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Tag: Fayemi

  • Fayemi’s centre feeds Ekiti residents

    Fayemi’s centre feeds Ekiti residents

    Former Ekiti governor and Solid Minerals Development Minister Dr Kayode Fayemi has distributed food items to people of the state to cushion the prevailing economic hardship. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    Like elsewhere, in the country, Ekiti State is feeling the pangs of the prevailing economic hardship engendered, in most cases, by the non-payment of workers’salaries.

    Being a civil service state, the economy revolves around the payment of civil servants salaries. Big-time and petty traders, artisans, transporters and farmers make money from civil servants.

    Non-payment or delay in the payment of salaries affects these people as civil servants constitute their major customers.

    The situation has been worsened by the abandonment of farming which used to be the largest employer of labour, especially by the youth, who constitute the most economically productive segment of the population. The youth can be found in public and private sectors, politics, commercial motorcycle riding and taxi driving, among others.

    Some government workers had resorted to unorthodox means to survive. Reports of stealing of food in neighbour’s houses, selling of blood, begging otherwise known as “fine bara” were rife among civil servants.

    Many youths resorted to crime and other anti-social activities to survive.

    Irked about the development, former governor of the state and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, through the John Kayode Fayemi Leadership Centre, intervened to give the people food.

    During his tenure as governor between 2010 and 2014, Dr. Fayemi ran a food bank which provided food for the less-privileged members of the society on periodical basis.

    The latest gesture is believed to be a continuation of the policy even despite no longer being the governor. It is currently run by the centre which promotes the ideals of good governance, defence of human rights, democracy,  charity, poverty eradication and economic empowerment which formed the core values of the political ideology of Dr. Fayemi.

    Despite the scorching sun, the people waited patiently until the distribution of the food items began at 11:45 a.m. Representatives of various interest groups came to collect their items on behalf of their members after which items were given to individuals.

    Officials of the centre had a tough time controlling the crowd as the number of people who thronged the place exceeded expection. The crowd spilled into the Ado-Ikere Highway causing a traffic snarl.

    Items distributed included bags of rice, sugar, salt, semovita, packets of noodles, spaghetti, macaroni and wheat, among others.

    Fayemi said he was deeply concerned by the level of hunger in Ekiti State; hence the gesture to distribute the items to the people to identify with them in their time of need.

    Speaking through the Director of the centre, Biodun Omoleye, Fayemi advised civil servants and other residents to embrace farming to tackle hunger and boost food security.

    The former governor said the gesture was borne out of the need to assist indigent citizens and not to score a political point against Governor Ayo Fayose over the failure of his administration to pay workers’ salaries.

    Fayemi, who promised that the scheme would be a regular exercise, urged other well-meaning indigenes and groups in the state to assist the less-privileged and save them from the pangs of hunger.

    He said: “We are disturbed by the turn of events in our state where many of our citizens have nothing to eat and many go to bed hungry. We are carrying out this exercise to alleviate the hunger crisis in the land and offer our people a stop-gap approach to give them relief.

    “The wind of hunger blowing in Ekiti now is unpleasant. It seems hunger is gradually taking over the land and that is why we that are privileged must continue to identify with the poor. This has no political or ethnic undertone, but just a means of helping the needy.

    “Taking cognisance of what is happening in Ekiti now when some civil servants were stealing food on fire; our people must embrace farming as a way of life. Food production remains the best for now.

    “We must all rise up to save our state and the future of our children. Some can’t be living in opulence when some could not afford one square meal a day.

    ”This welfare programme is going to be a continuous one and we shall do it in a way that would have positive impact on the lives of our people at the community, ward and local government levels.

    “Dr Fayemi is much disturbed by what our people are passing through and we are all here in the interest of our people. This is not a matter of party because hunger knows no party.

    “We have also sent forms to groups, churches, mosques, orphanages and other groups to assist the needy.”

    According to him, food items were also sent to the other 15 local government areas for those who can’t come to Ado-Ekiti.

    He revealed that the centre also plans to carry out leadership training for unemployed youths while more empowerment programmes will be rolled out for artisans and other interest groups.

    While calling on all Nigerians to key into programmes of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Fayemi stressed that the change promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is real as things will henceforth be done differently for the benefit of the masses.

    The minister added that Nigeria is currently in the era of change under a ‘focused and purposeful’ leadership of President Buhari, advising that people must key into all the programmes of the Federal Government by learning how to do things in different ways.

    Fayemi said the centre will soon embark on empowerment programmes for artisans and other groups.

    Some of the beneficiaries praised Fayemi whom they described as a benevolent politician and a compassionate leader who still has the interest of the people at heart.

    An aged beneficiary, Alhaja Safurat Ogunsakin, said the gesture was least expected from Fayemi at a time when many people are dying of hunger as a result of economic hardship.

    She said: “We are grateful to Fayemi for remembering the less-privileged people during this hard time. I heard the announcement on the radio and I decided to come; I have just received my own package from the organisers.

    “What I have received here will last me for a reasonable length of time. There is hunger in Ekiti and you can see the number of people that are here and when the hunger problem is solved, a big load has been carried off your neck.

    “We want to appreciate Fayemi for what he has done. God will continue to protect him and take care of his family. He has proved that he is a leader that really loved the people.”

    A commercial motorcyclist, Sola Oyewole said: “Fayemi has proved that he is a real statesman because we have many people who came to benefit here that voted against him but they had seen that they made a mistake by voting for another person.

    “But what the man has done is devoid of politics as the food items are given to people irrespective of their political affiliations because hunger does not know whether you’re APC or PDP.

    “This is the type of leader we need in Ekiti and I want to urge other politicians to emulate Fayemi because if we have many people doing this, hunger will be banished from our land.”

    Another beneficiary, Wumi Agbebi said: “We were deceived with stomach infrastructure but this is a real and genuine effort to assist the people.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Nigeria needs $3tr to develop infrastructure, says Fayemi

    Nigeria needs $3tr to develop infrastructure, says Fayemi

    To bridge the infrastructure gap of her growing economy over the next 30 years, Nigeria would spend about $3 trillion.

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who spoke yesterday in London, United Kingdom (UK), at a business forum organised by the Royal African Society, quoted a recent report by the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, which said Nigeria’s core infrastructure stocks gap, based on international benchmarks, is estimated at $80 billion.

    Fayemi who presented a keynote address titled:  Mining for prosperity: Fueling Nigeria’s industrialisation in the 21st Century, said the investment would allow Nigeria to close its current infrastructure gap and sustain an ideal infrastructure stock level of 70 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and build infrastructure assets across the seven critical sectors of roads, rail, ports, airports, power, water and information communications technology (ICT).

    He said iron ore and steel would account for the bulk of materials inputs needed to industrialise the country, just as  he urged investors to take advantage of the country’s huge steel market.

    Fayemi said: “We project a steady increase in domestic demand for steel in Nigeria in the coming decade, driven by increased industrialisation that will ignite a surge in building construction, power, automotive construction, agriculture, road and bridge building, military technology and infrastructure development, refinery investments and other heavy duty machinery.

    “This ever-widening vortex of hunger for steel and iron ore is an opportunity for local and international investors to participate in the consolidation and expansion of Africa’s largest economy.”

    He added that local producers were meeting just about 25 per cent of demand in the sub-sector, a development he said provides the required optimism for foreign investors.

    Fayemi hailed the success recorded in the limestone, where Nigeria moved from being a net-importer of cement to a net-exporter in less than a decade of putting in place the right policy and necessary incentives for local manufacturers.

    “We are working with all stakeholders in the industry to encourage replication of the limestone success story in the beneficiation of other industrial minerals, towards powering the industrialisation of the country.

    “Our aspiration is to build a world class minerals and mining ecosystem designed to serve a targeted domestic and export market for minerals and ores,” Fayemi said.

    He  said the country would focus on  minerals , mining and related processing industry over a three -phased period to achieve this.

    “Phase 1: Nigeria will seek to rebuild market confidence in its minerals and mining sector and win over domestic users of industrial minerals that  import. During this phase, Nigeria will also seek to expand use of its energy minerals. This phase will likely last about two-three years.

    “Phase 2: Nigeria will focus on expanding our domestic ore and mineral asset processing industry. This phase will last about five to 10 years.

    “Phase 3: Nigeria should seek to return to global ore and mineral markets at a market competitive price point. We expect this to coincide with the next commodity upswing,” he said.

  • Fayemi greets Muslims

    Fayemi greets Muslims

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated Muslims in Ekiti State and Nigeria in general as they commence another season of Ramadan.

    Dr Fayemi said , in a statement on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, that Ramadan remains the holiest of all months in the Islamic calendar, adding that Ramadan fast is one of the five pillars of Islam which Muslims strictly adhere to in line with injunction of the Almighty Allah.

    The Minister noted that Ramadan offers an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and deepen relationship with him in submission to his will. He therefore urged Muslims to use the period to pray for peace to reign in all the troubled spots in the country.

    Noting that the Ramadan fast teaches Muslims to practice piety, self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, tolerance justice, and empathy for the less fortunate in society, Dr Fayemi called on all adherents of the Islamic faith to reflect on these  lessons  during the 30 days fasting period.

  • Fayemi to address UK Parliament tomorrow

    Fayemi to address UK Parliament tomorrow

    Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Kayode Fayemi will tomorrow, address the United Kingdom Parliament in Westminster, London, on Nigeria’s diversification agenda.

    This is sequel to an invitation from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Nigeria to the Minister to address the Parliament on “Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector: Alternative Investment Opportunities”.

    According to a statement by Fayemi’s media assistant, Olayinka Oyebode, the invitation letter, signed by the APPG Chair, Kate Osamor MP, said the meeting would afford Fayemi the opportunity to discuss investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector.

    The statement reads: “The letter states that the event, which would be chaired by Chi Onwurah MP, Vice Chair of the APPG, would bring together British Parliamentarians, Diaspora Stakeholders, policy-makers, business representatives, diplomats, civil society representatives, media, academics and other experts in the sector.”

    “It would be a great pleasure to welcome you to the Houses of Parliament to share your views on politics to transform Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, the value of the sector for Nigeria as the country seeks to diversify away from oil, and on opportunities for investment.

    “The APPG on Nigeria is an independent and impartial cross-party group of British parliamentarians, which seeks to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the UK and Nigeria, raise the profile of Nigeria in the British parliament and support development and democracy.”

     

  • Fayemi fund coming for local miners

    Fayemi fund coming for local miners

    The Federal Government has concluded arrangement to set up an intervention  fund for the mining sector, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said.

    He said the fund was designed to serve as an incentive for local miners and investors to stimulate growth in the sector.

    A statement endorsed by his Special Assistant Media, Yinka Oyebode, explained that Fayemi spoke during a breakfast meeting organised by  Stanbic IBTC Bank with investors in the iron and steel sector in Lagos at the weekend.

    Fayemi said the ministry was already working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bankers Committee and the Bank of Industry (BoI) to achieve this.

    “The intervention fund is part of the incentives government is putting in place  to increase local production,” he said, adding that the ministry is committed to exploiting the nation’s mineral endowments in an environmentally sustainable manner and establish a vibrant minerals and metal industry for wealth creation, poverty reduction, promotion of economic growth and significant contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

    Fayemi decried a situation where the country currently imports an estimated $3.3 billion of processed steel and associated derivatives representing 80 per cent of the $4.2 billion total metal products imported per year.

    He said despite the country’s relatively robust iron ore reserves, there are only 30 steel rolling mills in the country with combined installed capacity of 6.5MT/annum. Only 18 are operational, producing about 2.8 MT/annum using 100 per cent scrap metal.

    According to Fayemi, the government would realise its plan for a major turn around in the sector  through strategic support for the local and foreign investors as well as creating enabling environment through the right policy, for mining activities.

    The Minister lauded a few banks that have set up solid minerals desks and urged others to look into that direction as well.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government is set to commence bidding process for prospective investors to explore the vast bitumen deposit in the country.

    Fayemi disclosed this during a working visit to bitumen bearing communities in Agbabu area, Ondo State, adding that the bidding round for licence would be for serious investors with proven work and financial plans.

    He added that the licence issuing process would be completed before the end of the year and assured the host communities of government’s readiness to protect their interest through the right policy and regulations.

    “Nigeria has the second largest deposit of bitumen in the world, spanning approximately 120 kilometres.

    “We want your mineral to work for you, and we are fully ready to assist your communities to ensure that you get the best from the process.”, Fayemi told the community leaders.

    Special Assistant Media to the Minister, Yinka Oyebode who also made the disclosure in a press statement added.

    “The minister said the Federal Government would partner with the states, investors and the communities to ensure that the enabling environment is created.

    “He assured them that within the next six months massive work would commence on the bitumen project.

    “Explaining some of the policies that would be put in place, Fayemi said that emphasis would be placed on exploration and exploitation of the mineral.

    “Lamenting that about 80 percent of asphaltic materials used for road construction in the country was still being imported in spite of the vast bitumen deposit, Fayemi said government would focus on ensuring that serious investors who have proven work and financial plans are given licences.

     

    “Priority will be given to investors that would build processing plants. The processing plants will boost local production, which will in turn will help us  meet local demands and create job opportunities for our youths.

     

    “The Minister stated that the major focus of the ministry is to ensure that the contribution of the solid minerals to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) records a significant improvement from 0.3% to at least 10% in the near future.

     

    “Noting that the Mining sector has witnessed extensive reforms since 1999, which essentially crystallized around the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, Fayemi said the country is again on the path to providing a transparent and workable regulatory and policy environment for a private sector- led mining.

     

    “Aside the regulatory frame work which are geared towards protecting local and foreign  investments, Fayemi said that a lot of incentives have been put in place to encourage serious minded investors.

     

    “The serious investors will get tax holidays and would be encouraged to bring in mining equipment duty free.

     

    “Local investors, according to the Minister, would be supported through access to funding as well as equipment leasing.

     

    “He however urged prospective investors to be prepared to play according to set rules and standards “ the ministry would surely subject activities of the investors to proper monitoring in order to ensure compliance with laid down procedures and guidelines.”, the Minister added.

     

    “The spokesman for Agbabu community, High Chief Toyin Enate, while welcoming the minister, lauded the President Mohammadu Buhari administration for its commitment to the bitumen project.

     

    “He said the minister’s decision to encourage state government  to engage in mining was a positive step towards the realisation of the government’s diversification plan.”

     

  • Fayemi: Bidding round for bitumen commences soon

    Fayemi: Bidding round for bitumen commences soon

    • Promises to protect community interest

    The federal government will soon commence bidding process for prospective investors to explore the nation’s vast bitumen deposits.

    Nigeria has the second largest deposit of bitumen in the world, spanning approximately 12KM.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, disclosed this during a working visit to bitumen- bearing communities in Agbabu area of Ondo State last week.

    Fayemi stated the bidding round for licence will be for serious investors with proven work and financial plans.

    He assured the licence issuing process would be completed before the end of the year.

    The minister assured the communities of government’s readiness to protect their interest through the right policy and regulations.

    Fayemi, in company of top officials of the ministry, checked samples of bitumen in Agbabu, Ilubirin and Lado.

    He held interactive sessions with leaders of the communities, where he assured them of government’s support.

    According to him: “We want your mineral to work for you and we are fully ready to assist your communities to ensure that you get the best from the process.”

    The minister said the federal government would partner with the states, investors and the communities to create the enabling environment.

    He assured them that within the next six months massive work would commence on the bitumen project.

    Explaining some of the policies that would be put in place, Fayemi said emphasis would be placed on exploration and exploitation of the mineral.

    Lamenting that about 80 percent of asphaltic materials used for road construction in the country was still being imported in spite of the vast bitumen deposit, Fayemi said government would focus on ensuring that serious investors who have proven work and financial plans are given licences.

    “Priority will be given to investors that would build processing plants. The processing plants will boost local production, which will in turn will help us meet local demands and create job opportunities for our youths,” the minister said.

  • Nigeria has Dutch Disease, says Fayemi

    Nigeria has Dutch Disease, says Fayemi

    Nigeria’s mineral resources are understated and underused, Minister of Solid Mineral Development Kayode Fayemi said yesterday.

    Fayemi spoke at the third annual John Agboola Odeyemi lecture at the Conference Centre of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

    The lecture was to celebrate Odeyemi’s 77th birthday.

    Fayemi said: “In the field of development studies, Nigeria is one of the archetypal poster children for what has been called the Dutch Disease.

    “It is also known as ‘the curse of oil’.

    “When a nation discovers oil, the sudden avalanche of petrodollars causes neglect of sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing ,thus leaving oil to dominate the economy.

    “The main factors that prevent states from being able to exploit their mineral resources are rooted in our constitutional architecture, which cedes control over oil resources  to the central government.”

    Remarking on development in the sector, Fayemi said: “I am pleased to report that we have a roadmap for the sector, drawn from the insights ofstakeholders.

    “We expect growth in the sector, but we cannot do it alone. We need support from the grassroots to implement our ideas.”

    The event was organised by OAU’s Museum of Natural History and attended by  eminent personalities including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Fayemi’s wife Bisi ;Leventis Foundation Chairman Ahmed Mantee and traditional rulers.

    Speaking didactically at the event, Oba Adeyeye condemned the excessive importation that the country has become accustomed to.

    He said: “It is appalling that for a long time, limestone lay just below the ground and it was still being imported until the last decade.

    “Everyone wants to live the fast way – the easy way. In the olden days, traders leave their goods and put price tags on it.

    “People will buy, drop money and leave. If you are hungry, you could eat the bananas and leave the peels just to indicate that you are not a thief.

    “Alas, we have lost those values! Morals are the bedrock of everything.”

  • Tambuwal, Fayemi, Afe Babalola, others mourn

    Tambuwal, Fayemi, Afe Babalola, others mourn

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has described as “devastating” the death of six Ekiti State doctors and their driver.

    He said this has cast a huge shadow on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Annual General Conference/Annual Delegates Meeting (AGC/ADM).

    The doctors died on Sunday in an accident on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. They were part of the Ekiti State delegates.

    According to the governor, the government has sent a condolence letter to the Ekiti State government.

    Tambuwal, declaring the conference open, urged doctors to uphold their work ethics and promote virtues that would enhance their profession.

    He said the National Health Act, whose operations the conference seeks to implement, will help in achieving universal health coverage and sustain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

    The governor said his administration has internalised the National Health Act with a provision of healthcare insurance for communities and public servants, an initiative aimed at demonstrating responsive commitment to healthcare delivery services to the people.

    “We have established the primary healthcare development agency and brought all health facilities, workers and funding under one management unit.

    “The state has also approved the procurement of cold chain equipment, generators, walk-in cold rooms and construction of satellite stores in the 23 local governments and zonal offices in the state.”

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development Kayode Fayemi has condoled with the NMA.

    A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said the death of the caregivers was a loss not only to their families, but to the state, the medical profession and to him.

    “Losing seven citizens, including six dedicated and patriotic doctors in one accident, is not only disheartening, it is troubling.”

    He prayed for the repose of their souls.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State commiserated with the people and the doctors’ families.

    In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, APC Publicity Secretary Taiwo Olatunbosun said the party regretted the sudden loss of the physicians, who he described as illustrious sons of the state, who made their marks in medical profession.

    Olatunbosun said the death was a blow to the medical profession, particularly at a time more medical doctors are needed in the society.

    Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) also commiserated with the Ekiti State government, the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and that of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti.

    A statement yesterday by ABUAD’s Head of Corporate Affairs Tunde Olofintila Babalola said the death is particularly painful, bearing in mind the place and import of the doctors’ services to humanity and the dearth of their ilk.

    Babalola hoped that governments at all levels will take steps to stem “this type of incidence in future, adding that may we never witness such a calamity again”.

  • Reflect on developmental issues, says Fayemi

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr Kayode Fayemi has called on Nigerians to always uphold the virtues of love and sacrifice, which he said are hallmarks of Easter.

    The minister, in his Easter goodwill message by his Special Assistant on Media, Yinka Oyebode, also called on Nigerians to make ample use of the opportunity of the season for sober reflection.

    While urging them to celebrate with moderation, Fayemi also urged the people to spend quality time with family and friends as well as reflect on developments in the nation.

    According to him: “Aside taking time off to reflect and pray for peace and progress, it is also time to resolve within ourselves to become agents of peace and progress.”

    He urged Christians to continue to preach and live in peace and harmony with one another.

  • Fayemi shuns Ekiti Assembly summons

    Fayemi shuns Ekiti Assembly summons

    •Refers House to handover notes 

    Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday failed to appear before the House of Assembly which summoned him two weeks ago to explain how Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds were spent during his tenure.

    The lawmakers accused the Fayemi administration of diverting N852.9 million UBEC funds an allegation the ex-governor vehemently denied.

    Fayemi, who is Minister of Solid Minerals Development, wrote the lawmakers explaining that he could not appear as requested by the Assembly due to what he called “prior scheduled state engagements”.

    Speaker Kola Oluwawole, who spoke with reporters after a special sitting held in honour of a deceased member of the Third Assembly, Ajewole Ashaolu, disclosed that Fayemi’s letter has been referred to the Committees on Public Accounts and Finance and Appropriation.

    Oluwawole had earlier read Fayemi’s letter in response to the House resolution mandating him to appear and make clarifications on UBEC funds shortly before the special session held in honour of the late Ashaolu.

    Fayemi in a letter dated March 21 signed by his Personal Assistant, Tolu Ibitola, and addressed to the Clerk of the House, Tola Esan, said all matters relating to his stewardship are contained in his handover note.

    The letters reads: “We acknowledge receipt of your letter being an advisory on the referenced resolution of the Ekiti State House of Assembly dated March 10.

    “Regrettably, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, is unable to honour the House’s invitation as contained in the resolution due to prior scheduled state engagements.

    “The minister has, however, asked that I draw your attention to the fact that all matters relating to his stewardship of public office in his previous role as the Governor of Ekiti State, between October 16, 2010 and October 15, 2014, are well documented in his handover notes, which was duly submitted to the Government of Ekiti State  at the expiration of his tenure on October 15, 2014 as statutorily required.

    “A copy of the said report was also shared with the House for the record.

    “The minister will be pleased to respond to specific clarifications the House may wish to make further to your diligent examination of the handover notes.

    “May we use this opportunity to convey the assurances of the minister’s highest regards.”

    Oluwawole said: ”We expected him to appear today, but he did not show up. He, instead, responded through a letter, saying that he wouldn’t be able to come owing to certain official duties.

    “He said his stewardship was detailed in the handing over note he presented to Governor Ayo Fayose and that the issue of the SUBEB fund was also in it.