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Tag: Ekiti STATE

  • Fayemi inaugurates new appointees

    The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Monday inaugurated four new members of the State Executive Council with a charge on them to immediately swing into action and offer their best to the people.

    Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Dr. Fayemi said the new cabinet members were appointed based on their track record, expertise and experience, and as such they must immediately settle down in office and inject new ideas to reinvigorate and re-energize government machinery to the overall benefit of the people.

    Addressing the appointees, the governor said their immediate mandate was to correct whatever needs correction as well as discharge their duties with fairness courtesies to everyone.

    The governor said, “You will recall that at the inauguration of this government, I made a declaration of our cardinal programmes to be anchored on the four pillars of Social Investment; Knowledge Economy; Infrastructure and Industrial Development; and Agriculture and Rural Development. I therefore wish to admonish the newly inaugurated appointees that much confidence has been reposed in them and what is expected of them is total commitment and dedication to Ekiti state and the attainment of these four cardinal programmes.

    “We must all work together to make genuine efforts at reclaiming our land. By the time you resume at your respective offices, you may discover alarming facts of the current state of affairs. I urge that you must swing into immediate action to correct whatever needs correction as a admonish that you must discharge yourselves with fairness courtesies to all and sundry.

    “As you are inaugurated today with your different portfolios, let me hasten to tell you that high performance is expected of all of you in the discharge of the duties of your various offices, particularly considering the peculiar situation of the state.”

    Read Also: Fayemi, Egbeyemi and second phase of ‘rescue mission’

    The newly appointed cabinet members are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapohunda; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Oladapo Kolawole; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and Chief of Staff, Mr Biodun Omoleye.

    Fayemi used the occasion to assure everyone that the process of appointment was a continuous one adding that all strata of Ekiti community would be represented.

    Responding on behalf of the appointees, Omoleye thanked Governor Fayemi for finding them worthy to be part of a robust administration, assuring that they would key into the vision and mission of government and offer nothing but the best to move Ekiti forward.

    At the event were the Deputy Governor of Ekiti state, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi,former Vice Chancellor of federal University, Otuoke, Prof Bolaji Aluko; state chairman of APC, barrister Paul Omotosho;  APC party leaders, traditional rulers and top government officials

  • Bamidele, Adeyeye, Olujimi, others cleared for Nass Poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the names of National Assembly candidates in Ekiti State.

    The list of candidates cleared to contest was displayed at the gate of INEC state headquarters in Ado Elite.

    Parties including People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN), Democratic People’s Party (DPP) are fielding candidates.

    Read Also:I earned N60.2m in three years, Atiku tells INEC

    In the senatorial race, the APC candidate cleared for Ekiti North is a former National Assembly member, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi.

    Former Houses of Representatives member, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele cleared to fly APC flag in Ekiti Central senatorial district.

    Bamidele defeated the incumbent Senator, Mrs. Fatimat Raji Rasaki in the APC senatorial primary held in Ekiti Central.

    Former Minister of State for Work, Prince Dayo Adeyeye is the cleared APC candidate for Ekiti South.

    Senate Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who is seeking re-election, has been cleared as the PDP candidate in Ekiti South senatorial district.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Duro Faseyi, who is also seeking re-election, is the cleared PDP candidate for Ekiti North.

    Former Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Obafemi Adewale, is the PDP candidate for Ekiti Central.

    Three out of the incumbent House of Representatives members in the PDP fold were cleared by INEC to seek re-election.

    They are Mr Kehinde Agboola (Ekiti North 1), Mr. Akin Awodumila (Ekiti South 2), Mr. Segun Adekola (Ekiti South 1) and Mr Ayo Oladimeji (Ekiti Central).

    New entrants cleared to run in the House of Reps poll are Chief Bisi Kolawole (Ekiti Central 2) and Mr. Sola Omotoso (Ekiti North 2).

    APC House of Reps candidates cleared are Mr. Peter Owolabi (Ekiti North 1), Mr. Ibrahim Olarewaju (Ekiti North 2), Mr. Sola Fatoba (Ekiti Central 1), and Mrs. Omowumi Ogunlola (Ekiti Central 2).

    The rest are former Chief of Staff, Chief Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South 1) and former Ekiti House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Femi Bamisile.

  • Ekiti lawmaker shot by unknown gunmen

    A member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Michael Adedeji, is now battling between life and death after being shot in the head by unknown gunmen.

    Adedeji was waylaid in the early hours of Friday while traveling along Ikere-Akure Road by the gunmen who opened fire as he made an attempt to escape from the scene.

    The lawmaker who represents Ekiti Southwest Constituency 2 was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) for intensive care.

    He was later referred to Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI) where is he is expected to undergo neurosurgery in a bid to save his
    life.

    When our reporter visited EKSUTH to confirm Adedeji’s admission at the Accident and Emergency Unit, a staff member said: “He had been transferred to Ido Ekiti. The bullets hit him in the head and he would have to undergo neurosurgery as soon as possible”.

    But the Ekiti Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mr. Segun Adewumi, described the attack on Adedeji as unfortunate.

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    Adewumi in a telephone chat disclosed that his colleague has been taken to FETHI, where he would have access to CT scanning of his head.

    Adewumi said: “When he was accosted on the way, the lawmaker wanted to flee the scene by putting his car on reverse gear to another direction, but these evil men opened fire on his vehicle and the bullets hit him on the head.

    “He was immediately taken to hospital in Ado Ekiti where he received emergency treatment.”

    Police spokesman, Mr. Caleb Ikechukwu, said the incident has not been brought to his notice.

    Ikechukwu said: “We have not been officially briefed but when we have the information, we shall act appropriately.”

  • Soldiers invade Ekiti community over colleague’s death

    There is panic in Ogotun-Ekiti, a community in Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area of Ekiti State over the killing of a soldier.

    The killing of the soldier by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers on Wednesday sparked an invasion of the community by scores of soldiers.

    Residents claimed that the soldiers who stormed Ogotun from the Army base in Akure, the Ondo State capital, now patrol their community in twelve Toyota Hilux vans.

    While many residents have left the town, others who are afraid of going out are staying indoors owing

    A community leader, Mr. Paul Awopetu, who confirmed the development to our reporter on Thursday said a resident was killed by suspected robbers at Olori Oko farmstead in Ogotun.

    Awopetu disclosed that one person who escaped from the robbery scene reported the incident to soldiers manning a checkpoint between Ogotun and neighboring Igbara Odo.

    He added: “Two soldiers followed the person who escaped from the farmstead but the robbers killed one of the soldiers.

    Read Also: Ekiti Assembly confirms Fayemi’s commissioner nominees

    “As I am talking to you now, many soldiers are patrolling Ogotun in twelve Hilux vehicles.

    “The soldiers are combing the bush, forest and surrounding farmsteads in search of the robbers who killed their colleague.”

    The police spokesman Caleb Ikechukwu who confirmed the incident described those who killed the soldier as “unknown gunmen.”

    Ikechukwu said he cannot speak on the actual number of soldiers deployed to the community by the Army authorities.

    He said the men of the state police command have joined the military in the search for those who killed the soldier.

    Ikechukwu said: “The incident has come to my notice, I have been duly informed about the soldier killed by unidentified gunmen. That is the information at my disposal for now.

    “Intensive search is going on now but I cannot ascertain the number soldiers but if you kill a soldier you should expect the military go into action.

    “We have deployed our men to join in the search for the culprits who committed the crime.”

     

  • Fayemi signs executive order to stop illegal school fees

    Approves N200 million housing, car loans for teachers 

     

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has taken further steps to revoke collection of illegal levies and fees in public primary and secondary schools.

    The governor on Wednesday signed an Executive Order banning extortion of pupils in the guise of various fees collected by some principals, head teachers and other school officials.

    Fayemi also approved N200 million as car and housing loans for teachers in public schools in the state to boost their morale.

    The governor disclosed that the loans will be disbursed on or before November 15 adding that payment of arrears of salaries owed by the last administration will commence any moment from now.

    Speaking after signing the executive order at a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti, Fayemi said it also provides for free and compulsory education in government owned primary and secondary schools.

    The governor was joined at his table by pupils and students of public schools who applauded him as he signed the order into law.

    The executive order, according to him, makes provisions foe stiffer sanctions and penalties for school principals and head teachers extorting pupils and students through illegal fees.

    Fayemi explained that the action was taken because of reports that school heads were still collecting illegal fees after his pronouncement banning same last Wednesday during his senatorial town hall meetings.

    The governor expressed dismay that some principals and head teachers were still extorting students under the pretext of collecting “voluntary donations.”

    Read Also: I am not fighting Buhari, Tinubu, Oshiomhole – Fayemi

    Fayemi stressed that the executive order would prevent any of such illegality in schools, eliminate school dropout and as well encourage children enrollment.

    He urged parents to report any head of schools who asked their children for money to the ministry of education for necessary action against would be culprits.

    Earlier the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Princess Adekunbi Obaisi, noted that the executive order would go a long way at strengthening the education policy in the state.

    Also the State Chairman of Nigeria union of Teachers Mr. Samuel Olugbesan said the government initiative marked the beginning of a new dawn in the education sector.

    One of the students, Ruth Ogunseye, hailed the gesture of the governor which she said will bring back some of her colleagues who had been forced to withdraw from school.

    A teacher, Mr. Segun Adeparusi, said the approval of N200 million as car and housing loans will motivate the teachers to give their best.

  • Breaking: Fayemi approves permanent secretary’s retirement

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has approved the immediate retirement of the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishments and Training, Olusesan Alabi.
    A statement conveying the governor’s approval of Alabi’s retirement was signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode.
    The governor ordered Alabi to hand over to the most senior officer in the office.
    No reason was given for his retirement in the statement.
    He was among the permanent secretaries appointed by Fayemi in 2013 during his first tenure of office.

  • Fayemi will fulfill all electoral promises – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured the people of Ekiti State that Governor Kayode Fayemi will fulfill all promises made during electioneering campaign.

    The party hailed Fayemi for what it described as populist and welfarist actions taken in the first week of his inauguration.

    Describing Fayemi as a “good and dependable ambassador,” the party urged the people of the state to continue to support Fayemi to bring his blueprint to reality.

    The party said Fayemi needs the prayers of Ekiti people to succeed for his administration to take the state to greater heights.

    The Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ade Ajayi, in a statement on Monday said the governor, in his first week, has taken some actions that showed that he (Fayemi) loved the common man and had the interest of the people at heart.

    Ajayi lauded the Town Hall meetings held by Fayemi in all the three senatorial districts in which he has taken government back to the people and gave them a sense of belonging.

    The party spokesman described Fayemi as a man of integrity who would keep his words to make life easier for the people of Ekiti State.

    Ajayi said: “The governor has announced the cancellation of education development levy imposed on pupils in private and public schools by the past administration, while free education would also return to public primary and secondary schools in the state as against the exorbitant fees under former Governor Ayo Fayose.

    “We applaud the governor for the return of the social security scheme that will alleviate the sufferings of our aged people and it is also heartwarming that Ekiti pupils in public schools would be enjoying free meals latest by December.

    “Governor Fayemi would accord workers welfare his administration priority; pensioners,local government workers and teachers would not be left out in the scheme of things.

    Read Also: Fayemi’s first week as Ekiti governor

    “The governor has expressed his readiness to pay all the backlogs of workers and pensioners salaries and benefits but we plead for patience from our people.”

    Ajayi also reiterated Fayemi’s call on all APC candidates for state and federal legislatures to extend hands of fellowship to contestants who lost at the primaries to face the general elections as a united house.

    “According to Governor Fayemi, all the State and National Assembly candidates must reconcile with their co-contestants, leaders and members of the party in their units, wards and local government areas to enhance victory at the polls in the forth coming election in the state,” Ajayi said.

    The party expressed appreciation to Fayemi in his bid to pay severance and furniture allowances to politicians who served under him,saying they should exercise patience in his bid to make political appointments.

    The statement also appealed for calm from party members on the killing of the state Treasurer, Mr. Moses Adeoye, noting that the governor has urged the state police command to bring the killers to justice.

    He added that the governor had given his words to take care of the family of the deceased.

     

  • Fayemi dissolves boards of agencies, parastatals

    Monarch, APC elders drum support for Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has ordered immediate dissolution of the boards of government agencies, parastatals and corporations in the state.

    Chairmen of the boards of these agencies are directed to hand over to the most senior officer in their respective agencies.

    A statement on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, said the dissolution however does not affect the statutory boards.

    He said: “Government appreciates members of these boards for the services they have rendered to the state.

    “Composition of new boards will be announced at a later date.”

    Meanwhile, a first class traditional ruler in Ekiti State, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, has expressed confidence in the ability of Governor Fayemi to make positive impact in governance during his second tenure.

    The Alawe who described Fayemi’s victory at the July 14 election as “historic and divine” said the former Minister of Mines and Steel Development has the pedigree, exposure and experience to turn around the fortunes of Ekiti.

    Oba Alabi made the remark in his palace when he hosted two Ilawe indigenes, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu and Mrs. Yemisi Ayokunle, who recently emerged victorious in the primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    While Adaramodu won the APC House of Representatives ticket for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Ayokunle won the APC House of Assembly ticket for Ekiti Southwest Constituency 1.

    Read Also: Cleric to Fayemi: Learn from Fayose’s mistakes

    The traditional ruler described the duo as capable and competent to represent their constituencies at the federal and state legislatures and canvassed support for them.

    The royal father pointed out that Fayemi’s pedigree and competence are never in doubt judging by the giant strides witnessed during his first term between October 2010 and October 2014.

    The APC Elders’ Forum also congratulated the governor and his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, on their assumption of office.

    The Forum in a statement by its Chairman, Chief George Akosile and Secretary, Chief Abiodun Ajayi, said the inauguration of new government will bring new lease of life to the people of the state.

    “We are very much aware of your ability and capability to govern the state effectively. The elders are assuring both of you of our total support, commitment and loyalty to your administration in Ekiti State,” the body said.

    The APC elders prayed for the success of the new administration for positive transformation of Ekiti State with the hope of realizing the dreams of its founding fathers.

    They hailed President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole; National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; governors, ministers and party leaders for their presence at the inauguration and their interest in Ekiti State.

     

  • Ekiti students union greets Fayemi, makes demands

    The Leadership of the Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union has congratulated the governor of Ekiti State, Dr Fayemi Kayode on his swearing-in.

    The Governor was congratulated in a letter signed by its National President, Akomolafe Hide Petkoff aka Aare of Peace alongside other executives.

    “The National leadership of the above named Union wish to expressively register our warm congratulations on the inauguration ceremony of His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi given the victory recorded at Ekiti 2018 gubernatorial poll held on July 23rd, 2018.

    Read Also: Fayemi attends NEC meeting

    “ It’s is our utmost belief that our dear state shall witness advanced developments during your governance.

    “Also, we are not oblivious of the ardent zeal of His Excellency; Dr. John Kayode Fayemi towards students’ constituency.  We believe the incoming Governor of our state will continue to extend his hand of an all-inclusive government towards the entire Ekiti students’ populace.”

    To protect the academic and general welfare of all students of the state of the state, both home and abroad, the federation demanded for free education for primary and secondary students, review of fees payment in the state owned institutions and prompt disbursement of bursary and scholarships.

  • Ekiti APC Treasurer shot dead while eating

    …Party mourns

    Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been thrown into mourning following the murder of the State Treasurer, Mr. Moses Adeoye, Wednesday night.

    Adeoye was reportedly shot dead in his house in Otun-Ekiti, headquarters of Moba Local Government Area while having his supper.

    Read Also:Tribunal adjourns hearing of Ekiti governorship poll dispute till today

    The gunmen were said to have invaded Adeoye’s residence at about 9.00 pm and opened fire on the victim while he was eating.

    He was killed few hours after returning to Otun-Ekiti after being part of the town hall meetings held by Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti North and Ekiti South senatorial districts same day.

    Adeoye was the APC chairman in his local government area before he became the state treasurer at the state congress in September.

    The police spokesman Caleb Ikechukwu disclosed that the state command has commenced investigation into the killing assuring that the culprits would soon be nabbed.

    The state chapter of the APC has expressed shock at the killing of a member of the State Working Committee (SWC).

    The APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ade Ajayi, disclosed that the state exco had paid a condolence visit to the family of Adeoye.

    Ajayi in a statement on Thursday said the state APC Chairman, Mr. Paul Omotoso, described Adeoye as responsible, honest, committed party man praying that such an incident would not happen again.

    Ajayi also quotes Omotoso as describing the killing of the treasurer as a “terrible blow” to Governor Kayode Fayemi, APC, party members and the Moba people.

    The APC Chairman in Moba council area, Mr. Femi Adeyeye, described the incident as a “rude shock” to all party members and people of the community.

    Adeyeye urged the state government and the party not to forget the family of the slain Adeoye.

    The APC delegation from the state exco also paid a condolence visit to the Oore of Moba land, Oba James Adedapo Popoola, in his palace in Otun-Ekiti, on the killing of the party leader.

    Omotoso urged the monarch to take solace in God on the loss of a prominent son of the community saying the party would do everything possible to bring the killers to book.

    Oba Popoola thanked the APC leaders for the visit noting that the incident has created an injury in the hearts of the people of the town that would take time to heal.