No fewer than seven persons have been confirmed dead and some others injured during a fire incident that occurred at Kabong, Gada Biyu in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The fire incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, was attributed to a high tension cable that bridged with service wires which supplied electricity to the community, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of properties.

The densely populated community is both residential and commercial, resulting in goods at the business premises consumed by the fire incident.

A household in the community lost two members of the same family in the incident as sympathisers gathered at the family house where Naomi David, 54; and Abraham David, 39; both died in the attempt to disconnect one of the appliances during the incident.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital Mortuary where some of the injured were treated and those with severe burns were on referral to the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Jos Metropolitan Development Board team visited the scene to ascertain the level of damage caused by the inferno and how to avoid future occurrence.

[Channels TV]

The IMF announced Saturday member nations agreed to increase their contributions to the global lender and give sub-Saharan Africa a third seat on its executive board at its first meetings on the continent since 1973.

Boosting the International Monetary Fund’s quota resources and giving Africa a bigger voice within the institution were among the priorities of the week-long talks of the IMF and World Bank in Marrakech, Morocco.

Spanish Economy Minister Nadia Calvino, who chairs the IMF Financial Committee, said at a press conference that there was “agreement on a meaningful increase of quotas by the end of the year.”

The quotas, which are based on the size of a country’s economy, determine how much funding a nation should provide to the IMF, its voting power and the maximum amount of loans it can obtain.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga used this week’s meetings to urge members to step up funding so their institutions can better support nations hit by poverty and climate change.

The conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas has raised concerns about its impact on already weak global economic growth in the wake of the Ukraine war, elevated inflation and high interest rates.

Georgieva said the agreement on quotas was “very heartwarming.”

The goal, she said, was “to make the fund strong financially in terms of our ability to step up should we be hit by yet another shock.”

Asked when the IMF will change its voting shares, Georgieva said: the “membership has agreed that this is going to be the next step and that there will be a clear pathway and plan to go there.”

Giving countries like China, which is now the world’s second biggest economy, a larger voting share has been a controversial issue.

China has a 6.08 percent share of votes compared to 6.14 percent for Japan, the third global economy.

“At some point, a revision of the IMF’s quota distribution will be inevitable,” French central bank governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said in Marrakesh on Wednesday.

“But the emerging countries that will benefit from this — including China — will have to accept common rules of the game,” he said.

While voting shares were not changed, the IMF agreed to expand its executive board from 24 to 25 members to give Africa another seat.

Sub-Saharan Africa will now have three executive board members instead of two.

“I will finish with what warmed my heart the most: uniform support for a third African chair on our executive board,” Georgieva said.

“That is so important for meetings that take place on African soil,” she said.

“Despite all the difficulties I can only praise our members for finding this pathway to solidarity on which hundreds of millions of people depend.”

AFP

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to reject the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill which if passed would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.

Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a letter dated 14 October 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare.

SERAP urged them to request the administration of President Bola Tinubu to drop any ongoing efforts to put pressure on Google, YouTube, TikTok and other social media companies to unduly restrict these fundamental human rights.

SERAP said the bill would criminalize the legitimate and lawful exercise of human rights.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) last week reportedly stated that, “one of Nigeria’s major problems now is social media”, and described the social media as “a monster”.

SERAP said: “the social media is neither Nigeria’s problem nor a monster. Any regulation of it would have arbitrary and excessive effects, and cause incalculable damage, both in material and human rights terms.”

SERAP said any move to regulate social media would be inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations.

According to SERAP, the proposed bill raises serious concerns about the rights to freedom of expression and privacy, and would lead to digital siege.

The letter, read in part, “Rather than rushing to pass the social media regulation bill, the National Assembly should encourage the Federal Government to maximize opportunities around social media access, and address the growing social and economic inequalities in the country.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken upon the receipt and/or publication of this letter. SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions against the National Assembly and the Federal Government if the social media regulation bill is ever passed into law.

“We urge you to request the administration of President Bola Tinubu to publish the details of any ongoing discussion and engagement with Google, YouTube, TikTok and other social media companies.

“The reintroduction of the social media regulation bill would lead to deterioration of the human rights situation in the country and carry major economic costs for all sectors, as well as exacerbate social and economic inequalities.

“It would effectively deepen digital divides in the country and seriously undermine the Tinubu administration’s expressed commitment to develop this sector.

“Under international law, all restrictions on the operation of social media companies and other intermediaries must comply with the requirements of legality, legitimacy and necessity.

“The regulation of social media may be incompatible with the services of major social media and private messaging intermediaries, negatively impacting the free flow of information and ideas, and affecting economic and social activities.

“The National Assembly should put pressure on the Federal Government to comply with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 and the country’s international human rights obligations regarding the rights to freedom of expression, privacy and participation.

“Access to social media is widely recognized as an indispensable enabler of a broad range of human rights. It is central to freedom of expression and the realization of many other human rights including education, freedom of association and assembly, access to information, and participation.

“The Federal Government has the legal obligations to promote and facilitate the enjoyment of human rights, and to take all steps necessary to ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to social media. The authorities should refrain from unduly interfering with access to digital communications platforms.

“Under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, any restriction on freedom of expression constitutes a serious curtailment of human rights.

“The Nigerian Constitution and these human rights treaties protect everyone’s right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information of all kinds, regardless of frontiers. States have the obligation to respect and ensure the right to freedom of expression, without distinction of any kind.

“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties protect a broad range of expression, including political discourse, commentary on one’s own and public affairs, canvassing, discussion of human rights, journalism, and artistic expression.

“This includes information that may be regarded as offensive, false or untrue by some people but is considered legitimate political discourse by others. Restrictions on the right to freedom of expression are only permissible when they meet the requirements of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination.

“The onus to show that restrictions comply with those requirements is on the State seeking to restrict rights. Social media regulation bills generally do not meet those requirements.”

“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has called upon States not to engage in or condone any restriction of access to the Internet or other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.

“According to our information, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Balarabe Ilelah, recently stated that the social media regulation bill has been sent to the National Assembly. The bill is reportedly seeking to repeal and reenact the NBC Act, CAP L11 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“According to the NBC, ‘We have already submitted a bill to amend the NBC act. One of our major problems now is social media. Unless there is a law that allows NBC to act on social media issues, the issue will continue to be a monster in our daily lives in this country.’

“Similarly, Mrs. Francisca Aiyetan, Director, Broadcast Monitoring of the NBC, recently reportedly said that without regulation, young people could be misguided. According to the NBC, the Federal Government is currently engaging with Google or YouTube, TikTok, ‘so we know the faces behind these [social media] platforms.’

“If the 2023 social media regulation bill which has reportedly passed the first reading before the National Assembly is the same as the 2019 bill, it would impose disproportionate penalties on Nigerians solely for exercising their human rights.

“According to our information, the newly reintroduced social media regulation bill seems to be the replica of the version of the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill 2019, with provisions empowering the authorities to unilaterally order the shutdown of the internet.

“A similar bill to regulate social media was considered by the National Assembly in 2015 but failed to pass into law after public outcry.”

[NaijaNews]

The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has issued a warning regarding the potential scarcity of essential medications across the country, citing the current economic downturn as the primary cause. 

Addressing attendees at the 5th Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, the Chairman of NAIP, Kenneth Onuegbu expressed deep concern about the adverse effects of the current economic situation on medication production and importation in the nation. 

Mr. Kenneth Onuegbu said pharmaceutical companies may find it increasingly challenging to provide vital medications unless the government takes proactive measures to tackle two critical issues the exorbitant cost of diesel and the shortage of foreign exchange. 

Mr. Onuegbu, while outlining the key challenges faced by the pharmaceutical sector, implored the federal government to intervene and create a conducive environment for producers.  

• “We have insecurity issues, and how to get the medication from the point of production to the final consumer is another challenge that we have not been able to solve.  
• “To access forex is a big challenge. The process can take a year to get the CBN subsidised rate, hence, we resort to the black market. You can imagine that we buy drugs at the rate of N1,100, and automatically, it will affect production.
• “If we don’t do something about it, there is going to be a scarcity of essential medicines. We must call for the domestication of medications to reduce the production cost.  
• “It is also important to note that our environment is over-regulated. Our regulation ought to have a Nigeria face; we cannot be promoting local production when you are making it difficult for them to start.  
• “Government needs to tackle insecurity, epileptic power supply, forex and host of others if they really want pharmaceutical companies to survive in this country.” 

Backstory  

The Nigerian pharmaceutical industry has been facing a myriad of challenges of which forex scarcity and the attendant depreciation of the naira stand tall.  

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye confirmed that the depreciation of the naira is primarily responsible for the rise in drug prices across the country.  

• In her words, “The primary reason for the rise in drug prices is the depreciation of the value of the naira. Even before GSK’s planned exit from the country, there was a general increase in the prices of commodities, and some of the products that GSK manufactured experienced a decrease in supply”  

The exit of industry giant GSK Nig can also be attributed to the volatility of the foreign exchange market.  

 [Nairametrics]

The federal government is at the verge of obtaining a $1.5billion budget support facility from the World Bank.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, confirmed this at the Nigerian Delegation briefing on the sideline of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Annual Meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, yesterday.

Mr Edun said, “On the talks with the World Bank on $1.5billion budget support; that is correct.

The World Bank is the number one multilateral development bank helping developing countries or funding developing countries projects and programmes and sectors.

“It has free money through International Development Association (IDA). It is for the poorer countries; and right now, I think we qualify as one of the countries that can borrow in the normal window of World Bank funding but also some concessionary IDA funding, and that means that effectively, the interest rate will be zero.”

He, however, noted that there is no stigma attached to qualifying for World Bank funding to help finance development, saying, “In this particular case, it has long been in the pipeline, and we are hoping that funding would come through soon.

“There is a Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday that should be able to discuss this, as well as other initiatives for financing on reasonable terms. We have talked about the high costs of money, the World Bank money is the cheapest.”

On IMF’s advice to increase taxes and interest rate

The minister said the country had no loan programme in the offing with them, and so, not privy to where they proposed to Nigeria to increase taxes and interest rates.

Using the CBN to fund budget

Mr Edun said, “Regarding Ways and Means, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a commitment not to go beyond the statutory limits.”

He assured that monetary and fiscal authority would work together.

“Monetary policy that’s talking about tightening the money supply that increases interest rates and on the fiscal side government expenditure includes paying the interest and the principal on government debt,” he said.

Speaking on Nigeria’s high debt service,  the minister said, “I think that in terms of debt restructuring, I agree with you that you don’t have to wait; what you do is to look for opportunities to maybe lengthen debt, improve the condition under which that debt is borrowed.”

[DailyTrust]

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday departed Nigeria to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum in Beijing, China, to be held from Oct. 16 to 18.

This was disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

Nkwocha said Shettima would join world leaders from over 130 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America to deliberate on the theme, “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.”

According to him, the vice president is expected to avail Nigeria of the platform provided by the forum to woo investors for more developmental projects.

Nkwocha added that the Vice President would hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to promote Nigeria’s trade and investment relations in line with the economic development agenda of the Tinubu administration.

”The 2023 edition of the BRI will mark the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) championed by the President of China, Xi Jinping, as an initiative for global infrastructure development strategy, adopted and launched by the government of the People’s Republic of China in 2013.

”The initiative seeks international action to enhance cooperation and promote infrastructure investment in nearly 70 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe through land and maritime routes. ”

He recalled that in 2018, former President, Muhammadu Buhari, on behalf of Nigeria, signed the Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China.

“Nigeria and other partner countries across the world are to benefit from the initiative in areas of infrastructure investments such as ports, skyscrapers, railroads, roads, bridges, airports, dams and coal-fired power stations.”

Nkwocha said the delegation of the vice president to the forum includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali.

Others are the Minister Of Works, David Umahi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, and the Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Michael Ohiani.

In a related development, Nkwocha said in pursuance of the food security and diversification policy of the Tinubu administration, the vice president will, from China, depart for the United States of America, USA.

”While in the US as a special guest, Shettima will deliver a keynote address at the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Food Prize – facilitated Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue slated to commence on October 24th, 2023.

”Also, he will join other African international leaders, Heads of State and Government who in the past have delivered keynote addresses at the Borlaug Dialogue.

”They include former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan; World Food Prize Laureates; Ghana President, John Kufuor, AfDB President, Akinwunmi Adeshina and former President Olusegun Obasanjo and others.”

The media aide also stated that Shettima was expected to highlight reforms being instituted in the Nigerian Agrifood sector by the Tinubu administration.

”The vice president will engage several stakeholders, partners and investors in opportunities for investments in Nigeria.

” Several meetings and engagements have been scheduled for the vice president who is expected to be back in the country after his commitments in the US.”

[DailyPost]

Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho commited a howler in the Super Eagles friendly match against the Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão in Portugal which ended in a 2-2 draw and his performance has left fans with concerns as the AFCON tournament approaches.

Nigeria began the match on the front foot, with early chances from star players like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze. However, they couldn’t capitalize on these opportunities, and the game headed to halftime with a score of 0-0.

The turning point came in the 60th minute when Salam Al-Faraji scored a free kick for Saudi Arabia largely due to an attempted clearance from Uzoho who sent the ball into his own net.

In the 83rd minute, Nigeria managed to equalize as an own goal by Saudi defender Al Amri tied the game. Iheanacho then scored a powerful goal from outside the box in the 91st minute, putting Nigeria ahead. However, just when victory seemed within reach, the Super Eagles conceded another free kick on the edge of the box during added time as the strike from Mohamed Kanno deflected off Calvin Bassey and go the opposite direction of Uzoho’s dive.

Since the exit of Carl Ikeme, Nigeria’s goalkeeping department has been struggling to find a suitable replacement. South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was the target of severe criticisms on social media as the Super Eagles emerged third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in July.

Maduka Okoye, who was in goal when Nigeria lost to Tunisia in the last-16 of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, was hounded by Nigeria fans on social media with comments ranging from trolling over his looks to death wishes upon him and his loved ones.

Uzoho’s performance has come under scrutiny, especially considering that he conceded two free-kick goals in this match.

Eagles coach Jose Peseiro defended Uzoho, suggesting that the goalkeepers were under tremendous pressure from fans. He pointed out the inconsistency in criticizing goalkeepers while other players who make mistakes are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny.

“When I arrived here, I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper. I spoke with all of them, No one feels comfortable because everybody attacked them.

“I like our players, when they make mistakes it is my responsibility. The goalkeepers never play free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time,” he said.

“Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss a goal, why? They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (Uzoho) better.”

Legendary Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, expressed his bewilderment at Uzoho’s performance and the team’s selection in general saying, “I am also wondering how he could have conceded two free-kick goals.

“As fans though, if the coach and others who are responsible present a team for us and their selection proves wrong, they deserve to be questioned.”

Another ex-Nigerian goalkeeper Joseph Dosu was disappointed with Peseiro’s comments on Nigerians reactions to the goalkeeping errors.

“I am not sure I should say anything after what coach Peseiro has said after the game. He said Nigerians are the problem of his goalkeeping area so if he can say that, I leave his statement for them to decide on.

“If we have a national team and we cannot say one or two thinigs against our national team, that means we are not even in Nigeria anymore. For such performance, and the coach can come out and say Nigerians are the problem of our own national team, that means we are not allowed to talk anymore,” Dosu said.

Fans on social media also criticized Uzoho’s lack of regular playing time for his club and questioned the decision to field him in the match.

Journalist Ikenwa Nnabuogor wrote, “In the beautiful game, you leave regular competitive football for a day, it leaves you for a week. You can’t give what you don’t have, it’s no rocket science to know this. Francis Uzoho is bound for such a howler, he’s not playing regularly for his club, been out of the sticks in his club since 20 May 2023 and our dear good old Jose Peseiro hauled him into the game fantastically match rusty.”

A Nigerian, Godwin Antai compared Uzoho with United goalkeeper Andre Onana who is currently enduring a poor run writing, “Nigeria should have even won the game but Uzoho decided to turn Onana on the day.”

Yayah Lukman wrote that he feels the Nigerian captain Wilfried Ndidi wanted to slap Uzoho for the mistake that led to the firs goal, “Ndidi reaction like make him slap uzoho aswear.”

Another Nigerian with the handle @oyimzy believes that Nigeria needs a new man between the sticks before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Three Months to the start of AFCON and I’m already having flashbacks of Ghana WC qualifier, if Super Eagles want to go far in Ivory Coast then we need to get a proper goalkeeper now. None of this Francis Uzoho nonsense!” he wrote.

Manchester United fans who remembered his heroic night where he made 12 saves against the Red Devils in a 1-0 win for United at Old Trafford in the Europa league last season took to social media to blast the goalkeeper.

That display led to the 24-year-old nominated for Europa League player of the week, with United ending up second in the group and forced to play two knock-out playoff fixtures by matter of a single goal.

One fan wrote, “I can’t believe that’s the same Francis Uzoho in goal for Super Eagles.”

“The same guy decided to become (Manuel) Neuer and force us to play 2 more games for no reason,” a second added.

A third wrote, “Only when he keeps against Man Utd you’d see a stellar performance from Uzoho… funny dude.”

As the AFCON tournament approached, it has become clear that the Super Eagles need to address their goalkeeping concerns. Prospects like Hapoel Jerusalem’s Adebayo Adeleye and LASK’s Tobias Lawal should be considered as potential solutions to bolster the goalkeeping department.

These concerns reflect the team’s need for stability and reliability in one of the most critical positions on the field.

[Punch]

Black Stars of Ghana on Sunday succumbed 2-0 to Mexico’s El Tri in an international friendly

This is the first of two international friendlies the Black Stars are engaging in as they are currently touring the United States as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to begin in November.

The four-time African champions started the game on a good note launching early attacks.

Mexico, however, reclaim dominance of the match from the 25th minute onward.

PSV Eindhoven star Hirving Lozano broke the deadlock in the 57th minute to put Mexico in front.

El Tri then extended their lead in the 72nd minute through Atuna, who took advantage of a counter-attack.

Ghana struggled to penetrate Mexico’s high defensive line for a foam with Atuna capitalizing on an error in the 72nd minute to secure the second goal and seal victory for Mexico.

Ghana will now shift their attention to their second friendly against the United States on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Going by the loss, Ghana are now winless in four games against Mexico’s El Tri with a 6-1 aggregate scoreline and failed to record a shot on target.

[Vanguard]

Ajulo Advocates Peace in Ondo State, Urges Stakeholders to Prioritize Reconciliation

…says Ondo State can settle its challenges.

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Ondo State, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa, EMA, Dr Kayode Ajulo, OON, a renowned jurist and international arbitrator, has called upon stakeholders and elders within the state to intervene and resolve the crisis. Ajulo firmly believes that Ondo State possesses the internal capacity to overcome its challenges, and he has urged these key stakeholders to establish a reconciliation committee for the betterment of the state and its people.

Ajulo expressed his confidence in Ondo State’s ability to address its challenges independently, stating, “Ondo State can resolve its issues without external intervention.”

His statements came in response to the political turbulence surrounding the prolonged absence of Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and the impeachment process of Deputy Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatwa, which has generated unwarranted enmity among political players and their followers in the state, indirectly disrupting smooth governance.

“This intervention is necessary following my interactions with several stakeholders in the State in recent times which indicated that there is room for reconciliation of issues. The calls for this have been from within and outside of the country. Everyone is watching and no sensible and reasonable soul and a patriotic citizen could ignore the palpable development in the State. The State needs to move forward to ensure that the welfare, well-being, and security of the people of the State are paramount and not personal interests,” Ajulo said.

Speaking through EMA media director, Yusuf Abdullahi Danladi, from Abuja on Saturday after an emergency meeting of EMA where the ongoing Isreal and Palestine War and Ondo State issues among other developments were reviewed, Ajulo emphasized, “Ondo State has faced a series of challenges recently, and it’s undeniable that these issues are affecting the well-being of its citizens and hindering the state’s overall progress. While I acknowledge that governance continues in Ondo State, it is evident that conflicting interests are currently impeding the state from functioning as smoothly as it should.”

To address this crisis, Ajulo called for the establishment of a reconciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the political class and the public. He drew upon Ondo State’s history, emphasizing its tradition of involving its people in reconciliation efforts, especially during complex times.

Ajulo further outlined the composition of the proposed committee, which would ideally include respected state elders such as Chief Rueben Fasoranti, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Chief Olu Falae, General Bajowa, Prince Adetokubo Kayode SAN, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Deputy Governors, former Speakers of the House of Assembly as well as Chief Judge and head of the State judiciary, senators from the three senatorial districts, the eight members of the House of Representatives, two traditional rulers from each district, religious leaders, and youth and women representatives.

He firmly stated that allowing the National Assembly to take over the state’s affairs over an issue that could be amicably resolved would be detrimental to Ondo State’s development.

“We should all heed this call for a reconciliation committee to address Ondo State’s political crisis as a sign of our deep commitment to the state’s well-being and an appeal for peaceful, state-led solutions to its challenges,” Ajulo said.”

BAO’s Administration in One Year

…A Compilation of Projects/Initiatives…

This document is a comprehensive compilation of the achievements, projects, and initiatives undertaken during the first year of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration. The projects here have been arranged under the six pillars: Youth and job creation; human capital development; governance, arts, culture, and tourism; agriculture and rural development; infrastructure and industrialization. Each project, a building block— contributing to the foundation of a more prosperous Ekiti State.

PILLAR 1: GOVERNANCE

CIVIL SERVICE

• Procurement of furniture items and office equipment for the newly established Customary Court of Appeal
• Renovation and remodelling of old Governor’s Office Building, Ado Ekiti.
• Provision of five (5) luxurious buses for mass transit scheme
• The granting of full autonomy to the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS).
• Payment of N29,278,008,353 as salary to state & local government workers (Oct 2022-July 2023).
• Disbursement of N267.07M as housing loan to 1,901 beneficiaries across the MDAs.
• Appointment of 14 permanent secretaries
• Appointment of 42 produce inspectors into the Ministry of Agric
• Appointment of 50 Forest guards/superintendents
• Normalisation of temporary appointment of 64 junior officers to different cadres in the civil service
• Repair of grounded vehicles in the local government service
• Purchase of 38 official vehicles for the HLAS In the local government service
• Renovation/remodelling of former Civil Service commission building to accommodate Customary Court of appeal, Ado Ekiti
• Remodelling of the Ministry of Justice office complex at the State Secretariat, Ado Ekiti
• Purchase and installation of UPS batteries to energise both radio and television transmitters to BSES, Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti
• Payment of N10,210,792,973.88 as pension to State & LG pensioners (Oct 2022-July 2023)
• Regularisation of appointment of 50 uniformed traffic officers in the Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency (EKSTMA)
• Promotion of 1,700 staff in the Primary Health Care
• Disbursement of N228.3M as car loan to 682 public servants (Oct 2022-July 2023)
• Merit-based appointments of auditor general, statistician general, surveyor general and secretary, audit service commission for local government
• Implementation of financial benefit of the year 2019 promotion exercise
• Appointment of 102 junior officers across MDAs
• Recruitment of people with disability (PWDs) and sign language interpreters into the state civil service
• Payment of N435,000,000.00 as gratuity to state & LG beneficiaries. (Oct 2022-July 2023)
• Commencement of free mass transit scheme for public servants and public secondary school students
• Procurement of 30 units of Toyota Yaris car for 28 permanent secretaries and 2 auditors-general in the Ekiti State Civil Service
• Renovation of the Deputy Governor’s Office

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

• Upgrading of the Data Centre at the Bureau of Statistics
• Capacity building through training and development programmes for six hundred and twenty seven (627) personnel in the local government service
• Sponsorship of representatives of organised labour to attend the 2023 session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Switzerland
• Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) training for local government chairmen and other top government officials at local government level
• Capacity building/training of 381 staff in the local government
• Training and establishment of 30 people with disabilities (PWDs)
• Establishment of Government Café

LAWS

• Ekiti State Roads Fund Law
• Ekiti Rural Access Roads Authority Law
• Ekiti State Wealth Fund Law, 2023
• Ekiti State Local Government Staff Loans Board Law, 2023
• Ekiti State Fire Service Department Law, 2023
• Ekiti State Local Government Administration Law 2023
• Presentation of the Ekiti StartUp Bill and Ekiti Watershed Bill to the Ekiti State House of Assembly for assent

SECURITY

• Repairs of operational pick-up vehicles and firefighting engines at Omuo and Ikole Ekiti
• Approval for the renovation of Ekiti State Fire Service HQ, Ado-Ekiti
• Purchase of armoured personnel carriers (APC), patrol trucks, security equipment that include; bullet proof vests, ballistic helmets, tactical boots, and motorola radios
• Completed Emergency Command Centre (ECC) to provide a central point for incident reporting
• Increment of security votes of chairmen of local government councils to improve security in the local areas
• Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) shows Ekiti State as safest state in Nigeria, 2022
• Refurbishment of six fire fighting vehicles

FIRST QUARTER BUDGET PERFORMANCE

• 34% performance of overall revenue
• 26% performance of Federal revenue collected
• 32% of Internally generated revenue
• 55% performance of capital development grants.
• 25% performance of total expenditure
• 33% performance of recurrent expenditure
• 22% performance of personnel cost
• 17% performance of capital expenditure.

SECOND QUARTER BUDGET PERFORMANCE

• 2% performance on the Internally generated revenue (IGR)
• 5% performance on the capital expenditure
• Overall revenue performance stands at 56.6%
• Overall expenditure performance stands 44.5%

 PILLAR 2: INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRIALIZATION

POWER INFRASTRUCTURE

• Construction of a 3.75MW Independent Power Plant (IPP)
• Rehabilitation and connection of Erijiyan, Ikogosi and Ikogosi Resorts back to the National Grid to enhance the State tourism corridor
• Rehabilitation and connection of Ipole Iloro-Ekiti back to the National Grid
• Rehabilitation and reconnection of Ijan, Ilumoba, Aisegba, Agbado, Imesi, Ode, Isinbode, Egbe, Iro-Ayeteju and Omuo in Ayekire and Ekiti East LGAs and their LCDAs back to the National Grid
• Extension of 33KV network from 132KV Omisanjana transmission substation to Baptist High School and connection of Ilawe 33KV line with Erijiyan-Ekiti
• Installation of 500kVA 33/0.415 relief transformer at Ikogosi
• Extension of electricity from Eruku, Kwara State to agricultural zone in Iyemero and installation of transformers
• Extension of electricity from Omuo-Ekiti to Eda-Ile, Ikun Oba, Araromi and Ilasa Ekiti
• Extension of 11kV Independent Power Plant (IPP) network to NTA streetlight sub station
• Ongoing connection of the agricultural processing zone (APZ) in Ikole to the National Grid
• Ongoing replacement of conventional streetlight lamps with solar lamps as part of the State’s renewable energy roadmap
• Draft of Ekiti State Electric Power Sector Bill, 2023
• Purchase of outdoor switch module to migrate to 33kv power line, Ilokun, Ado Ekiti.

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

• Construction of 2m by 2m by 10.3m double cell box culvert in Efon Alaaye
• Reconstruction (excavation and casting) of Igbara Odo- Ikogosi Lined drain road project.
• Rehabilitation of Agric Olope-Moferere/ Agric Olope-Odo Ado Road (17.52% Completion)
• Rehabilitation & construction of box culvert, repair of failed portions and other auxiliary works on Igede-Ilawe Road
• Rehabilitation of Ado-Iworoko Road (23% completion)
• Additional works on the construction of major concrete works on Ado-Ilawe-Igbaraodo-Ibuji Road
• Rehabilitation of Igbara Odo-Ikogosi Road (25% completion)
• Rehabilitation of Ilawe-Erijiyan Road (64.58% completion)
• Reconstruction of Ikere-Ilawe Road (8.9% completion)
• Rehabilitation of Ado township roads (97.55% completion)
• Rehabilitation of Ado-Ilawe Road (20% completion)
• Construction of G.R.A 3rd Extension Road, behind NTA, Ado-Ekiti
• Construction of Atlas (Ajebamidele)- Deeper Life-Alasia-Shepherd-Omisanjana Road, Ado-Ekiti
• Reconstruction of failed culvert and other auxiliary works in Efon Alaaye (58.6% completion)
• Completion of the Bus Terminal in Ado-Ekiti
• Extraction of roads within Ekiti State at geospatial data centre, using GIS software
• 90% completion of the construction of passengers’ terminal at the Ekiti State Agro-Cargo Airport
• Completion of dredging activities between Ado and Ikere with 7,949 metres dredged in Ikere Road, Omisanjana, Ureje community and Poly Road to Emirin and Ekiti South-West LGA

PILLAR 3: ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM

• Completion of the chamber for Traditional Rulers’ Council at Ado-Ekiti.
• Concession of Ikogosi Warm Springs to Glocient Hospitality.
• Ekiti State Contingent adjudged overall 3rd Best in all competitions at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), Lagos, 2022
• Ekiti State Contingent awarded the Best Performing International Troupe at the 36th edition of Surajkund International Craft MELA, India, 2023
• Payment of all outstanding arrears of allowances to all monarchs
• Provision of vehicles to the office of the State Council of Traditional Chairman

 PILLAR 4: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION

MSMEs

• Disbursement of N24,583,466.18 conditional credit/matching grants
• Disbursement of N28,800,000 operational support grants
• Disbursement N13,100,000 conditional grants to support IT-enhancement
• Empowerment of digital innovators with £6,000 in partnership with iUK KTN
• Disbursement of N46,123,273.00 as 50% payment to Eyitayo Housing Estate contractors

INVESTMENT

• Completion of Ekiti State Civic Centre renovation, and subsequent handover of the ground floor to anchor tenants, Jara/Shoprite
• Approval of N28M for Ire clay products limited recapitalization

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

• Creation of Ekiti State Sports Commission (upgrade of the Sports Council to a commission)
• Renovation of the blown off roof of Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti

EKITI KNOWLEDGE ZONE

• Approval of Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) as a free trade zone, expected to provide over 12,000 jobs to young Ekiti people

DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING

• Ekiti State in partnership with Tech4Dev and Meta launched Ekiti State Digital Academy (EDSA) to train 500 young Ekiti people across various technology tracks
• Launched the Innovation Grant Facility— World Bank initiative–innovation development and effectiveness in the acquisition of Skills (IDEAS)
• Ongoing construction of Ekiti Weaving Centre at the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre, Ado Ekiti 

PILLAR 5:

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION

• Payment of N1,950,000 to best performing 2016/2022 NECO students
• Processing of bursary and scholarship awards for indigenes in tertiary institutions from undergraduate to postgraduate levels for 2023/2024 session
• Payments of bursary awards to 167 Ekiti State indigenes in the Nigerian Law Schools
• Prompt payment of running grants to public primary and secondary school teachers
• Renovation of 2 blocks of 2 classrooms at Saint Phillips United Primary School, AUD Nur/Pry School
• Construction of examination hall at Ajinare Grammar School, Ido Ile
• Construction of examination hall at Epe Community Grammar School, Epe, Moba LG
• Construction of a block of two classrooms and drilling of a motorized borehole in Asa-Ilumoba, Aiyekiire LG
• Construction of a block of two classrooms and drilling of motorized borehole in Osun Ekiti, Moba LG
• Procurement of ICT equipment at CAC Grammar School, Efon Alaaye
• Construction of a block of two classrooms and drilling of motorized borehole in Emure, Emure LG
• Renovation of mini examination hall at Ayede Grammar School, Ayede, Oye LG
• Construction of a block of two classrooms in Omuo Ekiti
• Construction of ICT centre with procurement of ICT equipment in Ilafon, Oye LG
• Construction of a block of 3 classrooms at Saint James Nur/Pry School in Ipole-Iloro, Ekiti West LG
• Ongoing construction of model schools in Ikere and Ikole LGAs
• Payment of N6.2bn as subvention to tertiary institutions
• Payment of N400M to offset outstanding obligations to SUBcontractors
• Development of a database on human resources for enterprise projects in public secondary schools in the state
• Awards of excellence and cash gifts to five (5) schools under enterprise and agricultural ventures in the state
• Construction of e-library at Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti
• Construction of Ekiti State College of Agriculture and Technology, Isan-Ekiti
• Renovation of Army Command School at Isan Ekiti, Ekiti State
• Payment of WAEC fees for the 2022 and 2023 school certificate examination
• Projects awarded to technical colleges under the IDEAS project:

Government Technical College, Igbara-Odo Ekiti:

• Renovation of catering and hotel management craft workshop
• Renovation of computer craft workshop
• Provision of borehole, overhead tank and water reticulation
• Upgrading of library
• Renovation of project office
• Procurement of project vehicle

Government Technical College, ljero Ekiti:

• Renovation of electrical craft workshop
• Renovation of cosmetology craft workshop
• Renovation of IDEAS project office
• Provision of borehole, overhead tank and water reticulation

Government Technical College, Otun Ekiti:

• Renovation of agriculture mechanics craft
• Renovation of welding and fabrication craft
• Renovation of project office
• Provision of borehole, overhead tank and water reticulation
• Procurement of project vehicle
• Payment of N69,631,200.00, 3rd term 2021/2022 academic session running grants to public secondary schools
• Payment of N2,083,400 as school fees of fifteen (15) vulnerable girls
• Distribution of 3,510 laptops to secondary schools in Ekiti State under the AGILE project
• Recruitment of 1,300 primary school teachers and approval for 500 teachers for secondary schools
• Procurement of new buses and refurbishment of damaged buses for the three special schools in the state
• Donation of student mattresses and iron beds, renovation of structures, relief palliatives, cash donations to the three special schools in the state
• Purchase of UTME forms and payment for WAEC registration fee for the students with disabilities across the three special schools in the state

         SOCIAL INVESTMENT

• Payment of ₦200,000,000.00 to 3,500 beneficiaries under the Ekiti State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU)
• Enrollment of 1,326 beneficiaries into the Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPW) with N12,500 monthly stipends
• Distribution of N24,000,000.00 relief materials to the victims of the rainstorm disaster in Oke-Ako and Ijesa-Isu Ekiti
• Distribution of N50,000,000.00 relief materials to beneficiaries through the Federal Government Special National Economic Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) programme
• Regular payment of monthly subvention/feeding allowance of institutions under the Ministry:
  • Erelu Adebayo Children’s Home, Iyin- Ekiti
  • Children Correctional Centre, Ado- Ekiti
  • Family Court, Ado- Ekiti
  • Transit Home for Abused Women and Girls in Agric-Olope, Ado-Ekiti
  • Ekiti State Women Development Centre, Igede- Ekiti

        (f) Government Pupils in Children’s Home Nursery/Primary School, Iyin- Ekiti

• Training of Gender Based Violence (GBV) responders i.e. social workers, traditional rulers, medical practitioners and the Judiciary on case managements, treatment referrals and role of facilities

WATER & SANITATION

• Drilling of motorised boreholes at 2 different locations in Aaye-Igede, Irepodun/Ifelodun LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Ipole-Iloro, Ekiti West LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Are-Araromi, Ikere LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Saloro, Ijero LG
• Drilling of Motorized Borehole in Ajebamidele, Emure LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Ayede, Oye LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Ibalogun-Omu, Oye LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Ojorube-Ogotun, Ekiti South West
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Esun, Ikole LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Omuo, Ekiti East
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Adin/Iro, Ekiti SouthWest LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Ilafon, Oye LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Isapa-Iye, Ilejemeje LG
• Drilling of motorised boreholes in Kajola-Ise, Ise/Orun LG
• Drilling of motorised borehole in Ayagbe-Omuo, Ekiti East LG
• Purchase of Mobile water quality testing equipment
• Development of improvement action plans for the sustainable urban and rural water, sanitation and hygiene (SURWASH) program
• Provision of 3 solar pumps and rehabilitation of 3 water borehole points of Fire Service at Ado, Ikere and Ikole Ekiti
• Construction of overhead tank and water reticulation in Aaye Health Clinic, Igede Ekiti
• Provision of Storex tanks for portable water supply at Algon Health Centre, Efon
• Dredging and desiltation activities of certain areas in Ekiti State:
• Orere river course, Oreremope community, behind Obasanjo Estate, Along Ikere, Ado Ekiti
  
• Olaoluwa-Omisanjana- Ureje-Olaoluwa- Alasia Community, Ado Ekiti
  
• Federal Polytechnic Road/Abuad culverts to Emirin intercept of Elemi
  
• Bashiri-Olohunda- Crowbiz/Aayemi/Balemo Onola
  
• Afao-Road-Oshodi-Ado Poly Bridge/Intercept, Ado Ekiti
  
• Omisanjana – Ile-Abiye–Egbewa, Sadiat Hotel Junction, Ado Ekiti
  
• Egbewa Junction – Baptist Secondary School, Ado Ekiti
  
• Aso Rock relaxation, Tosin Aluko Garage, Omolayo Standard Press, Ado Ekiti
  
• Bisi Egbeyemi/Tope Alabi Road, Ado Ekiti
  
• Police Station, New Iyin road–Secretariat Junction and NTA road, House of Assembly Junction, Ado Ekiti
• Ekiti State awarded the best state in Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme
• Registration of rigs, licensing of borehole drillers and monitoring of borehole drilling activities for the purpose of data gathering by the Ekiti State Water and Sanitation Regulatory Agency (EK-WASRA)

HEALTHCARE

• Installations of medical equipment in secondary health facilities across the state
• The conduct of DHIS2 and health facility registry/data system to improve data systems in the state
• The introduction of E-Renewal of registered nurses’ licences
• Flag-off of IMPACT Project in Ekiti State and distribution of N4.6M to 177 PHCs across the state
• Free Provision of family planning commodities to government-owned facilities (service delivery points) across the state
• Provision of laptops to 16 DSNOs in the 16 LGAs in the state
• Training of laboratory focal persons from 5 LGAs of the state
• Training on the implementation of the NCD program
• Capacity building of all surveillance focal persons on active case search and other disease surveillance activities
• Disbursement of N100,000 per PHCs under the basic health care provision fund (BHCPF)
• Scale up of ‘Ulerawa’ Health Insurance Intervention from 5 LGAS to 10 LGAs in the state with a total of 50,000 beneficiaries
• Screening for cervical cancer in 10 selected facilities across the state with the support of World Health Organisation (WHO) and Clinton Health Access Initiative
• 17 Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) established and functional across the state (1 per LGA) to discover and respond to health events
• Establishment of cholera reference laboratories at EKSUTH and SSH, Ikole
• Renovation of pharmacy and Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning & Performance Management laboratory section at Elegbewa Primary Health Centre in Ido Ile
• Renovation of Medical Staff Quarters in Aaye-Igede, Irepodun/Ifelodun LG
• Construction of the basic health centre in Isapa-Iye, Ilejemeje LG
• Construction of Health Workers Quarters and drilling of motorized boreholes in Kajola-Ise, Ise/Orun LG
• Renovation and extension of Ayagbe Primary Health Centre to accommodate male and female wards in Ayagbe-Omuo, Ekiti East LG
• Procurement of medical/health equipment in Epe, Moba LG
• Renovation of Are/Araromi Primary Health Centre in Are-Araromi, Ikere LG
• Renovation of the Primary Health Centre in Saloro, Ijero LG
• Construction of a science laboratory in Ajebamidele, Emure LG
• Procurement of medical/health equipment in Ibalogun-Omu, Oye LG
• Construction of pharmacy section at Ogotun Basic Health Centre in Ojorube-Ogotun, Ekiti South West
• Construction of a science laboratory in Esun, Ikole LG
• Construction of a Primary Health Centre in Adin/Iro, Ekiti SouthWest LG
• Construction of a science laboratory and procurement of medical/health equipment in Iro-Ayeteju, Aiyekiire LG
• Renovation of House Officers’ Quarters at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti
• Payment of hazard allowance to doctors and clinical health workers in the state’ ministry of health and hospitals management board
• Implementation of salary parity for clinical staff of the hospitals' management board
• Construction of neo-natal intensive care unit at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti
• Repairs of 6 rescue and ambulance vehicles
• Construction of a two-room bungalow and reroofing of Aroto Health Clinic, Aroto
• Renovation of the Primary Health Care building, Oke-Emure
• Renovation of the Basic Health Centre, Ode II, Aiyekire
• Renovation of the Basic Health Centre, Aramoko
• Renovation of the basic Health Centre, Erifun, Ado Ekiti
• Reroofing of the Iro Health Clinic, Iro Ekiti, Moba LG
• Reroofing of the Health Clinic, Ikosu Ekiti, Moba LG
• Construction of a two bedroom bungalow at the Ikun Health clinic, Ikun Ekiti, Moba LG
• Construction of perimeter fencing of the basic Health centre, Iworo, Omuo Ekiti
• Installation of CT scan machine and dehumidifier in ICU building in EKSUTH, Ado Ekiti
• Renovation of 12 secondary Health Facilities across the state
• Completion of a pilot study by SignalADoc, a private company that leverages on artificial intelligence (AI) to improve health outcomes (January to March, 2023)
• The State was adjudged best performing state in the quarterly National Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) review meeting, December, 2022
• Ongoing construction of drainage and road along Doctor’s Quarters in EKSUTH, Ado Ekiti
• Equipping of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in EKSUTH, Ado Ekiti
• Ongoing supply and installation of an oxygen plant in EKSUTH, Ado Ekiti
• Approval for public private partnership (PPP) on construction of students’ & interns' hostel in EKSUTH, Ado Ekiti
• Ongoing upgrade of two warehouses in EKSUTH, Ado Ekiti

PILLAR 6: AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

• Rehabilitation of 43.4 km farm roads across 6 LGAs
• Wet markets upgraded across 7 LGAs
• Ongoing construction of 8.4km Enu Odi Junction-Itaeku-Igirigiri Road
• Ongoing construction of 5.70km Omisanjana-Ben Folarin-Oke Aso Road
• Ongoing construction of 7.21km Ikogosi-Aba Osun-Aba Oriokuta-Ikogosi Road
• Ongoing construction of 8.765km Oye - Are Road
• Ongoing construction of 1.93km Afolu - Odofin Road
• Ongoing construction of 6.68km Erinmope – Irare – Ikosun Road
• Ongoing construction of 3.10km Ilupeju – Igbo Egan I – Ayede Road
• Ongoing construction of 4.60km Igbole – Egan - Iropora Road
• Ongoing construction of 5.305km Ise Road - Imola Road
• Ongoing construction of 2.85km Owode – Anaye Road
• Ongoing construction of 3.4km FMS – Oke Ako Road
• Ongoing construction of 2.05km Ara-Ekameta School Road
• Ongoing construction of 5.10km Iye-Isapa-Olopomeji-Ikun Road

AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY

• Establishment of 2 hectares model polyclonal cashew farm/scion garden
• Sales of 12,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings at 50% subsidy to farmers
• Sales of 5,000 polyclonal cashew seedlings at 50% subsidy to farmers
• 25% subsidy on tractorization to farmers
• Enumeration of non exhaustive crops on 250 hectares of land
• Overhauling of the poultry pens at Livestock Development Centre (LDC)
• Construction of drainage system at the poultry site at Erifun
• Renovation of the existing borehole for steady supply of water at Erifun
• Payment of N20M counterpart fund for Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES)
• 50% subsidy on seeds for farmers (10kg/ farmer for rice, maize and cassava)
• Fumigation of poultry market against Avian Influenza
• Cassava cutting, maize seed and other farm inputs distributed to 6,202 beneficiaries
• 1,566 farmers supported with both production assets and small scale processing equipment
• Partnership with R-CONNECT, an agribusiness NGO on new farming techniques in 5 pilot schools
• Procurement of new uniforms for agricultural produce staff, four digital counter scales, one aqua-boy moisture metre and 20 scoops for grading grains
• Procurement of agricultural produce security clips
• Procurement of refrigerated van to the Butchers’ Association
• Procurement of agricultural inputs and farm assets to 500+ beneficiaries worth 40M under EK-CARES, under the state FADAMA project
• Partnered with SWAGCO and National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to distribute selected agricultural inputs to farmers
• Payment of compensation of 50% second tranche valued at N21,080,440 to the Ikun Dairy farms landowners
• Payment of N10M compensation in respect of Agbeyewa farmland at Ipao Ekiti
• Distribution of anti-rabies vaccination and disease surveillance input across the 16 LGAs
• Empowerment of 1,631 youths and 80 people living with disability (PLWD) with various farm inputs and assets
• Empowerment of 37 youths in broilers production with successful raising and sales of 9,000 broilers in the first cycle
• Distribution of cheques to farmers in cooperatives
• Establishment of 6 hectares of oil palm plantation (filling of missing stand) in Orin Ekiti

In addition to the above and quite important is the fact Governor Oyebanji has redefined governance with regular engagement with the citizens in both structured and unstructured manners.
He makes himself available to the people and mingle with them regularly, attends his political party meetings, visits schools and hospitals unannounced, personally supervises projects and has deliberately reduced cost of governance- no frivolous seminar or workshop for top officials. Till date he has not bought official cars for himself he uses the official cars inherited from the previous administration. He has not even changed the furniture in the Governor’s office or the Governor’s lodge. He believes those are not the immediate priority. Instead he puts such money to other more pressing needs for infrastructure upgrade, checking erosion, rehabilitation of schools and hospitals and completing ongoing projects and flagging of new ones as and when due.
He doesn’t believe project commissioning should be the hallmark of milestone celebration. His focus is to conceive and execute projects that have direct impact on the lives of the citizens and complete them. Commissioning can be done at anytime they are completed. He demonstrated this by commissioning the traditional council chamber and Bus Terminal in August and September. He says if another project is ready by Movemenr os December he will commission. He refused to commission the State IPP project that is 95 percent competed because he feels the project can be commissions when it is finally ready be it one or two kings later. I want it commissioned and working immediately” he says.

He also got the communities and local government leadership involved in the appointment of commisisoner and special advisers so that they can be responsible to the people. We are all servants of the people and no public servant should see himself as superior to the people.

He mixes with predecessors in office regardless of political party they belong. He also extends hands of fellowship to co contestants both within the party and outside the party.