Politics

Tambuwal Steps in as NGF Chairman

By Web News 422

The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has replaced his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Tambuwal assumed the position on Thursday at the National Economic Council meeting in Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, after Fayemi transferred the baton of office to him.

The Director, Media and Public Affairs of NGF, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, confirmed the change of baton in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, Tambuwal will be holding the fort until May next year when a proper election is conducted among the governors.

Before his new role, Tambuwal served as Vice Chairman of the Forum under Fayemi in the last four years.

Gov. Fayemi was recently elected as the President of the Forum of Regional and State Governments in Saidia in the state of Casablanca in Morrocco.

The statement read, “Before making the announcement, the Ekiti State Governor acknowledged the result-driven output of the NEC and thanked his colleagues and other members of the council for their support, explaining that, “yes, we may be occasionally troublesome, coming from the Forum of Governors, and we do test your patience but you have never really expressed any frustration with all our truculent questions and the insistence that the federation must be a true federation.”

“The new President of the FORAF also did not forget to thank the Secretariat of the NEC and through the NEC thanked the President and Commander in Chief of the Country for taking the resolutions of the NEC seriously by implementing them.

“In his response Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo said the NGF chairman had taken the wind out of their sail, because he was “meant to, on behalf of the NEC commend the Ekiti Governor and NGF Chairman’s informed and patriotic services to the council in the last four years and that was enhanced by your chairmanship of the NGF, admitting that the NGF has ensured that we move to a true federation, not just in words but in deeds as well.”

“Professor Osinbajo prayed that Dr Fayemi’s services both nationally and globally to development, and to all of the good which the nation deserves and the global community deserves will continue”.

“Dr Fayemi formally hands over the Chairmanship of the NGF to Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on October 16th.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

News

Fayemi Swears In 14 Permanent Secretaries

By Web News 435

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has sworn in 14 Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service, with a charge to them to make professionalism and value addition the key words in the discharge of their duties.

Dr Fayemi, who spoke at the event that took place at Adetiloye hall, Ado Ekiti, said public service requires competent administrators that are well equipped in responding to contemporary challenges confronting the world and the nation.

The newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries are: Engr Johnson Oluwole Adeola; Mrs Taiwo Modupe Akinbolawa; Mr Babatunde Patrick Adesola; Mrs Omotola Kikelomo Faseluka; Mr Tajudeen Gbenga Adejumo; Mr Emmanuel Babatunde Jegede.

Others are Mr Oluwadare Julius Jolumo; Mrs Oyeyemi Oyenike Kayode-Ojo; Mrs Mercy Bosede Adaran; Dr Olasunkanmi O. Alabi; Mr Michael O. Omolayo; Mr Adeyinka Victor Arogundade; Mr Aderemi Oladele Ogunsemoyin; Mrs Olusola Adeluyi-Femi.

The Governor, maintained that his administration has always embraced merit- based appointment to ensure competent and robust human resources architecture that would bring multiple perspective to the public service and ensure professionalism.

Dr Fayemi disclosed that the permanent secretaries were appointed based on their track record of performance, skills and characters and with the hope that they would continue to provide mentorship and good examples to junior officers in sustaining the practices and legacies of public service.

Dr Fayemi, said in less than four years of his administration, 42 Permanent Secretaries, two Auditors General, 10 General Managers, one Surveyor General and 31 Executive Secretaries had been appointed into the state public service.  

Revealing some of his recent achievements in the public service, the Governor disclosed that he had approved the appointment of long serving temporary officers in the broadcasting service of the state and implemented the financial benefit of 2017 and 2018 promotion.

He added that the resort center at the secretariat and newly renovated public service commission building have been completed and ready for commissioning and use.

He charged the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries to justify the confidence repose in them by upholding the rules and principles guiding the ethics of public service and as well remain committed in implementing the people oriented policies initiated by his administration.

 ”I have no doubt that your antecedent in the public service have paved way for you to be worthy of your new elevation and I enjoined you to see the appointment as a call to dedicate yourself even more in the service of our dear Ekiti State. Your attainment of leadership status in your chosen career is not just about title, but  one that requires vision, selflessness, more hard work, and more commitment. 

“As a responsive government, let me intimate you that we will continue to fulfil our pledges to the civil service, we have implemented financial benefit of 2017 and 2018 promotion, despite available limited resources, I have also approved  recently the appointment of suitable and long serving temporary officers in the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State. 
“The Resort centre at the secretariat and the newly renovated public service commission building are now ready for commissioning and subsequent usage. This government will continue to enhance the capacity of our public institutions and accord the welfare of our workers utmost priority within our limited resources.”

The governor who reiterated that no election is worth the blood of anybody in the State, called on leaders of the civil service to propagate the gospel of peace across the length and breadth of the State.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, former Deputy Governor, Chief Paul Alabi; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Foluso Daramola, the Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi;  Chief of Staff, Mr Tolu Ibitola, Members of Ekiti State Traditional Council led by the Chairman and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon; Members of the State Executive Council; dignitaries and other top government functionaries.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Buhari,Tinubu, APC Governors Storm Ekiti Tuesday

By Web News 445

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode  Fayemi says the success of the Presidential Flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju  Bola Tinubu at the just concluded APC Presidential Primary will start with the party’s victory in next Saturday Gubernatorial election in the state.

Governor Fayemi, who stated this in Ado Ekiti at a welcome rally organised by party supporters after the APC Special National Convention explained that the party would now concentrate on Ekiti governorship poll.

He stressed that his decision to step down from the race was based on the need to strengthen the unity of Yoruba race and as well ensure that the southwest produce the next president of the country.

The Governor expressed happiness over the outcome of the convention which had further strengthened the party against the prediction that the convention might lead to the collapse of APC.

The Governor, announced that President Muhammadu Buhari, APC Presidential Flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC Governors and other stakeholders across the country would be in the state on Tuesday next week for a mega rally to canvass votes for the party’s flagbearer Biodun Oyebanji.

He thanked the people for their support and charged party members not to exercise any fear but to be more aggressive in their house to house campaign for the emergence of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in the coming elections.

Tope Omobepade

Security

Murtala Muhammed Memorial Lecture: Gov. Fayemi Calls for Concerted Efforts to End Insurgency

By Web News 459

Ekiti State Governor, Doctor Kayode Fayemi, has advocated “a comprehensive national response” to win the battle against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and all forms of security challenges afflicting the polity.

He also called for massive investment in public health, nutrition, education, promotion of partnerships for affordable housing, food security, potable water and creation of enabling environment to put opportunities for skills acquisition and gainful employment for the youth to reduce violent crimes in the Land.

Doctor Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum spoke as the guest lecturer at the 2022 Murtala Muhammed Foundation Memorial Lecture held at the Shehu  Musa Yar’ Adua Centre in Abuja on Monday to mark the 46th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.

Delivering a lecturer titled “Beyond Boko Haram: Addressing Insurgency, Banditry and Kidnapping across Nigeria,” Doctor Fayemi said concerted efforts must be put into the fight against security challenges which has extended its tentacles to all nooks and crannies of the country.

While sounding the battle cry against the challenges at hand, the Ekiti governor regretted that “the boundaries of contemporary national insecurity have been further enlarged by the emergence and expansion of an industry in kidnapping that has overwhelmed an important swathe of northwestern Nigeria and graduated into the status of a national pandemic.”

Extolling the virtues of the late General Muhammed, Doctor Fayemi noted that although the former Nigerian leader was in office for a very short time, he made a lasting impact and embodied the lesson that all public office holders must always be reminded of.

He said: “For my generation of Nigerians, the late General Muhammad was not only a charismatic leader whose decisive, no-nonsense, business unusual style captured our youthful imagination, he has also over the years remained an uncommon example of public service through the uncompromising commitment he displayed to the pursuit of the common good.

“As with most other Nigerians, the deep regret which we felt was that he did not rule long enough to personally complete the task of national rebirth which he and his colleagues had defined for themselves at the time he came to power. Still, he earned his place in our hearts and in the pantheon of our national heroes.

“Murtala Muhammed successfully re-ignited hope in a post-civil war Nigeria that we can as a people aspire to new and greater heights to occupy our rightful place in dignity as a leader in the comity of nations. Such was the impact he had in so short a period of time that memory of his time with us remains so fresh and evergreen. May his soul continue to Rest In Peace, Amen.”

Dissecting the issue of the day, Doctor Fayemi noted that Nigeria had grappled with various forms of security problems and criminalities including armed robbery, militancy, vandalism of oil pipelines and hostage-taking, ethnoreligious killings but had recently exacerbated with insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.

The Governor explained that the security challenges facing the country should not be seen as problems of particular geopolitical zones but as a national issue all Nigerians, the leaders and the led must join hands together to tackle to restore confidence in the polity.

Giving suggestions on how the problems can be successfully tackled, Doctor Fayemi said issues underpinning the nation’s security challenges must be addressed, emphasizing on forging of a new compact between the state and the society whose centrepiece must be an inclusive and expansive project of human security in the Land.

Governor Fayemi identified sustained job creation as a panacea to youth involvement in criminal activities, suggesting that government, private sector and non-governmental organizations must be involved in the task.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Governor Fayemi Swears-in Four New Judges

By Web News 1278

Implementation of the Judicial Financial management Law for Judiciary workers will commence this month in Ekiti state.

Governor kayode Fayemi announced this in Ado Ekiti.at the swearing in of four new legal practitioners recommended for appointment as judges by the National Judicial Council into the State High Court.

Governor Fayemi said the financial management law was geared towards improving the welfares of judicial workers.

The Governor also said he had directed the immediate payment of one month out of the arrears owed judicial workers in the state by past administration.

Governor Fayemi who charged the new judges to exhibit professionalism by sustaining the ethics of the bench, assured them that government would not shirk from its responsibilities to improve on the administration of justice in the state.

He expressed happiness at the recommendations of four judges by the National Judicial Council, NJC, which he said was In response to agitations to review the process and procedures of appointing young lawyers to the bench.

Responding, one of the newly sworn-in judges, Justice Johnson Apuabi thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve with assurance that they would not betray their trust.

The four new judges are justices Johnson Apuabi, Olalekan Olatawura , Oyinkansola Oluboyede and Blessing Ajileye.

Tope Omobepade

Judiciary

Fayemi Advocates Review Of Salaries, Allowances Of Judicial Officers

By Web News 747

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has advocated the review of salaries and allowances of judicial officers in the country.
He urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to renew negotiation for upward review of judicial officers’ salary as part of the agitation for judicial autonomy.
Dr Fayemi stated this in Ado Ekiti during the swearing in of Justice John Adeyeye as Acting Chief Judge of EKiti State.
He observed that judicial officers in the country had been on same salary structure for over a decade, even while other categories of public servants have had theirs reviewed .
“I am aware that between 1999 till date, the Federal Government reviewed the salaries and allowances of Public Servants specifically in 2000, 2005, 2007 and 2011. However the salaries of judicial officers were only reviewed twice during the same period.
“As a result judicial officers have been on the same salary structure for more than 10 years. It may now be necessary for the NJC to provide leadership on possible renewed negotiation on this issue as part of a holistic discussion on judicial autonomy.
“The frequency of closure of our courts constitutes threat to the security of this state. It is for this reason that I respectfully urged your lordship to enable practical solutions to ensure that the wheels of justice in our state continues to turn even during lockdowns of strike actions.” He said.
He also expressed concern on the shortage of female judges on the bench, adding that a gender diversified judiciary would positively shape the development of law in the State.
The Governor called on the Judiciary to support and strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Police and the Ministry of Justice in the State to deal with all forms of sexual violence by reviewing rules and court procedures to ensure speedy prosecution of sexual violence matters.
Dr Fayemi who stressed that his administration was conscious of the benefit of an effective judicial system to the socio-political growth and development of the State, charged the new acting chief judge to key into his mission to a provide fair and equal access to justice system irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, economic status and other social indices.
Justice Adeyeye in his acceptance speech, pledged to uphold the oath of office which he swore to and promised to work with all stakeholders in the justice sector of the state to enhance speedy dispensation of justice that defines the 21st century judiciary.
He pledge to bring about a paradigm shift from the conventional mode of dispensing justice through the application of technology in the recording of court proceedings to enhance administration of justice in the State.
Justice Adeyeye who replaced the immediate past Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, solicited the supports of judicial officers with a promised to prioritize their welfare.
The acting chief Judge was born 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and was called to bar in 1986 He started his career as a State counsel in the Civil service of the old Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the creation of the State in 1996.
He was elevated to the position of a judge in the Ekiti State High Court in 2002 and has served at different time in the Election Petition Tribunals.

Amos Ogunrinde

News Yoruba

Gomina Ipinle Ekiti Fidi Gbigbe Awon Ti Won Furasi Pe O Demi Eeyan Meji Legbodo Mule

By Web News 916

Gomina Ipinle Ekiti, Omowe Kayode Fayemi fidi re mule pe owo tit e awon ti won funra sii pe won wa nidi rogbodiyan to yori si iku awon meji ni Omuo-Ekiti lasiko idibo lati di alafo to si sile ni ekun idibo ila oorun Ekiti nile igbimo asofin ipinle Ekiti.

Gomina kede oro yi lasiko to lo sabewo e ku ara feraku si aafin Olomuo ti Omuo-Ekiti, Oba Noah Ominigbehin nilu Omuo Ekiti.

Omowe Fayemi wa fid a awon eniyan Ipinle Ekiti loju wipe, awon ti won funra si ohun ni won yio foju won wina ofin, to wa fikun wipe awon towoba naa ni won yio foju won ba ile ejo loni lori esun ipaniyan.

Gomina eniti o tun sabewo sibiti isele naa ti waye tun sabewo sawon molebi awon oloogbe to wa seleri ati seranwo fun won.

 Ogunrinde/Afonja

Education

Fayemi Names Governing Council Members for Bamidele Olumilua University

By Web News 914

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has approved the appointment of members of the Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti.

 A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode says, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) is the Chancellor of the university while Chief Afolabi Ojuawo is the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council. 

According to the statement, members of the Governing Council are Professor Kola Oladunmoye,,  Mr S. I. Folorunso, and Otunba Kunle Ajayi.

Others are, Mrs Jumoke Adamolekun,  Mrs Moni Afuye, Dr Segun Aina and Dr Adelana  Adeleye – Olusae –

The statement adds that appointments takes immediate effect.

Amos Ogunrinde

Economy

Ekiti Government Pays 100 Million Naira Gratuities

By Web News 1580

Ekiti state government has presented 100 million naira cheques to another 51 retired local government staff and primary school teachers as payment of gratuities to improve their standard of living.

At the ceremony in Ado Ekiti, Governor kayode Fayemi said the payment was in fulfillment of government promise to offset the outstanding gratuities of pensioners which would be done in phases.

Governor Fayemi who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Biodun Omoleye remarked that government would never play politics with the welfare of its retirees following their meritorious contributions to the development of the state.

He assured pensioners who have not benefitted from the payment of gratuities since its commencement that government was working on their cases as it would now be a continuous exercise…

Governor Fayemi promised that government would increase the monthly subvention to the pension office to accommodate more beneficiaries.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Professor Adio Folayan urged the pensioners to utilize the money for better purposes.

Some of the Pensioners described the gesture as laudable and implored government to let the payment get to all retirees.

Tope Bamidele   

Judiciary

Ekiti Attorney General Contracts Coronavirus

By Web News 918

The Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Olawale Fapohunda has tested positive for COVID-19.

Mr Fapohunda announced this in a tweet via his official Twitter handle, @AGWalefapohunda.

The commissioner explained that the result of his second test came out positive.

Mr Fapohunda said he had gone on self-isolation in line with the established protocols.

According to the commissioner, all state legal matters should be directed to the Solicitor General of the state pending his recovery.

Governor Kayode Fayemi had last week Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19 and he had since been in self-isolation.

Meanwhile, Ekiti state has recorded nine new Coronavirus cases.

With this fresh cases, Ekiti has now recorded more than one hundred and ten cases.

Amos Ogunrinde

Yoruba

Ayewo Fihan pe Gomina Ipinle Ekiti ti ni Arun Covid-19

By Web News 1161

Gomina ipinle Ekiti, Omowe Kayode Fayemi ni ayewo ti fidi e mu’le pe oun ni arun Coronavirus.

Gomina Fayemi lo je koro yi di mimo lori opo ero ayelujara abeyefo re, pe ayewo eleeketa ti won se fun ni abajade re so pe oun ni arun naa lana.

Gomina loti lo y’ara re soto fun itoju pelu awon iko ilera t’oje t’ijoba.

Pelu isele yi, Gomina Fayemi ti ya awon ise to se koko, s’oto ki igbakeji Gomina, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi l’ati tesiwaju ninu ise oba.

Babatunde Salaudeen/Oriola Afolabi

Crime Politics

FG Needs to Do More to Improve Security – Fayemi

By Web News 893

Chairman, Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state has charged the federal government to intensify efforts in its fight against insecurity in the country.

Governor Fayemi made the call in Akure when he paid a condolence visit to the leader of Afenifere Group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, whose daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin was killed by suspected gunmen along Lagos – Ore expressway on Friday.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, Kayode Animasaun reports that sympathisers were in sad mood at the residence of the elder statesman in Ondo the state capital. 

Kayode Animasaun