Religion

By Kazeem Ayodeji/Abimbola Bamgbose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah for witnessing this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

The Governor in a goodwill message by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrifice that the season symbolizes as they celebrate the Sallah.

He also stressed the need for them to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomized by the festival as well as promote the virtues of Islam.

The Governor who expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the country at this critical time in its history.

Mr Oyebanji also urged the Muslim pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj to use the opportunity of their presence in the holy land to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Muslim Ummar in Nigeria to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim and strive to emulate his unwavering faith, obedience and dedication to God .

In his goodwill message to all the Muslims across the world and Ogun State in particular, Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of submitting to the Almighty God and prioritizing spiritual well-being over worldly desires.

He highlighted the significance of selflessness, compassion, and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of faith and the betterment of humanity.

The governor added that Sallah presents an opportunity for Muslims to gather with their families, strengthen their bonds, and share in the blessings of the festive period.

Governor Abiodun however urged muslim faithfuls to take advantage of Eid to get closer to their Creator, foster unity and harmony within communities, and inspire people to be beacons of compassion, generosity, and righteousness.

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Security

By Kazeem Yahaya

The first phase of the Ekiti State Agro Marshal, ESAM has been inaugurated to bolster safety measures for lives and properties across various farmlands in the state.

The state governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, during the passing-out parade of the special force in Ado-Ekiti, emphasized that ESAM was established to complement the efforts of existing security agencies. 

He noted that ESAM will specifically focus on intelligence gathering and bush combing to enhance security in the state.

Governor Oyebanji highlighted that the Agro Marshal represents a collaborative effort between the state government and local authorities, whose primary mission is to protect the lives of farmers, ensuring food productivity and overall security. 

The governor urged the men of ESAM to respect the fundamental rights of citizens while carrying out their duties.

The State Commander, Mr Olamide Oni, a retired police officer, assured the public that ESAM personnel have undergone thorough training to effectively fulfil their responsibilities, saying with their expertise, the state can now look forward to greater peace and security across its farmlands and forests.

Chairman of the council of traditional rulers in Ekiti and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro commended the government’s efforts and pledged support for ESAM in all areas.

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Economy

By Ayodele Kazeem

Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commenced payment of compensation to the owners of properties acquired for the construction of the Okeyinmi Flyover Bridge in Ado Ekiti. 

During the cheque distribution ceremony in the state capital, the governor assured swift and fair compensation for all affected landowners.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, Mr Oyebanji said the flyover is part of a broader initiative to transform Ado-Ekiti into a hub of premier infrastructure, aims to alleviate future traffic congestion and stimulate business activity. 

He noted that the project is complementing the road constructions in the state capital, including Omisanjana-Ajebamidele and Ikere-Ilawe, among others, designed to unlock new business and investment prospects in Ekiti State.

The governor pledged that the projects would be delivered within the stipulated time, while all uncompleted projects of the past administrations in the state would also be completed.

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Religion

By kezeem Ayodeji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has extended his felicitations to the Muslims Ummah as the holy month of Ramadan commences.

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, urged the Muslim Ummah to utilize the period for prayers, worship, almsgiving and support for the poor and the less privileged in the society to receive blessings from Allah.

Describing the 30-day fast as an important pillar in Islam, Governor Oyebanji said observing the spiritual obligation draws the faithful to the Creator and deepens piety.

While noting that Ramadan offers an opportunity for spiritual rebirth, renewal and rejuvenation which creates a strong bond between the Almighty Allah and the faithful, the Governor urged the Muslim faithful to be more steadfast in their prayers for Ekiti State and Nigeria so that greater level of peace, progress and prosperity can be achieved.

Mr Oyebanji prayed that the faithful be rewarded with the abundant blessings that come with the holy month, protect them to complete the fast and retain its blessings.

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Politics

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Former governors of Ekiti State have thrown their weight behind the incumbent governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji to achieve more success as he pilots affairs of the state towards prosperity.

They gave the assurance at a thanksgiving, marking the first anniversary of governor Biodun Oyebanji in office, held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado Ekiti.

Former governor Ayodele Fayose who spoke on behalf of other former governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Dr Kayode Fayemi, who were all at the event, commended Mr Oyebanji for his uncommon leadership styles at transforming Ekiti, saying they were all proud of his achievements.

Also, the senate president, Godswill Akpabio who spoke through the leaders of the house, senator Opeyemi Bamidele said a rich culture of performance inherited from the past governors by Mr Oyebanji, coupled with his all inclusive style of leadership enable him to perform effectively.

Delivering a sermon, with the theme: “Rejoicing in the lord”, the Bishop, Diocese of Ekiti State, the Right Reverend Andrew Ajayi, urged political office holders to be conscious of the legacies they will leave behind and what people will say about them when they leave office.

The right reverend Ajayi who scored governor Oyebanji high in the provision of infrastructure in all critical sectors, appealed to residents of Ekiti, irrespective of religion or party affiliation to continue to support the governor and see themselves as one to foster peaceful co-existence.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji in his address, appreciated God, former governors, development partners, donors as well as notable people of the state for their support to his success story, saying he will be counting on more of the Ekiti people’s support as he navigates through the next three years in office. 

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News

By Ayodele Quazim

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has given the newly inaugurated Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mr Olaiya Atibioke, two weeks suspension with immediate effect.

The suspension follows Mr Atibioke’s unauthorised departure from the venue of the three-day retreat for members of the State Executive Council and Permanent Secretaries held at Bishop Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the Commissioner was nowhere to be found when commissioners were called upon to sign the performance charter. 

Governor Oyebanji who had, in the course of his presentation at the programme, reiterated the administration’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and poor performance, sat through all the sessions of the  three- day retreat which commenced on Thursday. 

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Environment

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to commence a comprehensive renovation of bad roads within Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The governor also ordered contractors handling different road projects within the state to go back to the site.

Governor Oyebanji (r) and some members of his team during the inspection

Governor Oyebanji who gave the directive during an inspection of road projects said rehabilitation of other damaged roads across the local government areas of the state would commence after the rainy season. 

He said the government would prioritise the rehabilitation of roads and the construction of new ones in the bid to stimulate economic growth and make life more comfortable for the people.

Tope Bamidele

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Politics

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has appointed Mr Yinka Oyebode as his Chief Press Secretary.

The Head of Service, Mr Bamidele Agbede announced this in a statement in Ado Ekiti.

Mr Yinka Oyebode was the Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Also, Governor Oyebanji has appointed Dr Habitat Omolara Adubiaro as the Secretary to the State Government.

The appointments take immediate effect.

In the same vein, the governor froze all accounts of the State Government with immediate effect.

In the statement by Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode the governor said all accounting officers and financial institutions are urged to comply with this directive.

Amos Ogunrinde

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