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Tag: Fayemi

  • Fayemi: social security is everyone’s right

    Fayemi: social security is everyone’s right

    kiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said social security benefits are the legitimate right of the needy.

    The governor spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the First Phase of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The scheme was jointly sponsored by the federal and state governments.

    Fayemi said each beneficiary would earn a monthly stipend of N5,000 for one year on the condition that their children remain in school and the house hold accesses healthcare services.

    He said at the end of the one year, beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each to be invested in an agriculture-related enterprise.

    Fayemi said the three tiers of government must be united in the fight to eradicate poverty.

    He thanked traditional rulers for assisting in the selection of the beneficiaries, saying: “My dream is that a time will come in Nigeria when every poor senior citizen will automatically qualify for the social security scheme.”

    The governor said his administration’s effort to eradicate poverty was yielding fruits, with the rating that the state has the highest life expectancy in the country.

    He said the government was making moves to ensure the state benefits from the N220 billion “being planned for small and medium scale enterprises to stimulate the economy and improve the wellbeing of citizens”.

    Fayemi said: “In 2011, Ekiti kicked off its social security scheme and about 20,000 senior citizens above age 65 have been benefiting N5,000 monthly. Plans have been concluded to increase the number of beneficiaries by 5,000. The programme is now being replicated in Bayelsa, Anambra and Osun states.”

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Dr. Precious Gbeneol said the Federal Government released N5 billion to 56,500 women in 24 states under the CCT scheme.

    She said N370 million would be disbursed to 2,250 women in five local government areas in Ekiti.

    Gbeneol said: “This programme is no longer coming from Abuja because a lot of delay and sharp practices were noticed. Now, every state will compile the list of beneficiaries because they know where the poor live.

    “The Federal Government’s target is to prevent about 224,000 children from dropping out of schools. The fund is meant to tackle maternal and child mortality.

    “Poverty in Nigeria is multi-dimensional and has to be tackled from all fronts. That is why the Federal Government is engaging in inter-governmental collaboration to tackle it.”

    Also at the event were Fayemi’s wife, Erelu Bisi; Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi; House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin; Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank, Mr. Tony Okpanachi and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Mrs. Bunmi Dipo-Salami.

  • Fayemi: digital networking’ll improve businesses

    Fayemi: digital networking’ll improve businesses

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said the fibre optics cables laid in the state will ease internet transactions and improve the quality of life.

    The governor spoke with reporters yesterday on the commencement of the Phase I of the Optical Fibre-Laying Project in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Fayemi said the project, which will last eight weeks, was the outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the state and ipNX Nigeria Ltd in June.

    He said the project would help Ekiti to actualise its digital transformation programme.

    The governor said: “Fibre optics cable is the fastest means of transmitting data. A single strand of fibre cable can transmit up to 100 gigabytes per second, making it possible to simultaneously carry video, Internet and telephone calls.

    “Due to its capacity for almost limitless data speed, fibre optics is the true enabler of broadband services. With the infrastructure of fibre optics based broadband available in Ekiti State, the foundation is being laid for a transformation in the way Ekiti residents live, work, do business and play.

    “The first phase will cover about 8km from the Government Data Centre to Tantaliser, Fajuyi Park, Bank Road, State Secretariat, GRA/Onigari and Christ’s School axis.

    “Essential services to be provided via the fibre cables include: high speed Internet access to home and offices at an affordable price; Wi-fi hotspot at Fajuyi Park; telephone call services; video conferencing; Cable TV on demand (with many channels); safe city security cameras; e-Education and e-Health.”

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Kayode Jegede said the project was being done on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) basis.

    Jegede said it would curb crime and create jobs.

    The firm’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ejovi Aror, said Ado-Ekiti would be the fourth city in Nigeria to have the fibre optics technology.

    He said improved Information and Communication Technology (ICT) would improve socio-economic activities.

  • Fayemi, Ajimobi, Tinubu eulogise photojournalist Obe

    Fayemi, Ajimobi, Tinubu eulogise photojournalist Obe

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, his Oyo State counterpart Abiola Ajimobi and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have described the death of ace photojournalist, Mr. Peter Oyeyemi Obe (81), as “a huge loss”.

    In a statement Fayemi said the late Obe redefined photojournalism through his “adventurous and daring” coverage of the 30-month Nigerian civil war and turned what was hitherto regarded as a hobby to a dignified profession.

    He said the deceased brought dignity to the photographic section of the media, which has grown tremendously.

    Fayemi described the late Obe as “a mobile museum of all the important historical events in the country”.

    He said Obe was “an authority on the socio-political history of Nigeria, who captured unforgettable landmarks”.

    Fayemi described the late Obe as a diligent professional, whose contributions would remain a reference point for generations unborn.

    He urged the deceased’s family to be consoled by his positive contributions to the media and the good name he left behind.

    Ajimobi said Obe’s death marked the end of an era in photojournalism.

    He said the late Obe’s role during the civil war and other historical events stood him out as a core professional.

    Ajimobi said: “Although the ace photojournalist died at the ripe age of 81, his departure is shocking and painful. He used the power of pictures to contribute to Nigeria’s socio-political development.

    “Pa Obe was not only an icon, he was a master of his profession. At a time when not many people were brave enough to take to photojournalism as a profession because of the risk associated with it, he put all hindrances aside and made a mark.”

    He hailed the deceased for compiling his photo collections into a book to educate the future generation.

    Ajimobi called for the celebration of the life and time of the late photojournalist, saying he lived a fulfilled life.

    Tinubu said the late Obe represented uncommon brilliance.

    He said: “Obe will never be forgotten. He was a photographer of excellence. He displayed rare commitment to his job. At a time when many saw being a photographer as a mere pastime or a job for non-starters, Obe took his job seriously and carved a niche for himself in the profession.

    “Through his numerous works, many came to realise that pictures are stories. Pictures tell stories. He was not just a photographer, he told stories through the pictures he took. He navigated rough terrains and faced danger to bring us full and true pictures of developments, whether good or bad.”

    The former Lagos State governor said although the late Obe would be sorely missed, his works would stand the test of time.

    He urged the new generation of photojournalists to develop their minds beyond mere clicks and flashes and enrich their work.

    Tinubu said they must act responsibly and see their profession as a call to duty.

    He said: “Obe took photojournalism to a height hitherto unknown in our clime. I hope the room he left for advancement shall be filled by others in this noble profession.”

     

  • 2014: It’s an open race, says Fayemi

    2014: It’s an open race, says Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said anyone is free to contest next year’s governorship election.

    He described the allegation that he brooked no opposition as “absurd”, adding that he had no intention of being the sole candidate for the poll. Fayemi said the election was an open race and anyone was free to join it, including the member representing Ado-Ekiti/Irepodun-Ifelodun Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele.

    The governor and Bamidele are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Fayemi spoke at the weekend during a monthly live broadcast programme, “Meet Your Governor”, on the state’s local stations.

    He urged aspirants to present their manifestos to the people and let them decide which candidate they want, instead of “whipping up sentiments and causing disaffection to get cheap popularity”.

    On the clash between his supporters and Bamidele’s in Iyin-Ekiti, the governor said: “The crisis clearly showed that our youths have become willing tools in the hands of politicians. It showed that the government has a lot to do on youth employment. I am one of the politicians, who believe politics can be done without bitterness.

    “Though we have tried by setting up the Volunteer Corps, State Traffic Management Agency (EKSTMA) and the Ekiti State Peace Corps to employ our youths, sadly, some of them are not making use of these opportunities to better their future.”

    Fayemi said measures would be taken to prevent “desperate politicians” from fomenting trouble during the election.

    He said there was no embargo on employment as is being rumoured, adding that applicants into the state civil service would soon write a test and successful candidates would be interviewed.

    The governor urged members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Ekiti State University (EKSU) to approach the tax tribunal, if they had issues with taxation.

    He said he had approved EKSU’s N50 million monthly subvention, aside the N100 million released to the university to pursue the accreditation of its Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

    Fayemi said his administration’s legacy projects, including the Governor’s Lodge on Ayoba Hill, the multi-million naira Civic Centre and the State Pavilion (all in Ado-Ekiti), would be inaugurated before the end of the first quarter of next year.

    He said the state has started paying the 16 per cent Teachers’ Peculiar Allowance.

     

  • Fayemi, Aregbesola to unveil Nigeria is Negotiable

    Fayemi, Aregbesola to unveil Nigeria is Negotiable

    Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State are billed to unveil a new book, Nigeria is Negotiable, by journalist and author, Chido Onumah.

    The public presentation of the book holds in Abuja today.

    Nigeria is Negotiable, a collection of informed journalistic essays and commentaries, reminds readers of the political injustices and cruelties of an era.

    “It calls for discussions on the way forward,” says Dr. Anthony Akinola.

    Governor Fayemi said: “In Nigeria is Negotiable, Onumah re-maps the contours of the remarkable events and processes that have brought our country to this crucial juncture in its history, and particularly the crisis spawned by the June 12, 1993 election and its aftermath, which has – to a great extent – careered the country to this vortex of possibilities in its transition towards a more wholesome cultural and political expression.

    “With the keen eye of a journalist and the analytical prowess of a social anthropologist, Onumah shapes his subject through the informed insights of an observer-participant-stakeholder.”

    The 494-page book, published by the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), is the author’s second book. The first, Time to Reclaim Nigeria, was published in December 2011.

    Governor Aregbesola said: “Onumah’s collection strikes at the heart of the endemic crises bedevilling Nigeria. The refusal to design and accept the terms under which multi-cultural and multi-ethnic people in a country, such as ours, should co-habit, has held us down in a quagmire resulting in monumental and perennial chaos and political instability that inhibit development and good governance.

    “The time to embrace these terms and conditions has come, so that we can bail ourselves and our country out of an unwarranted and an unpalatable situation.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Fayemi rewards six first class graduates with foreign scholarship

    Fayemi rewards six first class graduates with foreign scholarship

    Six exceptional graduates of Ekiti origin have received funding support from Governor Kayode Fayemi for postgraduate studies in some leading universities in the United Kingdom, United States and China.

    The six first class graduates, who are the first set of beneficiaries of Fayemi Scholars, an education funding platform organised by the governor, include: Omowumi Odetola who graduated with a First Class in Law from the University of Ibadan and was among the best at the Nigeria Law School; Banke Olabintan a first class graduate of Law from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Bunmi Alonge (History and International Relations, OAU) and Segun Aluko a graduate of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo.

    Others are Temitope Omotosho (Mechanical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso) and Michael Ogunlade (HND/B.Sc Electronics Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti and Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti).

    Speaking at the official presentation of the young scholars in Ado-Ekiti last Thursday, Fayemi said the six beneficiaries were chosen from a pool of applicants who approached government for support; adding that their selection is based on merit and good character.

    The governor assured them that his administration would sustain the initiative yearly despite limited resources.

    He explained that his administration in the last three years has worked assiduously to put the state’s education sector on the right footing with a view to raising a generation of young Ekiti people who have the right skills and mindset to accelerate sustainable development in the state.

    While lamenting the impairment of moral compass of young people, the governor said it is worrisome that the state’s famed love for knowledge has been eroded as youths now embrace short-term pleasures.

    Fayemi, who had earlier attended a programme commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of foremost indigenous novelist, Daniel Fagunwa in Akure, urged the young generation to take a cue from the deep conviction and sense of purpose of Fagunwa who after dying 50 years ago, still evokes great passion and commitment to his ideals by countless people many of whom never met him alive.

    Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the six scholars, Ms Olabintan said it was a great privilege for them to be the first set of beneficiaries of the funding support.

    She promised that they would study and make Ekiti State proud by being the best among equals.

  • Kudos to Fayemi on rural development

    SIR: I write to commend Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, for putting rural communities on the track of development since his coming to office in October 2010.

    On Thursday, July 4, the heaven opened up in Oye-Ekiti in a downpour that lasted for two hours. It was the day Fayemi presented cheques totaling 300million naira to 82 communities in the state to carry out various projects that would make life easier and better for them.

     Earlier, the Governor had brainstormed with chairmen and secretaries of Community Development Associations (CDA’s) in the state along the line of the eight points agenda of his administration. Little did I know that the decision made at that meeting will have far-reaching benefits on the lives of the citizens as the governor would later hand over the cheques totaling N300 million to execute several developmental projects.

    After presenting the cheques to the benefiting communities, the governor admonished them to make judicious use of the funds to fast-track the development of rural areas and prevent undue migration to the urban areas of the state. This was not the case in the past, particularly before Fayemi’s administration where the rural dwellers found it difficult to execute projects that would benefit them and make them less dependent on the state capital.

    Some might ask: what is the big deal about the cheque presentation to the rural communities? The answer is – it will enhance their rapid development. And if it is that simple, why did it not occur to the previous administration? Moreover, Fayemi’s 5km road projects in every local government have been completed all in the bid to encourage aggressive rural development in Ekiti.

     Certainly, rural areas in Ekiti state have never had it so good and this giant step to improve standard of living of the people in the grassroots must be lauded by lovers of development. When these projects like civic centres, modern markets, palaces, drainages, cottage hospitals etc are completed, value is being added to rural populace who should also enjoy dividends of democracy.

    • Odewale Sina,

    Ido-Ile, Ekiti

  • Fayemi backs Yoruba as language of instruction

    Fayemi backs Yoruba as language of instruction

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has supported the call for the use of Yoruba as “a medium of instruction” in Southwest schools.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Akure at the first international conference to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of a foremost indigenous novelist and a fairy tale raconteur, Daniel Fagunwa.

    At the event were Ondo State Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Prof. Wole Soyinka, who gave a keynote address; foremost linguist, Emeritus Prof. Ayo Bamgbose; Prof. Niyi Osundare; the Vice- Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Prof Femi Mimiko; Prof Olu Obafemi; and others.

    Fayemi said experiments have shown that students, who study in their mother tongue, are better equipped than those taught through a “second language”.

    He said that was why the promotion of Yoruba language and culture was one of the “cardinal elements of the regional integration agenda of the Southwest.”

    Said he: “We must admit that everyday, Fagunwa’s image continues to loom and challenge us as a people. His works continue to remind us that our language is complete and that the Yoruba language must not be left to rot away.”

    Fayemi went on: “The survival of a people’s language and culture remains key to their future because it is the pathway to self-actualisation and real advancement.”

    Hailing the late Fagunwa for “planting the Yoruba language deep into the sub- consciousness of generations of the Yoruba”, he said the novelist’s promotion of traditional knowledge had been justified globally, with the United Nations setting aside a day for indigenous people across the world in 1994.

    He said that the late Fagunwa’s writings did not only promote culture, but also brought into greater visibility the philosophy and world view of the Yoruba race, adding: “His books have demonstrated that the Yoruba language is not inferior to any language.”

    The Chairman of the occasion and Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, said the late Fagunwa’s books showed his brilliance and talents.

    According to him, they are useful in legal proceedings on criminal cases.

  • My dad, by Fashola

    My dad, by Fashola

    •Dignitaries bid governors dad farewell

    •We lost our best friend, says governor

    •Amosun, Fayemi, Amaechi, others attend funeral

    It was an exciting final farewell that spoke so much about the stature of the man who had passed on.

    Many dignitaries converged on Lagos to see off the late Alhaji Ademola Ibrahim Fashola, father of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.

    The late Alhaji Fashola died on Monday. He was 80.

    His final journey began at his 31, Ladipo Labinjo Street, Surulere, Lagos home where personalities gathered for the lying-in-state.

    The body arrived from the mortuary in a black Mercedes Benz Sport Utility Vehicle about 11:55am. The lying-in-state was held at the Surulere Senior Secondary School, opposite the late Fashola’s home.

    At the ceremony were Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Chief Rasak Okoya, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Surulere Council boss, Tajudeen Ajide, Kayode Opeifa, Joe Igbokwe, Onigbongbo LCDA boss, Babatunde Oke, representatives of Arewa and Ndigbo, Service Chiefs and members of the State Executive Council, among others.

    Members of the Eko Club described the late Fashola as a jolly good fellow and prayed that Almighty Allah grant him aljannat firdaus.

    The entourage then moved to the Central Mosque in Obalende where prayers were offered.

    A Mercedez Benz M350 4matic car belonging to MIC Funerals with the inscription, “Alhaji Demola Fashola”, conveyed the body to the mosque.

    Governor Fashola was accompanied by his siblings and relations.

    At the Vaults and Garden, Ikoyi, the body was interred in a newly-built marble-carved tomb, near where the late Iyaloja General and mother of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Dr. Abibat Mogaji, was buried.

    Members of the Fashola family wore white lace and orange stripped caps.

    Imams from the Lagos Central Mosque, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Akinola Garuba, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed.

    Speaking to reporters after the interment, Governor Fashola thanked Lagosians for the love shown his family.

    He said: “I thank everybody, who has rallied round the family from yesterday morning before I returned from Saudi Arabia. The heart-pouring of love from all Nigerians; from Mr. President, who called persistently until he got through to me. He sent his representative today, the Honourable Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, and my brother governors, the imams, the ordinary men and women and everybody. Thank you very much.

    “This was a painful way for us and for you to show how much you love us, but we really appreciate you. Our gratitude is deep and immense and we can never fully express it.”

    Recalling the virtues of his late father, the governor said he was an all encompassing gentleman who lived a simple life and loved his children.

    He said: “I think that for all of us his children, he was first and foremost our friend, he was our best friend. So, this is what we will really miss. Our father was a very loving friend, who allowed us to be the best that we could; he allowed us to be what we want to be, guiding and nudging, but never discriminated and that’s why he had children that were Christians, Muslims, children who are Europeans, children who are married across all Nigeria.

    “I think these have fully captured his life. I doubt if there was any person who did not have enemies, it must be my father because he just got on with life. He didn’t discriminate in any position he found himself; good, comfortable, painful, he just got on. I learnt so many things from him and most of these things is who I am today and who I try to be and I hope that I can be as rounded in integrity, humble in his attitude to life and fully committed in all situations as he was.”

    To the governor, his father death was significant as “he died in the month of Ramadan”.

    “He died on the night of majesty. We had just finished Lailatu Quadri prayers in Mecca and, for me, God is great because if God gave him the opportunity to choose how he would go, and when, he couldn’t have chosen the day he went. It was such a great time. We thank God.”

    With the governor were his counterparts from Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Rivers, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

    Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Hon Bolaji Abdullahi, represented President Goodluck Jonathan. Former Governor of Cross River, Donald Duke, former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Chief Ayo Akande were there.

    Also in attendance were Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, Otunba Alabi Mc-Coy, Alhaji Lateef Salako, Alhaji Moshood Ojikutu, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Senators Gbenga Ashafa and Femi Ojodu, Chairman of Eleganza Group, Chief Rasak Okoya and renowned lawyer, Alhaji Femi Okunnu. Ogun State Deputy Governor Mr. Segun Adesegun, members of the State Executive Council, members of the House of Assembly, members of the House of Representatives, Nollywood stars, clerics and members of the Diplomatic Corps, among others, were also there.

  • Take heart, Fayemi tells Fashola

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has commiserated with his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) on the death of his father, Alhaji Ademola Fashola.

    Fayemi, in a statement yesterday, said he understands what Governor Fashola is going through, having tasted the same experience of losing his father four years ago.

    The governor said although his Lagos counterpart would feel the pain of losing his father, he urged him to be consoled by the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life and to a ripe age.

    He said: “On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, the Land of Honour, I commiserate with my friend and brother Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, on the peaceful transition of his father, Alhaji Ademola Fashola.

    “I also commiserate with the entire Fashola family and the Lagos State Government. I pray Almighty God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

    Dr. Fayemi said the late Alhaji Fashola’s death marked a glorious end to a life well spent in the service of Almighty Allah and humanity.

    He described the deceased as a devout Muslim, a community leader and a philanthropist, who dedicated his life to the good of others and the development of his community.