Agriculture

Gov Oyebanji Orders Forest Guards to partner Security Agencies 

By Web News 322

By Amos Ogunrinde

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has directed the newly recruited Forest Guards in the state to synergize with security agencies to flush out kidnappers and other criminals that are using Ekiti forests as hideouts and inflicting terror on the citizens.

Mr Oyebanji gave the directive at the passing out parade organised for the Forest Guards as part of activities marking the 2024 International Forests Day with the theme: “Forests and Innovation: New Solution for a Better World”, held in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, announced that government recently employed 22 Forest Guards, 18 boundary-men and 10 technicians to strengthen the workforce and be able to tackle rising cases of insecurity, deforestation and other criminal acts being perpetrated by some unscrupulous elements in Ekiti forests.

The governor stated that 20 hectares of land in Ise Forest being used for cultivation of Indian Hemp, was recently discovered and destroyed to safeguard the lives of the citizens.

He assured the people of the state that his government had mapped out strategies in partnership with some stakeholders to increase the forest potential of Ekiti State for improved economy, ecosystem and atmospheric conditions capable of bringing about healthy living and improved life expectancy of the citizens.

Governor Oyebanji pledged that his administration would equip the workforce of the commission to be able to deliver on the mandate of improving the internally generated revenue of the state.

On her part, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko pointed out that two million tree seedlings would be planted in 2024 to shore up the state’s forest potential.

Chief Ajisafe-Aluko stated that the state government would contrive many innovations to improve forestation and make Ekiti viable in the sector to return to the old good days when forestry contributed to the growth of the economy.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Forestry Commission, Mr. Sunday Adekunle told the gathering that the government is currently nursing sixty thousand (60,000) seedlings of various species at Erunfun Nursery that will be sold to interested members of the public to boost plantation agriculture.

Mr Adekunle assured that the government would also partner all relevant agencies to tackle forest desertification, pursue a robust forest regeneration policy and propel efficient monitoring of all forests to contribute to the economic development of the state.

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Lifestyle

Olumilua was an exemplary statesman – Ekiti Deputy Governor

By Web News 1901

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, has described the late former governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, as a man of integrity, very truthful and an exemplary statesman.

Otunba Egbeyemi made the remarks when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman who passed on in the early hours of today in his hometown, Ikere Ekiti at the age of eighty.

The deputy governor was received by the two wives of the deceased, Bolatito and Olayinka, family members and other sympathisers.

Otunba Egbeyemi consoled the family members and signed the condolence register to pay tributes to the former Governor of old Ondo State.

The wives of the deceased in their responses, commended the deputy governor for his prompt visit to the family and appreciated the Fayemi’s administration for always identifying with the family.

Oriola Afolabi