Politics

Work for a Better Nigeria – Fayemi Charges Leaders

By Web News 687

The Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF and Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi wants leaders across the nation to instill confidence of a better Nigeria in the citizenry.

In a message to mark the second anniversary of June Twelve as national Democracy Day, Governor Fayemi explained that the significance of the celebration was to learn, teach and achieve a new Nigeria where the fault lines no longer matters.

He called for new conversation around democracy that would hold the promise of better life for all Nigerians, irrespective of culture, race, religious beliefs and political affiliations.

The Ekiti State governor who affirmed that a better Nigeria was possible noted that many known and unknown rights fighters have died as martyrs of democracy.

Governor Fayemi urged Nigerians irrespective of culture to join hands and make the country work for better greatness.

He observed that one of the things President Muhammadu Buhari would be remembered for after his tenure in office was the rightful placement of June Twelve in the national dairy as the symbol of struggle for the enthronement of democratic settings in Nigeria.

Governor Fayemi said the symbolic gesture of Mr President had brought accountability and relief for the people who suffered brutality during the regime of General Sani Abacha.

Oriola Afolabi

Health

COVID-19 Update: Ekiti Records 4 New

By Web News 760

Ekiti state government says the four new cases of Coronavirus recorded in the state is not as a result of community spread.

The Commissioner for Health and Human services, Dr Mojisola Yahaya-Kolade who stated this in Ado Ekiti at a press briefing on  COVID-19, explained that out of the four new cases recorded,  a young man recently visited Lagos during the lockdown, two health workers, While an elderly citizen among them did not have any travel history.

She said that Government was doing everything possible within its capacity to prevent community spread of the virus and urged the people to always put on a facemask, ensure social Distancing and prevent activities that could endanger their health.

The Coordinator, Ekiti Taskforce on COVID-19, Professor Bolaji Aluko emphasized that wearing a facemask was very essential before anyone could go to public places.

Professor Aluko said that stringent steps would be taken against anyone caught moving on the streets or public places without a facemask.

Presently, Ekiti state has recorded twenty-nine COVID 19 cases with eighteen treated and discharged, two deaths and nine active cases.

ORIOLA AFOLABI

Security

Gov. Fayemi Sets up Community Policing Committees

By Web News 934 Post a comment

Governor Kayode Fayemi has inaugurated the State Advisory and Community Policing Committees with a view to proffer a lasting solution to the wave of crimes and ensure the economic growth of the state.

Performing the ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Fayemi charged the Committee and security outfits in the state to be determined, dedicated and focused in order to realize the purpose for which it was created.

He explained that economic growth could only be realized in an environment free of acrimony and urged members of the Committee to justify the confidence reposed in them by living up to expectations.

The Representative of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Oyebanji Folawuyo said that the idea of community policing was to enhance collaboration between the security agents and the people in the society.

Also, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ambba Asuquo noted that the community policing was anchored on three Strategies which were community partnership, organizational transformation and problem solving.

Earlier, the Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC in the state, Pastor Sunday Makinde appreciated the administration of Governor Fayemi for prioritizing the security of lives and property adding that the committee would work with conventional security outfits to ensure peaceful atmosphere needed for economic growth.

Oriola Afolabi

News

COVID-19: Ekiti Govt. Inaugurates Molecular Laboratory

By Web News 692

In Ekiti State, about four hundred random test are to be carried out on daily basis to ascertain and prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other contagious diseases in the state.

Governor Kayode Fayemi made this known in Ado Ekiti while inaugurating the Molecular Laboratory put in place by government and COVID-19 Resources Response Mobilization Committee.

Governor Fayemi who explained that the molecular laboratory would afford people across the sixteen local government Areas opportunity to know the state of their health, said that the measure would help early discovery and diagnosis of diseases in the state.

He maintain that government would continue to prioritize the safety and health of the people through provision of adequate medical facilities.

Governor Fayemi who sought the cooperation of the people to prevent the community spread of the virus and emergence of other diseases, warned that government would not tolerate any act that could endanger the public health.

The governor noted that despite the fact that Ekiti State was the third state to record and confirm COVID-19 case in Nigeria, meaningful measures were put in place to reduce the virus saying that Ekiti is currently on the 30th position among the states that had the virus.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Mojisola Yahaya-Kolade said the mobile molecular laboratory was highly sensitive to ensure accurate diagnosis of diseases and genetic root of any virus.

Dr Yahaya-Kolade explained that the laboratory would ease the burden of early diagnosis of diseases such as microorganisms, parasites and viruses.

The Founder of Afe Babalola University and Grand Patron of COVID-19 Resources Response Mobilization Committee, RRMC Aare Afe Babalola used the forum to commend the support of well-meaning individuals who had contributed in no small measures to the realization of the project.

Aare Babalola however called on critics of the present government to join hands with Dr Kayode Fayemi in moving the state forward.

The Octogenarian also advised government to ensure that both public and private schools in the state comply with all the rules and regulations on prevention and containment of Coronavirus in Ekiti.

He opined that the Ministry of Education should issue certificate of compliance to both private and public schools before the commencement of academic activities.

Oriola Afolabi

Education

NYSC Extends Service Period of 20 Corps Members in Ekiti

By Web News 882

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC in Ekiti State has extended the period of service of twenty-six Batch B Stream One Corps members for absenteeism and laziness.

Also, fifteen others, who absconded from their places of primary assignments are to refund the allowances collected so far and they would be posted to other states for a fresh service year without any payment to serve as deterrent to others.

The NYSC State Coordinator. Mrs Emmanuella Okpongete announced these in Ado Ekiti at a low key passing out parade held in batches for twenty corps members par group so as to maintain social distancing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She however said that three of the corps members received state awards while sixteen others got NYSC commendation letters out of over two thousand youths who participated in the one year mandatory service.

The NYSC state coordinator told the out-gone corps members not to allow the coronavirus pandemic to deter them from putting into practice the skill acquisition they learnt in order to become employers of labour instead of job seekers.

Mrs Okpongete appealed to employers of corps members to issue them final letters of indebtedness so that none of them would be found wanting after they might have left the state.

Ogunrinde Amos

Education

NYSC Cancels “P.O.P” in Ekiti

By Web News 1341

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Ekiti State has cancelled the Passing Out Parade for the 2019 Batch B, Stream 1 Corps members due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit of NYSC in Ekiti State, Mrs Rose Omoja says the corps members will be issued their Certificates of National Service on Thursday (28/05/20) at their various Local Government Areas of service.

The statement explains that those that are presently not in Ekiti State will be issued their certificates whenever the inter-state lockdown is eased.

It urges all employers of corps members across Ekiti state to issue ‘Letters of Release’ to those that served in their organizations.

The statement also implores drivers unions not to exploit the outgoing corps members as they will be travelling out of Ekiti to their respective states of origin while natives of Ekiti that served in other states will equally be returning to the state.

Oriola Afolabi

Politics

Ekiti Govt. Reconciles Alare of Are-Ekiti, Chiefs

By Web News 2383

The Ekiti State Government has reconciled the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi with thirty traditional chiefs who boycotted the palace for three months accusing him of involvement in unbecoming conducts that portray the community in a bad light.

Speaking after the final peace meeting, the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, urged the traditional ruler to always carry his chiefs along by working with them in harmony and always ready to listen to his subjects’ advice.

The Deputy Governor, urged both parties to always respect the peace accord and mutual agreement acceded to during the crisis.

The Chiefs led by the Olotin of Are Ekiti, Chief Temidayo Olubodun, said they forwarded a petition to the state government because they were not comfortable with Oba Adebiyi’s leadership style which they said was inimical to the peace, progress and development of the town.

The chiefs who said they had forgiven the monarch hailed the Deputy Governor for intervening in the rift, saying they were going back to the palace to resume their duties they had boycotted in the interest of peace.

Oriola Afolabi

Technology

Ekiti Government Moves to Boost Internet Access across the State

By Web News 1001

The Ekiti State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with a private organization, the Oodua Infraco Resources Limited, with a view towards providing internet facility in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

The State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi while signing the documents said that the step would open a lot of opportunities for the state in terms of job creation.

Dr. Fayemi also observed that the Internet facility would cover all the tertiary institutions, schools, security outfits and health institution in order to engage meaningfully with their counterparts in the world on best ways of doing things.

He stressed that the facility would go a long way to drive and achieve more on the state’s knowledge economy.

The governor explained that the Executive Order 007 which reduced the right of way charges from four thousand, five hundred naira to one hundred and forty five naira per kilometre, had begun to yield positive result as many Internet Providers shown interest to invest in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mr Bamidele Faparusi who said the project would be completed within fourteen months, maintained that all the streets in Ekiti would have internet fibers in the interest of younger generation.

Contributing, the Chief Executive Officer, Odua Resources Infraco Limited, Mr Sammy Adigun said the project would cost five billion naira, while Federal government would contribute over one billion naira and Ekiti State Government would ensure the completion of the project.

Mr Adigun explained that the six hundred and six kilometres internet Wi-Fi construction would commence on October this year.

While appreciating the government’s giant steps, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mr Olumide Ajayi pointed out that the project would impart meaningfully on the society after completion.

Oriola Afolabi

Health

Covid-19: Ekiti Confirms Four New Cases

By Web News 671

In Ekiti State, another four new cases on coronavirus have been confirmed, while four out of the five existing active cases have been discharged.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Mojisola Yahaya-Kolade made this known in Ado-Ekiti at a press conference addressed by the Committee on Ekiti COVID 19.

Dr Yaya-Kolade explained that the four COVID 19 patients were discharged after testing negative to the virus twice.

She said that three out of the four new cases sneaked into the state from Katsina, Ibadan and Lagos.

The Commissioner for Health observed that the current active case of COVID-19 in Ekiti State is five, while contact tracing of the new cases recorded had commenced.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Gbenga Agbeyo said that another intensive Fumigation of Public places had started in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, while the exercise would cover other local Government areas.

Mr Agbeyo noted that business activities ended by four o clock, and movement would continue till eight o’clock in the evening when the total lock down commences and ends by six o’clock in the following morning.

The Coordinator, Ekiti Taskforce on COVID 19 and Director General Office of Transformation and Strategies, Professor Bolaji Aluko said that six hundred and thirty one million naira cash was donated by five hundred and thirty five people both within and outside the state.

Oriola Afolabi

Health

Ekiti Govt. to Prosecute Violators of COVID-19 Preventive Guidelines

By Web News 747

Ekiti state government is set to prosecute anyone who violates the guidelines to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the state.

Some of the guidelines include: prohibition of public gathering, social distancing, compulsory use of facemask, hand washing at public places, not more than twenty people at a burial, total lockdown from seven o’clock in the evening till six o’clock in the morning, prohibition of interstate travelling, taxi drivers should carry three passengers, while okada riders should not take more than one passenger at a time among others.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Gbenga Agbeyo stated this in Ado-Ekiti at a press briefing jointly addressed by the Committee on COVID-19 in the State.

Mr. Agbeyo who maintained that any motorist or motorcyclist caught violating the rules might forfeit such to government with the option of fine, noted that those who failed to use facemask would be charged for endangering human health.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Mojisola Yahaya-Kolade in her contribution encouraged residents to always use the facemask properly in order to prevent health disaster.

Dr. Yahaya Kolade who emphasized the need for everyone in the society to always think first on how to protect themselves and desist from staying in  overcrowded areas, said that the virus could easily spread among people in large gathering.

Oriola Afolabi

Lifestyle

Ooni Donates Fumigation Vans, Drone to Ekiti State Govt.

By Web News 984

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has donated four Motorised Modular Fumigation Vans and one Fumigation Drone to Ekiti State Government to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state.

Presenting the fumigation vans, Oba Ogunwusi described the gesture as part of measures from the traditional institution to complement government’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

The Royal Father, who challenged Nigerians on hygienic lifestyle, said that the current health situation across the world needed concerted efforts, urging individuals to always observe the guidelines and rules to prevent the spread of the virus.

He explained that the chemical in the vans was not poisonous or toxic, but had capacity to disinfect virus in the society.

Oba Ogunwusi noted that the Motorised Modular vans and drone could be used for Agriculture purposes, like spraying of liquid fertilizers, irrigation, disinfecting fungus on the plants among others.

Responding, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi appreciated the leader of the traditional institution in Yoruba Land and urged well-meaning individuals to emulate the Ooni of Ife.

Dr Fayemi stressed that the materials donated would go a long way to prevent, control and overcome the coronavirus in the state.

The four Motorised Modular Fumigation Vans and one drone is the initiative of Home Odudua Machine Tools.

Oriola Afolabi

Lifestyle

Father in Viral Covid-19 Video Bags Government Appointment

By Web News 916

The age long saying that “It pays to be good” may have become reality in the life of an Ekiti man, Retired Commandant Femi Adeoye as the Governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi appoints him as the Ekiti State COVID-19 Ambassador.

Mr Femi Adeoye is the man whose video clip went viral on the social media where he refused to accommodate his son but took him to the Taskforce on COVID-19 for a test, having travelled from Lagos to Ado-Ekiti.

In the said video, the man insisted that his son should undergo the mandatory fourteen-day quarantine in the isolation centre so that the people of Ekiti state would not be infected, in case his son comes out positive after the test.

While handing over the appointment letter, Governor Fayemi commended the genuineness and selflessness of Mr. Adeoye whom he said, placed greater premium on the collective good of the society than personal interest.

Governor Fayemi called on the people of the state to emulate the virtues of patriotism and good spirit of Retired Commandant Adeoye and always put the progress of the state above emotional and selfish interests.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Adeoye appreciated Governor Kayode Fayemi for the recognition and promised to live up to expectations.

On Monday this Week, Mr Adeoye took his son to the Ekiti State Taskforce on COVID-19 for violating Government’s restriction order which stipulates that any visitor into the state should undergo fourteen days self-isolation at the government facilities at his own cost.

Oriola Afolabi

Health

COVID-19: Ekiti Seals Three Churches For Flouting Govt. Order

By Web News 1763

In Ekiti State, three churches have been sealed off and nine pastors prosecuted for violating government order banning social gathering and other services in the state.

The court ordered that Christ Apostolic Church District Headquarters, Okeayo Ifelere Quarters Adehun, Christ Apostolic Church Okeaseyori behind Delink Hotel and CAC Balemo, all in Ado-Ekiti be sealed till further notice.

The churches were further mandated by the court to furnish the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC the address of those participated in their services for tracing and monitoring.

Some of the concerned pastors were fined between fifty thousand naira and seventy five thousand naira.

In the last twenty eight days, no few than one hundred and seventy people have been charged to court  for violating the curfew order by the Ekiti state government to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, four were freed and one hundred and sixty six convicted.

The Director, Public Prosecutor of the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice, Mr Julius Ajibare while parading five pastors and eleven others before the state Magistrate courts in Ado Ekiti, said the pastors were caught conducting services between the hours of six and eight o clock in the morning on Sunday.

The prosecutor had established that the defendants committed an offence contrary to section five and punishable under section seven of the curfew law, cap C eighteen laws of Ekiti state, 2012 and also violated the provisions of the Ekiti state order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, 2020 made in pursuant to section eight, of the Quarantine Act, Cap Q2, LFN, 2004.

In a similar vein, a driver, Femi Akingbade who conveyed eleven passengers from Ibadan to Ekiti state was fined a sum of twenty five thousand naira and each of the passengers was ordered to pay the sum of ten thousand naira.

The driver together with the passengers were also sentenced to two days community service.

Oriola Afolabi

Security

Kidnappers Demand ₦30m Ransom for Olabode’s Release in Ekiti

By Web News 2234

The Abductors of Ekiti state Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Folorunso Olabode and a yet to be identified woman have contacted the families of their victims.

The Abductors who demanded thirty million naira for their release, used the cell phone of the Commissioner to contact the families.

A family source who preferred anonymity, said that negotiations with the kidnapers had commenced.

Meanwhile, the Local Hunters in Ilejemeje local government have promised to synergize with government, security agencies to ensure their release.

Radio Nigeria Progress FM, gathered that the local hunters had since yesterday trooped into the bush to search for the victims.

Some sympathizers blamed the ugly trend on the bad portions of the road which they said criminal elements often used to perpetrate their evil acts. Oriola Afolabi

Lifestyle

Social Distancing: Traders, Customers, Throng Markets in Ekiti

By Web News 827

Traders across the sixteen Local Government Areas in Ekiti State on Thursday defied government order which banned them from trading in major markets in Ado and Ikere-Ekiti.

The people who major in the sale of food items like garri, palm oil, vegetables, fruits, yam, pepper, rice, beans among others, thronged Ojaoba, Oja Bisi and Okeyinmi markets as early as five o clock in the morning.

Some of the Traders also barricaded the major roads making the areas difficult for motorists to pass, while some engaged in hot arguments.

Radio Nigeria team of reporters noticed that some of the traders including their customers were not unaware of the current coronavirus pandemic as many used face masks sewn from Ankara materials and surgical mask.

Some concerned people who spoke with our reporters observed that the traders completely threw social distancing into waste bin as the crowd was too much.

The people advised government to put in more efforts to control the crowd anytime public were given the grace to go to market during this coronavirus pandemic.

Oriola Afolabi

Lifestyle

Abba Kyari: Tributes Continue to Pour in

By Web News 695

In Ekiti State, relevant personalities have continued to pay tributes to the chief of Staff to the president Mallam Abba Kyari who died recently from Covid-19 complications.

Those who spoke with Radio Nigeria explained that the death of the Chief of Staff had again attested to the fact that Covid-19 is real and it is not a respecter of status.

Correspondent Kayode Babatuyi completes the story.

Kayode Babatuyi

Health

Ekiti Govt. Unveils COVID-19 Response Hub

By Web News 965

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has unveiled the COVID-19 Response Hub as part of measures to address the spread of the virus in the state.

The website is www.covid19.ekitistate.gov.ng

Performing the exercise in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Fayemi who explained that the technological advancements would help to effectively manage the Coronavirus, said every resident of the state could take advantage of the website to screen themselves to know the state of their health on issues relating to the virus without going to hospital.

The Ekiti State number one citizen urged the people to always access the website for adequate information and shun rumours that could create disaffection in the public.

On the baby delivered by the twenty-nine-year-old woman who died as a result of Coronavirus, Governor Fayemi said that the child was still in a stable condition while measures were being taken to help the family of the deceased with the treatment of the baby.

Governor Fayemi however advised the public to continue to adhere strictly to all the terms and conditions rolled out by government to end COVID-19 in the state.

Oriola Afolabi

Health

COVID-19 Update: 36 Cases in Nigeria So Far

By Web News 1100

As of 09:45 am on 23rd March, (Source: @NCDCgov ) the number of Covid-19 cases in Nigeria is thirty-six with thirty-three active ones, a total of two people discharged with one person dead.

Lagos has twenty-five cases, the Federal Capital Territory, F.C.T, with six, Ogun State has two cases, Ekiti, Oyo and Edo states with one case each.

The first Covid-19 case in Nigeria was reported in Lagos on the twenty-ninth of last month.

Some of the preventive measures to prevent the disease are frequent washing of hands with soap using running water as well as the use of hand sanitizer.

Most of the banks and corporate offices visited in the Ibadan metropolis had sanitizers at their entrances for use by their customers.

Some residents who spoke with Radio Nigeria emphasised that they had been conscious of their level of personal hygiene.

However, there were no precautionary measures in markets as the traders were more concerned about their sales.

Some of them lamented the low level of patronage as most people were indoors.

They, however, called on the government to put mechanisms in place to control the spread of the Covid-19.

Titilayo Kupoliyi

Health

Covid-19: How Ekiti Intends to Curtail Spread

By Web News 779

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s Executive Directive To Combat & Curtail The Spread Of Coronavirus in Ekiti State. 

ON ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS 

1). All public and private schools and institutions in Ekiti State are to close down from Monday 23rd March 2020

ON PUBLIC GATHERINGS

2). All public gatherings of more than 20 persons are banned from today 20th March 2020. These include: religious gatherings e.g. worship and prayer services, night vigils, house fellowships and nasfat meetings; social gatherings e.g. burials, weddings, family meetings and parties of any kind; political gatherings, e.g. rallies, congresses, ward meetings; night clubs, bars, beer joints, NYSC CDS meetings etc.

ON PUBLIC & PRIVATE SERVICES 

3). All non-essential services in private and public sectors are encouraged to work from home from Monday 23rd March 2020. These includes civil and public servants from level 12 officers and below; except essential services like health workers, caregivers, social welfare officers, fire service officers, emergency response officers, media professionals, and security/ watchmen in public institutions. 

ON GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS 

4). Government officials are advised to keep their phone lines open as they may be required to come to the office when needed.

ON INTER & INTRA – STATE TRANSPORTATION 

5). No overloading of passengers in public transportation with effect from today. Commercial vehicles must ensure only one person is sitting in the front seat with the driver and not more than 3 passengers on a row in the backseat. 

6).Motorcyclists (Okadas) must carry only one passenger each to minimize close contact as much as possible.

7).Hand washing facilities must be available at all motor parks 

ON CITIZENS & PUBLIC SERVICES 

8). Citizens must wash their hands regularly with liquid soap under running water multiple times everyday to avoid virus transfer.

9). All public places must provide hand washing implements at the entrance and exit of their facility with immediate effect. 

10).A running tap with safe drainage or a Veronica bucket for running water and liquid soaps or hand sanitizers must be made available at motor parks, eateries, banks, shops, offices and any place with significant human traffic to encourage frequent hand washing.

ON MARKETS & TRANSACTIONS

11). Market men and women must practice hand washing under running water with liquid soap at least 6 times a day in their stalls.This is to minimize the transfer of virus picked up in the process of buying and selling. 

12).Citizens visiting markets must ensure they wash their hands with soap under running water as soon as they leave the market before they get home.

ON TRAVELS

13). Unnecessary travels in and out of Ekiti State are discouraged at this time. While we cannot totally shut down the state, we must minimize unnecessary traffic especially from out-of-state, so we can protect our citizens from further importation of the virus and also protect the rest of the country by minimizing the exportation of any virus which may be present in Ekiti State.

All directives are until further notice.

Health

FG, NGF Collaborate to Tackle Coronavirus

By Web News 819

The Federal Government says it will collaborate with Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, to set up functional test isolation centres in every state to tackle the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanere stated this after meeting with the 36 state governors during their monthly meeting in Abuja.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, and some agencies also made presentations at the meeting.

Dr Ehanere said he was at the secretariat of the NGF to update the governors on the pandemic of the coronavirus and the strategies that the federal government was making to curtail the spread of the virus in the country.

He explained that the governors agreed to work with the federal government and pledged the commitment of the ministry to always update Nigerians to avoid misinformation. 

“To get the story of how Coronavirus spread abroad and how it has come into Nigeria and what we have done so far. And they asked questions about our strategies, our approach and how it affects their states and our strategies and how they can have access to materials to be able to respond.

I did not need to make an effort to remind the governors on what they should do because they all offered to play a role which was very good. In fact they want to know the cost of building isolation centres, the cost of the equipment and the kits. And they want us to present them with them cost tomorrow. We are happy that there is such engagement by the governors.”

After an extensive discussion on the negative impact of coronavirus to the economy and fall in oil prices, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi said, the governors set up a committee to review and advice state governments on actions that were required to address the economic challenges in the country. 

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and falling oil prices in the Nigerian economy and the revenues of States governments, the forum constituted a sub-committee consisting of the Governors of Kaduna (Chair), Kebbi, Ebonyi, Ogun, Nasarawa, Edo and Jigawa to comprehensive review the trend and advice state governments on the set of actions required to address challenges in the economy”.

Following a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, Laoye Jaiyeola on the economic roundtable, a platform that was created to facilitate improved economic policies in the states, Governor Fayemi said governors adopted the policy to improve effective partnership that would promote good governance at the states.

The Governors also welcomed Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo to his first NGF meeting since his assumption of office. 

Governors also commiserate with the governor of Lagos State on the recent pipe explosion that claimed many lives. 

Nehemiah Anini

Education

NYSC Takes Measures Against Contraction of Coronavirus

By Web News 985

The National Youth Service Corps in Ekiti State said it has taken proactive measures to guard against the contraction of coronavirus by Corps members currently in camp.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Emmanuella Okpongete made this known at the swearing-in of the 2020 “Batch A” stream one Corps members at the orientation camp in Ise-orun, Emure Ekiti.

Mrs Okpongete explained that the scheme has provided hand sanitizers, wash hand containers and soap to guard against the contraction of coronavirus while the State Government through the Ministry of Health had also provided some items including sensitization leaflets which would be distributed to the youths during the ongoing orientation course.

She said that Corps members would be exposed to lectures on national issues, skills acquisition training, physical and paramilitary exercises and urged them to be attentive.

On his part, Governor Kayode Fayemi who spoke through the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Michael Awopetu congratulated the youth for successful completion of their studies, promising that his administration would continue to accord priority to their welfare.

Dr Fayemi, however, advised them to participate actively in all the activities on the camp so as to build on whatever they might have learnt in their places of primary assignment after the orientation course.

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola administered the oath of allegiance on the corps members.

Similarly, the NYSC Ondo State, has screened 1,860 Corps members deployed to Ondo State and other personnel to guard against possible contraction of Coronavirus and Lassa fever within the orientation camp.

Mrs. Grace Akpabio, NYSC State Coordinator in Ondo State, disclosed this at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2020 “Batch A”, stream one Corps members at the camp in Ikare Akoko.

Mrs Akapbio also stated that all necessary medical measures had been put in place by the Scheme in collaboration with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Ondo State Government.

She allayed the fears of parents and guardians over the safety of Corps members deployed to Ondo State as the Scheme would always live up to its responsibility to protect Corps members.

In a message, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu urged the Corps members to always be positive in attitude and thoughts on various challenges facing the country.

Governor Akeredolu assured the Corps members of their security and welfare, adding that the Corps members should report to nearby health facility if their health status is threatened.

Justice Idowu Kolawole administered the oath of allegiance on the Corps members on behalf of the State Chief Judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu.

Also in Ogun State, the NYSC has collaborated with relevant agencies in the health sector to ensure safety of the Corps members in the state and their protection against the contraction of Coronavirus.

The state coordinator of NYSC, Dr. Belinda Faniyi made this known at the Swearing-in of the two thousand and sixty-nine 2020 “Batch A” stream one Corps members posted to the state.

Radio Nigeria reports that hand sanitizers were made available at strategic locations in the orientation camp.

Security agents were seen at the entrance of the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Sagamu, identifying prospective Corps members after which an official with an infrared thermometer could be seen checking temperatures of the Corps members before they were directed to use hand sanitizers prior to entering the camp.

According to Dr. Faniyi, the authorities of the scheme have been proactive by engaging relevant agencies to guarantee the safety of the Corps members and also put in place measures to protect them from the spread of Coronavirus.

The NYSC coordinator assured parents of the safety of Corps members during the service year.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Kehinde Oluwadare advised the Corps members to integrate themselves into society and assured the them of safety while in the state.

Meanwhile, the NYSC is to engage some Corps members posted to Oyo state in the prevention of Covid-19 during their service year.

Oyo state Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. grace Ogbuogebe stated this during the swearing in ceremony of 2,076 “Batch A” stream one Corps members at the orientation camp in Iseyin.


The NYSC Coordinator explained that the Scheme had partnered the University College Hospital, UCH in giving proper training on the preventive mechanism for Covid-19.


While administering oath of allegiance on the Corps members, the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Muktar Abimbola represented by Justice Aderonke Aderemi, urged Corps members to be dedicated to their fatherland.


While declaring the orientation open, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, represented by the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Seun Fakorede said his administration would continue to provide conducive environment for NYSC to operate in the state.


Governor Makinde implored the Corps members to embrace the skill acquisition and entrepreuship development, SAED programme of the NYSC to become self reliant.

Kayode Animasaun / Amos Ogunrinde / Wale Oloukun / Rotimi Famakin

Health

Coronavirus: Ekiti State Govt. Distributes Hand Sanitisers

By Web News 842

As part of its efforts to protect the pupils and students against Coronavirus, Ekiti State Government has commenced the distribution of hand sanitizers to the public primary and secondary schools in the state.

The State Commissioner for Education, Mr Foluso Daramola, who supervised the distribution of the items to the first set of schools in Ado-Ekiti, called on School Administrators to ensure that the sanitizers were used solely for the purpose meant for.

Mr Daramola assured that government would leave no stone unturned in its effort to prevent the virus from spreading to the state.

He, however, appealed to parents and guardians to keep away their sick children and wards from schools and take them to hospitals for urgent medical attention.

The commissioner also advised parents to call the emergency number 112 should they suspect their children of showing any sign of flu.

Mr Daramola appealed to the people of the state to imbibe the act of proper handwashing while those who had the habit of touching their mouth, eyes, nose and ears with their hands should stop henceforth. 

Amos Ogunrinde

Education

25 Batch “A” Corp Members Sanctioned in Ekiti

By Web News 686

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC in Ekiti state has sanctioned twenty five of the Batch A 2019 Corps members for absconding and absenteeism, as eight of them have their service year extended between three and six months.

Also, one of the Corps members, a female, Miss Omoruyi Oghomwen died in the course of the service during a brief illness.

The NYSC State coordinator, Mrs. Emmanuella Okpongete who made these known today at the passing out parade ceremony in Ado Ekiti said the disciplinary measures became necessary to check the excesses of the Corps members so as to serve as deterrent to others.

Mrs. Okpongete while congratulating the out gone Corps members for a successful completion of their service year, said they contributed to the growth of Ekiti in the areas of health, agriculture, education, socio- economic and infrastructural development.

She explained that five of the one thousand, four hundred and forty one Corps members including, Callistus Nwosa, Kolo Jadidiah, Mary Oluwatosin and Daniel Babaunde who received state government commendation letters had outstanding performance in their community development programmes.

Earlier, Governor Kayode Fayemi whose address was delivered by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Michael Awopetu appealed to the out gone Corps members to make effective use of the skills they acquired so as to become employers of labour rather than job seekers. 

The Governor pledged that his administration would continue to create employment opportunities for the teaming youths and as well reward the outstanding ones among the Corps members.

Ogunride Amos

Energy

Ekiti Govt, TCN Sign MoU on Power Generation

By Web News 971

Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and Ekiti State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to construct another two electricity power sub-stations of 132/33 KVA in Ilupeju and Ijesa-Isu, Ekiti.

At the signing of the MoU, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi said the step was part of measures to boost power supply, attract investors and create job opportunities.

Governor Fayemi who maintained that his administration was deeply concerned about improving infrastructural facilities to help the citizens to attain economic stability and progress in business, said no stone would be left unturned in ensuring the development of the state.

He noted that government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the Transmission Company of Nigeria and other investors to thrive effectively in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Public and Infrastructure, Mr. Bamidele Faparusi had lamented that Ekiti received the lowest power supply among the comity of states in the Southwest, while some communities were not even connected to the national grid.

The team leader of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Mr. Victor Adewumi who noted that works would commence in earnest since all agreements have been signed, said the projects would be delivered before the end of the second quarter of next year.

Oriola Afolabi

News Politics

Fayemi Appoints First Female Head of Service

By Web News 815

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has approved the appointment of Mrs Morenike Olapeju Babafemi as the new Head of Service in the State Civil Service.

Mrs. Babafemi, was an Acting Head of Service, before proceeding on an overseas training programme last year.

Until the new appointment, Mrs Babafemi was a Visiting Research Fellow at the African Leadership Centre, School of Global Affairs, King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode says Mrs Babafemi’s appointment as Head Office Service takes effect from next week Monday, February 10, 2020 when she will be sworn in by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

She will take over from the Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi, who retires from the civil service on February 9, 2020, having attained the mandatory retirement age.

Mrs Babafemi, is the first female to be appointed as substantive Head of Service since the creation of Ekiti State on October 1, 1996.

She started her career as an Administrative Officer with the Old Ondo State Civil Service on June 30, 1987.

Mrs Babafemi rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary in October 2009 and has served as Permanent Secretary in several ministries including Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Local Government, the Cabinet and Special Services Department.

Meanwhile, Governor Kayode Fayemi has commended the outgoing Head of Service, Mr Ayodeji Ajayi for his diligence and professionalism which had helped in repositioning the Ekiti State Civil Service.

Aderibigbe Niyi/ Amos Ogunrinde