People of Aiyekire, Ekiti East Local Governments and Gboyin LCDA could not hide their joy and adulation for the state government following the flag off of the road and restoration of electricity to the towns in the areas after ten years in darkness.
Sod turning for the reconstruction of the Ikole – Ara – Isinbode road was performed, while 108KM, 33KV Line Electricity supply to Aiyekire, Gbonyin LCDA and Ekiti East LGAs was commissioned as part of programmes lined up for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s first anniversary in office.
Addressing the people of the local governments in Isinbode and Omuo Ekiti, governor Biodun Oyebanji said it was sad for any community in this modern age to be without electricity for ten years, saying this will not only inconvenience residents but will retard development and hinder economic growth of such community.
Mr Oyebanji urged the people of the local councils to see the facilities as their properties and ensure their safety from vandalisation while assuring other towns with similar challenges that the government would soon attend to their needs.
Earlier, the state commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, professor Mobolaji Aluko said the achievements were in line with the campaign promise of the present administration to bring significant development to all communities in Ekiti state.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji says more policies and programmes geared towards poverty eradication and wealth creation await the people of the state
He stated this while giving an account of his stewardship at the State Assembly Complex, Ado Ekiti as part of activities marking his first anniversary in office.
Mr Oyebanji reeled out achievements of his administration in economy, agriculture, infrastructure, education, employment, health, art and culture, sports, security and human capital development, among others with a promise to build on the success.
He appreciated the people of Ekiti, especially the past leaders, development partners, security agencies and other key actors, who had played vital roles in the journey towards fulfilling the transformation agenda of his administration in the past one year.
The governor, while elaborating on the various government efforts, particularly in the health sector, emphasised that delivery services for pregnant women is now free in all the Primary Health Care Centers across the state.
In his remarks, the speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye acknowledged and highlighted some of the visible achievements of Governor Oyebanji in the state with a promise that the House would continue to maintain cordial relationships and accord priorities to the pursuit of an agenda that would promote development in Ekiti.
Lack of adequate food production in Ekiti State has been attributed to kidnapping, destruction of farms by suspected herders, paucity of funds and inadequate storage facilities.
Two farmers, Chief Gabriel Kolawole and Mrs Bukola Bamidele made the observations in an interview with Radio Nigeria reporter on this year’s World Food Day in Ado Ekiti.
Chief Kolawole said he was still indebted to the tune of Two million Naira, paid as a ransom to secure the release of one of his farm workers.
He called on the government to engage the services of local vigilante in security matters, because of their familiarity with the terrain of their environment.
Similarly, another farmer, Mrs Bamidele recounted how she lost about ten hectares of cassava plantation to herders, and lamented that the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation had failed to compensate farmers.
The respondents emphasized that if urgent steps were not quickly taken to stem the tide of insecurity, many farmers would abandon their farmlands which would result in hunger, malnutrition and famine across the country.
They also called for an enabling environment for the establishment of cottage industries that would further process and store excess produce to avoid wastage of farm produce.
Both respondents decried the inability of farmers to determine the price of their produce and stressed that prices of inputs such as chemicals, fertilizer, cutlasses and hoes have skyrocketed.
They equally emphasized the need for Governors in the Southwest states to give irrigation support to farmers as practised in the Northern parts of the country, which helped them to achieve all-year-round farming.
Since 1979, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has designated October 16 as World Food Day, and the theme for this year is “Water is life, water is food.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has presented the 2024 budget estimate of about one hundred and sixty billion Naira to the State House of Assembly.
Presenting the annual budget, tagged “Budget of sustainable growth and development” at the assembly complex in Ado Ekiti, governor Oyebanji, said the proposed expenditure was prepared towards achieving his administration’s six points transformation agenda.
He said the budget would enable the government to fulfill its social contract signed with the people by focussing more on Capacity building for youth and women, agriculture, urban and rural electrification, roads construction, health, renovation of schools and construction of indoor sports complex among others.
The governor who highlighted various achievements of his administration in the last one year, proposed the capital expenditure of over seventy billion Naira while about ninety billion Naira is estimated for Recurrent expenditure for the 2024 budget.
The speaker of the House Mr Adeoye Aribasoye passed a vote of confidence on the performance of the governor and the budget, with a promise that the 7th assembly would give the proposed financial appropriation the deserved consideration and speedy passage.
The Ekiti State Government has suspended the Chief Medical Director, CMD of State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Olaolu Olubiyi for alleged gross misconduct .
The State Ministry of Health and Human Services announced the suspension on a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
According to the statement, Dr Olubiyi was suspended by the State Hospitals Management Board following the allegation of gross misconduct reported against him which established the fact that he violated Ekiti Public Service Rules.
The statement explains that the Suspended CMD has been prohibited from carrying out his official duties pending further investigation in line with the provisions of the State Public Service Rules
It further directs him to hand over his duties as CMD of the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere to Dr Akinsipe Catherine Iyabo with immediate effect .
While stressing the commitment of Government to rewarding excellent performance, diligence and dedication to duties , the statement however says Government will not look away when Government officials do not abide by the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
Parents of Girls Model School’s students, Ilawe Ekiti have appealed to Ekiti State Government not to close down the school in the interest of the existing students.
The parents including Mr. Felix Ilori, Omolade Adeniyi and Mrs Fadairo, who spoke during a protest in Ado Ekiti, affirmed that most of their children have been demoralized and traumatized following the inability to resume with their counterparts in other schools.
According to the parent, their children were sent home few hours after resumption on Monday on the account that the school had been handed over to Ilawe community to to kick start the newly approved Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti.
The parents who were in tears appealed said Government ought to have given them prior notice or make arrangements for the children before sending them packing abruptly.
They urged Governor Biodun Oyebanjito consider the effect of such action on the female students, hence the students should be allowed to resume while an alternative structure should be awarded to Ilawe Communiy.
During a visit to the office of the commissioner for Education, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, she declined comment and directed Radio Nigeria Correspondent to the Commissioner for Information whom was not also available as at the time of this report.
Public private Primary and secondary Schools across Ekiti State today resumed for the first term of the 2023/2024 academic session.
Radio Nigeria roving correspondent, who monitored the resumption, observed that nearly all the schools offered prayers to usher in the new academic calendar.
The schools also tidied-up their premises while some were seen cutting grasses and others exchanging pleasantries.
Some of the schools visited were Government Science College, Iyin Ekiti, Deji Fasuan Model College, Christ Boys School, Christ Girl School, SAM/JEWEL Schools, Blue Crest Group of schools and Covenant Academy, all in Ado Ekiti.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the founder of Blue Crest Group of Schools, Mr Bolu Akomolafe and the proprietor of Sam/Jewel Schools, Pastor Okuyemi Emmanuel expressed happiness at the turn out of students being the first day of resumption.
They, however, called on parents to allow their children to resume so as not miss out from teaching and learning.
In an interview, some pupils, who said that they enjoyed the long holidays,, also thanked God for the grace given unto them to resume in good health.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye had earlier directed heads of schools, teachers and students to begin academic activities on the first day of resumption.
The buses provided by the Ekiti State Government to convey workers and students to ease the cost of transportation were equally seen at major routes taking students to their Schools and workers to their offices.
Equally, in Ogun State, pupils and students of public and private primary and secondary schools as well as government technical colleges resumed for the first term of 2023/2024 academic session.
Radio Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the resumption, reports that the hustle and bustle, especially the traffic jam that usually characterized school resumption, had returned to the state capital after the long term break.
A visit to schools in Abeokuta, Iaro, Sagamu and Ota areas of Ogun State showed an impressive turn out of students along with the enrollments of new students into the junior classes.
A student of Trinity College, Ijaye Abeokuta, Mokunnola Kamikunre expressed excitement for returning to school after the break.
A teacher, Mrs Temitope Omogboye from UBE Model Nursery and Primary School, Olorombo, Abeokuta who said the turnout of students was impressive, appealed to parents to release their children early for the academic activities.
Mrs Omogboye explained that the welcome test conducted for students was to refresh their memories and prepare them for the new academic term.
A parent Mr Kolawale Akin said there was the need for Federal Government to address the current inflation which he noted was affecting the economy.
Meanwhile, adequate facilities have been put in place such as new furniture and learning materials supplied, as well as classification of senior secondary school one students into classes.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu made this known while monitoring school resumption across the state.
Professor Arigbabu explained that the cancellation of various levies was part of the present administration’s commitment to further ensure education for all, tackle out of school menace and promote free qualitative education for the citizenry
Similarly, in Ibadan the Oyo State capital, academic activities commenced in private and public schools for 2023/2024 academic session.
Radio Nigeria correspondent, who visited some schools in Oluyole Estate, Apata, Mokola, saw students at the assembly ground praising God for witnessing the new academic session while administrative officers attended to the new students.
A senior school teacher Mr Seun Akinwale said academic activities commenced immediately, pointing out that teachers had resumed a week earlier to prepare ahead of resumption.
The head teacher, Kingdom Heritage Model School, Apata, Mrs Jumoke Oluyemi said schools needed to increase their school fee because of the economic situation of the country.
Some parents, while expressing their views, lamented increase in school Fees and other educational materials.
They called on government to promulgate policies that is economically friendly to alleviate the plights of people.
Depletion of Ozone layer has been attributed to smokes from burning fossil fuel, vehicles, firewood and harmful gases from air-conditioners as well as refrigerators.
A lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Ekiti State University, Professor Oluwayemisi Arowosoge made the observation in Ado-Ekiti in commemoration of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
Professor Arowosoge said continuous depletion of the Ozone layer, if not properly checked might lead to skin cancer, eye cataracts and impure immune system.
She called for planting of more trees, use of environmental friendly cooking utensils and electrical vehicles to reduce emission of carbon-dioxide to the planet.
Describing the ozone layer as a thin part of Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs almost all of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet light, the lecturer said banning of depleting substances would safeguard the Ozone layer and protect the ecosystems from unfavourable climate change.
Professor Arowosoge also discouraged the use of cosmetics that contain hydrofluorocarbons, regular service of refrigerators, air-conditioners and vehicles in order to protect human health, nature and the climate.
On December 19, 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 16 as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, and the theme for this year is ”Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change.”
The Ekiti State Government has employed 500 successful candidates following the recruitment process to fill vacant teaching positions in public secondary schools in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, Mr Mike Omolayo, said the employment letters of the successful candidates were ready for collection by the candidates.
Omolayo disclosed this on Sunday in a public service announcement signed on his behalf by the Chief Information Officer, Adejoke Ajayi.
It read, “Following the recent release of the lists of successful candidates recruited into the teaching service by the Ekiti State TESCOM, successful candidates who have completed their documentation processes are hereby directed to collect their letters of appointment at TESCOM, Ado Ekiti, on Monday, September 11, 2023, by 10am.”
The new teachers are expected to resume on September 18 when the new academic session begins in the state, Ajayi said.
Following approval by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the appointment of 500 teachers into public secondary schools in the state, about 12,000 job seekers, including physically challenged persons, applied for the jobs and underwent qualifying examinations while successful ones proceeded to two other stages of oral interview and micro-teaching.
Chairman in Ekiti State, Sola Adigun, said, “The employment is a welcome development. But like Oliver Twist, we will still want more. As a labour leader and representative of ASUSS, we have been at the vanguard of the call for recruitment of more workers across the board and particularly teaching, so, we are happy about it.”
Adigun hinged the call for more recruitment on the fact that secondary school teachers were retiring every year, thus leaving behind many vacancies.
“If we had 10,000 about eight years ago and we are going to 8,000 now, the reason is that experienced teachers are retiring on a yearly basis, so it is very important for the vacancies to be filled.
“I want to appreciate Mr Governor for approving this employment despite numerous challenges. As a union, we are happy. You will recollect that before now, Oyebanji approved the employment of about 1,000 teachers at the primary school level,” he added.
As part of efforts to further strengthen Ekiti State security architecture, governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has presented operational vehicles and equipment to the state police command.
Operational vehicles and equipment presented include two Armoured Personnel Carrier, ten patrol Hillux, fifty bullet proof vest, Helmets, tactical boots among others.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, held at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, governor Oyebanji said his administration would continue to evaluate the security situation in the state for improved standard.
Governor Oyebanji who expressed his administration zero tolerance to criminalities, said the government would continue to make efforts towards equipping security agencies with necessary combative gadgets to ensure safety of lives and properties of the residents.
He expressed the belief that the equipment would further compliment operations and boost the morale of the personnel, urging them to intensify efforts at nipping crimes in the bud, as he promised that similar gestures would be extended to other security agencies in the State.
Reacting, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dare Ogundare who expressed delight over the development, said the equipment would enhance performance of the force and assist in bringing criminalities to its lowest heb in the state.
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court which upheld his February 25 election.
Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described the judgment as “solid and detailed” and “a judicial sustenance of the mandate given to the clear winner of the presidential poll”.
He also hailed the judiciary for upholding the truth, stressing that the judicial affirmation of President Tinubu’s election has confirmed the choice of the majority of Nigerians who elected the All Progressives Congress presidential flag bearer as President of the country.
Mr Oyebanji pointed out that the Tribunal verdict had laid every doubt on the validity and authenticity of the presidential result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to rest and served as a proof that democracy and the rule of law are becoming firmly rooted in Nigeria.
According to the Governor, the latest judicial seal on Tinubu’s legitimacy will make Nigeria command more respect in the comity of nations as a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa and a model to other countries of the world.
Mr Oyebanji, who sat through the period of the judgement on Wednesday in Abuja, hailed the Presidential Election Petition Court for patiently and painstakingly looking into evidence provided by parties to the suit, before arriving at the verdict.
He said the painstaking handling of the matter by the court had further enhanced election dispute jurisprudence in the country.
The Governor praised the judges for their hard work, industry, perseverance and for acting as impartial arbiters who only arrived at their final decision based on the evidence before them and did justice to all the petitions.
Governor Oyebanji urged Nigerians to rally support for the President to succeed in the onerous task of leading the country to economic prosperity.
The Governor appealed to the opposition parties and their presidential candidates who lost at the Presidential Election Petitions Court to join hands with Asiwaju Tinubu to move Nigeria forward.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has stressed the need for all ministries in the state to work together with relevant Special Advisers so as to ensure robust service delivery in governance.
Governor Oyebanji stated this during the swearing-in of the state’s Head of Service and four commissioners who missed the earlier ceremony.
They include Mrs Tosin Aluko, Mr Olaiya Atibioke, Professor Bolaji Aluko and Mr Oladapo Karonwi as new members of the State Executive Council, held at the governor’s office, Ado Ekiti.
He told members of the council to let the spirit of fairness, compassion and equity guide whatever decision they take concerning the people, with a call on commissioners to form harmonious working relationship with special advisers whose functions are connected to their ministries.
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Mr Oyebanji said he would be holding meetings with some commissioners, permanent secretaries and special advisers to agree on how to have definitive role functions and job description, starting from tomorrow.
The Governor also used the occasion to assign portfolios to the two newly sworn-in commissioners in the state, Professor Bolaji Aluko as Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities while Mr Oladapo Karonwi is the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has recalled the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mr Olaiya Atibioke from suspension.
The recall followed expiration of the two weeks suspension imposed on the Commissioner on the 12th of this month.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Mr Atibioke is expected to resume work at his office today.
The Governor urged top government functionaries in the state to take a cue from the suspension, while restating his administration’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and actions that are inimical to the progress of the state.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Mr. Sunday Komolafe as the new Head of Service, HOS, in the State Civil Service.
Mr. Komolafe, until his new appointment, was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transportation.
He takes over from Mr. Bamidele Agbede, who is billed to retire from the State Civil Service on Friday, August 18th, having attained the mandatory 35 years in the service.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode says Mr Komolafe’s appointment as Head of Service takes effect from Monday, August 21, 2023.
The new Head of Service holds a Second Class Upper degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan.
Mr. Komolafe is a chartered and registered Engineer with the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria, COREN, and a corporate member, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.
He started his civil service career with the then Ondo State Civil Service in July 1989.
He joined the Ekiti State Civil Service in 1996 upon the creation of the state and served as General Manager of the State Electricity Board between 2002 and 2014.
Mr. Komolafe, who hails from Omuo Ekiti, Ekiti East Local Government Area, was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2014.
Prior to his appointment as Head of Service, he had served as Permanent Secretary in several Ministries including the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (2014-2016); Office of the Deputy Governor (2016-2020); Ministry of Local Government Affairs (2020-2022); Ministry of Works and Transportation (2022- till present).
Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji has commended the outgoing Head of Service, Mr Bamidele Agbede for his meritorious service to the state, especially his brilliance, resourcefulness, professionalism, and exemplary leadership, which greatly helped in repositioning the State Civil Service for optimal service delivery.
The governor wished Mr. Agbede success in his future endeavors.
Governors of the Southwest states have been enjoined to create more dams to harvest rainwater that will be useful for irrigation farming during dry season.
A lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Professor Raphael Omolehin gave the advice on the need to safeguard rainwater that may lead to flooding.
Professor Omolehin emphasized that governments in the Northern parts of the country created artificial lakes, which farmers utilized during dry season to grow food crops.
The Agricultural economist, who stressed that the River Basin Commissions in the Southwest did not have noticeable dams for dry season farming, urged them to learn from their Northern counterparts, who ensured that their farmers grow 80 percent of cereals needed by breweries in the Southwest.
He noted that instead of allowing rain to constitute flooding, the one channelled to artificial lakes could be useful for agricultural, domestic and hydro-electrical purposes.
While stressing that the Southwest is endowed with thick forests, Professor Omolehin added that governors in the region could create artificial lake, bulldoze those forest and cluster farmers around them for all year round farming.
He stressed that pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, maize and rice attract diseases during rainy season, but yield bountiful during dry season, saying irrigation would make most crops to be cheaper and affordable.
The Agricultural economist noted that most farmers in the Southwest practised subsistence farming, calling on Governors of the region to purchase irrigation equipments, subsidize fertilizer and agro chemicals for their farmers to be able to produce surplus food so as to reduce hunger.
Violent Chants rent the air in Usi Ekiti, Ido Osi Local Government of Ekiti State on Wednesday as people of the community particularly youths took to the street in protest.
The cause of the protest was what the community called the unlawful arrest of their kinsmen by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command on the order of one Segun Ibikunle.
The aggrieved protesters lamented that the men of the Rapid Response Squad RRS stormed the community in the dead of the night and broke into the compounds of those arrested.
It was alleged that the incident was one out of several cases in which Mr. Ibikunle had allegedly been harassing people of the community with security agents at every slightest provocation.
Those arrested according to the protesters were Mr. Ojo Sunday and MR. Owoeye Tayo, added that the officers operated in a manner unexpected of modern security agents.
The protesters, who carried various placards bearing their thoughts and agitations, alleged that at about 2 am, the officers jumped over the fence of Mr. Ojo Sunday and destroyed his door to gain entrance, a situation they described as unacceptable.
They alleged that Mr. Ibikunle had been using the police personnel to harass youths in the community, especially those he perceived were not supporting his ambition to own a chieftaincy title in the community.
The protesters called on the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, and other relevant authorities to intervene and save them from persistent torture in the hands of Mr. Ibikunle.
A copy of a petition sent to the Police Complaint Response Unit was also made available to newsmen.
When contacted, the spokesman for Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu said the concerned persons were arrested based on a petition of threat to life against them.
Efforts to speak with Ajayi Ibikunle were unsuccessful.
As part of efforts to cushion the effect of the recent fuel subsidy removal on workers in Ekiti State and other residents, Government has rolled out palliative measures to ameliorate their sufferings.
Addressing newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the chairman of the Palliative Committee and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode said the arrangements were arrived at after a thorough consultative move and deliberations by members of the committee.
Mr Oyebode said based on recommendations by the Committee, Governor Biodun Oyebanji had approved immediate payment of one year leave bonus for both the State and Local Government workers, as well as payment of one month arrears for pensioners of both government tiers and payment of one month subvention arrears to tertiary institutions.
Other approved measures include payment of consequential adjustment on minimum wage for state and LG workers on grade level 14 to 17, provision of free shuttle buses for workers and students, implementation of 90% CONHESS and 100% Hazard allowance for health staff as well as implementation of financial benefits of 2020 and 2021 promotions for workers.
According to Mr Oyebode, #5000 will be paid to the poorest and vulnerable residents as conditional cash transfer to ten thousand households, starting from this month till December this year with emphases on the aged.
He added that there would also be food distribution to the people, inputs to farmers and financial support to small businesses among others.
Former Ekiti United Football Club handler, Samson Omiponle has been unveiled as the head coach of Gateway United Football Club of Ogun State.
Coach Omiponle was unveiled alongside his assistant, Rasheed Bamgbose at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Presenting the new Head Coach to the public, the General Manager of Gateway Utd FC, Mr. Niyi Soleye expressed excitement for the addition of the former Warri Wolves Coach.
Mr Soleye noted that the appointment of coach Omiponle was in line with the desire of the state government and fans of the club.
He urged the new Manager not to dash the expectation of the fans’ hope of seeing the football club at the Nigeria Premier League next year.
Addressing journalists, Coach Omiponle assured the management of possessive football which according to him is the modern style of elite football.
He promised to bring his wide experience as football analyst for Shooting Stars to ensure qualification of Gateway United to the Premier League next season.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has charged the newly sworn-in Commissioners and Special Advisers to let the prosperity agenda of his administration be their guiding principles.
Governor Oyebanji gave the charge during the inauguration of 19 commissioners and 14 Special Advisers, held at the government house pavilion in Ado Ekiti.
The governor, who noted that the new Commissioners and Special Advisers were selected through transparent processes, stressed the need for them to be committed, diligent and dedicated to their duties.
He also urged them to be closer to their people and shun acts that could bring disrepute to the state, saying that they would be taken through a retreat programme, starting from next week Thursday so as to get them prepared and acquainted with their responsibilities.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the new commissioner for Education, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, appreciated governor Oyebanji for the privilege and promised to live up to expectation in the discharge of their duties.
Some of the new appointees are, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kehinde Ajobiewe Kolawole and Commissioner for Agric and food security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade.
Some of the new Aides include Special Adviser on Investment and Programme, Mrs Yemisi Ayokunle, Special Adviser on Human Capital Development and Allied Matters, Mr Gbenga Agbeyo, Gender Empowerment and Mobilization, Mrs Kemi Olaleye among others.
Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 47 (forty-seven) suspected internet fraudsters.
This is contained in a statement signed by the commission’s head of media and publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren
The suspects were arrested on June 23, 2023, at Ikere Road and Iworoko areas of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State following intelligence on their alleged cyber fraud activities in the State.
The suspects are Adeyemi Joshua Adeniran, Ajaye Redmond Damilare, Nwaji Mathew, Jegede Boluwaji Victor, Oyetunji Sunday Wole, Damilola Awopetu Ayomide, Ajayi Temitope Ayomide, Babajide Adebisi Victor, Balogun Precious Akinwale, Obie Jacob Onatakaroma, Olonitola Olamilekan, Ajewole Ojo Kayode, Aina Toluwani Emmanuel, Adebayo Akinwumi Oluwadamilare, Omowaye Oluwatosin Olamilekan, Oyewale Francis Oyomilekan, Arowolo Ayomide Gift, Shotonwa Babatunde Omotoyosi, Ochochie Silas Ochola, Ojo Seyitan David, Onile Ayodeji Raphael and Abiodun Oluwatosin Opeyemi.
Others are: Adebayo Gbenga Musbau, Oyebade Ayomide Olamide, Egunjobi Samuel Gbenga, Oladokun Toheeb Adekola, Adesola Benjamin Adebowale, Edamisan Olakunle, Adesola Isaac Babatunde, Oyewole Gideon David, Lawal Tosimile Moses, Adeleke Adekunle Samson, Oladiti Abiodun Akanji, Ajayi Charles Temitayo, Adeyemi Oluwasegun Adeboye, Ernest Solomon Temitope and Atoun Olalekan Timilehin.
The rest are: Olorunyomi Sina Ayo, Babatunde Emmanuel Babalola, Yusuf Saka Olaoluwatobi, Falaye Babatunde Temitope, Ilesanmi Damilola Ayomide, Badmus Yusuf Omobolaji, Komolafe Emmanuel Feranmi, Babajide Adebisi Victor, Adamolekun Olamiji and Oshatimi Samuel Omoniyi.
In a related development, the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Police arrested and handed over two cybercrime suspects, Emiola Usman and Kamorudeen Quayum, to the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC, for further investigation.
Items recovered from the suspects include fifteen (15) exotic cars, sixteen (16) laptops, seventy-seven (77) mobile phones and other incriminating documents.
According to the statement, the suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigations are concluded.
A former lawmaker and member of the Social Democratic Party, SDP Mr Bimbo Daramola, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a huge blessing to Ekiti, saying the governor’s scorecard may influence his return to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Mr Daramola, who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency One in the House of Representatives stated this when he paid a visit to Governor Oyebanji in Ado Ekiti.
He said his visit was informed by the need to identify with Mr Oyebanji for his overwhelming performance and achievements in all sectors within the short time he assumed office, calling on the governor not to waver in his transformation drive.
Mr Daramola, who was also a candidate of SDP in the last National Assembly election in Ekiti State, confirmed that there was a possibility of returning to the APC owing to the fact that the Ekiti State helmsman was demonstrating an inspiring leadership quality that had captivated him and rated the governor’ performance eighty percent.
According to the former lawmaker, Mr Oyebanji’s all-inclusive style of leadership and excellent performance in Ekiti was a good sign that the state would witness tremendous development in all ramifications, as he urged the people of the state to give him the needed support to deliver on his mandate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Ekiti State has declared the APC candidate for Ido Osi Constituency 1 of the State House of Assembly, Mr Fawekun Babatunde as the winner of the Supplementary Election held on Saturday in the area.
A statement by the INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Temitope Akanmu in Ado Ekiti says the APC candidate, Mr Babatunde Fawekun polled four thousand, seven hundred and sixty-four (4,764) votes to beat his closest rival from the SDP, Mr Fadahunsi Ishola Who got four thousand, two hundred and four (4,204) votes to come second.
According to the statement, seven political parties fielded candidates for the Supplementary Election.
The statement appreciates the people of the Ido Osi constituency one for their peaceful conduct which led to the success of the exercise.
Similarly, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and the incumbent lawmaker representing Ibadan Northeast/Southeast Federal Constituency, Mr Abass Adigun has been declared the winner of the Supplementary elections held on Saturday in Oyo State.
Mr Adigun polled a total number of twenty-eight thousand, one hundred and eleven votes (28,111) to defeat his closest rival, a one-time House of Reps member, Mr Dapo Lam Adesina of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled twenty-seven Thousand three hundred and thirty-eight votes (27,338).
Declaring the winner, Professor Benjamin Olley of the University of Ibadan, said Mr Abass Agboworin, having satisfied the requirements of the law was returned elected.
The Supplementary Election into Ido Osi constituency one of the Ekiti State house of Assembly is ongoing.
The exercise is taking place in polling units 3, 12 and 14 all in Ido Osi Constituency One.
It was observed that the turnout was encouraging compared to the March 18 House of Assembly election in the state.
Some of the voters confirmed to Radio Nigeria that there was early arrival of election materials and the personnel.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Ayobami Salami led the management team to monitor the exercise.
Briefing Newsmen, the REC, Professor Ayobami Salami expressed satisfaction with the process.
Also, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Dare Ogundare, who led security personnel to the three Polling units, said adequate officers were deployed for the exercise to ensure its peaceful conduct.
Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC were on ground to check vote buying.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Ekiti State says it has taken delivery of the materials meant for the conduct of this Saturday’s supplementary election in three polling units in Ido/Osi Constituency One State House of Assembly.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Ayobami Salami made this known in a statement in Ado Ekiti, through the Commission’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Temitope Akanmu.
Professor Salami said the supplementary election became necessary following the cancellation of the results of the March 18 elections in the three polling units due to the violent disruption of the voting process by political thugs.
The REC announced that the margin between the leading candidate and the one that follows was too small to declare anybody as the winner.
Professor Salami expressed the readiness of the electoral body to conduct a credible supplementary election.
He appealed to eligible voters in the affected polling units 3, 12 and 14 to come out and exercise their franchise peacefully, as adequate security had been put in place to ensure a successful exercise.
According to Professor Salami, voting will start at half past eight in the morning and end by half past two in the afternoon.
INEC in Ekiti State had on March 18 announced the results of twenty-five constituencies of the State House of Assembly and declared that of Ido/Osi Constituency One as inconclusive.
The twenty-five lawmakers-elect with APC 23 seats and SDP two seats have since received their Certificates of Return.
Ahead of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has distributed sensitive materials for the poll to the sixteen local governments in Ekiti State.
The materials such as ballot papers, Result sheets and forms were distributed in the presence of stakeholders including Journalists, security agents and party representatives.
During the distribution of the materials held at the CBN, Ado-Ekiti, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Professor Ayobami Salami, said the early distribution was to avoid lateness of the materials to the polling units on election day.
He pointed out that everything needed for the smooth conduct of the polls was ready, saying the election would hold as scheduled, as against rumours in some quarters that it would be postponed.
The REC reassured Nigerians that their votes would count, calling on them to come out massively to exercise their franchise during the election.
Speaking on behalf of other political parties, the Chairman, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC in Ekiti State, Mr. Owoola Daramola expressed satisfaction with the distribution process of the materials and he was optimistic that the election would be transparent.
Earlier during a briefing of Observer groups that would participate in the election in Ekiti State, Professor Salami urged them to be transparent, neutral and avoid partisanship in the discharge of their duties.
He told them not to be judgmental in their reports, saying the legitimacy of the 2023 elections could be affected by their reports, hence they must be factual while giving the reports.
“We expect a final report that will guide us in future elections and the report should look at the entire electoral process, rather than concentrating only on the proceedings of just one day”.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Moronkeji Adesina said the Police in conjunction with other security agencies in the state had prepared to ensure the safety of voters during the polls.
Represented by Mr Olu-Victor Babayemi, the Commissioner of Police noted that a control centre had been created where observations and complaints could be forwarded for quick response.
