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News for July 2005 |
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Trade Bank to expand branch network to Ekiti Trade Bank to expand branch network to Ekiti From Ifedayo Sayo, Ado-Ekiti Trade Bank to expand branch network to Ekiti TRADE Bank is to increase the numbers of its branches nationwide with the proposed establishment of a branch in Ekiti State. The chairman of the bank, Alhaji Aliyu Salman, who dropped the hint on Wednesday at investors' forum in Ado-Ekiti, said the new branch may come on stream after the consummation of its merger with the Afribank Nigeria Plc this year. Salman said though the new branch may not bear the name Trade Bank, it will surely come to realisation as a branch of Afribank Group Plc, the new name of the two banks after the consolidation of their merger plan. Speaking on the merger plans, Salman said the interest of its shareholders are being protected in the merger plan with Afribank, pointing out that after the consolidation, the new bank would be among the first four mega banks in the country. He maintained that it was in pursuit of the best bargain for the bank's shareholders and customers that Trade Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Afribank Nigeria Plc. "This merger arrangement with one of the biggest four banks in Nigeria will not only ensure the safety of your investments but also ensure that you become stakeholders in a thriving and successful mega bank in the post merger era", he said. He added that, "our resourceful and competent management led by Mr. Tunji Adeniyi will manage your investments efficiently and professionally". The chairman also hinted that Trade Bank has broadened its business spectrum with it foray into oil and gas, maritime, telecommunications, property and manufacturing, pointing out that investors who bought the shares offered by the bank are provided the opportunity for a cheap and effective means of buying into one of the largest banks in the country. He listed the benefits to be reaped from the purchase of the bank's shares to include capital appreciation, bonus issues good, dividend payout, security of fund and preferential share allotment.
Fayose at police checkpoint, warns against extortion Fayose at police checkpoint, warns against extortion From Ifedayo Sayo, Ado-Ekiti EKITI State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has warned the police against extorting money from motorists in the state. He also threatened to report members of the state Police Command to higher police authorities if they did not desist from the act. Fayose gave the warning on Wednesday evening at a road block mounted by policemen on Ado-Ekiti University Campus-Iworoko Road, where he noted that several vehicles being stopped by the police were obstructing free flow of traffic on the road. The motorists on their part, told the governor that they were being detained by the policemen until they parted with some money. The governor called the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bashir Azeez and told him to call his men to order. He affirmed that the police were supposed to enhance the security of people's lives and property and not extort money from innocent and law-abiding motorists in the state. Meanwhile, Fayose has pledged to implement the 12 1/2 per cent increase on the salaries of workers in the state. Addressing the third delegates conference of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) Ekiti State chapter yesterday, Fayose said the payment of the 12 1/2 per cent would be accorded top priority by the state government, though he did not state when the implementation of the salary increase would start. Represented by the state Head of Service, Mr Segun Bankole, he urged workers to bear the present situation along with the state government, pointing out that everything would be done to make the workers happy. He was reacting to the demand by the state president of NULGE, Mr. Segun Onaade, for the implementation of the 12 1/2 per cent salary increase, which has already been implemented in other states of the federation. Fayose also commended the state workers for their maturity, dynamism and understanding which he said, has made the state very peaceful in the area of labour/government relation. He called on all unions in the state to always embrace dialogue and accommodation of collective interest in the resolution of issues, saying the high point of democracy is dialogue and compromise, before arriving at a consensus in resolving contending issues. He noted that the state government had done a lot to improve the living conditions of workers in the state. These, he said, included prompt payment of salaries and allowances, release of funds to the benefit of workers and the training and re-training of staff. He solicited the continued cooperation of workers with the state government to make life more meaningful to the people of the state. The state Head of Service in his address read by the permanent secretary, General Administration, Mr. Oluwole Ariyo, called on workers to ensure the sustenance of the nation's democracy, while frustrating attempts by the enemies of the land to destabilise democratic governance in the country.
Ekiti ALGON Chief Defends Jigawa Tour Ekiti ALGON Chief Defends Jigawa Tour The Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr. Toba Adaramola has faulted the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the National Conscience Party (NCP) over their criticism of the recent Jigawa facility tour by some top officials of the state. Adaramola,who was in the team, described the parties' stand on the issue as an unnecessary distraction which, according to him, should be ignored. He said he was not surprised at their criticism, as, according to him, the parties have never seen anything good in the Fayose administration. Adaramola, who is the Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, in Ekiti state declared. "Everybody is entitled to his own opinion. During their (AD) time when the former Governor (Niyi Adebayo) was there, there was a time he even wanted to sponsor wives of the chairmen to London. We did not say anything. But this is a local tour. "For their four years in office, they did not have anything to show. They did not have any legacy. "They are fond of distraction. I'm not surprised. Let them be doing it for us to be more popular", the ALGON boss stated. Adaramola said the trip was not only necessary but also highly beneficial to the state, as it served as an avenue for exchange of ideas between the two states. "The tour was informative, educative, resourceful and eventful", Adaramola remarked, stressing that Ekiti State would benefit immensely from it.
Jigawa govt to assist Ekiti on formulation of salary/pension computerization scheme Jigawa govt to assist Ekiti on formulation of salary/pension computerization scheme Thursday, July 28, 2005 - By Aliyu Dangida DUTSE JIGAWA government plans to assist Ekiti State government in the formulation of salary and pension computerization scheme, the commissioner of salary and pension in Jigawa State, Alhaji Mustapha Yunusa Yan’’Dutse told Vanguard in his office. The Commissioner said the policy if adopted by Ekiti government will go along way to curtail irregularities in the payment of salaries and other entitlements of its civil servants, adding that since the introduction of the computerization scheme in the state a lot of changes in the payment of workers salaries were recorded within the civil service record. Alhaji Mustapha Yan’’Dutse explained that the purpose of assisting the Ekiti government came at the backdrop of a three days visit to Jigawa State by a 48 man delegation comprising of top government officials, traditional rulers and stake holders from Ekiti state early last week. He added that transparency and effective performance have been recorded in the civil service since the computerization scheme commenced in the state in 2002." The scheme has assisted the state government in promoting probity and check leakages in salary administration." According to the commissioner the state government through the assistance of the Department for International Development (DFID) had provided intensive training to administrators, accounts personnel aimed at providing capacity building and man power development as the vital tool for effective functions.
Ekiti warns exams body against malpractices Ekiti warns exams body against malpractices From Ifedayo Sayo, Ado-Ekiti OFFICIALS of the National Examinations Council (NECO) in Ekiti State have been warned against colliding with school head teachers to perpetrate examination malpractices. The state Education Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Chief Olu Alade, who gave the warning on Monday in Ado-Ekiti at a meeting with the state NECO co-ordinator, Mr. Ayodeji Idowu, explained that this was to discourage examination malpractice. Alade also said any school head found engaging in the illicit act would not be spared. He said all headmasters of secondary schools should be able to vouch for any supervisor recommended or be held responsible for the supervisor's fraudulent practice in examinations. Alade explained that entry schedules in all private and public secondary schools must pass through his ministry for consideration and approval. He also advised the NECO official to have periodic meetings with school proprietors to enhance their compliance with the directives. The permanent secretary expressed the dissatisfaction of the state government with the indiscriminate ways of appointing supervisors for the senior school certificate examinations, saying this was responsible for examination malpractice in some schools in the state. Ekiti State NECO co-ordinator, Mr. Ayodeji Idowu, while commending the state government for hosting the council, said fraudulent practices in examinations have reduced in the state since he assumed office. He promised the council's total commitment to the promotion of education in the state
Govt terminates contract on Ondo, Ekiti dam project Govt terminates contract on Ondo, Ekiti dam project From Julius Alabi, Akure FEDERAL Government has terminated the contract of Egbe Dam in Ondo State, awarded at the cost of N529 million to George Whimpey Nigeria Limited, which was to serve 66 towns and villages in Ondo and Ekiti states. The contract was terminated as a result of non performance by the contractor handling the project despite series of pleadings for him to turn over a new leaf. Speaking with The Guardian in Akure at the weekend, the Chairman of OndoState Water Corporation, Chief Dapo Filani, said that the project was discovered to be difficult to manage as the contractor was notco-operating in quick execution of the project. According to him, the contractor was mobilised to the site by 50 per cent of the contract sum about three and half years ago but unfortunately, the work he has done is just about 25 per cent. "We have more at stake than Ekiti State and when the water project is completed, it would serve about 44 communities in Ondo State that is about one million people and 22 communities in Ekiti State representing about 500,000 people," he said. The chairman noted that Ondo State government has committed about N20 million to the supply of alum and chemicals to the dam and another N10 million for the connection of the dam to the national grid. He stressed that both Ondo and Ekiti states have set up a 10-man committee charged with the responsibility of monitoring the project as the project manager from Ekiti State chaired the committee. "Both the Federal Government and the two states have resolved that before the re-awarding of the contract for the project in the third quarter of the year, the parties concerned will be informed adequately," he said. Apart from the Egbe dam, Filani said that the Federal Government has assured to assist the state with about N1.7 billion to complement the efforts of the state government providing potable water for its people. "We have been doing a lot of work on distribution and headwork with about N5 million and this year alone we have spent about N250 million on the reticulation work," he explained. Speaking on the sinking of boreholes, Filani said that about N500 million would be spent while the constituency boreholes would cost another N500 million. "I want to tell you that in year 2003, we spent about N220 million on water supply, in year 2004, about N500 million was expended and this year alone, we have spent N1.1billion and by the year 2007, water would have got to the doorstep of everyone in the state," the chairman added.
Ex-minister pleads with FG on N30bn SMEs fund Ex-minister pleads with FG on N30bn SMEs fund The PUNCH, Wednesday, July 27, 2005 Adesina Wahab,Ado-Ekiti Former Minister of National Planning, Chief Ayo Ogunlade, has pleaded with the Federal Government to remove the impediments in the way of small and medium scale industrialists in accessing the about N30billion that has accrued to the fund. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday at the National Investors’ Forum 2005 for the South-West zone, Ogunlade decried a situation where the fund was lying idle while many industrialists lacked the capital to promote their businesses. Ogunlade, noted that the government should not limit its involvement in the promotion of local industries to making funds available, but to identify with the businesses and see how they fared. He said, Government should rather act like nurses and doctors who monitor their patients and see what problems the businesses are facing and help in providing solutions.” Ogunlade expressed concern about the future of the nation, going by the attitude of many Nigerians to investments. In his address, the Director-General, Raw Material Research and Development Council Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi, said the forum was in line with the economic focus of the government. Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr. Babatunde Adegbesan, said small and medium scale enterprises were vital to the realisation of the goals of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy. He stated that emphasis was on the development and harnessing of someitems listed as wastes by Nigerians, but which could be money spinners. The RMRDC boss listed some of the items to include the outer covering of some agricultural products like cocoa husk, particle board and saw dust and wood particles among others. The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on General Duties, Mr. Adeola Alofe, said the state was creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.
Constituency members clear suspended lawmaker Constituency members clear suspended lawmaker Adesina Wahab,Ado-Ekiti The PUNCH, Tuesday, July 26, 2005 A member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Olusola Omolayo (Ikole Constituency II who was suspended by the House ealier in the year has been cleared by his constituency, indicating a recall to the Asssembly when its resumes next month. In a communique issued at the end of the meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party in his constituency, and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the party members passed a vote of confidence on the lawmaker and Governor Ayo Fayose. The communique was endorsed by the constituency’s Chairman, Mr. Femi Bodunde, and the Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Babalola. Omolayo was suspended by the party and the Assembly after he raised an alarm that some people were after his life. The clean bill of health given him at the constituency level will facilitate the lifting of the suspension by the House. The PDP members at the meeting also decried the attitude of some people whom they alleged wanted to hijack the party at the costituency for their selfish ends. “We and our representative, Mr. Olusola Omolayo, do hereby dissociate ourselves and the constituency from those who always hijack any strain relationship to their own selfish ends and to the detriment of the peaceful atmosphere in Ekiti State in general,” the group said. On the governorship ambition of some politicians in the area, the group noted that it was not aware of any such politician on the platform of the party. The PDP caucus also commended Fayose for his intervention in the crisis that rocked the party in the area. Meanwhile, the leader of the 60-member Ekiti State delegation to Jigawa State, Mr. Lafimihan Olagunju,has dismissed the Alliance for Democracy’s criticism of the trip, saying the state has a lot to gain from it. The AD in the state had on Thursday condemned the Jigawa facility tour which it described as a waste of time and resources. But Olagunju, in an interview with newsmen, said it was naive for anybody to write-off the trip . He said,“I don’t agree that it is a waste of time. We have a lot to learn. We have a lot to gain and we have a lot of things to benefit.’’ Olagunju, who is the Commissioner for Water Resources, commended Fayose for initiating the trip which, according to him, afforded the delegates the opportunity of seeing developmental projects for themselves. Besides, he said his team was able to interact with its counterpart in the host state and was able to compare notes on some areas that were germane to the development of the two states.”
Ekiti Lawmakers Urged to Support Fayose This Day Ekiti Lawmakers Urged to Support Fayose By Oke Epia, 07.24.2005 Sunday, July 24, 2005 Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have been advised to always work in concert with the governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, in a bid to move the state forward. Giving this advice, Mr. Oludare Ofere (JP) Secretary General, Ayo Fayose Movement, London chapter, extolled the achievements of the Fayose administration, saying Ekiti people were reaping the gains of democracy. Ofere in an address delivered at a dinner organised for members of the state assembly in London recently, said the governor deserved the support and back-up of the lawmakers in order to achieve his dreams for the people of the state. He called on the legislators not to allow disgruntled politicians to come in between them and the governor. "We are aware of the grand design by some politicians in the state to cause confusion and malign the person of the governor so that they can reclaim their lost glory through the back door," he said, adding: "I ask you honorable members of Ekiti-State House of Assembly to resist the attempt of those who would have you withhold your support for Fayose's administration to end poverty in Ekiti-state. "To you gentlemen who are charged with the sovereign functions of legislation and to those associated with you, we look forward with encouragement for your continued support for governor Fayose which will enable him to steer with safety the vessel in which we are all embarked amidst the conflicting elements of a troubled world." Said Ofere further: "Governor Ayodele Fayose is pursuing a cause in Ekiti-state. The cause since the inception of his administration has been the cause of the common man and the common woman. His commitment has been to all those he called the humble members of the society-the farmers, mechanics, and the laborers. On this foundation, the government defined its values, refined its policies and refreshed its faith. "We have in Ekiti-state today more wealth, more goods, more food, more cars on our roads, more houses than we ever had. Fayose realized that it would be fatal for one to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the masses to get out of poverty.
Rift with Fayose:I have learnt my lesson —Deputy Governor Rift with Fayose:I have learnt my lesson —Deputy Governor WALE AKINOLA Sunday, July 24, 2005 Recently, Ekiti State deputy governor, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, escaped being removed from office by the whiskers when he was accused of teaming up with the opposition against the administration of Governor Ayodele Fayose. The intervention of President Olusegun Obasanjo, among others, saved him from the move by the State House of Assembly to impeach him. NOT long ago, you narrowly escaped being impeached, what was the problem at that time? Well, we know that in any organisation or gathering of human beings, you cannot but have differences and step on one another’s toe at times. So, what happened in May, in Ekiti, was not a new thing, it had happened severally in the past, it is still happening everywhere and is bound to happen in the future. It was true that there was a little misunderstanding between his excellency and me but we thank God that it was amicably resolved. You see, one cannot avoid this type of thing when you have interest groups around in a political party. Politics itself is about how to out-smart the other with intrigues and all that. However, we were able to identify all those things and reconcile amicably and our relationship has since gone back to normal. What are the lessons you have learnt and how do you relate now with your governor? We learn lessons on every occurrence of this nature. I, as a person, have learnt a lot. When you are dealing with a situation of this nature, you will know that many people are jostling to be in one position or the other, and the position of deputy governor is an exalted one which anybody can covet. And, when there is just slight difference between a governor and his deputy, people will move in and exaggerate the situation, and then all rumour mongers and tale bearers would come just to ensure that the gap keeps on widening so that they can take advantage of that to achieve their aim. That was what happened. So, the first lesson I have learnt is that no matter what happens, I must make sure that I do not allow that type of gap to be wide enough for other people to come in. I won’t give room for that kind of thing again because when you trivialise things, they can degenerate into uncontrollable situation. I won’t give room for anyone to scavenge on the relationship between my governor and me again. We are now like the siamese twins, that we were, we relate both officially and extra-officially and do things in common. So, those who may want to come between us are bound to fail. During the crisis, the legislature was reportedly used against you by the governor which was leading to your impeachment like the case of Ekpenyong in Akwa Ibom State. How do you see that? No, it is not a matter of the governor using the House against his deputy. What happened is what the constitution says. In a situation whereby the relationship between the president and the vice president, or the governor and the deputy governor breaks down to the extent of loss of confidence between them, obviously the governor has a way out, and that is the use of the constitution. The House is the arbiter. If the governor is able to convince the House that the situation is that bad, and the House considers that the situation is irreconcilable, then the constitution has already provided the way to resolve such matters. But our situation was not irreconcilable. So, it is the provision of the constitution and not the governor using the legislature against his deputy. So long the governor himself cannot sack you, the way out is the constitutional provision. Also, I want you to note this, it takes two to tango, and it takes the two to reconcile. Without anybody coming from Abuja or elsewhere, his excellency himself gave room for our reconciliation, he wouldn’t want any distraction from the progress our government is making. He did very well as a leader, even when the elders came in, he said it was not his intention to create any dislocation within the system to hamper the state’s progress and other government activities. Your relationship with the governor which you have described as that of siamese twins must have facilitated the achievements of the present administration. Could you briefly talk about them? They are becoming uncountable now. And, I would not like to be going back to the issues of roads built or constructed across the state, our hospitals and health centres that are now alive with drugs for patients there always; the road dualization project in Ado-Ekiti; our progress in the area of education as our state has moved from 35th to 17th position in the SSCE conducted by WAEC, while the state university ranks among the best in Nigeria, going by the NUC assessment; the Ajilosun Market lock-up shops; the Kayode Oluyemi Stadium now approved by the NFA for league matches in Nigeria; the loans we gave to farmers and tractors we bought for their use; motorcycles, minibuses and the rest for poverty alleviation, etc. I just want to assure you that more are still coming, you have not seen anything yet. The feeling in some quarters is that your government grossly exaggerated your achievements while you should have done more considering the fact that the money you now collect from the federation account is much more than what the last administration received to execute some of these projects you claim were done by you say to that? One thing I know is that this administration is very prudent when it comes to financial management. If we reel out the costs of the projects we have done so far and you match them with what we have received, you will give this administration a pat on the back that we are good managers of money and materials. Most of the projects, especially roads, were started from the scratch. If there are any that the last administration can lay claim to, they are projects awarded without being backed up with funds. You can’t lay claim to such projects. Most of them were awarded towards election period, they asked the contractors to move to the sites and when they lost election, that was the end of the news. Most of the contractors did not receive a kobo. I ask you then, who actually did the job the person who awarded it on paper or the person who paid? And, you can’t count more than three of such their road projects, the rest were not even existing when we came in. They awarded their contracts for election purposes, to get votes. Of course, you claim that you have done so much for the State but why is it that you still face so much criticism? Don’t the opposition see these your achievements? Yes, they do. It is not that they don’t see what this administration has done, it is only that they don’t believe the man who is doing wonders should be there. You will know that in the politics of the South-West, we have virtually instituted the hierarchical type of politics whereby people have been lined up to succeed one another. And, if for one reason or the other, somebody cannot mount the throne, his son will be picked. They have made the political arrangement hereditary. There are those who started politics during the time of Awolowo in Ekiti State, they believe that after they have fulfilled their terms, those behind them can then have it. But Dr. Ayo Fayose came from the blues joining a party considered to belong to the Northerners at that time. Nobody gave him a chance but because of his perseverance and hardwork, he won the election. They were all surprised, to them it was a bad dream come true. This is a man they were making jest of when he was running around. They fought back in court bringing up the issue of certificate forgery and all that. He produced his certificates which they could no more controvert. Now, they say he doesn’t respect elders, he doesn’t do this, he doesn’t do that. But one thing is sure, they can’t accuse him of non-performance. They want him to be giving kola to certain people who have been in politics for over 40 or 50 years. People who were not in anyway instrumental to his victory, why should he make himself a slave to them? And, he believes that for posterity and the present development of the state he needs to make a difference. So, you can see the result of his conviction all over our state. When you compare his two years with those four years of his predecessors, you will see the difference is very clear. But certain people believe he should consult them before he takes decisions and he is not ready to do that. He gives them their due recognition but does not allow them to dictate to him. So, they read meaning to everything he does. Also, most of these criticisms are from outside Ekiti State and not from within, from Lagos, Ibadan or Abuja. But you need to go to the people resident in the State to find out who Ayo Fayose is to them. Ask them how well he is performing. You will know that he is a man of the people. He is popular with everybody, they hail him everywhere he goes. If he were not doing what they wanted, they would certainly be booing him. You know the nature of the Yoruba with regard to non-performance. 2007 is approaching your governor wants to run for a second term of office. Where do you stand? I stand behind my governor. With regard to 2007 again, the people of Ekiti North have been complaining of being marginalized. How do you view that? Well, I don’t understand what they meant by that because when we are talking of available political offices, I believe the north is not marginalized. I don’t believe it is only when you are in the position of governor that you are not marginalized. As it is presently, all the ministers during this administration are from the north. Professors Adeniran and Aborishade are from the north, the Ekiti State SSG, is from the north, the speaker is from the north, the two ambassadors appointed by Mr. President from this State are from the north. What do we have in the south? Apart from the post of the deputy governor, what other things do we have? And the central also, what do they have apart from the office of the governor of the State? What advantage do they have over the north? We should rather take a holistic look at the issue before we start talking about marginalization. If the north has the posts of the SSG, the speaker and the chief judge of the State, apart from federal appointments that should have been shared by the three senatorial districts, in which way have they been marginalized? In this interview, Aluko speaks on what happened while the feud lasted and says he has learnt his lesson.
Fayose: Investment in Education Yielding Results This Day Fayose: Investment in Education Yielding Results Friday, July 22, 2005 Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State yesterday said the improved performance recorded at all levels of education in the state has justified the huge investment of his administration in the education sector. The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti at the launch of a N2.5 million library development fund organised by SPEB Model Nursery and Primary School. In a statement by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, “the provision of instructional materials in schools, promotion of teachers and appointment of principals as permanent secretaries and most importantly, teachers and other workers pay which comes 20th of every month without fail have been largely responsible for the revolution now taking place in our schools. We are poised to restore our lost glory as the fountain of knowledge." He said when he was making electioneering promises, he vowed to get his own siblings enrolled in the public school to be able to feel the pulse of the system directly. “I did promised to withdraw my kids from the private school to public schools here and they are here now. It makes it easy for us to know where the shoe pinches, so that we can tackle the problems head on and identify with the children of the common man. I feel fulfilled that my children are learning here just like any other kid in the state," he said. Fayose, who described libraries as the engine room of knowledge, pledged the commitment of his administration to the provision of functional and well-equipped libraries in public schools across the state, to ensure teachers and pupils could have a conducive environment to promote learning. He donated N500,000 to the library fund and promised to buy at least four buses for public schools in the state and directed that all schools in the state must taught their students Ekiti anthem as it would set Ekitis apart as a unique set of people within the context of a larger Nigeria. Fayose thanked teachers in the state for their co-operation and support which was responsible for the considerable improvement in education, now manifest for all to see. “Although our detractors may not see the positive changes now taking place, but the common people do appreciate. So, if you are convinced we are doing it well, tell your people and make it known that things are getting better here by publicising the good tidings," he said.
NCP seeks speedy investigation of Omojola’s death NCP seeks speedy investigation of Omojola’s death Adesina Wahab, Ado-Ekiti The Punch, Friday, July 22, 2005 The Ekiti State chapter of the National Conscience Party has appealed to the state police command to expedite action on the investigation of the death of Mr. Tunde Omojola in Ifaki on May 29, 2005 and bring the perpetrators to book. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the Secretary, Mr. Femi Olujobi, said it was taking too long for the police to bring those responsible for the act to face justice. Omojola, who was a relation of the NCP candidate in the councillorship bye-election in Ifaki Ward Two, Mr. Suleman Labaika, was beaten by some people on May 28, 2005 during the conduct of the election. He died the following day. The result of the autopsy conducted revealed that he was strangulated. However, police sources said they were not resting on their oars over the matter and that the command had requested the Force Headquarters to step into the case. While some people have been interrogated over the matter, nobody is being detained as at now for possible prosecution. Olujobi, who faulted the seeming slow pace of investigation into the matter, noted that people arrested over allegation of disturbance of public peace following the clashes witnessed over the election were promptly arraigned in court.
Ekiti Delegates Understudy Turaki’s Success This Day From Bala Nasir in Dutse, 07.21.2005 Jigawa A46-man delegation from Ekiti State have undertaken a three-day tour of various project sites in Jigawa State. The visit is a follow-up to a similar one by their Governor, Ayodele Fayose two weeks ago. The delegation headed by Chief Lafimihan Olagunju told newsmen that the delegation is in Jigawa to study progress as recorded by the Turaki administration in Agricultural Extention, Housing Scheme, Information Technology and Independet Power Project. He said when the delegate finished their assignment, they would recommend to their government areas for co-operation and also appropriate areas where their state could partner with Jigawa State. Lafimihan who is Commissioner for Water Resources, commended Governor Turaki for his efforts at transforming the fortunes of Jigawa people for the better within the last six years as a governor. He said, “any serious government with bia for people oriented programmes will identify with Jigawa example." He expressed satisfaction with the level of development achieved by Turaki within the last six years of Jigawa’s history, adding that his initiatives were worth emulating. The itenarary of the delegates as prepared by the host state, shows that the team would be in the state for three days. They are therefore, expected to tour visit project sites of especially on-going ones which that include mainly the prototype housing units in various places around the State, the Buji –Sara road, the Gwaram Bridge,and township roads in Roni on day-one of th visit. Chief Lafimihan Olagunju is also expected to lead his team to Ringim Computer Centre, the Wawan Rafi Sola energy Centre and the State's Informatics School i Kazaure on their second day outing.
Fayose’s aide debunks allegation of marginalisation The Punch, Thursday July 07, 2005 Adesina Wahab, Ado-Ekiti The Senior Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on General Duties, Mr. Adeola Alofe, has debunked the claim that the state government marginalised Ekiti North Senatorial District in the scheme of things. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, Alofe stated that the government had been fair to all sections in the spread of developmental projects. Some indigenes of the state had alleged during an interractive session with the Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, in Ilorin, last week that the area was marginalised. They pointed out that President Olusegun Obasanjo did not inaugurate any project in the area during his visit to the state in April. Alofe, in his reaction, said it was not true that there was no project for the president to inaugurate in the area during the visit, but that there was not enough time for the President to go to every part of the state. Alofe listed the construction of the Iluomoba-Ijesa Isu-Ikole Road, Igogo-Otun Road, the renovation of the Ero Dam and the extension of the 33KVA power transmission line from Omun-Aran in Kwara State to Otun-Ekiti as some of the projects executed by the Fayose Administration. “Apart from that, the area has benefited immensely from political appointments in the state and even at federal level. Those insinuating that the area is marginalised are not being fair at all,” he said. He appealed to the people to appreciate what the state had done so far, and to cooperate with the government so that it could do more. Alofe added that the political situation in the state was not as tense as the opposition would want the whole world to believe. The SSA urged all the state indigenes to know that they had no other place to call their own and that they should strive to make it better and not to destroy it.
Fayose, Turaki call for people oriented policies Daily Independent: Wednesday 6th July, 2005 By Abubakar Sharada, Special Correspondent, Dutse Jigawa State Governor Ibrahim Saminu Turaki and visiting Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fasoye have challenged the leadership in all the three tiers of government to concentrate on policies that would reduce the current hardship being experienced by the people through people-oriented programmes. Speaking at a reception for Fayose who was in Jigawa on a two-day official tour of the state, Turaki called for concerted effort toward enhancing the living conditions of the people. Responding, Fayose advocated for the introduction of policies towards enhancing sustainable development of the country by all the tiers of government. “It is imperative for us to introduce policies and measures that would salvage the nation from its present economic woes,” he said. He challenged political leaders to adopt measures that would impact positively on the lives of people. While emphasizing the need for concerted efforts aimed at providing crucial interventions toward economic transformation and social development, the Ekiti state governor said such efforts are necessary if the current economic situation of the country is to be salvaged. “There is need for leaders to prioritize and adopt measures that would move the nation forward”, he added. Fayose commended the Jigawa state governor for initiating a massive number of projects aim at improving the living standard of the people of the state. He said he was particularly impressed with the establishment of Agricultural Research Institute and distribution of 500 tractors to each ward across the 27 local government areas of the state. He assured Turaki that Ekiti state government would borrow some of the projects initiated Jigawa state. During the visit, Fayose donated five sets of computers and compact disks to Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, Babura and promised to sponsor five arabic teachers for computer training under the Universal Basic Education (UBE). He said the gesture was aimed at assisting the students to be computer literate.
Fayose lauds Obasanjo on debt relief The Guardian: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 From Ifedayo Sayo, Ado-Ekiti GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has commended President Olusegun Obasanjo for getting the Paris Club of Creditors to reduce the nation's debt by 60 per cent. For the governor, the feat could be attributed to the war against corruption and the transparent governance style of President Obasanjo. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, quoted the governor as saying: "The President is a leader with foresight who is totally committed to the progress and development of Nigeria. It is through his untiring efforts that the nation can now heave a sigh of relief from the debt trap that has continued to hinder our development". Fayose welcomed the new development as one of the benefits of running a democratic government and opined that the nation can now break the jinx of under-development, which was the product of the debt burden over the years. According to the governor, the reduction of the debt burden by 60 per cent will go a long way to jumpstart the economy of the nation as resources hitherto committed to debt servicing will now be diverted to national development. He, however, called on those at the helm of affairs at all levels of government in the country to see the debt relief as a challenge to be much more open and transparent in the conduct of government's business so that the benefits ascribable from the significant reduction in the nation's debt could be felt directly by the ordinary Nigerian on the street. "It is of vital importance for us to ensure that the debt relief is felt directly by the masses who have for long been told to gird their loins for harder days ahead and have borne the brunt with the belief that better days lie ahead. We cannot afford to dash their hope", Fayose insisted.
Beware of opponents, Emir of Ilorin warns Fayose Vanguard: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 By Gbenga Ariyibi ADO EKITI — The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari has cautioned Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose to be wary of his opponents, saying his (Fayose) various achievements could be a source of envy to his political foes. According to the press statement signed in Ado Ekiti yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor; Mr Idowu Adelusi stated that the Emir urged the governor not to be daunted with his opponent’s persistent criticism on the pages of newspapers. Fayose, according to the statement had paid a courtesy visit to the Emir in his palace while at Ilorin for the interactive meeting with indigenes of Ekiti State last weekend. Let me tell you that your enemies may tend to like you when you are not making success, but there is tendency for them to hate you if you are making progress, that is to say when you are doing what the masses like. "But I urge you not to look back, continue to do what is right, as posterity and the masses of the people would vindicate you, in as much as you on a right path," the monarch declared. The Emir, according to the statement called on the governor to make peace with Chief Afe Babalola, saying he and the legal luminary had been together as friends since early 80s. Earlier, Fayose had praised Alhaji Gambari for the matured manner he has been ruling his people since he became Emir, saying his mission was to take a message of good governance to the doorsteps of the masses of the people. Meanwhile, members of Ekiti indigenes under the umbrella of Ekiti State Movement Union, Ilorin has called on the governments of both Ekiti and Kwara states to rehabilitate roads linking the two states. According to the speech read on behalf of the association, by the president of the union, Snr. Apostle B. Ola Ajayi during an interactive meeting with Ekiti State governor, Mr Fayose at Ilorin stating that his people are finding it difficult to travel home with ease through the roads.
‘No division among traditional rulers in Ekiti’ The Punch, Monday July 04, 2005 The Deputy Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti, Oba Adetunji Ayodele, has said there is no division among traditional rulers in the state over the appointment of the chairman and deputy chairman for the council. Speaking in Ise-Ekiti on Saturday at a church thanksgiving to mark his appointment, he said rather than creating division among the monarchs, the two appointments had created an avenue for succession to the chairmanship post without any rancour. He said, “It is wrong to insinuate that the two appointments have created any rancour among us. It was done in compliance with the existing law and that all the 16 first class obas have the right to be appointed as either the chairman or deputy chairman at any point in time. The thing is rotational among us.”
I’m not spending N1bn to build school –Fayose The Punch, Monday July 04, 2005 Adesina Wahab, Ado-Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has denied the allegation that his administration is spending one billion naira on the establishment of an international secondary school in Afao-Ekiti, his hometown. Rather, he said the state government would only commit about N200million on the project and that it would be spread over a period of four years. The governor gave the explanation during an interactive session with Ekiti State indigenes in Ilorin, Kwara State. A news bulletin in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, quoted the governor as saying that the suspended College of Medicine, University of Ado-Ekiti would soon be reactivated, as necessary groundwork that would put it on a sound footing was being put in place.
AD faults Fayose's report about threat to life The Guardian: Monday, July 4, 2005 From Ifedayo Sayo and Olanrewaju Lawal, Ado-Ekiti THERE is no truth in the allegation by the Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, that the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was planning to eliminate him and his followers, the party has indicated. Also, the Students Union Government of the University of Ado-Ekiti has denied the allegation of being used by the opposition party to distract the Fayose administration. AD's statement, which came at the weekend, said Fayose's complaint to President Olusegun Obasanjo should only be seen as a mere ploy by the governor to eliminate AD leaders from the 16 councils in the state. The statement signed by its publicity secretary, Mr. Remi Osabusua, further maintained that "rather than AD perpetrating evil, it is the government of Ayo Fayose and his co-travellers that is compiling list of AD leaders from the 16 local councils for elimination." It added, "It is on record that the four years of AD administration in Ekiti State witnessed unprecedented peace and understanding among the different social and political strata, including the leadership of the PDP. It is not in the character of AD now to turn to crime while we are out of power. "For the records, we have recently witnessed many assassination attempts and cold blooded murders, as well as Obas being locked up by the police in criminal-infested cells. These ugly developments have crept into the political life of the state in the last one and half years." The party further called on President Olusegun Obasanjo to always crosscheck information passed to him about the state to prevent him from being misled. Also, the president of the students union government of the university, Mr. Tobi Adewuyi, who spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, said there was no union leader who collected money from politicians in the state or who was being sponsored by them to cause trouble. "As a matter of fact, our struggle started from January 19, 2005, when the union was inaugurated. Then, we said the college of medicine must be re-opened and it was preceded by the popular congress of the students. "Part of the resolution of the congress of the students was to design various means of achieving our goal of which the open letter was sent to President Olusegun Obasanjo by the student union," he said. He called on the state government to re-open the college of medicine, saying that its 28 students are roaming the streets without any Nigerian institution ready to admit them.
Ekiti distributes cocoa seedlings to farmers The Guardian: Friday, July 1, 2005 From Ifedayo Sayo, Ado-Ekiti FIVE hundred thousands cocoa seedlings are to be distributed by the Ekiti State Government to farmers in the state to boost cocoa production. Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mr. Abiodun Aluko who was on inspection tour of the various cocoa seedlings nurseries located across the state recently, said the seedlings would be distributed to cocoa farmers free of charge, saying the free distribution of the seedlings was part of the Governor Ayodele Fayose's administration efforts at boosting cocoa production in the state and ensure that Ekiti State moves up the ladder among the cocoa producing states in Nigeria. Mr. Aluko added that arrangements have also been formalised by the state government to make agro-chemicals available to farmers at subsidised rate this year. According to him, the visit to the nurseries in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, Ikole and Aramoko Zonal cocoa nurseries was necessary to see them personally and ascertain the condition of the seedlings and also to showcase them to the farmers. He directed the Project Manager, Mr. Rufus Arabi to commence the registration of farmers to be given the seedlings immediately so that all the seedlings would have been distributed to them for planting latest by the middle of July. The project manager while speaking with reporters commended the Ekiti State government and the National Cocoa Development (NCDC) for their efforts at boosting cocoa production in Ekiti State. Arabi gave the assurance that the seedlings produced in the nurseries are of good variety with high productivity capacity of 200 cocoa pods per tree per year on the average. He also said that the Ekiti State Tree Crops Unit will work hard this year and start the nursing of Cocoa seedlings early to enable it meet the one million cocoa seedlings which is the Ekiti State government's target for next planting season.
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