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  • Oyebanji, Fayemi, others mourn as Ekiti APC chairman dies

    Oyebanji, Fayemi, others mourn as Ekiti APC chairman dies

    The Ekiti state chapter of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) was thrown into mourning following the demise of its state chairman, Paul Omotoso.

    Announcing Omotoso’s demise, the APC state publicity secretary, Segun Dipe said the incident occurred around 9 pm on Tuesday, March 5, after a brief illness.

    Dipe added that the deceased was actively present in the office till the close of work on Tuesday complained of a slight fever and was rushed to a government hospital in Ado-Ekiti, where he later died.

    He said: “We are sad to announce the passing of the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti, Barrister Paul Ayodele Omotosho. The sad news broke yesterday Tuesday, March 5, at about 9.00 pm.

    “Barrister Omotosho was still actively present in the office yesterday till the close of work. His death could not be immediately traced to any sickness. He, however, complained of fatigue and fever at about 4.00 pm and opted to go home to rest. He was to be rushed to the hospital later when the pain increased but gave up the ghost after.

    “Barrister Omotosho will be remembered for the positive contributions he made to the party, especially during his tenure as the Chairman from 2018 till he breathes his last. He ran the affairs of the party commendably with consecutive victories at the poll”, he added.

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    In his reaction, Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, expressed shock over Omotoso because he did not show any sign of illness during their last meeting.

    Governor Oyebanji who said he is yet to come to terms with the demise of the APC chairman, described Omotoso as a dependable brother and ally, who was a great and invaluable asset to the APC family as well as the government.

    According to him, Omotoso would be eternally remembered as the first party chairman in the state to achieve a back-to-back victory for a party in the political history of Ekiti State.

    Governor Oyebanji said the deceased’s selflessness and sacrifices contributed to the internal cohesion which made the Ekiti APC an unstoppable election-winning machine in local government, state, and national elections conducted during his chairmanship.

    “We have lost a dependable pillar in Ekiti’s development and partner in our development effort as a government. We have lost a great leader, a peacemaker, a humble servant of the people, and an altruistic party organiser.

    “On behalf of the Government and the good people of the state, I express condolences to the immediate family of our late chairman and the people of Imesi Ekiti and the entire members of APC.

    “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the deceased. May God grant them and every one of us the fortitude to bear this great loss. And may God grant our dear departed brother eternal rest”, the statement added.

    Similarly, former Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi, expressed sadness over the APC Chairman’s death, saying his sudden exit has created a significant gap within the APC family and among all those familiar with him.

    Fayemi, in a condolence message by the Head of his media office, Ahmad Sajoh, on Wednesday, described Omotosh as a dedicated leader and unwavering advocate of the APC’s principles and agenda in Ekiti State.

    He said: “Under his stewardship, our party achieved significant victories in recent elections, gaining the trust of our people. This would not have been possible without his commitment to uniting our members and working selflessly for the greater good of our state and nation.’’

    “Omotoso’s contributions and sacrifices for our party will never be forgotten. He was a man of integrity who led by example, inspiring the party faithful with his passion for service and dedication. His leadership kept us united and focused on our mission even in the face of challenges.

    “Ekiti State and the APC have lost a pillar, a grassroots mobilizer, and a committed leader. We mourn this devastating loss, but we take solace in the lasting legacy and sterling example he leaves behind.

    The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti condoled with the APC over the death of its State Chairman, stating that it shared in the pain of the families and friends of the late APC leader.

    The opposition party in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr Raphael Adeyanju described Omotosho as a patriot who placed the interest of Ekiti State above partisan politics,

    He said: “On behalf of all members of our great party PDP, we express our condolence with the Government of Ekiti State and the families of Barrister Omotosho over the untimely demise of a promising Ekiti State son.

    “Our only consolation is that the late APC leader lived a well-fulfilled life as a God-fearing man, a responsible family man, a dedicated community leader, and a committed party man.

    “The party wishes the families, friends, and political associates of the late patriot continued support and guidance of the Almighty God.”

  • Oyebanji rejects chief’s deposition by monarch

    Oyebanji rejects chief’s deposition by monarch

    Ekiti State Government yesterday rejected the deposition of a kingmaker and Oisajigan of Ejigan Quarters in Efon Alaaye, Efon Local Government, Chief Kehinde Oladapo, by the Alaaye of Efon and paramount ruler of the kingdom, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.

    The government made its position known while presiding over a complaint lodged by Oladapo over his removal by Alaaye over irreconcilable differences without following due process.

    However, in a letter written by Alaaye rationalising his action, the monarch accused the chief of disrespect by dressing in beaded crowns and other royal regalia, and also abdicating his duties in the palace, which he said were acts of insubordination.

    Read Also: Oyebanji’s wife unveils local fabrics hub

    Presiding over the matter, Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye asked the monarch to comply with the government’s position and reverse the chief’s removal in the interest of peace.

    Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, told Oladapo to comply with the government directive that no chief should wear beaded crowns, caps and other traditional insignia exclusively reserved for royalty.

  • Oyebanji’s wife unveils local fabrics hub

    Oyebanji’s wife unveils local fabrics hub

    to tackle unemployment in the country,  Ekiti State Governor’s wife Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, yesterday unveiled a local fabric hub and training centre called Adire Ekiti Hub, to give economic empowerment to unemployed youths and widows.

    Two hundred and twenty beneficiaries made up of 200 young citizens and 20 tailors, drawn from across Ekiti Central Senatorial District, began the training sponsored by Mrs. Oyebanji, in partnership with Nike Okundaye Art Foundation.

    The beneficiaries are expected to undergo two weeks training in the intricacies of tie and dye at a training facility dedicated for the project, which was inaugurated by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    The building housing Adire Ekiti Hub was donated by the former lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District and Special Adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu.

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    The hub was inaugurated by the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, to the admiration of the governor, his wife and other guests.

    Dr. Oyebanji said the initiative would benefit the state in the provision of livelihood, promotion of entrepreneurship as well as economic empowerment.

  • Oyebanji gifts Ekiti State creation hero Fasuan SUV

    Oyebanji gifts Ekiti State creation hero Fasuan SUV

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji yesterday presented new Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan.

    The gift is in furtherance of previous recognition given to Chief Fasuan by the past administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, which in 2021 named a newly-built secondary school in his honour, in addition to bestowing on him, the state’s “Oni Uyi” honour.

    Presenting the SUV to Fasuan at his home in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji restated his pledge to continue to recognise and celebrate any citizen who displays passion for the growth and development of the state.

    Read Also: Oyebanji unveils N12b economic relief programme

    Governor Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described Chief Fasuan as a leader, who worked assiduously with other committed Ekiti leaders for the creation of the state in 1996, under the military junta headed by the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

    Chief Fasuan, who hailed the gesture, appealed to every Ekiti citizen to back Governor Oyebanji in his quest to make the state the cynosure of all eyes politically and economically.

  • Oyebanji unveils N12b economic relief programme

    Oyebanji unveils N12b economic relief programme

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has unveiled programmes totalling N12billion under the Economic Relief Programme (ERP), to cushion the effects of economic situation in the state.

    Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said the intervention would not only alleviate hardship, but also grow the economy in line with his administration’s Share Prosperity Agenda.

    He assured the citizens of his administration’s commitment to prioritise their welfare and well-being, urging them to cooperate with the governments at the local, state and federal levels.

    He said the set of programmes under the ERP included “the payment of one month salary arrears to state and local government workers totalling over N2.7 billion. With this payment, the government has cleared the salary arrears owed state government workers and will ensure the arrears owed local government workers are cleared this year.”

    The statement said: “The governor also approved an increase of N600million per month in the subvention of autonomous institutions, including the Judiciary and tertiary institutions, to allow the institutions implement the wage award being implemented for state and local government workers.”

    He said the state government had also committed N1billion to improve food production, especially to embark on land preparation, driven by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s tractorisation subsidy scheme, and an input supply programme to support small scale farmers.

    According to him, the state government is also committing N1.2billion it recently got as first tranche of the World Bank-financed Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project to transform the livestock subsector.

    Read Also: Oyebanji unveils N12 billion economic relief programme

    Oyebode said: “Additionally, the state is also launching N500million loan programme in partnership with Access Bank to support medium and small scale businesses. This is in addition to N1billion cooperative fund to provide low interest working capital for cooperatives and members.”

    He said ERP also included N3.5billion earmarked for continuation of the conditional cash transfer to low income households as well as the CARES programme, which, among others, focused on livelihood support, labour-intensive support, technology support for small businesses and support for agric produce.

    “It also includes free bus service for students and workers in Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti, which will now be extended to Ekiti State University (EKSU) and other major towns; and the distribution of food items to the 177 wards of the state being coordinated by the local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs).

    “These are in addition to ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, boosting power supply to critical areas, including connecting EKSU campus to the IPP; free malaria treatment for elderly citizens and children as well as free delivery for expectant mothers at primary health care centres across the state,” he added.

  • Tinubu inherited economic woes – Oyebanji

    Tinubu inherited economic woes – Oyebanji

    Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji has urged Nigerians to assist  President Bola Tinubu in overcoming the current economic situation, saying the situation was inherited from the previous government. 

    The Governor stated this during the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

    He added that given enough time and support, President Tinubu is capable of fixing the current challenges. 

    According to the Governor: “I just want to encourage us today as children of God to keep faith in God and to also amplify our prayers for Nigeria, for Ekiti State and the President. I understand what we are going through but the truth of the matter is that the President is not the cause of these crises but God has prepared him for a time like this. What he needs is our support, our prayers, our understanding, and encouragement.

    “I am just pleading with us that the President needs our help, he needs our prayers, we should not do anything to discourage him. We should thank God that we have a man of courage, a man God had prepared for a time like this, I believe in God that we will get out of this problem and when the time comes and the dividends of these reforms are unraveled, all of us will be alive.

    Read Also: Oyebanji okays tourism master plan

    “I thank Ekiti people for maintaining peace and I promise that we’ll continue to lessen these burdens, but the truth of the matter, which many people don’t want to listen to is that palliatives will not solve these problems, it can only be a temporary measure, when you give someone a bag of rice, in two weeks it would have finished.

    “We have embarked on a programme that by next year, we will have food sufficiency in this state, because, if we don’t make haste now, I pray next year will not be worse than this. We must be able to grow ourselves out of hunger, which is what the President told us last week.

    “Government will do its bit, but you have to go back to the farm. So, no matter how small, let’s start bit by bit, you have to grow what you will eat and at least be able to feed yourself.” He added.

    In attendance were Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; wife of the Governor and the convener of the programme, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe; top government officials among others.

  • Oyebanji okays tourism master plan

    Oyebanji okays tourism master plan

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the development of the state tourism development plan, as part of efforts to harness and enhance the tourism potential of the state, for economic growth and prosperity.

    The initiative is aimed at positioning Ekiti as the most sought-after tourist destination in the country, according to a statement.

    Oyebanji has, therefore, entrusted the task of developing the comprehensive plan to Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, which is charged with designing a sustainable and strategic roadmap that will promote the abundant natural beauty, cultural heritage and historical significance of the state.

    Read Also: EKSU honours Oyebanji, Falaki, Bamidele, others

    Expressing his optimism for the success of the project, he assured the Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, of support, to ensure the timely and efficient execution of the tourism development master plan.

    According to the governor, efforts would be made to gather resources and stakeholders “to contribute towards this transformative project.”

  • EKSU honours Oyebanji, Falaki, Bamidele, others

    EKSU honours Oyebanji, Falaki, Bamidele, others

    The Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, paid tribute to it’s notable alumni and friends on Sunday night at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The event was organized to recognize and appreciate some distinguished alumni and friends of the University

    Those honoured include Biodun Oyebanji, the Governor of Ekiti State, Akinsanmi Falaki, Regional Head of Keystone Bank (Northern Division), and Engr. Dipo Bamisaye.

    The event also recognized Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Prof Edward Olanipekun, Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to the President, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, and Prof. Akin Oyebode, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

    Read Also; Food inflation a global phenomenon – Bwala

    Governor Oyebanji received commendation for his substantial support, including the connection to Independent Power Plant (IPP) and increased government subvention to the university.

    Akinsanmi Falaki was lauded for his outstanding representation of the university in the Nigerian banking sector, recently earning the title of ‘Banker of the Year.’

    Engr Dipo Bamisaye, Global President of the Alumni Association, was honoured for driving developmental projects and leveraging his networks for the university’s benefit.

    Pro-Chancellor Akin Oyebode, a professor of international law, was acknowledged for his unwavering contributions.

    Prof Edward Olanipekun, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude to the awardees for their relentless contributions to the university and the nation.

    The awardees, therefore, thanked the university’s management for recognizing their efforts and pledged renewed commitment to the institution’s development.

  • Oyebanji lauds Tinubu, security agencies for release of kidnapped Ekiti pupils

    Oyebanji lauds Tinubu, security agencies for release of kidnapped Ekiti pupils

    Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the release of kidnapped pupils and teachers of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure Ekiti.

    The governor, who thanked the president for his strategic intervention and concern since the incident happened, lauded the security agencies for their collaborative efforts during the search for the pupils.

    The schoolchildren and their teachers, who were kidnapped last Monday, were released in a forest between Owo and Akoko in the Ondo state in the wee hours on Sunday.

    However, the driver of the school bus identified as Taye Rasaki was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.

    Oyebanji, in a statement by his special adviser on media, Yinka Oyebode, directed the commissioner for health and human services, Oyebanji Filani, to take the children to the state Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti for proper medical treatment and post-trauma therapy.

    He stated: “The governor, who kept vigil with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele till 3.00 am to ensure the release of the children, acknowledges the solidarity shown by his colleagues’ governors, former governors of the state as well as religious leaders and traditional rulers.

    “He also thanks members of the Ekiti State caucus in the National Assembly and members of the state House of Assembly for their support, saying, ‘And more importantly, we thank God for everything.”

    The governor, however, restated his administration’s determination to stamp out crime and criminality from the state by making the environment unbearable for criminals operating under whatever guise.

    Oyebanji, who reiterated that the killers of the two Ekiti Obas would be fished out and made to face the maximum weight of the law, urged people of the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities to the authorities.

  • Insecurity: Oyebanji meets Service Chiefs, seeks strategic intervention in Ekiti

    Insecurity: Oyebanji meets Service Chiefs, seeks strategic intervention in Ekiti

    Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday, February 1, met with the Service  Chiefs in Abuja to fashion out a more strategic approach to stem the current spate of  insecurity in some parts of the State. 

    The governor’s meeting with the service chiefs came on the heels of  recent security breaches in the state, specifically the killing of two traditional rulers in Oke-Ako area and abduction of some school pupils and their teachers in Emure Ekiti. 

    Oyebanji, who was at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja alongside the Chairman of Ekiti caucus at the National Assembly and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, met with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the Chief of Army Staff, General  Taoreed Lagbaja separately.  He also met with other security chiefs. 

    The  governor explained that Ekiti State had been experiencing peace for the past years, but that the peace was truncated by the security breaches that occurred some days ago.

    “I need to rush here because the President spoke with me and gave certain directives that I needed to act on as soon as possible.

     “What makes the Ekiti situation a bit pathetic was the dimension it took. Among the Yoruba people, the traditional rulers are next to God. When you bring down two traditional rulers at once in such a gruesome manner, it sends a very dangerous signal to the entire race”, the Governor lamented. 

    He pointed out that the abduction of school children portends a dangerous dimension, adding that such had never been experienced in the state. 

    Read Also: Oyebanji laments deplorable state of federal roads in Ekiti

    The governor who exchanged ideas with the military top hierarchy, pushed for the deployment of more military personnel to the state to burst criminal hideouts, as well as provision of a Forward Operating Base to strengthen the security architecture of the state.

     “If we have enough men on ground, I mean the armed forces, there is a way we can police the three senatorial districts because we have an idea of where these people are and most of the time when the Army join the local vigilante groups,  they make  some arrests.

     “My plea to you is that if they cannot give us a Command in Ekiti State now, because I don’t know the budgetary provision for that, we need a Forward Operating Base (FOB) as soon  as possible. Whatever it is going to take, as a government, we will provide because announcement must be made to strengthen the security architecture of the state and give the people some respite.”

    Governor Oyebanji promised the state government’s support for the military to get rid of the criminals infiltrating the state.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of Ekiti Caucus at the National Assembly and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, explained that the recent situation in Ekiti demanded a military intervention and called for immediate intervention.

     “The situation in Ekiti is a further wake up call to the nation and I know that two days ago, we had to discuss this issue on the floor of the Senate following our discussion with the Excellency and some other stakeholders In some other states like Plateau, Benue, Ekiti, Oyo and other places we felt it is time for us yet again to sit down with our Service Chiefs in a close door session as elected representatives of the people, to ask questions and get some briefings and clarifications and even get educated as to where things stand.”

    Responding to the demands, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured the Governor that the Armed Forces would do all within its power to track down the perpetrators of the crimes that happened in Ekiti State. 

    Just like the Civilian Task Force(JTF) in the North, the Chief of Defence Staff said the Army was ready to work with the local security network, stressing the need to leverage on technology, establishment of State-Community Policing, introduction of animal ranches, amongst others.

    “We do not have enough manpower on ground so we always have to make do with the locals.  I was in the North East and we used the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and they gave us lots of support. Maybe we put them on contracts and on renewal basis and we are able to monitor them if we see anyone misbehaving we remove them, this brings out the issue of community policing, it is very critical”, General Musa added. 

     Oyebanji also had closed door meetings with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, as well as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters also in Abuja, in continuation of the discussions on the strategic intervention of the security agencies in the Ekiti matter. 

    The governor said giving the assurances he got from the meetings, Ekiti State would become uninhabitable for criminals, adding that the perpetrators of crimes in the state would be fished out.