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Tag: Kayode Fayemi

  • Teachers will no longer suffer in Ekiti – Egbeyemi

    Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, has expressed sadness on the suffering experienced by teachers during the Ayo Fayose administration.

    Egbeyemi assured teachers that the Kayode Fayemi administration will not allow them to suffer saying “the era in which teachers are owed arrears of salaries and abandoned to suffer in hunger is over as government will give priority to their welfare.”

    In a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, Egbeyemi regretted that many teachers abandoned their duty posts at the peak of hunger and misery allegedly inflicted on them by the immediate past administration in the state.

    The deputy governor who spoke on Thursday while playing host to Education Secretaries in all the 16 Local Government Areas also assured that government was working to clear all the arrears of salaries owed teachers and other civil servants.

    According to him, the Fayemi administration will take care of teachers and provide them with environment conducive to performing and lifting the standard of education in the state.

    He urged teachers in the state to give their loyalty and support to Governor Kayode Fayemi saying “the governor is solidly behind teachers and you should reciprocate by doing your job very well.”

    Egbeyemi said: “The standards of education in our schools were not okay. Last year when salaries were not promptly paid most teachers absconded from duty.”

    Read Also: Suspected kidnappers abduct director in Ekiti

    “By the grace of God you will be taking your salaries every month. Even our governor has promised to clear the arrears before the year runs out.

    “Let us work honestly with Fayemi, the schools belongs to every one of us, if someone tries to disturb you. Just tell me, the Governor sent you there and I am his subordinate whatever I do, I do it on his behalf.

    “Let us do the job very well and let the Governor be impressed.”

    The Education Secretary of Ado Ekiti Local Government, Mr. Oluwatoyin Omotoso, who spoke on behalf of others, explained that they thought it needful to express gratitude to government for appointing them to their new office.

    While keeping the deputy governor abreast of what they met, Omotoso, bemoaned the state of infrastructures met in the schools across the local government areas.

    While calling for better funding of their office, Omotoso explained that most of the infrastructures had become obsolete and needed refurbishment.

    He called for the recruitment of more teachers at the public primary schools in the Local government and provision of vehicles for supervision of schools.

  • I’ve no plans to frustrate Atiku’s rally, says Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has refuted allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of denial of access to Oluyemi Kayode Stadium for the party’s presidential rally.

    The People’s Democratic Party alleged the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of Fayemi had deprived it access to the facility for its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

    Atiku‘s campaign team is set to storm Ekiti on Monday, January 14 to canvass for votes in the February 16 election.

    While briefing newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, the PDP State Chairman, Barr. Gboyega Oguntuase, stated it was disrespectful for Fayemi to have frustrated use of Oluyemi Kayode stadium requested by the party as a venue for the rally.

    Oguntuase said action had again attested to the widespread fear by the opposition party that the APC was desperate to manipulate the poll and subvert the popular will of the people in the 2019 elections.

    In a swift reaction to the allegation, Director, Administration and Supplies, Ekiti Sate Sports Council , on behalf of  the General Manager, Mr.  Akinola P.A., explained the stadium was under reconstruction, which has prevented vehicular movement at this time.

    The letter reads: “I have been directed to refer to your letter received in January 2 requesting the use of Oluyemi Kayode Stadium for your presidential campaign.

    “However, there was need to let you know that the stadium is under repairs in preparation for the next football season and wetting.

    “The tracks need to be prevented from vehicular movement and for this reason, we decline the use of this facility”.

    But Fayemi described the allegation as mischievous and spurious saying the civil servants only replied to the letter based on the prevailing situation.

    Fayemi, who reacted through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Segun Dipe said: “When we came on board, virtually all the facilities were in a state of disrepair. The Ikogosi warm spring, the fountain hotel and this stadium are one of them.

    “As a responsible government, we must take steps to put them back to normal shape and Fayemi won’t take any step that would infringe on the right of anyone as a democrat.

    ”Even, the PDP didn’t request for the facility through the governor and it was wrong for them to have blamed him in the first instance”.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Fayemi: I won’t sideline towns that voted against me

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has promised not to deny communities and towns that voted against him at the last governorship election of projects that will make life easier for them.

    He assured that his administration will ensure that developmental projects reach all nooks and crannies of the state irrespective of how they voted during the July 14, 2018 poll.

    Fayemi spoke on Saturday during a meeting with chairmen and secretaries of all Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Town Unions at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, new Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The governor who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, revealed that many uncompleted self-help, grant-aided projects initiated during his first administration were abandoned by the immediate past government.

    He also disclosed that community empowerment programmes will be carried out in rural areas especially in those areas of special needs submitted for government consideration during preparation for the 2019 Budget.

    According to him, government has commenced the re-verification and assessment of uncompleted self-help “grant aided” projects initiated during his first administration between 2011 and 2014 for assistance and completion of such projects.

    Read Also: Nigeria can’t afford another civil war-Fayemi

    He said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that Ekiti people made the right choice in the governorship election by electing us into power again and we will do everything humanly possible to justify the confidence reposed in us.”

    Fayemi also reiterated his commitment in implementing special need projects included in the State budgetary preparation with a call on community leaders and opinion moulders to show concern on the usage, sustenance and maintenance of public utilities in their various communities.

    Lamenting on how the previous administration abandoned potential economic projects, like Ire Clay Block Industry, Water Dams, and electrical infrastructures, Fayemi, revealed that preparation was on top gear to bring back private investors and critical stakeholders to resuscitate old industries, tourist centres and facilitate the establishment of new ones.

    Fayemi said that some private individuals that left the State at the height of harsh economic environment under the last administration have started to return to boost business activities in the State.

    However, the governor called on the people for more support for his administration and that of President Muhammadu Buhari so that the state can benefit more federal projects.

    During the interactive section, representative of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mr. Kehinde Fakunle said the people of the council are behind Fayemi’s administration and that such shall be demonstrated in the 2019 elections as people of the council are determined to vote  for APC at all levels.

    Dr Alex Ogundipe who represented Ado Local Government called on the State Government to align with federal government intention in resuscitating textile industries across the nation with a view to revive the textile industry in the State.

    Other speakers like Mr Akosile Olubunmi from Efon Local government, Mr Ayodele Ogunleye from Ekiti West local government, Mr Laolu Omosilade from Ifelodun/Irepodun local government demanded for rural electrification, rehabilitation of water dams, town hall and continuation of 5 kilometres road initiated by Fayemi in his first tenure, channelization of rivers, drainages, linkage of access roads to farmstead amidst others.

    Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ayoola Owolabi said the participatory meeting would enhance a bottom-top approach, cross fertilisation of ideas and feedback activities towards attainment of international best practices in governance.

    The Chairman of Community Development Associations, Mr Olabisi Ishola who appreciated the repeat of the programme maintained that it would allow communities to have input in the execution of government projects and policies in their communities.

    Ishola said the programme was a clear description of Fayemi as a true democrat.

  • Nigeria can’t afford another civil war-Fayemi

     

     

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged Nigerians to work toward sustaining the peace of the country to ensure sustainable development.

    Fayemi warned against engaging in acts that can endanger the fragile peace and also desist from fanning the embers of war.

    Speaking on Thursday at the official launch of the state emblem appeal fund for the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ado-Ekiti, Fayemi emphasised “Nigeria cannot afford yet another war.”

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, praised members of the Nigerian Legion and serving soldiers for their sacrifice to keep the country united.

    According to a statement by Special Assistant (Media) to

    the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the event signaled the commencement of activities to mark this year’s Armed Forces

    Remembrance Day, which climaxes on January 15 with laying wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.

    He said: “There is no price too high to pay for peace when compared to the cost of war. I therefore enjoin all engaged in acts that can endanger the fragile peace in our nation to desist from fanning the embers of war.

    “This nation cannot afford another war and we must live in peace with one another. We must resolve that never again shall we allow our dear nation by our actions or inactions to experience another war.”

    Fayemi noted that everything must be done to encourage the Armed Forces to step up efforts at defending the territorial integrity of the country at all times.

    This, he said, must begin with providing adequate equipment and minimum necessary resources to mobilise against those he referred to as “enemies of the country.”

    The governor warned against endangering the lives of the nation’s gallant soldiers by acts of omission or commission saying “the days of diverting funds meant for insurgency and welfare of Armed Forces are gone forever.”

    According to him, the emblem launch was in commemoration of soldiers who fought gallantly and laid down their lives for the sovereignty of the nation and to honour and support the veterans who are still alive.

    Fayemi commenced the valour exhibited by veterans of the 1st and 2nd World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the contemporary soldiers fighting insurgency and various forms of security challenges in the country.

     

  • Fayemi: Shagari was a man of peace

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with the government and people of Sokoto State, the Sokoto Caliphate and family of the first executive President of the Country,  Alhaji Shehu Shagari, on the passing of  the ex-President on Friday, aged 93.

    Dr Fayemi, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described Alhaji Shagari as a man of peace, who lived an exemplary simple life style.

    The governor said Shagari, through the various positions he held since 1951 when he became the Secretary of the Northern People’s Congress in Sokoto, till his presidency between 1979 and 1983, played very significant roles in the socio-political growth and development of Nigeria.

    Read Also: IBB mourns Former President Shagari

    Dr Fayemi said the late Shagari was a true example of a leader who loved peace and pursued it with all his might. “Until he breathed his last continued to render invaluable support to successive administrations at the various levels of government in the country”.

    He said the late Shagari earned greater respect as an elder statesman because of his simple life style, which endeared him to many.

    “We shall miss this great and amiable leader, who abhorred politics of bitterness.

    “ I convey the condolences of my family, the good people of Ekiti State to the Shagari family, the Sokoto caliphate, the government and people of Sokoto State for the passing and pray that Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah firdous”.

     

  • Fayemi flags off $55 million World Bank funded water project

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has flagged off the rehabilitation of Ero dam and replacement of transmission main pipelines with an expectation that the project would address water shortage and curb open defecation.

    Speaking at the flag off ceremony in Ikun Ekiti, Dr Fayemi expressed optimism that the $55 million project which is co-sponsored by the World Bank and the state government would give a sigh of relief to the nine local government areas supplied by the dam when uninterrupted potable water is made available to them.

    The governor stated that Ekiti State has been investing in water and sanitation sector with efforts to rehabilitate some of the dams within the State in collaboration with the European Union and the World Bank.

    He noted that with the intervention of the World Bank, the Ekiti State water corporation has been driving the water sector reform process with the investment in human and infrastructure to deliver a transformed and effective water service within the State.

    While calling on governments at various levels to work in synergy towards meeting the water supply and sanitation demands of the nation, Governor Fayemi said the adverse effects of potable water shortage are noticeable in the high cost of water to low income group who source for alternative vendors.

    Read Also: Fayemi presents N129.9b Appropriation Bill for 2019

    He added that this leads to high hospital bills incurred in the treatment of water borne diseases.

    “The Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Project which has three participating States is being funded by the World Bank in collaboration with each state respectively, and now is set to achieve among other things a sustainable urban water programme.

    The reform has started yielding fruits in the State Water Corporation with heavy investment in human capital development, increased awareness on tariff, billing and collection. We hope that at the end of the project, Ekiti state will get value for money as tremendous and visible improvement must have been achieved in the WASH sector”, he said.

    In her speech, the General Manager of the State Water Corporation, Engr Olabisi Agbeyo said the rehabilitation will return the dam to its initial design capacity of supplying 66 towns and villages as well as the State capital.

    She added that the transmission pipelines which were severed some years ago along Ifaki- Ado road would be replaced to enable water supply from Ero to Iworoko and Ado Ekiti.

    Also speaking, the Oore of Otun, Oba Adedapo Popoola commended Governor Fayemi for inaugurating the water project; stressing that many towns in Moba local government area have not enjoyed pipe borne water in the last three years.

    Oba Adedapo who disclosed that he had to dig four boreholes in his palace to provide water for the palace and its environs assured that Ekiti people are ready to pay for water supply if provided.

    “Your Excellency, this is the second time of your coming to this dam since your inauguration. It shows that you are really committed to the welfare of your people especially in providing social amenities. Let me say that we are ready to selflessly give anything that will make this project succeed. We are your people in Moba and whatever you want, we will do”, the monarch assures.

     

  • World Bank grants Ekiti $3m for vocational education

     

    Three government technical colleges in Ekiti State are set to receive $3 million intervention grant from World Bank under the Bank’s Innovation and Development Effectiveness for Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) programme.

    This was made known during a meeting of the World Bank Team with Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Wednesday.

    According to Dr Tunde Adekola, the Bank’s Senior Education Specialist, the IDEAS programme would focus on technical and vocational education skills and would be private sector-driven.

    Adekola, who stated that the programme aims at skills acquisition for youth employability and empowerment, added that IDEAS would provide training and certification for middle level manpower that would see Technical Colleges return to their original purpose of establishment.

    According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, explained the World Bank Team members were confident that the programme would be a huge success in Ekiti State because of the full accreditation of the state- owned technical colleges.

    Adekola added that the World Bank was happy the five-year programme aligns with the knowledge- based economy being pushed by the Fayemi-led administration.

    Fayemi expressed optimism the programme will address the deterioration of craftsmanship; stressing that government must make technical and vocational education a desire.

    Fayemi faulted the belief in some quarters that technical education is meant for drop-outs, said there was need for “psychological reorientation” so that “people would know that not going to the university does not mean you are a failure”.

    The governor, who restated his readiness to improve youth empowerment in the state, said his administration would provide necessary support for the immediate take off of the IDEAS programme in the three benefiting technical colleges in the State.

    IDEAS is World Bank’s SEPIP successor programme.

    SEPIP was started in Ekiti State in November 2013 under Governor Fayemi and the programme had seen to the establishment of various education related projects including the ongoing rehabilitation of the Government Technical College, Ado Ekiti.

     

     

  • Ekiti govt summons principal over collection of unauthorized fees

    The Ekiti State Government on Monday summoned the Principal of Ado Grammar School, Ado Ekiti, Mr Ebenezer Falayi, over report of alleged collection of unauthorized fees and other levies.

    The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, who summoned the principal to his office said he has been receiving complaints that some school heads were still defying the Executive Order prohibiting collection of illegal fees pupils and students of public schools.

    Egbeyemi as saying the government would not allow anybody, no matter how highly placed, to defy the Executive Order stopping collection of illegal levies.

    The Deputy Governor, however, pardoned the Principal on compassionate grounds as he is due to retire from service at the end of the current academic session.

    Egbeyemi revealed that he received complaints from two parents from Ado Grammar School that the principal was alleged to have been collecting a sum of N6,900 from each students for school uniforms, socks, school barge, cardigan, sports vest, hymn book, prospectus, file jackets and examination fee.

    The Deputy Governor maintained that the full wrath of the law would be visited on any principal or head teacher that flouts the Executive Order banning collection of illegal fees in public schools.

    He explained that the executive order signed by Governor Kayode Fayemi shortly after his assumption of duty was aimed at increasing the enrollment of students in public schools which he claimed had reduced drastically in the last four.

    Egbeyemi who stressed that no student must be sent out of school for any reason, said that it was an offence to collect any fee whatsoever in Ekiti State public schools.

    The Deputy Governor, who on compassionate ground pardoned the principal, gave a strong warning that any school head or principal caught in the act would be made to face the wrath of the law.

    Read Also: Father of five commits suicide at work in Ekiti

    Egbeyemi said: “I decided to pardon you because you have served the state for close to 35 years and you shouldn’t be sent home unmeritoriously order wise, i would have ordered your suspension.”

    Faluyi who confessed to the allegation claimed that he collected the fees after seeking clarification from the President of All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. Abiodun Omotoso, since the money was to cover materials to be used by the students.

    Falayi, who is due to retire in the next academic session, pleaded for leniency saying he has order the immediate stoppage of the collection and promised not to get involved in such act again.

  • Fayemi closes case before Ekiti election tribunal

    Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi on Thursday closed his case before an Ekiti governorship election petition tribunal sitting at the High Court of the FCT Apo, after calling four witnesses.

    On Monday Governor Fayemi’s first witness Mr. Adunmo Rufus Sunday, deputy director general of JKF campaign organization told the tribunal that the July 14, 2018 election was free, fair and credible by all standards.

    The witness also informed the tribunal that contrary to allegations of bias, violence, vote buying and general malpractices by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Professor Olusola Kolapo, who are the petitioners, the election was devoid of rancor and violence.

    At resumed hearing Thursday Fayemi’s lawyer Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) told the tribunal that he would no longer call any other witness and that he is ready to close the case.

    “My lord we have called four witnesses and tendered only one exhibit so far. We have come to the conclusion that this is a good place to announce closure of the case,” Fagbemi said.

    After consultation with other parties panel agreed that all respondents be given three days to file their written addresses, and also the petitioners be given five days to file their written addresses and a period of three days be given to accord the responses reply on point of law.

    The chairman of the tribunal Justice Suleiman Belgore told the parties that all addresses must come in by 15th December.

    He adjourned the matter till January 9, 2019 for adoption of final written addresses and oral arguments of counsels.

  • Fayose turned us to refugees in our land, says Ado-Ekiti indigenes

    Residents of Ijoka Community in Ado-Ekiti have accused former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose of turning them to refugees in their own land through the demolition exercise carried out by his administration.

    They claimed that their houses were demolished without prior notice while majority of them were not paid compensation while the few compensated were given peanuts not up to the value of the structures pulled down.

    According to them, the former governor allegedly destroyed their ancestral buildings where certain traditional rites were performed in Ado Ekiti which they claimed had negative effect on their tradition and custom.

    They Ijoka elders and other residents, who were led by the Elejoka, Chief Lawrence Omodara, made the revelations during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi.

    The community leaders said some of the house owners died as a result of their inability to recover from the shock that resulted from the demolition.

    They, however, sought the assistance of the state government for their compensation to be paid adding that their demands for compensation from Fayose did materialise before he left office on October 15.

    One of the community leaders, Mr. Joseph Fagbuaro, said Fayose gave them several appointments to meet on the issue of compensation which the ex-governor did not honour until the expiration of his tenure.

    He complained that the demolition of the buildings had rendered many members of the community, especially the aged despondent and destitute as they now move from one rented apartment to the other.

    Fagbuaro said: “Truly what happened to us in Ijoka in the last administration was not proper, it was about 5 O’clock in the evening that the former Governor Fayose started demolishing our houses, destroyed our properties and our ancestral homes; where we used to perform traditional rites during some festivals in Ado Ekiti, without notifying us, without discussing it with anyone what he (Fayose) wanted to use the houses or the land to do.

    “We appreciate you (the Deputy Governor) for granting us audience, all attempts to make our plight known to the government during Fayose regime were unsuccessful, he gave us appointments several times but failed to attend to us.

    Read Also: I leave Fayose to God, Says Fayemi

    “Our houses were demolished without prior notice alongside with our belongings inside the houses.

    “Some of us went to the farm before we returned, our buildings had been pulled down.

    “Please help us, some of us died because they had nowhere to go, when their houses were demolished because it is not all of us that have children that built houses.

    “Some keep renting houses about, imagine somebody of my age, 73 years just going about to rent house.

    “This is why we are here, please help us, some of us are now refugees in own native land.

    “Also, majority of us were not compensated at all while those who were compensated got peanuts compared to the value of what was destroyed.

    “The whole Ijoka community was about going to extinction; all our buildings and lands had been demolished and cleared for road by the past administration.

    “We plead for the intervention of the State government, we want the restoration of our ancestral home, we don’t want our community to vanish like that and we want our people to be properly compensated as well.”

    Responding, Deputy Governor Egbeyemi who expressed surprise over the claim that majority of the people who houses were demolished had not been compensated assured them that the government would investigate the matter.

    The deputy governor appealed to them to exercise patience and also stand on the truth always.

    Egbeyemi said: “My boss, Governor Kayode Fayemi, like people to be straightforward because he upholds the virtue of integrity and truthfulness.”