Tag: Ekiti

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated a 13-member negotiation committee as the Ekiti state government begins discussions with organised labour in preparation for implementing the new minimum wage.

This follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of the minimum wage law on July 30th, 2024.

According to a statement from the governor’s special adviser on media, the committee includes government officials and leaders of organized labour in the state.

The members of the government negotiation team are the Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, the Commissioner for Finance, Akintunde Oyebode; the Special Adviser on Labour Matter, Comrade  K. Faromiluyi; Accountant General, Titilayo Olayinka;

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Others include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Bamise Julius; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance Mr Oluwadare Jolumo and Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Service Matters, Mrs Janet Ajibola.

The team from the Organised Labour includes the JNC Chairman, Com. Olufemi Ajoloko; NLC Chairman, ⁠Com.Olatunde Kolapo; TUC Chairman ⁠Com Sola Adigun; JNC Secretary, Com. Yetunde Emmanuel; NLC Secretary,  ⁠Com. Israel Taiwo and TUC Secretary, ⁠Com.Yemi Peters.

The first meeting of the committee is slated for Wednesday, September 4th, 2024.

Ekiti State Government has approved N2.7 billion for rehabilitation of De-Head to Faglo, Basiri Junction Road in Ado-Ekiti.

Information Commissioner Taiwo Olatunbosun made this known in a statement at the end of State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

He said the Oyebanji administration was committed to ensuring the state’s roads were well-maintained and accessible, in alignment with its infrastructural development agenda.

He added that rehabilitation of the road would alleviate traffic jam around Adebayo to Ekiti State University in Ado-Ekiti, boost socio-economic activities and enhance the security and quality of life for residents and property owners on the road.

Olatunbosun said the road was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for rehabilitation and was expected to be completed within 12 months.

He also said the government approved N700.9 million for renovation and remodelling of House of Assembly complex, as well as Assembly Service Commission building.

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The commissioner added that the Assembly complex and the Service Commission building were due for renovation to ensure the structures were restored to a modern and functional state, conducive for discharge of legislative duties and administrative functions.

He said the contract awarded to ClemCharles Nigeria Ltd, through direct procurement, in line with Ekiti State Public Procurement (Re-Enactment Law, 2020), was expected to be completed in 12 weeks.

“The government approved N229,000,000.00 to procure tractors and other farm machinery. The tractors and other farm equipment include three 5075E(75HP) tractors, three Fieldking 3 Disc Plough, one Fieldking 22 Disc Harrow and two Fieldking Ridger 2 Row.

 “The state government also ratified the awards of N329,474,681.08 contract for construction of 100-bed space capacity hostel at Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti. The construction, expected to be completed in 12 weeks, is to guarantee continuous full boarding facility in the school.”

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ekiti State government to pave the way for a seamless takeoff of the newly established Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport at Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The MoU, which was signed at the agency’s headquarters annex at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos, attracted top officials of Ekiti State government as well as NAMA’s.

NAMA’s Managing Director Farouk Ahmed Umar said the signing of the MoU or Service Level Agreement represented a mutual commitment to excellence and “a shared dedication to delivering an exceptional result”.

He said the MoU outlined a joint responsibility, expectation and standard for air traffic control services.

The NAMA boss noted that the epoch making event served as a foundation for a partnership between NAMA and the Ekiti State government to ensure that both parties worked together seamlessly and efficiently for the effective takeoff and operation of the airport.

Farouk, who was represented by the NAMA’s Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mrs. Isemiuhonmon Rita Egbadon, stressed that the MoU was more than a contract.

“It is a symbol of action, cooperation and shared vision,” he said.

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The NAMA boss described the signing of the document as “a pledge to uphold the highest standards of quality and performance by both parties, to foster open communication and transparency, to embrace credibility and adaptability in an ever-changing environment, given that aviation is a catalyst for the development of any economy”.

He added: “If we are able to uphold the tenets of this agreement, we would be able to reap the fruits of our labour. We shall prioritise customer satisfaction and success of this project. We are not just signing a contract, we are making a promise to each other and to our customers.

“Let us work together to achieve greatness and make this partnership a shining example of collaboration and excellence.”

Also, the Secretary to Ekiti State government (SSG), Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, who represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji, noted that the event marked a crucial moment as the state advanced towards enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of airspace and air traffic management.

The governor said the state’s Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti was at the verge of starting full operation.

He expressed optimism that the establishment of the cargo airport would boost tourism, facilitate smoother and safer air travel and subsequently contribute to economic growth, job creation, and improved connectivity for Ekiti State residents.”

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ado-Ekiti Branch has established the Elders Forum to serve as an advisory body to the association.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Elders Forum in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital where some senior lawyers were honoured, the chairman of the branch, Taiwo Omidoyin explained that the forum was constituted to offer guidance to the branch.

Omidoyin said that the forum apart from playing an advisory role would also provide mentorship to young lawyers knowing full well the state has been blessed with senior lawyers who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession.

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According to him, the membership of the Forum comprises Senior Advocates of Nigerian (SAN), Professors of Law, Serving or Past Attorneys General of Ekiti State, and public servants not below the rank of a Director.

Others include all the past chairmen of the branch, members not below 50 and members called to the Nigerian Bar not later than the year 2000.

He said: “I believe our respected elders have significant roles to play in shaping the future of legal practice and the younger generation has a lot to learn from their vast wealth of experience and expertise, especially in the area of mentoring.

The Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has ruled out the possibility of contesting the Ekiti State governorship election in 2026.

Bamidele said his task was to work with other progressive-minded individuals in the state to join hands and support the incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term so that he can continue the excellent work he has been doing for the state.

The Senate leader spoke in Ado-Ekiti while inaugurating female and male hostels for medical students of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU) which he facilitated.

The female medical hostel was named after former Ekiti State deputy governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu while the male hostel was named after Late Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, former Ekiti state deputy governor.

The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District said that his decision not to vie for the governorship poll was in the overall interest of Ekiti’s development and the yearning of the people for the continuity of Oyebanji’s excellent performance and exemplary leadership.

He added that Ekiti was best in the hands of a competent and experienced leader like Governor Oyebanji whose purposeful leadership and people-oriented policies have brought massive development to the state and its people.

He appealed to any individual who might be offended by his decision to forgive him and accept it in good faith, saying he chose to form a partnership with Governor Oyebanji for the betterment of Ekiti people.

He said: “It’s not my intention to run for governorship in 2026. I’m sorry if I offended anyone. But I have said it in good faith and I have said it because I know it’s no longer an individual or anyone’s ambition. It’s about our state and the people who are hungry and underemployed. So, I chose to form a partnership that I know in the 8 years of BAO governorship will take Ekiti to greater heights.

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“Everything we are doing is because we have a Governor who makes it possible for us to come home and move freely. Let me also say that I will gladly serve as chairman of Governor Oyebanji’s second term campaign. So, those who are expecting us to fight ahead of the governorship poll or those planning to set up a parallel governorship campaign structure for me will wait in vain”, he added.

Bamidele said he can carry out a lot of constituency projects across the six local governments that make up his Central Senatorial District because the Governor has created an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity in the state that is devoid of hostility and mutual suspicion.

He further said the peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the Governor’s open hands to the various political tendencies has encouraged everyone to contribute his quotas to the development of the state.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji hailed the commitment of the Senator Leader to Ekiti’s development adding that their exemplary performance underscored the importance of electing people of proven integrity and capacity as representatives in government.

The Governor called on All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the state to continue to give their maximum support to Bamidele in his efforts to contribute to the overall development of the state.

The Ekiti Council of Elders has called on State Government and security agencies to secure release of kidnapped former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe from captivity. 

The Council President, Professor Joseph Oluwasanmi, who made the appeal in Ado-Ekiti, urged the security agencies to intensify effort to ensure the retired university teacher’s release. 

Olaofe was kidnapped in his residence in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, with his security guard on July 9, 2024.

Family sources said the kidnappers contacted at a time and initially demand N50m which they later reduced before the victim could be set free.

Prof Oluwasanmi lamented this was the second time its members would be kidnapped, saying such could discourage the senior citizens from the services and help they were still rendering to society at old age 

The Council President disclosed that the Elders’ Council, owing to the continuous stay of its member in the captivity had suspended its activities which he said included care for people.

He said, “Our esteemed member, Prof Olaofe, was brazenly kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday July 9, and remains in captivity as of this moment, 25th July.This has left us deeply anxious and fearful.

“We are on our bended knees for any method that can be used to find the Professor who has given his all to our society. We do not presume to know more than the security experts, but time is of essence for us to find the elderly man alive, hence our anxiety.

“While we appreciate the efforts of the state government and the security operatives, we implore all stakeholders to unite to ensure the safe release of the Professor and to eradicate insecurity in the state,” he added. 

The Nigeria Universities Pensioners Association, EKSU Chapter also appealed to security agents particularly the police in Ekiti State and the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, “to put all machinery in use in securing the release of the former DVC”.

EKSU NUPA, in its statement by the Publicity Secretary, Ajibade Olubunmi, said: “We appeal to security agents particularly  the police in Ekiti State to secure the release of our member, Prof. Olaofe, kidnapped over two weeks ago.

“NUPA further calls on the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji to put all machinery in use in securing the release of the former DVC. We also urge members of the public to join the Association in giving useful that can lead to the rescue of the aged former DVC.”

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The Special Adviser to the Gvernor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), who described kidnap of the retired professor as unfortunate, said, “Since that incident was reported, all security agencies have been on their toes, looking out, some suspects are being interrogated. 

“As we are speak, our people are in the forests looking for any trace. It is our hope that this evening, he should come back, and we pray that very soon, he is going to be released,” the security adviser said.

Ekiti Police Commissioner Adeniran Akinwale, said that investigation was in progress on the matter.

The CP, represented by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Edwin Igoche, said, “Investigation is in progress in respect of the whole thing. We are doing everything humanly possible, by the special grace of God, the professor will return safely”.

Ekiti State Government has adopted artificial insemination to boost livestock production and enhance food security.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, said artificial insemination has the potential to revolutionise the livestock industry by improving production, fertility and herd management, as well as reducing disease transmission.

He said this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti  during a three-day capacity building programme for the Extension Agents and Livestock Extension Service Providers on Artificial Insemination by the Ministry of Agriculture, under the World Bank-funded Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project.

He noted that the use of the reproductive technological intervention would change the dynamics in livestock production by allowing farmers to breed high-quality animals as well as increase their overall profitability.

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The commissioner, who reiterated the commitment of the government to boost food production, said Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration has provided palliatives for farmers in the state with a view to enhancing food security amid inflation in the country.

L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olayinka Adetipe, said the workshop was organised to expose the participants to the rudiments of artificial insemination and cascade the techniques to farmers in the 16 local governments.

The Ekiti State Government has entered into a collaboration with the Kiti Face Lifestyle Nigeria Limited (KFLN) to host Ekiti Cultural Tourism slated for the third week of November, 2024.

Speaking during the official signing of the partnership agreement in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, the Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre said the partnership will showcase the state’s cultural heritage to the world.

Ojo-Lanre added that the cultural event apart from bringing Ekiti to the spotlight of the world, it would also serve as a catalyst for socio-economic growth and stimulate vast opportunities for tourism development.

He said, Ekiti has a enough rich history, natural beauty, tradition, art, heritage that deserve to be celebrated and showcased to the world. The Ekiti cultural festival is not just an event, it’s a platform that will highlight our unique cultural identities, promote sustainable development and create opportunities for many people.

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“Through this partnership, we are committed to create an event that will serve the true spirit of Ekiti. As we sign this MoU, we are not just entering into an agreement, we are embarking on a journey that will see us work together to deliver an unforgettable cultural festival that celebrate our heritage and pave way for future generations”, he said.

The Chief Executive Officee of Kiti Face Lifestyle, Bose Idiaka said the event was conceived primarily to display the unique cultural heritage of Ekiti to the world and make the state destination of choice for both local and international tourists.

She noted that the partnership with the state government was propelled by the firm’s incurable commitment to promote the abundance of cultural and tourism potentials in the country.

“This cultural programme is to showcase our culture and tourism and varieties of our local foods and cuisines would also be showcased.

“We are going to organized competitions where our people are going to showcase their traditional skills. Also, we are going to have inter-tertiary fiesta to showcase their beauty and cultures. We will also be visiting six tourists centres in Ekiti.

“When we started, it was not easy but the moment the Bureau saw what we are bringing and that we were even helping them to bring out the tourism of Ekiti State to the spotlight, we got all their support. This will make us to go all the way to make this festival a success”, he added.