Lifestyle

DAWN Commission Celebrates Former Ekiti Governor, Dr Fayemi

By Web News 271

By Olawale Asake

The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN Commission has organised a Roundtable Conference in Ibadan to mark the 60th Birthday of the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, a two-term Governor of Ekiti state, and former Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, also served as Minister of Solid Minerals under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Before his appointment, he was a founding member of the Afenifere Renewal Group.

The Conference, which championed its discourse on the relevance of the Regional Development Commission Agenda of the present administration, showcased the viability of the Commission in driving force to better serve the people.

Delivering a keynote address, A Professor of Political Science at the University of Ibadan, Remi Ayede recommended intergovernmental relations to achieve the regional development agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Professor Ayede explained that the establishment of Regional Development Commissions should not be seen as political compensation but as a means to engender multilevel governance to enhance a common developmental economy.

 Professor Ayede stressed the need to re-tune the governance system to adapt to current issues of geographical peculiarities, calling for policy and mechanisms to coordinate activities of regional development commissions at the local, regional and federal levels

A one-time Chief Whip of House of Representatives and Chairman, of Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, Hon. Wale Oshun, stressed the need for regional development commissions to be apolitical so as to achieve their developmental aims and objectives.

Earlier, the Director General, of the DAWN Commission, Dr ‘Seye Oyeleye, who said the Conference was organised to recognise and appreciate the impact of Dr Kayode Fayemi for playing a key role in the establishment of the DAWN Commission, noted that the Commission would serve as a think-tank for the newly established Southwest Development Commission, SWDC.

Responding, the Celebrant, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who recalled his efforts towards the creation of the DAWN Commission to fast-track the development of the southwest region, expressed happiness at its success stories.

Dr Fayemi, therefore called for continued dialogue, and partnership, urging them to shun competition in addressing common issues and promote national development.

He called on all Stakeholders in the SouthWest to work together in the interest of Regional Development, as laid down by the founding fathers like the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo whose legacy still lingers to date

Meanwhile, the Commission presented an Award Plaque to His Excellency, Dr John Kayode Fayemi for his outstanding role towards establishing the Commission among the SouthWestern States.

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Lifestyle

Oyebanji Expresses Gratitude for Successful 1st Anniversary Celebration

By Web News 505

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has expressed his deep appreciation to Ekiti citizens worldwide and friends of the state for their unwavering support throughout the first year of his administration. 

In a statement on Ado Ekiti by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji specifically acknowledged the invaluable support and well-wishes from notable figures including President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by the leader of the House, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

The Governor also extended his gratitude to his predecessors, former Governors, Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose, traditional rulers, cabinet members, development partners, donor agencies and relevant institutions among others for their significant contributions to the growth of the state and success of the anniversary celebration.

Mr Oyebanji emphasized that the overwhelming support he received is a driving force for continued dedication to the welfare of the people of Ekiti State, while reassuring the residents that the best is yet to come.

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Environment

Govt. Orders Traders to Vacate Roadsides in Ekiti

By Web News 485

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

South-West interest will be our priority – Fayemi

By Web News 465

The interest of the south west region will take pre-eminence over the aspirations of many presidential aspirants from the region.

Ekiti state governnor, Dr Kayode Fayemi stated this in Osogbo while consulting Osun APC delegates in his bids to clinch the APC presidential ticket.

Governnor Fayemi who stated.that the aspirants were all qualified with passion to promote the region and Nigeria in general expressed the hope that the region would be united towards producimg the next Nigerian president.

Governnor Fayemi who noted the strong and cordial relationship between Osun and Ekiti state commended
governor oyetola for managing the resources of the state in an unbelievable way which had transformed into economic and infrastrural development .

In his remark, Osun state governnor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola who said the southwest had enough brains for the job of Nigerian president prayed that the region would produce a candidate in the next few days.

Earlier in a remark, the Osun state APC chairman , Prince Gbenga Famodun had described Dr Fayemi as a star in the progressives considering his political journey and achievements which he said were enviable.

Abiodun Adeoye

Politics

Fayemi Officially Joins 2023 Presidential Race

By Web News 519

The Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Mines and Steel, Dr Kayode Fayemi has declared his intention to run for the seat of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Dr Fayemi made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja while unveiling his agenda for the country.
He said, after consideration of where the nation was, he believed his entry into the race would rebirth a new Nigeria.
The governor said it has been his singular honour to have been an active part at various times with other committed compatriots labouring from various works of life, labouring with determination towards rapid and sustained national progress.
The former Minister said the decision to run was not one he took lightly but had made several consultations before arriving making his intentions known.

Amos Ogunrinde

Lifestyle

Fayemi Pays Tributes to Late Alaafin, Oba Adeyemi

By Web News 592

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has extolled the virtues of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who passed on Friday, aged 83 years.

Dr Fayemi said the departure of the revered monarch has created a big vacuum in the traditional institution in Oyo State in particular and Yoruba land in general.

The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said the late Oba Adeyemi was a bridge builder, a patriot, courageous leader, who contributed to the unity of Nigeria in his lifetime.

He noted that the late Oba Adeyemi was an authority in history and blessed with a sharp memory which added value and class to his royal duties and day-to-day interaction with people from different walks of life.

Dr Fayemi said the deceased was a distinguished first class Oba, who brought dignity, respect and glamour to the traditional institution and made it relevant in the quest for a better society.

He said the late royal father operated an open door policy and always made his wise counsel available to political leaders irrespective of their party affiliations.

Describing the deceased as a man of many parts, the Governor noted that the late Oba Adeyemi never disappointed in the performance of his royal duties and other roles he was privileged to have played which spanned sectors like administration, politics, education, religious, sports, among others.

He added that Oba Adeyemi earned much respect and accolade for his ability to speak truth to power, without playing to the gallery.

The Governor further credited the departed Oba with defending the culture and traditions of the Yoruba race which he did with panache and passion throughout his reign.

Dr Fayemi commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the deceased urging them to be consoled by the good legacies he left behind and the positive impact he made in his lifetime.

“I, on behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, commiserate with the Adeyemi family, the Alaafin – in- Council, the people of Oyo town and the Government of Oyo State on the passage of our highly revered Kabiyesi, Alaafin Oba Adeyemi. We pray that the Lord will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

PR/Olawale Asake

Judiciary

Show Competence, Integrity To Boost Citizens’ Confidence: Fayemi

By Web News 912

Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has stressed the need for a review of the age of legal officers to be appointed as Judges in line with the ongoing reforms in the nations Judiciary sector.

Governor Fayemi spoke in Ado Ekiti at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed judge of the Ekiti State High Court, Justice Adeniyi Familoni.

He noted that young and vibrant Lawyers should be member of the Bench to inject fresh ideas and enhance justice delivery in the sector.

The Governor said that government was working towards ensuring the elevation of judges in the state to the supreme court as requested by the leadership of the judiciary.

Dr. Fayemi who stressed that government had initiated various reforms to ensure effective justice delivery emphasized the need for judges to show competence and integrity to boost citizens’ confidence.

He gave assurance that government would improve welfare of the judiciary officers and urged the new judge to always discharge his constitutional duties without fear or favour.

In a remark, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Wale Fapohunda described the new judge as an experienced and committed lawyer who had contributed to the growth of the legal profession.

Responding the new judge, Justice Adeniyi Familoni promised to be upright and fair in the discharge of his duty.

Born in ijero Ekiti in 1972, Justice Familoni began his career as a Legal Officer in the Ondo State Ministry of Justice in 1996, and later, Ekiti State Ministry of Justice where he held various offices including Director of Law Review, Director of the Citizens’ Rights, Director of Civil Litigations and Director of Public Prosecutions.

Until his elevation Justice Familoni was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Civil Service in April, 2019 and posted to Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs.

Tope Bamidele

Transportation

Gov. Fayemi Flags Off Construction Of 1,000 Kilometers Rural Roads

By Web News 727

There was excitement in many communities across the three senatorial districts of Ekiti State as Governor Kayode Fayemi flagged off the construction of 1,000 kilometres of rural roads.

Dr. Fayemi who described the project as another dividend of democracy said it was part of the fulfilment of promises he made to the people of the state during the electioneering campaign for the 2018 governorship election.

Represented by the Deputy Governor Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the Governor explained that the roads, when completed, would stimulate the grassroots economy, provide access to markets for farm produce and prevent post-harvest losses incurred by farmers.

Traditional rulers of the benefiting communities who hailed the Governor for extending construction work to rural roads in their domains sought for the cooperation of their subjects for delivery of quality jobs.

The excited residents who welcomed the Governor amidst pomp and pageantry eulogised him for not concentrating developmental projects in the state capital and other large towns alone but extending such to the rural communities where food resources are produced.

Dr. Fayemi stressed that his administration was committed to harnessing the potentials in the agricultural sector for the economic development of the state in addition to the pursuit of the vision to make Ekiti the food basket of the Southwest region.

The Governor noted that the commencement of the project would be a huge relief to the people as it would open up most access roads linking the communities to the farms and encourage more people into agriculture.

The project took off with six pilot roads namely: Ogotun-Alagbede Road, Kajola-Ago Aduloju Road, Iyin Odo Oro-Aroto Road, Itaji-Orisunmibare Road, Oke Ako Farm Road and Imesi Kosomolate Road, with others to commence in due course.

He urged all members of the benefiting communities to relate warmly with the contractors handling the projects to deliver optimally and to specification.

The Governor pointed out that work was already in top gear on the new Ado-Iyin dual carriageway, Aramoko-Ikogosi Road, Oye-Iye-Ikun Road, Agbado-Ode-Isinbode-Omuo Road and Ilupeju-Ire-Igbemo Road with the Ado Ekiti Ring Road project coming on board soon.

Dr. Fayemi further announced that his administration was planning to  set up Ekiti State Rural Access and Roads Agency (EK-RARA) and the State Road Funds (SRF) with a bill to that effect already before the House of  Assembly for consideration.

Ekiti RAAMP Coordinator, Mr. Sunday Adumo, said the commencement of the project was a testimony of the commitment of the Fayemi administration towards developing the agricultural sector and making life more comfortable for rural dwellers especially farmers.

Mr. Adumo said contractors handling the project had been instructed to engage artisans and professionals in the construction to benefit the communities, empower residents and give them a sense of belonging.

He recalled that Fayemi, during his first tenure, touched all communities in the state with at least two developmental projects each including construction of five kilometres in each of the 16 local government areas.

The National RAAMP Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed, assured the Governor of the commitment and support of the national office of the agency under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in supporting the initiatives of his administration in transforming rural communities.

He hailed the Governor for the provision and timely release of counterpart funds to the State Project Implementation Unit noting that the gesture would give Ekiti advantage over other States in project implementation.

Mr. Mohammed disclosed that the overall objective was to revamp the agricultural sector to boost the much-needed self-sufficiency in food production, poverty reduction, reduction in post-harvest losses and provision of amenities like schools, hospitals, electricity among others.

Amos Ogunrinde

Culture

Kingship Tussle: Ekiti Deputy Gov. Cautions Warring Parties

By Web News 1100

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor,  Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi has advised people of Epe Ekiti in Ijero Local Government to desist from actions that can lead to violence in the town.

Otunba Egbeyemi gave the advice in Ado-Ekiti at a peace meeting with kngmakers, youths and Prince Family of Epe Ekiti following a text message by unknown person threatening  to kill the kingmakers of the community if they failed to install their favourite as the next King of Epe Ekiti.

Describing the step as uncalled for, Otunba Egbeyemi warned that anyone caught fomenting trouble or indicted by the security report in the area would be made to face the wrath of law.

Otunba Egbeyemi who described Governor Kayode Fayemi as a peace loving individual, who would not tolerate anyone that could cause violence, emphasized that peace remained the only yardstick for meaningful growth in any community.

He charged them to cooperate with the Kingmakers in the process to enthrone a new King, adding that government would not allow anyone or group of people to impose their favourite at the detriment of the people, tradition and law guiding the Traditional stools.

Earlier, one of the parties in the crisis, Prince  Kolawole Arowolo, who claimed that he had intention to contest the vacant stool, said since Ife Oracle had selected somebody very closed to him as Oba Elect, he had no objection than to follow the majority in order to engender peace in the community.

Prince Arowolo expressed shock that his name mentioned was as part of those fomenting trouble in Epe Ekiti.

The Regent, Epe Ekiti, High Chief Olajide Dada who claimed that he also received the threat message, urged the people in the community to embrace peace and eschew actions that could promote violence.

Oriola Afolabi

News Politics

Fayemi Appoints First Female Head of Service

By Web News 822

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