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Tag: Kayode Fayemi

  • $4b World Bank grant for states

    The  World Bank is investing some $4 billion in critical sectors of the economy.

    But governors under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) want the funding to be expanded beyond the current threshold.

    The fund is to assist the states in addressing health, education, soil erosion, water and infrastructural development.

    Besides, the grant has a lot of performance-based investments as each benefiting state will be rewarded on the basis of performance on certain indicator.

    The news was broken on Wednesday after the NGF meeting with two of its partners – the World Bank and Bill and the Melinda Gate Foundation (BMGF).

    According to Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who doubles as the NGF Chairman, some of the states will be benefiting from a range of grants, which are better than borrowing at 25 per cent.

    Fayemi posited that the loans will be on a long-term moratorimum and with low interests.

    The NGF, Fayemi said, proposed some suggestions which the World Bank has taken up and will be implementing to better the relationship that has been built over the years.

    Briefing reporters at the end of the meeting in Abuja, Fayemi said it was important that the governors work with the World Bank team to address some of their states’ challenges.

    Elated with the coming investment, the NGF chair said: ”The bank is spending somewhere in the region of $4 billion in states and some of our states are benefiting from a range of grants; even the loans that we benefit from on the basis of the bank’s investments in our states, these are with long term moratorium and with low interest over a long period of time to offset those loan portfolios.

    “So, it is important for us to work on that engagement both in terms of the lending operations, in terms of adversary activities, in terms of the concrete action in our states.

    “I don’t know of many developments partners that have programmes in 36 states, the World Bank does and all of our governors were present at this meeting and that makes the statement about the importance attached to this partnership with the World Bank and we had extensive discussion on how to improve on existing relationship and how to build on those projects that have transitioned from one governor to the other.

    “Because, periods of transition can be challenging period and it is absolutely important that we treat government as a continuum and address whatever gaps that there are without throwing the baby away with the bath water. These are what came out from the investment/lending portfolio.”

    According to Fayemi, the Forum proposed a range of suggestions, which the bank has taken up and will be implementing to better the relationship built over the years.”

    He added: “For us, it is about development and if you look at some of the programmes,  whether you are talking about BESDA – The Better Education Service Delivery for All –  in our states, which focuses a lot on northern states, where we have a high percentage of out-of-school children, or you look at a Saving One Million Lives that deals with malaria and all other diseases that have been responsible for the high rate of child mortality, under five mortality in many of our states, and these are grants, these are not loans, or even which is about FISTA which is about fiscal transparency in our states, you will see that World Bank is a critical partner that we really need to work with to improve quality of life and living conditions of our people.

    “For us at the level of the NGF, we are passionate about accountability with those who want to work with us as development partners, we are extremely focused on performance and result now and that has more to do with our people.

    “The extent to which we will make a difference in the life of our citizens that will recommend us to those same citizens either for mandate renewal or for commendation in one form or another.

    “That is why we are returning to first principles, our state peer review mechanisms and this is one of the ways we are going to strengthen peer learning. Today, we could see from the states that are doing well, what they are doing in order to achieve the kind of results they are achieving in partnership with the World Bank.

    “And we could also see from the states that are struggling, what they really need to do to improve on their partnership in a manner that will benefit citizens. And that, ultimately, is what this is about; it is not so much about the dollars, it is about what we do with the dollars for our people.”

    World Bank Country Director Rachid Benmessaoud, said: “We, at the bank, have been particularly engaging with the NGF as the important platform for engaging with the sub-national governments, besides our engagements at the state level.

    “As you know, the World Bank mission is to fight poverty and build prosperity. We know that the number of poor people have increased in Nigeria in terms of number, though the trend is decreasing.

    Read Also: World Bank: economy in slowest growth

    “So, fighting poverty in Nigeria and Africa is going to be absolutely critical for reducing poverty globally. Therefore, our priorities which we have engaged with the governors will be investing in human capital and in people to have access to basic education, health services, social protection.

    “But we do recognise that developmental challenges also requires investing in infrastructure and filling the large infrastructure gaps. But with that we want to make sure that those infrastructure gaps are filled by bringing more of the private sector so that will enable to create the physical space for governors to invest in human capital, including financing from development partners like the World Bank, but most importantly, to increase the domestic revenue mobilisation for providing primary spending on the social sector.

    “So, the World Bank has the large part of its engagement at the state level. What we have done today in this workshop hosted by the NGF is to go over the portfolio at the state level and to how it can accelerate the implementation of the programmes.

    “The portfolio ranges from health, education, soil erosion, water and it has a lot of investments that are also performance based, where the state is rewarded on the basis of performance on certain indicator.

    “Like the chairman has said, better education, reducing the number of out-of-school children, the states’ fiscal performance, providing basic primary healthcare, a range of activities already implemented.

    “We wanted to make sure that the new governors as well as the returning governors are well aware of the programmes being implemented in their respective states and what it will take for them to accelerate pace of implementation.

    “We discussed around coordination mechanism, the alignment between projects funded by the World Bank and the state development plans. We discussed ways of ensuring that the funding provided by the World Bank are used for the intended purposes, how the governors can engage with the bank, accessed funds in the bank which they can benefit from.

    “We discussed the way forward and what I really appreciate, which I have expressed to the chairman, is that all the governors and deputy governors present today (yesterday) gave their commitment to really pay attention to the World Bank portfolio in their respective states and to ensure that this kind of conversation is done on a regular basis, not only at our level but at their level with their project coordinators, state coordinators to ensure that any issue that affects implementation is being addressed.

    “We are excited with this new partnership in the sense that this new tram of both the returning and new governors, we have the way forward so that at the end of the day it is not about how much money is being dispersed but how much lives we are willing to collectively transform.”

  • Southwest governors draw up anti-crime battle plan

    The six Southwest governors were on Tuesday united against criminal activities in the region.

    They restated their preference for state and community police as part of the permanent solutions to the growing crime rate in the region and the country at large.

    The governors made their position known at the opening of a three-day Southwest security summit in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    At the summit were governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun).

    The summit was organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.

    Welcoming his colleagues, heads of security agencies, security experts, Yoruba socio-cultural groups, professionals and other participants, Makinde said there was no equivocation that the six governors have resolved to work together for security of lives and property.

    The only member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) among the governors described the security situation as worrisome, stressing that the summit came at the right time.

    He recalled that kidnapping started in other regions but that it has spread to Southwest giving leaders serious concern. He emphasized that it is the duty of governors to keep people and property safe for the socio-economic well-being of the region.

    He said no meaningful development could take place in an insecure atmosphere, hence the need to tackle the challenge headlong.

    The governor affirmed his support for community policing, stressing that it was the joint position of the governors.

    “Here in Oyo State, we support state police. We speak with one voice, our united voice in strengthening security,” Makinde said.

    He praised DAWN Commission and promised that the governors will support it to attain higher level of performance.

    In his short welcome speech, DAWN Director General Mr Seye Oyeleye said the importance attached to the summit was epitomized by the presence of the six governors.

    Explaining that insecurity is not peculiar to Southwest or Nigeria, Oyeleye said the goal of leaders in the region is to sustain the status of the region as the safest to live, invest and recreate. “Western Nigeria is the safest region in Nigeria and we will keep it as the safest. Southwest is open to business and it will remain so,” he said.

    Also welcoming participants, the Chairman of governors in the region, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said the summit became pertinent given the spate of kidnapping and other crimes in the region. He said members of all classes in the society have fallen victim, stressing that no one is safe.

    “The anxiety of our people is palpable. There is great fear in the minds of the traditional rulers. This great fear is against the development of Yoruba land,” Akeredolu said.

    He believed that more efforts would be made in addition to the summit as a one-off solution can not solve the problem.

    Stressing the need for regional approach in confronting the challenge, Akeredolu said no state could achieve greatness in isolation. “Yoruba people stand to benefit from our resolve to remain central to the development of Nigeria. There should be no problem in delivering best services to our people while working together. Political differences should not stand in the way of working for the progress of our people and region,” Akeredolu said.

    The governor described the Yoruba as “very hospitable” and “accommodating”, adding that this accounted for why so many non-Yoruba have migrated into the region. But he said that the region will not allow anyone to ruffle the peace and security for which the region is known.

    He said: “There is the urgent need that compels a review of our hospitality. Our people are under a siege, and this threatens the ethnic fraternity that exists here. This is caused by the criminals among us. We must dig deep into the cause of this problem.”

    In his view, the security agencies seem overwhelmed by the challenge. Even schools are no longer safe for children, Akeredolu said, adding that the governors  have submitted a document detailing their own ideas on how to solve the problem.

    According to him, the overall objective of the efforts to tackle insecurity should be to ensure public safety, peace and protection of public assets and democratic institutions. For this to be achieved, they came up with the four specific targets of reducing crimes and criminality, readiness to work to achieve the set goal, response in times of need and recovery of lost assets.

    He also stressed the need for coordination of all stakeholders for directed efforts and sharing of intelligence and information.

    Read Also: Southwest governors get wake-up call on security

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola said the gathering was the realisation of the need to unite against the menace.

    He said: “Our gathering is in realisation of the fact that we are stronger when we work together and when we muster concerted strength to face our common foes.

    “For us as governors, today’s event, the Stakeholders’ Security Summit of the South West Region, is a call to duty.

    “We are resolved to accomplish our most sacred duty to our people in line with Section 14 Sub Section 2 (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which says the security and the welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

    “I strongly believe that this security summit will offer us an opportunity to better secure our region.

    “The Southwest region, noted for its peaceful and mutual coexistence, never witnessed peculiar crimes or violence on the present scale.

    “The ongoing mindless killings, kidnapping, rape, banditry and insurgency across the country are strange to the Southwest.   They are an anathema to the Omoluabi ethos of peace, development, security, unity and good neighbourliness which our founding fathers handed over to us, and which have governed all the aspects of our lives as a people.

    “These security challenges are a threat to lives, and livelihoods of our people as well as the economy of our region. If not checked, the Yoruba nation will be threatened like never before. Livelihood will be eroded. Safety and security will be compromised in an unprecedented manner. Our people, feeling vulnerable and disillusioned, might be constrained to resort to self-help. The time to act to avoid these untoward developments is now. But government cannot do it alone. We require our collective wisdom and professional expertise to address the untoward situation.

    “It is instructive and commendable that when recently crimes spread to our region on an unparalleled scale, our governors rose to the occasion by collectively strategising to deal with the situation, including convening this summit to interrogate the issues and brainstorm with all stakeholders to stave off these alien crimes and violence so as to achieve peace and prosperity for our people.”

    Oyetola described the acts as sheer criminality, pointing out that members of all ethnic groups are involved.

    He said Osun State had been hailed for fighting crime last year. He also highlighted the efforts of his administration in tackling crimes at the moment.

    “Since its creation in 1991, The State of Osun has addressed security issues with dispatch and the highest level of resoluteness, which culminated in its ranking as the most peaceful State in the nation in 2018.

    “Following the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State earlier in the year, as a result of unbridled banditry and the movement of some of the displaced artisanal miners to our state, we adopted a proactive approach by promptly calling a statewide security stakeholders meeting attended by our political leaders, royal fathers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, security chiefs, top government officials, market women, artisans, professional bodies and other distinguished citizens on April 18, 2019.

    “We followed it up with a decentralised method, beginning with a stakeholders’ meeting in the mining area in Ife- Ilesa zone about one month later, precisely, on May 21, 2019, to ensure a cordial relationship between our people and mining vendors.

    “Our administration’s Committee on Peaceful Co-existence between Fulani/Bororo and Crop Farmers, is leading the efforts to ensure peace between our people and herdsmen.

    “The committee engaged with governments and communities in all the states that border Osun – Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara – to prevent the influx of criminals. A security synergy with our neighbouring States will drastically reduce trans-border criminal activities and keep our Region safe.”

    The governor also mentioned some other efforts it was making to handle criminality. He also stressed the need for states to collaborate in confronting insecurity.

    Also speaking in favour of state police, Oyetola said: “The nation is grossly under-policed and the Police Force is sorely underfunded. Contrary to the United Nations’ ratio requirement of one policeman to 400 citizens, the Nigeria Police has less than 400,000 officers to cover 180 million people. The Force said it needs 155,000 more men to police the nation’s population. The implication of the above is that we need to recognise this situation as an emergency and treat it as such. The Police should be adequately funded and provided with enough personnel and other logistics support to do their job.

    “Perhaps on account of the security challenges that we face today, there might be no better time to revisit the call for state police as local officers are better suited to secure our communities.

    “However, the security agents are squarely battling the current security breaches. But given better support, they can do more.”

    Fayemi praised DAWN Commission for its effectiveness in the last six years. He said the governors were not happy with the level of insecurity in the region and the country at large. “Everywhere we go, they ask us what we are doing about insecurity in the region. The questions are legitimate because they elected us to offer them security, not to give excuses, hence this summit. All the criminal activities are heavy but they are not insurmountable.”

    He also reeled out the efforts of his administration in addressing the problem, declaring that they were yielding results. He said the problem would soon be over.

    “All your governors are working together, regardless of party affiliation to ensure that life is worth living for all our people. “

    Fayemi said security had been the key issue at the federal and regional levels since he became the Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, last month.

    He also spoke in favour of state police, believing it to be a major solution to policing lapses in the country. He, however, praised the Nigerian Police Force for introducing community policing.

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also stressed the need for cooperation among governors to be able to generate a strong and effective solution.  He also pointed out that criminality is not peculiar to any particular ethnic group.

    His words: “As a country, we are one.  Criminality is not peculiar to any region. In Lagos, we continue to strengthen our judicial system. We also do a lot of advocacy, engaging different stakeholders to ensure that community policing serves as the bedrock for security.”

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun said security was required to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. He also emphasised the need for collaboration among states and other stakeholders. He said security had been the key issue being discussed at all levels since he was sworn in as governor.

    Abiodun said: “I assure you that all of us that you gave your mandate are ready to support all efforts being made to ensure security of lives and property in Nigeria. We must set up collaborative schemes with the private sector to embrace technology and make the work easier and more effective for security agencies.”

    He, however, stressed the need to address causes of criminality, such as drug abuse, illiteracy, poverty and unemployment. He also praised the DAWN Commission.

     

  • Fayemi to youths: embrace technical education to decongest labour market

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has appealed to unemployed Nigerian youth to harness technical and vocational education in order to reduce the high rate of unemployment.

    Fayemi who lamented the level of unemployment and the consequent spate of social vices in the country, said acquisition of employable skills will take many unemployed graduate from the unemployment pool.

    The governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi spoke at the opening ceremony of the Innovative and Change of Perception lecture organised for the students and staff of Government Technical Colleges held at GTC, Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.

    Fayemi who stressed the need for a paradigm shift from the erroneous perception that skill acquisition is meant for the academically weak people, noted that technical education remain a potent weapon of improving socio-economic development.

    He disclosed that his administration is committed towards repositioning and restoring the lost glory of technical and vocational education in the Ekiti State.

    The governor added that efforts are in the top gear to commence the second phase of the project that will face-lift other four Technical Colleges in the State.

    “As a government who has value for education, it is our vision and mission to have Ekiti State where our people can thrive and live in dignity.

    “We don’t want our youths to be roaming the street looking for white collar jobs. Graduate unemployment has increased just because most of them do not have any employable skills that can make them self-sustained.

    Read Also: My govt didn’t mismanage N25b bond, says Fayemi

    “It is imperative for unemployed youth to appropriately harness and embrace this form of education to curb high rate of unemployment and the consequent societal ills.

    “There is no doubt that Technical and Vocational Education has the potential of improving the socio-economic sector of the State and the country”, he said.

    Prof. Sam Adejuyigbe while delivering a lecture entitled: Education: “Innovation and Change of Perception” advocated for the acquisition of technical education as a way of bridging the unemployment gap as well as addressing skills deficit in the country.

    Adejuyigbe said the era when vocational education was believed to be undertaken by school drop-outs and pushovers was over with the level of global technological advancements.

    He identified skills acquisition as a panacea to youth restiveness and all forms of social vices, urging them to explore the opportunities to create wealth and become employer of labour.

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Ekiti State Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Hon. Kayode Babade commended Governor Fayemi led-administration for transforming the moribund fortune of technical education in the state.

    Babade said the students of the college will now be able to compete with their counterparts globally with the state-of-the-art equipment in the college.

    He, however, implored parents, guardians and traditional rulers to partner with the government in mobilizing unemployed youth in the Ekiti State to imbibe skill acquisition by attending technical school and vocational centre.

     

     

  • Fayemi declares zero-tolerance for human trafficking

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has declared his administration’s zero-tolerance for human trafficking.

    Fayemi said his administration would not relent in its efforts to rid the state of human traffickers.

    The governor added that the government has  put in place institutional measure to eradicate these inhumane practices and ensure that those engaged in such illegal acts are made to face the full rot of the law.

    The deputy governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, spoke yesterday on behalf of Fayemi during the inauguration of  the State Task Force on Human Trafficking and the Justice Sector Reform Committee at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.

    Read Also: Ekiti appoints Emir Sanusi as EKSU Chancellor

    According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, is the chairman of the two committees.

    Fayemi said committee members were carefully selected based on their experience and pedigrees, urging them to see the assignment as a call to duty.

    Thanking them for accepting the offer to serve, the governor prayed God to give them the wisdom to discharge the assignment aimed at reforming the society.

  • Make positive impact on your hosts, Fayemi tells corps members

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged corps members in the state to impact positively on their host communities.

    Fayemi stressed the need for them to contribute to the development of the state, saying they are among the pillars needed in the developmental process.

    The governor spoke yesterday during the swearing-in of the Batch “B” Stream I corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, in Ise/Orun/Emure.

    Represented by Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi, the governor advised the 2,019 corps members to always ensure that they take decisions that will improve the lives of their host communities.

    A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, said the oath of allegiance was administered on the new corps members by Justice Abiodun Adesodun on behalf of the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

    Read Also: Fayemi congratulates Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    Fayemi said: “Let me at this juncture say that Ekiti is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria of today. You can plan your life and actualise your dreams here in Ekiti. The indigenes are very hospitable, accommodating and peace loving.

    “While wishing you all a successful and rewarding orientation exercise, I enjoin you to relate freely with your colleagues and members of your communities to enable them benefit from your potential and professional expertise.”

    The State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Emmanuella Okpongete, expressed appreciation to the state for its contributions to the renovation and beautification of the camp.

    She warned that the scheme would not tolerate any act of indiscipline that could mar the image and purpose the NYSC was created for.

     

  • Fayemi promises to resume payment of stipend to elders, others

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has promised that his administration will soon resume payment of stipends to indigent elders and the physically-challenged.

    This, Fayemi said, would bring succour as well as accelerate the standard of living of Ekiti people and address the trend of poverty.

    He added that the beneficiaries would be drawn from the Single Register for the Poor and Vulnerable Households.

    The Single Register, the governor added, contains the list of all identified households living below globally accepted poverty line.

    Fayemi spoke at the inauguration of the engagement of the Third Batch of the Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO)/Public Workfare (PWF) Scheme in Ifaki-Ekiti.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, restated the commitment of his administration to fighting poverty and giving economic empowerment to the people.

    He described the World Bank assisted scheme as laudable and a measure to combat poverty, “which does not respect partisan politics”.

    Read Also: Fayemi congratulates Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    A statement yesterday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, explained that 6,437 beneficiaries are participating in the programme holding at Ifaki Campus of the Ekiti State University (EKSU).

    Fayemi stressed that his administration has zero-tolerance for poverty, hence its desire to always engage the people of the state in meaningful activities that would keep the youth out of redundancy and restiveness.

    The governor, who advised the beneficiaries to judiciously utilise the stipends to be paid to them and make themselves reliant, also hailed the World Bank for the project and other interventions in the state.

    Director General of the Bureau of Labour, Employment and Productivity Mr. Lanre Ogunjobi said the state government will be committing N50 million monthly to the payment of stipends to beneficiaries.

    Ogunjobi, who said the gesture was aimed at checkmating poverty at the grassroots, also hailed the Fayemi administration for paying its counterpart funds to the World Bank despite the financial challenges facing the state.

    He noted that the programme, which started in 2013 during Fayemi’s first tenure, has helped reduce unemployment and boosted economy at the grassroots.

    Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Labour, Employment and Productivity Mr. Sesan Alabi said the welfare of the poor is a priority to the Fayemi administration.

    Alabi added that the social intervention programmes started by the governor during his first tenure are now being replicated at the federal level to empower the poor.

     

  • Presidency raises four-man team to broker peace between Sanusi, Ganduje

    The Presidency has raised a four-man committee to broker peace between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi both of whom have been locked in a cold war.

    The governor and the emir were invited to Abuja on Friday for talks which sources said on Saturday may halt the deposition processes already initiated by the Kano State Government.

    The peace team is headed by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

    Other members of the committee are Governors Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger),  Abubakar Atiku Bagudu  (Kebbi) and Muhammad Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa).

    The Office of the Chief of Staff to the President is coordinating the activities of the committee, The Nation learnt last night.

    But the team may have to harmonize its report with that of a similar intervention committee put together by a business mogul, Aliko Dangote.

    A top source said: “Let   me say to you that the presidency had intervened when the state government wanted to remove the Emir about a year ago.

    “When this investigation and deposition processes were initiated about a year ago, the governor informed the presidency. The four-man committee was sent by the government to prevail on Ganduje to drop the idea.

    “He was persuaded to drop the idea while other issues were being looked at for reconciliation.

    “But when the governor revived the processes this time around, he did not inform the presidency. The same committee was however sent but Ganduje refused to be seen until the parliament had passed the law creating more Emirates in the state.

    Read Also: Answer your query, Yakasai tells Emir Sanusi

    “This time around that he wanted to do it, the presidency was not informed because he did not want to be stopped. When he went ahead and signed the order, there was a court order stopping the governor. But he said he did not get the order.”

    Another source said the presidency opted to intervene because of the “grave security implications” of a breakdown of law and order in the state.

    “So far, the government wants the state government to respect the order of the court which asked all the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the application.

    “The presidency may therefore halt the deposition processes to allow for an amicable resolution of all issues.

    “The committee raised by the presidency has been meeting with all the stakeholders in Abuja to  look at the issues and the terms for peace in Kano.

    “A pending report by another group of Aliko Dangote might also be integrated into the committee’s findings and recommendations on the way forward.

    “The challenges at hand are alleged disrespect for the governor  by the Emir;  the creation of new Emirates by the State House of Assembly; alleged mismanagement of over N3b by the Emir, query issued by the state government, and likely deposition of Sanusi.

    “The committee is expected to consider all these matters and recommend ways out. We want a win-win situation for all parties.”

    Governor Ganduje and Emir Sanusi were said to have exchanged pleasantries at Friday’s meeting just as they did at the Eid grounds, Kano on Tuesday.

    The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Abba Anwar, said: “As the two leaders met, they congratulated each other for the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast and the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    “Both leaders spoke and urged all Muslims to continue with the good teachings and spirit of the Fasting period of the Month of Ramadan.

    “Emir Sanusi seized the opportunity to congratulate Gov. Ganduje for the victory in his second term in office. He also wished the governor successful tenure in office.

    “For healthier relationship between the two institutions of government and Kano Emirate Council, the dialogues will continue.”

    Contacted by phone last night, Anwar said:”what I can confirm is that the dialogue continues, so we should wait for its conclusion.”

  • Akeredolu now SouthWest Governors Forum chairman

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has emerged the chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.

    Akeredolu emerged chairman of the group at a Special Security Meeting of Governors from the South West region, held at the Ondo State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

    The meeting was held to address the growing spate of insecurity in the South West Region.

    The governors announced their decision to hold a regional security summit that will bring all critical stakeholders together to brainstorm on how to stem the tide of insecurity in the region.

    The meeting was attended by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, and Governor Akeredolu.

    Akeredolu, who emerged by a unanimous decision of the forum, said, that the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has been directed to coordinate the summit aimed at further promoting the developmental agenda of the South West region.

    Read Also: Akeredolu decries corruption in judiciary

    According to him, the commission would also examine modalities that will help stem the tide of banditry, kidnapping and insecurity in the zone vis-a-vis the national agenda and response.

    He said, “There’s urgent need to stem the tide of criminal activities and banditry in our region and as leaders, we must be proactive in our approach to addressing the issue.”

    The governor disclosed that a consulting firm, KPMG, has been appointed to review the tenure of the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Oodua Investment Company, which has all the South West state govenments as shareholders

  • Ekiti Assembly orders suspended council chairmen to refund N3.6b

    The Ekiti State House of Assembly has ordered the 16 suspended local government chairmen to refund N3.6 billion allegedly looted from the state treasury.

    The lawmakers, at their sitting yesterday, said the order was predicated on the report of a panel, which indicted the council chairmen of mismanaging the cash.

    The order was made at the valedictory session of the Fifth Assembly. The Sixth Assembly will be inaugurated by Governor Kayode Fayemi on Thursday.

    The Assembly, in a resolution, ordered the suspended chairmen to refund the N3.6 billion into the coffers of the state government and also recommended appropriate sanctions against them.

    The resolution was parts of recommendations by the House Committee on Public Account in its report on the local government chairmen, which was adopted by the House.

    The report of the panel, which was presented by the member representing Ikere Constituency 2, Mr. Sunday Akinniyi, indicted the suspended LG bosses of contract fraud, abuse of office and lack of accountability.

    The former Speaker, Mr. Kola Oluwawole, representing Moba Constituency 1, pleaded for leniency on behalf of the suspended chairmen, but his plea was turned down by the majority of his colleagues.

    Oluwawole, like the suspended council chairmen, are members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The PDP members opposed the recommendation for the sanction, claiming that the screening was full of irregularities.

    They were, however, overruled by the Speaker, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada, who claimed that the chairmen went too far in their actions.

    Read Also: ‘Ekiti State needs deliverance’

    Alagbada cited example of his council area, Ise/Orun, where over N300 million naira was set aside for the building of secretariat, but the contract was not executed.

    Meanwhile, Chairmen and members of three commissions nominated by Governor Kayode Fayemi were screened and confirmed by the House.

    The commissions are: House of Assembly Service Commission, Civil Service Commission and State Independent Electoral Commission.

    All members of the House of Assembly commission headed by Chief Taiwo Olatubosun were only asked to take a bow and leave having served at one point or the other as members of the House.

    The Assembly ratified Justice Jide Aladejana as the chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission and former Head of Service, Mr. Bunmi Famosaya, as the chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

    Other members of the commissions also sailed through, “having proven their high level of integrity and diligence to the House”.

  • Fayemi to inaugurate Ekiti 6th Assembly on June 6

    Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State will, on Thursday, June 6, inaugurate the state’s sixth Assembly in Ado-Ekiti.

    The Clerk of the House, Mr. Tola Esan, confirmed  on Saturday in Ado Ekiti that Fayemi had issued a proclamation to that effect.

    Read Also: Ekiti APC elders congratulate Fayemi

    The event is scheduled for the main chamber of the Assembly at 10 a. m.

    Esan urged members of the State Executive Council, religious and traditional rulers as well as the general public to be part of the occasion.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all the 26 seats in the assembly.