The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ekiti

  • Ekiti okays building of dual carriageway

    Ekiti okays building of dual carriageway

    Ekiti State Government has approved the construction of a dual carriageway to link GRA III Extension and Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the capital and the rehabilitation of Ado-Ilawe Road.

    The approval of the projects by the State Executive Council was to facilitate free flow of traffic and unfettered access into and around the state capital and sustain its drive to ensure all roads in the state are ‘motorable’ and well-maintained for the benefit of the residents, visitors and passersby.

    Conveying the cheering news, which formed parts of the decisions reached at the weekly State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, explained in a statement that the approval of the new road projects was equally aimed at significantly contributing to economic growth and boosting social activities.

    Another key decision reached at the State Executive Council meeting, according to the government’s spokesperson, was the approval of the presentation of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), for 2024-2026 documents to the House of Assembly for legislative processing and passage.

    Shedding more light on the rationale behind the intended rehabilitation of the Ado-Ilawe Road where some of its sections had deteriorated due to high water table in some locations causing discomfort to motorists and commuters, Olatunbosun described the intervention as strategic.

    The intervention on the road, he explained further, was designed to ensure alternative routes for motorists, who wanted to reach communities along that corridor within record time and gain access to neighbouring states without stress.

    Olatunbosun said the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration formulated a system of sustaining good state road network that linked communities with major roads and eased movement around the state in recognition of the fact that the state government had no control on construction, maintenance and repairs of federal roads.

    But he stressed that the state government would continue to link up and collaborate with the Federal Government and facilitate interface with its relevant agencies to ensure that federal roads in deplorable conditions in the state receive attention with a view to arriving at permanent and sustainable solution to restore them to good conditions for the benefit of the people.

    Using the ongoing rehabilitation of Igede-Ilawe Road as an example, the commissioner stressed that, on completion, the road would ease traffic from Kwara up north to Akure or Lagos in the south as well as serve as a ring road that would help reduce traffic volumes in the state capital by providing alternative routes around the city for drivers that do not essentially need to stop in the centre of the metropolis. 

    Read Also: Fed Govt has N6tr funding gap for 2,604 road projects, says Umahi

    “Same goes for the Ikere-Igbara Odo road that links the state with Igbara Oke in Ondo State and beyond without going through the avoidable rigours of driving through the state capital and compounding the traffic situation,” Olatunbosun noted.

    He listed other road interventions by the state government to include the Ilawe-Igede road, completion of the bus terminal in Ado-Ekiti that was inherited from the previous administration, rehabilitation of Agric Olope-Moferere/Agric Olope-Odo Ado road, reconstruction (excavation and casting) Igbara-Odo-Ikogosi lined drain road, rehabilitation of Ado-Iworoko road.

    Others are rehabilitation of Ilawe-Erijiyan road, reconstruction of Ikere-Ilawe road, construction of Atlas (Ajebamidele)-Deeper Life- Alasia-Shepherd-Omisanjana road in Ado- Ekiti and the general rehabilitation of Ado township roads.

    Olatunbosun said the state government would continue to partner and encourage the Federal Government to maintain its share of roads in the state, adding that though the state did not have resources to cater for federal roads; the administration would work round the clock to ensure free flow of traffic in and out of the state without stress. 

    Speaking about MTEF 2024-2026, the commissioner said the revenue for the approved period was projected as N235,332,401,626.00 for 2026, N207,974,197,512.00 for 2025, N187,280,552,421.00 for 2024 and N159,754,889,425.00 for 2023, which was used as the baseline.

    According to Olatunbosun, total expenditure for the same period are estimated as N232,332,401,626.00 for 2026, N204,974,197,512.00 for 2025, N184,280,556,421.00 for 2024 and N156,754,889,425.00.

    The commissioner said the framework was prepared with due cognisance of the six pillars of the administration, namely Governance, Agriculture and Rural Development, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure and Industrialisation, Youth Development and Job Creation as well as Arts, Culture and Tourism.

    He added that the MTEF is made up of Medium-Term Sectorial Strategy (MTSS) and The Multi-Year Budget Framework (MYBF) which is, traditionally, reviewed annually to mitigate the volatility of the national and global economic indices, new government policies and the need to accommodate fresh government programmes and projects.

    Olatunbosun said parameters assumptions and indicators (PAIs) considered include global oil price, Nigeria’s daily oil production, exchange rate of naira to dollar as well as inflation rate and the effect of fuel subsidy removal, adding that all government ministries, departments and agencies; civil society organisations and other stakeholders were involved in the preparation of the MTEF 2024-2026 towards the 2024 budget.

  • Senate spokesman empowers business owners in Ekiti

    Senate spokesman empowers business owners in Ekiti

    Senate spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu has provided Point of Sales (POS) machines for owners of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Ekiti South Senatorial District.

    The 60 beneficiaries, who were trained in the use of POS terminal to improve their businesses, were presented with the device preloaded with money free of charge.

    Speaking at the end of the training held in Ikere-Ekiti, organised in collaboration with Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Adaramodu said the empowerment was aimed at making his constituents self-reliant.

    The senator, represented by one of his legislative aides, Yakub Adebayo, said the gesture was in fulfilment of the campaign promises made to the people, during the campaign.

    Acknowledging the roles played by small business owners in the growth and development of the local economy, he noted that they should be supported in so many ways for the socio-economic development of the area.

    Read Also: Why Tantita’ should continue with surveillance in Niger Delta’

    Adaramodu assured members of the district that impactful representations would be witnessed under him.

    Recalling his exploits when he served at the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023, he said the people of Ekiti South would experience more dividends of democracy.

    He advised the beneficiaries and the people of the zone to keep faith with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) both at federal and state levels to improve the economy with life-impacting policies in the overall interest of the citizens. 

    The Chairman of the APC in Ikere Local Government, Pastor Kayode, hailed the senator for his contributions and interventions in the lives of the people since he was elected into the National Assembly.

    He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the machines to better their lives, saying, ” what you are given can make your life prosper and great if you are dedicated to it.”

  • Ekiti approves rehabilitation of Ado-Ilawe road, others

    Ekiti approves rehabilitation of Ado-Ilawe road, others

    Ekiti State Government yesterday said it had approved the rehabilitation of the Ado-Ilawe road and construction of dual carriageway to link GRA III Extension and the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.

    This was made known in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun and made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti,  shortly after State Executive Council meeting.

    Olatunbosun said the projects were approved to facilitate free flow of traffic and unfettered access into and around the state capital.

    Read ALso: Ekiti governor’s wife lifts 400 indigent students with school materials

    He added that the new road projects were also aimed at significantly improving the socio-economic activities and stimulating growth and development. 

    He noted that the government decided to rehabilitate the Ado-Ilawe the road where some sections had deteriorated due to high water-table which had led to failure of the road thereby causing discomfort to motorists.

    The commissioner, who lauded the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration over its strategic intervention on road network in the state, said the road projects would bring huge relief to commuters plying the roads.

  • Ekiti governor’s wife lifts 400 indigent students with school materials

    Ekiti governor’s wife lifts 400 indigent students with school materials

    Ekiti State Governor’s wife Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has put smiles on the faces of about 400 indigent school pupils with the donation of schoolbags and other materials ahead of their resumption in school next Monday.

    Dr. Oyebanji, through her Back to School Programme for Vulnerable Children with beneficiaries who were drawn from the 16 local government areas, said the initiative was aimed at making the kids happy and making their return to school in a week’s time worthwhile.

    Distributing the materials to the pupils in her office, Dr. Oyebanji said the programme was also aimed at relieving the guardians and caregivers of the pupils the burden to be shouldered as the school resumption neared.

    Each of the schoolbag contained a water bottle, a mathematical set, a small food warmer, six 60 Leaves exercise books. The kids were all excited to receive the gifts from the First Lady. Each of the pupils also received transport allowance back to their destinations.

    She explained that the gifts given to the kids was an opportunity to make an impact in their lives, give them a sense of belonging, support their education to motivate them to do well in their studies and ensure that their smooth resumption back to school was not hampered by poverty.

    Dr. Oyebanji explained that the Back to School package was an integral part of her pet project, Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project to cater to the needs of the vulnerable segment of the population, which would be formally unveiled in October.

    Read Also: Be humble, listen, Sanwo-Olu tells Commissioners, SAs

    She emphasised that the scheme was not government-sponsored but was bankrolled by her friends and partners, urging privileged individuals, corporate bodies and interest groups to support the pet project with funds to enable her assist the poorest of the poor.

    Dr. Oyebanji said: “This is not a political jamboree; this is not a government-sponsored programme. It is with the support of my office, friends and partners. This is an opportunity for people and organisations to support our project so that we can make more impact in the lives of the vulnerable persons among us.

    “Every week, I dropped N200,000 for WAOH’s office to be shared to the needy widows since God has put us here to have impact on their lives. We have to give them life, we have to give them hope and we have to give them a platform to assist them and give support to those who have been left on the fringes of the society.”

    The governor’s wife added that orphans in tertiary institutions and other matured orphans, who are not in schools would be accommodated by assisting them in their studies and vocations, when WAOH comes on stream in October.

    Dr. Oyebanji revealed that over 30,000 widows in the state had registered for various forms of assistance through her project, noting that the screening conducted for the intending beneficiaries had helped to identify their needs and how to meet them.  Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, Mrs. Oyebanji for taking a personal interest in offering hope for the needy, especially the widows and orphans.

    She noted that the gesture is about sowing great seeds of impact into their lives.

    The deputy governor said the programme would boost the beneficiaries’ sense of pride among their colleagues as the new school session is about to take off in the state.

    She also lauded Dr. Oyebanji for coming up with the WAOH initiative, which she noted, would alleviate the suffering encountered by widows and give them hope and joy in their time of need and give them economic empowerment platform.

  • CSOs seek justice for slain Ekiti varsity student

    CSOs seek justice for slain Ekiti varsity student

    A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), have called on the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Commissioner of Police, to ensure speedy justice for the late Miss Atanda Modupe Deborah of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State who was killed and buried in a shallow grave.

    The organizations said they were deeply committed to addressing gender issues and advocating for the rights and safety of women and students across Ekiti State.

    The group comprising of Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Gender Relevance Promotion Initiative (GRIP) and National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) conveyed their message in a open letter.

    The letter titled, “Condemnation of the Heinous Crime Against a Female Student of FUOYE and the Urgent Need to Set the Wheel of Justice in Motion.”

    The group said, “The murder, and mutilation of a 200-level female student – Atanda Modupe Deborah of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State is an abhorrent act that not only shatters the lives of the victim and her family but also shakes the very foundations of our society.”

    The group however, commended the Police Command for taking swift action in arresting prime suspects linked to the henious crime.

    Read Also; Police arrest 10 suspects over death of missing FUOYE student

    The letter reads in part, “We write to you today as a coalition of civil society organizations deeply committed to addressing gender issues and advocating for the rights and safety of women and students across our state. It is with profound grief and outrage that we address you regarding the recent tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through our community.

    “The murder, and mutilation of a 200-level female student – Atanda Modupe Deborah of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State is an abhorrent act that not only shatters the lives of the victim and her family but also shakes the very foundations of our society.

    “Such a gruesome incident strikes fear into the hearts of students, especially women and girls, who should feel safe pursuing their education. This horrifying event has far-reaching consequences, particularly on the mental health of our students and their parents.

    “The trauma and anxiety that this act has instilled in the minds of young women and the entire students at FUOYE and their parents are immeasurable. The fear of violence should never be an impediment to one’s education or personal growth.

    “We commend the swift action taken by the Police in arresting suspects linked to this crime. Their commitment to ensuring justice for the victim is a step in the right direction.
    “However, we implore the necessary authorities, including your esteemed office and the Commissioner for Police, to spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and face the full force of the law.

    “Furthermore, we call for comprehensive measures to be implemented to enhance the safety and security of all students, particularly female students, within and around educational institutions. It is our collective responsibility to create an environment where students can pursue their dreams without fear of violence.

    “The responsibility to engender an environment in which students can pursue their dreams unburdened by the specter of violence or harm falls upon our collective shoulders. This obligation encompasses the provision of essential infrastructural facilities that ensure a well-lit and secured environment for all students.

    “In conclusion, we extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family of the victim and stand in unwavering solidarity with the entire student body of FUOYE whilst urging the management of FUOYE to cooperate with the relevant authorities in bringing the perpetrator(s) to book.

    “It is only by uniting as a community that we can labor ceaselessly to ensure that this abominable act never finds a place in our community, and that justice is vigorously served.

    “We earnestly anticipate your swift and unwavering commitment to action in this matter, which gravely concerns the heart of our society. Violence should not be the cost of our education as girls and women. violence is not the cost.”

  • No life lost to Ekiti flooding, says Oyebanji

    No life lost to Ekiti flooding, says Oyebanji

    Ekiti State Government wishes to clarify issues surrounding a trending video online where some people were said to have been swept away by flood at Ureje area of Ado-Ekiti, Information Commissioner Taiwo Olatunbosun has said. 

    He said in a statement he issued yesterday in Ado-Ekiti: “While it is true that the downpour on Tuesday afternoon led to flooding in some areas of the capital, it is not true that three people were swept away by the flood. 

    “The fact is that the people seen in the video screaming for help were rescued from the flood by residents of the area almost immediately. 

    Read Also: Ekiti APC elders mourn ex-AD chair Akosile

    “The state government is mindful of the predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) of heavy rainfall and flooding in many parts of the country, including Ekiti State, this year and has put in place mechanism to check erosion and flooding. This include dredging of canals, construction of bridges, distillation of culverts, improvement in disaster response and management as well as improved waste disposal system, among others. 

    “As a responsible government, we do not take all the warnings for granted. While we continue to invest in safety and security of the environment, we urge people to cooperate with the government in making the environment safe for all. 

    “Residents are urged to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse and erecting structures on waterways, as these contribute to flooding. They are also advised to avoid flooded areas, particularly during heavy rainfall.”

  • Ekiti APC elders mourn ex-AD chair Akosile

    Ekiti APC elders mourn ex-AD chair Akosile

    • ‘He was a patriot, progressive leader’

    Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum has described the late Chief George Akosile as a patriot and progressive leader who served his state and region diligently.

    Akosile, a retired Permanent Secretary, was Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and until his demise, chairman of the forum.

    He was the Asiwaju of Igbara Odo-Ekiti and Balogun of St. Jame Anglican Church, Igbara Odo before he passed on. He was 90.

     Akosile attended the famous St. Andrew’s College, Oyo and the Premier University of Ibadan where he imbibed the skills of discipline, honesty, devotion to duty and commitment to the welfare of the society.

    In a tribute, Acting Forum Chairman Prof. Muyiwa Igbalajobi and Secretary, Babatunde Odetola, an engineer, recalled that he was among leaders who fought for the creation of Ekiti State.

    The deceased joined the civil service of the old Western Region in Ibadan and rose to the position of a Directior before he transferred his service to Ondo State when it was created in 1976. He attained the position of Permanent Secretary before retiring from the service of the Old Ondo state. He was reputed for his organizational skills and service to God and mankind.

    Akosile ventured into politics and political organizations from the old Ondo state where he was the secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was a trusted associate of the late Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, who was Third Republic governor of Ondo State. Akosile was a chieftain of Afenifere in Ondo State and the secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) when late Chief Nathaniel Aina was chairman. He later became the chairman of AD in Ekiti State. Indeed, he was a dogged fighter, a loyal friend and a principled personality.

     Akosile was among Ekiti indigenes who successfully agitated for the creation of Ekiti-State. He was responsible for the formation of the Ekiti-State APC Elders’ forum which was set up to resolve  serious political issues in the state.

     The group said:”We are proud to say that the Ekiti State APC Elders’ forum  under his watch contributed immensely in the social and political arena of the state. Truly, Asiwaju was advocate of peace prosperity and continuity of governance in our dear state.”

    Until his death, Akosile was the chairman of Political Appointment Committee For Ekiti State. Lamenting his death, the group said:”Many of us were plunged into existential reflect. It occurred to us that that a father-figure and a great leader had left the political scene when there were reasons to stay back for more time as there was still much to do . We shall surely miss the wisdom and experience of such a giant among men,an accomplished elder with love of his people and a heart for good causes.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s 100 days of steady progress and national rejuvenation, by Mohammed Idris

    “The ancient wisdom of our elders teaches us that a good tree does not exist long in

    the forest. This is a truism that speaks directly to the Elders’ forum as some of our revered trees are being felled from the forest.

    “As we nurture the pain of separation ,another great tree has just been brought down again. The forest is fast depleting as the trees which has stature and the names are fast being cut down. The trees which provide shelter and hope for the upcoming cadre are sadly being rooted out of the forest. Lord have mercy.

    “The late Akosile was an elder of elders. He served Ekiti State monotoriously and ensured the stability of our democracy. The seeds he planted yesterday are now germinating and giving shade and succour in or political space of Ekiti State. One example in this regard in our gentle governor, HE Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).

    “As chairman, he piloted the affairs of the forum with integrity and fear of God , and he never for once took a unilateral decision with regard to the affairs of the forum , but he gave room for debates and consensus on critical issues.

    “A man who frowned on frivolities, Akosile was an andent lover of Ekiti State and its people. While he believed in raising men and women to take up leadership positions, he was also a visionary and exemplary leader who brought positive attention, lasting peace and stability and unprecedented development to the progressives fold. A strong believer in progressive ideas, Asiwaju Akosile remained true to his conviction over the years until he breathed his last.

    “For us in the APC Elders’ forum, Akosile represented more than a political leader. He was a father who protected and sheltered; a friend who worked closely by, and with us; a mentor whose wisdom guided us about issues of life.

    “Akosile was vast in knowledge yet not arrogant. He was a Peace-Maker and humane personality. We members of Ekiti APC Elders’ forum will continue to remember his contribution to the state and its individuals. We shall try to uphold his legacies of disciplines, devotion to duty, transparency and commitment to the rule of law in Ekiti State.”

  • Oyebanji laments as flood wreaks havoc in Ekiti, submerges buildings

    Oyebanji laments as flood wreaks havoc in Ekiti, submerges buildings

    Many residential buildings in the Ureje Area of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, were on Tuesday, September 5, submerged following a heavy downpour that lasted five hours.

    The areas ravaged by the downpour include the Ureje Bridge along Polytechnic Road, Eminrin Estate, Ilupeju Avenue, Elemi, Ita Eku, and Basiri, among others.

    It was learnt that what began as a light shower around 3:30 pm turned into a heavy downpour and made Ureje River overflow its banks and submerged the bridge linking the state capital to Ikare in Ondo state.

    Commuters entering Ado Ekiti and those travelling out of the metropolis to another town or state were trapped for several hours, waiting for the floodwater level to subside before crossing.

    This caused a serious gridlock that extended from the Ureje Bridge to Saint Paul’s Anglican Church at Odo Ado, Ado Ekiti, and a distance of about two and a half kilometres.

    Read Also: Oyebanji swears in HoS, two more commissioners

    It was gathered that property worth several millions of naira was damaged in Eminrin Estate, Ita Eku, Adebayo, and Ilupeju Avenue when the flood surged into some buildings during the heavy downpour.

    Meanwhile, the Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has sympathized with the victims of the flood incident, assuring that his government would come to their aid.

    The governor, who regretted the level of havoc wreaked by the flood, assured that the government would map out life-saving mechanisms to mitigate the destruction of property in areas submerged by water.

    Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, accompanied by other top government functionaries, gave the assurance while visiting the affected areas to assess the level of destruction caused by the incident.

    He denied the rumour that five people were drowned by the flooding, saying “Our people should discountenance that rumour that five people died.

    He added: “Nothing of such happened. We have it on good authority that those who fell victim were saved by divers. So, our people shouldn’t panic.

    “It was to avoid flooding that this government embarked on aggressive dredging of Ureje and Elemi Rivers early this year. We also channelised many drainages in Ado Ekiti. If not for those proactive actions, the wreckage could have been worse and more destructive.

    “We sympathise with those that were affected by this flooding. My government won’t abandon them. We will take quick steps to address all your issues. We will surely come to your aid because the welfare of the people is paramount to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.”

    Oyebanji, however, warned Ekiti residents against unwholesome practices like reckless dumping of refuse and sewages inside canals and erection of buildings on waterways, describing these as actions that were exacerbating flooding in the state.

  • Foundation empowers Ekiti youths 

    Foundation empowers Ekiti youths 

    A foundation, Tokunbo Ajila-Jakande Children Foundation (TAJ CF), has empowered youths in Ekiti State.

    The founder, Mrs. Tokunbo Ajila-Jakande, empowered children and youths with the knowledge of recycling through partnership with Ms Adejoke Lasisi, the Creative Director and Founder of Planet 3R, a social enterprise dedicated to converting nylon and textile wastes into eco-friendly products.

    During the event held from August 24-25, there were donations of plastic collectors at locations in the state and an empowerment session afterwards with youths.

    Since 2016, the organisation has carried out interventions ranging from donation of welfare relief packages to the old and the vulnerable in the state, to scholarships to children and youths, as well as yearly celebration of the National Children’s Day in style, impacting the lives of hundreds of Ekiti indigenes.

    Read Also: Abuja agog for GTCF ‘s football tourney

    The focus of this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) is to create a hub of learning for Ekiti youths to understand the world of recycling and how to create wealth from waste.

    This valuable intervention caught the attention of the governor’s wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who pledged her commitment to ensure government agencies and ministries are brought on board to facilitate partnership between TAJ CF and Ekiti State.

    The first plastic waste collector was donated to the Office of the Governor’s Wife and others were mounted at strategic points in Ado-Ekiti, the capital, starting from the Governor’s Office to the Pavilion, TAJ Foundation Building Igirigiri road and other areas.

    Mrs. Ajila-Jakande’s commitment to Ekiti State remains unwavering as seen in her continuous innovation and interventions through the TAJ Children Foundation.

    The next phase of the intervention will be to set up the hub and begin production of usable and durable products from waste materials collected. As soon as the hub is set up, more Ekiti youths will have access to the training and will be empowered to create wealth and energy from waste.

    Over the years, the clamour for protecting the earth and making it safer for humans, animals and plants  have been popularised through Climate Change conversations and actions facilitated by the United Nations and other organisations.

    It is therefore important for organisations and governments to develop innovative solutions “to protect our planet.”

    This year’s  International Youth Day (IYD) with the

    theme: “Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”, was celebrated on August 12.

  • Six hospitalised as event centre collapses in Ekiti

    Six hospitalised as event centre collapses in Ekiti

    No fewer than six persons escaped death by the whiskers following the collapse of an event centre in Ijero-Ekiti, headquarters of Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

    The Nation gathered that the incident occurred around 4:15 pm on Saturday evening.

    The building, with 250 occupants, had its roof and walls receded while being used as reception venue for a burial ceremony, leaving guests sustaining varying degree of injuries.

    It was learnt the timely arrival of the men of the Fire Services at the scene of the incident averted recording casualty who rescue the victims from the crubbles and rushed them to hospital for treatment.

    Apart from the wreckage, the building auditorium and surroundings were littered with spilled foods served for the guests, broken bottles, shoes, male caps, female wigs and headgears.

    Relaying how the incident happened, an eyewitness said : “A reception exercise for a burial ceremony was ongoing when there was a deep crack on the wall. And suddenly, the roofing and Plaster of Paris(POP) caved in and fell on those who were seated inside the auditorium.

    Read Also: Tinubu targets global capital in India

    “This caused a stampede. Many were wounded in the process while some occupants sustained serious bodily injuries. I was here with the Chairman of the Local Government with Fire Service men to rescue the people out of the rubbles.

    “Those who were seriously wounded were immediately taken to the hospital for treatments”.

    Ekiti Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji expressed sympathy over the building collapse, describing it as unfortunate and saddening

    Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who visited the collapsed building and Ijero General Hospital where some victims received treatments, on Sunday morning, grieved over the incident.

    Oyebanji directed all the agencies of government to ensure that all the public buildings of that nature are supervised and certified at every stage to avoid unwarranted fatalities.

    The Governor said the incident could have been averted, if proper building compliance with specifications were carried out by government agencies, warning that situation like that shouldn’t be allowed to reoccur in the state.

    Oyebanji assured that his goverment will map out strategies to make Emergency Management Equipment available in all the local governments to respond to any alarming situation.