Politics

Ekiti Releases Final List for Gubernatorial Election

By Web News 217

By Amos Ogunrinde

INEC Releases final list of Governorship, Deputy Governorship candidates for June 20 Election in Ekiti State

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the final list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the June 20 election in Ekiti State.

However, the names of the Peoples’ Democratic party Candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede and his  Social Democratic Party counterpart, David Bankole were missing from the list which have twelve other candidates.

The final list was posted on the INEC notice board at the commission’s state headquarters in Ado Ekiti.

Spokesperson for the PDP candidate, Mr Gani Salau, expressed confidence that Dr Oluyede would still participate, noting that the party has filed two court cases: one seeking a stay of execution/appeal against the court order for fresh PDP primaries, and another requesting that INEC publish Oluyede’s name as the party’s candidate for the governorship election.

Similarly, SDP State Chairman, Ayodele Bamikole, said the party would pursue legal avenues to ensure its candidate is included in the list.

INEC had released a provisional list on December 29, 2025, giving parties until January 12, 2026, to make corrections or substitutions before publishing the final list in line with election guidelines.

The federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti had last week nullified the PDP primary election conducted in November last year which produced Dr Wole Oluyede as its Governorship candidate and ordered the conduct of a fresh primary.

Edited by Taiwo Akinola

Environment

Ekiti Experiences First Rain in New Year

By Web News 338

By Kazeem Ayodeji

‎Ekiti State has recorded its first rainfall of the year 2026.

‎The rain, which lasted for about an hour, was witnessed in towns such as Ifaki and Aramoko Ekiti, while light showers were also recorded in Ado Ekiti, Iworoko Ekiti and some other parts of the state.

‎Some residents who spoke on the development described the early rainfall as a positive sign, expressing optimism that the new year would be prosperous.

‎Others said the rain brought relief from the intense heat currently being experienced across the state.

‎Residents, however, expressed hope that the rainfall would continue in the coming weeks to support farming activities and improve agricultural productivity across Ekiti State.

‎

Politics

Ekiti APC Congress to Affirm Gov. Oyebanji as Consensus Candidate

By Web News 326

By Amos Ogunrinde

All is now set for the conduct of Monday’s governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State.

The exercise will take place at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion along the new Iyin Ekiti road, Ado Ekiti.

The incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, is the sole aspirant of the party, and he has been adopted as the APC consensus candidate.

The party had selected on Saturday five persons per ward who will unanimously affirm the candidature of Mr Oyebanji as the consensus flagbearer of the party for the June 21, 2026, Governorship poll in Ekiti State.

Also, the national leadership of the APC has appointed Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo, as chairman of the Primary Election Committee for today’s consensus primary election, while Edo State governor, Monday Okhpebolo, will serve as the deputy chairman and  Mr Taiwo Sunmonu was appointed as the secretary.

Meanwhile, the APC chairman in Ekiti State, Mr Sola Eleshin, has appealed to the party members to be peaceful during the primary election.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, Mr Eleshin expressed the hope that the exercise would be hitch-free since it was only to affirm Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the consensus candidate of the party for the June 20, 2026, Governorship election in the state.

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Governance

Oyebanji Recalls Commissioner for Information

By Web News 173

By Amos Ogunrinde

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has recalled former Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun back to the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

The development came barely a week after the Governor announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council. 

According to the recall letter issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habaibat Adubiaro, Chief Olatunbosun is to continue to function as Commissioner for Information.

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Politics

Oyebanji Dissolves Cabinet

By Web News 244

By Amos Ogunrinde

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro directed the affected Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective Ministry , Department and Agency, MDAs.

Governor Oyebanji thanked the affected members of the State Executive Council and wished them success in their future endeavours.

However, the dissolution did not affect the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioners for Health and Human Services, Agriculture and Food Security; Education; Works; Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives; Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion as well as Special Adviser Lands, Survey.

Also, Director General Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Director General SDGs and Project Monitoring; and Director General Bureau of Public Procurement retain their positions.

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Lifestyle

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Oyebanji Vows to Combat Crime

By Web News 238

By Oriola Afolabi

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has vowed to take all necessary steps to eliminate crime in the society.

Governor Oyebanji who made the pledge during the Grand Finale of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, urged officers of the Nigerian military to uphold the national flag with integrity and honour.

Commending the Nigerian military and other security agencies for maintaining peace in the state, the governor cautioned citizens against actions that could foster division among the country’s ethnic groups.

In an interview, the Acting Chairman of the Ekiti State Legion, Colonel Aderotimi Ajayi, expressed gratitude to the Ekiti State government for supporting retired soldiers and the families of fallen heroes.

Colonel Ajayi also encouraged well-off individuals to assist the children and widows of the fallen heroes.

The event included a special prayer for peace, progress, and economic development in Ekiti and Nigeria.

Gun salutes, a two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths honoured the fallen heroes for their selfless service in keeping Nigeria united.

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Lifestyle

I will always prioritise people’s welfare – Gov. Oyebanji

By Web News 282

By Quazim Ayodeji

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing policies that prioritize the people’s welfare and drive the state toward sustainable development.

Speaking at the 2025 Inter-Faith Thanksgiving Service to usher in the New Year, held in Ado Ekiti, the governor expressed deep gratitude to God for His guidance and he thanked President Bola Tinubu, his cabinet members, and the people of Ekiti for their unwavering support in fostering the state’s progress.

Governor Oyebanji, who expressed confidence in a brighter future for the country, urged citizens to maintain a positive outlook for both Ekiti and Nigeria in the New Year.

He called on Ekiti indigenes in the diaspora to invest in the state as a way to complement government efforts in driving development.

The event featured a sermon by Reverend Kayode Ayinde of the Baptist Church, Ado-Ekiti, who underscored the importance of gratitude for past, present, and future blessings, highlighting it as a pathway to greater rewards.

Also, the Ekiti State Missioner of Alfatihu Qoreeb, Sheik Abdul-Akeem Afenifere, admonished leaders to fear God and always place the welfare of the people above personal interests.

Special prayers for the state and Nigeria were offered by the President of the League of Imams and Alfas for the Southwest, Edo, and Delta States, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, and Prophet Dipo Bamidele of Jehovah Ropheeka Ministry, Ado Ekiti.

The service equally featured renditions of praise by the Government House Chapel Choir and YOMBAS from the Central Mosque, Ado Ekiti while Bishop Clement Abifade of the End-Time Revival Fire Mission, Ikere Ekiti, and the State Missioner of the Ansar-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheik Abdulsalam Babatunde, also led prayers for the prosperity of the people of Ekiti.

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Lifestyle

57th Birthday: Oyebanji Gifts PWD Schools, Rehabilitation Centres Money, Food Items

By Web News 346

By Quazim Ayodeji

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has donated twenty-one million Naira and various food items to three special schools, the therapy and rehabilitation centres in the state in celebration of his 57th birthday.

At an event held at the Government House in Ado Ekiti, each of the three special schools and the rehabilitation centre received five million Naira, while the therapy centre was given one million Naira.

Speaking through his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the governor said the gesture is to appreciate God for witnessing another year and reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of people with special needs in Ekiti.

He urged the management of the schools and centres to use the resources effectively for the benefit of the children and their institutions while encouraging parents to continue caring for their physically challenged children, whom he described as gifts from God.

In her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, praised the parents for their dedication to nurturing their children to enable them to thrive alongside their peers in society.

Food items such as bags of rice, beans, salts, packs of noodles, spaghetti, tubers of yams and packs of soft drinks were distributed to the special children who expressed their gratitude through prayers for the governor and wished him many more years of prosperity.

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Education

Illegal Fees Land Head Teacher in Trouble

By Web News 256

By Amos Ogunrinde

The Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board has relieved the Head Teacher of Saint Philips CAC Nursery and Primary School, Erio–Ekiti, Mr Adeniyi Ayodele of his post for two months with immediate effect over the allegation of illegal collection of fees from pupils of the school.

The Chairman of SUBEB, Professor Femi Akinwumi said in Ado Ekiti that the decision became necessary after the Head Teacher had confessed that he committed the infraction and pleaded guilty to some of the allegations levelled against him by the parents of the pupils.

Professor Akinwumi said the man had persisted in the illegal activity despite several warnings against such act which is described as sabotage against the free and compulsory education policy of the present administration in the state.

According to the SUBEB Chairman, evidence proved that Mr Ayodele was collecting the sum of N25,000.00 naira from each of 28 pupils in primary six while another N8,000.00 was being collected from each of the primary four pupils.

While directing the embattled head teacher to hand over to the most senior assistant head teacher, Professor Akinwumi said he should henceforth be reporting at the SUBEB headquarters pending further determination of the case.

He noted that the punishment was to serve as a deterrent to other Head Teachers in the state public primary schools who are fond of violating government policies.

The SUBEB Chairman also directed the concerned head teacher to refund all the fees he had collected from the pupils for repayment to their parents.

He reiterated the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji towards the development of the basic education sector as well as provisions of various incentives to encourage teachers.

Professor Akinyemi therefore warned against collection of unauthorized charges in the state public primary schools, adding that the free and compulsory education policy of the state government is still in place.

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Governance

Oyebanji Approves Appointment of Four New Perm Secs

By Web News 351

By Kazeem Ayodeji

In the bid to further position the state civil service for optimal service delivery, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of four new Permanent Secretaries to fill available vacancies in the State Civil Service. 

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode made this known in a statement in Ado Ekiti.

The new Permanent Secretaries emerged as a result of their brilliant performance in the last examination and interview conducted for candidates from both the state and Local Government service on June 27, 2023 and October 18, 2023.

The four new Permanent Secretaries are Mrs Janet Ajibola, Mr Michael Boluwade, Mr Foluso Akinwumi and Mr Rotimi Akomolede 

The date for their inauguration would be announced later. 

Governor Oyebanji, while congratulating the new permanent secretaries, urged them to be prepared to deploy their competence and experiences in the development of the state.

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Crime

Gunmen on Rampage in Ekiti

By Web News 351

By Amos Ogunrinde / Kazeem Ayodeji

Gunmen on Thursday Afternoon gunned down a yet to be identified Rice Hawker at Bisi market in Ado Ekiti.

According to report, the men, who were on a motorbike, shot and killed the wheel barrow pusher in the heart of the state capital.

The development forced traders and passersby to flee for safety.

The market has been deserted as those who spoke to newsmen said they would not return to the market.

Similarly in the early hours of Wednesday killed a popular Point of Sale, POS operator, known as Alfa Taofeek.

According to report, the incident happened at the shop of the victim, located adjacent the gate of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

The gunmen who came on a motorbike shot and killed Alfa Taofeek and made away with his money including other valuables.

A source who pleaded anonymity told newsmen that Alfa was just opening his shop after dropping his kids in school when the men of the underworld struck.

Alfa Taofeek is well known in the area with the display of bread on his vehicle.

Also, two gunmen on motorcycle had on Tuesday this week shot dead a ticketer of the Okada Riders Association, Omoyajowo Samuel at Okesa Area of Ado Ekiti.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Mr Sunday Abutu who confirmed the incident, said that investigation had commenced on the matter.

In the meantime, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has condemned the recent spate of killings in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, in the past few days.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the governor emphasized his administration’s zero tolerance for cultism and violent activities.

He directed security agencies to take immediate and decisive action against those responsible for the attacks.

The governor assured the public that the government was fully committed to addressing the situation, urging them to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.

Mr Oyebanji reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, emphasizing that such acts of violence will not be tolerated under his administration.

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News

AIG Presents White Paper to Tackle Insecurity in Ondo, Ekiti

By Web News 558

By Isaac Afolabi

A white paper to tackle various security challenges in Ondo and Ekiti states has been presented to Ondo State governor , Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa .

The Assistant Inspector General of Police ,  AIG Zone 17 , Mr Ashabi Abiodun  presented the document at the governor’s office in Akure.

AIG Abiodun explained that the  paper titled “A Proposal for Counter Operations Against Security Challenges in Ekiti and Ondo States”, contains security details that would assist Ondo and Ekiti states in the quest to be more peaceful.

Receiving Ondo State copy of the documents , Governor  Aiyedatiwa  appreciated the role  of the police in keeping the peace and pledged that the two governors would brainstorm on speedy implementation of the paper for maximum  security of the citizens.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo , top Police officers including Police  Commissioners ,Mr Abayomi Oladipo of Ondo State and  Mr Akinwale Adeniran of Ekiti state.

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Economy

Oyebanji Announces N12bn Relief Programmes

By Web News 442

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced a series of relief programmes worth N12 billion to cushion the effects of the global economic downturn on the people of the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode made this known in a statement in Ado Ekiti.

According to the statement, the programmes, cover various sectors such as salary and pension payments, food production, livestock development, small business support, conditional cash transfer, free bus service, and healthcare.
The governor also approved the payment of one-month salary arrears to State and Local Government workers totaling over N2.7 billion, clearing the backlog of salary arrears owed to State Government workers, and promising to clear the arrears owed to Local Government workers this year.
Mr Oyebanji equally increased the monthly subvention of autonomous institutions, including the Judiciary and all tertiary institutions, by N600 million, to enable them to implement the wage award for State and Local Government workers among other payments.

The Governor expressed his commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people of the state, especially in the face of the current global economic challenges.

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Crime

School Pupils Abducted in Ekiti

By Web News 555

By Amos Ogunrinde

Unspecified numbers of pupils of one of the private, Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School in Emure Ekiti have been allegedly kidnapped.

The pupils were said to have been kidnapped on Monday around five O’clock in the evening when the school bus conveying them was returning to Eporo Ekiti, a town after Emure Ekiti.

Management of the school confirmed the abduction in a statement.

According to the statement, some pupils, the school bus driver and an helper were kidnapped by gunmen.

The management therefore called for prayers to ensure timely release of the victims.

However, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police command, Mr Sunday Abutu could not be be reached to confirm the abduction.

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Crime

Gunmen Kill Traditional Rulers

By Web News 424

By Amos Ogunrinde

Two traditional rulers in Ekiti State have been killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Monday

It was gathered that the two traditional rulers, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin and the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola were ambushed and shot dead by gunmen along Oke-Ako road, in Ikole Local Government Area of the state while returning from a meeting.

It was also learnt that the Alara of Ara Ikole, Oba Fatoba who was travelling alongside them escaped from the scene when the armed men accosted them and attempted to forcefully take them away.

The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Mr. Michael Ogungbemi confirmed the killing of the two traditional rulers.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Mr Sunday Abutu promised to get back to our reporter on the killing.

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Politics

Ekiti INEC Gets New Resident Electoral Commissioner

By Web News 529

By Amos Ogunrinde

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakub has deployed, Dr Olubunmi Omoseyindemi to Ekiti State as new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

Dr Omoseyindemi who hails from Lagos State assumed duty today at INEC State Office in Ado Ekiti and he was welcomed to Ekiti by the management team led by the Administrative Secretary, Mr Adedapo Aderibigbe.

Speaking on behalf of others, Mr Aderibigbe assured the new REC of their unalloyed cooperation and that of members of staff throughout his tenure. 

Responding, the new Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Olubunmi Omoseyindemi emphasized the importance of integrity, trust, and teamwork.

He urged the members of staff to adhere to the core values of INEC while carrying out their duties.

Dr Omoseyindemi later held meetings with the management team, the 16 Electoral Officers, and he was later conducted round the offices by the Administrative Secretary, Mr Aderibigbe.

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Lifestyle

Make your donations to special schools for PWD- Gov Oyebanji tells Friends, Associates

By Web News 391

By Amos Ogunrinde

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has appealed to his friends, family members, well-wishers and the general public not to organise any birthday party, gift or newspaper advertisement in commemoration of his 56th birthday billed for Thursday, December 21st. 

Instead of advertisement placements, gifts or social gatherings, Governor Oyebanji said anyone willing to celebrate with him should make cash or material donations to the less privileged children in the State.

The Governor requested that gifts and cash be sent to the Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti; Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti; and Special School for the Mentally and Physically Challenged, Ido-Ekiti, as well as the State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre for the Mentally Challenged in Ado-Ekiti.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji said financial and material gifts sent to these schools by his friends and well-wishers would be of greater value and a better appreciated birthday celebration for him, adding that the country is at a point where citizens should make deliberate efforts at reaching out to the less privileged in the society.

He expressed happiness at the number of family members, friends  and associates that presented gifts to the three special schools during his birthday last year, and the attendant joy the gestures brought to the faces of the students.

Governor Oyebanji said he became happier when he got reports on how each of the schools utilized the financial and material gifts they received from him and his friends to enhance the welfare and wellbeing of the students and to upgrade some facilities within the schools.

The Governor said he would be happy if his friends and well wishers would grant his wishes this year again, by joining him in putting smiles on the faces of the students with disabilities instead of any gift or party they might have in mind.

The Ikogosi-Ekiti born Oyebanji, a former University lecturer turned politician, will be 56 years on December 21, 2023.

News

Segun Oni Advocates Friendly Bond Among Politicians

By Web News 366

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Former Governor of Ekiti State and candidate of the Social democratic Party (SDP) in the last governorship election, Chief Segun Oni has stressed the need for politicians irrespective of party differences to put politics aside and form Friendly bonds in the collective interest of the people as well as development of the societies.

Chief Oni who stated this when he joined Governor Biodun Oyebanji to worship at the Sunday Service held at the government house chapel in Ado Ekiti, highlighted the benefits of political classes of different calibres to cross-breed ideas that would propel Ekiti to greater heights.

He said politics should not be seen as a do-or-die affair where politicians would see themselves as sworn enemies after contesting in an election, adding that this became imperative in as much as they work towards the same goal of developing the state.

The former Ekiti State Governor who scored Governor Oyebanji high on various transformative achievements recorded so far, pledged his unalloyed support to the administration towards delivering more dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State.

He called on all politicians and influencing figures across the state irrespective of parties or religious affiliation to rally around the present administration in the task of building a virile Ekiti State.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji who acknowledged taping from the administrative wisdom of Chief Segun Oni in his current transformative drive, said he would continue to leverage the support of the leaders of great repute to collectively propel the state prosperity.

Mr Oyebanji also emphasized the need for politicians to play political games wisely without compromising their good relationship in such a way that would create unnecessary upheaval or crises in society.

The Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Pastor Segun Awolumate, who hailed the humility and simplicity of both former Governor Oni and the Incumbent Governor Oyebanji, urged politicians and public office holders or seekers to take a cue from the lifestyles of the two leaders.

Pastor Awolumate encouraged individuals to remain mindful of shared objectives and cultivate a practice of actively contributing to the realization of positive aspirations, even in the circle of an adversary.

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Power

Ekiti Inauguarates Independent Power Plant

By Web News 301

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Ekiti State government has reaffirmed its determination to fast-track social and economic development through stable power supply with the official inauguration of the 3.6-megawatt Independent power plant, IPP, in the state capital.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji who stated this at the Inauguration ceremony in Ado Ekiti said the initiative had reinforced the benefit of continuity in governance as the project was started by his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

He maintained that the project would reduce the poor power supply that has been affecting economic and industrial growth in the state, saying the move would attract investors and boost business activities.

Acknowledging the setbacks poor electricity has brought to the state, particularly in industrial growth, Governor Oyebanji explained that the project would supply power to critical government infrastructure such as offices, the state hospital, judiciary, legislature, the state university, and the public.

Revealing an influx of requests from business concerns wanting to connect to the IPP, the governor assured their connection to the power source but with payment of service fees.

According to Mr Oyebanji, government has put in place, a series of measures to address power challenges in the state with the recent restoration of light to some communities which have been in darkness for years. 

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Mobolaji Aluko, noted that the 3.6MW project, Phase One, would be expanded to 5MW to power more facilities, emphasizing its cardinal role in the industrialization of the state.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Power Plant, Mr. Olufemi Bakare, explained the project’s potential to energize all state infrastructure and facilities in Ado-Ekiti metropolitan area through an 11km underground distribution network, which will energize key locations like the state secretariat, the state Teaching Hospital, and the Ekiti State University.

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Governance

 Oyebanji Warns MDAs Against Non-Performance

By Web News 415

By Amos Ogunrinde

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has restated his administration’s zero tolerance for any form of indolence or non-performance.

He said there would be consequences for lack of performance among heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. 

The Governor stated this while addressing Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the opening session of the Ekiti Performance Assessment and Improvement Report, EKPAIR, workshop held in Ado Ekiti

He said if his administration would positively affect the lifestyle of Ekiti people, then government must set benchmark for service and project delivery.

The Governor explained that holding meetings, treating files and organizing programmes without translating them into tangible outcomes would amount to a waste of time, hence they need to put in place templates that would measure performance.

Mr Oyebanji who urged the heads of MDAs to detach themselves from emotions in the discharge of their duties so as to perform optimally, maintained that there would be dire consequences for laxity among them.

He assured them that government would play its part by providing all necessary logistics required to succeed, stressing that he would not want to leave any project uncompleted at the end of his tenure.

Earlier, the Special Adviser, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, OTSD, Dr John Ekundayo thanked the Governor for his commitment towards ensuring that his administration’s shared prosperity agenda translates into a better life for all the citizens of the State.

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Labour

Pensioners Get N150M as Gratuity

By Web News 390

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Governor Biodun Oyebanji says his administration will continue to make efforts towards prioritizing the welfare of pensioners in Ekiti State and ensure that they receive their gratuities in due course.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ado Ekiti during the distribution of one hundred and fifty million naira gratuity cheques to sixty-four retired Local Government workers and primary school teachers in the State.

The governor who highlighted efforts being made by the government to better the lot of the people, also said that his administration had paid over six hundred million naira as gratuities to one hundred and eighty-nine Local Government workers and primary school teachers since attaining power.

He enjoined other retirees both at the State and Local Government levels whose turn is yet to come, to exercise patience, saying his goal remains providing them with the financial security and peace of mind that they rightfully deserve.

In his remarks, the Ekiti State chairman of pensioners, Elder Joel Akinola thanked Governor Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of retirees in the State with a call on him not to relent in providing other needs and entitlements of the pensioners.

Also, the Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangements Department, Mr Folusho Akinwumi congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to use the money to take good care of themselves, rather than expending it on ventures that would further impoverish them.

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News

Oyebanji Swears in HOS, Two Commissioners

By Web News 374

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

Subsidy Removal: Oyebanji Sets-up Committee on Palliative

By Web News 610

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has directed a three-man committee to meet with the leadership of the organised labour to finalise proposals for palliative measures aimed at cushioning the effects of the subsidy removal on the citizens.

The committee and the labour leaders were given one week to report back to the governor, who would then make a formal pronouncement on the options that were considered implementable.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Yinka Oyebode, in a statement on Friday, said government alone could not decide on palliative measures, hence the involvement of the leadership of organised labour.

According to Oyebode, Oyebanji said the palliative measures to be put in place would also take care of pensioners and people in the informal sector of the economy.

He noted that the governor, at the meeting with the leadership of the organised labour, also commended the leadership of labour unions in the State as well as the citizens for their understanding, stressing that the government was determined to ease the pains occasioned by the subsidy removal.

In attendance at the meeting were the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Olatunde Kolapo; the Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Sola Adigun; and the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee, Babatope Ajoloko, and other officials of the unions.

The government’s three-man committee included the State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Akin Oyebode (Chairman), the Head of Service, Bamidele Agbede and the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani.

Punch / Oluwayemisi Owonkoko

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Education

Scrap IPPIS now – SSANIP

By Web News 467

By Kayode Joseph

Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, SSANIP, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti chapter has called on President Bola Tinubu to scrap the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS citing irregularities, incompetence, corruption and fraud.

Chairman of SSANIP in the institution, Comrade Sunday Akomolafe made the call while addressing journalists during a peaceful protest by members of the union at the Polytechnic premises.

According to him, the scheme has become a conduit pipe used by some personalities to steal government fund and salaries of workers urging government to probe the organization.

He alleged that the Polytechnic workers have suffered untold hardship due to irregularities in the payments of their salaries, non-remittance of their various deductions by IPPIS despite government’s approval.

Akomolafe alleged that the arrears of minimum wage approved for them, as well as other benefits approved by government since 2009 has not been paid by the scheme.

He called on President Tinubu to address the issues holistically by probing the activities of IPPIS and carry out a cursory investigation and bring culprits to book

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Economy

Gov. Oyebanji Inaugurates Economic Management Team

By Web News 629

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.

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