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Ekiti: Governor Oyebanji Swears-in Second Female Head Of Service, Charges Her To Shun Undue Pressure

July 2, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has inaugurated the new Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, with a charge to her to sustain ongoing reforms in the state’s civil service.

Performing the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji stressed the need for the new Head of Service to mobilize the instrument of state to improve the talents and skills of the workforce for effective and efficient service delivery, as well as ensure that there is no room for indolence and professional misconduct in the civil service.

Dr Olomojobi, who until her appointment was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is the second female Head of Service in the history of the state.

Oyebanji commended the new HOS for her years of proficiency, patriotism, and professional service to the state.

He affirmed that she earned the appointment on the strength of her competence, impactful service, and objective assessment in line with the merit-based policy of the administration.

“There is no doubt that Dr Olomojobi is one of the highly trained, globally exposed, intellectually sophisticated public servants. She comes with a lot of skills that will definitely bring remarkable improvement to the civil and public service of Ekiti state.

“The positive response that greeted her appointment across the ranks and files of the service is eloquent testimony to her suitability for the position.”

The Governor called on Dr Olomojobi to ensure adequate mobilization of the bureaucratic family of the state in the realization of the six pillars of the administration, noting that a lot of expectation is demanded from her as the civil service, as a trailblazer, is supposed to be exceptional in all its ramifications.

The Governor pointed out that his administration has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers in the payment of salary arrears, leave bonus, payment of minimum wage adjustment across all cadres, and wage award to cushion the current economic hardship on the people pending the conclusion of ongoing tripartite minimum wage negotiation among others.

He called on workers to reciprocate the gesture of government through their hard work and commitment to the realization of the agenda of government, while the government will continue to provide a conducive working atmosphere and tools for workers to thrive.

Oyebanji called on the new Head of service to be an inspiration to her colleagues across the cadres and ensure that she does not give room for indolence and professional misconduct under any guise.

He expressed confidence that Dr Olomojobi will bring her experience to bear in transforming the civil service, noting that he had no doubt that the new HOS would deliver given her endowment with the requisite capacity, training, and competence to cope with the challenges ahead.

In her response, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi praised the Governor for his leadership style and reforms which have made Ekiti State the envy of other states, and promised to do her best by ensuring that public servants work within the ambit of the six pillars of his administration to achieve the shared prosperity agenda of the government.

Dr Olomojobi affirmed that the preoccupation of civil servants is to ensure that all government policies promulgated to deliver the public good derivable from the six pillars are implemented efficiently and effectively.

Imo: Couple Arrested For Illegal Orphanage Home

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 2, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a couple for operating an illegal orphanage home.

The couple, Chukwuma Umunnakwe and Comfort Umunnakwe, are also accused of exploiting vulnerable young girls at their baby factory known as Comfort Orphanage Home in Owerri the State capital.

Spokesperson for the Command, Okoye Henry, on Tuesday July 2, said the bursting of the illegal orphanage home was facilitated by credible intelligence at the disposal of Operatives.

“The suspects have confessed to being in the criminal activity for over 12 years and will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

The suspects coerced their victims into signing an agreement to give away their babies upon delivery for either N400,000 or N500,000 depending on the gender of the child” Okoye stated

About eight young girls were also rescued during the police raid on the illegal orphanage home.

Most of the rescued victims said they were lured into the home with some mouth watering offers ,only to be caged thereafter.

Ebonyi: Universities Of ICT, & Aeronautic Engineering Kicks-off, As Govt Offer 597 Post Graduate Studies Scholarship

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 2, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State Government has voted the sum two billion Naira for the purpose of sponsoring indigenes of the State further their studies.

About 597 persons have been approved for sponsorship to pursue their post graduate studies in any of the Nigerian Universities .

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor announced this on Tuesday, July 2 2024 ,while briefing the Media at the end the State’s Executive Council Meeting, .

According to him, the scholarship package will cover tuition fees, general up keep of the beneficiaries and research funds.

However, the research funds and school fees of the beneficiaries will be channeled straight to the accounts of the institutions, so as to avoid misapplication of the funds .

Beneficiaries within the State Civil Service are, also, to be granted study leave with pay, as well as the preservation of other privileges .

Engr. Okpor added that the sum of two billion Naira has been set aside for a seamless implementation of the scholarship package.

In the same vein, the Executive Council approved the construction of eight faculty buildings and hostel facilities at the State Aeronautics Engineering University in Ezza and the University of ICT in Oferekpe Agbaja.

The Commissioner explained that the structures are to facilitate the commencement of full academic programmes at the Institutions.

” Recall that the Executive Council had earlier approved the construction of the above mentioned buildings and further approved the award of contracts and release of funds to successful bidders for immediate commencement of the projects.” Engr Okpor noted .

Other projects approved by the Council, according to the Commissioner, were the completion of Ebonyi Trade Centre which will host Ebonyi Trade Centre and Ebonyi Hotels .

“Executive Council approved a design of a new Estate at the city ,centre to be known as Nnodo-Ekumenyi Palm Boulevard.

“The Estate will be adorned with facilities such as ,civic centres ,recreational facilities,banks ,shopping malls and other business havens.

This is partly in fulfillment of His Excellency’s People,s ‘Charter of Needs Manifestos to build Smart Cities across the State to enhance the aesthetic standard of the major cities in the State”, the Commissioner stated.

Boom As Niger, Ondo, Announce Monthly Stipends For NYSC Members

Ayodele Oni

July 2, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo and Niger state Governments have announced packages for newly deployed National Youth Corps Members to their respective states.

At the swearing in ceremony for the new NYSC members on Tuesday, Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, approved the payment of a N200,000 bonus to each corps members deployed to the state for national youth service.

Bago gave the approval on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members at the Niger State NYSC Orientation Camp.

The Governor assured that the Corpers will start to receive the money right away before the end of orientation.

His Ondo State counterpart, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved monthly stipends to National Youth Service Corps members deployed to serve in the State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who did not disclose the amount, made the declaration at the Swearing – In – Ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 1) of Corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare Akoko, on Tuesday.

The Governor promised to rehabilitate the facilities at the NYSC Camp, including provision of Solar-powered light.

He enjoined the new Corps members to dedicate themselves and brace up for the task ahead as they will be exposed to daunting but fulfilling challenges of national development.

Aiyedatiwa reiterated the determination of his administration to adequately cater for their welfare and security throughout their service year in the State.

“As we therefore induct you into the national service of our dear Country today, you face a greater challenge to prove that the future of our Country and coming generations would be secured in your hands.

“This is why you must rededicate yourselves to the task of bringing about positive changes in your various assignments.”

The Governor reiterated that his administration will continue to support NYSC at all times to ensure Corp members have a memorable year in Ondo State.

Speaking after an inspection of the camp, the Governor said: “The area is clean, disinfect the bathroom and toilet but they are old, some kind of renovation needs to be done and that is what we are going to do.

“Electricity is also one of their problems and we will try to deploy solar light across the entire camp so that at night the area can be bright and for the hostels, we will see what we can do.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Pepple, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his presence at the event, saying it is the first time a governor will visit the Orientation Camp in the last 13 years.

He said a total of 1,423 Corps members have been registered in the camp for the mandatory one year service for the batch.

Disquiet As Imo Lawmakers Suspend Four Members

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 2, 2024

Rt Hon Chike Olembe - Speaker Imo State House of Assembly

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, July2, 2024 announced the indefinite suspension of four of its members.

The is even as the Speaker Rt Hon Chike Olembe said that the suspended lawmakers have equally been removed from the various House standing Committees which they preside over.

The suspended lawmakers were accused of plotting to impeach the Speaker.

Those suspended are Henry Agbasonu representing Ezinihitte/ Mbaise State Constituency, Dominic Ezerioha, Oru West Constituency, Samuel Otuibe, Ahiazu/Mbaise and Chidiebere Ogbunikpa, representing Okigwe State Constituency.

The Speaker who announced the suspension during plenary told the press that a minor reshufflement has been effected in the House Standing Committees to which the suspended Lawmakers belong.

According to Rt. Hon. Olembe the decision to suspend the Legislators was taken at an executive session of the House.

The suspended Lawmakers, however, did not offer any comment when approached by the press.

But the suspension has tended to raise the political temperature of the State, with many observers trying to hazard what may have actually provoked the situation, aside the official explanation offered.

LP Reps Caucus Leader Bemoans Shutdown of GIFMIS Platforms, Increasing Hardship

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 2, 2024

Leader of the Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has raised the alarm over what he described as “cloud of confusion and rudderlessness in the management of government finances arising from the abrupt shutdown of the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System, GIFMIS, platforms for all government agencies, leaving them in a state of operational incapacitation.

The LP leader in a statement issued in his personal capacity, lamented that this singular decision has brought governance to a standstill, plunging the government’s financial management into a self-inflicted state of paralysis, crippling its ability to function effectively.

He said in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday July 2, 2024, that “the shutdown of the GIFMIS platforms since over a month impacted both the capital and overhead components of the agencies, leaving them stranded and unable to perform their functions as mandated. This disruption has significantly hindered their ability to operate effectively.”

He urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, to promptly intervene and resolve this avoidable crisis, which may be linked to the challenges arising from the concurrent implementation of multiple federal budgets, and thereby restore order and stability to the nation’s financial management.

The GIFMIS implementation was adopted in 2012 to enable the Federal Government of Nigeria process financial transactions faster and at a much lower cost. It was also meant to improve the reliability of management information and increase the speed at which decisions are taken and services delivered to the general public.

He dismissed the excuse that the platform is being updated, stating that the rationale lacks merit, as the detrimental consequences of the shutdown clearly indicate a lack of thorough consideration and planning in the decision-making process.

According to Ogene, many Nigerians have raised concerns over the Nigerian government’s implementation of four national budgets concurrently, which they argued is in blatant disregard of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

“While I don’t have much issues with multiple budgets – especially as I’m a member of the National Assembly that approved the budgets – there remain fundamental fears as recently raised by BUDGIT, that the revenues projected for 2024 will likely be spread thin across four different budgets, resulting in inadequate funding for critical social sectors and essential public infrastructure. This will have a devastating impact on service delivery and hinder the provision of basic public services.”

He said further: “Information at my disposal indicate that service delivery in government agencies is increasingly nosediving as many of them cannot even meet their own basic needs in their daily operations, such as even paying for electricity units in their offices or diesel, since the GIFMIS platforms were shut over a month ago. Then, what manner of service delivery do you expect from such agencies?

“President Tinubu and the Finance Minister must urgently address this escalating financial crisis, which is inflicting immense hardship on the citizens. They must take immediate action to rectify the situation, shake off governmental complacency, and alleviate the suffering of the people, who are bearing the brunt of economic mismanagement in the name of democracy.

Abia: Govt. Bows To Pressure, Shifts Date For Ban On Tricyclists, Motorcyclists Operations

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 2, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government, has effected a change in the commencement date of the restriction imposed on the operations of tricyclists and motorcyclists in the State.

The Source reports that the State Government had, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 announced the restriction of operations on tricyclists and motorcyclists in major cities of the State ,particularly Aba and Umuahia from 6.00am to 7.00pm.

The Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu who disclosed the development at a Media briefing in Umuahia, the State Capital, cited the State Government’s desire to curtail rising crime rate as a major reason.

He stated that credible intelligence suggests strongly that most of the criminal activities in Aba and Umuahia, in recent times, have been perpetrated by criminals operating with tricycles and motorcycles .

Prince Nwachukwu lamented that of recent a lot of security breaches and issues, such as pickpocketing, robbery and other criminal activities have been on the increase in Aba and Umuahia.

He stated that innocent and law abiding citizens and residents have been victims of such unwarranted robbery attacks and other criminal tendencies.

“A lot of reports have been lodged regarding an upsurge in criminal activities in major cities of the State. The reports available to Security Agencies indicate that most criminal activities like robberies do take place in the evening, late night and early morning hours in the cities.

“The Abia State Government has decided to curb the operations of the criminals who use tricycles ( keke) and motorcycles to perpetrate their activities” Prince Nwachukwu had stated .

He had announced July 1 2024 as the take-off date for the enforcement of the restriction order.

But in a statement on Monday, July 1, the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kalu, said the new enforcement date is now August 1 2024 .

However, he noted that the planned enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles operating in the State will commence on July 1 2024 as earlier scheduled.

“This is to inform the general public ,that the planned restriction of the operations of Tricycles (keke) and Motorcycles ( okada) introduced by Abia state Government between the hours of 7pm and 6 am billed to start today ,Monday July 1 2024 has been shifted to August 1, 2024 .

“However,the enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles,tricycles and motorcycles in the transport sector in Abia State will commence today( July 1) as scheduled .

This adjustment is to accommodate the numerous pleas by Abians to be given more time to prepare for the effective implementation and enforcement of the policy “the Commissioner stated.

Benue Lawmaker, Hon. Agada Arrested For Allegedly Assaulting Police Officer

Akinwale Kasali

July 2, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

There is palpable tension in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State over the arrest of Hon. Samuel Agada, a member of the Benue State House of Assembly, representing Ogbadibo constituency by the Police for allegedly assaulting a Police Officer.

It was gathered that Agada was arrested following an altercation with the Police when he went to secure the release of a constituent, and allegedly manhandled a Police Officer.

His Constituents have however protested his arrest by storming the Benue State Police Command, seeking for his immediate and unconditional release.

The protesters stated that Agada was manhandled unjustly by the Police. That, they said, infuriated his aides who protested against it.

A Youth leader in Ogbadibo, Ameh Ojema said: “The arrest of the Assembly Member is uncalled for as he was carrying out his constituency oversight for a constituent”.

He added that Agada’s travails may not be unconnected with the political dichotomy in the State.

Ojema added that Agada is believed to be neutral in the political dynamics in the State as he relates with everyone in his constituency irrespective of political link, alleging that the arrest was a plot to witch hunt him.

“He has always stood with his people at all times and has refused to align with any of the political tendencies in the area.”

Ojema said Agada’s travails were politically motivated as they were suspecting a faction of the Benue All Progressives Congress, APC.

Joseph Udo, another constituent, took to his Facebook page to condemn the arrest of the lawmaker which he alleged was politically motivated.

He said, “There is a difference between a big lie and small lie but on this one this guy is clean.

“Stop the blackmailing, politics is deep; Hon. Samuel Agada Awuchi is a responsible person.”

The Benue Police Command Spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed Agada’s arrest. She stressed that the Lawmaker was arrested for assaulting some Police Officers.

Ogbadibo’s Constitents have, however, not rested on their oars as they promised to go ahead with the peaceful protest until Agada is released.

Arogbo Ijaw Clan Rejects Part Time Membership In Ondo Oil Commission

Ayodele Oni

July 2, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Arogbo Ijaw in Ondo State has demanded equal representation in the state oil intervention commission, Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

In an open letter to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Arogbo-Ibe Intellectual Corner, an Ijaw group, noted that Arogbo- Ijaw people have long been excluded from the Board of the Commission.

“The two Local Governments, Ilaje and Ese-Odo have given the entire State an oil producing status. A status that has generated the special 13 percent derivation fund from the Federal Government.

“A status that has equally hatched the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

“We wish to draw your attention to the eternal woes of the Arogbo Ijaws when matters of development from the oil region are in discourse.

“The inception of the Commission has consistently seen an Ilaje born at the helms of affairs. In fact, it was seen a miracle that an Ese-Odo man was appointed, for the first time, secretary of the commission during the Akeredolu-led administration, wherein you served as Deputy Governor.

“As a body, we have undergone the letters of the OSOPADEC Law 2001, and are left wondering why the Arogbo Ijaws are left with part time commissioners.

“This comes at variance with the principles of justice and Federal character enshrined in the 1999 constitution.

“Thus, we speak into your conscience to make right, the wrongs that have subsisted for long and appoint a qualified Arogbo Ijaw man for the office.

“By doing the above, you have printed your name in the annals of history as a true crusader of justice. It is only fair, and right that the Ijaws are given the recognition they deserve in the state.”

Residents Of Ondo South Cry Out: No Light Two Months After Commissioning Of Substation

Ayodele Oni

July 2, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of towns in Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo state have stormed Akure to protest a perceived sabotage from the officials of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) towards restoration of electricity to the region after 14 years of total blackout.

President Bola Tinubu, had in May, inaugurated a power substation with a 132 kV transmission line and 132/33 kV transformers for the area after 14 years blackout.

After the inauguration of the substation, communities in the Okitipupa, Ilaje, Irele, Odigbo, and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas in Ondo South senatorial district, which had been without power supply, were expected to be reconnected to the national grid.

However, the protesters who were armed with various placards alleged that officials of the BEDC have been deceiving the state government and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by telling lies that light has been restored to the areas.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Odidi Omo Oladimeji said since the inauguration of the substation, light has not been restored and the people could no longer tolerate the sabotage by the BEDC.

Oba Oladimeji explained that “We are protesting to let the ondo state government know that BEDC has succeeded in deceiving them that there is light in Southern Senatorial District. Out of the five local governments in the South, there is no single one with electricity.

“We have been battling for years to say that BEDC should give us light, but they said they are waiting for the substation that was being built in Erinje before they would give us, even when there are other routes that they could use. But they insisted on using Erinje. But Erinje is now live, and up to now there is no electricity.

“The moment the place was commissioned, BEDC went to town to say, oh, they have restored light to the area, but up to today, there is no light anywhere.

“And actually, there are about three local governments that there are no poles linking them to anywhere, and there is no way they could have light.

“Ilaje and Okitipupa local governments that seem to have some edge, even when they will bring light several times, what they bring its just 200 kilowatts, when there are 64,000 kilowatts in Erinje substation, and the 200 kilowatts is not even up to four or five houses.

“So we want the government to know that for 11 years that BEDC has taken over as a disco, they have not given us light for one day and we cannot continue that way.

“We want the government to cancel the license of BEDC over that area completely, we don’t want that. Since they have denied us electricity deliberately for 11 years, their thinking is that that area is not viable.

“So there is nothing anybody can do, they won’t do anything.The little repairs that were done in our infrastructures were done by NDDC, not even BEDC.

“Now that there is electricity in Erinje, BEDC will go around homes to tell people to go and contribute money for poles, for the cables that are needed to do the stringing, for the repairs of their transformers. We feel that this is illegal, this is unfair.

“We found out that most of the transformers are vandalized. When we did a joint enumeration before Erinje came on board, we discovered that 95 percent of the infrastructure are damaged.

“We have the records. Joint enumeration by BEDC and the community. In that area, 95percent transformers, poles were damaged and they said they do not have the money to do it.

“So even when they said they are commissioning in Erinje, we were shouting at them, how do you commission in Erinje and you have not done any repairs? They said, oh, don’t worry, up to today nothing has been done. They want the people to continue to fold their arms? No.

“The second thing that we want is that, since the Ondo state government now has the power to license independent electricity distribution companies, we want an independent electricity company to be given to that region, if possible, to give us light.

“Because that is the concern we have. The new law says that each of the DISCOs should register some disco for the purpose of the states.

“It has expired last week. Up till today, disco did not register any, which is a way of showing their flagrant disobedience to law, to circumvent their responsibility of giving the people light.

“The third thing we are asking for, is that the Ondo state government should allow for proper competition.

“I am sure that the governor told everybody that there is light and the government must have believed that there is light. If we didn’t do all this, a lot of people in Akure would think we have light, but there is no light anywhere.

“You know what they did? When BEDC was going to bring light the first day, They put light in the Governor’s house. They put light in the house of the engineer that built Erinje substation. But the truth is that they deliberately repaired a transformer around the Governor’s house, energized it, and sent the light there.

“All other areas where the light could go, they got them off, Up till today. In order to seal my mouth, they sent a meter to my house.

“How does a meter work without a token work? and it is prepaid. So, they hanged it out there, so that anybody passing by will see that, oh, Kabiesi has a meter.

“That is a deceit. Once he has a meter, he won’t talk. Because I have been one of those in the forefront that BEDC does not and cannot do this work.They have shown it.

“How do you ask me to go and buy poles to erect for you to give me light and there you will charge me ?

“Or you ask me to go and contribute money so that you can buy oil to the transformers, repair the transformers. Once that is done, it belongs to you. And you ask me to come and pay estimated billing. No. So, we want the government to help us.

“We know the government has already tried. The O Datiwa meter is an effort. The steps taken by the Ondo State Regulatory Bureau is a step. The steps taken by the SA, Alabi Johnson, he has visited our area more than three or four times. It’s a step.

“But BEDC is a saboteur and their sabotage will make the government look like not doing anything. Is it the business of the state government to buy meters? No. But because the government just felt that that’s part of what it could do to help the people.

“Because the excuse of BEDC is that, oh, you know, you don’t have meters. We can’t give you light. Who’s supposed to give us meters? Are they not the one ?”

Reacting, Johnson Alabi, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Energy said, “Their grievances are that there is no power in most parts of the Southern Senatorial District and that since the commissioning of the Erinje Substation, that it’s only a few people that are able to enjoy light, if at all there is.

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