Category: Politics

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has assured the people of the state that the International Cargo Airport under construction will be completed before the expiration of his tenure on October 15, 2022.

He attributed the massive investment in the state economy by local and foreign investors worth millions of dollars on the collaboration of his administration with development partners.

The governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, at the first edition of Ekiti Civic Engagement with various interest groups in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, said he was always in pursuit of development partners to lift the state economy in defiance of the global financial challenges.

Fayemi said that some of the projects facilitated by government’s partnership with development partners include the resuscitated Ikun Dairy Farm, Rice Mills in Ado Ekiti, Cassava Processing Plants in Oke Ako-Irele axis, rehabilitation of major dams, construction of interstate roads, and the ongoing Agro Cargo Airport, among others.

Fayemi said the event was an opportunity to shed light on various empowerment programmes and other human capital development initiatives given to the various segments of the populace in the state like artisans, women, youths, owners of small scale businesses, farmers and the aged.

The governor pointed out that “the airport project would be completed before the expiration of my tenure. Measures had been put in place to ensure that no ongoing project is abandoned or left undone”.

Fayemi told the gathering that the College of Agriculture and Technology in Isan Ekiti has been upgraded to a polytechnic status to further drive agribusiness, make agriculture more attractive to the youths and boost food security in the state.

“There is need for us to always reach out to development partners and that is why we go out and attract them to the state to assist us in our developmental strides and we are already seeing the results.

“Our partnership with development partners at a time we are facing financial challenges in our country and in other parts of the state had resulted in investment in the key sectors of the state economy and infrastructure development.

“This also helped us to fund projects like Ilupeju-Ire-Igbemo-Ijan Road, Oye-Ayede-Iye-Ikun Road, Aramoko-Erijiyan Road, Agbado-Ode-Isinbode-Omuo Road and the Ekiti Airport project which will assist our investment drive and create more jobs,” Fayemi said.

He noted that the interface became necessary to let the people know what the government is doing and to track the extent to which the five-pillar agenda of his administration has been implemented to their benefit.

The governor also charged the people to be more security conscious and always report suspicious individuals and activities to security agencies and traditional rulers to complement government efforts to make the state safe for living and legitimate businesses.

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, who was represented by the Asha of Ado Ekiti, Chief Kayode Ogunleye, lauded the initiative and achievements so far recorded by the Fayemi administration.

The traditional ruler commended the government for the creation of new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ado Ekiti which he notes would bring governance and development nearer to the people.

The Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, disclosed that the Ekiti Civic Engagement would be taken to all local government areas in the state as a mark of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, probity, transparency and accountability to the people.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Enlightenment and Engagement, Mrs. Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, said the forum was a communication strategy in community engagement urging more cooperation with the government.

The Government of Ogun State has confirmed Prince Kuoye Lukman Olalekan as the Olu-Imasai of Imasayi.
The ancient town of Imasayi is in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State.

A statement made available to ODUDUWA NEWS on Tuesday said the news of the approval of the new Oba of Imasayi has thrown the town into celebration. The new Oba boasts of a wealth of experience in public service spanning over two decades; and the people of the kingdom are unanimous in their belief that his reign will usher peace and development to the town. Prince Kuoye, from Oyesokun Ruling House, emerged victorious during the selection process conducted by the traditional chiefs under the strict supervision of officials of Yewa North Local Government officials in Ayetoro in March 2021.

Until his selection to the stool of his forefathers, Kuoye worked with National Identity Management Commission, NIMC. He had also served as Special Assistant to Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State and was also a former Secretary and Vice-Chairman, Transition Committee of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government. A renowned social worker, Chief Kuoye holds a Masters’ Degree in Social Work from Lagos State University and was a Past President of Rotary Club of Atan-Ota and Charter President, Rotary Club of Ado-Odo. The new Olu-Imasayi, who has accepted his selection, praised Governor Dapo Abiodun, and members of State Executive Council for affirming the popular choice of Imasayis.

While thanking the chief and kingmakers, Prince Kuoye called on indigenes and residents of Imasayi and especially those who slogged out the referred tool with him to join hands with him towards building Imasayi Kingdom.
“I want my dear brothers that vied this stool with me to know that we are all winners as my Obaship will be inclusive administration,” the new Oba said.
Meanwhile, the new Olu-Imasayi has commended the state government, kingmakers, and indigenes of the ancient town for his selection following his emergence as the paramount ruler of the Imasayi.

Prince Kuoye who accepted his selection, praised Governor Dapo Abiodun, and members of State Executive Council for affirming the popular choice of Imasayis and promised to work with all the concerned to build the kingdom of Imasayi to become a model town. While commending the chief and kingmakers for the selection process which was very clear and irrefutable, Prince Kuoye called on indigenes and residents of Imasayi to cooperate with him towards achieving the dream of building and improving the Kingdom.

He said, I am very grateful for this opportunity and I want to thank my fellow contestants who have gracefully accepted the decision of the people. I want my dear brothers that vied this stool with me to know that we are all winners as my Obaship will be inclusive administration,” the new Oba said.

Prince Kuoye, from Oyesokun Ruling House, emerged victorious during the selection process conducted by the traditional chiefs under the strict supervision of officials of Egbado North Local Government officials in Ayetoro in March, 2021.

The new Oba boasts of a wealth of experience in public service spanning over two decades; and the people of the kingdom are unanimous in their belief that his reign will usher peace and development to the town.

The Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin representing Ibarapa East State constituency alongside his Ibarapa North/Central colleague, Hon. Peter Ojedokun have called for massive upgrading of infrastructures and adequate funding for the Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate.

The motion which was titled, “Urgent need for Oyo State government to provide grant and commence the process of upgrading facilities at Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate to enable the National Commission For Colleges of Education, NCCE to grant full accreditation to all its courses, lamented the poor state of infrastructures in the institution which contributions to the Lanlate community’s economy can not be overemphasized.

The Speaker said, “The College since its establishment has been lacking grant and infrastructure. This has made its impossible for the National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE to grant full accreditation to all the courses being offered in the institution.

“Now, the Commission is scheduled to visit the College again in October this year for another round of inspection of facilities which are still virtually non-existent. The few visible and completed projects in the College are the School of Sciences Complex by TETFUND, the Central Administration Block and the School of Arts and Social Sciences building awarded by the State Government to one Fadepo Nigeria, Limited. However, the two other State Government projects, the School of Education Building and the Library Complex awarded by Former Governor Alao Akala since 2006 to FIAT International Limited are yet to be completed and seem to have been abandoned.

“The two contracts awarded at the total cost of one hundred million naira in 2006 had an initial completion duration of six months and it is on record that the State Government at that time paid about ninety-seven percent of the total contract sum to the Contractor.

“Due to the non-completion of the two projects, the Contractor was summoned by the Government of late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi. However, he claimed to have obtained a bank loan for the contract, and insisted that the State Government must offset the interest that accumulated from the loan before he would return to site. When the Government declined, he took the matter to Court and after series of court hearings, both parties agreed to settle out of Court. It was amicably resolved that a total sum of Fifty-six million naira (twenty million naira for School of Education Building and thirty-six million naira for the Library Complex) was now required to complete the two Projects.

“Out of magnanimity, Governor Seyi Makinde in December, 2020 released twenty million naira to the Contractor to complete the School of Education Building with an assurance that when that was done the amount for the Library Complex would be released. But after collecting the twenty million naira, the Contractor (FIAT International Limited) appeared at the site once then disappeared into thin air. As we speak, the two projects are lying there.”

“The Contractor (FIAT International Limited) should appear before the plenary to answer questions on why he absconded or abandoned the two projects, and to ask him what has become of the twenty million naira he got from the State Government for the completion of the School of Education Building. School Governing Council, Representatives of workers and students unions in the College should also be invited by the House.

“We are also calling on the Oyo State Government to look into the urgent need to reaward the second project (the Library Complex), support the Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate with grant for its all round development and also
direct the Oyo State Ministry of Works or any other relevant agency to urgently fix the collapse box culvert leading to the College,” Oyo Speaker added.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon Muhammad Fadeyi and Hon. Adeola Bamidele representing Iseyin/Itewaju State Constituency noted that if a college that has six Schools: School of Education, School of Secondary Education (Arts and Social Sciences, Languages, Sciences), Vocational and Technical Education, and School of Early Childhood Care and Primary Education, has collapsing Box Culvert which provides access to the College, how will the students, staff and visitors gain direct access into such a College?

Other Lawmakers including Hon Babajide Gabriel (Ibadan North 1) and Hon Olawumi Oladeji (Ogbomoso North) condemned the attitude of the Contractor and urged the House to do everything possible to ensure the two projects are completed.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday decried the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths and even parents in Nigeria.

The Speaker, who spoke at the 7th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting in his Agege Constituency 1, warned that this menace must be urgently checked to prevent its devastating effects on the growth and progress of the country.

According to Obasa, the Lagos State House of Assembly has been at the forefront of the fight against drug abuse through various legislations.

“At the Lagos State House of Assembly, the leadership and members of the House have always taken matters affecting residents and especially the youths very passionately.

“The House has continued to be proactive in the consideration of viable laws and policies that would enhance youth potentials and development.

“Some of the recent laws that are passed attest to government’s efforts on this matter and these include the law to amend the Lagos State Sports Commission law of 2015 to promote youth and sports development in Lagos and for connected purposes.

“The law will ensure that youths are provided with great opportunities not only in the area of recreation but where they can nurture, explore and utilise their potentials in sporting activities to become professional sportsmen and women.

“This would also take the minds of many of them off drug abuse and criminal activities,” the Speaker said.

Obasa listed other youth-oriented bills considered by the House to include two recent ones for the establishment of a university of education and another for the establishment of a university of science and technology, which aims to address the inadequacies in polytechnic education system in Nigeria.

“While the passage of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps is aimed at ensuring the safety of all in our neighbourhood, the prevalence of drug abuse amongst adults and youths, if not effectively addressed and curbed, will jeopardise the entire efforts of the House in the establishment of a safe, peaceful, and livable society.

“Consequently, we call on all stakeholders, residents, parents, teachers, students, school proprietors, religious organisations, celebrities, social media influencers, professional bodies, the academia, civil society organisations and community leaders to work in concert with the government for the common good of our society by saying ‘no to drug abuse trafficking’,” he said.

In his address at the event, the chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, lamented that drug abuse had become so alarming that Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), recommended tests for public office holders, intending couples and admission seekers.

“If we continue in this manner and fail to salvage the situation, in no distant future, there would be an increase in the population of persons with drug abuse-induced health problems,” he warned.

Guests, who spoke at the event, commended the Speaker for the various projects he had attracted to the constituency. They also emphasised the need to effectively curb drug abuse with the clergy promising to carry the campaign to worship centres.

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin has distributed fourteen brand new motorcycles to his Constituents drawn from all the wards in Lanlate, Ibarapa East Local Government.

Another thirty Constituents received twenty-five thousand naira each to boost their economic activities.

The program held at Oke-Imale in Lanlate was attended by Leaders and PDP faithful from the Constituency.

Hon Ogundoyin said the gesture was in furtherance of his resolve to elevate the socio-economic statuses of his Constituents, and to appreciate their support and loyalty.

” Our promise is to stay connected to the teeming people in our Constituency, and this is exactly what we have been doing. And we are not only staying connected, we are also giving back to them as a reliable representative of the Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly. This is another set of brand new Motorcycles distributed to the people. The first set of fifteen brand new Motorcycles were distributed in June this year to indigenous Security outfits in Ibarapaland to enhance their mobility and operation in the arduous task of combating crimes and securing the lives and properties of our people. These fourteen brand new Motorcycles are for my Constituents in Lanlate. It is another tip of the iceberg, more empowerment programs will still be enjoyed by the generality of my people. Thanks greatly for all your support, prayers and love. ” The Speaker stated.

He assured that apart from the thirty people who got twenty-five thousand naira each in Lanlate, more people will be considered in another of such program which will be done in the next few weeks.

” With the present economic condition across the Country, I knew I actually needed to capture more people in my support and empowerment programs. This is I will do by the grace of God. All I want from our people is for them to be patient as I will not relent until my election campaign promises are fulfilled.” He added.

Some Leaders of the Constituency, Prince Wole Opadeye, Alh Morakinyo Kasali and Hon Adewuyi Ojoawo appealed to those who are yet to benefit from the various programs to bear with the Speaker.

They assured that more people will benefit from another phase of the program which will be held soon.

Recall that, one hundred students of Ibarapa East Local Government extraction in tertiary institutions recently received ten thousand naira each under the Education Support Program of the Speaker , while the two School projects ; a block of six classrooms each at Ojonamo and Temidire in the Constituency embarked upon by the Speaker have reached advance stage and will be completed and handed over to the Schools Managements soon.

Three residential buildings have been sealed by the Ondo State Government in Akure metropolis for environmental infractions by the owners and occupants of the affected buildings.

General Manager of the Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Mrs Ayo Adeyemo, disclosed this after the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state on Saturday.

She said all the occupants of the affected buildings were sent out by the government environmental officers who enforced the order.

The affected buildings are located at the Oke Ogba community in Akure, and the order of the government was said to be indefinite until further notice.

She said the owners and occupants of the sealed buildings were arrested by the environmental officials who moved around the state to inspect the level of compliance to the sanitation exercise.

According to her, the owners and occupants of the sealed buildings had committed various environmental laws of the state, hence the government order.

She said the offences committed range from not having toilets in the houses, not having a kitchen, leaving in uncompleted buildings which is dangerous for inhabitants, bushy environment and absent of other necessary facilities among others.

She frowned at the attitude of some landlords whose houses were without toilets and other necessities needed facilities, stressing that the government would not hesitate to clamp down on any violators.

She said all hands must be on deck to support the government’s efforts at keeping the state clean and warding off outbreaks of diseases.

She said, “As it is now the houses have been sealed and nobody should enter into them and the owners of the buildings would be charged to court.”

The manager, however, commended the residents of the state for participating despite the no restriction of movement order. (TCSGOSIM), Supt. Prophet Ebenezer Fahade, made this known while speaking on the role of the church in Lagos, emphasising that it is unfortunate that some men of God have trivialised issues pertaining to the kingdom of God with the things of the world.