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Tag: Biodun Oyebanji

  • Oyebanji appoints Prof. Olaleye Special Adviser

    Oyebanji appoints Prof. Olaleye Special Adviser

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the appointment of Prof. James Olaleye as Special Adviser on Land, eGIS and Survey.

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, on Wednesday,  Olaleye’s appointment takes effect from July 1, 2024.

    Olaleye, a professor of Surveying Engineering, bagged a first class Bachelor’s degree in Surveying from University of Lagos, Akoka in 1981.

    He bagged a Master’s degree in Surveying from the same University in 1984, and his PhD in Surveying Engineering from University of Brunswick, Canada in 1992.

    Olaleye started his academic career as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Lagos in 1982 and rose to the position of a professor in 2015.

    He held different positions including Sub Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Head, Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics.

    He retired from the University in December 2023.

    Olaleye, a specialist in Digital Mapping, Hydrography and Geomatics has extensive work experience in resource mapping, GPS and modern survey methods, especially coastal environment.

    He was awarded the price for  the best paper publication in 1994 by the American Society for Photogrammetry.

    While congratulating the new appointee, Gov. Oyebanji urged him to deploy his wealth of experience as a renowned scholar in the field of Surveying Engineering in his new assignment.

    He urged him to boost the administration’s strategic efforts in areas of land administration, urban renewal project and safer environment.

  • Gov to appointees: What will determine your stay in office

    Gov to appointees: What will determine your stay in office

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday told his commissioners and special advisers to justify their presence in the government through excellent discharge of  duties in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    Oyebanji stated this at the opening session of a three-day retreat for commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries, general managers and executive secretaries held at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said their continued stay in office would be guaranteed by demonstrated creative ability,  ingenuity, innovative capability and impressive performance.

    The governor charged them to see their appointment as a call to service and not an avenue for self-aggrandizement.

    He stressed the need for political appointees and accounting officers to work together to realise aspiration of taking Ekiti to the next level of prosperity.

    Oyebanji charged them to be proactive, innovative and creative in the business of government in order to achieve the desired results of ensuring growth and development of the state.

    The governor said the retreat, with the theme, “Shared prosperity: From Promise to Reality” , was very timely and apt at the moment when government was working towards actualising the state’s developmental plan.

    He called on all heads of MDAs to buy into the development agenda of the administration through the realisation of its six pillars.

    Oyebanji said that the new commissioners  would also be expected to commit themselves to performance bond as a way of ensuring their continued membership of the executive council.

    He charged them to hit the ground running as soon as the retreat was over and not engage in frivolous celebration or seeking media bliss.

    Instead, he urged them to demonstrate sense of decency, moderation and high sense of responsibility.

    The governor expressed his appreciation to the first set of executive council members for the solid foundation they had laid in the last nine months.

    He said that their perseverance, support and understanding had helped to stabilise the government and established a pathway for the new ones to ensure continuity of good governance.

    “Let me add that after this retreat, you will be requested as you settle down to submit your work plan and to commit yourselves to a performance bond.

    “Your ability on the job, creative ingenuity, innovative capability and impressive result will be the major determinant of your continued membership of the state executive council.

    ”You will always be called upon to submit yourself from time to time for performance evaluation.

    “I therefore urge you to hit the ground running, unleash your creative energy and approach every task with every sense of urgency.

    “As you all know, we campaigned on a six-point agenda which has now crystallised to the six pillars of our administration, for us to have clear ideas of our development objectives, strategies, performance and performance evaluation.

    “Let me throw this challenge to you as we go ahead in this journey, what can you do to make this administration outstanding? What gaps can you fill to make a difference and what fresh ideas can you bring to the table for the realization of our collective goals?

    ”This will make us have collective ideas on our vision and objectives, create ideas and strategies and generate the necessary capabilities to realize them.”

    In his opening remarks, the Lead Facilitator, Dr Otive Igbuzo, highlighted the objectives and expectations to include effective implementation of government policies and programmes, while all MDAs would be expected to develop a work plan towards achieving the six pillars of the administration.

    Also present at the retreat were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Barr. Bamidele Agbede and other top government officials.

  • Gov Oyebanji sympathises with victims of rainstorm disaster, 105 buildings destroyed

    Gov Oyebanji sympathises with victims of rainstorm disaster, 105 buildings destroyed

    Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has condoled with the residents of Oke-Ako, Ikole Local Government Area of the state where a rainstorm destroyed over 105 buildings in the community.

    The Friday evening torrential downpour, which lasted for over two hours, also destroyed some electricity facilities across the town, thereby subjecting the residents to a total blackout.

    Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the level of havoc wreaked on the town, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described the occurrence as highly devastating.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Deputy Governor was conducted around the affected areas by the Regent of the town, Her Royal Highness Ogunbiyi Tinuade Adebayo, the lawmaker representing Ikole Constituency 2, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye and the Chairman, Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Hon Michael Ogungbemi.

    A statement by the Special Assistant Media to the Deputy Governor, Victor Ogunje, on Saturday, quoted the Governor as expressing delight that no life was lost during the stormy rainfall.

    Gov Oyebanji sympathises with victims of rainstorm disaster, 105 buildings destroyed

    She said, “On behalf of his Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, I sympathise with you on the destruction caused by rainstorm to many residential buildings and electricity poles in this town, which we believe must have affected the wellbeing of the victims.

    “Information at our disposal and on-the-spot assessment revealed that roofs of scores of residential buildings and electricity facilities were destroyed during the stormy rainfall, thereby rendering many homeless and helpless.

    “We sympathize with the victims at these trying times and plead for calmness, in the sense that natural disaster of this nature is one occurrence that is difficult to control. But with personal precautions and the right efforts, its effects can be minimized.

    “That was why Governor Oyebanji’s administration is ready to support interested individuals to go into tree planting and the programmes will soon be rolled out to safeguard our environment and minimize havoc being wreaked on our buildings by rainstorms.

    Gov Oyebanji sympathises with victims of rainstorm disaster, 105 buildings destroyed

    “Tree planting is very essential. I observed that landlords here are not planting trees, I am not seeing them standing beside our houses. Let us inculcate the habit of tree planting to serve as windbreakers against storms.

    “Let me also assure you that the state government won’t abandon you and allow you to regret in these current devastating condition. We shall give all the necessary support to mitigate whatever effect this situation must have caused to your lives”.

  • Gov. Oyebanji mourns Islamic cleric, Arikeuyo

    Gov. Oyebanji mourns Islamic cleric, Arikeuyo

    Ekiti Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has commiserated with the family of the popular Islamic cleric, Alhaji Olowoyo Arikeuyo, the Awiye Adinni of Ekiti, who died on Thursday, describing his departure as unfortunate.

    This is contained in a statement by Oyebanji’s Special Adviser, Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, on Saturday and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.

    The governor, according to the statement, also commiserates with the Muslim community in the state, under the leadership of the Grand Imam and President General, League of Imams and Alfas Southwest, Delta and Edo states, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere.

    He urged the Muslim faithful to remain steadfast, knowing that Allah, being the author of life, could give and take at anytime.

    The governor, who recalled that he was in touch with the late Islamic cleric throughout the period of his sickness, urged his family and associates to take solace in the fact that the late Arikeuyo served Allah as a true believer and remained faithful till the end.

    Oyebanji further described the late Arikeuyo as a fearless preacher, saying the late cleric would be missed for his forthrightness and penchant for speaking truth to power.

    “Alhaji Arikeuyo served Allah faithfully till he breathed his last. His ministry impacted many lives and that should serve as a consolation to his family.

    “ On behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the immediate and extended family of the late Alhaji Arikeuyo and the Muslim community in the state on the passing of the frontline preacher,” the statement quoted Oyebanji.

    He prayed that the Almighty Allah would grant him aljannah firdaus and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • 2023 will be a year of giant lift for Ekiti – Gov. Oyebanji

    2023 will be a year of giant lift for Ekiti – Gov. Oyebanji

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has urged the people of the state to look forward to 2023 with great hope and expectations for overall development and positive turnaround in all sectors.

    Oyebanji stated this on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti in his first New Year speech as the State’s Chief Executive.

    The governor expressed the hope that 2023 would be a “year of giant lift for Ekiti”, calling for  support of the people to make the dream a reality.

    He also assured the people of the state that they would witness massive improvement in security, infrastructure and government services as never seen before.

    Oyebanji expressed optimism that 2023 would be a glorious year of strong beginning for the government and people of the state.

    He congratulated the people for making it to the new year in spite of the numerous challenges and threats, saying that, “the miracle of daily existence in good health itself is a grace that must never be taken for granted,”.

    The governor reiterated his commitment to his administration’s six-point agenda of youth development and job creation, human capital development, infrastructure and industrial development, agriculture and rural development, arts, culture as well as tourism toward turning around the fortunes of the state in the new year.

    He said his administration was working hard to give Ekiti the desired face-lift which was evident in the aggressive pursuit of road infrastructure renewal in Ado-Ekiti metropolis through ongoing rehabilitation of major and nodal roads.

    Oyebanji also said his administration had spiced up massive deployment of street lights under the “Light-Up Ekiti Initiative” which would be replicated in other towns and villages in the new year.

    He said commendable transformation was ongoing at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort which had been concessioned to a private company to rebuild, expand and manage, describing it as “Ekiti’s most iconic tourism springboard for the tourism potential of the state,”.

    Oyebanji expressed the confidence that the resort and nearby Arinta Water Fall would be back in the international tourism site in 2023, bigger and better.

    He promised that his administration would also embark on the development of other heritage sites in the state.

    The governor disclosed that his administration was liaising with critical government agencies to facilitate access to cheaper funds to support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises with the vision to ensure that artisans, market women and private sector players were linked up with cheaper funds to support their businesses in 2023.

    He thanked traditional rulers, religious and community leaders for the critical roles they played at all times.

    He craved for their continued support and cooperation in 2023 as the people of the state look forward to more opportunities for assistance and cooperation in moving the state forward.

    The governor, who explained that his campaign manifesto anchored on six pillars was carefully designed to position the state for peace and prosperity, also reiterated his commitment to the development agenda based on his conviction that they signposted Ekiti’s path to progress.

    He explained that both the Supplementary Budget and the 2023 Budget already passed by the State House of Assembly had  been projected to reflect the six pillars and their actualisation and thanked the state legislators for their cooperation.

    Oyebanji noted that the passage of the supplementary budget had empowered his administration to urgently intervene in some critical infrastructural renewal while the 2023 Appropriation Law assented to two days ago would help the government to hit the ground running from the first day of the year.

    He urged the people of the state to look forward to more Investments in education and knowledge economy which, he noted, the state had comparative advantage.

    Oyebanji described investment in the health sector as also critical to ensure a healthy populace as well as other sectors of the economy.

    “In the New Year, we will expedite effort on this and ensure all our health facilities at all levels are accessible, available, affordable and in good shape.

    “We want to jealously preserve our record as the state with the highest life expectancy rate in Nigeria.

    “We will continue to strengthen our primary, secondary and tertiary health system to keep this trophy.

    “Government is deeply concerned about the exodus of our health and medical professionals to other climes due to obvious present challenges.

    “I am, however glad to assure them that government will look into the issues with a view to reversing the trend in the New Year,” the governor said.

    Describing the last 75 days of his administration as exciting, Oyebanji appreciated Ekitis at home and abroad for their enthusiasm and cooperation since his assumption of office.

    “I am deeply touched by their show of love and solidarity through pieces of advice, prayers, suggestions and constructive criticisms,” he said.

    Oyebanji appreciated the people of the state for electing him to serve as their governor and his predecessors for being a source of encouragement to his administration.

    He appealed to politicians from different political divides to allow peace to reign and play politics of maturity during the forthcoming general elections while putting the overall interest of the state at heart.

    The governor also used the opportunity to canvass for massive votes for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Presidential candidate, Asuwaju Bola Tinubu and the party’s, National and State House of Assemblies candidates in the coming general elections.

  • Ekiti Deputy Gov, Afuye hails Gov Oyebanji’s tribunal victory

    Ekiti Deputy Gov, Afuye hails Gov Oyebanji’s tribunal victory

    Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, on Thursday hailed Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal.

    The tribunal ruled in favour of Oyebanji on Thursday in a case instituted by Mr Segun Oni, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the June 18 election.

    Responding to the verdict at Ado-Ekiti, Afuye commended the judiciary for preventing the will of the people from being subverted by the defeated opposition party.

    She told newsmen that “the victory at the tribunal amplified and firmly attested to the fact that Oyebanji won the June 18, 2022 governorship election fairly and squarely.

    She said with this resounding verdict, the judiciary, had again proven to be the bastion, fortress and great defender of democracy.

    Afuye insisted that Ekiti people gave Oyebanji their mandate freely, and that no force would be given the room to hijack the mandate.

    “As I salute the judiciary for mustering the vigour and acting valiantly to deliver a resounding judgment on the issue emanating from the conduct of the Ekiti governorship poll.

    “Let me call on the opposition to join hands with Gov. Oyebanji to take Ekiti to the deserved destination of prosperity, progress and development.

    “Ekiti belongs to all of us; let us join hands with the government of the day to make Ekiti better and greater,’’ she said.

    The deputy governor also commended opposition for heading to court rather than causing chaos.

    “We also appreciate and commend the opposition for not resorting to anarchy in seeking redress in the electoral matter. Resorting to court remains the best practice in democracy to seek redress on any contentious issue.

    “Now that the matter had been resolved, they should contribute their quota in building Ekiti of our dream.

    “I salute our party members, leaders across the state and Nigeria and all Ekiti people for standing by the governor. We are assuring you that we will not let you down.

    “Gov. Oyebanji and his team will revive the pedal of development by being diligent, transparent and zealously committed to good governance,’’ Afuye said.

  • Ekiti Election Petitions Tribunal delivers judgment today

    Ekiti Election Petitions Tribunal delivers judgment today

    The Ekiti Election Petitions Tribunal on the June 18 governorship election will deliver judgment today Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Secretary to the Tribunal, Umar Abubakar, made this known on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.

    Abubakar said: “The Election Petitions Tribunal in charge of the Ekiti State Governorship  election will on Thursday the 29th of December, deliver judgment in the petition filled by Chief Segun Oni, challenging the victory of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji.

    “The judgment will hold at the Tribunal venue, located within the Ekiti State High Court, Ado- Ekiti by 9.00 a.m.

    “All concerned authorities are to take note.”

    The petitioner, Chief Segun Oni, also a former Governor and candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) had challenged the election victory of Oyebanji of APC.

    Oni had also claimed in his petition that Oyebanji’s election was characterised with irregularities.

    He had argued that it was wrong for the Mai Mala Buni-led APC leadership to have supervised the primary election process that led to Oyebanji’s emergence as the APC candidate.

    After weeks of arguments and counter arguments, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had adjourned until Nov. 23 for the adoption of final written addresses by the parties.

    Kpochi urged the counsel to exchange their written addresses and replies, within the time-frame.

    The chairman of the three-member panel had reserved judgment, after all parties had adopted their final written addresses at the last sitting.

  • Ondo Port ‘ll play vital role in country’s economy- Gov. Oyebanji

    Ondo Port ‘ll play vital role in country’s economy- Gov. Oyebanji

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, says the Ondo Sea Port is expected to play a role in contributing significantly to developing the state’s economy and its neighbouring states.

    Oyebanji who was represented by the Special Assistant (SA) to the governor on Budget and Planning, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, said this at the ongoing Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS).

    Newsmen reports that the event is organised by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commision (NiDCOM) in partnership with Nigerian Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI).

    The fifth edition of the  NDIS holding at the  Conference Center, Presidential Villa Abuja has as its theme: “Optimising Investment Opportunities for National Development “.

    According to Oyenbaji, findings have shown that there is a positive relationship between seaport development and the growth and development of the local economy and neighboring communities.

    “A significant ratio of Nigeria’s imports and exports rely on the maritime sector. Ports are the epicentre of the Blue Economy including transportation of humans and goods, export and import.

    “Tourism and leisure, fishing, aquaculture, and more recent developments like offshore renewable energy, among others.

    “Thus, Ondo Port is expected to play a role of utmost importance and contribute significantly to the development of the economy of Ondo state and neighbouring states such as Ekiti.

    “As most (if not all of us) know, what is now referred to as Ekiti was part of the Ondo Province in Western Region of Nigeria.

    “Ondo province would later become Ondo state in October 1976. 20 years down the line, precisely on  Oct. 1, 1996, the modern Ekiti  was formed out of Ondo state,” he said.

    He further added that  both states shared history and were economically and culturally closer  than any of the 34 states of Nigeria.

    “Hence, the establishment of a sea port in Ondo state will be of immense benefit to Ekiti . The importance of the proposed port becomes even clearer when one considers the fact that Ekiti is a landlocked state.

    “Many investment potentials are expected to emerge and economic benefits are expected to be  derived from the establishment of the Ondo seaport.”

    He said the port would enable industrial outputs and agricultural produce in Ekiti  to gain enhanced access to the international market and improve our ability to actively participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

    “Thereby generating foreign exchange. The port will also improve the economics of production and distribution of corporations in Ondo state  and Ekiti and the general well being of the people of our two states,” he said.

    NAN also reports that the summit which stated on Nov. 15  will end on Nov. 17.

  • Gunmen abduct 4 travellers in Ekiti

    Gunmen abduct 4 travellers in Ekiti

    Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have abducted four travellers along the Irele Ekiti-Oke Ako Highway in Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti.

    The latest abduction is one in a series of abductions on the highway in which some victims were killed.

    Local sources in the community told newsmen that the victims, who were said to be returning to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, after attending an event in Kogi last weekend, were kidnapped around noon on Sunday.

    They were said to have been waylaid by some gun-wielding attackers on the road between Irele-Ekiti and Oke Ako, and took their victims into the forest.

    A reliable source said,  “The four persons kidnapped were returning from an event in Kogi to Ibadan along the Irele Ekiti and Oke Ako Road.

    ”We have not heard anything from the gunmen since yesterday (Sunday), and we are hoping they will get in touch with their families, possibly for ransom.”

    Confirming the incident, a community leader in Irele-Ekiti, Chief Kehinde Abejide, condemned the abduction, saying incessant attacks by gunmen in the area, were becoming worrisome.

    He called on the new administration in the State to beef up security in the axis.

    Abejide urged the new governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, to partner the military to help in fighting the menace in the state

    ”These four people were returning to Ibadan when  they were attacked and kidnapped on Sunday morning and we have not heard anything since they were taken into the forest.

    ”We have been crying and pleading with government to help us in this area, but it appears nothing is happening, especially when you consider the recurring incidents in the community

    ”Though, we have in the past made local arrangements here relating to security, it can never be enough to confront these people.

    ”Let me call on the governor of Ekiti to do something urgently on  insecurity before our people in the entire communities in Ajoni LCDA are wiped out ,” he said.

    “There is  the need for a military post between Irele and Oke Ako, which will help to forestall any possible attack by these gunmen because it appears they are taking advantage of the poor security arrangements here.”

    When contacted, DSP Sunday Abutu,  the spokesman for the Police Command  in Ekiti, who confirmed the incident, said he would brief the media as soon as details  about  the incident reach his office.

    Also, the State Commander of Amotekun Corps, retired  Brig-Gen. Joe Komolafe, confirmed the incident.

    He said that the  operatives of the corps were already combing the forest in the area toward rescuing the victims alive.

  • OYEBANJI: Tinubu, Akande, APC Govs grace Ekiti Governor-elect’s inuaguration

    OYEBANJI: Tinubu, Akande, APC Govs grace Ekiti Governor-elect’s inuaguration

    The presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has led other dignitaries of the party to the Ekiti Pavilion, for the inauguration of Ekiti Governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji.

    Other dignitaries include the former Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwolu; Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Ogun Governor Dapo Biodun; Plateau Governor Solomon Lalong; Kebbi Governor Atiku Bagudu; Jigawa Governor Abubakar Badaru and Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Oyebanji served as governor of Ekiti State since 2022. He is a former Secretary to the Ekiti State Government and a former Chief of Staff. He was elected governor during the 2022 Ekiti State gubernatorial election.

    Oyebanji has at various points served in public service through appointments or as a member of committees.

    In 1994, Oyebanji was appointed the Secretary of the committee set up for the creation of Ekiti State, headed by Baba Deji Falegan. He was also the Secretary of the Ekiti State Development Fund at one point.

    When Nigeria reverted to democracy in 1999, at 32 years old, he was named as one of the top advisers to Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the state’s first democratically elected governor. Oyebanji ascended through the ranks to become the state governor’s Chief of Staff in 2003.

    OYEBANJI: Tinubu, Akande, APC Govs grace Ekiti Governor-elect's inuaguration
    Ekiti Governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji

    In 2009, he was appointed as the chairman of the governing board, the Citizenship and Leadership Training centre under the federal ministry of youth and sports development (June 2009 – December 2010).

    In 2010, Oyebanji was appointed the commissioner for integration and inter-governmental affairs and later Ekiti’s office of transformation strategy and delivery (OTSD) a year later by the administration of Kayode Fayemi.

    In 2018, he was appointed secretary to the state government (SSG) by Kayode Fayemi, after being reelected for a second term as Governor of Ekiti State.

    In 2021, Oyebanji resigned his position as the Secretary to the State Government to pursue his governorship aspirations.

    On 8 December 2021, Oyebanji declared his intention to contest the Ekiti State Gubernatorial Election in 2022.

    There were speculations of Oyebanji being the favourite of Kayode Fayemi, resulting in inferences of an imposition on the State which led to other aspirants withdrawing from the governorship primaries polls alleging that the “election committee was made up of loyalists of Fayemi”.

    The grievances of the other aspirants were not addressed by the party hierarchy hence, the primary was held, and Oyebanji polled 101,703 votes, unopposed to emerge as the All Progressives Congress governorship flag bearer in the 2022 Ekiti State gubernatorial election.

    On 18 June 2022, Oyebanji was elected governor on the APC platform with a 30% margin over second-place finisher and former Governor Olusegun Oni of the Social Democratic Party.

    He was officially Sworn in as Governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2022.