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Tag: Biodun Oyebanji

  • Gov Oyebanji fires Ekiti agency boss

    Gov Oyebanji fires Ekiti agency boss

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has relieved Mr Abayomi Olumide of his position as Chairman of the Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency.

    This is contained in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.

    “The removal, which was as a result of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty, is with immediate effect.

    “The sacked chairman has also been directed to hand over all government properties in his custody to the Agency,” the statement reads.

  • Ekiti 2026: Aides donate N10m for Oyebanji’s nomination form

    Ekiti 2026: Aides donate N10m for Oyebanji’s nomination form

    Political appointees of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti have presented a cheque of N10 million to him as contribution for the purchase of the All Progressives Congress(APC) nomination form ahead of the party’s governorship primary.

    Oyebanji’s first term in office will end in October 2026. The donation, which was announced in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, involved the Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Senior Technical Assistants, and Technical Assistants serving in the current administration.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategy, Tope Olanipekun presented the cheque on behalf of the group to Oyebanji, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo.

    Olanipekun noted that the governor had demonstrated exceptional leadership, transparency and dedication to the welfare of Ekiti people.

    According to him, this justifies the group’s decision to rally support for his second-term in office.

    He said that the contribution was voluntary and reflected the confidence the aides have in the governor’s ability to sustain good governance.

    Olanipekun noted that APC had set the cost of purchasing Expression of Interest form at N10 million and Nomination form at N40 million, with the commencement of sale of form on Aug. 26.

    He maintained that the aides decided to pay for the Expression of Interest form to show that the endorsement by over 300 groups in the state was a true reflection of the love the people have for the governor.

    He further stressed that the decision of the group was driven by the desire to ensure continuity of the governor’s policies and projects, particularly in infrastructure, human capital development and economic growth.

    He promised that the group would continue to mobilise stakeholders across the state to consolidate on Oyebanji’s achievements and ensure his overwhelming victory in the election.

    Receiving the cheque, Oyebanji commended the aides for their unwavering support and promised to the confidence reposed in him by sustaining his people-oriented governance.

    The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, noted that the donation was more than just a financial contribution, but a demonstration of shared vision and collective responsibility for the progress of the state.

    He urged them to go beyond financial support by mobilising citizens across the state to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasising that it is the only way their voice could be heard.

  • JUST IN: Oyebanji dissolves cabinet, retains 6 commissioners

    JUST IN: Oyebanji dissolves cabinet, retains 6 commissioners

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council (SEC) with immediate effect.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro and made available to newsmen on Monday in Ado-Ekiti.

    The statement directed the affected Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective MDAs.

    Oyebanji thanked the affected members of the State Executive Council and wished them success in their future endeavours.

    The dissolution, however, does not affect the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as the Commissioners for Health and Human Services; Agriculture and Food Security; Education; Works; and Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives.

    Also exempt are the Special Advisers on Special Education and Social Inclusion, as well as Lands, Survey, and e-GIS.

    “All Directors General who are members of the State Executive Council are to retain their positions.

    “These are the Director General Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General SDGs and Project Monitoring; and Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),” the statement said.

  • Governor Oyebanji opens up on defection claims

    Governor Oyebanji opens up on defection claims

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has denied an online report claiming he has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling it misleading and false.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday by Mr Yinka Oyebode, Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary to the governor.

    Oyebode said the report, spread by unnamed individuals, falsely claimed that Governor Oyebanji and some officials were being led into ADC by former Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

    “For clarity, Governor Oyebanji and all public office holders mentioned remain firmly committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and have no link with the ADC,” Oyebode said.

    He added that the governor has, since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999, consistently remained within the progressive political movement in Ekiti State.

    “He is among the few politicians who have never defected from the progressive fold in the state,” he noted.

    Oyebode accused certain individuals of trying to exploit the governor’s relationship with Fayemi to sow discord between him and President Bola Tinubu.

    “Unfortunately for these mischief makers, President Tinubu is a strategic leader who can see through their agenda and antics,” he explained.

    He urged residents of Ekiti State to ignore the “childish media attack” allegedly orchestrated by desperate politicians eyeing the governorship seat.

    “Now that INEC has announced the primary election date, let them be brave enough to present their ambitions to APC members,” Oyebode added.

  • 2nd anniversary: Nigeria making progress under Tinubu – Oyebanji

    2nd anniversary: Nigeria making progress under Tinubu – Oyebanji

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State says President Bola Tinubu has provided remarkable leadership in the last two years.

    Oyebanji hailed the President for stabilising the ship of the state which, he said has been “successfully anchored with life-changing policies” that were having positive effects on the economy and other key sectors.

    The Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, made this known in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday.

    Oyebanji lauded the courage exhibited by the President in tackling the myriads of problems he met on ground, noting that the right solutions provided have brought some relief to Nigerians.

    He noted that Tinubu’s visionary leadership and conscientious pursuit of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda has been yielding dividends and strengthened the polity to the admiration of many Nigerians.

    According to him, it is fulfilling and heart-warming to note that under two years of the Tinubu Presidency, Nigeria is now in a better shape than at any time in the past decade based on microeconomic and macroeconomic indices on ground.

    The governor applauded Tinubu’s investment in agriculture, mining, blue economy, tourism and other key sectors which he believes would translate to better standards of living and generate more jobs for Nigerians.

    Oyebanji also commended the President for his economic reforms, which is making more resources available to the sub nationals, thereby enhancing growth and development across the states of the federation.

    He further expressed gratitude to the President for assisting the state with empowerment initiatives, capital projects, appointments of deserving indigenes into prominent positions and siting of a new Federal University among several other benefits.

    The governor urged the people of Ekiti at home and in Diaspora to keep supporting the President in working to realise his vision for a greater and more prosperous Nigeria in years to come.

    “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish the President a happy anniversary and pray that God Almighty continues to guide and order his steps aright,” Oyebanji stated.

  • Ekiti APC caucus endorses Oyebanji for second term

    Ekiti APC caucus endorses Oyebanji for second term

    The Ekiti Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unanimously endorsed the second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    The endorsement was passed at a special caucus meeting of the state chapter of APC held at Iyin Ekiti.

    The meeting was attended by the first civilian Governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and the immediate past governor of Ekiti Dr Kayode Fayemi, as well as Oyebanji.

    Speaking while moving the endorsement motion, the Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, said that the governor had demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities through his commitment to the welfare of the people of the state.

    The speaker praised the governor for making the party highly acceptable to the people through his sterling performance, people-oriented policies and programmes.

    Earlier, the state APC Chairman, Mr Sola Elesin, thanked Oyebanji for making the party highly attractive and acceptable to all indigenes of the state through his developmental strides.

    He maintained that no town in the state was left out of various government’s interventions including infrastructure development, rural electrification, healthcare improvement, agric revolution, and youth empowerment.

    Also in his remarks, Fayemi said that the state had a lot to thank God for.

    “Generally speaking, I think we have a lot to thank God for and we must thank our governor, everywhere we turn to its BAO, our leader and I do exchange notes regularly,” he said.

    In his contribution, Adebayo said that the caucus had made itself very clear.

    “We are all in support of the governor contesting for another term.

    “Everyone is pleased with the work he is doing, and we believe he should seek re-election, he has our full support as he continues his leadership journey, ” Adebayo said.

    Responding, Oyebanji expressed his gratitude to leaders of the party for their belief in his leadership acumen.

    Addressing concerns over high-profile political alignments outside the APC, the governor insisted that the party remained unshaken.

    He said: “We are not worried. What do you expect politicians to do other than play politics? Whether through lies or propaganda, they have to try something.”

  • Gov Oyabanji appoints new Chief of Staff, others

    Gov Oyabanji appoints new Chief of Staff, others

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has approved the appointment of a member of his cabinet, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as his Chief of Staff.

    Adebayo, who is currently the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, is to assume the role of Chief of Staff with effect from January 2, 2025.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Adebayo is expected to bring in his wealth of experience in finance, management and planning to bear in the coordination of activities of the Governor’s office.

    Adebayo, who hails from Usi-Ekiti, joined the Oyebanji administration as a Special Adviser Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management in November 2022.

    He was later inaugurated as Commissioner in charge of the ministry in August 2023.

    He holds a Bachelor of Science second class upper degree in Forest Resources Management and a Masters of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.

    He also has an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA.

    Similarly, the Governor has also approved the appointment of Mr Femi Ajayi as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

    Ajayi, a one-time Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, is presently the Special Adviser to the Governor, Independent Project Monitoring Office.

    He takes over as Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Budget and Economic, which has now reverted to its original name, effective January 2, 2025.

    The governor has also created the Office of Special Services to be headed by Prince Wole Ajakaiye as Special Adviser, who was the Director General/Special Adviser SDGs.

    The Office of Special Services will be in charge of SDGs, Independent Project Monitoring and other functions as determined by the Governor.

    In a related development, Gov. Oyebanji has also approved the appointment of Mr Tajudeen Akingbolu as the Director General, Ekiti State Transport Agency.

    Akingbolu, a former member of the State House of Assembly, is to manage the newly floated agency effective from January 2, 2025.

    Gov. Oyebanji wished all the appointees success in their respective assignments, even as he urged them to justify the confidence he reposed in them by ensuring more effective service delivery.

  • Gov Oyebanji swears in Ekiti Acting Chief Judge

    Gov Oyebanji swears in Ekiti Acting Chief Judge

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Monday swore in Justice Lekan Ogunmoye as the State acting Chief Judge.

    Ogunmoye’s inauguration was sequel to the passing away of the chief judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, on Nov. 4.

    Performing the ceremony at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji said it was aimed at sustaining judicial services, as ‘nature abhors vacuum’.

    He said that the inauguration was in accordance with the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 271 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “I know we are all emotional, but this is what we have to do. Nature abhors vacuum. Condolences to all of us and may the good Lord rest the soul of the departed chief judge in Jesus’ name,’’ he prayed.

    While congratulating the acting chief judge, Oyebanji noted that the situation on ground called for sober reflection as well as personal challenge to him.

    He urged the acting chief judge to bring to bear his high level of competence, dedication, hard work and professionalism to further turn around the justice sector in the state.

    In his response, Ogunmoye thanked the governor for his appointment, pledging to dispense worthwhile justice for the sustained development of the state.

    The acting chief judge noted that judiciary had enjoyed maximum cooperation and support under Oyebanji’s administration, particularly due to the governor’s commitment and passion for the arm of government.

    He appealed for more collaboration in order for him to continue with the ‘impressive legacies’ of his predecessors and ensure prompt justice delivery.

    Ogunmoye also solicited government support to enable him to raise the justice system from analogue to digital and improve the welfare of judiciary workers.

  • Ekiti workers would be paid new minimum wage – Gov Oyebanji assures

    Ekiti workers would be paid new minimum wage – Gov Oyebanji assures

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Saturday said workers in the state service would be paid the N70,000 new minimum wage while consequential adjustment would be added to pensions.

    Oyebanji made the announcement during the 2024 Pensioners’ Day, held in Ado Ekiti, which marks the beginning of activities for the Second Anniversary of his administration.

    The governor said that his administration was resolved to make life better for the people, adding “the minimum wage has become a law binding on all states.”

    At the occasion, Oyebanji presented cheques of the value of N3.5 billion to 829 pensioners who retired between of 2014 and March 2015.

    He highlighted some of the programmes initiated for the senior citizens to include the free Health Insurance scheme for pensioners.

    Oyebanji explained that a sum of of over N70 billion has been released in defraying the payment of gratuities, and urged the retirees to continue to pray for the success of his administration

    The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Mr Kolapo Olatunji, showered encomium on the Oyebanji led government for bringing succor and hope to the retirees.

    The state Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi thanked the pensioners for their support for the government over the years.

    Also, the National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, (NUP), Mr Godwin Abumisi, who was represented by Mr Ayo Ikumapayi, and the State chairman of the Union, Mr Joel Akinola, lauded the various efforts of the governor, pledging their continue support for his administration.

  • Fuel price hike: Ekiti govt issues directive to civil servants

    Fuel price hike: Ekiti govt issues directive to civil servants

    The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji has approved a work-from-home policy for its civil servants.

    The Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode in a statement on Friday stated that the new policy stipulates that civil servants in grades 01-07 can work from home for three days each week.

    Oyebode stress that the initiative which will take effect from Monday, September 9, 2024, is designed to alleviate the impact of the ongoing economic challenges employees face.

    Meanwhile, those in grades 08-12 will work remotely two days a week, and employees in grades 13-17 can work from home once a week. However, essential personnel, including teachers, critical healthcare workers, and security staff are excluded from the initiative.

    The governor also instructed each Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) to develop a feasible schedule for its staff to ensure that this work-from-home policy does not compromise the quality of service delivery.

    The arrangement, according to Oyebode will remain in effect for two months and will be reviewed periodically based on the current situation.

    Furthermore, this policy does not interfere with other support measures established by the state government, such as the monthly wage awards for employees and pensioners, as well as the provision of accessible transportation for workers and students.

    The Ekiti State government said it is dedicated to the welfare of its workforce and will persist in executing necessary strategies to boost their productivity.