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Tag: ekiti

  • Minister condemns kidnap of school children in Ekiti

    Minister condemns kidnap of school children in Ekiti

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has condemned the kidnapping of some school children in Ekiti.

    The minister condemned the act in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Recall that about six pupils, three teachers and the bus driver of a private school in Emure-Ekiti were abducted while returning to Eporo-Ekiti on Monday.

    Alake also condemned the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti, who were reportedly killed while returning from a security meeting in Irele-Ekiti by suspected kidnappers.

    They were said to be in a vehicle being driven by one of their colleagues, the Alara of Ikole Ekiti, when they were attacked by gunmen along a community in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Monday.

    “I received with deep sadness,  the report of yesterday’s killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti, the Onimojo of Imojo- Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.

    “These two traditional rulers, according to media reports, were gruesomely murdered by their assailants while returning from a security meeting.

    “The tragic incident, again, speaks to the challenges of insecurity in our country, which the President Nola Tinubu-led administration is working very hard to surmount,” he said.

    Alake urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime, and ensure they faced the full wrath of the law.

    He commiserated with the governor of Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji; the government and people of Ekiti, especially the families and subjects of the traditional rulers.

    Recall that the governor had described the incident as callous and unacceptable in a statement, and said that security agencies in the state were already on the trail of the abductors to ensure their safe return.

    He said that security is being beefed up across the state with the aim of taking criminals from their hideouts.

  • Reps spokesman raises alarm over bank attacks in Ekiti

    Reps spokesman raises alarm over bank attacks in Ekiti

    Spokesman for House of Representatives, Mr Akin Rotimi, has raised the alarm over the continued closure of banks in his constituency, owing to incessant attacks by hoodlums.

    Rotimi, representing Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency in Ekiti, raised the alarm while addressing newsmen in Ikole-Ekiti on Friday, shortly after meeting a total of 5,000 constituents and sharing yuletide gifts with them.

    He attributed the withdrawal of commercial bank operations in Ikole-Ekiti and environs to the security challenges in the area.

    The constituency had been facing security challenges in recent years, resulted in several cases of bank robberies, with their attendant loss of lives.

    The lawmaker, however, assured his constituents of concerted efforts to restore normalcy back to the area, with full resumption of banking operations.

    “As at today, there is no single bank operating in Ikole- Ekiti because of the state of insecurity. This is something that needs to be corrected.

    “I want to pledge that we will make efforts to ensure that financial institutions return to Ikole-Ekiti.

    “I want to commend the security agencies, that is, the police, the army, civil defence, and DSS; they are doing wonderful job, with the support of the state government.

    “We will continue to advocate, through constitutional amendment, for the role of the state police and also be more dynamic in ensuring that our security architecture responds to the peculiarity of our areas.

    “There are lots going on when you have one or two instances of security breaches; it is a problem and everybody is upset.

    “Generally, the rate of insecurity has reduced to some extent because of the ongoing efforts, but we will continue to try our best, as we are still very far from achieving our aim,” he said.

    The lawmaker, at the event, distributed 3,000 bags of rice to his constituents in a bid to relieve them of the current economic hardship.

    Rotimi said that the palliatives were facilitated from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, in response with government’s concern for the masses.

    He said that the gesture was aimed at sharing love during the yuletide, saying that food security and agriculture production were part of the agenda of the 10th National Assembly.

    The lawmaker also used the occasion to mourn the demise of former Gov. Oluwotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, who both passed away on Wednesday.

    He described Akeredolu and Na’Abba as patriotic Nigerians who would forever be remembered for the legacies they left behind.

  • Police parade 17 murder, kidnapping, cultism suspects in Ekiti

    Police parade 17 murder, kidnapping, cultism suspects in Ekiti

    The Police Command in Ekiti, on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, paraded 17 people over alleged murder, kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and arson.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Dare Ogundare, represented by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Sunday Abutu, said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the various gangs who had evaded arrest.

    Ogundare, who enjoined citizens to be more security conscious, vigilant and report any untoward incident or happening within their localities to the nearest police station or call 08062335577, said that all the suspects would be taken to court for prosecution.

    He said that one of the suspects attempted to kill one Ijadale Francis by assaulting and inflicting ‘high degree of injuries’ on him at Dove filling station, Aramoko-Ekiti.

    “Investigation revealed that the suspect is an impersonator and serial offender who had been arrested by the command and charged to court for impersonating a military personnel,” he said.

    The police commissioner said that the remaining 11 suspects, belonging to a criminal gang, were nabbed in Ikere-Ekiti for conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, attempted murder, murder, arson and kidnapping.

    He said that the suspects were arrested on Sept. 15, at about 09:30 a.m., based on a credible tip-off that some suspected cultists were planning another armed robbery attack from their hideout in Ikere-Ekiti.

    The police boss added that the command’s Rapid Response Squad immediately mobilised to the scene and arrested the suspects who usually robbed innocent citizens of their valuables.

    He said that upon investigation, it was discovered that the suspects partook in the attack and setting ablaze of Afao Divisional Police Headquarters, Ikere-Ekiti during the 2020 EndSARS protest.

    Ogundare said that during the attack, they carted away arms and valuables from the stations, adding that one of the AK-47 rifles was recovered from them.

    He added that intensified efforts by the RRS operatives led to the arrest of three other suspects.

    The police boss also said that operatives of the command had, on Sept. 21, at about 12:30 p.m., swooped on a gang of suspected cultists in their criminal hideouts on Iworoko road, Ado-Ekiti.

    He said that two suspects were arrested during the operation while others took to their heels.

  • Kidnapped Ekiti APC chairman, Omotoso regains freedom

    Kidnapped Ekiti APC chairman, Omotoso regains freedom

    The kidnapped Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) , in Ekiti State, Barrister Paul Omotoso has reportedly regained his freedom.

    Family sources hinted that he was released early Thursday morning.

    The APC chieftain, who was abducted last Saturday, was released after spending almost six days in the kidnappers’ den.

    There has been no communication between his abductors and his family since he was abducted.

    It is unclear whether ransom was paid to secure his freedom.

    The Police are also yet to comment on his reported release.

     

  • PDP constitutes Ekiti, Ebonyi chapters’ caretaker committees

    PDP constitutes Ekiti, Ebonyi chapters’ caretaker committees

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Ekiti State Chapter of the party for a period not exceeding 90 days (3 months).

    The party stated this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ologunagba said that the composition of the committee was approved by the NWC on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pursuant to the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017),

    The caretaker committee, chaired by Sadiq Obanoyen and Dosu Babatunde as secretary, has Ojoade Fajana, Mrs Adijat Eniola Balogun, Oladimeji Ayodele and Boboye Adekunle as members

    Others include Lawal Tosin, Waliu Oladipupo, Erelu Toyin Mark, Dr Alade Modupe, Olugbenga Adewole, Ajibola Samuel, Mrs Bolanle Ogundiran, and Are Donald Temitope.

    The NWC urged all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of PDP in Ekiti State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the party.

    Similarly, the NWC) of the party set up a Caretaker Caretaker Committee to run the Ebonyi State Chapter for the same period.

    The committee, according to the statement issued by Ologunagba, is chaired by Dr Augustine Nwazunku.

    Ologunagba said that the composition of the committee was approved by the PDP NWC on behalf of the NEC

    Ologunagba said that Ogbuefi Zacheus would serve as secretary while its members included Jude Onuoha, Ezekiel Igede, David Odey, Chika Nwoba and Gideon Nwokwu.

    Other members are Mrs Amaka Igboke, Francis Ibiam, Uka Abraham, Mark Onu, Ifeanyi Nworie and Oko Ibiam.

  • PDP dissolves Ebonyi, Ekiti States executives

    PDP dissolves Ebonyi, Ekiti States executives

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the party’s Ebonyi and Ekiti State executive committees with immediate effect.

    Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba said this in a statement in Abuja.

    Ologunagba said that the NWC approved the dissolution of the two states’ executive after extensive deliberations and consultations.

    He said the decision of the NWC was pursuant to Sections 29(2)(b) and 31(2)€ of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

    “The PDP charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, and teeming members of our Party in Ebonyi and Ekiti States respectively to remain united and focused on the task ahead,” Ologunagba said.

  • 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”.

  • Bamidele emerges winner of Ekiti Central Senatorial election [See results]

    Bamidele emerges winner of Ekiti Central Senatorial election [See results]

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared as winner of Ekiti Central Senatorial District election, Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    With the announcement, Bamidele, who is currently the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, will be the first Senator in Ekiti Central to be re-elected to the National Assembly since 1999.

    Bamidele was declared the winner of the Senatorial election by the INEC Returning Officer for Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Prof. J. Sola Omotola, at the Collation Centre, INEC State Headquarters, New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, on Sunday.

    He polled 69,351, to defeat his close rival, Lateef Oladimeji Ajijola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 26,181.

    Bamidele subsequently proceeded to the Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church, Iyin-Ekiti, with his wife, family members, friends and political associates on Sunday, where he gave thanks to God for his victory in the election.

    Bamidele also appreciated the people of Ekiti Central Senatorial District, for giving him, yet another privilege and democratic mandate to represent them in the Senate.

    “My main purpose of coming here today is to give thanks to Almighty God for His amazing grace over my life and family and for the success of yesterday’s National Assembly and Presidential Election.

    “I appreciate all our people in Ekiti Central Senatorial District and the Church of God. I am indebted to the Church leadership for their continued prayers and support.

    “We also came to seek spiritual blessings and benediction for the tasks ahead of us”

    In his remarks, the Vicar of Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church, Ven. Oluwasola Olusegun Adekola, said that Bamidele’s victory in the just concluded Senatorial election was well-deserved.based on his track record of performance.

    Adekola said that the lawmaker had brought dividends of democracy to the people of his Senatorial District.

    He therefore prayed for more grace, God’s protection and wisdom, divine strength and enablement for Senator Bamidele to enable him perform more excellently in his second tenure in the senate.

    Below is the result of the Ekiti Central Senatorial District Election:

    ADO LG

    APC ……   25,793

    PDP …….   11,527

    SDP………… 4,797

    EFON

    APC…..5,622

    PDP……2,454

    SDP……    600

    EKITI WEST LG

    APC……13,367

    PDP…….3,869

    SDP…….2,502

    IJERO LG

    APC….10,596

    PDP……3,812

    SDP……4,966

    IREPODUN/IFELODUN LG

    APC……13,973

    PDP…….4,519

    SDP…….2,227

    TOTAL

    APC…..69,351

    PDP……26,181

    SDP……15,102

  • Election: Tinubu polls 201,484 to emerge winner in Ekiti

    Election: Tinubu polls 201,484 to emerge winner in Ekiti

    The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has won the presidential election held on Saturday in Ekiti.

    Tinubu polled a total of 201, 484 votes, to defeat other candidates in the election, held across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.

    Prof. Akeem Lasisi, the Presidential Election Collation Officer for Ekiti, who announced the result at the INEC Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, said that a total of 988, 923 voters registered in the state.

    Lasisi, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State, said the total number of accredited voters was 315, 058 while the total number of vote cast was 314, 472.

    According to him, at the end of the exercise the total number of valid votes cast was 308, 171 while 6,301 votes cast were invalid.

    The State Collation Officer listed the figure scored by other major contenders in the election as follows: Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – 89, 554, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) – 11, 397.

    Lasisi, who described the turnout of voters in the state as very encouraging and impressive, based his observation on the total number of votes cast by the electorate during the Presidential election.

    “Yes, the turnout was very impressive as you can see from the number of people that came out to exercise their franchise,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Mr Odunayo Okunade, the agent of the Labour Party for the Presidential election, claimed that many of his party members were intimidated, and prevented from exercising their franchise during the poll.

    He also claimed that the names of the party candidates for the Senatorial and House Representatives elections were omitted from the ballot papers.

    “We are going to sit down and study the results for our next line of action.

    “Some of our members were physically intimidated, assaulted and in the process prevented from voting.

    “Not only that, more compounding is the non-inclusion of our candidates’ names on the ballot papers for the Senatorial and House of Representatives elections,” he said.

    Reacting to the results, Mr Garuba Arogundade, the APC agent for the election, said, “the result scored by the party (APC) is a reflection of the fact that the party was and still highly connected with the people of the state,”.

    The detailed results is as contained in the break down below, showing the total scores by the four major parties that participated in the Presidential election, reflecting Local Government Areas and final collated result.

    1. Ilejeme LG – APC, 4,599, PDP, 2, 662 LP, 97

    2. Ise-Orun LG – APC, 11, 415, PDP, 2, 734 LP, 497

    3. Efon LG – APC, 5, 873, PDP, 2, 521 LP, 125

    4. Gbonyin LG – APC, 11, 969, PDP, 4, 178, LP, 245

    5. Emure LG – APC, 8, 159, PDP, 3,035, LP, 465

    6. Irepodun/Ifelodun – APC, 14, 265, PDP, 5, 516, LP, 544

    7. Ikere LG – APC, 11, 659, PDP, 7, 198, LP, 910

    8. Ijero LG – APC, 12, 628, PDP, 5, 731, LP, 373

    9. Ido-Osi LG – APC, 11, 917, PDP, 7, 476, LP, 782

    10. Ekiti West LG – APC, 14, 516, PDP, 4, 318, LP, 391

    11. Moba LG – APC, 12, 046, PDP, 5, 847, LP, 246

    12. Ikole LG – APC, 15, 465, PDP, 10, 198, LP, 779

    13. Ekiti East – APC, 12, 426, PDP, 7, 782, LP, 375

    14. Oye LG – APC, 14, 472, PDP, 7, 143, LP, 643

    15. Ekiti South West – APC, 11, 334, PDP, 5, 047, LP, 440

    16. Ado-Ekiti LG – APC, 28, 751, PDP, 8, 168, LP, 4, 485

    Total scored by the major parties

    APC – 201, 494

    PDP – 89, 554

    LP – 11, 397.

  • 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.