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Tag: Kayode Fayemi

  • Fayose designed poultry project to fail, says Fayemi

    Fayose designed poultry project to fail, says Fayemi

    •Plant to process 2,000 chickens daily

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said the poultry project initiated and abandoned by former Governor Ayo Fayose cannot be revived because it was designed to fail.

    Fayemi spoke with reporters yesterday after inspecting a poultry farm and a processing plant established by his administration in Ikere and Ado-Ekiti.

    He said his administration cannot revive Fayose’s poultry project like it did other moribund projects established by previous administrations because it was not designed as “a viable project”.

    The governor, who was conducted round the poultry farm and processing plant by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Jide Arowosafe, said Fayose’s poultry project, which gulped over N1 billion, did not have a sustainable plan.

    He said there was no equipment in the processing plant purportedly put in place by the erstwhile governor in his Afao-Ekiti country home.

    Fayemi said his administration put in place a processing plant in Ado- Ekiti for farmers under the Youth in Commercial Agriculture Development (YCAD) with less than N20 million, while the Fayose-led administration spent a whopping sum on a similar project that never took off.

    Fayose is on trial for alleged misappropriation of funds meant for the project.

    Fayemi said: “This government is serious about agriculture and we are not playing lip service to it. The Fayose farms are not revivable. You can see the quality of the building at the Benin-Owena poultry farm that we have revived. We spent less than N50 million to revive those huge poultry units on the Ikere-Ise road.

    “You cannot compare them to those wooden sheds that were called poultry farms by the previous administration, which have already collapsed. They have all crashed because they were not meant to last in the first instance. We are confident that placed side by side the antecedent of our predecessor, the difference is like 7up.

    “The processing plant was put in place for YCAD with less than N20 million. What we have done for our YCAD farmers with less than N20 million is what was done in this state a few years ago with over N1 billion, which is still the subject of investigation. The project never saw the light of the day. There was no processing plant. A building was put up in Afao, which was supposed to lead to the processing plant, but there was no equipment there. If you go to all the units in the 16 local government areas, you will know what I am talking about.”

    The governor reiterated his determination to make Ekiti the food basket of the Southwest.

    He said the processing plant has the capacity to process over 2,000 birds daily, adding that Ekiti can now supply fresh frozen chicken to neighbouring states.

    Fayemi said he was confident that this would turn around the fortune of poultry farmers in the state.

    He said: “What you see here is a processing plant that can daily treat 2,000 birds right from scalding to feathering and sending them to the market. The poultry will feed the processing plant. You have seen the various processing units and the cold room where the chickens would be stored before they get to the market through the Fountain Markets.”

    Arowosafe said the processing plant is being test-run and would begin full production next week.

    He said the state has 27,000 birds and is in talks with business organisations across the country to market the product. He said Ekiti residents would no longer have to travel to other states to get frozen chicken.

  • ‘No plan to sack Ekiti council workers’

    ‘No plan to sack Ekiti council workers’

    The Ekiti State government has said it has no plan of sacking council workers as is being speculated in some quartres.

    The Special Adviser, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, spoke yesterday at Oye Local Government Secretariat during a meeting with council workers.

    Oguntoyinbo said the administration had no plan to sack any worker, urging them to shun “negative rumours” peddled by the government’s enemies. He said the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration plans to create more jobs with the proposed creation of more Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    Oguntoyinbo said the LCDAs would stimulate rapid development at the grassroots and bring governance to the people’s doorsteps.

    He said the ongoing restructuring in the local government was necessary, adding that workers’ redeployment to the teaching service was in their interest as they are placed in the appropriate level and now earn more than they used to.

    On arrears and pending promotions, Oguntoyinbo said efforts are on to address them at the appropriate quarters.

    He urged the workers to vote for Fayemi during the governorship poll, adding that the governor had their interest at heart.

    Some of the workers praised the governor for being “a man of his words” and for the various achievements of his administration.

  • Fayemi assures workers of improved package

    Fayemi assures workers of improved package

    •’We’re on a collective rescue mission’

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has assured workers of improved welfare.

    He spoke yesterday during unscheduled visits to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at the State Secretariat and the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Fayemi said workers contributed to the state’s growth last year and deserve the best working conditions in the new year.

    Describing workers as “the engine room of the government”, he said his visit was to thank them for their hard work and encourage them to do more.

    The governor shook hands with the workers and carried the babies of some, who were about taking their children to the creche at the Secretariat.

    He was accompanied by the Head of Service, Bunmi Famosaya; the Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Biodun Akin-Fasae; and the Senior Special Assistant on Policy and Strategy, Biodun Omoleye.

    Fayemi said: “This is the first full week of the year, even though work started last Thursday. Generally speaking, most people will not get back to work until the first full week of the year. So the visit is my way of thanking our workers for their hard work and admonishing them to contribute more to the state this year.

    “We are on a collective rescue mission and the governor alone, no matter the weight of his office, cannot make a change. He needs the support of all workers, both at the state and local government levels, so that the developmental changes we want can be made.”

    He said the visit gave him an opportunity to assess the working conditions of workers, adding that uncompleted buildings abandoned by his predecessor at the secretariat would be completed this year to provide adequate office space for workers.

    Fayemi said the secretariat would be fenced to enhance security and assured workers of prompt salary payment.

    Famosaya thanked Fayemi for making workers’ welfare a priority.

  • Mark, Fayemi, Ajimobi, Amaechi condole with Soyinka

    Mark, Fayemi, Ajimobi, Amaechi condole with Soyinka

    Senate President David Mark; Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) yesterday condoled with Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and his family on the death of his daughter, Dr. Iyetade Soyinka (48).

    In a statement, Mark said: “I received the news of Dr. Soyinka’s exit with shock. I earnestly share in this pain. Please accept my sincere condolences. I did not meet Dr. Soyinka personally, but her record of professionalism and excellent services during her short but eventful sojourn on earth gives eloquent testimony of a patriotic and committed Nigerian.”

    Mark urged the Soyinka family, the government and people of Ogun State to be consoled by the late Dr. Soyinka’s achievements.

    Fayemi, in a statement, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Soyinka family on the death of this precious jewel, who was snatched by the cold hands of death.

    “Although her death is painful, we take solace in the good work she did during her short but eventful life. I pray to God to console the bereaved and heal the wound inflicted on their hearts by the death of our vivacious sister, Iyetade, who was taken away in her prime.”

    Ajimobi, in a statement, said: “It was with shock and disbelief that I received the news of Dr. Soyinka’s death at the unripe age of 48. It is natural that her death at the prime of her life will be very painful to Prof. Soyinka. It is even more painful that she was snatched by the cold hands of death when she was most needed by the country.”

    Amaechi, in a statement, said: “The death of a young person like Dr. Soyinka is a shock. On behalf of my family and the Rivers State government and people, I commiserate with the Soyinka family. I pray they find solace and strength in God as they go through this difficult time.”

  • Fayemi, Amosun sign 2014 budget

    Fayemi, Amosun sign 2014 budget

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi signed yesterday the N103.9 billion 2014 Appropriation Bill into law.

    The signing was witnessed by members of the State Executive Council (SEC) and the House of Assembly at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office Complex.

    The governor presented the proposed budget to the Assembly on December 10.

    He thanked the Assembly for facilitating the state’s development through the passage of quality legislations.

    Pledging to continue to implement people-oriented programmes and policies, Fayemi said: “I commend the speaker, his deputy and members of the Assembly for their commitment and support for this administration, not just in terms of the enabling environment the laws have made possible in the state, but in many other regards, which have translated into overall development.

    “The legislature has continued to demonstrate a genuine partnership with the executive. This is the second time we are signing the appropriation bill into law before the end of the preceding fiscal year.

    “This budget was christened Budget of Stability and Economic Growth. By passing it into law, the legislature has stressed the importance of moving the state from a sordid past to the state of recovery and stability.

    “In Ekiti today, everywhere you turn, there is evidence of change, development and relentless effort to banish poverty. The Assembly is realigning with our struggle to make poverty history in the state.”

    The Speaker, Adewale Omirin, praised Fayemi and members of the state executive council for the “faithful execution of previous budgets”.

    The 2014 Appropriation Law brings the number of bills passed into law by the Assembly to 59 in the last two-and-a-half years.

    Omirin said: “The 2014 budget is a reflection of the government’s determination to address the challenges of creating jobs, reducing poverty, building infrastructure and expanding the economy. It is set on a financial framework that is sound and sustainable.”

    He said the Assembly postponed its Christmas recess to consider and pass the appropriation bill.

    Also yesterday, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun signed the 2014 Appropriation Bill, tagged: ‘Budget of Consolidation’, into law.

    Amosun hailed members of the House of Assembly for the swift passage of the bill and pledged to adhere strictly to it.

    The governor presented a N210 billion proposed budget to the Assembly last month.

    He said in 2014, the government would focus on improving its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) to reduce its dependence on Federal Allocation.

    Amosun urged the people to pay their tax promptly, adding that his administration will continue to make life easier for them.

    He said the effects of the government’s agricultural industrialisation programme would be more evident in 2014.

    Amosun expressed delight that Ogun was not one of the states listed as broke in a recent report, pledging to continue to improve the state’s economy.

    House of Assembly Speaker Suraj Adekunbi said the lawmakers passed the bill swiftly to enable the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

  • Fayemi and sustainable development

    Fayemi and sustainable development

    The essence of politics according to Plato, one of the greatest philosophers of our time, is service to the people. Creation of egalitarian society and eradication of poverty remains the cardinal objective of politics. By all intent and purpose, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti State is a student of this school of thought. By the same taken, the hallmark of democracy in this contemporary, world is hinged on good governance, accountability transparency in all facets of national life, as well as the delivery of the dividend of democracy to all. This remains the guiding principle and propelling force of the present administration in Ekiti State since it came into being in October 2010, when the will of Ekiti people was overwhelmingly vindicated with the inauguration of the present governor.

    Since then Ekiti State has witnessed myriads of unprecedented developmental strides. A peep into the last three eventful years of this purposeful and focused administration, will reveal clearly, an unequal dexterity and tenacity of Fayemi in the Ekiti project, consistent with the dream and the aspiration of our founding fathers – that is, taking Ekiti Sate to an enviable height as well as making it a model among its peers now and beyond 2014.

    These giant strides are evident and includes, the rolling out and execution of laudable programmes/projects which are meant to touch the lives of all Ekiti citizens; construction and rehabilitations of new and existing roads network spread across the state, youths and women empowerment to reduce poverty among the vulnerable group; urban renewal programmes; refurbishing and reconstruction of public schools to facilitate conducive teaching and learning; re-awakening and re-vitalization of the virtue of integrity and hard work which hitherto has been our cherished value just to mention but a few.

    The vigour and unfettered commitment of the governor to the dualisation of roads and beautification of Ado metropolis thereby giving the city the status of a state capital deserves the commendation of all well-meaning citizens of the state. All these stands out as clear manifestation of the desire of the administration to turn around the fortune of the state as well as the importance it attached to leaving Ekiti State better than it met it.

    Given the monumental works that still require attention, coupled with the energy the present administration is exerting to fast track developmental, it is only logical to deduce that the motivating factor that propelled the governor – a great son of Ekiti into partisan politics were not for personal aggrandizement, rather it was in fulfilment of his life-long zeal of dedicating his life to the enthronement of genuine democracy and improvement of the life of the ordinary man on the street. The patriotic, visionary and focused leadership that has engendered political and economic transformation of Ekiti in the last three years is unequal and unparalleled. Fayemi’s strive to build a foundation for lasting democracy and sustainable development devoid of temporary show of excitement by over-articulate section of the elite and it’s captive audience remains unquestionable going by his antecedents over the years both in public and private life.

    As a goal getter and going by his impeccable records of achievement since he came to the seat of power in 2010, this man of honour has left no one in doubt that he is a believer in the virtue of integrity, transparency, anti-corruption and good governance. His belief in the emancipation of the active poor from poverty/lack is unprecedented. Fayemi’s actions/ programmes are all printers to his commitment to turning the fortune of state around for the good of all Ekiti both to home and in Diaspora.

    The time to wave aside political partisanship and to rally round the purposeful administration of Fayemi is now. Ekiti has suffered for too long in the hands of people who get to power for selfish agenda rather than common good of the majority. The economic retrogression, political rascality and the lingering state of insecurity with its attendant ills cannot be allowed to continue to ravage our hope of a state where everything works hence the need for all well-meaning Ekiti sons and daughters irrespective of political leaning, to come together and give this administration a pat on the back so as to spur them for more positive action to take Ekiti State to the next level.

    Fayemi, an outspoken collaborator in the nation’s democratic struggle that span over a decade is ever ready to help restore that light and hope which Ekitiland epitomize in Yorubaland and Nigeria.

    In one encounter with Fayemi prior to his becoming the governor, he said that he would want to live the rest of his life for history by means of beneficent and selfish service to humanity in general and to Ekiti people in particular. This he has clearly demonstrated ever since he mounted the saddle of leadership in Ekiti. A leading light who has always been in the fore front of fighting for restoration of human dignity, social justice and sustainable development of Ekiti on one hand and Nigeria on the other, he remains our collective hope for brighter future and a prosperous state. Ekiti people’s resolve to jettison primordial party sentiment by rallying round and giving his administration’s unwavering support will in no small measure and in a very speedy manner, help in the attainment of the lofty goals put in place by Fayemi and his team. With his astute leadership endowment, amiability and general acceptability, the sky is the beginning of restoration of hope for all Ekitis in all facets of life.

    For sure, a bright future is at the doorstep of all Ekiti sons and daughters as the present administration promises to continue to roll out more developmental strides that will stand the test of time and better the lot of all and sundry.

     

    • Prince Aladesanmi writes in from Ado, Ekiti.

  • Ekiti first lady plans prize for gender-friendly reporting

    Ekiti first lady plans prize for gender-friendly reporting

    BUOYED by the recent signing of the Equal Opportunities Bill into law by Dr Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State’s first lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, recently declared that she may be considering sponsoring a prize at the next Nigeria Media Merit Award, in collaboration with other stakeholders, for gender-friendly reporting.

    Mrs. Fayemi who initiated the bill that was signed penultimate Tuesday is upbeat that the new law would strengthen existing legislations put in place to promote gender equality and women empowerment, widowhood rights, among others.

    She said, “It is almost impossible for any society to think that they can achieve any kind of transformation while leaving women behind. It’s just like trying to clap with one hand.”

    If the first lady makes true her plan, then it would be a notable contribution to robust journalism by a woman who has been in the fore-front of the clamour for women’s rights even before she became a first lady.

  • Ekiti law graduates get N19.2m

    Ekiti law graduates get N19.2m

    The Ekiti State government has disbursed N19.2 million to 131 indigenes, who recently graduated from the Nigeria Law School, as the 2011/2012 bursary award.

    Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Governor Kayode Fayemi said the bursary is meant to alleviate the financial burden of the beneficiaries at the law school.

    Fayemi, who was represented by Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, said the encouragement given to students through healthy academic competitions as well as award of scholarships and bursary have assisted in revamping the sector.

  • Fayemi’s libel suit: Court awards N2b damages against The Nigerian Compass

    Fayemi’s libel suit: Court awards N2b damages against The Nigerian Compass

    A NAdo-Ekiti High Court, yesterday awarded N2 billion as damages against the Western Publishing Company Limited, publishers of The Nigerian Compass Newspapers in a libel suit instituted by Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    Besides the N2 billion damages, the newspaper was also ordered by the court to publish a retraction and apology to Governor Fayemi in three national dailies and on the Internet.

    The judgment was as a result of a malicious publication published by the newspaper’s edition of Saturday, August 25, 2012 where it alleged that the Governor was deducting N1 billion illegally from the local government account.

    Mr. Remi Koleoso, of the Abuja Bureau of the newspaper, who wrote the story was also joined in the suit.

    Justice Cornelius Akintayo averred that the conduct of the defendant (Compass Newspaper) was below diligence. He said Governor Fayemi had proved the six ingredients of libel among which are the personality involved, nature, mode of the publication and failure of the defendant to show remorse.

    The Judge held that the cost awarded must be adequate to repair the pecuniary damage, since the conduct of the defendant was below diligence.

    He, therefore, ordered that the Western Publishing Company Limited and Mr Remi Koleoso must retract the said publication with apology in Compass Newspaper and two other national newspapers and the Internet.

    Also, the duo will pay N2 billion to Fayemi. He also awarded another N50,000 as cost of the suit and 10 percent interest rate on the imposed fine starting from the day of judgment till the fine is paid.

    Justice Akintayo said the prosecution called three witnesses and tendered 11 exhibits which were all admitted and marked accordingly. The Judge who said the defendants called only one witness added that the defendant also failed to counter Fayemi’s claims.

    The judge affirmed that a defendant who did not object to documentary or witnesses evidence is deemed to accept guilt.

    Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel Mr Rafiu Balogun, praised the judiciary for standing by the law. He said the defendants failed to establish the claims in the story when confronted with the facts, a development which, he said, was against the tenets of journalism which is premised on truth and fairness.

    He said the newspaper outfit didnt show remorse when asked to retract the publication, stressing that rather than retract, the newspaper went ahead to publish two other malicious stories.

    Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fayemi, who was a prosecution witness Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the judgment would serve as a lesson to those who like to engage in reckless and malicious allegations. He also advised journalists to always cross check their facts before publications.

    He said his principal cherishes his name and integrity, hence he had to approach the court to redress the damage done to his reputation by the newspaper’s malicious publication.

    “We are happy that the court has finally given its judgment in the case which has again established the truth.”, Oyebode said.

    Fayemi had, through his counsel, R.O. Balogun and Co, sued the newspaper for libel and sought N10 billion as damages for the publication.

  • Fayemi presents N103.8b budget to Assembly

    Fayemi presents N103.8b budget to Assembly

    •Governor laments shortfalls in Federal Allocations

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday presented a N103,882 billion 2014 Appropriation Bill, tagged: “Budget of Stability and Growth”, to the House of Assembly.

    Of the figure, N52,776,226 billion (52 per cent) was allotted to capital expenditure and N50,106,166 billion (48 per cent) to recurrent expenditure.

    Infrastructure got N17.2 billion; Administration, N9.8 billion; Social Services, N2.4 billion and the Economic Sector, N25 billion.

    Fayemi said the bill, when passed, shall be applied to complete ongoing projects, accelerate empowerment of rural communities and improve the economy.

    He described the budget as participatory, saying it reflects the needs of communities, which were collated during his recent tour of the state.

    Fayemi said: “The implementation of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 budget estimates were encouraging. In 2011, we recorded 73 per cent performance, and last year, 89 per cent. Performance of the 2013 budget stands at 64 per cent and this is due to shortfalls in Federal Allocations to the state.”

    He said next year’s budget would be financed through “Federal Allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT), external grants, loans and bonds, ecological funds and other sundry sources”.

    Fayemi urged government offices saddled with the responsibility of generating revenue to increase their efforts, so that the state would be able to meet the people’s needs.

    The Speaker, Adewale Omirin, said: “As we receive this budget proposal, I remind my colleagues of our statutory role as a watchdog on the budget implementation process. As we yearn to make the development of our state our watchword, we shall not lose sight of our oversight functions to ensure accountability, openness and probity in the implementation of the 2014 Budget.”