Politics

Ekiti State PDP Gets New Executive Members

By Web News 840

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has, on behalf of the National Executive Committee approved the composition of the Ekiti State PDP Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Party for a period of months.

The Members of the Ekiti State PDP Caretaker Committee are Mr Sadiq Obanoyen, Chairman, Hon. Ojoade Fajana, Member, Chief Adijat Eniola Balogun, member, Hon. Oladimeji Joshua Ayodele , member, Chief Boboye Adekunle, member.

Others are Hajia Lawal Idayat Tosin, member, Comrade Waliu Olawole Oladipupo, member, Erelu Toyin Olumilua Mark , member, Dr. Modupe Alade , Member, Aare Temitope Amerijoye, Member and Barr. Dosu Babatunde , Secretary 

A statement by National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba says the appointment is with immediate effect.

It urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of the Party in Ekiti State to continue to work together and remain focused on the task ahead.

Olaniyi Alade

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Politics

Judgment on Ekiti Governorship Election Tussle Fixed for Thursday

By Web News 637

The Ekiti State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti will tomorrow (Thursday) deliver judgment on the petition filed by Chief Segun Oni of the Social Democratic party, SDP challenging the declaration of Mr Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, APC as the winner of the June 18 poll in the State.

The secretary to the Tribunal, Mr Umar Abubakar confirmed this in a statement in Ado Ekiti.

According to Mr Abubakar, the judgement will be delivered at the Tribunal venue located within the Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti by 9 o’clock in the morning.

Ogunrinde Amos

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Education

Oyebanji Approves Recruitment of Primary School Teachers in Ekiti

By Web News 602

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has approved the recruitment of teachers to fill the existing vacancies in public primary schools.

The Chairman, Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Professor Femi Akinwumi made this known in a statement in Ado-Ekiti.

Professor Akinwumi said the approval was to further strengthen teaching and learning activities in the basic education sector.

He explained that Government was already working out modalities for the commencement of the recruitment exercise, stressing that proper laid-down procedures including advertising on the state website and in reputable media organizations would be duly followed for the recruitment.

Professor Akinwumi, however, warned the public, particularly prospective applicants, to be wary of internet fraudsters parading their websites and blogs as recruitment platforms for the Board’s 2022 and 2023 recruitment

exercise.

“Ekiti SUBEB will soon recruit suitably qualified teachers for our public primary schools and procedures for the recruitment are already being put in place. As soon as this is completed, we will formally inform the public through the Ekiti State website:www.ekitistate.gov.ng and through reputable media outlets “

“Applicants should however beware of internet recruitment fraudsters,

who might try to paint their websites and blogs as recruitment platforms for the Board’s recruitment exercise. 

Application forms for the exercise would never be downloaded on social media”, Professor Akinwumi warned.

Ekiti SUBEB recruited 600 primary school teachers in 2021.

Amos Ogunrinde

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Lifestyle

FG Brings Succour to victims of Natural Disasters in Ekiti

By Web News 504

Ekiti State Government has taken delivery of relief materials worth millions of naira from the Federal Government for distribution to victims of floods, rainstorms and other natural disasters in the state. 

Some of the items received are building materials and foodstuff which includes one hundred metric tons of maize, about eighty-nine metric tons of sorghum and ninety-eight metric tons of garri, while other food items were rice, beans, salt and vegetable oil.

Other items were men, women and children’s wear, mosquito nets, and mats, among others.

While taking delivery of the materials in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye appreciated the Federal Government and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA for the gesture at this critical time the flood and rainstorms had wreaked havoc in some parts of the country.

Chief Afuye, who explained that some farmlands had been destroyed by flood in Ekiti, said the government would do everything possible to bring succour to the victims by ameliorating the suffering of the people, especially the affected farmers.

“The Deputy Governor said that government is aware of devastating effects of flood ravaging some parts of Nigeria”

She said, “many farmlands have been taken over by flood in the state, expressing believe that the relief materials received with the one provided by the Ekiti State Government would go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the victims of disasters in the state.”

Chief Afuye, however, observed that parts of the materials were yet to be taken to the state and promised that when they were all received, they would be distributed to the beneficiaries.

Earlier, the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed explained that the gesture was part of the President Muhammadu  Buhari’s administration commitment to make life meaningful to the people, especially victims of natural disasters.

Alhaji Ahmed said that President Buhari had already released twelve thousand metric tons of grains to be distributed to thirty-six states in the country and urged state governments to ensure the smooth distribution of the items.

Oriola Afolabi

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Transportation

Ekiti Cargo Airport: Farmers Protest Non-payment of Compensation

By Web News 482

Aggrieved Farmers have taken to the major road leading to the Cargo Airport at the outskirts of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State in the early hours of Thursday, in their bid to ensure compensation was paid to them for their lands and farm produce destroyed in the course of building the airstrips.

The farmers numbering about 100 used iron bars, big sticks and set fire to tyres and made the road unaccessible to the people.

The visibly angry farmers accused Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of shortchanging them and depriving them of their rights and entitlements.

Remember that the agitation has started since February, 2022, when some old men and women who were original land and farm owners complained bitterly that their lands and farm produce were destroyed to pave way for the airport.

The leader of the farmers, Mr. Peter Ishola said they have written the Governor, House of Assembly and even stage a walk to Secretariat to plead with the state governor to no avail.

As early as 6:00 am, the protesters in their numbers blocked the Ago Aduloju road leading to the airport and later the major road linking Ado and Ikare Akoko, Ondo state.

The trucks conveying the workers to the site were stopped at Ago Aduloju and denied entry.

Some of the workers who tried to walk down to the site were also stopped while traffic built up down to the Ogbese bridge as commuters were seen turning back following the major roadblock.

One of the Chinese contractors who came in company of some soldiers guarding the airport tried his best to calm the farmers but his efforts proved abortive.

When contacted, state Commissioner for Information, Mr Akin Omole who spoke through a phone call said he would get across to the appropriate bodies in charge of the project who will see to the grievances of the protesting farmers.

Olaniyi Alade

Crime

Local Hunters Arrest Killers of NSCDC Officer in Ekiti

By Web News 682

Gunmen who recently killed a Civil Defense officer and abducted three members of the deceased immediate family have been arrested by local hunters.

The deceased Segun Ayebulu was shot dead on September 3,2022 in the presence of hus children and brother. while travelling to his hometown at Ogbe,Yagba West Local Government area of Kogi State at about 6.30pm.

The chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, Mr Micheal Ogungbemi, who confirmed to journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday that the supsects were arrested by Ajoni Local Security Network codenamed Operation Eradicating Bandits at the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities(EBBORAC).

He said the local security operatives arrested the culprits while patrolling the border area between Ekiti and Kwara Tuesday evening.

He said: “They had confessed to have perpetrated the killing of the NSCDC operative and kidnapping of his family members. If not for the prompt action I took, they would have been mobbed by angry youth.”

“Recovered from them were two AK47. Immediately after the arrest, my office was contacted and I instantly informed the team from Amotekun Corps, Ikole Command, Officers of the Divisional Police Officer, Ikole LGA for immediate detention, investigation and prosecution of the culprits.

“They are presently being detained at the police station in Ikole Ekiti”.

The Commander, Ekiti State Amotekun Corps, Brig Gen. Joe Komolafe confirmed the arrest of the four suspects.

Akomolafe said: “Yes, they are now with the police. The local security network worked with our operatives in arresting the suspected killers and kidnappers.

“Since the incident happened, our men have not rested. We have been combing the surrounding bushes at the border area. We are sounding a warning to criminals that Ekiti is not in any way safe for them.”

Independent.ng/Simeon Ugbodovon

Crime

Ekiti Attorney General Advocates Safe Space for SGBV Victims

By Web News 635

Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Fapohunda, SAN, has called for a safe space for women in public service experiencing sexual and gender-based violence in their homes.

Mr Fapohunda stated this while delivering a lecture titled ‘Tackling the Menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Public Service (SGBV): Role of Women in Management.

The Attorney General stated that women in management should involve the services of retired senior citizens, who can mentor and sensitize female public servants battling gender-based violence either in the workplace or home front.

He highlighted some of the interventions put in place by the government to include enforcement of the criminal justice system to punish perpetrators of SGBV, safe shelter for victims, and sexual referral centres among others 

Mr Fapohunda implored the various ministries to come up with their own GBV policies to checkmate Sexual harassment in the workplace.

In her contribution, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Folake Olomojobi mentioned that women in management should key into the intervention by the World Bank to support Ekiti State with safe shelter for SGBV victims across the sixteen local government areas of the state.

She noted that when women are economically empowered they will be less vulnerable to domestic violence.

Earlier in her welcome address the coordinator, women in management Ekiti State Mrs Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo, said women in management would continue to assist in preparing female officers in the public service for leadership roles, encourage healthy habits and lifting other women as well as sensitizing them against SGBV.

Olufisoye Adenitan

Crime

Hunters Apprehend Suspected Killer of Ekiti Motorcyclist

By Web News 428

Hunters in Isan Ekiti have apprehended two gunmen suspected to be the killers of a commercial motorcyclist, Abejide Ojo, who was ambushed along Isan/ llemeso Road.

The gunmen, according to a report, were apprehended inside a bush between Isan and Ilemeso Ekiti during a thorough raid of the area.

The suspected Gunmen have since been handed over to the police in Isan Ekiti for investigation and prosecution.

It could be recalled that a commercial motorcyclist, Abejide Ojo was killed yesterday while returning from Isan to Ilemeso Ekiti.

Olaniyi Alade

Crime

Gunmen Abduct 4 in Ekiti, Ask for N20m Ransom

By Web News 384

Gunmen struck along Oke Ako–Irele Road in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Wednesday evening and allegedly whisked away no fewer than four persons.

Sources alleged that the incident which occurred at about 7.30pm involved occupants of two vehicles, a commercial car and a mini-truck, waylaid at a bad portion of the road.

A source at Oke Ako alleged that the driver, a native of the neighbouring Ipao-Ekiti and a passenger were abducted in the commercial vehicle while the driver and his assistant were taken away in the mini-truck, which he said was conveying charcoal.

Other sources, however, said they could not ascertain the exact number of the victims whether lower or higher than four.

A community source at Oke Ako said, “We were in a meeting at about 8pm on Wednesday when we got information that there were two vehicles with doors opened and the headlights were on on the road, but that there was nobody in the vehicles.

“On getting there, we saw a commercial vehicle and a mini-truck. But before we got there, the occupants of the two vehicles had been abducted by the kidnappers. The abductors had been calling since Wednesday night requesting N20million as a ransom for the victims

“In the course of the phone call from the den, we got to know the victims are four and that the passenger boarded the commercial vehicle at Irele Ekiti and heading to Ayedun Ekiti.

“The commercial car driver said he did not know where they were in the bush but that all he knew was that they were near a river as they could hear sounds of a flowing river. However, men of the Police Rapid Response Squad, Ametekun Corps, and local hunters have been combing the bush to rescue them. It is our prayer that they get them hale and hearty.”

Another source, who said that the kidnappers were requesting N20m ransom, added that the communities in Ekamefa comprising Irele, Ijowa, Oke Ako, Ipao, Itapaji and Iyemero were living in fear of the kidnappers, who he said had surrounded the area.

The spokesperson for Ekamefa, Oluwafemi Abayomi, said, “Insecurity is a big problem in our area here. Our people are not safe, nobody can go to the farm again without being kidnapped.

“We, Ekamefa, call on the state and federal governments to help us, we are helpless in the hands of the gunmen. There are soldiers at Ipao, there are soldiers at Oke Ako. This kidnap incident happened around there, we need help,” Abayomi said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the kidnap incident, however, said he was still expecting the detail.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

News

NYSC POP: 14 Corps Members Bag Service Extension in Ondo, Ekiti

By Web News 1425

The National Youths Service Corps, NYSC has sanctioned twenty-two corps members in Ondo state for various misdemeanours and contravening the rules guiding the scheme during their service year.

The NYSC coordinator in the state, Mrs Victoria Ani stated this during the passing out ceremony for the 2021 batch ‘B’ (Stream one) corps members held in Akure, the state capital.

According to Mrs Ani, Eight corps members would have their service extended while fourteen members who absconded from service would have to repeat the service subject to the approval of Directorate Headquarters, Abuja.

The NYSC coordinator however said two corps members who distinguished themselves extra-ordinarily had been rewarded with State Honours Award.

She warned the corps members to desist from being rude as arrogance will take them nowhere but good manners would open doors that education or qualifications could open for them.

In a message, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu gave assurance that the state government would ensure that various projects executed by some of the corps members would be maintained to stand the test of time.

In a related development, seventeen corps members have been sanctioned for absenteeism and abscondment while six others got state awards in Ekiti State.

Out of the seventeen sanctioned, eleven will be remobilized while service period of six will be extended.

The state coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Mary Chikezie stated this in Ado Ekiti during the passing out parade of the Batch ‘B’ stream one corps members deployed to the state.

Mrs Chikezie commended those who passed out successfully for their contributions to the development of Ekiti State in the last one year.

The state NYSC coordinator encouraged them to make use of various skill acquisitions gained during the service to be employers of labour instead of Job seekers.

In his speech, the Governor of Ekiti State,  Dr kayode Fayemi charged them to channel their youthful energy towards the sustenance of democracy and various government programmes.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi , the Governor also  extolled the roles they  played during the June 18 governorship election in the state.

In an interview, some of the award recipients among the corps members, including Miss Balogun Anuoluwapo expressed happiness and  promised to continue given back to the society.

However, one of the corps members, Nkwocha Esther died during a brief illness while serving her father land in Ekiti State.

Kayode Animasaun / Niyi Alade

Environment

Govt. Orders Traders to Vacate Roadsides in Ekiti

By Web News 463

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has issued a seven-day ultimatum to roadside traders at Ọja Oba and other strategic places in Ado- Ekiti, the State capital, to relocate to Agric Olope and Awedele markets within the metropolis.

Dr. Fayemi, gave the order in Ado-Ekiti at a meeting with stakeholders including security agencies, market women leaders, transport union leaders, environmental sanitation officers, Representatives of government agencies, and chairmen Ado Ekiti Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, on Monday.

Apparently displeased with the congestion being experienced at Oja Oba and its environs, the Governor said defaulters of the order would be prosecuted, according to extant environmental laws of the state beginning from July 4.

The Governor also expressed displeasure at the indiscriminate disposal of refuse on the median of the dual carriage roads in the State capital, adding that enforcement agencies and mobile courts would be instituted in critical places in the state capital to arrest and immediately prosecute defaulters.

The Governor revealed that all the needed facilities to make Agric Olope and Awedele markets conducive had been provided in addition to adequate security, including Amotekun to secure the lives and properties of the people in the area.

He charged the people of the state and environmental sanitation agencies to complement government efforts at making the state clean and healthy.

The Governor also ordered that relevant agencies, committees, Local Government and other concerned groups to form a synergy and come up with a roadmap that would form the action plan for implementation within seven days.

Governor Fayemi disclosed that the ongoing bus terminal building in the State capital was part of government measures to address indiscriminate commercial car activities and make the road safe for all users in the state.

“I have just driven from Ilawe to Government House and it is the same problem. This is 11 O’clock all the rubbish dropped in the median of the dual carriage way is still seating there as I speak.

“The major reason why I called this meeting is particularly about the problem at Oja Oba. I will give one week till July 4 for every single space around Oja Oba to be cleared. Those who are supposed to go to Agric Olope which we have cleared and made available or Awedele, if they don’t leave Oja Oba and go there in the next one week, would be prosecuted.

“I want to plead with all that are concerned, the committee that Hon Commissioner for Work and Transport chaired, the one that Director General Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery, OTSD has been driving all these should come together after this meeting and develop a road map that will be the action plan for implementation within the next one week. If there are cost implementations let me have it and I will address that. Anybody who has no business in Oja Ọna should move to Agric Olope or Awedele markets.” He charged.

Earlier, the Director General OTSD, Professor Mobolaji Aluko explained that the meeting was at the instant of the Governor to address congestion at Oja Oba, sanitation of the state capital and other related matters.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Abiodun Congratulates Ekiti Governor-Elect

By Web News 445


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the winner of the 2022 governorship election in Ekiti State, Biodun Oyenbamji, of the All Progressives Congress APC.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun  said the victory clearly indicated that the outgoing Governor, Kayode Fayemi, had performed in office to the admiration of the people of Ekiti State.

While pointing out  that people had spoken through the ballot, Governor Abiodun commended the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, for conducting a free and fair governorship poll.

The Governor equally commended the security agencies for ensuring a violence-free poll despite the pre-election fear of chaos.

He also urged the Governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory for overall development of Ekiti state.

Bolanle Adesida

News Analysis

X-raying Ekiti 26 Years after Creation

By Web News 1291

Twenty-six years after the creation of Ekiti State, residents and stakeholders are not happy with the economic growth of the state.

As the state prepares for another election to elect new leaders, concerned citizens want a change of tactics from the old order to move the state to an enviable height. 

Ekiti State was created in 1996 after it was carved out of the old Ondo State by the then military Head of State, Late Gen. Sani Abacha.

From barely a million people during its creation in 1996, Ekiti has risen to about four million in 2020 according to statistics obtained from the Ministry of Information. 

Though people of the state were predominantly farmers from the onset, over the years significant progress was recorded in Education thus the state is referred to as the Fountain of Knowledge. 

Twenty-six years down the line, successive governments have introduced various policies and programmes to boost the economy but residents and stakeholders seem not to be satisfied with the level of results as captured by the Radio Nigeria microphone.

Going forward, the respondents hoped to see an industrialized Ekiti with increased GDP and better opportunities for unemployed youths.

In his reaction, Prophet Ade Ologbonyo of the Christ Apostolic Church, Boanerges Ministry, said though the state of things in the country had its effect on the economy of the state, much more ought to have been done to make things better than they are present.

Also speaking recently at the May Day celebration, the chairman of NLC in Ekiti State, Mr. Olatunde Kolapo said the civil service is a major determinant of the  Ekiti economy, hence government must ensure regular payment of salaries as and when due as well as the settlement of all outstanding benefits.

To a public affairs analyst, vote-buying is a major factor that had crippled the economy of the state because it had encouraged corruption and bad governance.

A community leader from Ayegbaju Ekiti, High Chief Ogunmoye Ojo called for a conducive environment that would encourage small-scale businesses while equally advising youths in the state to acquire skills that could earn them a living.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode said the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi had done much to open the state and build its economy with emphasis on the rehabilitation of the Ire Burnt Brick, Ikun Dairy Farm, and the ongoing construction of Airport.

All the respondents were of the opinion that for Ekiti state to witness an improved economy, both the government and the governed should work together in order to fast-track meaningful development.

Click to listen

Kayode Babatuyi

News

Popular Broadcaster in Ekiti Missing

By Web News 1748

A popular broadcaster who features prominently on the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti, Remi Okunola is known as Alausa special has been declared missing by colleagues and family members.

At the time of this report, the whereabouts of the broadcaster is said to be unknown for almost three days now.

According to her close colleague, Bayo Famoroti, Alausa left home on Saturday for Ibadan, Oyo State perhaps for an MC job, but to an unknown destination.

He said she boarded a vehicle with a neighbour who confirmed that she dropped her at a bus stop in Ibadan but no one including her husband could ascertain where she actually went to in Ibadan and what happened to her.

All efforts to communicate with her had been abortive as her lines had been put off since Saturday.

Anyone with useful information can contact the nearest Police station or call 08032477703, 08033164320.

Olawale Asake

Politics

INEC Makes Provisions for PWD

By Web News 542

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Ekiti state, Dr Adeniran Tella says provisions have been made for people with disabilities to participate actively in next month’s Governorship election in the state

Dr Tella announced this in Ado Ekiti at a sensitization programme put together for People with Disabilities in the state..

He explained that some persons with Disabilities would be engaged as ad-hoc staff while others who were eligible to vote would be allowed to exercise their franchise without going through difficulties.

The REC advised executive of the association to mobilize their members across the state to collect their permanent Voter Card snd to also come out on the day of the exercise and vote.

Dr Tella assured them of adequate security as promised by the police.

In his remarks, the state Chairman, Joint Association of People with Disabilities, Mr Owolabi Paul thanked INEC for not sidelining members of his group in its activities.

AMOS Ogunrinde

Lifestyle

Two towns get new Traditional rulers in Ekiti

By Web News 1007

Ekiti State Government has approved the appointment of Prince Adesanmi Adebayo Michael from the Ojopekun Ruling House as the new Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti in Ekiti South West Local Government Area.

Government also approved the appointment of Prince Ojo Amos Idowu from the Ikumoluyi Ruling House as the new Alaaye of Aaye-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Mr Akin Omole disclosed that the approval was part of the decisions taken at the virtual meeting of the State Executive Council after ascertaining that all required customary and legal steps had been taken to choose the new traditional rulers.

He stressed that the ratification of the appointments was made after clearance from the Ministry of Justice.

Mr Omole added that, the Council also authorized the publication of legal notices of the appointments in the State official gazette.

The Commissioner recalled that the Ologotun’s throne became vacant on September 29, 2021 following the demise of Oba Samuel Oyebade while the Alaaye’s stool became vacant on August 30, 2021 sequel to the passing of Oba Theophilus Adegoke Ogunbiyi of the Bejide Ruling House.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Over 650,000 PVC Obtainable in Ogun – REC

By Web News 941

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ogun State has called for more commitment to the electoral process among people of the state.

The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Niyi Ijalaye made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta.

Mr Ijalaye said there were more than Six hundred and fifty thousand Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, obtainable across the state, urging political parties, religious and community leaders among other interest groups to rise to the responsibility of mobilizing the people to collect their PVCs. 

Mr Ijalaye said the PVCs of about twenty one thousand eligible voters captured during the first and second quarters of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration exercise had also been printed and ready for collection, with a call on all registered Voters to visit the nearest local Government offices of the INEC to collect the cards. 

He explained that more registration centres were created across polling units and local government areas of the state to enhance registration and revalidation of Voters cards as part of efforts by INEC to conduct credible, fair and inclusive elections for Nigerians.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner while pointing out that registration, once done, remained valid, also advised members of the public to make use of the Commission’s website for further information and online registration with the assurance that the commission would ensure strict adherence to principles.

Modupeola Sobukonla

Politics

Presidential Race: Fayemi Steps onto the Track Tomorrow

By Web News 498

Ekiti State Governor, and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi will formally declare his intention to run for the position of President of the country tomorrow in Abuja.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode made this known in a statement in Ado Ekiti.

According to Mr Oyebode, Wednesday’s declaration, tagged “Unveiling My Nigeria Agenda”, is the climax of the Governor’s extensive consultations across the geo-political zones in the last six weeks which will lay to rest speculations on whether he would run for the Presidency or not.

Mr  Oyebode said the Ekiti State helmsman had after discussing his plan to run for the number One office with President Mohammadu Buhari last month, sought counsel, guidance and support from traditional and political leaders across states in the federation.

He explained that Governor Fayemi kick-started the consultation in Ondo State, where he met with traditional rulers and other eminent personalities, and also visited traditional rulers as well as other critical stakeholders across the Southwest.

Mr Oyebode said further that his Principal also extended handshake across the Southeast and North where he met with monarchs and Emirs as well as other important personalities.

He added that Governor Fayemi also consulted other governors, especially those on the platform of the All Progressives Congress intimating them with his ambition.

Mr Oyebode added that the aggregate opinion, counsel and goodwill received during the consultation period form the crux of Governor Fayemi’s declaration on Wednesday in Abuja.

Amos Ogunrinde

Lifestyle

See Ability in Disability, Stakeholder Tells Physically Challenged

By Web News 523

Physically challenged persons have been urged not to despair but to see ability in their disability.

The Ise-Orun Council coordinator of JONAPWD, Mr Abiodun Esan gave the admonition at a programme organized by the Joint Association of All People with Disability, JONAPWD, Ise-Orun Local Government chapter.

Mr Esan said JONAPWD organized the programme to sensitize members on the need to always look beyond their physical condition to prospects which life could still offer.

In a similar vein, Venerable Ebenezer Babalola of Saint Marks Anglican Church, Ise Ekiti, said physically challenged should not pin their hopes on alms from people.

Venerable Ebenezar Babalola added that the church was ready to assist any serious-minded person among the physically challenged ones.

 A physically impaired legal practitioner, Mr Gboyega Afolabi at the event called for proper motivation, noting that assistance in areas like education, vocational training, empowerment and employment would go help the physically challenged go places in life.

Pioneer chairman of JONAPWD in Ekiti State, Mr Peter Adesina in a remark, expressed the confidence that the physically challenged persons could attain greater heights than their counterparts if given the needed support, while the state chairman of the association, Mr Kayode Owolabi said JONAPWD would continue to fight for the right of members.

In a remark, the father of the day, Professor Femi Fajewonyomi called for the government’s genuine commitment to the welfare of the physically challenged, saying they should be well catered for, being an integral part of the society.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ise-Orun Local Government, Mr Ayodele Akinluyi promised that his administration would always prioritize the welfare of the physically challenged across the council.

Michael Ogundare

Education

Ekiti Reopens Schools on Wednesday

By Web News 765

Ekiti State Government has directed public-private primary and secondary schools in the state to resume tomorrow, Wednesday, May 4 for the 3rd term academic session.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Bimpe Aderiye gave the directive in Ado Ekiti through the Information Officer in the Ministry, Mrs Abimbola Dada.

Dr Aderiye appealed to parents and guardians to allow their children and wards to resume immediately so that they would not miss school activities.

According to her, academic activities would commence on resumption.

She stressed that officials of the ministry would embark on school monitoring to know the level of compliance.

Amos Ogunrinde

Religion

Pastor Claims Knowledge of Rapture Location, Gets Police Invitation

By Web News 799

The words of Jesus Christ while giving his disciples signs of His return, according to the Holy Bible is that, “many false prophets will arise to deceive so many people.

This saying of Jesus Christ appears to be manifesting in the present society with this report from Ekiti State.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent reports that the State Police Command has invited one Pastor Nuah Abraham of Christ High Commission Ministry, also known as Royal Christ Assembly, Kaduna State, who convinced members of his church to relocate to a camp in Ekiti State with him, in order to “prepare for the end of the world”.

The Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Police Command, ASP Sunday Abutu confirmed this to newsmen in Ado Ekiti.

He said the acclaimed man of God was invited to clarify the claim which had gone viral on the social media.

Ade Nuah Abraham was said to have convinced members of his church to relocate to a camp in Omuo Ekiti State saying, “that is where rapture will take place”.

A source related to one of Abraham’s congregants told newsmen that the pastor first relocated to Ekiti State from Kaduna State, where he was formerly based, in 2021.

He then later returned to Kaduna State in April to ask each member of his church to pay him N310,000 thousand naira, before they would be allowed to follow him to Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti East Local Government where “the gate of heaven will open for all of them to fly to heaven” the pastor claimed.

Kayode Babatuyi

Economy

Pensioners Go Spiritual over Unpaid Entitlements  

By Web News 584

Owing to the prolonged delay in the payment of  gratuities and pension arrears in Ekiti State, pensioners in the state again went on their knees to seek divine intervention.

This development according to the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ekiti State, Mr. Joel Akinola is necessary after all physical strategies to get their demands from government had failed.

He said “I wish to address through you Gentlemen of the Press, the good people of Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria in general on the issue of the pains to which Pensioners have been subjected in Ekiti State purely because of the failure of the State Government to discharge her obligation to them as and when due.

“We are crying and justifiably so in view of our agonies, our sufferings and an unprecedented assault on the psyches of our members in Ekiti State. Our pride as Senior Citizens who have faithfully, labouriously and dutifully served this Nation is being rubbished daily.

“Pensioners are being portrayed as failures in their communities, and worst of all and they are being accelerated to their graves in no small numbers. Many are languishing in their homes in debilitated conditions.

“Many have been abandoned by children and families who had exhausted their financial resources on them. These abandoned Pensioners are being owed millions of Naira by way of unpaid arrears of Pensions and Gratuities!!!

“Part of the first Stanza of our National Anthem says “the Labour of our Heroes shall not be in vain”. Pensioners’ labour is now being made to be in vain by the failure of Governments and the Citizenry to Comprehend the Seriousness of their plight.

Mr Akinola advised government to create a separate ministry to oversee issues relating to pensioners, harmonize pension payment for all retirees and implement the various  increment approved for Pensioners in Nigeria since 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2019 by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission

Presiding over the prayer, Pastor Ayodele Ojo of the Gospel  Faith Mission and the Chief Iman of the Ansar-ud- deen Central Mosque Ado Ekiti, Alhaji Abdulahi Abdulmutalib said it was against principle of God to subject aged persons to hardship urging Ekiti Government to see to their needs.

Statistics by the pensioners show that, Ekiti Government was owing over thirty five billion naira which comprises  nine years of unpaid gratuity, three months pension arrears for state pensioners and seven months for local government.

Kayode Babatuyi

Lifestyle

Ekiti Workers Upbeat as Work Resumes

By Web News 542

Workers across Ekiti State this morning resumed at their various duty posts after last Friday and yesterday’s public holidays for Easter Celebrations.

At the State Secretariat in Ado Ekiti, workers were seen in their various offices exchanging pleasantries.

Those who spoke to Radio Nigeria said the holidays afforded them opportunities to relax and as well enjoy the Easter celebration.

Also, business activities have picked up as many shops under lock during the celebration have re-opened.

Similarly, financial institutions were not left out as many customers besieged banks for business transactions, particularly those who had complaints and others planning to deposit or withdraw money.

Vehicular movement equally increased on various routes in Ekiti State compared to light traffic experienced on the roads during the Easter celebration.

Amos Ogunrinde

Security

Easter: Ekiti NSCDC Deploys 1000 personnel

By Web News 466

Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps says it has deployed one thousand officers and one hundred tactical female squad to the 16 local governments and 19 LCDAs in the state to ensure adequate security of lives and property before, during and after Easter celebrations.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti, NSCDC State Commandant, Mr. John Fayemi charged the personnel to discharge their duties with utmost diligence, alertness and professionalism.

According to him, members of public are expecting security protections from the Corps by safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure both Federal, State and Local governments

The State Commandant charged the officers and female tactical squad
to be more proactive, determined and committed to the Corps core mandates and eschew any behaviour unbecoming of a trained personnel.

Mr. Fayemi appreciated traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state as well as efforts of some communities for the existing synergy aimed at supporting the command’s quest for crime reduction.

Mr Fayemi explained that the Easter celebration deployment cut across the 16 Local Governments and 19 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs of the State having identified various black spots and disaster proned areas.

He restated that the Command had been properly briefed to provide security coverage at strategic locations such as recreational centres, churches, mosques, motor parks and public gatherings.

Amis Ogunrinde

Crime

Ekiti Residents Decry Incessant Robbery Attacks, Call for Adequate Security

By Web News 589

Activities of armed robbers have become worrisome in Omobowale, Umesi and ayotunde Orire streets around old local government,Odo Ado in Ado Ekiti.

The latest of it is the robbery of a restaurant owner known as Iya Queen in early hours of sunday, 13th march.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria reporter the restaurant owner who is running her food business at Omobowale street said she was dispossessed of her money and phone.

Her words “I was going to buy something from the market at about six o’clock in the morning and I saw a man with his face covered pointing torch light to me asking me to wait. He pointed gun at me and he collected my money and phone.

The victim who said the robber ran away on sighting the light of a motorcycle called on security agencies to extend their surveillance in the three neighbouring streets.

Reacting, some residents of the area described the robbery incidences as uncalled for urging security agencies to come to their aid.

It was gathered that the same robbers went to another place in the area to rob another person bringing the total cases of robbery recently in the streets to Four.

Kayode Babatuyi