History of Udiroko Festival in Ado Ekiti

ADO-EKITI is an ancient city, founded

in the year 1310. A.D by His Royal Majesty the Ewi Awamaro the son of Ewi Apa (Biritikolu) after the defeat of King Elesun of Ilesun or Emure Kingdom and the destruction of his Empire. Ewi was not only a King , he was also supreme military Chief -General of his army and when his kingdom became extremely larger than the Original settlement in Osunle Odo (Odo-Ado), and moved to Oke-Ibon where he settled and founded Oke-Ewi the Ado mother town, the administrative and cultural demands of his office as a paramount ruler did not allow him to go on military expedition any longer. Therefore he delegated his military position to his military second in command they were IIJC3Rlords who later became the traditional war Chiefs headed by Chief Barafon. It was the duty of each war chiefs to report his military achievements to the EWI. The arrival of each successful war-chief was embraced with joy and various traditional songs. The people of Ado-Ekiti would assemble under IROKO TREE in front of Ewi’s Palace to welcome the military chiefs and rejoice with Ewi. At a point in time. EWI decided to be meeting all his war chiefs once in a year on a specific day for such post-war reports. Ewi picked ” OLORUN B’ORUN DAY the day that was initially specified for all Indigenes of Ado-Ewi to make offering of Kolanut and Walnuts in propitiation to their heads (ORI) known as OLORUN-BORUN for that purpose. On the day of Olorunborun, prayers were said in every home in the town, and in the evening same day, the entire Ado community would assemble in Ewi’s Palace to receive Ewi’s Blessing as it was believed that Only Ewi have the power to make prayers accepted quickly by the Heavens. The assemblage of people under Iroko tree in Ewi’s palace on Olorunborun Day for the ceremony later became ” ODUN UDIROKO”. UDIROKO festival the Ado- Ekiti’s most important feast was desighted to feature both the NATION DAY and the NEW YEAR DAY in the defunct Ado Kingdom. The Ewi is the principal celebrant while the War Chiefs (Elegbes) and others participate. Udiroko festival is usually an occasion of Happiness and merriment in Ado kingdom. The people generally rejoice that another milestone is covered or reached in their life’s journey: they have safely scaled the past year over to the new year. No deity is worshiped in Udiroko and no ceremony is performed. It is a RITUAL FREE FESTIVAL . Udiroko festival attracts a great number of people and spectators from far and near, even in the past to see or know the EWI who is in all things supreme and divine and is rarely seen in public. He entirely lives in ceremonial seclusion in his palace subject to many rituals and would appear to the people of his kingdom on the Udiroko day. ” TRADITIONS DIE HARD UDIROKO is still a crowd-pulling festivity in Africa. EWI’ BE MI UA UDIROKO ELEITAJI ‘BE MI ESUN-SU OKO EWI ME YOO JUDI AJARO-RAN OWA TAJI ME YOO M’OWO JONA ORI ‘KOSE K’OLOJA MEJI MAJISE AJAKA OMO ARERE-OTU TRANSLATION: EWI requests my participation in his Udiroko festival Eleitaji requests my participation in his Esun-su Oko festival Ewi, I cannot participate in Esunsu-Oko festival Two Ruler’s requests should not be rejected out-right I will comply with that of AJAKA omo- Arere-Otu. Surf ice it here to say that the above poem brings into mind the historical importance of the Ewi and his Udiroko festival. To usher in the festival. The celebration begins early in the morning with booming of guns in all parts of the city and which adds splendor and grandeur to the festival. The WAR Chiefs (Elegbes) entertains the people in their respective communities with food, drinks and Walnut and Kolanuts which are generally served to people. The war Chiefs (Elegbes) with their hunters in their domain converge with dance at the war Chiefs leader, Barafon’s lodge (Akodi) to have their prayers for Ado-Ekiti and Barafon will entertain them after they dance from there to the EWI’S Palace the Venue of the Celebration drumming and singing WAR SONGS like: OMO AROGUN S’ULE O (2ce) UROO DE.. OMO AROGUN SOYIN SEE OMO AROGUN SULE (2ce) UROO DE OMO AROGUN SOYIN SEE Chief Barafon the head of the wars Chiefs comes last dancing to bata drum with the following WAR SONGS. Solo: BAFON PARA KOGUN OP’ IKOGOSI KOGBON OP’ IKOGOSI TAN, O K’ AGOGO OJE. ‘BE WALE BAFON N’GOKE ALO IRUNMUNDUN NKUN YUNMUN-YUNMU Chorus: BABA O MOJA, O MOJA K’ARIJE NIBE BABA O MOJA Solo: AMUGBEYIN OBUNTUN RE NRAUN SORO O RAO BAFON URO IKUN B’IJE AIYE, KUN TUN B’IJE ARORUN Chr: BABA O MOJA KARIJE NIBE BABA O MOJA Solo : OGUN LE BARAFON O SOMO EWI NU AN RORI AKIN RA L’OJA OMO EWI ILORI ATE Chr: BABA O MOJA, O MOJA KAA RIJE NIBE BABA MOJA The principal celebrant is High Royal Majesty EWI with his following war Chiefs (Elegbes)- Participating:- ELEGBE WAR CHIEFS OF OKE-EWI; • Barafon • Eleyinmi •Onigemo •Onikasomi •Olujoja •Akogun •Onigbepa •Olugbalesun – Oke- Ewi •Elesha •Osukoti •Ojomu •Oniloda • Osunmo – irona •Saruku – irona •Obanla – irona • Osindinle – Oke-Age • Egbedi – Orere Owu •Imi – irona • Orunnaja – Okesa •Elejofi – Okesa ELEGBE WAR CHIEFS OF ODO-ADO; Egbedi – Odo-Ado Elewere Oisape Oluloda Odo-Ado Saruku Oisangan Elejoka Elejua Elegbira Omoniare Saruku- Irode Saruku- Isao ELEGBE WAR CHIEFS OF OGBON META (OKE ILA); * Saruku -Ila * Olonje * Emila * Olubedo – ila * Oisape Udiroko festival of Ewi- Ado is a big parade of fashions in which new and modern clothes, ornaments and jewels are brought into display. His Royal Majesty the Ewi rises three times to change his royal regalia robes and crowns while a MINIATURE EXHIBITION of ancient and modern crowns is mounted for the people to see. Traditional greetings and renewal of Oaths of Allegiance:- Oke- Ewi Chiefs: Olori marun (Oke-Ewi king makers) led by Chief Odogun salute His Royal Majesty the Ewi in the traditional way (shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Chief Ologunsinkin leads the Elumo Chiefs (Elesi and Ijegbe) of Oke-Ewi to salute the Ewi also in the Traditional way ( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) ODO-ADO Chiefs : iare Merin led by Chief Odofin will also salute the Ewi-Ado ( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Ogbon Meta (Oke-Ila) Olori Ogbon meta chiefs led by Alarierin salute His Royal Highness the Ewi in their own traditional way. ( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Chief Balemo leads the ELU Chiefs to greet Ewi in their traditional way.( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) The Ewi Consorts- Eyesorun leads the Oloris to pay their homage to the Ewi With the ancient drums which is only seen during the Udiroko festival The Elegbe (War Chiefs) dance in turns before His Royal Majesty the Ewi to renew their OATHS of allegiance and loyalty to him. ( shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Chief Barafon the head of War chiefs dance last in different actions like chasing people with his war sword and war staff and renew his Oath of allegiance and loyalty to His Majesty. (shouting Ogo-Iyin three times) Thereafter all Titular and Untitled Princes, distinguished sons and daughters in general salute the Kabiyesi in the traditional way shouting Kabiyesi Ooo” Elemupe Ekiti and other intermittent praises on the EWI. The EWI would, in his speech on the throne, give general report of his Kingdom for the out-going year and resolution and advice for the New Year that is pregnated with certainties and uncertainties and bless every Ado-Ekiti indigenes (INU ODI) neighboring town (EYIN ODI) and Ekiti in general. Udiroko festival is usually celebrated between the middle August and first week of September of every year. Udiroko the biggest among Other festivals in Ekiti is a traditional culture depicting the socio-religious aspect of the people’s way of life. Written by: PRINCE TOYIN AKINGBADE (OGUNLADE) Atewogboye Ruling House, of EWI

#UdirokoDay Complete Version of Ado - Ekiti And Udiroko - An Account of HRM Oba Daniel Aniraresile-kesiloni Aladesanmi II

By: Adebola Akingbade Aladesanmi-Ajimudaoro Aroloye

When the several children of Oduduwa were leaving Ile-Ife to found their own territories, the Oba Ado, or Elewi as he was called then was not left out of the Princely adventure. Ancient Yoruba history tells us that the Oba of Benin and Oba Ado (Ewi) were brothers born of the same mother to Oduduwa. The two of them were reported to have left Ile-Ife for a place known today as Benin City and its vicinity to settle. But the Ewi and his people pitched their camp at a place called ORUNMODI meaning 'God-fortified round wall.' The place was said to have been a fairly level ground surrounded by low hills and was situated near the present Benin City. Once settled, the smooth cordiality that existed between the two brothers began to turn sour. Frequent clashes and bloody encounters featured prominently between the people of both brothers. When the situation became intolerable, the Ewi summoned courage and led his people out of Orunmodi and Journeyed with them towards the northwest direction in search of a fertile land where to settle. Legend has it that Ewi and his people wandered for a long time before the came to settle at the present site if Ado Ekiti - a distance of 140miles from the ancient city of Benin City or Orunmodi. The first Oba Ado or Ewi is called Awamaro or Elewi. He conquered many villages, towns and hamlets during his wandering. Awamaro and his people first stopped at Oke-Papa Utamodi. Later he settled for some time respectively at Idoani and Agbado - the later being a town Ise and Ikole Ekiti. Because they were fed up with the constant movement of the Elewi, the elders of his people decided not to follow him any longer if the Oba's urge to resume his wandering gripped him again. And true to their anticipation, Awamaro called his people and informed them that they had to leave Agbado. The elders made their decision known to him and there was nothing he could do to make them rescind it. While he moved on the elders remains behind. That settlement was later nike-named 'Ile Agba Ado' (the homestead of Ado Elders). The elders too retained their identity as 'Agba Ado' (Elders of Ado). The town derived its name of Agbado from these two reference names, and it is still in existence at about 25miles from present Ado - Ekiti. Advancing westwards, the Elewi arrived at a hilly place. He moved to the top of one of the hills and settled his people there once more. He named the hill as Oke-Ewi (Ewi's hill) The migrants met an aboriginal race there called the Ilesun people. Their leader played the dual role of a priest and king. They could not resist the military onslaught of the invaders and so had to surrender to a superior authority of the Elewi. However, one thing is significant. The Ilesun people retained their cultural identity till today and they have to play an important traditional marketing role during the installation of an Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. On settling down finally, Awamaro named the people who accompanied him as Ado-the encampers. From this Ado-Ekiti got its name. Therefore literally, 'Ado' means 'WE SETTLE.' The word 'Ekiti' which makes it become compound refers to its hilly area earlier mentioned. In early era the town was called Ado-Ewi-Ekiti. The word Ewi is a title used to distinguish the Ado-Ekiti ruler from others bearing Ado e.g. Ado Ibenin or Ado-Odo etc.. Elewi met two other hamlets near Oke-Ewi. They were and still known as Odo Ado under the rulership of the Odofin, and the Oke-Ila under the leadership of the Alarierin. The Elewi later subdued them and brought them under his control. Hence there are three principal quarters or sectors in Ado - Ekiti. (1) Odo - Ado known as Ado (2) Ejigbo, Okesha, Igbehin, and Irona called Oke-Ewi. (3) Oke-Ila, Ora and Oke Efon called Ogbon-Meta. Distinct among them all is the Aafin which includes the Oba's palace, the Ewi's compound, the Oba's market and the Native Court Hall area. At first, the Ewi was the absolute ruler or sole authority of his people. Although he sought advice from his Chiefs and Village Baales, he was such a demi god that whatever the Ewi said on earth was accepted without challenge by the heavenly bodies and angels of God, as the people believed. He allowed his senior chiefs some autonomous powers to rule his villages but such chiefs held their offices at the pleasure and mercy of the Ewi. The town's police, Efa, are under the command of the Barafon and the other war chiefs. Chief Odogun is the war Minister. The hunters' organization serves as the Ministry of Information as they have access to the night and day to know what's going on in and around the town and villages. The town's people hold their meetings in the open market place, and pass on their message through a leader normally recognized as the Efa while the Efa pass it on to the Elegbe. The Elegbe have a high chief in each of the sectors of Ado: (a) Oke Ewi (b) Odo Ado and (3) Ogbon Meta. The high chiefs carry the message of the Elegbe war chiefs to the Executive meeting of the chiefs and or to the Ewi. The decision of the Ewi is handed down in the reverse order. The villages are assigned various assignments and duties in the running of the 'state'. During festivals, some have to provide all the kolanuts, others the lighting materials, others still, the palm wine, the yams, the meat etc. These they do annually, though each had to report to a certain high chief in Ado-Ekiti who would pilot him and his men to Aafin (Palace). The Ejigbo who is the traditional' 'Chamberlain' saw to the settlement of any matter and all quarrels or disputes in the Aafin, etc between any Eyelori, Omode Owa and or both. There are five groups of high Chiefs in Ado Ekiti. They are:- From OKE EWI: (1) THE ELERI MARUN GROUP OF CHIEFS (5) (II) THE AARE GROUP OF CHIEFS (4) From OGBON META (I) OLORI OGBON META (3) (II) THE ELESI IJEGBE GROUP OF CHIEFS (15) From ADO (ODO ADO) (I) THE ELUMO GROUP OF CHIEFS (16) The five groups are independent of themselves except that they have an order of precedence among themselves. The most peculiar of the setup is the Eleri Marun (Five Heads) among whom no one is higher in rank than the other. But in the Elemo group, the sixteen are arranged in a special order of precedence. Apart from these five groups there are the Elegbe Chiefs with Barafon as the most senior. They are found in the three sectors of the town. There are the Ijoye (Ewi's Chiefs) who are regarded as juniors or minor chiefs under the high chiefs. Some of them have quarters over which they are chiefs. There used to be (and is still) an inner circle of chiefs about seven in number which might be called the top highest body that sits with the Ewi in taking final decisions on vital matters. The junior/minor chiefs supervise all duties given to the war chiefs, Efa and the Origbo's and ordinary citizens who are normally organized on age group basis for specific manual work like making or building of roads or bridges etc. Festivals: These include - Orisa Ojido and Alaponmi, Oitado and Alafonyos. The Aworo (Oitado Priest) is the only authorized person to "FLOG" the Ewi and some high chiefs during festivals. Other notable festivals are: UDIROKO, ADE, AEREGBE, ORUDE, EPA, ODEDE, OGUN. During the Oitado festival and two calendar months that follow there is the traditional annual wrestling - ijakadi. This is a very important annual festival. It takes place during the day, on the first three days of OITADO an in the moonlight for the remaining period. Wrestlers move in groups from one quarter of the town to the other beating drums and singing challenging traditional songs before the wrestling. After the wrestling, the rest of the night is spent singing and dancing round the town sometimes till daybreak. The songs after the wrestling are directed against evil doers or to warn some mischieve makers however highly placed. No one really knows who begins the song because such a person (who can be anyone) normal stoops very low in the center of the large crowd in the moonlight to raise the song. The others who don't care to know who raised the song just join him and all the crowd take it over. "IJAKADI ALE" and the song exert a lot of moral restraint on the people in the town because everyone is conscious of the fact that his/her action is watched and would be mentioned during the traditional wrestling period. Udiroko: The Udiroko festival is the only festival apart from Ogun or Oitado according to Ado-Ekiti tradition that brings all Ado-Ekiti citizens both at home and in the diaspora together. It was established around 1310 AD during the reign of Oba Awamaro, the first Ewi of present day Ado-Ekiti and marks the first day of the year for the town’s inhabitants. It is a day people set aside to give thanks for their creator. The name udiroko is derived from the venue of the festival, which is beneath the big Uroko (Iroko) tree at the Ewi’s palace. Udiroko like the Israelite's Pentecostal day is the traditional ADO Day or first day of ADO year. It has nothing to do with idols. On the Udiroko day, Thousands of Ado people at home and abroad come home: (1) to rejoice for knowing the end of another year; (2) to see or know the Ewi; (3) to hear the report of the past year and the resolution or advice for the new one. It is a very big day of merry-making for all ADO. They put on their best and eat and drink plenty. In the evening, all of them assemble in the AAFIN where the Oba's throne is set in the open - IGBAMOTE, the OMODE-OWAS (Ewi's servants) carrying all types of beaded crowns around the throne. Men and women are seated or are standing in the open court. They are later joined by the war chiefs - Elegbe in their traditional war dresses followed by their drummers and trumpeters. These groups are followed into the 'IGBAMOTE' by the OLORI - the Oba's wives led by the most senior (usually one of the wives of the late Ewi). All the high chiefs and the junior ones are then seated to the right and left of the Oba's throne. Finally, the Ewi comes out richly dressed in his best and most up-to-date traditional robe and crown. All the people rise up and shout "Kabiyesi" Iku, Ekun, etc. After the Ewi had taken his seat, the high chiefs come forward to pay homage in the following order. 1. The Oke Ewi Chiefs led by (a) the Odogun of ELERI MARUN on the one hand and (b) The Ologunsikin leading the ELESI group on the other hand. The junior chiefs including the Ijoye Ewi join them to salute the Ewi the traditional way. 2. The Odo Ado Chiefs led again by (a) The Odofin leading the other 3 AARE (b) The Oisa leading the 15 other Elumo and (c) The Alarierin leading the Olori Ogbon meta from Oke-Ila. Normally, the war chiefs from each sector pay homage after the chiefs from their own sectors. But on this occasion, the war chiefs come in their traditional regalia and they pay homage as warriors. This they do one after the other after the Eyelori would have paid homage to the Ewi. Thus the Eyelori follow the chiefs and the Elegbe follow the Eyelori. The Barafon or the eldest Elegbe normally dances last. After that, the Ewi makes the annual "speech from the throne", and the ceremonies come to an end for the day. Everyone returns home to continue the celebrations - eating and drinking. The following day, the chiefs, the Elegbe, the town's people all once again assemble at the inner chambers of the AAFIN - " OWA-UA" "THE ASSEMBLY COURT" to meet the Ewi there. One of the Elegbe delivers the annual speech or message from the town's people. Usually a critical review of the administration of the town in the past year including suggestions for better administration in the new year. On this occasion the chiefs are lavishly entertained with food and drinks by Ewi.

(Day 3): Countdown To #IdirokoDay Ado - Ekiti And Udiroko Part 1 - An Account of HRM Oba Daniel Anirare-kesiloni Aladesanmi II

When the several children of Oduduwa were leaving Ile-Ife to found their own territories, the Oba Ado, or Elewi as he was called then was not left out of the Princely adventure. Ancient Yoruba history tells us that the Oba of Benin and Oba Ado (Ewi) were brothers born of the same mother to Oduduwa. The two of them were reported to have left Ile-Ife for a place known today as Benin City and its vicinity to settle. But the Ewi and his people pitched their camp at a place called ORUNMODI meaning 'God-fortified round wall.' The place was said to have been a fairly level ground surrounded by low hills and was situated near the present Benin City. Once settled, the smooth cordiality that existed between the two brothers began to turn sour. Frequent clashes and bloody encounters featured prominently between the people of both brothers. When the situation became intolerable, the Ewi summoned courage and led his people out of Orunmodi and Journeyed with them towards the northwest direction in search of a fertile land where to settle. Legend has it that Ewi and his people wandered for a long time before the came to settle at the present site if Ado Ekiti - a distance of 140miles from the ancient city of Benin City or Orunmodi. The first Oba Ado or Ewi is called Awamaro or Elewi. He conquered many villages, towns and hamlets during his wandering. Awamaro and his people first stopped at Oke-Papa Utamodi. Later he settled for some time respectively at Idoani and Agbado - the later being a town Ise and Ikole Ekiti. Because they were fed up with the constant movement of the Elewi, the elders of his people decided not to follow him any longer if the Oba's urge to resume his wandering gripped him again. And true to their anticipation, Awamaro called his people and informed them that they had to leave Agbado. The elders made their decision known to him and there was nothing he could do to make them rescind it. While he moved on the elders remains behind. That settlement was later nike-named 'Ile Agba Ado' (the homestead of Ado Elders). The elders too retained their identity as 'Agba Ado' (Elders of Ado). The town derived its name of Agbado from these two reference names, and it is still in existence at about 25miles from present Ado - Ekiti. Advancing westwards, the Elewi arrived at a hilly place. He moved to the top of one of the hills and settled his people there once more. He named the hill as Oke-Ewi (Ewi's hill) The migrants met an aboriginal race there called the Ilesun people. Their leader played the dual role of a priest and king. They could not resist the military onslaught of the invaders and so had to surrender to a superior authority of the Elewi. However, one thing is significant. The Ilesun people retained their cultural identity till today and they have to play an important traditional marketing role during the installation of an Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. On settling down finally, Awamaro named the people who accompanied him as Ado-the encampers. From this Ado-Ekiti got its name. Therefore literally, 'Ado' means 'WE SETTLE.' The word 'Ekiti' which makes it become compound refers to its hilly area earlier mentioned. In early era the town was called Ado-Ewi-Ekiti. The word Ewi is a title used to distinguish the Ado-Ekiti ruler from others bearing Ado e.g. Ado Ibenin or Ado-Odo etc.. To be continued......

Afenifere Lambasts Buhari's One-Man Show, Says He's Behaving Like A Dictator

Afenifere, a socio-political group weekend condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s style of administration saying he is behaving like a dictator. The group’s Chairman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti said this in Akure while assessing the President’s actions so far. “President Buhari is running a one-man show. Let him appoint his cabinet and start serious business,’’ he said. Fasoranti also added that it will be a disaster if the report of the National Confab organised by the immediate past administration is dumped by the president. According to him; ”I think the President should sit down and have a package. What people are saying is very correct that he is just picking people here and there. “He seems not to have settled down to governance yet and time is flying. “Let him constitute the cabinet and start working. As it is now, Buhari is still behaving like a military dictator. Just picking on people, he should sit down to work. He is running a one man show now. Speaking on the report of the National Conference, the Afenifere boss said the group will continue to engage the administration on the implementation of the report for the betterment of the country. On the possibility of dumping the report, he said; “We will wait until then, because at that time we will still want to express our opinion. When we are convinced, we will say it. “The reason we supported Jonathan of course was because he agreed to carry out the decisions of the National Conference. The present government is not working towards that and when the time comes, we shall speak.’’ Speaking on Ooni, he said; ‘’His death is a sad loss, very heavy loss. Ooni was a quintessential monarch ,very humble, friendly and broad minded. He towered above other monarchs.” “The way he dresses, the way he speaks with confidence. I have never seen him frown. He was always relaxed, always approached problems with ease and understanding. I think the other monarch accepted him as a superior king.’’

Ekiti Farmers Get N10m Agrochemicals

In fulfilment of his promise, Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose through the Commissioner for Agric, Kehinde Odebunmi distributed agrochemicals to cocoa farmers in Ekiti state. Some months back, Governor Fayose promised to loan cocoa farmers in Ekiti state N10m to buy agrochemicals. Today, the promise has been fulfilled, as agrochemicals worth N10m were given to cocoa farmers. In the past, lack of fund to purchase agrochemicals to treat the cocoa trees/pods was one of the major factors militating against the yields of cocoa produce, but the timely intervention of Governor Fayose has eliminated the financial impediment. Cocoa farmers from all the sixteen local government of the state converged at the Seed Processing Unit of the Ministry, Matthew street, Ado Ekiti to be part of good gesture. Promise fulfilled by the Promise keeper Fayose is working.. Ekiti is progressing.. Farmers are happy...

Community projects: Economic challenges won't slow us down, Fayose assures

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said despite the financial challenges facing the state government, his administration will not slow down the pace of the execution of its ongoing projects. This is just as former Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ekiti State University, Professor Fashina Abayomi Sunday, commended the governor for having the fore sight to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people. The governor gave the assurance on Saturday while inspecting work on the 11-kilometre Bawa-Irewumi-Olorunsogo-Police Headquarters Road in Ado-Ekiti. In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor said the determination to impact positively on the lives of the people of the state was keeping him going in the face of enormous challenges, and also appealed to the people to be alive to their responsibilities to the government and support it. He stressed that the opening up of Ado-Ekiti metropolis with access roads would help in decongesting the city centre. "One good thing is that we are trying our best and improving the quality of life of the people. The people of this area did not lobby me to construct this road, but we are always ready to do the needful and we won't allow the current economic challenges to deter us. "We want to service more people by embarking on projects and policies that will make life bearable and comfortable for them. People of the state should also be praying for this government. There is no perfect person. We have our shortcomings, but we are improving daily to give our best to our people," he said. The governor urged the people of the area and the state at large to also be alive to their civic and other obligations to the government. On the complaint of poor power supply to the area, the governor said the relevant agencies would be informed, but urged the people to note that electricity companies were now private and that consumers should also pay their bills. Professor Fashina who is a resident of Irewumi Estate, one of the communities the ongoing road project would serve came out of his house to witness the Governor inspecting the project said,"Governor Ayo Fayose is a friend of the masses not by words of mouth only, but in action. "Before he came to office and start the opening up of this community with the road project, we were in a serious dilemma. Imagine a community of about 5,000 people with no access road, but the governor has changed that," he said. Also speaking, other residents such as Godwin Felix and Mrs Christiana. Ayeni, thanked the state government for the project. They appealed to the governor not to allow the pace of work to slow down and ensure that the job is done to specification.

Fasholagate: My Defence ~ Babatunde Raji Fashola

In response to allegations of extra-marital affairs, N78 million website and his role in the National Assembly drama, Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos state has released a statement to defend himself. In his statement he explained how he adopted three more kids, the reason for spending N78 million on his website and that he did not interfere in the NASS election that brought Bukola Saraki to power. Below is his full statement: #When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty". This statement of profound wisdom informed my silence in the wake of manipulated and unsubstantiated allegations of wrongdoing recently being levelled against me. They started a few weeks to the end of my tenure, and have continued till date. They range from allegations of extra marital paternity of children, to mundane and phantom conspiracy in the National Assembly, a debt profile for Lagos State and lately a website upgrade contract of N78 million, which is being distorted. In so far as the allegations of paternity are concerned, they are wicked and false. I have no biological children other than my two children. #Paternity issue: Of course, I adopted three children who became orphaned as a result of the tragic DANA Airplane crash of 2012 and the adoption followed due process. Those who do not care whether they hurt innocent children or invade the privacy of other citizens in their mindless rage against me will have their rewards served upon them in the fullness of time. #National Assembly crises: As far as my alleged involvement in the National Assembly elections are concerned, they remain only the products of the imagination of those who made the allegations. I was out of the country at the material time and returned only in the early hours of that morning to Abuja, and from there proceeded to Lagos. #Lagos Debt Profile: As far as debts of Lagos State are concerned, the fact is that Lagos had always had debts. Her population is growing and for a long time she has run deficit budgets to cater to the needs of that growing population. All the debts contracted in my time were approved by the Parliament in the annual budgets, some have been paid back and the financial status was healthy and stable when I left. The outlook for the state and her rating by Fitch was long-term foreign and local currency IDRs at 'BB-', short-term IDR at 'B' and national long-term rating at 'AA+(nga)'. When we all pause to reflect and think, we will realise that there are a sizable number of companies who are running business, who have no responsibility for Security, Public Health, Public Education and other responsibilities of Government, who borrow more than Lagos State Government, whether collectively or individually. #Website issue: As far as the website contract is concerned, yes there was a contract. It went through procurement and was approved by the Government agency authorised to do so. One of the services was an "upgrade" quoted for N12.5 million but awarded for N12 million. There were other services that were new; like a handover countdown clock, mobile Apps for Google, for IOS and ipad, for Microsoft, and for Research in Motion (Blackberry), which the existing website did not have, as well as the annual maintenance cost for managing the website. It was for all these services that the contract was issued for N78 million, which the Lagos State procurement agency gave a No Objection based on the advice of the Ministry of Science and Technology, who are the Government adviser on ICT matters. In publishing this Contract award which was the Government tradition under my watch, the procurement agency website summarised it as "upgrade" only without detailing the other services and this has been distorted by the agents of hate as their suspected "smoking gun". For those who are familiar with mobile Applications, they will know that users either pay for them online or download them for free. What is usual is that applications for service are usually provided to users free, but somebody bears the cost. Since these applications were to be made available to the public for free access and to assist Government communication, we decided to pay for them. The entire documents are with the Lagos State Government and are available for those who seek the truth. For the record, since 2008, long before the Freedom of Information Act was ever passed, we had put out all our contracts on the State website because I believe people deserve to know. It is regrettable that a "summary" of the contract has been deliberately distorted to misinform the public. This particular website came into being as a result of the decision I made to make my telephone number public for the several thousands of people seeking to reach me daily. The website that is now under attack helped me to do my job and to respond to citizens, and the contract was issued to run till my last day of office. It stands logic upside down to "fraudulently" award a contract and then have it published on a website. To date, there have been 27.666 million hits on this website, with 1,844 videos, 34,381 photographs, 2,531 press releases and 595 speeches, among other items of public communication. I have chosen to make this personal response because as the head of government at the time of the transaction, the buck as they say stops on my desk and also because of the many calls, text messages and mails coming from many people seeking clarification and to prevent fiction from being mistaken for truth. I expect that there may be more distorted allegations without evidence, for reasons that remain in the realm of speculation, because, I have been informed reliably that large amounts of money are being paid to some of these agents to bear false witness. I cannot conclude without responding to the crusade of CACOL and their ilk, seeking my prosecution on allegations that have no proof and writing "pre-emptive" letters to the Presidency. In case they are unaware, I am not looking for a job. I expect them to know that allegations of wrong doing are not resolved without evidence, neither are they resolved in press conferences. I have served my state, and by extension, my country for Twelve and half years and I did so with my heart. I am taking the rest that I believe I have earned. For those who still wish to remain in the mud, they should look in the mirror. For those who wish to throw mud at me, they should look at their own hands. As for me, I have moved on. My job is done.

Ekiti Govt debunks APC lies on Federal Allocation, says State got N4.1bn in June

Ekiti State government has debunk claim by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the State got a total sum of N8.5bn from the Federation Account in June, saying that the State got a total sum of N4.1bn while the 16 Local Councils got N2.7bn. Reacting to claim by the APC, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Idowu Adelusi said lying has become the first name of the APC, urging Ekiti people to ignore them as they have always done. He said; "In June, Ekiti State got net allocation of N1,958,432,714.17 and in July, the State got a sum of N2,687,536,884.88. "The breakdown for June allocation is as follows; Gross Allocation (N1,815,552,424.75), Value Added Tax (N536,678,738.75) and Exchange Rate Gains (N171,236,640.31). "The following deductions were made from the allocation, Foreign Loan (N42,260,280.19), Contractual Obligations-ISPO (N397,196,808.00), Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (N23,120,001.44) and Bond Issuance Programme 2 (N102,458,000.01), totalling N565,035,089.64. "If N565,035,089.64 is deducted from the gross allocation of N1,815,552,424.75, it will leave a sum of N1,250,517,335.11 and this added to VAT and Exchange Rate Gains will be N1,958,432,714.17. "In June also, Ekiti State got N2,173,624,315.39 from the Liquefied Natural Gas proceed while the 16 Local Councils got N1,259,124,010.15, totalling N3,432,748,325.54. "Addition of the State's June allocation of N1,958,432,714.17 and the LNG Proceed of N2,173,624,315.39 will be N4,132,057,030. "The local councils total allocation for June of N1,455,018,959.92 added to the N1,259,124,010.15 LNG Proceed will be N2,714,142,970 and if this is added to the State total June revenue of N4,132,057,030, it will amount to N6,846,200,000. "The facts as laid bare here is that Ekiti State and the 16 Local Councils got N6.8bn in June. "Our question then is, where did the APC liars get their own voodoo June Federal Allocation of N8.5bn from?"

Stomach Infrastructure-logy: EKSG Gives Ekiti Cassava Farmers N20M Grant

Beneficiaries of Fadama III Additional Financing have received grant that will enable them cultivate 200 hectares of Cassava produce. Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries, the governor ably represented by his deputy Dr. Kolapo Olushola admonished the farmers to judiciously use the money for the purpose for which it was granted. He advised them not to see it as opportunity to go on spending spree with societal functions. Earlier, during his welcoming address, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon Kehinde Odebunmi encouraged other groups to quickly gather themselves together and satisfy all the necessary conditions put in place in order to benefit in the next phase of the project. Odebunmi said, "As we all know that the Third National Fadama Development Project came to a close in December 31, 2013, the success recorded led to emergence of Fadama III Additional Financing with the same objective as its parent which is to sustainably increase the income of Land and Water Resources Users. "I wish to remind you that the Fadama III project had made laudable impacts in the lives of our farmers in different agribusiness of their interests. The project not only empowered them financially but also equipped them mentally as the beneficiaries enjoyed relevant trainings through Capacity Building and Advisory services components of the project. "Fadama III Additional Financing came into existence because of well performing implementation arrangements in Fadama III Project. The Federal Government of Nigeria requested for World Bank support to align more to its Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), which was adopted in 2011 to improve value chain of prioritized agricultural commodities. This project will focus on farm productivity performance of clusters of farmers engaged in priority food staples namely rice, cassava, sorghum and horticulture in the state crop production zones in Kogi, Kano, Lagos, Niger, Enugu, and Anambra States. "Ekiti state government expressed her interest and was considered as one of the production states for cassava cultivation. I am happy to tell this gathering today that among other states that applied, only a few was considered of which Ekiti state was one. The intended beneficiaries also include Youth and women among others. "Ladies and gentleman, may I inform you that today's official flag-off of input support, a lot of pre-disbursement activities had been ongoing among which were sensitization of major stakeholders i.e farmers, policy makers, agro dealers and other relevant bodies. Farmers were also informed into registered groups (Production Groups and Cluster), 66 Business plans were developed out of which 20 beneficiaries of today belong to 20 Production Groups whose Business plans were approved for cultivation of 200ha of cassava in the state at one hectare per farmer. "I want to encourage other groups to quickly gather themselves together and satisfy all the necessary conditions put in place so that they can also benefit in the next phase of the project. "I am aware that the agro-dealers play very important roles in this project. As I earlier told you during the farmer-Agro-dealers forum that integrity must be your watchword as the government will not tolerate any collusion between you and any service provider which may truncate the project objective." Appreciating the government the Chairman of the group thanked the state government and promised to use to the money for the purpose it was meant for.

Buhari to act as petroleum minister?

The news has been making the rounds in both the conventional and internet media that President Muhammadu Buhari is to assume the position of Minister of Petroleum when he appoints ministers next month. According to the information reportedly leaked after a meeting of the president with chieftains of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja over the impending ministerial appointments, Buhari said he would take the action as part of his move to sanitise the oil sector and rid it of corruption. Ordinarily, this should be a welcome development for several reasons. Number one is that the president’s reputation as “Mr Clean” remains intact, even among his political adversaries. Number two is that the fight against corruption, especially in the cash-cow oil sector, has been a major concern of Nigerians which Buhari promised to address during his campaigns. Number three and most importantly, is that President Buhari is a veteran in the management of the sector. He spearheaded the establishment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) when he was oil minister in the late 1970’s. He has the cognate experience to do a thorough job and creating the right template before ceding the position to a cabinet minister. However, we are concerned about issues of transparency and accountability if the president chooses to take up the post in addition to his onerous and overloaded duties as the nation’s Chief Executive and Security Officer. The nation is still at sea over the way in which former President Olusegun Obasanjo handled the same job for six years from 1999 when he assumed power. A number of turnaround maintenance projects were undertaken and billions of naira sunk and yet the refineries remained comatose until after Buhari took over, and they started bouncing back, as if by magic. We do not want a repeat of the nation being put in the dark about proceedings in the industry. One big disadvantage of having the president of the country as Minister of Petroleum Resources is that it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for him to be summoned by the National Assembly to be grilled over any misgivings that might arise, and to supply information that will help to set the minds of Nigerians at rest when the “clean-up” of the industry begins. The story will be different if a minister is on the job. We suggest that the president appoints a person of proven competence and integrity to carry out his mandate in the industry and be available and accountable to Nigerians through the federal legislature, the media and civil society. Once bitten, they say, twice shy. A minister should be put on the job for greater transparency, accessibility and accountability.

Ekiti PDP Reps Caucus Passes Vote of Confidence on Party Chairman, commends Fayose

The six Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives members from Ekiti State have expressed their confidence in the leadership of the Chief Idowu Faleye led State Exco of the party. The House of Representatives members, Hon Kehinde Agboola (Ekiti North I), Hon Thaddeus Aina (Ekiti North II), Hon Ayo Oladimeji (Ekiti Central I), Hon Olamide Oni (Ekiti Central II), Hon Segun Adekola (Ekiti South I)  and Hon Akin Awodumila (Ekiti South II) also commended the State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose for his avowed loyalty and commitment to the party. The statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, read; "We have followed with keen interest, the anti-party activities of a few members of the State Executive Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State and we wish to state that anyone, or group working against the Chief Idowu Faleye-led Exco in the State do not enjoy our support. "We wish to state categorically that there is no faction in Ekiti State PDP and the recognised chairman is Chief Idowu Faleye. "We reiterate our confidence in the leadership of Chief Idowu Faleye as the Chairman of our party in Ekiti State, and pledge to continue to support the State Exco led by him. "Most importantly, we view strongly that those leading the purported faction are only interested in polarizing the party, as being sponsored by the opposition party in the State and we frown at any attempt by any individual or group to cause disaffection in the party. "It is our opinion that activities and actions of the purported faction in the last few weeks are no doubt against the interests and positions of the party and we demand that disciplinary action(s) be taken against them. "We wish to commend the State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose for his avowed loyalty and commitment to the party and we pray that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen him. "We remain solidly behind the governor as he continues his concerted efforts to reposition the PDP both in Ekiti State, The South-West and the entire country.  "To us, Governor Ayodele Fayose is the Rock on which a new PDP will be built and we wish to state that we are with him 100 percent. Lastly, it is our considered opinion that discipline must be maintained in the party, and for this, anyone involved in activities inimical to the party must be sanctioned so as to serve as deterrent to others."

WORLD BANK PROMISES SUPPORT FOR FAYOSE’S GOVT

The World Bank has assured that it would support the 6-cardinal agenda of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose aimed at bettering the lives of the grassroots and the less privileged. The international development partner gave the assurance on Tuesday when Governor Fayose paid a visit to the World Bank’s office in Abuja to discuss various programmes especially Governance and Capacity Building programme supported by the Bank in Ekiti State. Presenting the agenda of his government, Governor Fayose said the over-arching objective of his administration was to empower the people of the State through employment generation for the less privileged such as the artisans, motorcyclists, and farmers among other groups of citizens. The Governor said his administration was irrevocably committed to transforming the State by creating enabling environment for rapid socio-economic development. Fayose expressed the readiness of his government to collaborate with the World Bank in order to benefit from its various developmental programmes such as the Youth Employment Scheme (YESO), HIV/AIDS and State Education Programme Investment Project (SEPIP) among others. He however insisted that the local peculiarities of the State must be countenanced in the guideline and conditions given by the World Bank for its support. Earlier in her remarks, the World Bank Country Director, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly had commended Governor Fayose for his initiative and expressed the willingness of the Bank to support the development agenda of the Fayose-led government. Marie-Nelly commended Fayose for his anti-corruption posture and insistence on diligence and other steps aimed at promoting efficiency and effectiveness in the State public service. The Country Director assured that the bank would ensure consistency of its support to its various programmes with emphasis on governance and capacity building. Governor Fayose was accompanied the State Head of Service, Dr Olugbenga Faseluka, the Chief of Staff, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, and the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Chief Gbenga Olajide. On the World Bank team were the Country Director, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, Ekiti-born World Bank consultant, Chief Bayo Awosemusi and other world bank officials.

Anti Graft War: We Are Not In Military Era, Abdulsalami Peace Committee Tells Buhari

Anti Graft War: We Are Not In Military Era, Abdulsalami Peace Committee Tells Buhari

Woorried by the lopsided approach to his anti corruption crusade and a determined effort to paint former President Goodluck Jonathan as extremely corrupt and his administration evil, the National Peace Committee for the 2015 General Elections headed by former Head of State General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd), has reminded President Muhamadu Buhari that Nigeria is now in a democracy. The committee today met behind closed doors with the President Buhari at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. Addressing State House journalists later, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Hassan Kukah (the Arch Bishop of Sokot Diocese) said the position of the committee was that Nigeria was no longer in a military regime. It is recalled that the committee had mid-wifed the signing of the peace accord between Buhari and his predecessor, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan ahead of the March 28 presidential election. "It (Buhari's anti-graft war) is not heating up the polity. In our conversation with former President Jonathan and members of the parties, I don't think any Nigerian is in favour of corruption or is against the president's commitment to ensuring that we turn over a new leaf. "I think what we are concerned about is process. It is no longer a military regime, and under our existing laws, everybody is innocent until proven guilty. "Again, our own commitment is not to intimidate or fight anybody. The former president's commitment and what he did still remains spectacular, and I think that President Buhari himself appreciates that. So, our effort really is to make sure that the right thing is done", he said. Kukah dismissed the reports that Jonathan sought the committee's intervention on the ongoing probe of his government. He said: "Anybody is free to come to our committee, but former President Jonathan never, by telephone or another means, talked to the committee. We went to see him, but that was after we had already seen members of the political parties, members of the civil society. We planned to see the speaker because we couldn't see him yesterday (Monday). "This is a very planned series of intervention essentially just to hear out everybody, and I think the good news is that Nigerians are committed to a new nation, they are committed to ensuring that the gains and blessings God has given us come to fruition". Asked why the committee's intervention had become so necessary, Kukah said: "This is not an intervention, it is not a hearing out process. When we had the election, it was like a wedding. Now, the reality of government is now the marriage and people need to be encouraged. We need to reaffirm that this is our country and the only thing we can collectively be opposed to is injustice, iniquity, corruption and in that regard, we all had one single conversation". Kukah also stated that Buhari had reaffirmed the need to retain the committee which, according to him (Kukah), is not policing, but helps to build confidence whenever the need arises. "The president has also reaffirmed the need for this committee to continue, and the international committee has very much welcomed the contributions of the committee. Essentially we are not policing, but when the need arises, help to build confidence and in the process", he said. Members of the committee who attended the meeting alongside Abdulsalami, included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'Ad Abubakar III and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. Others were the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association Mrs. Priscilla Kuye and Senator Ben Obi. Our correspondent reports that the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was also at the meeting.

APC chieftain calls for suspension of Constitution to enable Buhari perform

The former Minister of Police Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Yakubu Lame has advocated for the establishment of emergency powers to the President instead of following the long process that will deter the speed action when necessary. The former Minister made the remark while fielding questions yesterday from newsmen in Bauchi where he tasked Nigerians to see the emergence of President Muhammad Buhari on the leadership of the country as necessary condition for peace, development and credible change in the polity.

According to him, the leadership of President Muhammad Buhari under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in which change was yearned for by Nigerians is geared to remove institutional decay, corruption and incompetence in the system that has affected so many sectors in the country, urging President Buhari to re-establish capacity, competence and integrity in national leadership at all levels including the private sector and the public sector. He advocated for the bestowment of emergency powers on President Muhammad Buhari that will not destroy democracy but make the system to effectively function, work and arrest the fundamental issue of decay in the society, saying that democracy is about the welfare, security and safety of the people, so there is need to take steps to ensure that Buhari succeeds without compromising the concept of representation. The APC gubernatorial aspirant in Bauchi state during the last elections noted that noted that Nigerians now have a leader who demonstrated the desire and capacity to change; hence an environment must be created for him to achieve that change. “We can do that for certain number of years, say in the next four years let’s do away with certain obstacles that will stop Buhari from functioning. After that, if it is not possible we add another four years, eight years in a life of a nation is not much to re-establish and re-position it is just doing what is expected. So if there are issues within the Constitution that are abused or being manipulated to stop Buhari from succeeding, we must remove or set them aside for now without compromising the fundamental position of the constitution”, he added. The one time education commissioner in the state stressed the need for the legal system, Law and Constitution be respected as they are all meant to provide for the security of lives of Nigerians, their properties and future, adding that societies always look at their peculiar situations and do things that will help them, recalling that when late President ‘Yar-Adua was sick, the same Nigerians called for doctrine of necessity. “Such call was never in our Constitution but we invoked the issue of doctrine of necessity and then Goodluck Jonathan was made to act to avoid possible collapse of the system, so I believe we need to look at that. Though the situation has not reached that position but there are signs, like the leadership crisis in the National Assembly which is uncalled for,” he added. He said that it was important to build and fix the country by removing leakages which President Buhari has started doing, especially by making public institutions work, allow rule of law to prevail, avoid wastage, and establish transparency and good governance.

CNN's Amampour show alleges Rotimi Amaechi looted $757M (N70B) in US foreign accounts

On CNN’s Amanpour Live Report it was reported that Amaechi has been stacking money in different foreign accounts. According to the statement, Amanpour’s show said “the sum of over 757 million U.S. dollars was stacked by Amaechi in a foreign U.S. Bancorp/Minnesota account.” The Integrity Group, a non-governmental organization, has sent a petition to Buhari as well as the Economic Financial Crimes Commission chairman to investigate Amaechi for the over N70 billion stolen from the Rivers State government. This amount is separate from the N21 billion which the PDP claims Amaechi transferred from the Power Assets proceeds account of Access bank to the accounts of three private companies with a 25 Trans-Amadi Road, Port Harcourt address. Well, is he the one that Buhari's camp is telling us that we will be shocked when the first looter is arrested? Amaechi is in APC which is dubbed Association of Progressive Criminals.

Ekiti senators back pro-Fayose PDP exco faction

Members of the Senate from Ekiti State, have declared support for Idowu Faleye-led State Executive Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Ekiti, calling on the National Working Committee to wade into the factional crisis in the state. The Senators, Duro Faseyi, Fatimat Raji-Rasak and ABiodun Olujimi made their position known in a joint statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday. Faleye, purportedly stepped down as Acting PDP State Chairman on May 13, following pressure from members of the State Working Committee. He later refuted claims that he resigned from his position. In a counter move, he presided over a SEC meeting on July 31, which suspended the factional Acting Chairman, Mr. Tunde Olatunde; State Secretary, Tope Aluko; Auditor, Tunji Olanrewaju; Woman Leader, Busola Oyebode and Assistant Secretary, Mr Femi Esan. The senators said, “What is happening in the state chapter of the PDP is an internal party affair which should not be seen as a crack within the party in the state, hence the position of the senators to set the records straight. “The PDP in Ekiti State remains a formidable chapter in Nigeria and we must continue to work together to sustain the trend at all situations. “Therefore efforts must be on top gear to ensure that all factions are brought together to move the Party forward.” The Senators called on the Olatunde-led faction to allow peace to reign, saying what PDP needed is unity and we must all work in unison to fight our common enemies at all times. They called on the National Executive Working Committee of the PDP to as a matter of urgency wade into the crisis. “It is high time we worked together because the task ahead is enormous and any singular division could jeopardise the collective efforts of taking over our position as a party in the future elections.” The Senators commended Governor Ayodele Fayose for his leadership style and called on the people to continue to support his government at all times.

Expect more appointments, Fayose tells PDP members

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State that more political appointments will be made very soon. Fayose, who made this known in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Alhaji Ademola Bello said every interests, both political, religious, ethnic and professional will be accommodated. The governor said those that are yet to get appointment should not despair. He said "even though not everyone will get appointment, but no one will be left in the cold. "Those that we cannot accommodate in the State will be accommodated at the local government level after the Council elections."

Buhari invites Jonathan to Presidential Villa, both leaders discuss ways to stabilise the new administration

Buhari  seeks information  on  alternative sources  to buy weapons for the refusal  of United  States  to immediately  sell weapons  to his administration Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, met with the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, at the weekend in the Presidential Villa. A source said that the meeting between both leaders held in the night and lasted for about one hour. It was gathered  that  Buhari  invited Jonathan  to give him insight into  the ways to stabilise  the  new administration, especially  in the areas of fight against Boko Haram  and the  purchase of military hardware  from alternative  sources. Villa  sources stated that  Former President  Goodluck Jonathan  also presented  detailed information  on  the

additional  weapons already  paid for by his administration,  which will arrive the country  shortly. It was gathered that after the meeting, both men parted chatting and laughing. May 29, 2015, was the last time former president, Goodluck Jonathan was seen at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Have Attitudinal Change Towards Loan Repayment - EKSG Advises Farmers

Cocoa farmers in Ekiti State have been advised to have attitudinal change towards loan repayment in order to get better soft loan packages from the government. The advice was given to the farmers by the Hon Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Kehinde Odebunmi while the association was on familiarization visit to the commissioner's office in Ado Ekiti. The cocoa farmers led by the southwest President of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria CFAN, Mr Ayodele, in company of association's chairmen across the sixteen local government of the state visited to have an acquittance with the new commissioner of the ministry. Odebunmi charged the farmers to be sincere with themselves and government, saying the inability of farmers in the state to repay loan gotten from the government is a major factor militating against the revolvement of the funds. Odebunmi also frowned at the fragmentation of Cocoa farmers' Apex body in Nigeria, saying internal bickering within the associations is affecting the government. Odebunmi said, " internal bickering within the farmers' associations is affecting the government. We are not happy about the division in the apex body of cocoa farmers; please try and put your house in order." Responding, the State Chairman of the association, Mr Ibitoye Francis, thanked the Mr Governor for making available to the association N10million to be accessed. He promised on behalf of the farmers never to default in loan repayment, saying cocoa farmers are not defaulters of loans. He said loan gotten from the government will be paid as and when due. He begged the government to make chemicals available to them on time. The chairman said the timely intervention of this administration has moved Ekiti from 7th to 4th position among the cocoa producing states in Nigeria. He assured the commissioner that the internal bickering will be put to rest very soon. Reacting, Hon Kehinde Odebunmi said the focus of Governor Ayodele Fayose is on agriculture, and he will do everything possible within the ambit of the state's resources to revive the sector, and make it the revenue generating hub for the state. "This administration is determined to help you, but you must also strive to help the government. We will do all what we can to assist you. Chemicals, other agricultural inputs, and loan needed will be made available before the next planting," Odebunmi said. The Ministry and the farmers later agreed to engage the services of Loan Repayment Firm to help recoup the loan from farmers after disbursement.

Fayose Promise Okada Riders Ten Million Naira, Never to Ban Them

By Bola Agboola

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose yesterday reaffirmed his determination never to ban commercial motorcyclists from Ekiti roads. Speaking to the operators in a special meeting he had with them within the governor’s office premises yesterday, Governor Fayose said "if the remaining 35 states in Nigeria decides to ban okada, Ekiti under my watch as governor will never ban Okada riders. This was part of my promise when I was campaigning, for two reasons, we have over 5/6 thousand Okada riders in the state, we cannot provide immediate employment for them, who are mostly graduates, minimally OND holders, if you cannot provide an alternative, you must not take away the only one that is available. Yorubas say Onaa ofun, Onaa Orun(food is life). Social welfare that is done abroad is only to keep crime low because an idle hand is the devil's workshop. So for me, I will continue to keep my promises and continue to protect you and I will not take away your means of livelihood(Claps and Appreciative song). Whether they call me Area boy, it doesn't matter, whether they call me danfo driver, it doesn't matter, whether they call me Okada rider, it doesn't matter as long as I and Okada people are together. Tell me one person that is perfect, tell me the driver that is perfect, even private drivers. The only thing to do is to be correcting and checking the excesses of our members, there is no sector in this country where you don't have bad eggs, if they now single out Okada riders and call them area boys, this and that. Why did they not provide jobs for them? Why did they not do the needful? When they need your votes they don't ban Okada, when they finish taking your votes, they bring policies that take you to extinction. That is wickedness! Before you take what I have, give me the one you have." In what appeared to be a balanced approach, the governor admonished the riders to be 'very' law abiding urging them never to make him regret his love and support for them. "When you drink, don't ride. When you ride, do drink. No matter how much I love you, I won't support you condemning people's legs, as I am supporting you, you have to support my administration by being law abiding, by ensuring safe and cautious ride that won't land our people in hospitals." Urging them to pay their dues to government, the governor took his time to explain how the last administration plunged Ekiti into debts that will go beyond 2020 to be paid, he mentioned how the income from Abuja has reduced by more than half and the need to look inwards for survival. Governor Fayose informed them of a Riders' Identification scheme/program that will include biometric registration of all Okada operators in the state. The scheme which will make riding a bike(for commercial purpose) in Ekiti without an identification and unit number on one's jacket a crime, this he said is aimed at sanitising the sector. The identification scheme, according to the governor will be followed by an insurance policy for interested Okada riders, this is intended at making life easier in case there is an accident or loss of property. Gov. Fayose later promised the gathering that as soon as the biometric process of identification is concluded, the government will make provision for a #10,000,000 revolving loan from which a single member can borrow a maximum of #50,000 payable in one year (i.e #1000 per week). The association is billed to meet again in the next two weeks with the governor at the same venue.

Goodluck Jonathan Transformation Strides Speak As Kaduna Refinery Starts Operation Month End

THE management of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) yesterday disclosed that the plant would begin refining of crude oil by the end of this month. The Managing Director of KRPC, Alhaji Saidu Aliyu Mohammed made the revelation while delivering an address at the opening ceremony of the Annual Energy Correspondents Workshop in Kano organized by KRPC officials, which held under the theme — “Development Communication: An Imperative for the Oil and Gas Industry.” Mohammed said: “Replacement of the weak segments of the pipeline is ongoing. The repair work is expected to be completed on August 27, 2015, and thereafter, crude oil supply to KRPC would resume.” Mohammed, who was represented by the Executive Director, Services, KRPC, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, however, lamented that the supply of crude oil to the KRPC was grossly inadequate. He said: “It is still a major challenge to the sustenance of the plant’s operation and needs to be tackled holistically. The incessant vandalism on Warri-Kaduna pipeline is one of the greatest threats to KRPC’s performance. This line needs to be highly secured to guarantee continuous supply of crude oil to KRPC. We advocate for the pipeline to be regarded as ‘Military Zone’ in view of its strategic importance. “While the plants were shutdown due to lack of crude oil, the opportunity was exploited to intensify the plant’s rehabilitation. The current ongoing plant rehabilitation is being done in phases. Phase 1 was completed in December 2014 and Phase 2 was concluded in July 2015. We are hoping to commence Phase 3 from September 2015.”

Osun lecturer finds N150 as February salary in account, collapses in bank

A lecturer in a tertiary institution in Osun State (name withheld), on Thursday, collapsed inside a bank located within the institution’s premises following a discrepancy in his salary. Witnesses said the lecturer fainted after discovering that his account had only been credited with N150 by the state government as 50 percent of his February salary instead of N150,000.  The lecturer, who is a post-graduate student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), according to a witness, lamented, after being resuscitated by the bank’s officials, that the money paid by the government into his account could not even transport him to Akure, where he was billed to write an examination. The man, it was gathered, also disclosed that he had some outstanding fees to pay at the university which he had proposed to pay with the expected salary.  As of the time of this report, he was said to be in a private hospital in Osogbo where his blood pressure, which had increased as a result of the shocking discovery in his account, was being managed.  Staff members of four tertiary institutions in the state - Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke; Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and colleges of education in Ilesa and Ila-Oragun - have expressed concern over alleged discrepancies in the payment of their salaries since November 2014. A lecturer in the Department of Accounting in one of the schools (name withheld) lamented that his gross salary and net pay were N210,000 and N140,000, respectively, but he only received the sum of N260 as his February salary. A management staff of the institution, whose salary is about N400,000, was also said to have received N12,000 for the same month

THE MAN AND THE HORSE: THE FAYOSE’S VERSION, By Olusegun Adeleye

It is no new that Governor Ayodele Fayose,the executive governor of Ekiti State remain a man to beat any day in Ekiti State political landscape and Nigeria as a whole. Its for this singular reason, I found it more funny as to why the so called political enemies of his doesn’t sees anything good in him and whoever associates with him. Still, he remains the choice of Ekiti people from the downtrodden end above average the elites. Fayose in his first term demonstrated similar manner keen to what is doing today maybe,with little changes as a result of age and experiences accumulated over the years of been out of power. When he was illegally sent out of power, he was caught doing same several time on the street beyond personal ego but,deeply from the in born trait. On his second coming, he picked up from where he stopped. To all students of history, we dare not forget his first term and the incessant criticism from the elites. The case was like; when Fayose hired helicopters to move around during his first term, they called him extravagant spender. Learning from experience, he returned to power and picked old Mercedes Benz as his official car, he was named Eletan-impostor. He rode on bike, they tagged him rogue. He took a trek on the street they called him a vagabond. He went to church laid flat on the floor thanking God, they said, he is a liar and pretender. He was caught eating at mama put joint, they called him onijekuje. He joined the common men on the street to enjoy a cup of holy keske, the noise was everywhere on the street they said: he is a drunkard. So as I ask: does it mean those who ride on horse back are expected to sleep on horse too? To memory lane: Some few months back, Ex governor Fayemi wife was caught buying “ata gungun” grinded dry pepper in market and and ogogoro at paraga joint in a bid to sustain power during her husband second term. Such a method introduced by Fayose and on account which the elites crucified him during his first term. If its wrong as claimed; why did we suddenly found, Okorocha, Fayemi’s wife, Fashola in Lagos,Tinubu, Omisore, Ambode,Oshibajo, including Buhari’s wife to mention few doing the copy-cat to have peoples votes? Why do they suddenly became taxi conductor,akara/suya seller,Boole roaster in the name of power? Moving further: The question now is: is it morally justify for Fayose to eat in public place? Yes! If Obama can, Fayose can too. To whom much is given… If thousands of people could afford to queue under the sun and rain to elect a leader,hand wave in a bullet proof AC cars should not limit the servant from romancing the electorates. Going by this assertion: Has fayose breached our constitutional? NO! There was no place in the constitution where it was written that; elected public servant must not eat with the electorates in the public. If you have any contrary opinions, quote with facts please. Any spiritual implications: NO! I need facts to be convinced that taken a cup of palm wine mean otherwise to a Christian when it was scientifically proved to be good enough for body organs-YEAST. Beyond,Jesus Christ fed five thousands of people with just a loaf and it wasn’t in a corner of any room. If you are lost on this,contact your Bible or spiritual lords for clarification. Mark,it doesn’t amount to equating Fayose with Christ still. Has Fayose delivered on promises and how? Maybe, a matter of time. For record purpose do not forget the VISION 2020 debt left behind by his predecessor. Think about the fall in allocation due to global fall in oil price. Forget not the E11, G19 and other political distraction he has been battling with since assumption before you draw your conclusion. Left to me, his performance is still within the cover of time and available resources. It’s better to be successful in little than to be master of failure in many-Osun/Aregbesola as a case study. On a final note, considering frame of time, I am confident that he is a better manager not without natural errors than most of the self acclaimed progressive of our time. Getting it right remains a matter of time. Olusegun Adekeye writes from Okemesi. aoadeleye77@yahoo.com

New Media: The dangers of 24/7 connectivity and embedded culture of distraction

By: Adekunle Oke (EXPONENT)

The new media have produced an era of abundance. There are more information, more media outlets, more mobile devices, more media content, and more communication options than ever before. But what has this increase in the quantity of media technologies done to the quality of our thinking and communication? A wide variety of analysts, from different disciplines and perspectives, have addressed this question, and many have concluded that our adoption of new media technologies is producing significantly negative social consequences; the opinion in which as a journalist-in-making I reserved my objection. Interestingly, critiques of the impact of new media on social life have come mostly from people who are at the centre of developing, studying, or using such media themselves. These are not Luddites who resist new technologies; they are mostly people who have experienced the effect of new media firsthand. New media users are these days too busy to think. Dr. Adeleye, a Psychologist, argues that our embrace of new media has produced a sort of attention-deficit culture, expressed through the presence of constant stimulation, interruption, and multitasking. This fleeting culture of distraction, Adeleye contends, produces superficial "Mc Thinking" that can be fun and engaging but that provides little intellectual nutritional value. Such a culture undermines our ability to focus, concentrate and attend to the deeper and more substantive issues in life that are the bedrock of intimate social relationships, wisdom and advances in culture. While the ability of the Internet and mobile devices to connect people is typically celebrated as one of its greatest features, a friend journalist who covers technology issues, considers what he calls the "conundrum of connectivity." Yes, argues Olayinka, technology that allows us to connect to information and people from any place 24/7 is an awesome achievement. But history suggests that wisdom, insight and perspective are gained from being disconnected; by creating time and space for solitude and contemplative thought. A healthy and vibrant life in the digital age, he argues, needs to involve a balance between the advantages of connectivity and the benefits of solitude. Meanwhile, as a journalist-in-making, I also want to believe that the fragmented, transient and hyper stimulative environment of the internet and other new media contributes to ways of perceiving and thinking that are similarly fragmented and shallow. To make my case, experimental evidence from neuroscience shows that surfing the internet indeed develops different neural pathways in the brain than does reading a book. The constant stimulus, fleeting distractions, frequent interruptions and pervasive multitasking that characterised the contemporary media environment help produce a decline in people's ability to focus, concentrate and engage in serious thought. The ability to concentrate, think seriously, read deeply and follow an argument are not instinctual; they must be nurtured through training and practice that occurs when engaging for extended periods of time with complex ideas and arguments, as we do when we read a book. The world of tweets, hyperlinks, wikipedia summaries, Facebook posts, 2go chats and viral videos, however, do not promote such skills. Such constant stimulus and conversely, the lack of prolonged consideration, is literally affecting how our brains develop. And these changes affect how we think. Sustained contemplation is being replaced by fleeting and shallow reactions. Mr. Oke D.O, my Dad; do say, despite a world of knowledge at their fingertips, the younger generation that has grown up with new media is less informed, less literate, more self-absorbed and more depressed than any that has preceded it. He often points to the popularity of social networking as one source of the problem. The immediate and personalised nature of social networking, the retired headmaster argues, emphasizes the value of newness and facilitates an extreme focus on the self and immediate networks of friends. Information or news that isn't about this narrow world is often of little interest. Further, the trend toward briefer instantaneous messages not only threatens thoughtful communication, but it even promotes the erosion of traditional spelling, grammar and punctuation that have long served as a useful foundation for serious communication. Unto fellow social media addicts, new media, a curse or blessing to our generation?

Fayose Declares 6th of August Ekiti Artisan's Day

By Bola Agboola

Ekiti State Governor Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose has declared every 6th of August Ekiti Artisan's day. The governor made the declaration during a meeting with Ekiti Artisans at the multipurpose hall of Dave Hotel, Adebayo, Ado Ekiti. Reacting to requests earlier made on behalf of the association by its President, Mr. Julius Oluwadare Adu, Governor Fayose assured the association of a #10,000,000(ten million) revolving loan/grant to be accessed by members, he promised to make the loan available within the next one and a half weeks(a period by which modalities for accessing the loan would have been reached by the artisans). On the association's need for a vehicle and consideration for gifts at yuletide, governor Fayose appealed to the gathering to allow him remain silent on those requests for now, he cited the state's high indebtedness as his reason for the plea. The governor who promised to help the association locate a land earlier promised them by Fayemi administration said necessary documents will be perfected and the land handed over to them. In case the land has been allocated to some other persons, Governor Fayose promised to get them another piece of land elsewhere as well as help the association in raising funds for the construction of a proposed Artisans' Village. Informing the gathering that a data capturing exercise for members will soon commence, Governor Fayose urged all artisans to make sure they are captured. Assuring the gathering that members of the association will be appointed into government boards, he further promised that the association will henceforth be represented by one or two members at important government functions. Governor Fayose also used the medium to appeal to the artisans as well as other Ekiti indigenes to pay their tax and dues regularly saying the little monies when gathered and properly utilised will go a long way in transforming the state.

Tribunal dismisses four petitions against Wike’s election

The Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja has dismissed four out of the five petitions filed to challenge the election of Chief Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party as the governor of the state. The only surviving petition challenging the declaration of Wike as the winner of the April 11 election is the one filed by the All Progressives Congress and its governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside. Though, one of the four petitions marked EPT/RV/GOV/05/2015 was voluntarily withdrawn by the petitioner, Kemka Elenwo, who was KOWA Party’s governorship candidate in the election, the three others were dismissed on technical grounds based on the application by Wike and the PDP. The Justice Mu’azu Pindiga-led tribunal on Wednesday dismissed the fourth petition marked EPT/RV/GOV/03/2015 which was filed by Minaibim Harry of the Social Democratic Party on the grounds that the petition was incompetent. The tribunal held that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the petition since the two grounds on which it was anchored were defective because they were not in strict compliance with the provisions of Section 138(1) (a) to (d) of the Electoral Act. The said provision of the Electoral Act prescribes the grounds on which an election petition can be filed. Other petitions that have been dismissed by the tribunal include the one filed by the Labour Party (EPT/RV/GOV/01/2015) and another by the All Progressive Grand Alliance and its candidate, Charles Harry, (EPT/RV/GOV/02/2015). In its ruling on July 31, Justice Pindiga, who dismissed the petition by the Labour Party which fielded Tonye Princewill in the April 11 election, held that the party did not have a candidate for the election having not complied with the requirement under Section 85(1) of the Electoral Act (EA) 2010. It noted that the notice given by the petitioner to INEC of its intention to conduct a primary election from which the petitioner’s candidate purportedly emerged “is less than the mandatory 21 days required by Section 85(1) of the Electoral Act. “By implication, the effect of this non-compliance, is that no valid primary election was conducted and held by the petitioner and its purported candidate.” The tribunal also found that the petitioner did not comply with the required procedure for applying for the issuance of pre-hearing notice, a default which rendered the petition inconsequential.

Don't try to satisfy everybody- General Adebayo tells Fayose

Former Military Governor of the defunct Western State, General Adeyinka Adebayo, has urged Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, not be distracted by non-constructive criticisms, saying no matter how hard he tries, some people will still not be satisfied. The retired general said this while the governor paid him a visit at his country home in Iyin-Ekiti. General Adebayo, who expressed satisfaction with the performance of the governor, said in a complex society like Ekiti State, there was no way the governor could satisfy everybody. In a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti, General Adebayo said, "I am proud of you Mr Governor, you have achieved some much within a short spate of time despite the lean resources available to the state. It is a great honour for me to receive you. I'm very proud of you and very proud of your achievements so far. "As a former governor, I recognise the enormity of governance, but don't give in to distraction and non-constructive criticisms. No matter how you try, you can't satisfy everyone but you are doing your best. Government cannot do everything for everybody. "People will criticise you but don't be discouraged. You are doing extremely well to the satisfaction of the majority of the people of the state in spite of the meagre resources accruing to the state. I have been following the trend of things in the Yoruba land particularly Ekiti State and I am proud of you," he said. The elder statesman promised his readiness to contribute his quota to the development of the state, saying: "We may not have enough money but we have contacts here and there through which we can make things happen." He counselled the governor to reach out to those who might be criticising him to show them his activities and possibly request their contributions. Earlier, the governor stated that he was in the general's house to pay homage to him upon hearing of his arrival in his country home. He described General Adebayo as a father to all governors, particularly in the Southwest, noting that his relationship with them had shown him as a true father figure. He promised to emulate him and build on some of the legacies left behind while he served as a military governor. The governor said with the arrest of suspected kidnappers in the state, peace had started reigning in the state. Fayose added that he decided to give priority to the payment of workers' salaries because of his concern for the welfare of the people.