Politics

APC Picks Ododo as Chairman of Ekiti Primary

By Web News 465

By Niyi Alade/Amos Ogunrinde

The All Progressives Congress, APC in , Ekiti State has selected five persons per ward that will affirm the governorship candidate of the party for the 2026 election in the state.

The five persons will on Monday converge in Ado Ekiti to affirm the candidature of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the sole Candidate of the party.

Speaking in Governor Oyebanji’s ward in Ikogosi Ekiti, Chairman of the Congress Committee, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe noted that the committee was satisfied with the congress, describing the exercise as an indication that members of the party were united .

In his remark, Governor Biodun Oyebanji explained that the delegates were elected on consensus, saying such showed that there was no division and acrimony in Ekiti APC.

He expressed hope that the APC would break new record during the next year’s Governorship poll in Ekiti and the 2027 general election.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC has appointed Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo as chairman of the Primary Election Committee for the Monday’s consensus primary election in Ekiti State.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji is the only cleared aspirant and will be unanimously affirmed by delegates at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti.

The APC National Organizing Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu in a letter addressed to the State chairman of the party, Mr Sola Eleshin said Edo State Governor, Monday Okhpebolo will serve as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee while Mr Taiwo Sunmonu was appointed as the secretary.

According to the letter, other members of the committee include, Iyom Nikky Ejezie, Elis Abraham, Mr Rufus Bature , Mr Latif Ibirogba, Dr. Chibuzor Agu, Chief Dr. Gabriel Oyebode, Chief Hope Dike and Mr Shehu Umaru.

News

Oyebanji Swears in HOS, Two Commissioners

By Web News 378

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Government officials in Ekiti state have been urged to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, integrity, decency and pursue productive ideas towards the implementation of the state’s transformation strategy. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji gave the charge while administering the oath of office on Mr Sunday Komolafe as the state’s new Head of Service, Professor Bolaji Aluko and Mr Oladapo Karonwi as commissioners at the governor’s office in Ado Ekiti.

He reminded the new officials that their paramount interest should be for the overall welfare of Ekiti people, saying they should be ready to embrace innovation in line with the policy direction of the state government.

Governor Oyebanji who expressed confidence in the abilities of the newly sworn-in officials, also enjoined them to work in tandem with relevant authorities in their domains and shun negative tendencies.

In his remarks, the new Head of Service, Mr Sunday Komolafe who thanked God for the opportunity, promised to contribute significantly to the government reformation drive so as to further improve on the efficiency, effectiveness, professionalism and commitment of the present administration.

Economy

Gov. Oyebanji Inaugurates Economic Management Team

By Web News 631

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji says his administration will continue to explore available human and material resources towards building a very strong economic base for the state and ensuring prosperity for the people. 

The governor gave the assurance in Ado Ekiti while inaugurating eleven members Economic Management Team chaired by the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi.    

He described economy as crucial determinant of transformation in any given society, hence the need to seek the expertise of highly resourceful and experienced professionals who could assist in harnessing abundant economic potentials abound in Ekiti.

Mr Oyebanji charged the team to come up with sustainable policy that would create wealth and develop a roadmap before the end of September, this year so that implementation could be captured in the 2024 Budget.

The Ekiti State helmsman said the team, among other terms of reference, would work out strategic economic intelligence system that would help in generating useful policy initiatives, evaluate performance and give advice on programme direction generally. 

In his remarks, the chairman of the Economic Management Team, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for considering them worthy of the assignment and expressed the readiness of his team to fashion out workable economic initiatives that would open up the state’s economic space for prosperity.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

News

69 Pensioners Receive N130Million Benefits

By Web News 424

By Anthony Ojo

Over one hundred and thirty million naira cheques have been disbursed to sixty-nine Retired local government workers and primary school teachers in Ekiti State.

During the disbursement of cheques to the beneficiaries held at the government house, Ado-Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji said the payment was to fulfil the promises he made during his electioneering.

He restated his resolve to always pay pensions and gratuities without delay in order to bring succour to the senior citizens.

The Governor said he was ready to work with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners on the best modalities to adopt for easy payment of the entitlements of the Retirees.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Ekiti State, Mr. Oluwadare Jolumo assured other Retirees who have not been paid to be patient as it would soon be their turn.

In a remark, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the state, Mr Joel Akinola commended the governor for fulfilling his promises of paying the entitlements of Pensioners as and when due.

In their responses, some of the benefiting Retirees including Princess Esther Awolusi and Mr. Adeniyi Iyanda expressed happiness and commended the governor for his love for the Pensioners.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Economy

Oyebanji Presents N113bn 2023 Budget to Ekiti Assembly

By Web News 645

In Ekiti State, over One hundred and thirteen billion naira has been budgeted for the 2023 fiscal year.

The appropriation bill christened  “Budget of strong beginning” has projection of thirty-four billion naira as capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure is pegged at about eighty billion. 

Presenting the 2023 budget before the members of Ekiti State House of Assembly, the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji said that capital expenditure represents thirty per cent, while the recurrent expenditure represents 70 per cent of the total budget estimate.

Governor Oyebanji explained that the budget was tailored after his administration’s six-point agenda for development, was aimed at enhancing good governance and improve on agriculture through equitable distribution of available resources as well as capacity building in the state.

Governor Oyebanji said that the budget implementation would be irrevocably committed to physical transparency and improved  Internally Generated Revenue IGR.

He maintained that the security of lives and property, rehabilitation of township roads, construction of an ultra-modern library,  and job creation would be prioritized.

The Governor however solicited the support and cooperation of civil servants, traders and other stakeholders in the efforts to make Ekiti a destination for investors.

Earlier, the Deputy Speaker,  Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Hakeem Jamiu who presided over the sitting expressed optimism that the 2023 budget would sustain and improve on the pace of development in the state.

Honourable Jamiu assured that the Assembly would work on the budget proposal with a view to passing it into law as soon as possible.

He however pledged the support of the Assembly to the present administration to achieve the laudable programmes and policies that would lead to prosperity of people of the state.

Oriola Afolabi

Subscribe to our Telegram Channel and join our Whatsapp Update

Politics

Oyebanji Sworn in as Ekiti State Governor, Highlights Agenda

By Web News 684

Mr Biodun Oyebanji has been sworn in as Governor to pilot the affairs of Ekiti State in the next four years.

The new Governor took the oath of office exactly a few minutes to one o’clock in the afternoon.

It was administered to him by the state chief judge Justice John Oyewole Adeyeye.

Dignitaries at the event included APC Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National leadership of APC, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, senior military personnel, former Governors, captains of industries, politicians as well as members of the public

Vanguard Newspaper
Vanguard Newspaper

In an interview, some stakeholders believed that the new administration would bring in peace, prosperity and development.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State’s new helmsman, Biodun Oyebanji has promised to implement a six-point agenda to bring economic prosperity and change to governance in the state.

The Governor made the promise in Ado Ekiti shortly after he was sworn.

Governor Oyebanji said his six-point developmental agenda would focus on job creation, human capital development, Agriculture and rural development, infrastructure and industrialisation, arts culture and tourism as well as governance.

He noted that the agenda was carefully selected based on his experience in the public and private sectors coupled with the yearnings of the masses to improve the status of the state.

The Governor urged stakeholders and people of Ekiti State to support his administration and gave an assurance of transparency and accountability while in office.

In a remark, President Muhammadu Buhari thanked the people of the state for believing in APC with their determination during the last Governorship election to deliver the state for the party.

Represented by APC Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the president assured of more Federal support and urged them to vote for the party in next year’s presidential election 

In a comment, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi expressed the belief that the new governor would make the state better for economic prosperity.

Watch video

Tope Bamidele

Subscribe to our Telegram Channel and join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Ekiti APC Primary: Court Dismisses Ojo’s Suit against Oyebanji

By Web News 402

The Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has dismissed the suit instituted by an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant Mr Kayode Ojo challenging the legality of the primary election which produced Biodun Oyebanji as the candidate of the party in the June 18, 2022 governorship election in the state. 

The court presided over by Justice Babs Kuewumi held that the plaintiff failed to fulfil court processes, stressing that the discrepancies in the originating summons of the plaintiff had rendered the case useless.

The judge further held that the zeal and the signature on the summon were different, while the name of any lawyer was not included to further authenticate the process in total compliance with the court practice direction.

Justice Kuewumi held that the names of counsel on the plaintiff’s originating summons, the statement and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stamp ran contrary to the law and made the suit incompetent.

Earlier, the judge appreciated all counsels for their cooperation as the matter was expeditiously heard and determined.

Counsel to Kayode Ojo, Mr. Taiwo Ogunmoroti, had earlier urged the court to make the judgment available to him for perusal and possible action.

But counsel to Oyebanji, Mr. Akingbolu, in a chat with reporters expressed satisfaction with the verdict which he said was in line with the law and the rules of the court.

Tope Bamidele

Subscribe to ourTelegram channel

Politics

Ekiti Election: Let’s work together; Oyebanji Tells Other Contestants

By Web News 564

Ekiti State Governor-elect,  Biodun Oyebanji has extended hands of fellowship to his co- contestants in the interest of peace.

He stated this in Ikogosi Ekiti while reacting to his victory at Saturday’s Election.

Mr Oyebanji promised to reach out to candidates from other parties who lost at the exercise in order to move the state forward.

He also pledged to constitute  a transition committee and ensure a seamless transition so as to hit the ground rolling on assumption of office in October this year.

Mr Oyebanji explained that the party and incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi would be working in the coming days and weeks towards finishing and completing key legacy projects in the state. 

The governor-elect while attesting to the peaceful nature of the election, however consoled with the people who died in pockets of pre-election violence and called for thorough investigation into the violence for justice to be done.

He thanked Governor Fayemi, party executives, the electorate and his family for the support which produced the victory at the poll and promised not to betray the trust they reposed in him.

Earlier, Governor Fayemi was accompanied on a visit to the Governor-elect by TWO State Governors , Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and  Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa as well as Minister of Trade for Industries and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo.

They held a closed door meeting where Mr Oyebanji was presented with original election result.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Oni Kicks as Kolawole Congratulates Oyebanji on Election Victory

By Web News 462

The Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP in the just concluded election in Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni has described as unacceptable the outcome and result of the exercise..

Chief Oni said this at his residence in Ifaki Ekiti while reacting to the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.

Chief Oni alleged that the exercise was characterised by inducement of voters and ballot snatching.

He described the outcome of the poll as unacceptable, noting that the process would be studied before taking further step and appealed to his supporters and loyalists to remain calm.

The atmosphere at major streets in Ifaki Ekiti was peaceful a day after the announcement of results of the Governorship election as people were sighted going about their usual engagements unhindered.

Meanwhile, the Peoples’ Democratic party Governorship Candidate in Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Kolawole has congratulated the Governor Elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on his victory.

Speaking at his country home in Efon Alaaye, Otunba Kolawole said he took the decision in the interest of peace.

The PDP governorship Candidate noted that only God enthrone, hence he was not desperate to govern the state.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Fayemi, Folarin, Adebayo Hail Oyebanji’s Victory

By Web News 408

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on his victory at Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Dr Fayemi also congratulated the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC for the victory as well as Ekiti electorate, whom he said made an informed decision. 

The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) had declared Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and former Secretary to the State Government as winner of the election having pulled a total of 187,057 votes in the keenly contested election.

Dr Fayemi in a congratulatory message in Ado- Ekiti on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode described Oyebanji’s victory as well deserved, adding that it was a befitting honour for a man who, in the last three decades, had committed his time, energy, talent and resources to the development of the state.

“Ekiti people have spoken loud and clear. The outcome of the election has shown that Ekiti people are honourable people, who always support and reward leaders who have served them diligently and faithfully.

Also, Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content and 2023 Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin has congratulated Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on his victory in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ekiti state.

In a statement by his media aide, Comrade YSO Olaniyi, the Senator said “I congratulate my brother Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on his victory at the just concluded gubernatorial poll in Ekiti State”.
“I enjoin Governor-elect BAO to see his victory as a call to service of the people of Ekiti State.

“I commend the people of Ekiti state for the relative peace and orderliness before, during and after the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and all stakeholders deserve commendations for jobs well done”.

Also in a congratulatory message, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment , Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo has rejoiced with the incumbent Governor of the State , Dr Kayode Fayemi for the success of APC in the election.

Otunba Adebayo said the outcome of the election was the people’s verdict on his performance in the last three and half years, which put the state on the path of steady progress and development.

The first Civilian Governor of the State praised other contestants in the election for abiding by the rules of the game and allowing Ekiti people to make their decision on who should be their next governor. 

He called on them to accept the outcome of the election and team up with Oyebanji to continue the good work of the incumbent governor.

Otunba Adebayo applauded INEC for the successful conduct of the election,  hoping that the commission would continue to improve on the electoral processes that they have put in place.

Amos Ogunrinde/Olaolu Fawole

Politics

Ekiti Election: Buhari Congratulates Oyebanji, Commends INEC, Voters

By Web News 578

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Biodun Oyebanji, over his electoral victory in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.

This was contained in a congratulatory message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

BREAKING: INEC Declares APC’s Oyebanji Winner of Ekiti Governorship Election

The President said the victory was well deserved considering Oyebanji’s contributions to the development of the state and the party before he was nominated the standard-bearer, urging him, however, to be magnanimous in victory in the interest of the people of the state.

The President also rejoiced with the APC chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, and the National Working Committee for the victory, describing the victory as the first under the tenure of the newly elected executives of the party.

The President said, “This is a good beginning for you and your team. The APC is getting stronger and more united. The victory of our party in Ekiti is an indication of the confidence of Nigerians in the ability of our great party to deliver quality governance to all.”

He charged all the APC members across and outside the country to see this as a good omen for the 2023 general election and work assiduously to ensure the party’s victory by continuing the trend in Osun State next month July.

President Buhari also felicitated the people of Ekiti State for the smooth conduct of the election, affirming that they were the real victors as they had been able to freely choose their leader for the next four years.

He lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission and the law enforcement agencies for the preparations put in place, urging them to keep the momentum for upcoming elections.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Politics

Former SSG Emerges APC Flag bearer In Ekiti

By Web News 612

The immediate past Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has been elected the candidate of APC in the June 18, Governorship election in the state.

Mr Oyebanji polled 101,703 votes to defeat other contestants in the primary election which was conducted in the 177 wards of the state through option A4.

However, the primary election was characterized by protests from six aspirants over alleged irregularities.

Announcing the result, the Chairman, Ekiti Primary Election Committee and Governor of Jigawa State Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, said Mr Oyebanji won the Primary election, having polled the total number of lawful votes in the election.

Tope Bamidele

Politics

Ekiti SSG, Oyebanji Resigns From Cabinet

By Web News 653

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has accepted the resignation of Secretary to the State Government, Hon Biodun Oyebanji, from his cabinet.

The resignation which was conveyed in a letter to the Governor, dated December 3, 2021, takes effect from Tuesday, December 7th.

Oyebanji had cited his decision to contest the forth- coming governorship election in the State for his resignation as Secretary to the State Government.

Governor Fayemi in accepting Oyebanji’s resignation, thanked the former SSG for his remarkable contribution to the administration since inception in 2018 and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Governor Fayemi recently issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode directing members of his cabinet who have political ambition ahead of the 2022 Governorship poll in Ekiti state to resign their appointment latest December 18, 2021.

Asake/ Ogunrinde