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Tag: Ekiti

  • Ekiti urges women to embrace livestock farming

    Ekiti urges women to embrace livestock farming

    The Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support project (L-PRES) has urged women to embrace livestock farming to tackle poverty and enhance food security. 

    The L-PRES State coordinator, Olayinka Adedipe, promised that the World Bank assisted project will connect them with avalanche of opportunities within the livestock value chain to improve their livelihoods. 

    He spoke in Ado-Ekiti during a one-day sensitisation programme for female livestock farmers themed: “Promoting And Encouraging Women In Livestock Sub-Sector” in commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day. 

    Adedipe represented by the state L-PRES extension officer, Mrs Olubunmi Ajayi, he said that the role of women in the project cannot be overemphasized, stressing the need to include them as critical stakeholders in achieving L-PRES objectives. 

    The project coordinator further disclosed that they have commenced needs assessment to prioritize their welfare aimed at boosting livestock production in the state.

    He said, “one of the objectives of L-PRES project is to increase productivity, improve commercialization and build the resilience of our farmers. If you look at livestock generally, women are very critical stakeholders in livestock production. For us as a project, we recognize the importance of women and that is why we are celebrating the International Women’s Day celebration. 

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    “Women play a very important role in moving this project forward. If we want to increase productivity, we need to engage them and work together. There must be a synergy between us and the women fold. 

    “We are conducting needs assessment. Whatever is their needs, we interact with them and when we consider their needs, we will take it to the appropriate quarters for implementation.”

    The L-PRES gender specialist officer, Mrs Adeniyi Bisola, spoke on the effects of gender-based-violence (GBV), saying the menace constituted a larger impediment to the development of women.

    She explained that part of the project’s objectives is to promote rural livelihoods, and productivty, adding that L-PRES was committed to women inclusion in its agenda drive.

    The Ekiti State of Chairman Sheep and Goat Development Association, Alhaji Bello Ilyas commended L-PRES for the initiative, appealing for more support from the state government to boost their businesses. 

  • Ekiti disburses N22m to youths, students’ bodies

    Ekiti disburses N22m to youths, students’ bodies

    Ekiti State Government has disbursed N22m subvention to 49 registered youth organisations and student associations in the state.

    Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr Gold Adesola Adedayo, while distributing the  cheques to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Ado Ekiti, said the subvention was aimed at promoting civic engagement, innovation that can have sustainable impacts in the communities. 

    Giving a breakdown of the disbursement, Adedayo said the beneficiaries included seven Youth organizations including faith-based groups, seven Students’ associations and 35 Community Groups across the 16 Local Government areas of the State. 

    He explained the gesture was a demonstration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to youth development and empowerment, adding that the administration had made youth development and job creation a top priority.

    Describing such subvention as novel in Ekiti’s history, Adedayo stated that it further amplified the fact that Governor Oyebanji wasn’t deceptive, by making Youth Development and Job Creation as a Pillar One of his policy thrust. 

    The Commissioner urged beneficiaries to judiciously utilise the funds to drive meaningful projects that would add values to their operations and boost welfare of youths in the State.

    “To our dear youth leaders and student representatives, today’s event is a call to greater responsibility. The subvention you are receiving today is a seed meant to drive meaningful projects, support organizational growth, and enhance the welfare of your members. 

    ”I urge you all to utilize these funds judiciously, ensuring they are channeled towards the intended purposes. Let this support serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and community development among our youth”.

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    “As we celebrate this landmark initiative, I encourage you all to remain steadfast in your contributions to the growth and prosperity of Ekiti State. The future belongs to you, and with the continuous support of our beloved Governor, the path to success is brighter than ever”.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter,  Comrade Segun Bankole, applauded the state government for its exemplary and landmark generosity.

    Bankole described Governor Oyebanji’s generosity as a game changer in  the working ties between his government, youth organisations and students bodies in the state . 

    He pledged that they will  judiciously utilize the funds toward achieving the desired goals that will add values to governance and the community at large .

  • Ekiti disowns fake recruitment portal for teachers

    Ekiti disowns fake recruitment portal for teachers

    Ekiti State Government has dissociated itself from a fake recruitment online portal operated by fraudsters to defraud prospective job applicants.

    Commissioner for InformationTaiwo Olatunbosun said while it is true that Governor Biodun Oyebanji recently approved the recruitment of 1,800 teaching and non-teaching staff into public schools across the State, the State Teaching Service Commission is yet to conclude administrative procedure to advertise the vacancies and has therefore not open any portal for the recruitment exercise.

    Olatunbosun spoke on Thursday while featuring on an audience participatory simulcast on all the local radio stations in the State and environs tagged “Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today”.

    He said that a recruitment portal opened with the name and logo of the Ekiti State government was handiwork of dubious characters to defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

    The Commissioner said that the government has its approved media channels for such information and would continue to use the same for all public communication.

    He urged members of the public particularly intending applicants to disregard any information or website currently in circulation that does not emanate from TESCOM to avoid becoming victims of fraudsters.

    Olatunbosun assured that the State Government would continue to be on guard on issues concerning the welfare of citizens, stressing that the focus is to rapidly develop the State and improve the general wellbeing of residents.

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    According to him, the Oyebanji administration adopted a holistic approach in achieving sustainable development, adding that the emphasis is pursuing solutions that benefits the entire system.

    Olatunbosun, who assured that government would continue to employ qualified people into the public service to make it versatile enough to deliver high-quality services and implement government policies in public interest thus ensuring continuity in governance, said the present administration is however, also making the environment conducive for business including Micro, Small and Medium Scale enterprises (MSMEs) and farming to thrive in the State.

    He added that Oyebanji’s administration is determined to strategically create job opportunities, outside the conventional public service white collar jobs, with the aim of truly boosting self-sustenance of people in the State.

    He noted that government is consciously facilitating soft loans and grants for entrepreneurs to enhance MSMEs and making farming attractive with the ongoing Agricultural revolution and introduction of Agripreneurship amongst other numerous steps.

    “The recent adoption of Ekiti Adire as the official attire on every 3rd Wednesday of the month in Ekiti State by the State Executive Council was designed to promote cultural heritage. It was also aimed at creating jobs and provide employment opportunities thus empowering residents interested in the tie and dye craft and increasing revenue generation to the State with the aim of boosting the State economy.

    “The target is to add value and engage other human resources particularly in the rural areas and amongst the underserved,” he said.

  • Rivers crisis: Emergency rule in Plateau, Ekiti

    Rivers crisis: Emergency rule in Plateau, Ekiti

    Emergency rule is not new in this Fourth Republic.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007) declared emergency rule in two states –  Plateau and Ekiti.

    Plateau State (May 18, 2004):

    Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State due to prolonged ethnic and religious violence between Christians and Muslims.

    The crisis in Yelwa led to the death of many people, causing widespread instability.

    The former leader suspended former Governor Joshua Dariye, and appointed Major General Chris Alli, a former Chief of Army Staff, as administrator.

    The state of emergency lasted for six months before normal governance was restored.

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    Ekiti State (October 19, 2006)

    Also, a state of emergency was declared in Ekiti  due to the outbreak of crisis, following the controversial impeachment of former Governor Ayo Fayose over corruption allegations.

    The crisis led to confusion with three people – Fayose, his Deputy, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi, and former House of Assembly Speaker Friday Aderemi –  claiming to be the legitimate governor.

    Obasanjo suspended the state government and appointed Major GeneralTunji Olurin, a former military governor of Oyo State, as administrator.

    The emergency rule lasted six months before democracy was restored in the state.

  • Ekiti adopts adire fabric as official attire for political office holders, civil servants

    Ekiti adopts adire fabric as official attire for political office holders, civil servants

    Ekiti State Government has approved the adoption of Ekiti Adire as the official attire on the third Wednesday of every month.

    The decision was reached at the Ekiti State Executive Council’s virtual meeting chaired by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. 

    According to a statement by Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the approval was aimed at promoting the state’s cultural heritage as well as preserving traditional craftsmanship.

    Olatunbosun said the move would also create jobs, increase revenue generation for the state and  provide employment opportunities for residents interested in the tie and dye craft.

    He added that the council also approved ₦2,002,062,725.83 for the construction of a standard synthetic turf football pitch and renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti.

    Olatunbosun explained that the approval was part of the strategic moves of the Oyebanji’s administration in using sports development to  discover and nurture talents to national and global reckoning as well as for wealth creation.

    According to him, the target is to elevate the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium to a global standard to boost Sports Development in recognition of sport as a potent weapon to stamp out poverty, joblessness and crime from the society.

    He further added that the council also approved  ₦1,077,784,854.27 for the continuous airport maintenance aimed at accelerating the closure of NCAA audit gaps and corrective action plans.

  • Ekiti to recruit 1,800 secondary school teachers, non-teaching staff

    Ekiti to recruit 1,800 secondary school teachers, non-teaching staff

    Ekiti State Government has approved recruitment of 1,800 teaching and non-teaching staff into public schools in the State.

    Commissioner for Information Taiwo Olatunbosun who made this known in a statement to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, explained that the authorisation is a continuous exercise aimed at addressing gaps and possible shortfalls created by workers leaving the public service due to abscondment and the japa syndrome, resignation, as well as mandatory or voluntary retirement after attaining the compulsory retirement age or the maximum number of years in service.

    He noted that about 170 teaching staff would be disengaging from the public service before the end of the year, adding that properly scheduled recruitment exercise remained the only panacea for guiding against shortage of staff and its attendant problems.

    Giving a breakdown of the approval, Olatunbosun stated that the vacancies declared are for 1,600 teaching staff made up of 1,066 degree holders and 534 National Certificate of Education (NCE) while approval was also given for employment 200 of non-teaching staff.

    He assured that the recruitment exercise would be strictly merit-based, adding that successful candidates would be posted to 192 public secondary schools, particularly in the remote and underserved areas of the State.

  • N275m monthly subvention inadequate, Ekiti varsity VC laments

    N275m monthly subvention inadequate, Ekiti varsity VC laments

    The Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), Prof. Olufemi Adeoluwa, has declared that the N275 million monthly subventions from Ekiti State government are grossly inadequate for the running of the institution.

    The VC said that due to the current economic reality in the country, the BOUESTI needs N500 million to pay its staff whose wage bill stands at N430 million monthly.

    He spoke during a press briefing held at the university’s campus in Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere local Government Area of the state to herald the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution. 

    According to him, the university has not received either capital or take-off grants from the state government for about five years of its existence, adding that the institution is left at the mercy of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for physical infrastructure. 

    Adeoluwa said that over N3 billion debt the university inherited from the defunct College of Education including the staff gratuities has been difficult to defray due to lack of financial resources. 

    He further said that honorary doctorate degrees would be conferred on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu, the lawmaker representing Niger East Senatorial District, Sani Musa and the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), Tunji Olowolafe.

    The VC explained that the convocation ceremony slated for March 8, 2025 would be a significant milestone in the institution’s history since its creation by the administration of former governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi in 2020.

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    He revealed that no fewer than 1,109 students would be graduating at the maiden convocation across five colleges with 38 with First Class, 425 in Second Class Upper,586 in Second Class Lower and 60 in Third class.

    According to him, a former Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany and emeritus professor of History, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun would deliver convocation lecture.

    He said that the university, since inception, had been able to record many achievements and attract several interventions, as well as, ranked 26th by the Times Higher Education Ranking 2023.

    He commended the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji and the chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun for their commitment and support to the development of the university, saying that the increase in the subventions by the governor has helped the institution to fulfill its responsibilities.

    He said, “Our institution has a rich history, founded on the principles of academic excellence , innovation and community service. Our mission is to generate, disseminate,advance knowledge and groom students in education, science and technology with the aim of bringing this knowledge to finding solutions to the major challenges facing our immediate society and the world’s challenges in the 21st

    “As we stand on the threshold of this momentous occasion, I am filled with a sense of pride , gratitude and hope. Pride in the achievement of our students, gratitude for the support of our partners.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community service, we pledge to continue providing a world-class education that empowers our students to become leaders and responsible citizens”, he added.

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  • Two teachers jailed 44 years  for rape in Ekiti

    Two teachers jailed 44 years  for rape in Ekiti

    An Ekiti High Court in Ado Ekiti yesterday sentenced two teachers to 44 years’ imprisonment for rape without an option of fine.

    The Prosecution, Mr Kunle-Shina Adeyemi, told the court that the defendants, Gbenga Ajibola (43) and Olaofe Ayodele (52), were arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Familoni on March 2, 2022 on a three-count charge, including rape and abuse of office.

    He said the defendants in November 2019 in Ado-Ekiti raped two female pupils who were 17 and 15 years.

    According to him, the offence contravened Section 31(2) of the Childs Right Law, Cap. C7, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

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    In her testimony before the court, one of the victims said one of the convicts, Ajibola was her Computer teacher, and always disturbing her in class.

    “On this fateful day, he told me to be in mufti and gave me N200 to go and wait for him in front of a filling station along Bank Road. He later came there alongside Mr Olaofe, but before they came, one of my classmates also met me there, he told me that Mr Olaofe asked her to wait here for him.

    “When they came, we left for a hotel, around Oke-Ila, Ado Ekiti. On getting there, we were taken to different rooms where Mr Ajibola had sexual intercourse with me.

    “After that day, he continued to disturb me, when I could no more bear it, I narrated what happened to my mother who later took the matter up,” she narrated.

  • CP orders investigation into murder of officer, wife in Ekiti

    CP orders investigation into murder of officer, wife in Ekiti

    The Police Command in Ekiti State has ordered an investigation into the circumstances of the death of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Caleb Leranmo and his wife, Taiwo.

    In a statement, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Sunday Abutu, quoted the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, to have directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), to conduct the investigation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the couple was murdered at their residence on Tuesday in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti.

    Abutu said the police received a distress call about 07:00hours on Tuesday that a murder occurred at Igirigiri Road, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti.

    He said operatives from Odo-Ado Division were deployed to the scene.

    According to the PPRO, the late ASP Caleb Leranmo was found in a pool of his blood with his private part severed.

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    He added that the deceased’s wife, Taiwo, was also found beside him in a pool of her blood with head injuries.

    “The couple was rushed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” he said.

    The command’s spokesman further said their bodies were later deposited in the morgue for preservation and further medical examination.

    Abutu added that a cutlass, which was found with blood stains, was recovered from the scene.

    NAN also reports that the late ASP Leranno was serving with the Police Command in Ekiti.

  • Stop building on flood-prone areas, Ekiti govt warns residents

    Stop building on flood-prone areas, Ekiti govt warns residents

    Ekiti State Government has urged residents to desist from building in flood-prone areas, citing the risks posed by flooding in such locations.

    Chairman of Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency (EKSEPWAMA) board, Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, gave the advice during an inspection tour of ongoing dredging projects at Inisa, Amutu, Oke Ose and Mayan rivers in Moba Local Government.

    He lauded the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s efforts in ensuring the well-being of residents, especially in the area of flood prevention.

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    The board chairman emphasised the need for proactive measures to mitigate flood risks, advising residents on proper waste disposal, to prevent blockages in drainage systems and waterways.

    The General Manager of EKSEPWAMA, Mr. Olukayode Adunmo, said the dredging projects were aimed at preventing flooding in Ekiti communities and safeguarding lives and property.