Culture

Ekiti Govt. Reads Riot Act to Traditional Chiefs

By Web News 741

The Ekiti State Government has read a riot act to traditional and honorary chiefs who are fond of holding their Obas in contempt and using powers not given to them.

The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, said the riot act became necessary to curb unauthorized use of crowns and beaded walking sticks by palace chiefs in some communities in the state.

The Deputy Governor handed down the warning in his office during a peace meeting with the Olohan of Erijiyan Ekiti, Oba Adegoroye Oludare Omoseebi, and interest groups in the over alleged threat to law and order.

The state government summoned the peace meeting following a petition from the monarch that one of his chiefs, the Oba Odo of Erijiyan, Chief Boluwaji Adewumi, had been parading himself with the paraphernalia of a monarch including the use of crown and beaded stick within and outside the state.

Speaking after he was provided photographs of Adewumi with a crown on his head and holding a beaded walking stick, the Deputy Governor said he would have ordered the immediate arrest of the chief but had to give him a last warning and an opportunity to reconcile with the Olohan.

Otunba Egbeyemi said Adewumi’s action was a clear violation of the State Chiefs Law by using the paraphernalia of a monarch which attracts a sentence of six months imprisonment upon conviction.

He specifically warned that any traditional chief, honorary chief or any other individual who paraded himself in the regalia of an Oba in Ekiti State would be arrested and prosecuted by the state government to preserve the sanctity of the traditional institution.

The Deputy Governor said cases of unauthorized use of crowns and beaded walking sticks had been reported to the state government in recent past, saying such acts are capable of causing chaos and anarchy in the state.

He said the state government was working very hard to ensure that the Land of Honour enjoys peace before, during and after the forthcoming governorship election, pointing out that the latest stand-off between the Olohan and the Oba Odo should not be allowed to fester.

Otunba Egbeyemi said if the situation was not well handled, it could be hijacked by hoodlums to unleash terror and throw Erijiyan Ekiti into chaos. He called on parties to the crisis to bury their differences in the interest of peace.

He urged the community to effect the arrest of Adewumi through the help of security agencies anywhere he was seen wearing a crown or using a beaded walking stick preparatory to his prosecution in court.

The Deputy Governor, however, used the opportunity to warn chiefs in communities across the state to desist from wearing crowns and using beaded sticks, stressing that only Obas have the right to use such paraphernalia of office.

He said: “No chief that is under an Oba in our state has the right to wear crown or use beaded sticks. It is only Obas that are entitled to wear crowns and use beaded sticks. The chiefs can use ordinary walking sticks and not the beaded traditional one.

“Beaded walking sticks are for Obas only, crowns are meant for Obas only. You don’t have two or more Obas in a town. No chief should parade himself as an Oba no matter how rich or influential he may be. He must respect the Oba under whom he is serving.

“If all of us are using crowns and beaded sticks, there will be confusion in our towns and that amounts to disrespect of our Obas and our government will not tolerate that. If anybody shows contempt to Obas, such an individual is playing with trouble.

“I am by this order putting chiefs in our communities under notice to desist from usurping the authorities of Obas in Ekiti State. Any chief who uses the paraphernalia of Obas is playing with six months imprisonment.

“I want you (Adewumi) to go back to the palace and beg your Kabiyesi and henceforth cooperate with him for the development of your town. You are a chief under him and don’t do anything that can diminish the throne of the Olohan.”

Speaking earlier, Oba Omoseebi had accused Adewumi of sponsoring confusion and violence in the town which necessitated petitions to the police and the state government.

The monarch alleged that Adewumi had constituted himself to a threat to residents of Erijiyan, noting that the palace had to report the incident to the government to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Adewumi also accused the monarch of making attempts on his life. He added that he only wore crown once in a year during a worship of a river deity in the town.

He assured the Deputy Governor of his readiness to comply with the order and reconcile with the Oba.

Olaniyi Alade

Education

Ekiti Records Increase In Public School Enrollment

By Web News 1258

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi says enrolment into public primary and secondary schools has increased due to quality infrastructure, instructional materials, enabling environment and young sharp teachers recruited across the state.

Otunba Egbeyemi who stated this while inaugurating renovated four blocks of class rooms in L.A Nursery and Primary School Isan Ekiti and Saint Boniface Primary School Ewu Ekiti, said that the figure which stood at 106, 271 in 2018 when Governor Fayemi assumed office had increased to 241, 982 in 2021 while that of public secondary schools jumped from 84, 146 in 2018 to 109, 140 in 2021.

Otunba Egbeyemi also noted that such feat was recorded in technical schools as it moved from 700 in 2018 to 2, 021 in 2021, following the overhaul and provision of state-of-the-art equipment to boost vocational education in order to reduce unemployed rate in Ekiti.

He pointed out that the present administration also committed resources to training and retraining of teachers, while school support Administrators with over 15,000 of them benefited from capacity building programmes in the last three years.

The Deputy Governor added that over one thousand new teachers were recruited to fill the available vacancies and strengthen manpower needs of public schools within the period under review.

Otunba Egbeyemi disclosed that a total sum of N7.8 billion had been paid to the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC as counterpart funds to attract qualities projects to public schools in the state.

Earlier, the SUBEB, Commissioner in Charge of Projects Management, Dr Kayode Adeoye expressed delight that Fayemi administration had since assumption of office on October 16, 2018 demonstrated strong commitment towards finding a lasting solution to some of the various problems affecting the education sector.

Dr Adeoye appealed to parents and guardians to always enrol their children to public schools to benefit from the investment to the sector.

A Traditional Ruler, Elewu of Ewu Ekiti, Oba Bamidele Ajayi appreciated Governor Fayemi’s passion to address challenges in education sector, called on government not to relent in the efforts to take the state to enviable heights.

Oriola Afolabi

Agriculture

Ekiti Flood Disaster: Farmers Receive Input From FG

By Web News 572

Over three thousand Farmers affected by the flood disaster in Ekiti State have benefited from the Federal Government Agricultural inputs.

Performing the ceremony in Ado Ekiti, the Deputy Governor Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi said that the gesture was part of the President Muhammad Buhari’s stride in Agriculture and efforts to assist farmers who were affected by the 2020 flood in Ekiti.

Our Correspondent who was there reports that some of the Agricultural inputs distributed were Spraying matching, water pump, agrochemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides fertilizers,  Yam, rice and maize seedlings.

The Ekiti State Deputy, Governor Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi who Flagged off the distribution in Ado Ekiti, commended

The federal government agricultural intervention programme which gave birth to the gesture.

Otunba Egbeyemi pointed out that the different intervention programmes received from the Federal Government and National Emergency Management Agency NEMA over the years had not only improved the lives of affected victims including farmers, but also given them hope of a better Nigeria.

The Deputy Governor said that government would not relent in it efforts at supporting farmers with necessary materials as well as creating enabling environment for them even as he called on them to always key into government programmes on agriculture.

Earlier, the Chairman, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Retired Captain Sunday Adebomi said government had conducted a verification and enumeration exercise on the affected farmers in order to ensure that farmers whose farmland were damaged by the flood were the direct beneficiaries.

The NEMA, National Supervisor for Ekiti on Agric Intervention, Mr Tope Ajayi, said that inputs was part of measures by President Buhari’s administration to promote agriculture and mitigate effects of flood disaster on farmers in Ekiti.

Mr. Ajayi appealed to the benefiting farmers to take advantage of the farm inputs to improve on their productivity in line with the vision of the federal Government on agriculture.

Some of the benefitting farmers including Mrs Ronke Olagbemi, Mr. Ojo Ilesanmi and Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin described the gesture as as a welcome development and appreciated president Muhammad Buhari for putting smiles on their faces.

The Farmers called for more Intervention programmes which would help them to compete favourably with their counterparts across the world, saying that Ekiti Farmers had all it takes to make Nigeria a food sufficient nation.

Oriola Afolabi

Transportation

Ekiti Loses Forty-One Lives To Accidents In Eight Months- FRSC

By Web News 661

In Ekiti State, forty one people lost their lives between January and September this year in one hundred and six accidents recorded by the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC in the state.

The Zonal Commanding Officer FRSC, in charge of Zone 8, Mr Uche Omeje made this known at this year’s Ember Months Campaign in Ado Ekiti.

The Ekiti State Ember Months Campaign put up by the officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps with the theme, ‘Enjoy Safe Road Trip in Ember months, avoid night travelling” was attended by members of drivers union, Market Women, Political office holders and association of proprietors in the state.

While flagging off the programme, Ekiti State Deputy Governor Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi warned against the sale of alcoholic drinks across the motor parks, saying that consumption of hard drinks was also a factor causing road crashes.

Otunba Egbeyemi who commended the officials of FRSC for working towards ensuring an accident- free roads promised that Ekiti state government would continue to give maximum support in that regards.

Breaking down the number of carnage recorded in Ekiti State, the Assistant Corps Marshall, Mr. Uche Omeje explained that six hundred and thirty three people were involved in motor accidents while two hundred and ninety two were injured and sixty persons had members of the their body seriously affected between January and September this year.

Mr. Omeje blamed some of the accidents and fatalities recorded on excessive speeding, lack of regards to road rules and regulations, impatience and poor perception of many drivers on highways

Mr. Omeje observed that it was the task of every Nigerian to always ensure accidents free highways by embracing the use of seat belt and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

Also, the FRSC State Commander, Mr Funmilayo Akinlade who solicited the support of transport workers in ensuring safety on roads especially during the Ember months, observed that inability of many to obey the traffic rules had contributed to numbers of accidents on the highways, especially in Ekiti.

Mrs Akinlade urged Motorists to shun the use of phone, alcoholic drinks, overloading, dangerous overtaken and other factors which had become the habit of drivers especially while driving.

In their separate comments, the Chairmen of both Drivers unions in Ekiti, NURTW, Mr Osho Farotimi and his counterpart from RTEAN Chief Rotimi Olanbiwonu who appreciated the officials of FRSC for the educative programme, maintained that members of their unions would continue to operate within the ambits of the laws guiding them on the highways.

Mr. Farotimi used the occasion to call on government to address all the failed portions of roads across the state.

Oriola Afolabi

Lifestyle

Cleric Calls For Better Welfare Packages For Military Personnel

By Web News 597

A Cleric, the Reverend Father Lawrence Adetola has appealed to the federal government to initiate better welfare packages for military personnel, legionnaires and families of the nation’s fallen heroes.

He made the appeal in Ado Ekiti at a special service in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the Government House Chapel.

The Reverend Father Adetola also asked government to provide sophisticated equipment for the military to enable them to fight terrorism, banditry, insurgency and crimes ravaging some parts of the country.

The cleric who is the Chaplain of Government House Chapel urged the miltary personnel still in active service to always defend the nation’s territorial integrity to guarantee peace and national development.

The Catholic cleric who acknowledged the selfless service of the legionnaires and their contributions to nation building, said the ex-service men deserved to be celebrated.

In a remark, Governor Kayode Fayemi said government should not only observe the day but also rise up and enhance the operations of the military personnel and improved their well being.

The governor who spoke through his Deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi gave an assurance of more programmes that would add values to the lives of the legionnaires and families of the fallen heroes.

Tope Bamidele

Culture

Youngest Monarch In Ekiti Receives Staff of Office

By Web News 4458

The youngest traditional ruler in Ekiti State, Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodeji William Adesoye has received the instrument of appointment and staff of office with a call on traditional rulers to exercise their power with fear of God and eschew acts that can cause disaffection in their domains.

Performing the ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi said the traditional rulers needed to be tolerant, painstaking and always respect people’s opinion while making their decision.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Governor Fayemi maintained that his administration had no special interest in the filling of vacant stools in any town but to ensure peace, progress and harmony across the state.

He urged the people of Epe-Ekiti to support the new monarch to ensure rapid growth in the community, saying that the late Elepe Oba Emmanuel Agbeleoba tried a lot for the development of the town.

Earlier, the permanent secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Adeniyi Familoni noted that the processes leading to the installation of Oba Adesoye were done in an atmosphere of peace and in accordance with Ekiti chieftaincy laws.

In his acceptance speech, the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodeji Adesoye who could not hide his joy, appreciated Ekiti State government, kingmakers, family, friends and the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole for their roles during the selection process.

Oba Adesoye promised to lead by example with a call on Ekiti Government to help rehabilitate all the roads linking Epe-Ekiti to other towns in Ijero Local Government.

The brief ceremony held at the Governor’s Office Conference Hall, Ado-Ekiti, had in attendance High Chiefs, Obinrin Ile, family and friends from Epe-Ekiti and the Ijero Local Government Area officials led by the Chairman, Mr Ropo Ige among others.

Oriola Afolabi

Security

Avoid acts that can tarnish the image of the Police – Otunba Egbeyemi

By Web News 882

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi has charged officers and men of the Nigeria Police to be honest and eschew acts that can negatively affect the image of their profession.

Otunba Egbeyemi gave the charge in Ado-Ekiti while decorating the nine newly promoted officers working with him to the rank of Inspectors and one to the rank of Sergeant.

The Deputy Governor who could not hide his joy over the promotion, maintained that the newly elevated officers had been dutiful and respectful in the discharge of their duty.

Otunba Egbeyemi appreciated God on behalf of the officers working with him and prayed for more blessings, safety and sound health for the rank and file in the Nigeria Police.

While appreciating the fatherly role of Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the Deputy Governor’s Convoy Commander, Mr Achigili Ben promised that they would not relent or fail in the discharge of their duty.

The newly promoted officers who were visibly happy, exchanged pleasantries with their colleagues.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Ekiti Stands Still as Pa Ayo Fasanmi Is Buried

By Web News 1974

The remains of a senator in the old Western Region and leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Fasanmi have been laid to rest with a call on leaders to shun act of acquiring wealth in a fraudulent manner but focus on selfless service to humanity as exemplified by the departed leader.

This is part of the submissions of the Bishop of Ekiti Oke Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Peter Olubowale at the service for the late Senator held at Saint John’s Anglican Church Iye Ekiti.

Our correspondent, Oriola Afolabi who was there reports that the burial ceremony attended by the Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi who was represented by his Deputy Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Osun State Deputy Governor Mr Benedict Alabi, Ekiti Elders, Representatives of Afenifere Ilosiwaju Yoruba among others.

His report.

Oriola Afolabi

Politics

Wear Masks in Public Always – Ekiti Deputy Governor

By Web News 973

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, has prayed for a quick recovery for the Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi from COVID-19 infection.

Otunba Egbeyemi in a statement in Ado Ekiti urged the governor to stay strong as the prayers of the entire people of the state and other Nigerians are with him.

The Deputy Governor expressed delight that his boss is doing well in isolation and responding to treatment.

He also saluted the courage exhibited by the governor in sending a message of assurance to the people of the state from isolation which has gone a long way in dousing the anxiety caused by the news of the infection.

Otunba Egbeyemi enjoined the people of the state not to relent in praying for the Governor and others still receiving treatment at the isolation centre.

The Deputy Governor who noted that COVID-19 is real, counseled the people of the state to always wear their face masks in public, avoid large gatherings and wash their hands with soap and running water regularly.

He advised anybody showing COVID-19 related symptoms to go for a test and isolate from family and friends.

Amos Ogunrinde

Religion

COVID-19: Ekiti Committee to Work out Modalities on Reopening of Worship Centres

By Web News 624

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has set up a committee to work out modalities on the reopening of worship centres.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Dr Fayemi emphasized that his administration would not do anything to jeopardize the safety and health of worshippers in opening churches and mosques.

The Committee, which has one week to submit its report, had members from the government side to include Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Foluso Daramola; Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu; the Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi and Director General, Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery, Professor Mobolaji Aluko.

Christian leaders on the committee include the state CAN Chairman,  Reverend Father Peter Olowolafe, PFN Chairman, Bishop Clement Abifade and Reverend Joshua Orikogbe while the Muslim leaders in the Committee include the state President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Sanni, Alhaji Hamed  Abdulsalami and Professor Musa Abdul Raheem.

Oriola Afolabi

Lifestyle

Olumilua was an exemplary statesman – Ekiti Deputy Governor

By Web News 1890

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, has described the late former governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, as a man of integrity, very truthful and an exemplary statesman.

Otunba Egbeyemi made the remarks when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman who passed on in the early hours of today in his hometown, Ikere Ekiti at the age of eighty.

The deputy governor was received by the two wives of the deceased, Bolatito and Olayinka, family members and other sympathisers.

Otunba Egbeyemi consoled the family members and signed the condolence register to pay tributes to the former Governor of old Ondo State.

The wives of the deceased in their responses, commended the deputy governor for his prompt visit to the family and appreciated the Fayemi’s administration for always identifying with the family.

Oriola Afolabi

Politics

Ekiti Govt. Reconciles Alare of Are-Ekiti, Chiefs

By Web News 2348

The Ekiti State Government has reconciled the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi with thirty traditional chiefs who boycotted the palace for three months accusing him of involvement in unbecoming conducts that portray the community in a bad light.

Speaking after the final peace meeting, the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, urged the traditional ruler to always carry his chiefs along by working with them in harmony and always ready to listen to his subjects’ advice.

The Deputy Governor, urged both parties to always respect the peace accord and mutual agreement acceded to during the crisis.

The Chiefs led by the Olotin of Are Ekiti, Chief Temidayo Olubodun, said they forwarded a petition to the state government because they were not comfortable with Oba Adebiyi’s leadership style which they said was inimical to the peace, progress and development of the town.

The chiefs who said they had forgiven the monarch hailed the Deputy Governor for intervening in the rift, saying they were going back to the palace to resume their duties they had boycotted in the interest of peace.

Oriola Afolabi

Energy

Ekiti Govt, TCN Sign MoU on Power Generation

By Web News 950

Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and Ekiti State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to construct another two electricity power sub-stations of 132/33 KVA in Ilupeju and Ijesa-Isu, Ekiti.

At the signing of the MoU, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi said the step was part of measures to boost power supply, attract investors and create job opportunities.

Governor Fayemi who maintained that his administration was deeply concerned about improving infrastructural facilities to help the citizens to attain economic stability and progress in business, said no stone would be left unturned in ensuring the development of the state.

He noted that government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the Transmission Company of Nigeria and other investors to thrive effectively in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Public and Infrastructure, Mr. Bamidele Faparusi had lamented that Ekiti received the lowest power supply among the comity of states in the Southwest, while some communities were not even connected to the national grid.

The team leader of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Mr. Victor Adewumi who noted that works would commence in earnest since all agreements have been signed, said the projects would be delivered before the end of the second quarter of next year.

Oriola Afolabi

Health

Ekiti Govt. Flags Off Additional Immunization for Children

By Web News 846

Ekiti State Government has flagged off additional Immunization routine to prevent outbreak of meningitis and other killer diseases among children in the state.

At the ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi said that the vaccine was introduced to strengthen the health system and reduce morbidity, Mortality as well as others communicable diseases that could spread to the state.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Tade Aluko, the Deputy Governor explained that in 2017 about fifteen thousand cases of meningitis were reported in the Northern part of the country, hence parents need to join hands with government in Ekiti to prevent diseases and untimely death among children.

Otunba Egbeyemi noted that the vaccine would help to boost children immunity against outbreak of diseases.

The Chairman, Governing Board, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs Monisola Oloro said it was a good step to vaccinate children against life threatening childhood diseases through Immunization, with an appeal to nursing mothers to take advantage of the vaccine.

Mrs. Oloro explained that children from age zero to eleven months would be captured in the Immunization Programme.

Representatives of World Health organization WHO, Dr Olufunmilola Kolude and UNICEF, Mr. Adeyinka Adeogun advised parents to ensure that their children completed all routine Immunization.

Programmes in order to achieve zero percent killer diseases in Ekiti and promote healthy environment.

Oriola

Health

Ekiti Govt. Reiterates Commitment to Transform Health Sector

By Web News 873

Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to the transformation of health sector to improve the welfare of people across the state.

The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi stated this at the inauguration of the Local Government Health Authority Advisory Committee held in Ado Ekiti.

Otunba Egbeyemi said government would continue to ensure that health centres and hospitals were well equipped and also provide incentives to health workers.

In a remark, Board Chairman, Ekiti State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mrs. Monisola Oloro, lauded the commitment of the present administration for giving priority to quality health care delivery system in the state.

The inauguration of the committee now brings all stakeholders in the Primary Healthcare sub-sector under one umbrella to ensure better coordination and service delivery.

Oriola