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Tag: Ekiti STATE

  • Good news from Ekiti State

    Good news from Ekiti State

    • By Michael Abiola

    Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s selection as ‘Governor of the Year 2024’ comes as no surprise, given his strategic vision for Ekiti State. One worth mentioning is the construction of a world-class Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in the state. This is not just for the immediate but also laying the foundations for a modern industrial economy.

    Oyebanji’s recent commitment to reviving commodity boards and strengthening cooperative movements for which Western Nigeria was well-renowned and made very significant strides in the past is noteworthy. Without doubt, this effort will complement the agro-industrial airport, creating a synergy that links the airport to modernized agriculture in Ekiti State. This, in turn, will ensure food security and pave the way for an export-oriented agro-industrial economy.

    The World Bank’s approval of an agribusiness hub in Ekiti State is also timely, more so as the hub is bound to propel economic growth, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and serve as a one-stop-shop for farmers, processors and other stakeholders. It will provide easy access to finance, markets and technology, ultimately boosting farmers’ productivity, produce quality, and competitiveness in the market. That the state government has also established storage facilities to buy and store farm produce, ensuring food sufficiency and regulating prices during scarcity is also commendable.

    In order to enhance the capabilities of security agencies in Ekiti State, Oyebanji has invested heavily in security infrastructure, including patrol vehicles, ballistic helmets, and fragment jackets. He has also deployed cutting-edge technology, such as trackers, the Early Warning and Early Response System (EWERS), and the Safe City Project, to ensure proper monitoring across local government areas.

    To protect farmers’ investments, the governor established the Agro Task Force (ATF) and inaugurated the Farmers/Herders Peace Committee to promote peaceful coexistence among farmers, herders, and host communities. He has also has mobilized various groups, including Amotekun and Peace Corps to, among other functions, gather local intelligence for the police and other state security agencies, while Agro Marshalls protect palaces and farm settlements.

    Oyebanji’s prioritization of security can be viewed through the lens of social contract theory, which asserts that “governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed.” By focusing on security, the governor is fulfilling his obligation to protect Ekiti State’s citizens, thereby “honouring the principles of the social contract.” This approach reinforces the idea that the government’s authority is rooted in the trust and consent of its people.

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    The construction of roads, particularly in rural areas, will have a significant multiplier effect on employment and income generation. This effort is part of a broader strategy to build a strong agro-industrial economic base, a foundational structural realignment that will drive sustainable development. Oyebanji deserves commendation for this approach, as it differs from the typical infrastructural projects in Nigeria, which often lack strategic linkages for sustainable development.

    Ekiti under Oyebanji has improved electricity supply and construction of access roads to boost industrial development in the state. His efforts have been complimented by his wife, Olayemi, through her pet project, the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Support Foundation. Is it therefore any wonder that the governor described 2025 as the Year of Accelerated Growth in the state’s journey towards shared prosperity?

    It is also worthy of note that the governor has demonstrated commendable restraint and commitment to the Constitution’s ethos by avoiding the recent unnecessary diversion into religious issues. His dedication to Nigeria’s secular state and aversion to adopting a state religion is exemplary. This approach is particularly important in the Southwest, known for its rich diversity and traditional tolerance, and serves as a model for others to follow.

    Finally, the awards won by Governor Oyebanji reflect the fact that those judging performance for awards are doing so based on critical thinking and analysis of performance indices that are objective, measurable, and aligned with the state’s development goals.

    Hearty congratulations to the deserving governor, and greater efforts anticipated in the future.

    •Abiola write from Ilesa, Osun State.

  • Ekiti achieve 88% performance in 2024 budget

    Ekiti achieve 88% performance in 2024 budget

    Ekiti State has recorded an impressive 88 per cent performance in its 2024 budget, indicating a significant milestone in the state’s economic development.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Femi Ajayi disclosed this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, during the presentation of the breakdown and highlights of the 2025 budget.

    Ajayi said the stellar achievement is a testament to Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s commitment to effective budget implementation and resource allocation.

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    The commissioner noted that the state recorded 92 per cent revenue performance and with 88 per cent expenditure performance in the 2024 budget, compared to 2023 budget performance, which was 85 per cent.

    This, he said, was made possible as a result of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability driven by effective and efficient budget implementation and strategic resource allocation.

  • Ekiti monarch dissolves Shari’ah Panel, summons Muslim leaders

    Ekiti monarch dissolves Shari’ah Panel, summons Muslim leaders

    Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe has ordered the immediate dissolution of the newly inaugurated independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti state.

    The order for disbandment followed the widespread criticism and public outcry against the inauguration of the independent Shari’ah panel in the state.

    Speaking at a meeting with Islamic leaders in Ekiti state led by the Chief Imam of Ekiti, Alhaji Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, Oba Adejugbe said that the constitution of the panel was ill-timed considering the tension in the country.

    The traditional ruler said the panel had been misconstrued by the public, hence the need for its disbandment for peace to reign in Ekiti.

    He said: “The situation we are in Nigeria is very delicate; we have to be very careful. The committee is not supposed to come up at the moment because you have been making peace and settling issues for many years before you thought of setting up the committee.

    “Your intention might be pure but the meaning attached to it is very different and will constitute chaos in the society. Let’s disband the committee, it doesn’t exist and it will never exist.

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    In his justification, Kewulere confirmed the existence of the committee, saying it was instituted to resolve issues among couples and the distribution of will among children.

    He noted that the panel does not adopt the practice of the Sharia law known to people, but to resolve issues and instill peace among couples under the Islamic religion.

    “We don’t have problems with people with other religions, if they want to scatter here, we will never agree to it.

    “All we want here in Ekiti is peace; we don’t want anything else apart from that. We made a committee to settle disputes among couples in the Islamic religion. We don’t discriminate in any form, we don’t have hatred towards people. Sharia is not what as people say it, for you to summon us, it’s also Sharia. We are using it to resolve issues.

    “The reason for this sharia is the issue of inheritance (distribution of will) and marriage, it’s very common among Muslims. We want to be using it to settle it among ourselves to avoid escalation of violence”, he added.

  • Ekiti community laments lack of social amenities

    Ekiti community laments lack of social amenities

    Residents of Unity Community, a suburb of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, have called on the state and local governments to provide them with basic amenities and infrastructure.

    The Chairman of Unity Community Development Association, Mr Caleb Adeosun, lamented that the community lacked functional health care centre and local market.

    He made the appeal yesterday in Ado-Ekiti during the maiden edition of the Unity Community’s anniversary and awards presentation.

    He said besides health care centre and local market, the people also needed a police post to enhance safety of lives and property.

    He said the establishment of a functional health care centre would provide the residents with effective and efficient health care service delivery.

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    Adeosun added that the creation of a local market would enable residents and neighbouring communities to have unhindered access to goods.

    He noted that many projects in the community were self-funded, with the residents contributing resources for the development of the area.

    Adeosun lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his development initiatives across Ekiti State, particularly at the grassroots.

    The Chairman of Ado Local Government, Chief Bosun Osaloni, commended the community for organising such event, describing it as a first of its kind in the local government.

    He urged the community to secure a perfect location for the construction of the proposed facilities, assuring them that the local government would liaise with the state to look into their request.

  • Madam Falegan dies at 87

    Madam Falegan dies at 87

    The death has occurred of Mrs. Funmilayo Falegan (nee Adejite), of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

    She slept in the Lord last Friday. She was 87.

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    Funeral arrangement will be announced by the family later. 

  • Ekiti community laments lack of social amenities, seeks govt intervention

    Ekiti community laments lack of social amenities, seeks govt intervention

    Residents of Unity community, a suburb in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State, have called on the state and local governments to provide them with basic amenities and infrastructure in the area.

    The Chairman of the Unity Community Development Association, Mr Caleb Adeosun, lamented that the ccommunity lacked functional healthcare centre and local market. 

    Adeosun made the appeal on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, during the maiden edition of the Unity community’s anniversary and awards presentation.

    He explained that apart from healthcare centre and local market, the people of the community also need a police post to enhance safety of lives and property. 

    He emphasized that the establishment of a functional healthcare centre in the community would provide the residents with effective and efficient healthcare service delivery.

    He also added that creation of a local market, would enable residents and neighboring communities to have unhindered access to goods and services. 

    The Chairman noted that many projects in the community are self-funded, with the residents contributing resources for the development of the area. 

    Adeosun applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his numerous development initiatives across Ekiti state, particularly at the grassroots level. 

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    The chairman of Ado Local Government, Chief Bosun Osaloni  commended the community for organizing such event, describing it as a first of its kind in the local government area. 

    Osaloni urged the community to secure a perfect location for the construction of the proposed facilities,  assuring them that the local government would liaise with the state to look into their request. 

    Osaloni reiterated his commitment to the community’s development, stating that the local government, under his watch would address many of the community’s needs before the end of his tenure.

    The major highlight of the event was the presentation of award to ex-chairman of the community, Femi Owoeye; the Ado Council Chairman and the Commissioner for Environment Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko in recognition of their contributions to the community’s development.

  • The agric option (TAO) development cluster: talking innovation in Ekiti State

    The agric option (TAO) development cluster: talking innovation in Ekiti State

    Incidentally, it was not until I came across Elder David’s comments on my last week article  that I became aware of the giant Agricultural innovation taking place in Ekiti state under the sterling leadership of governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji who seems to be getting it right all round in his handling of governance in the state.

    But first things first, a word about Elder David who is one of a kind amongst the thousands of  readers of this column who have been moved, for one reason or the other,  to react to any of my articles here since 2006, that is, 18 years ago,  as it actually debuted in the COMET a full two years before it became The Nation.

    As is often the case, I have not been privileged to meet Elder David who says he is, incidentally, Ekiti like me but it looks to me certain that he has all, or at least, most of my past articles stored up somewhere in his library. I think so because his comments, almost always, contain a fairly long verbatim quotation from a past article of mine relevant to the instant.

    I have nothing but admiration for him.

    Two other things he does: his comments, while appreciative, are always very critical, as he takes no prisoners. Finally, he appreciates the good work  governor Oyebanji is doing in Ekiti even though he continues to task him the more; the very reason I have once forwarded one of such comments to the governor via a WhatsApp message dated 2 December, 2024.       

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    My message read as follows:

    “Excellency.

    E kale.

    I consider it necessary to let you see the following.

    It is a reader’s reaction to my article of Sunday, 1 December, 2024 titled:The North Wakes Up.

    The writer goes by the name Elder David but I have never met him.

    His Telephone number: sent to the governor but omitted here, being a public space.

    “They (Northerners) should NOT be happy living parasitically on freebies at the expense of the nation. Lagos State today is 5th economy in Africa. Let them point to any economy in the North like that. Instead, they are establishing several Islamic Universities, further digging their grave.

    Please ask Gov.Oyebanji to start competing with himself; breaking his own records in some very needful areas”.

    I replied:

    Which areas do you have in mind please?

    His answer:

    “The government needs the contribution of OPS for PPP, especially in Agro-business, Power generation,Cottage-industries,Cattle-ranching and other MSMEs that may create employment for the youth.

    If we cannot produce oil, like Ethiopia or Rwanda, we can be exporting cows\meat, and dairy products”.

    Thank you Excellency.

    That exactly is the stuff Elder David is made of.

    Attempts by governments to make Agriculture a worthwhile venture in Ekiti state is not new. What TAO is doing differently is in the scope and the number of stakeholder groups involved in the TAO venture. Its inclusion of the state’s Universities is quite laudable and impressive, given what its impact would be on research, especially research funding within the Universities, as well as job opportunities for the young graduates.

    One can only begin to imagine its economic impact, especially on the state’s GDP.

    Interestingly, governor Oyebanji whose solid encouragement to the investor must have laid this golden egg was intimately involved, as Secretary to the government of governor Kayode Fayemi, which also had a very aggressive Agric policy.

    For instance the government attracted more than one hundred million U.S dollars investments in the Rice and Cassava Value chains, as well as in Dairy milk production which saw Promasidor invest 5 million U.S dollars to renovate, and operate, the moribund Ikun dam Dairy Farm.

    A very key segment of that government’s Agric policy was the the Youth in Commercial Agricultural Development (YCAD) programme which was aimed at boosting commercial production of High Value Crops.

    The young beneficiaries  participated in a two-week Agro-business start up and managerial training programme tagged “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB).

    Summing up the results of the Fayemi government’s Agric policy in the article: ‘Hurray! The Ekiti Governorship Election Is A Week Away’, on 8 July, 2018 I wrote:

    “Hundreds of Ekiti youths, among them a trained medical doctor (turned farmer), were engaged in commercial agriculture under the Youth Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (YCAD) and 117,000 farmers were registered to benefit from the ADP programme.

    For the first time, Ekiti State had both the largest cassava productivity (yield/Ha) and cultivation. Yield was above national average at 15T/Ha (national average was 12T/Ha). Ekiti also had the largest expansion in cultivation in the country in 2012 with the addition of over 1,150Ha by YCAD Programme alone.

    By October 2013, YCAD’s critical objective had started to manifest as Ekiti State had the highest yield in cassava in the country. In an amazing manner, Ekiti State started  producing water melon and carrot which were,  hitherto,  exclusive produce of Northern states. 750Ha of land was cultivated under the Rice Expansion Programme where government supported farmers with 100% input for production. 2013 operation alone was aimed at achieving 3,000Ha capacity and government also flagged off N600 million irrigation project under which Ero and Itapaji dams  provided 1,700 hectares of irrigated land.

    For the first time, there was a joint constituency project in irrigation by the three Senators representing Ekiti State with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). The irrigated land was at Itapaji and served from Itapaji dam, which also served Iyemero and Gede farm settlements while   Ero dam was planned to serve Ikosun, Igogo and Ewu farm settlements. 

    To restore cocoa to its prime position as the main cash crop as was the case in the First Republic, 150,000 cocoa seedlings were distributed to 15,000 farmers in 2013″.

    In doing everything to encourage this new investment, governor Oyebanji was, first and foremost, mindful of the place of Agriculture in a foremost agrarian state like Ekiti.

    It was for that reason he joined

    the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU),  Professor  Joseph Ayodele and other dignitaries, this past week in Ado – Ekiti, the state capital, to  launch The Agricultural Option (TAO)  Development cluster in the state.

    The project is designed to do the following:

    a) promote foundational agricultural development with young people; b)improve food security; and,

    c) enhance economic prosperity in Ekiti and Nigeria.

    According to Dr Niyi Ojuolape, the  chief promoter, and Chairman, of  AgroMall, the investing Group, the  Cluster will engage agricultural students of good academic standing in productive agriculture where they will be exposed to the practice of farming, processing and agribusiness,in general, providing them with hands-on training and experience in productive and commercial agriculture.

    In addition to skills development, the programme will offer financial benefits of up to N2 million per annum which can go into tuition or other needs, all intended to empower them to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

    It is also intended to stimulate their interest in agriculture.

    Not done, Dr Ojuolape went further to say that they are in partnership with both the state governmeny and EKSU and that they hope by that partnership to see “the benefits  extend beyond the students. EKSU, he says, will benefit from the research and development aspects of the program, which will impact curriculum improvement as well as enhance the university’s reputation as a centre of excellence in agricultural education”.

    “Furthermore, he said, it will contribute significantly to Ekiti State’s food security and economic prosperity, with an annual economic activity expected to reach around 40 billion Naira”.

    The governor saw the occasion as “a groundbreaking event marking the beginning of a new era in agricultural development in the state, adding that he  “looks forward to seeing its positive impact on the state.”

    The EKSU Vice – Chancellor was no less ecstatic, describing the partnership “as a further testament to EKSU’s vision of producing graduates that are adequately equipped to handle contemporary socio-economic, and environmental challenges as TAO provides an additional opportunity towards solving some of the country’s most pressing socioeconomic challenges of youth unemployment, low economic growth and food insecurity.”

    Here is wishing the partnership well and I do, sincerely hope, that it will take Ekiti state to the envisaged heights and higher.

  • Ekiti seeks collective action against climate change

    Ekiti seeks collective action against climate change

    The Ekiti State government has tasked stakeholders on collective action against the challenges of climate change and its negative impacts on the environment.

    The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe said that the state government requires stakeholders’ collective support to foster a sustainable environment in the state.

    Aluko-Ajisafe who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital at the Ekiti State Climate Action Plan Engagement Session with Stakeholders, said such collaboration by all the stakeholders would help the state combat climate change challenges.

    Aluko-Ajisafe who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Tunde Balogun said that the state is at the forefront of potential destinations for green investment.

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    She said: “The Climate Action Plan is a way of identifying the risks that climate change poses to the policy areas and plans of this administration and the state in general.

    “It will also identify how this government can work to help Ekiti adapt to those challenges and what opportunities there are to offset the effects and make our contribution to Nigeria’s national efforts to combat climate change.

    “The overall intention is not to invent a new policy or to confuse existing plans, but rather to promote us to think about how they will be affected by the challenges of climate change and to bring all of the climate change-related elements of our work into one document where they can be accessed and understood.”

    The Technical Advisor to the Ekiti State Governor on Climate Change, Mr Oliver Owen called on all residents of the state to come together to solve the issue of climate change.

  • Community to launch N500m fund

    Community to launch N500m fund

    Igede-Ekiti community in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government of Ekiti State has said it will launch a N500 million Development Fund to enhance infrastructural growth.

    Chairman of Igede-Ekiti Day Planning Committee, Dr. Sunday Oluyemi, said the fund would be launched during  celebration of the day on November 26.

    He spoke in Igede-Ekiti at a news conference heralding 2024 Igede-Ekiti Day and launching of N500 million Development Fund.

    Oluyemi said the money would be used for projects and programmes that will impact lives in the ancient community.

    He sought support from indigenes and others to raise the money for Igede-Ekiti ’s development and socio-economic growth.

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    Oluyemi said this year’s celebration, with top officials and captains of industries in attendance, is an opportunity to showcase Igede-Ekiti  cultural heritage and unity among indigenes.

    He noted there will be cultural display, games, medical outreach, quiz competition, beauty pageant, dinner and award night.

    “ This year’s Igede Day will bring Igede sons and daughters together. We share things and through that, we know our needs in terms of assisting our younger ones and bringing us together.

    “It strengthens our unity. The four quarters of Igede-Ekiti will meet to share things. Since 1989, we  have been having Igede-Ekiti Day and through that, we have achieved a lot”, he said.

    He noted Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, will chair  the event while Governor Biodun Oyebanji is special guest of honour, among other dignitaries.

  • BREAKING: Ekiti PDP recommends Fayose’s expulsion to party’s disciplinary panel

    BREAKING: Ekiti PDP recommends Fayose’s expulsion to party’s disciplinary panel

    The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has recommended the expulsion of former Governor Ayodele Fayose for allegedly acting against the party’s interests in the state.

    The state PDP Caretaker Chairman, Dare Adeleke, made this known during a press briefing on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.

    He explained that the recommendation for Fayose’s expulsion was part of the submissions made to the Tom Ikimi-led Disciplinary Panel and the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Reconciliation Committee.

    Adeleke stated that the call for Fayose’s expulsion was due to his alleged anti-party activities and misconduct, including his public endorsement of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This, he said, has brought embarrassment to the PDP and could mislead the public about the party’s true values.

    He urged the national leadership to expel Fayose and his allies, warning that keeping them in the PDP would be detrimental, as their loyalty no longer lies with the party.

    Adeleke also mentioned that Fayose has filed four separate cases against the PDP caretaker committee within two months of its formation, with the intent to weaken the party.

    He said: “It is with deep concern that I must address the anti-party activities of Ayo Fayose and his cohorts. His public declarations and serial endorsements of the opposition are a direct affront to the values and unity of our great party.

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    “I strongly condemn these actions and encourage him to take the bold and honest step of officially decamping rather than openly aligning himself with an opposing party and misleading others into his self-serving interests. His actions mislead the public, giving them a distorted and false image of what the PDP stands for. Our focus is on strengthening Ekiti PDP, and such behavior only serves to weaken our collective efforts.

    “We are pleased to say Fayose is no longer a member of PDP. So whatever he says he is saying it to massage the ego of his boss and paymaster, Governor Oyebanji. Because if a man could shout on top of the roof that BAO has come to his house 18 times in two years, what is he doing there?

    “Mr Fayose is a survivalist. He is a person that wants everything for himself. If a person could sponsor his child as a PDP candidate and in the middle of the game he withdrew his child from the race to support the APC based on material gain. Will you take such a person as seriously?

    “He needs to say something sweet to get money from Oyebanji. He has taken the caretaker committee to court four times within two months the assumed office solely to weaken PDP at the instance of his paymaster”, he added.