VOX POPULI

By Oyeniyi Kolajo Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has directed ministries, departments and agencies to fashion the 2023 capital estimates with the 30 years long term development plan instituted by the state government. The Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji gave the directive at the annual budget negotiation and envelope sharing meeting organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Oyebanji, who was represented by the Head of Service, Barrister Bamidele Agbede said that his administration was passionate about development, adding that participatory and inclusive budgeting is an integral framework through which progressive development could be attained. The Governor, while speaking on the importance of the meeting, stressed that it was a veritable forum for the leadership of MDAs to deliberate and negotiate budget envilopes amicably among themselves and to also afford government institutions the opportunity to review their priority projects and programmes for

www.voxpopulitoday.com             Aare Afe BABALOLA SAN The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter celebrates the Founder of Age Babalola University: Chief  Afe BABALOLA SAN on his birthday.  In his congratulatory message on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, the State Chairman of the Council in Ekiti State: Comrade James Oluwasegun BANKOLE thanked God for the life of Aare Afe BABALOLA and appreciate him for his philanthropic gestures to the people of the State and Nigeria at large.  The message which partly reads "Birthday remains a unique avenue for human reflections and celebration of human contributions. Ekiti Youths collectively celebrate your well-being today for your massive investments in human capital development as well as for creating sustainable wealth in Ekiti State" comrade BANKOLE prayed for good health of mind and body for Aare Afe BABALOLA.

By Bolaji Blessing An Industrialist, Engineer Foluso Alaba has charged the government of Ekiti State to shift it's focus from the monthly allocation coming from the federation account and tap into the numerous natural potentials dotted across the nooks and crannies of the state for economic growth. Alaba, a chemical engineer from Ikere Ekiti, gave the charge in his office in Ikere during an interview with journalists from the Ministry of Information and Values Orientation.  The philanthropist admonished the new administration in the state to embark on investment drive beyond the shores of the country, stressed that rocks, natural and other mineral resources in the state are enough endowment of God to generate money that could take the state out of poverty if well harnessed. The Industrialist, who is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt said that government should control the activities of illegal miners to block loopholes where huge re

By Oyeniyi Kolajo The Leader of Government Business in Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Olugboyega Aribisogan has remarked that the agitation for local government autonomy is a constitutional matter that can only be addressed by the national assembly with the concurrence of the 36 States assembly.  Hon Aribisogan, made the remarks while fielding questions at a forum with journalists from the Ministry of information and Values Orientation in Ado Ekiti.  Hon. Aribisogan said that the Nigeria constitution has created lacuna in the local government administration by allotting power to create the 3rd tier of government to the state and retain it in the exclusive list. The legislator opined that the controversy created by the inconsistency in the law of the land has resulted to the rejection of the local government autonomy bill when it was presented to Ekiti State House of Assembly. While answering questions on the relationship between the 3 arms of government, the majority le

By Olofe Abiodun The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Dr. (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi has reiterated Ekiti State Government’s commitment to invest in skill acquisition and economic empowerment which is one of the pillars of this administration. The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education (AANFE) Mrs. Modupe Falade made this known during the Graduation ceremony of De-Rock International Vocational/Model College in Ado-Ekiti. The Permanent Secretary explained that the skills acquisition programme is aimed at equipping the youths, women and men with basic and functional literacy education to avail them the opportunity to be productive, self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic advancement of the state and the country at large. Olomojobi therefore charged the graduads to make use of the skills they have acquired to better their lives a

By John Kayode Ayodele    Ọmọlúàbí John Kehinde Omodara KSJI A stalwart of Ọmọlúàbí Adó-Èkìtì group, Ọmọlúàbí (Sir) Prince Kehinde Omodara KSJI has hosted the leadership and some other members of Ọmọlúàbí Adó-Èkìtì to a dinner at his residence in Adó-Èkìtì. The National President of the Association, Prince Gabriel Sunday Adegbite appreciated Ọmọlúàbí Omodara through the Publicity Secretary of the Association Ọmọlúàbí Olofe Abíódún.  In his words, Ọmọlúàbí Olofe appreciated the previous goodies of Ọmọlúàbí Omodara to the members of the Association. He also pleaded for more support from the host towards the Association and her members. It is worthy of note that Ọmọlúàbí Adó-Èkìtì is a Socio-political group for the indigenous Sons and Daughters  of Ado-Ekiti with moral and cultural values irrespective of their Political and Religious affiliation. Ọmọlúàbí Kehinde Omodara who is a worthy member of the Knight of Saint John International and the Bursar of The Federal

By John-Ralph Kayode Ayodele       Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN Ekiti State Chapter has congratulated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his Deputy Mrs Christiana Afuye on their successful Inauguration ceremony as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of the State. The congratulatory message which was signed by the Chairman of the Council in Ekiti State: Comrade James Oluwasegun BANKOLE partly read:   "The National Youth Council of Nigeria Ekiti State chapter under the leadership of Comrade James Oluwasegun Bankole thank God  for the successful Inauguration of the brand new Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi OYEBANJI. Your experience in government and governance since the creation of EKiti State reposed the confidence in the entire Ekiti people that your tenure will witnessed tremendous achievements and remarkable successes. The Youth Agenda for job creation if properly implemented

By Awoyemi Fisayo Adejoke Captain Olumide Owonikoko, the Airforce Personnel who flew the first Aircraft that touched on Ekiti Cargo International Airport Ado Ekiti, has described the Airport runway as one of the best. Captain Owonikoko who shared his flight experience to Ado Airport with Vox Populi Today, lauded the standard of the runway. He explained that just like other runways he has been to; the runway can accommodate different sizes of Aircraft. Captain Owonikoko expressed hope that the Airport would enhance the socio economic development of Ekiti and expose the state to the world. Speaking on the Aircraft, the Efon Ekiti born Airforce officer said the flight flew at an altitude of 16 thousand feet and that they had a clement weather. He said he was happy to be the officer that captained the first Aircraft that landed at the Airport The co-pilot, Emmanuel Balogun, expressed joy for being part of history in Ekiti.

www.voxpopulitoday.com The Ekiti State Head of Service Barrister Bamidele Agbede has said not fewer than 15,473 public servants have benefited from both local and international training during the outgoing administration led by Dr Kayode Fayemi. Agbede made this known during the opening ceremony of a 3-day capacity building organised for  the staff of Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency in Ado Ekiti recently. He stressed that one of the hallmarks of the outgoing administration is the recognition of human capital development which has paved way for improved productivity and efficient service delivery in the public service. He recalled that some public servants who were recently sponsored by the State government on post graduate courses at the Ekiti State University have graduated. He commended the efforts of the Executive Secretary of the Agency for his pro-activeness in organizing the capacity building despite the paucity of fund. He charged participants to m

By Wale Obelewaji                 CP Banji OGUNRINDE The leadership of Afao Development Council has felicitated with CP Banji Ogunrinde on his appointment as Commissioner of Police in the Nigeria Police Force. In a statement personally signed by the President of the Council Engr. Sesan Àdesuyi and made available to the newsmen by the PRO of the council, Mr Wale Obelewaji, the ADC noted that the new elevation was a proof to his years of dedication, hard work and patriotism to the service of our nation, Nigeria. He congratulated him for bringing honour to the community while charging him to remain resolute and committed in his service to humanity. The Council prays that the Almighty God grant the newly appointed commissioner of police the required wisdom , knowledge, ability and capacity to deliver in this new position and higher responsibility.   The ADC leadership further assures all sons and daughters of Afao- Ekiti at home and in diaspora of its prayers and support toward

www.voxpopulitoday.com President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that the screening and selection of nominees for this year’s national honours award followed established broad criteria in accordance with the National Honours Act CAP.N43 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. Buhari stated this when he conferred the country’s national honours on 450 Nigerians and non-Nigerians, who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. He said citizens who contribute to national development deserve to be encouraged and appreciated. The president commended the National Awards Committee headed by the the Emir of Lafia and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Sidi Bage Muhammad, for a great and patriotic duty by diligently going through over 5,000 submissions and coming up with the recommendations. Leading the 2022 national honours award recipients in the category of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) a

By John-Ralph Kayode Ayodele               Comrade Eyitayo FABUNMI The immediate past Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Ekiti State Chapter: Comrade Eyitayo FABUNMI added another feather on Tuesday when he bagged Ọmọlúàbí Award. The International Valedictory Conference which took place at Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre Ado-Ekiti was part of the laid down events in honour of His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode FAYEMI, CON, Governor Ekiti State. Some of the attendees were: HE Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Prof. Wale Adebanwi (Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, United States), Prof. Ibbo Mandaza (Executive Chairman of the Southern African Political Economy Series from Zimbabwe), Prof. Funmi Olonisakin (Vice President for International Engagement and Services at the king's College, London), Prof. Tandeka C. Nkiwane (South Africa), Senator Biodun Olujimi, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah (Catholic Bishop of Sokot

www.voxpopuli.com Mr Rasaq Temitayo Zubair, founder, TZAR foundation has felicitated with all Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el Maulud festival marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed. In a message through Abiodun Olofe, his Director Media and Publicity, to mark the occasion, the Ado Ekiti born philanthropist urged all Muslims and indeed other Nigerians to emulate the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet in the area of love, humility, peaceful living and religious tolerance adding that most of our societal challenges and problems will be greatly minimized. Mr Rasaq urged Muslims to pray for peace during the upcoming campaigns and elections in the nations stressing that our national challenges require all hands to be on deck including supplication to Almighty Allah for divine intervention. “In his lifetime, Prophet Mohammed set parameters and precedents in all areas of life in his teachings and personal life. The world will be a better place for all if all can e

www.voxpopuli com           Dr. John Kayode Fayemi CON No fewer than one hundred micro and small scale business owners have benefited from the social investment programme of Dr Kayode Fayemi. At a flag-off ceremony for the disbursement of the money to the beneficiaries in Ado Ekiti,   Ekiti State Governor,  Dr Kayode Fayemi,  who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Akin Oyebode said the initiative was a well thought out programme aimed at ameliorating the attendant financial constraints and other social economic challenges brought about by the covid 19 pandemic. Governor Fayemi reiterated the commitment of his administration to programs explicitly tailored to mitigating poverty among Ekiti people and dwellers by opening new economic horizons for committed youths, women and men entrepreneurs. He said the program is an offshoot of EK -CARES initiative and falls under the pillar 3 of the social investment agenda.  While appreciating the

By Abiodun OLOFE Ekiti State government through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency has held an orientation workshop with media men representing various  media organizations in both prints and electronics  in the State. The integrated measles campaign which will hold between 20th and 26th of October 2022 for children between age zero to 59 months is in line with National Measles Strategic Plan 2018 to 2028. Declaring the workshop open, the Executive Secretary Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ayodele Seluwa said the workshop became paramount to discuss the modalities for media engagement and reporting, prior,during and post implementation of the 2022 Measles Vaccination. Also speaking, Director of Disease Control and Immunization,Dr. Nicolas Ojo informed the media practitioners that not less than 180,000 children are expected to be immunized against measles and other children related deadly diseases. In his remarks,the representative of Wo

By Bayo Olajide     HRM Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju The Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba  Oluwole Ademolaju has  advised the in-coming First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji not to deviate from the gender-based activities embarked on by the wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi when she eventually takes over. Oba Ademolaju gave the advice at a chat with newsmen from the Ministry of Information and Values Orientation in his palace in Oye Ekiti. The monarch said that the Erelu Fayemi's outstanding performance at curtailing gender-based violence, child abuse, rape and other related offences has elevated her to a global personality. The traditional ruler, who is a one time Chairman of Ekiti State Traditional Council of Obas, noted that Erelu Fayemi has instilled fear in the minds of men who are delighted in exposing their wives to domestic violence, while peace has been restored into many homes. According to the monarch, "the fear of Erelu is the beginning of wisdom

By Olukunle Kolajo       Rev. Emmanuel Adeyinka Aribasoye The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria and President Ekiti Baptist Conference, Rev Emmanuel Adeyinka Aribasoye has charged the in-coming administration in Ekiti to maintain the core values  the people of Ekiti were known for. Reverend Aribasoye gave the charge during an interview with journalists from the ministry of information and values orientation in Ado Ekiti. Rev. Aribasoye stressed that one of the major achievements of Dr Kayode Fayemi's government was the restoration of the Ekiti core values of honour, decency, respect and dignity, which are synonymous to the “Oni Uyi” awards in the state.   He commended the outgoing administration on it's efforts at curtailing the security challenges and regular payment of workers salaries and emoluments  alongside the construction and completion of various legacy projects across the state. Reverend Aribasoye therefore advised the incoming government to susta

By John-Ralph Ayodele                     Rev. Obim Bankole A member of the Board of Trustees of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Rev. Obim Bankole has cleared the air on the leadership issue of the Council in Ekiti State. In his submission, Rev. Obim Bankole made it known via WhatsApp on Monday, that the National Youth Council is an Independent entity governed by Democratic principles where a periodic election ushers in a new executive that will direct the affairs of the Council in the best interest of all it's member Organizations. Against the illegal pronouncement of Comrade Segun Famuyibo as the Chairman of the Council using the office of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Ekiti State, Rev. Obim Bankole said "the executive are responsible to only the general Congress of the Council without Governments' interference. However, the role of the Government is to create enabling environment for Youth Development and ensure a sustainable place

By Wale Ọ̀bẹ́lẹ́wàjí                    Dr. Filani Oyebanji Health Commissioners across the country under the auspices of the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum will be holding a 2-day program titled Primary Healthcare Financing Forum to discuss the role of states in Primary Healthcare Financing in Nigeria. The event will be held on the 5th and 6th of October, 2022 in Abuja as a hybrid event with in-person and virtual participation.  The Nigeria Health commissioners’ forum is Nigeria's community of practice and learning platform created by the 36 States’ Health Commissioners across Nigeria. This year, in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors' Forum, they will be hosting the first collaborative event which will focus on Primary Health Care financing, particularly the role subnational systems must play in the process.   According to an invitation issued by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Service and  the Chairperson of the Forum  Dr Filani Oyeba

By Abiodun OLOFE The Founder, TZAR Foundation, Mr. Rasaq Temitayo ZUBAIR has added another feather to his cap at the celebration of Nigeria at 62years of Independence and Ekiti State at 26 years of creation where 26 illustrious Ekiti sons and daughters were singled out for Ekiti pillar of development award. The celebration which was organized by the Production Team of Kayegbo International Magazine took place at Arowolo Hall, Fajuyi Ado-Ekiti had numerous Ekiti Sons and daughters who had contributed to the development of Ekiti State.  Among the recipients of the Awards together with TZAR are: Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Dr. Femi Odere, Hon. Olusola Fatoba, Mrs. Elebute Halle, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, Mr. Lanre Àjàyí (Founder Little by Little photos) among others. The Publisher of Kayegbo Newspaper: Mr. Morakinyo Solomon OGUNNIYI applauded the recipients for supporting his publications and helping the less previleged in the soc

By Abiodun OLOFE               Erelu Kemi Elebute Halle The celebration of Nigeria at 62years of Independence and Ekiti at 26years of creation was a remarkable event in the history of Ekiti State and Nigeria when a Woman who is not a Political Office holder would bag three Awards same day. Erelu Kemi Elebute Halle who was the only female  Gubernatorial Candidate at the June 18, 2022 Governorship election in Ekiti State broke the record of becoming the first Woman to bag Three different Awards same day for her humanitarian services. The 3 in 1 Awards were presented to Erelu Elebute Halle at an event organized by the Publisher of Kayegbo International Magazine, Mr. Morakinyo Solomon Ogunniyi at Arowolo Hall, Ayoba Fm, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The Awards are: Ekiti Pillar of Development Award by Kayegbo International Magazine, Life Value Awareness Leadership Award Abuja, and Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity presented by the Youth Assembly of Nigeria.

By Olukunle Kolajo The Ekiti Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus for micro and small enterprises will next week begin another round of targeting and verification of businesses that will benefit from the second tranche of the scheme. In a statement made available to the newsmen in Ado Ekiti by the Director General, Micro Finance and Enterprises Development Agency (MEDA), Otunba Kayode Fasae said the Team of EK-CARES Result Area 3 saddled with the responsibility of facilitating recovery and enhancing capabilities of micro and small enterprises that were badly affected by Covid-19 will be going round the state for the exercise starting from October. While advising the business owners to make themselves available for the exercise, Fasae said the grant is in 3 categories which is DLI 3.1 Credit grant, DLI 3.2 Operational Grant and DLI 3.3 IT enhancement grant. He added that the scheme is part of the deliberate effort of Governor Fayemi’s administration to mitigate the

Sequel to the Inauguration of the newly elected Officers of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Ekiti State Chapter held on Friday 30th September, 2022 at Adetiloye Hall, Fountain Hotel Ado-Ekiti, the newly Inaugurated officers of the Council presents some of the photo album of the Inauguration.

By Abiodun OLOFE           MR. RASAQ TEMITAYO ZUBAIR The founder, TZAR foundation,Mr Rasaq Temitayo Zubair, today prayed for the continued peace of our Nation Nigeria and the rapid development of Ekiti State. According to his 62nd Independence Anniversary message which also coincides with the 26th anniversary of Ekiti state, the Marketing Communications Consultant prays God to keep blessing Nigeria with peace and tranquility and rapid development for Ekiti State. According to the release signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the foundation, Abiodun Olofe, he said “In 1960, you rewarded the efforts and yearnings of our past leaders by granting us Independence from the shackles of colonialism and also in 1996 we witnessed the birth of our own Ekiti State. Since then, we have survived only through Your mercies and grace. He further prayed that as we mark the 62nd Independence Anniversary of our Nation and the 26th anniversary as a state, may God’s mercies abound in

By John-Ralph Ayodele     COMRADE JAMES SEGUN  BANKOLE The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Ekiti State Chapter: Comrade James Oluwasegun BANKOLE in his New Month and 2022 Independence Day greetings tagged: "NEVER LOOSE HOPE; THE TIME IS NOW" congratulate Ekiti Youths at home and in diaspora and charged them to be hopeful. The number one Youth in the lauded Governor John Kayode FAYEMI led Administration for changing the old narrative. He also congratulate the Governor elect: Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his victory at the June 18, 2022 guber poll in Ekiti State. Comrade James BANKOLE at a Press briefing this morning assures Ekiti Youths that his Administration shall partner and work harmoniously with the State Government in all sectors. He added that he would be glad if the incoming Governor can allow the Leadership of the Council to present who becomes the next Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in the State. Comrade James Oluwasegu