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Tag: Ekiti

  • Ekiti Fed Varsity’s bursar slumps, dies at meeting

    Grief has enveloped the Federal University at Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), with the death of its bursar, Mr. Adebayo Adejuyigbe, during the governing council’s meeting in Lagos, last Thursday.

    Adejuyigbe, 59, was said to have slumped. Though later revived, he died at an undisclosed hospital.

    The meeting was called by FUOYE Governing Council’s Chairman, Prof. Saadat Mabadeje.

    The deceased was reportedly buried according to Islamic injunction on Friday at Offa in Kwara State.

    A source, who witnessed the incident, said: “He was in the meeting when suddenly he started shaking and slumped. He was revived and was rushed to the hospital where he died.

    “His health situation deteriorated on the way to the hospital and he died after he got to the hospital.”

    FUOYE’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayode Soremekun described Adejuyigbe’s death as a big loss to the institution.

    The vice chancellor said his prudence and administrative acumen would be missed.

    Soremekun, who confirmed Adejuyigbe’s death, said it was devastating.

    He said the late bursar’s expertise and commitment to duty would be missed.

    Soremekun, who spoke through the university’s spokesman, Mr Godfrey Bakji, said: “He (Adejuyigbe) has been buried in his country home and we pray that Allah grants the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “Mr Adejuyigbe was a prudent and highly professional man. His advice to the management had helped in so many ways and times. He was a reservoir of knowledge on fiscal issues. He was a good and dependable administrator.

    “The university community commiserates with his family, the people of Kwara State and the Federal Government on the loss of this illustrious son and great Nigerian.”

  • CAC holds God of Mercy Programme in Ekiti

    The 2017 edition of the yearly three-day God of Mercy programme of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Mountain of Mercy, Erio Ekiti will hold between today and Friday on Erio Mountain, Erio Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    Conveners of the programme, including the newly appointed CAC General Evangelist, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji and the pastors in charge of CAC Mountain of Mercy, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, Pastors Peter Ilesanmi and Pastor Ola Ojo said it would be yet another fulfilling experience.

    According to them, the programme with the theme: “Mercy Once Again” which will feature morning, afternoon and vigil sessions daily would be greeted with salvation of souls, healing the sick, socio-economic breakthroughs, deliverance from spiritual bondage and oppressions, divine mercy, and blessings among others.

    The clerics said the programme would afford Nigerians, worshippers and the anointed another platform to seek the face of God for divine intervention.

    Anointed gospel singers including Lady Evangelist Bisi Alawiye Aluko, Anointed Glorious Adebayo, Lady Evangelist Yemi Adeola and Lady Evangelist Titilope Aremu Oludare would minister with songs.

  • Ekiti youths oppose adoption of Fayose’s deputy

    Ekiti youths oppose adoption of Fayose’s deputy

    •Olusola: nothing wrong with my adoption

    Some youths in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State have said they will resist the alleged imposition of deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, on the electorate.

    Rising from a meeting on Saturday at Omuo-Ekiti, headquarters of the local government area, the youth condemned the adoption of Olusola as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “sole candidate”.

    They said the plan was masterminded by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    Acting under the aegis of Ekiti East Youth Forum (EEYF), the group called for the conduct of a free, fair and transparent primary in which all aspirants would participate and eligible delegates allowed to elect a candidate of their choice.

    Ekiti East is the home base of another PDP governorship aspirant and Senate Deputy Minority Whip Biodun Olujimi.

    The senator has fallen out of favours with Fayose over her governorship ambition.

    In a statement after the meeting, EEYF President Joel Rotimi and its Secretary, Oluwatimilehin Stephen, said the decision by a section of the PDP to adopt Olusola among several other aspirants was against the principle of fairness and justice.

    The statement urged the national leadership of the PDP to intervene in the matter.

    It said the crisis thrown up by the “surreptitious adoption” was capable of damaging the chances of the party in the 2018 governorship poll.

    The statement reads: “The purported adoption of Olusola, even before the party releases its guidelines and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifts the ban on political campaign, was a pure charade and illegal. It will not stand.

    “The action was masterminded by Governor Fayose to cover up his illegalities. It is a ploy to continue to rule Ekiti because he knows that the deputy governor is weak.

    “It was unfortunate that Governor Fayose, who singlehandedly fought against consensus, is now imposing a candidate.

    “We commend leaders, like Senator (Biodun) Olujimi, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, for opposing the move and we urge her to take steps to stop the illegal action.”

    The adopted sole candidate, Prof. Olusola, has said he was not afraid of going into a primary election with other aspirants, expressing confidence of winning the party’s ticket at a shadow poll.

  • ‘Ekiti ‘II regain its glory’

    ‘Ekiti ‘II regain its glory’

    Former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) Dr. Oluwole Oluleye is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State. While declaring his aspiration in his native Efon Alaaye and Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, he assured the people of better days ahead. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    The Ekiti State governorship race is the main issue in the agranian state.

    The number of aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has increased, following the entry of former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Dr. Oluwole Oluleye.

    His hometown, Efon Alaaye, headquarters of Efon Local Government Area and Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, came alive when the scion of the former Federal Commissioner for Establishment and later, Finance, during the Murtala/Obasanjo military regime, the late Major General James Oluleye, declared his intention to run for the top job.

    Oluleye’s private residence became a Mecca of sorts as party leaders and members from all the 16 local government areas came to identify with his aspiration, which they believed would take Ekiti to a “higher level.”

    Party faithful from the 10 wards in Efon gathered at the public square to show solidarity to a man they said was born into a noble family in the community noted for service, patriotism and selflessness.

    They defied the sweltering heat of the day chanting  “Oluomo” (his chieftaincy title) and “Olu…eyi” (his campaign slogan), amid singing, dancing, trumpeting and drumming.

    Oluleye, who also served as Executive Secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), was joined by his wife, Pat and other admirers in announcing his bid for the Oke Ayoba Villa in Ado-Ekiti.

    Prominent community leader and former Executive Chairman of Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, Otunba Kunle Olasope urged Efon indigenes to support Oluleye’s aspiration.

    He recalled an attempt by another son of the soil and former General Secretary of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle Olajide to run for governorship in 1991 and 1999 saying Oluleye must succeed this time around.

    He urged the people to back their son for governorship and support other aspirants from the town that would vie for various offices.  Olasope who impressed the crowd with his “golden voice,” later read the citation of Oluleye to the hearing of those present at the event.

    Former Efon council chairman and ex-Commissioner for Agriculture Prof. Adio Folayan said many indigenes had benefited from Oluleye’s milk of kindness, saying  was the right time to reciprocate his good gesture.

    Folayan assured that party delegates from other local government areas were ready to support Oluleye’s ambition but those from Efon must lead the way for others to follow.

    Another party stalwart, Chief Joseph Alake, said Oluleye had assisted many people in Efon and other parts of Ekiti State, adding that he deserves their support.

    The Erungbua of Efon said: “He had helped indigenes of this town and non-indigenes alike. This is the time to repay his good works.”

    Oluleye disclosed that he had toured the local governments not less than  three times and knows the needs of the people, which he would use his development agenda to meet.

    He pledged to make agriculture attractive to the youths by providing incentives and modern technology to boost food security and generate job opportunities for them.

    Oluleye explained that infrastructure and public utilities, welfare of civil servants, teachers and pensioners would be accorded due attention under his administration.

    Describing women as important stakeholders in politics, he promised to appoint more women as commissioners, special advisers and other key posts to give them a sense of belonging  and reward their loyalty to the electoral process.

    Oluleye was received at the APC  secretariat in Ado-Ekiti by the State Working Committee and State Executive Committee, led by the Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye.

    He also inaugurated the headquarters of his campaign organisation in Ureje area of Ado-Ekiti. Oluleye promised to implement an all-encompassing blueprint that will bring sustainable development to Ekiti and give the people a new lease of life, if he wins the APC ticket and the election.

    He explained that his 33-year career as a public servant and a technocrat, among other national assignments had prepared him for demands of the office of governor.

    The aspirant said contrary to widely-held opinion, Ekiti is not a poor state, promising to invest in the rich agricultural and mineral resources to create jobs, shore up its revenue base and depend less on allocation from the federal purse.

    Describing himself as a “child of necessity,” Oluleye said he took up the challenge to run because decent people and men of integrity are needed in politics to prevent charlatans and people of questionable integrity from dominating political space.

    He said: “Today, I humbly present myself to you, on the platform of our great party, All Progressive Congress, as a child of necessity.

    Without mincing words, I am stepping out to declare my intention to run for the Governorship position of our beloved Ekiti State, come 2018.

    “I have had a fulfilled career, which spanned cumulatively over 33 years as both a public servant and a technocrat. I rose steadily in cadre and responsibilities from the National Productivity Centre, to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), as the Pioneer Executive Secretary and to being Executive Secretary Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), amongst other national assignments.

    “After years of meritorious service to Nigeria, I am now back home in Efon Alaaye, to my first love, livestock farming; a venture which I commenced, even while in active service. Gracefully, the business has been able to provide income for over four hundred Efon Alaaye and Ekiti State indigenes in terms of sales of outputs and proceeds from the farm.

    Olaleye, said party would organise a free, fair and credible primary for its aspirants. She explained that all aspirants who had shown interest in the APC ticket are capable and qualified to be governor and restore good governance and quality leadership needed by the people.

    She added: “This present exco won’t impose a governorship candidate, we  have no favourite among them. All our aspirants are eminently qualified to be governor and very soon, our state will return to the path of being the Land of Honour.”

  • Zoning: Ekiti South meets to reduce aspirants

    Zoning: Ekiti South meets to reduce aspirants

    Stakeholders have commenced a move to reduce the number of governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti South Senatorial District to ensure that the zone produces a “strong candidate” capable of winning the governorship election.

    The APC aspirants from the zone had an interface with an interest group, the Ekiti South for Governor Forum, in Ado-Ekiti where they pledged to support whoever  emerges from among them for the top job.

    The zone has not produced an elected governor since Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996. Seventeen aspirants from Ekiti South have shown interest in the APC ticket.

    Aspirants who attended the meeting included former House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Femi Bamisile; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Bamidele Faparusi; former Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Gbenga Aluko and former Commissioner for Works Chief Diran Adesua.

    Others were former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects, Mr. Muyiwa Olumuyiwa; former House of Assembly Service Commission Chairman, Hon. Bayo Idowu; former Commissioner for Budget and Planning Mr. Debo Ajayi and Captain Sunday Adebomi.

    Those who sent representatives were Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mr. Kola Alabi and Chief Dele Okeya.

    The Chairman of Ekiti South for Governor Forum, Chief Oluwole Ariyo, said the district has quality aspirants who have the education, exposure, experience and pedigree to be elected at next year’s poll.

    He said the major task ahead of the Forum was to work out modalities to forestall the consequences of an unwieldy number of aspirants from the South senatorial district.

    He said: “All of us are fully aware of the consequences of the failure of this unique and historical struggle by the South to rpduce the governor in 2018. All of us are also convinced that the strugg;e can only produce one governor.

    “We are here to plead with ourselves to avoid a situation where e will lose everything and gain nothing.

    “We therefore, wish to admonish our aspirants to embrace this stark reality and forge partnerships and come up with a resolution that would throw up a candidate that will be formidable and acceptable to the generality of Ekiti people.”

    The convener of the meeting who is also an aspirant, Prof. Philip Omoniyi Adetiloye, said the meeting will be a continuous one to ensure that the dream is realised.

    Adetiloye disclosed that all the aspirants are planning a joint rally to drum the Ekiti South governorship agenda to APC leaders and voters in few weeks time to show their commitment to the project.

  • Police arraign 20-yr-old burglar in Ekiti

    A 20-year-old man, Akomolafe Tobi, has appeared before an Ado-Ekiti

    Magistrates’ Court for alleged burglary and stealing.

    The defendant of no fixed address is standing trial on a two -count charge of burglary and stealing.

    Police prosecutor, Inspector Johnson Okunade, told the court that the defendant and others at large committed the offence on August 25 at about 11:30pm at Igbehin Odotu area in Ado-Ekiti.

    The defendant and others at large allegedly broke into the shop of the complainant, Mrs Balogun Modupe. It was also alleged that the accused and others at large stole one Techno phone valued at N15,000, Itel phone valued at N9,000, one pack of Bournvita refill pack valued at N10,500, one pack of Bournvita beverage valued at N13,200, among others.

    Okunade said the offences contravened section 413 (1) (2) and section 390 (9) of the Criminal code, Laws of Ekiti State 2012. He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him study the file and assemble his witnesses.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer, Simeon Ojo, urged the court to grant him bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.

    The Magistrate, Mrs. Modupe Afeniforo, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    She ruled that one of the sureties must have a landed property within the jurisdiction and adjourned the case until Sept 15 for hearing.

  • ‘I have what it takes to govern Ekiti’

    ‘I have what it takes to govern Ekiti’

    Former Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Dr. Oluwole Oluleye has unfolded his governorship ambition in Ekiti State. In this interview with ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftaincy speaks on  his aspiration and plans for the Fountain of Knowledge 

    Why do you to want to be governor of Ekiti?

    I want to be the governor of Ekiti State because I know I can make the difference. I want to be the governor of Ekiti State because I know I am well equipped; both by training, exposure and experience. I want to be the governor of Ekiti State because I am convinced that our potentials in Ekiti are yet to be fully tapped. I want to be the Governor of Ekiti State because I am tired of the perception that Ekiti is a “poor state.” We are not poor. We are rich, both in human and material resources. What is needed is to harness both and, in record time, change that perception.

    What experience qualifies you for the role?

    Specifically, I have had a fulfilled career which spanned cumulatively over 33 years as both a Public Servant and a Technocrat. I rose steadily in cadre and responsibilities from the National Productivity Centre, to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), as the Pioneer Executive Secretary and to being Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), among other national  assignments.

    In all of these assignments and duties, I have had cause to play politics to get things done and meet my targets. I am perfectly at home with administration. I am an adherent of due process. I have also traveled far and wide to enable me think global and act local, bringing to bear those experiences garnered over a period of 33 years.

    After years of meritorious service to Nigeria, I am now back to my hometown, Efon Alaaye, as an entrepreneur. I run a Poultry farm. By extension, the business has been able to provide income for over four hundred Efon Alaaye and Ekiti State indigenes in terms of sales of outputs and proceeds from the farm. So, when you talk about administration, I can’t be found wanting. When you talk about business set up, I have also had my fair share of the challenges and opportunities. I know where the shoe pinches. All these experiences are what I intend to bring to bear to ensure good governance in Ekiti State.

    What have you done for your people which makes you think they will vote for you?

    I am not one that revels in immodest acts. But, for the purpose of this interview, I will tell you I enjoy the goodwill of the people of Ekiti State. God has used me to bless a lot of homes and families. He is still using me to achieve more. There are various groups of beneficiaries coming up to spread the news of what God has empowered me to do for them. It is not for me to blow that aspect of my trumpet.

    It is for them to choose to let the whole world know. And I am sure some of them will soon speak out. However, it suffices to say that my people trust and believe in my ability to deliver. It is for the common good of the entire State and not for the sake of individual growth alone. When a nation prospers, its citizens prosper, so also, when a State prospers, its citizens also prosper. I am for the common good of all, and my people trust me on that to deliver.

    What’s your position on zoning?

    Zoning? I am always an advocate of freewill. I believe in the emergence of the best candidate. I believe that power resides in the people, and they choose who they want to lead them. I do not think there has ever been a time when aspirants didn’t come from all the senatorial districts in Ekiti State. Eventually, a candidate must win.

    There is nothing wrong in agitation and agitating. There is nothing wrong also with any candidate from any zone to show interest in governing the state. Our party’s constitution is silent on zoning. I stand for credentials and conviction. I stand for candidates who can deliver to the common good of all. Where he or she comes from does not matter to me. Must we sacrifice competence on the altar of zoning? This is also not to say that candidates emerging from other zones are not equally competent. It is for the electorate to decide who they are convinced can deliver. I wish we could stop laying emphasis on zoning and lay more emphasis on capabilities and competence.

    Do you think you have the wherewithal to beat other aspirants at the primary?

    God decides. What is important now is for me to do my homework well, reach out to the delegates, push my programmes, cultivate them and assure them of my sincerity of purpose. One thing I know about Ekiti people is the fact that once their minds are made up, it will be hard for anyone to change them. So, we are selling ourselves, believing that they will consider us as a genuine and truthful partner. Erroneously, people believe that money alone moves people towards a direction in politics, but in Ekiti, it goes beyond money.

    This we have realised and we are working on all variables. With God on my side, I shall emerge victorious.

    In this period of recession, where will you get the money to run Ekiti and execute programmes to better the lives of the people as revenue from the Federation Account dwindles?

    This question is from a mindset of one who still believes in handouts from the federal purse. If you think we cannot generate enough IGR to run Ekiti State, I will show you the blueprint of a determined man, willing to turn the tides round. I have said it in different fora, In Ekiti, we have enough human and natural capital to propel our economy and make it buoyant. Monthly allocations from the center is good enough for us to plan and stabilize, but not good enough for geometric growth. We must, as a matter of urgency, look inwards and harness our resources for a better and prosperous Ekiti State. Look at what is happening between Kebbi and Lagos States as regards rice planting, packaging and marketing. Ekiti can achieve more. We have the capacity to partner with neighbouring states for mutually beneficial projects. Given the opportunity, I have quick fixes and long term projects. Ekiti, I repeat, is not a poor State. I will generate enough without painful deductions from workers and without levying growing businesses to death. It is all about strategic thinking. Permit me to share the story of Joseph in the Bible with you. He saved during the seven-year period of plenty and during the seven-year period of famine, he had plenty to fall back on.

    The PDP is the ruling party in Ekiti and it enjoys the power of incumbency, which places your party at disadvantage. Can your party displace the PDP at the poll to win the governorship?

    I hate to get into controversies. All I can advise is that you go out in Ekiti now and feel the pulse of the people, I mean, the electorate, then form your conclusions as to whether our party stands the chance of defeating PDP. By the way, if the chances are not bright, you won’t find so many aspirants in APC coming out to vie for the position. I am equally certain that INEC will ensure a free and fair contest and the will of the people will be done. If Ekiti people had unanimously and legitimately clamoured for change, change they will get by God’s grace.

    Don’t you think the large number of aspirants portends doom and post-primary crisis for your party ?

    I don’t think so. That is the beauty of democracy. People must be willing to freely express their desires to serve. It is also an indication of the rise in the level of awareness of the political class whose resolve is to be part of the required change in Ekiti.

    Thank God there are processes of selection and every aspirant is aware of this. You should even be more worried if we had a single candidate forced on us. You should be more worried if we were all coerced to join team with a particular candidate. The party hierarchy had emphasized this over and over that it does not intend to lord it over the delegates and the electorate. I might even want to conclude that few of us also came out because we believe in the transparent process promised us. Of what essence would it be if I knew that there was an “anointed” candidate and I still went on to participate in a process where the best might not necessarily emerge? Once the process is free and fair, I believe all aspirants will tow the path of peace and ensure the party’s victory.

    What are the conditions that will guarantee free and fair primary?

    Transparency. Walking the talk. Ensuring a level playing field. Most of all, ensure that all aspirants play by the rules and desire from verbal war that can heat up the polity.

    What’s your Plan B?

    You should ask for Plan A first. Plan A is to sell myself to the people of Ekiti State, convince them of the genuineness of purpose and intention, make the road map to prosperity and good governance available to them and promise to run an all inclusive government. Plan B is to win the primary. Plan C is to eventually win the 2018 general elections. Plan D is to walk the talk and deliver on promise, within record time.

  • Aspirant unfolds plans for Ekiti

    Aspirant unfolds plans for Ekiti

    Former Nigeria’s Envoy to Canada  Dare Bejide has promised to make the tertiary institutions owned by Ekiti State  result-oriented,  if elected governor of the state in 2018.

    The governorship aspirant  on the platform  of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that his government would also fortify the Scholarship Scheme to make the children of  the poor  have the best education  up to the doctoral level.

    The PDP leader said that his government will abrogate the N1,000 tuition fee being paid by secondary schools, the N500 at the primary schools and ensure  that education is free.

    Addressing reporters in Ado Ekiti, Bejide said: “Our tertiary institutions will be upgraded and maintained to compete favorably with others through effective funding of all tertiary institutions in Ekiti state without discrimination or favoritism.

    “We will ensure full optimisation of the capacity of existing technical and commercial colleges, and expand where necessary.

  • Ex-PPPRA chief joins Ekiti governorship race

    A former Executive Secretary of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Dr. Oluwole Oluleye, has joined Ekiti State governorship race on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The aspirant promised to implement an all-encompassing blueprint to bring sustainable development to the state and give the people a new lease of life, if he wins the party’s ticket and the governorship election.

    Oluleye unfolded his agenda at the weekend while addressing party leaders and members from the 10 wards in his hometown, Efon Alaaye, and APC state secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The governorship hopeful, who was joined by his wife, Pat, and other party supporters, inaugurated the headquarters of his campaign organisation at Ureje in Ado-Ekiti.

    The former executive secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) noted that his 33-year career as a public servant and technocrat, among other assignments, prepared him for demands of the office of governor.

    He said contrary to opinion, Ekiti is not a poor state.

    Oluleye promised to invest in agriculture and mineral resources to create jobs, shore up the revenue base and depend less on allocation from the Federal Government.

    Describing himself as a “child of necessity,” the aspirant said he took up the challenge because decent people and men of integrity are needed in politics to prevent charlatans and people of questionable integrity from dominating the political space.

    APC Deputy State Chairman Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye has promised party supporters that APC will organise a free, fair and credible primary.

    She said the aspirants were all capable and qualified to be governor.

    The deputy chairman said they are capable of restoring good governance and quality leadership.

  • Ekiti community partners American university on scholarship

    Ekiti community partners American university on scholarship

    The Federation of Ikun-Ekiti Descendants Union Overseas (FIDUO), has visited Bowie State University, State of Maryland on partnership to advance the educational goals of youths in their community.

    The outgoing President of FIDUO, Dr Gabriel Bomide, stated this during a courtesy visit to the administrators of the University, a historically Black College in the U.S.

    Bomide said the community association based in the U.S. was establishing a strategic partnership with the University, especially in the area of scholarship.

    “The overarching goal is for both our organizations to establish mutually beneficial partnership that benefits the educational goals of youths in the Ikun-Ekiti community.

    “This is with special focus on those interested in studying abroad and in sports development,” he said.

    According to him, Ikun-Ekiti community is very passionate about developing students who passed out from the community’s only high school.

    “Today, we are looking for ways to making sure that these students get the best, not just going to schools, not just going to universities but going to universities of quality.

    “We want them to go to universities that can empower them skilfully, that can make them useful to themselves, the community and to the whole world.

    “And we believe Bowie University will open that channel for us,” he said.

    The leader of the community association said that the association would create for the students and the community through the partnership.

    He said: “One of our major ideas to meeting you is to making sure we are able to relate and start a relationship that will stand the test of time.

    “That relationship will be of mutual benefits to both Bowie University and Ikun-Ekiti. Our children are ready and our people are ready to give the necessary support that is needed.”

    Responding, the President of the University, Prof. Aminta Breaux, lauded the partnership that existed between the community association and Bowie University.

    She explained that the institution was daily improving on its quality to maintain its high standard.

    “We have embarked upon programmes that can cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is an exciting new area where we hope to show our students the skills.

    “To not only go to businesses that are starting up but to create new businesses for themselves and to have the skills that they need to support communities all around the world.”

    Breaux, who is the 10th President and first female President for over 150 years, said the University was among the nation’s top schools on the 2017 Best Colleges ranking.

    She added that the university was recently ranked among America’s top-five universities for graduating African-American students for bachelor’s degrees in biology and computer science fields.

    “We remain committed to providing access to quality education experience for our students; the university most recently has been recognized for its excellence,” she said.

    The delegation was led by Oba David Olatunde, the Onikun of Ikun-Ekiti and his wife, Olori Omotayo Olatunde.