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Tag: Ekiti

  • Ekiti pledges support for fashion industry

    Ekiti pledges support for fashion industry

    Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the fashion industry, to enhance the state’s economic development.

    Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, who spoke during the 2024 Ekiti Fashion Exhibition and Awards in Ado-Ekiti, said the industry was key in the empowerment of youths.

    At the event, students and youths in the fashion industry showcased their creative expertise and exploits by displaying their works for the public.

    The commissioner said the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration was committed to the empowerment of youths towards achieving the shared prosperity agenda.

    Adeola, who noted that the fashion creative industry had a lot of potential for economic prosperity for the youth, commended the organisers, saying the event would expose fashion designers from the state to the world.

    She said: “ I am glad that we are here this year; this is the eighth edition. I was here last year and I love what I saw. We need to promote and encourage the youth in the creative industry, because that is the goldmine in Nigeria.

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    “What we can do is to work with them because the organisers are doing well, and as a government, we will be ready to support them. What they need most is access to the market. They should be exposed to the outside world on what they can do and for people to patronise them.

    “The government under Governor Oyebanji has been trying to reach out to youths to have the reorientation that hard work, consistency and perseverance pay. There is nothing as good as having a vocation and following it through. Get rich syndrome does not take one far and I will urge the youth to collaborate with us to develop the creative industry and take Ekiti to a higher level.”

    The convener of the event, Owajoba Oluwasayo, said the exhibition, which began in 2017, was designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ekiti and provide a platform for emerging and established designers in the state.

    She said: “Fashion is a universal language, a way of telling stories and a bridge that connects us to our roots, while allowing us to dream of the future. Through events like this, we affirm that Ekiti is not only a land of honour, but also a land of endless creativity and innovation.

    “ Tonight, we also take time to honour individuals and brands whose contributions have significantly impacted the fashion industry; these awards are not just tokens of recognition , they are testament to the heights that creativity, perseverance and commitment can take us.”

    A popular fashion designer, Alabi Rukayat, said the award would further encourage her to continue to shape the nation’s fashion industry with her creative works.

    Represented by Emmanuel Omolayo, Alabi said the exhibition was designed to serve as a motivation for youths and undergraduates on the need to take advantage of the opportunities in the fashion industry for economic empowerment.

  • Ekiti community seeks Oyebanji’s intervention to stop encroachment on land

    Ekiti community seeks Oyebanji’s intervention to stop encroachment on land

    Residents of Odo-Oro Ekiti in the Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State have sought the intervention of Governor Biodun Oyebanji over alleged encroachment of their land..

    The community expressed concern over the encroachment of the community’s lands in Igboroko along the Itapaji road, saying that the alleged illegal activities of Agbeyewa Farms have led to wanton destruction of cash and economic crops planted by the residents.

    Addressing journalists on Friday in Ado-Ekiti on behalf of the community, Chief Omoniyi Joseph Bamisaye, High Chief Omotayo Akeredolu, Chief Koya Olaseinde decried the manner the company invaded their farmlands.

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    They described the level of destruction of crops on the lands as unimaginable and mind-boggling, said that the alleged inhumane activities was a serious threat to food security in the state with Odo-Oro being food basket of Ekiti production of early yams.

    The traditional chiefs said that the lands which include  Ikasi farmlands and Aun farmlands were not only known for yam production but also production of cocoa, palm oil, cashew and other cash crops.

    “Sometimes in February/March 2023, some unknown individuals were seen on the Ilise Royal Family land, near Mosalasi Camp, Odo Oro  with plough machines, clearing some portions of land.

  • Ekiti plans resettlement for communities affected by knowledge zone project

    Ekiti plans resettlement for communities affected by knowledge zone project

    Ekiti State Government has said it would provide resettlement for the communities affected by the state’s knowledge zone project.

    Director General of Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Mrs Lolade Olutola, said this during the contract signing between Ekiti State Government and Green Engagement Ltd, for implementation of Resettlement Action Plan for Ekiti knowledge zone project.

    She said the signing of the contract agreement was a significant milestone in the quest to make Ekiti a hub for knowledge and innovation.

    Olutola said the process for implementing the Resettlement Action Plan began last year, with consultancy position advertised publicly in line with global best practices.

    She said: “Twenty consultants bided for this crucial project and following a rigorous evaluation process, we’re thrilled to officially begin.”

    The EKDIPA DG praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to advancement of the state, saying Ekiti knowledge zone was central to the governor’s vision of transforming the state into a world-class centre for learning and innovation.

    “This is Nigeria’s first knowledge zone, a pioneering initiative that will position Ekiti as a formidable player in the knowledge economy,” she noted.

    She urged Green Engagement Ltd to prioritise effective engagement with the affected communities, to ensure smooth resettlement action plan implementation with minimal grievances.

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    Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dele Ogunsemoyin, called on stakeholders to work in synergy to bring the Ekiti knowledge zone to life.

    “This project requires dedication from every member of the team to achieve the ambitious goals set out,” she said.

    The CEO/Managing Consultant, Green Engagement Ltd, Dr. Oliver Nwuju, expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to his organisation to contribute to the landmark project, saying the company would strive to minimise grievances and fast-track the project’s progress.

  • Senate Leader launches free medical outreach in Ekiti

    Senate Leader launches free medical outreach in Ekiti

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has launched free medical health outreach for the people of Ekiti Central Senatorial District. 

    The weeklong outreach, which began on Monday in Iyin-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area of Ekiti State, was organised in partnership with  Nigerian Medical Association, Ekiti chapter. 

    Speaking with journalists at the event that attracted large crowd of constituents, Bamidele explained that the free medical intervention was strategic in helping his constituents understand their health status and to offer free treatments for those diagnosed with hidden ailments.

    Bamidele, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Gbenga Banji, emphasised that the initiative was aimed at improving the life expectancy of the populace and bring the dividends of democracy closer to the people, regardless of age and status.

    The Senator informed the intervention will cover all five local governments in his constituency to offer free medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of ailments like: hypertension,  blood sugar tests, hepatitis, ante natal treatment, free eyeglasses and family planning counseling.

    The Federal lawmaker said: “Senator Bamidele has passed through various stages of life and understands the importance of giving back to the community. Many people in this district cannot afford medical treatment, leading to undiagnosed illnesses and, in some cases, sudden deaths.

    “This outreach is aimed at bringing healthcare services directly to the grassroots, so the people can enjoy the benefits of democracy. We are targeting as many people as possible across the five local government areas in the Senatorial district.”

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    Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti Smbranch, Dr. Oreyemi Ifedayo, commended the lawmaker for the initiative, noting that it would help people who are often burdened by out-of-pocket healthcare expenses access free medical care.

    “We have specialists available to attend to various medical conditions. This initiative is a wonderful gesture, particularly at a time when healthcare costs are high and many people cannot afford to visit hospitals.”

    Applauding the medical initiative, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaye, hailed Senator Bamidele for launching the outreach in his hometown, describing it as a fitting initiative. 

    Oba Ajakaye, represented by the Odofinyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Chief Ayodeji Esan, expressed his appreciation, saying the outreach reflects the Senate Leader’s commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

    One of the beneficiaries, Ibikunle Olubobokun, appreciated  Bamidele for organising the medical outreach, adding that it has helped him discover an underlying health issue, for which he is now receiving treatment.

  • Ekiti grants licences to 14 investors for electricity generation, distribution

    Ekiti grants licences to 14 investors for electricity generation, distribution

    Ekiti State Government has given licences to 14 electricity vendors, to ensure adequate electricity generation, distribution and provision of electricity meters to consumers.

    Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, said this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said the government was at the forefront of the quest for states to exercise their powers under the Electricity Law Enactments of 2023.

    The commissioner said the licensing of the 14 electricity investors would ensure they would be permitted to embark on electricity generation, distribution and establishment of mini-grids and provision of meters for electricity consumers.

    He said the step was expected to address shortfall in electricity supply to the state, noting that while Ekiti required about 120 megawatts of electricity, it currently received 20-25 megawatts from the 132/33 KVA at Omisajana Substation in Ado-Ekiti and Omuaran feeder line in Kwara State.

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    Aluko urged stakeholders and electricity consumers to be vigilant and take steps to protect electricity cables and other power installations in their areas from vandalism, theft and meter bypassing.

    The Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Mr David Samson, sought collaborative efforts among stakeholders towards ensuring a successful service delivery of electricity supply to the state.

    He said three of the licensed electricity investors were distribution companies, four were generation companies, two were mini-grid generation companies and five were meter assets providers.

    The Olojudo of Ido Ekiti and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in Ekiti State, Oba Ayorinde Faboro, described electricity as a catalyst for development, hoping that the latest efforts would boost electricity supply and also boost the economy of the state.

  • Ekiti grants licences to 14 investors for electricity generation, distribution

    Ekiti grants licences to 14 investors for electricity generation, distribution

    The Ekiti State Government has granted operational licences to 14 electricity vendors to ensure adequate electricity generation, distribution and provision of electricity meters to electricity consumers in the state.

    The Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Mobolaji Aluko, stated this at a stakeholders meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital. 

    Aluko said the government was at the forefront of the quest for States of the federation to exercise their powers under the Electricity Law Enactments of 2023.

    The Commissioner said the licensing of the 14 electricity investors would ensure that they would be permitted to embark on electricity generation, distribution, and establishment of mini-grids and provision of metres for electricity consumers in the state.

    He added that the step was expected to address the issue of a serious shortfall in the electricity supply to the state, noting that while Ekiti requires about 120 megawatts of electricity, it currently receives a total of 20-25 megawatts from both the 132/33 KVA at Omisajana Substation in Ado-Ekiti and the Omuaran feeder line in Kwara State.

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    The Commissioner urged stakeholders and electricity consumers to be vigilant and take proactive steps to protect electricity cables and other power installations in their areas from vandalism, theft and metre bypassing.

    The Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Mr David Samson sought collaborative efforts among stakeholders towards ensuring a successful service delivery of electricity supply to the state.

    He disclosed that three of the licensed electricity investors are distribution companies, four are generation companies, two are mini-grid generation companies, and five are metre assets providers.

    The Olojudo of Ido Ekiti and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in Ekiti State, Oba Ayorinde Faboro,  described electricity as a catalyst for development, expressing hope that the latest efforts would boost electricity supply and also boost the economy of the state.

    Oba Faboro represented by the Olusi of Usi, Oba Adebayo Akande, applauded the Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s  government for his  ongoing reforms in the state’s electricity sector. 

  • Why RHI launched food programme in Ekiti, by First Lady

    Why RHI launched food programme in Ekiti, by First Lady

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has restated the commitment of her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to helping Nigerians cope with economic difficulties and related issues.

    She said the RHI remained committed to transforming lives through various programmes in health, education, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment.

    Mrs. Tinubu spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while presenting food items to beneficiaries at the launch of RHI Food Outreach inside the Osuntokun Pavilion at the Government House ground in the state capital.

    The First Lady promised that the initiative would distribute food items to people with disabilities, widows, special schools, and other vulnerable groups across the state.

    She said RHI also remained committed to uplifting women and vulnerable communities across the country.

    Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President and RHI’s National Vice Chairman, Hajiya Nana Shetima, said the event was a testament to her determination to improve the living standard among women and vulnerable groups, adding that empowerment and food security were critical pillars in her agenda.

    The First Lady said the initiative was part of a larger strategy spearheaded by her office to tackle hunger and poverty among underserved population.

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    The initiative, she stressed, aligned with the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s focus on improving the lives of all Nigerians.

    According to her, the RHI food outreach is committed to alleviating the hardship faced by many Nigerians, particularly those impacted by the current economic challenges.

    Mrs. Tinubu explained that the outreach would not just provide food items but also reinforce her commitment to the well-being of women, children, and the elderly, who she said were disproportionately affected by poverty.

    The First Lady stressed that the initiative would distribute staples, such as rice, beans, spaghetti, garri, among others, to thousands of families in Ekiti State with plans to extend the initiative to other regions in the coming months.

    The RHI national chairman described the initiative as an avenue to transform lives across the country through various programmes in health, education, agriculture, social investment, and economic empowerment.

    “Today, as we launch the programme in Ekiti State, we aim to reach all the geo-political zones and support citizens in need. Our hope is that this initiative will have a tangible impact on the lives of those we are here to support. As we distribute these associated food items, we encourage the beneficiaries to utilise them for the well-being of their families.

    “A healthy family forms the foundation of a striving society, which is ultimately our goal. The Renewed Hope Initiative remains committed to transforming lives through various programmes in health, education, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment.

    “We are dedicated to supporting our citizens, particularly persons with disabilities, youth, women and children, so to help them build a better family life,” she added.

    The wife of the Ekiti State governor and RHI State Coordinator, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Tinubu for the impact the RHI food outreach would have on many Nigerian families.

    Dr. Oyebanji, who described the gesture as a symbol of hope and assurance that President Tinubu remained committed to addressing the needs of Nigerians, noted that the initiative would bring relief to countless vulnerable people across the state.

    The governor’s wife hailed Mrs. Tinubu for using the RHI as a platform to make positive and tangible impacts in the lives of all Nigerians.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Biodun Agboola expressed appreciation to the First Lady, saying the initiative would alleviate the burden that vulnerable Nigerians were facing.

    Other dignitaries at the event included the deputy governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye; Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the House of Assembly and the State Executive Council (Exco), as well as representatives of religious bodies, market women associations, and community leaders.

  • Airport: Ekiti pays N300m compensation to 377 land owners

    Airport: Ekiti pays N300m compensation to 377 land owners

    Ekiti State Government has awarded N300million to 377 landowners, whose land were acquired for the building of Agro Allied Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti.

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji said this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, while distributing cheques to the landowners from Ijan, Igbemo, Afao and Iworoko affected by the airport project.

    He also paid compensation to others whose land and economic trees were acquired to give way for the building of the airport facility.

    Oyebanji said the facility was intended to expand the state’s economy, open a new vista of economic opportunities, investments and bolster industrial development.

    The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Mrs Monisade Afuye, said the event marked the third and last tranche of compensation to individuals and families affected by the land acquisition.

    He advised those whose land were acquired in public interest and had not been compensated not to disturb contractors on site.

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    Oyebanji assured them that their expectations would be met to indemnify their losses.

    He said the vision of the airport was to improve the state’s connectivity to national and international markets, and serve as a gateway for agriculture, commerce and tourism to fuel local businesses.

    The governor said no effort would be wasted to unravel the gains inherent in the facility for Ekiti people when fully berthed and operational.

    He said the airport would create an atmosphere of abundance, which would be the focus of his administration.

    Oyebanji thanked the farmers and landowners for their sacrifices, commitments and patience, saying the payment of compensation was geared towards appreciating their patriotism to a lofty and common cause.

    “The claimants we are honouring here today have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the future of Ekiti, agreeing to adjust their lives for a greater good that will ultimately benefit every citizen of this state.

    “Let this be a testament to our administration’s dedication to fulfilling its promises.

    “We understand that the prompt and fair compensation of those affected is not only a legal obligation but a moral one.’’

  • Ekiti community gets transformer after 14 years of darkness

    Ekiti community gets transformer after 14 years of darkness

    I lumoba-Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State has been gifted a new 500KVA Aston transformer after a 14-year darkness.

    Residents sang praises of Governor Biodun Oyebanji whom they described as a ‘man of light’.

    The  monarch, Oba Jimoh Oluwagbemiga, hailed the governor for his intervention, noting that the transformer has brought relief to the community.

    He said: “For the past 14 years, Ilumoba-Ekiti has struggled with darkness, which has crippled businesswa and stifled development. Governor Oyebanji has shown himself to be a true leader who understands the needs of his people and acts decisively to address them. 

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    “The recent reconnection of the town to the national grid did not initially restore power to all sections of the community. However, after a request was made to the governor, he promptly approved the transformer.”

    Oba Oluwagbemiga assured Governor Oyebanji of the community’s unwavering support for his second-term bid, saying the  people of Ilumoba-Ekiti  stand firmly behind his leadership.

    The APC Ward Chairman, Idowu Afuye, and Youth Leader Adewale Olokunlade, expressed delight  with the  transformer, describing it as a ‘renewed hope’ for the community.

    They said restoring power supply in the community would enhance its socio-economic development, revitalizae local economy and improve social life.

    Commissioner for  Community and Rural Development, Oluwafemi Awe, who handed  over the transformer, said it would enhance power supply in the community.

    Awe stressed that Governor Oyebanji’s swift approval following the community’s request for transformer demonstrated his unalloyed commitment to grassroot development.

  • Ekiti lawyers take Justice Nwite to NJC

    Ekiti lawyers take Justice Nwite to NJC

    Lawyers, under the aegis of Ekiti Lawyers Vanguard for Transparency, have petitioned the Chairman of National Judicial Council (NJC), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, against Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over his alleged controversial rulings and other misconducts.

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    The lawyers accused Nwite of bias and desecration of the temple of justice with what they described as unjust conducts, saying the judge’s actions were capable of bringing Nigeria to great disrepute if they were not curbed.