, a history of a dynasty. We must have respect for our dynasties in Yoruba land and we must preserve the culture and dignity of Yoruba land.

    “Our respective governments from Kwara to Osun, the Yoruba are one. We must preserve and respect our tradition because we are celebrating a rich culture.

    “Efon people don’t add “Ekiti” to the name of their town because they are educated. The name of my town is Ikere; Ado is Ado because the “Ekiti” affix is a recent development. The proper name of my town is Ikere, Ekiti State.

    “This book is not about Efon, it is about Yoruba land because no town is an island. There is contiguity among Yoruba towns.”

    Babalola, who was represented by Prof. Dare Ojo, said he loved the Efon monarch and identified with the documentation of history in a book.

    According to him, a book serves as a storage device where facts can be stored, saying “when facts are put into book writing, they stand the test of time.”

    He described the Alaaye of Efon as one of the paramount traditional rulers who played significant roles in the struggle which resulted in the creation of Ekiti State.

     

  • Book on Efon Alaaye for launch

    A book written on the ancient town of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State, will be launched tomorrow.

    The book brings a well-researched perspective to the history of Efon Kingdom.

    The Chairman, Efon Book Launch Planning Committee, Dr Kunle Olajide, said the 1,440-page book retells the history of the founder of the town, Obalufon Alayemore, who was also the third and fifth Ooni of Ife.

    Olajide, who is also the Aare of Efon Kingdom, said the new book is authored by Prince Adelegan Adegbola, who wrote the popular book on Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba.

    He said: “The book is the story of Obalufon Alayemore who was the third Ooni of Ife and the first Alaaye of Efon Kingdom and later the fifth Ooni of Ife.

    “Oba Alayemore happened to be a mystic and an enigma. He was enthroned the third Ooni in the absence of Oranmiyan who had gone to found Oyo Kingdom. Some years later, Oranmiyan returned to Ile-Ife. So, Obalufon Alayemore, who was his younger brother, decided to vacate the throne and went northward to found Efon Alaaye.

    “He was on the throne when Oranmiyan died. The oracle insisted again that he had to come and succeed his brother. That was how he became the fifth Ooni of Ife. This is what makes him mystic and an enigma because he is the only one till today who mounted the throne of the Ooni twice. This book chronicles his exploits across Yoruba land. This is why the current Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi will be the Royal father of the event.

    “The book was put together for 11 years. A lot of research went into the book. It is a 1,440-page book.

    “The book will assist the Yoruba nation to rediscover ourselves, our history and to realize that the Yoruba nation is highly endowed by God. There have been several books which misrepresent Yoruba history having been written by foreigners and locals but the research that fed this book was thorough.”

    The event will be chaired by Aare Afe Babalola (SAN). Eminent Yoruba sons and daughters are expected at the launch, including the President, African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Sen. Olabiyi Durojaye.

    The Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, Oba Dr Emmanuel Aladejare, Obalufon Alayemore, is the chief host.

  • Ekiti State Govt. issues ultimatum to 9 micro finance banks on loan recovery

    Ekiti State Govt. issues ultimatum to 9 micro finance banks on loan recovery

    Ekiti State Government on Tuesday issued a 15-day ultimatum to nine micro finance banks to recover the Micro,  Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) loans disbursed to their customers across the state.

    The government gave the ultimatum in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, signed by the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Chief Toyin Ojo.

    The banks were said to be involved in the disbursement of the CBN’s Special Purpose Vehicle on SME Micro Loan to various beneficiaries.

    The banks are Consistent Trust, Ijesa-Isu Ekiti; EK Reliance, Ikole Ekiti; Omiye Micro Finance Bank, Ilupeju Ekiti; Transwealth Micro Finnce Bank, Ado Ekiti; Sunbeam Micro finance, Efon-Alaaye and Aramoko Micro Finance Bank, Aramoko Ekiti.

    Others are Iyin Ekiti Micro Finance Bank, Iyin Ekiti; Ulayin Bank, Ado Ekiti and Amoye Micro Finance Bank, Ikere Ekiti.

    According to the statement, the recovery method was in line with the memorandum of understanding signed by the management of the banks.

    The statement added that the bank should ensure that the loan beneficiaries paid back or be ready to be sanctioned according to the dictates of the law.

    The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Chief Toyin Ojo, is also the Chairman of the Recovery Team.

    Ojo warned, in the statement, that all the affected banks must recover the loans they disbursed and remit same to specified account of the government by the end of March, 2017.

    He emphasized that all undisbursed money from the first tranche still with the finance banks, should be paid back into the designated account within 24 hours.

    The commissioner added that defaulting banks would also not be allowed to participate in further disbursement of the second tranche of the loan.

    Ojo, therefore, enjoined beneficiaries of the loan to live up to their responsibilities and pay up.

    He added that government’s gesture should not be misconstrued as a national cake that would not be paid back.

    Ojo warned that failure to repay the loan would deprive other potential beneficiaries from enjoying the facility.

    He also added that it would kill the laudable initiative designed to empower the people and boost the economic base of the society

  • N2m scholarship for Efon Alaaye indigenes

    Fortune has smiled on five students and three artisans through the Efon Alaaye Development League, Lagos branch, which gave them scholarship and equipment worth over N2million.

    The beneficiaries of the academic scholarship got N50,000 each, renewable yearly as long as they maintain at least a second upper grade, while the three recipients of the vocational scholarship were given tools of their trade.

    Two photographers got cameras, generators, studio flash light and wait-and-get printer worth N300,000 each while a barber got clippers, generator, steriliser.

    The league has also rented shops for them in Efon Alaaye to carry out their trade.

    Apart from being indigenes of Efon Alaaye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, the recipients took both written and oral tests for the  scholarship.

    The artisans  had practical demonstrations of their skills to get the vocational scholarship.

    The eight were the lucky ones among about the 60 applicants who applied for the scholarship. However, though the association planned to select 10 academic scholars, Chairman of the association, Mr Emmanuel Ajewole, said only five could prove they had gained admission into the institution and passed the tests.

    He said the initiative was the first of its kind by a township association in the state, adding that through the scholarship, the group has taken action to solve some of the problems plaguing the society.

    “It is very easy to sit up, take notice and criticise. What is difficult is standing up and taking action. Today, the Lagos League of Efon Alaaye is standing up and setting in motion with over N2 million the mechanism and machinery to sponsor the award yearly to promote and supporting worthy Efon Alaaye Youths in their tertiary education, vocational training and self employment,” he said.

    Secretary of the scholarship committee, Mr Ope Makanjuola, said the artisans would be accountable to the association for the first two years of running their businesses and within that period run the risk of losing the equipment and shop if they could not stay afloat.

    “For the first two years they are accountable to us.The equipment and the shop belong to Efon Alaaye Lagos Branch.  If they perform well after the period, they will claim full ownership,” he said.

    One of the recipients, Samson Adande, who is studying Computer Science and Mathematics at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, said the scholarship was a relief.

    “This will help me in so many ways. The amount is more than my school fees.  The remaining will be useful for funding other projects in school, the 17-year-old student said.

  • N2m scholarship for Efon Alaaye indigenes

    Fortune has smiled on five students and three artisans through the Efon Alaaye Development League, Lagos branch, which gave them scholarship and equipment worth over N2million.

    The beneficiaries of the academic scholarship got N50,000 each, renewable yearly as long as they maintain at least a second upper grade, while the three recipients of the vocational scholarship were given tools of their trade. Two photographers got cameras, generators, studio flash light and wait-and-get printer worth N300,000 each; while a barber got clippers, generator, sterilizer. The league has also rented shops for them in Efon Alaaye to carry out their trade.

    Apart from being indigenes of Efon Alaaye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, the recipients took both written and oral tests, for the academic scholarship.  The artisans on the other hand, had to do a practical demonstration of their skills to get the vocational scholarship.

    The eight were the lucky ones among about 60 applicants that applied for the scholarship.  However, though the association planned to select 10 academic scholars, Chairman of the association, Mr Emmanuel Ajewole, said only five could prove they had gained admission into the institution and passed the tests.

    He said the initiative was the first of its kind by a township association in the state, adding that through the scholarship, the group has taken action to solve some of the problems plaguing the society.

    “It is very easy to sit up, take notice and criticise.  What is difficult is standing up and taking action.  Today, the Lagos League of Efon Alaaye is standing up and setting in motion with over N2 million the mechanism and machinery to sponsor the award on an annual basis with a view to promoting and supporting worthy Efon Alaaye Youths in their tertiary education, vocational training and self employment,” he said.

    Secretary of the scholarship committee, Mr Ope Makanjuola, said the artisans would be accountable to the association for the first two years of running their businesses and within that period run the risk of losing the equipment and shop if they cannot stay afloat.

    “For the first two years they are accountable to us.  The equipment and the shop belong to Efon Alaaye Lagos Branch.  If they perform well after the period, they claim full ownership,” he said.

    One of the recipients, Samson Adande, who is studying Computer Science and Mathematics at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, said the scholarship was a relief.

    “This will help me in so many ways. The amount is more than my school fees.  The remaining will be useful for funding other projects in school, said the 17-year old.