DAILY DIGEST

By Bisade Ojoye

The outgoing Governor of Ekiti State and immediate past Chairman of Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has delivered the State of the State address to give an account of his stewardship.

The special occasion which was the fourth and final anniversary of his second term as Governor of Ekiti State was heard at the glare of a number of sons and daughters of the state.

The Governor’s statement read:

The fourth year of this administration has been devoted to “Finishing well” and bowing out gracefully. Whatever has a beginning must surely have an end. Therefore, from October 16, 2018, I was conscious of the limited time at my disposal to serve Ekiti State for the second and the last time.

This accounted for how we hit the ground running from day one, leaving no stone unturned with a purposeful and impact fuel agenda. In retrospect, considering the realities of the period, I am glad to report back to you that we have finished the race well with legacy policies, programs, and projects.

You can access my feedback here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZxkVZIYb_TjqrUNw9Q_E2ZtNJQeZpakj/view?usp=drivesdk. I provided details of how we remained focused on the mission of restoring the values and dignity of our people, tackling infrastructure decay, developing the economy, and fulfilling our promises along the lines of our 5-point developmental agenda.

The journey we started on October 16, 2018, will end in the next few days. We made the best of the mandate given to us by Ekiti people and evidence abound that a great future awaits us as a people and State.

Keeping Ekiti working is our collective responsibility. We already have a strong start with the victory of our Governor-elect at the poll. His victory is significant not only for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but for Ekiti- Kete. This is the first time a political party will be succeeding itself in our dear State.

Luckily, our Governor-elect, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, was an integral part of all the developmental feats recorded by this administration. What this holds for us as a State is that the path to enduring socioeconomic and political progress already mapped out by this administration will be followed through with renewed vigor and dedication.

Ekiti-Kete, I thank you all for your love, prayers, support, and trust, as well as your constructive criticism, and suggestions. We were able to achieve this much because you stand with and believe in us. I sincerely cannot thank you enough.

I want to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of all my predecessors, the deputy governor, H.E Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the Speaker and members of the 6th Assembly, the State Executive Council and political appointees, the Judiciary, our royal fathers and the Ekiti State Civil Service. Thank you all.

Finally, let me openly acknowledge and appreciate my wife and partner in service, the outgoing First Lady of Ekiti State, H.E Erelu Bisi Fayemi for her invaluable contributions and support.

At each bend, when the road was tough and there was the compelling need to trudge through the fog, you were always there to urge me on, you cleared the fog and prayed me through the muddling road. Alone on the road, I would have been weary, buckling under the sheer weight of the adventure.

But your presence along the way provided the needed impetus to stay true to the pact made with Ekiti people. Thank you for using such wisdom, substance, and grace to redefine the role of First Ladies. ‘Labisi, you made the journey effortlessly worthwhile, I just cannot thank you enough.

By Bisade Ojoye

Wema Bank Plc, has emerged the best performing bank in the first half of year 2022 financial year with a weighted average score of of 2.83 points, beating 12 other bank’s.

According to a special report on the Nigerian banking performance in the first half of 2022 prepared by Nairametrics, Wema Bank ranked first in one category, second in three categories and third in one category. Stanbic IBTC and First Bank came second and third respectively..

The key metrics considered in the report are total asset growth, loan book growth, profit growth, cost-to-income ratio movement, and return on average equity.

The 13’reviewed banks which are listed on the Nigerian Exchange posted a net profit of N1 trillion in 2021 from N887.1 billion recorded in 2020.

The 13 reviewed banks were: Wema Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, FCMB, GTB, Jaiz Bank, Access Bank, and Stanbic/IBTC. Others are UBA, Sterling Bank, Unity Bank, Union Bank, Zenith Bank, and Fidelity Bank.

During the first six months of 2022, the 13 banks posted an aggregate of N501.1 billion as profit after tax, representing an increase of 13.1% compared to N443.17 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2021

The banks grew their bottom line despite headwinds ravaging the global economy as the energy crisis triggered a significant surge in the operational costs of businesses operating in the country, while some banks were forced to ration their operating hours in a bid to manage the rise in the cost of operation.

Wema Bank came first in the category of
Leading bank’s by customer deposits growth . The bank recorded ±30.2 percent customer deposit growth during the review period, followed by Fidelity Bank and Access Bank with +13.1 percent and +12.8 percent respectively.

Wema Bank came second in three other categories – total assets growth rate (+13%), loan book growth rate (+19.9%) and profit after tax growth rate {+47.8%}.

Stanbic IBTC , the second place winner, ranked first in total asset growth rate and leading bank’s by cost to income ratio growth rate

By Sultan Adediran

Federal Government has declared Monday, October 10, 2022 as Public Holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlud Celebration in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made this declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Muslims, both at home and in the Diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion.

He admonished all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance and perseverance which are deep spiritual virtues and which the Holy Prophet Muhammad exemplified, adding that doing so would guarantee peace, security and harmony in the country.

Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoins Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to refrain from violence, lawlessness and other acts of criminality. “As the indisputable leader of our race, we must demonstrate responsible leadership in Africa”, the Minister stated.

While calling for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country, the Minister urged all Nigerians, the youth in particular to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity, and join hands with the President Muhammadu Buhari led-Administration in its effort to build a progressive and enviable nation that all citizens would be proud of.

The Minister urged Nigerians to be security conscious, asking them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agents and through the N-Alert application on Android and IOS, saying “when you see something do N-Alert, as this would elicit prompt response from security agents”.

The Minister wished all Muslims a happy celebration and Nigerians a happy holiday.

Bisade Ojoye

The Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas, Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, and other traditional rulers in the Remo Division of Ogun State have endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun for a second term in office.

The monarchs who announced their endorsement at the Akarigbo Palace in Sagamu, said the decision to support Governor Abiodun for another term of four years was not only for the benefit of Remoland alone, but for the entire state, declaring that his first term has brought development to all sections of Ogun state.

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, while hosting the traditional rulers, said Ogun had witnessed positive monumental leap in less than four years in the area of infrastructure and human development.

He opined the history of Ogun State had placed Prince Dapo Abiodun as one of the best the state had had in terms of fairness, justice and equity as he had spread developmental projects to all parts of this state. “We will bank and invest in him for another term because we have seen the dividends”, he stressed.

Oba Ajayi, however, enjoined the governor to be interested in who would succeed him in 2027 as succession was very important for the overall development of the state.

Also speaking, the Odofin of Soyindo, Oba Lasisi Ginsanrin while pledging the support of the Remo Traditional Council to the governor said, “we have jointly endorsed you, when you look right, you will see us, when you look left, you will see us. And hen you turn 360 degrees, we will there for you”.

In his remarks, the Onirolu of Iloru, Oba Sikirulai Adeyiga, applauded the governor for doing a good job in his first term, expressing the hope that if given the opportunity to serve for another term he would do better, assuring the governor that traditional rulers and the people of Remoland were solidly behind his second term bid.

Responding on behalf of the governor, his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, thanked the traditional rulers for the confidence reposed in the governor by unanimously endorsing him for another term.

She noted that the royal endorsement was an indication that the people of Remoland and the state have reaped bountifully from Abiodun-led administration and are ready to invest in him again.

By Olamide Yinusa

The Chairman Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Alhaji Babatunde Emilola-Gazal has pledged to rehabilitate more primary schools across the area to enhance conducive teaching and learning environment.

Emilola-Gazal made this known at the commissioning of six blocks of classrooms and two offices at Christ Anglican Primary School, Porogun, Ijebu-Ode, saying his administration was committed to the renovation of schools to make them meet up to standard.

The Chairman said the school was built in 1940 and the council deemed it necessary to give it a facelift by changing the roofs and rehabilitating some classrooms, assuring that more schools would be turnaround, while work would commence at Oyingbo Health Centre and Itoro Hall soon.

Earlier in his remark, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the council boss for facilitating the project with a promise to supply furniture to the school.

Contributing, his counterpart in Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat expressed appreciation to the Chairman for the renovation of the school, saying the project would have a positive impact on the performances of the pupils.

Responding, the Headteacher of the school, Mrs. Olufunke Aina lauded the State government and the Local Government Chairman for their efforts towards improving the standard of primary education in the area and the State in general.

By Nkem Azubuike

Igbos in Lagos State have resolved to declare their support for the candidature of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, as well as the incumbent Governor of the state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Hamzat

Our impeccable source said they have met at their different locations and settlements in the state and agreed on the candidacy of the duo of Tinubu and Shettima who they described as stoic and considerate politicians with a vision and drive to develop the Nigerian nation and also described the incumbent Governor of the state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a proactive and developmentally oriented person before they eventually converged at a special ground to formally make their position known to the general public.

According to our source, the Igbos in Lagos said Lagos had prospered them in terms of their thriving businesses, adding that they have built good homes and living peacefully with their families amongst other people and have found a home in the state.

“In spite of the fact that we migrated from the east to the state, Lagos has become home to many of us and our children. This is where we have our investments, make our money, live with our families”, many of the chorused ecstatically.

We also gathered their latest convergence was held at the blue roof hall, within the premises of Lagos Television, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos with all the top echelon of Igbos’ affairs, from Ezes, head of different markets, age grades in attendance.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

As part of activities marking the 2022 World Teachers Day, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has rewarded teachers, school administrators and schools that have excelled in academics with houses and cash gifts.

The Governor also offered employment to the wife of late Sunday Ogunjimi, a teacher in Odeda Local Government Area who slumped and died while attending a welfare meeting involving members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state in July .

Tajudeen Odufeso, a teacher from Isara Secondary School, Isara- Remo, was given a two bedroom bungalow as the Best Teacher in Public Senior Secondary Schools while Adelana Owolabi and Orebanjo Olusesan from Ijebu Muslim College (Junior) and Early Education Centre, Ijebu-Igbo, got N2m and N1.5M for emerging Best Teachers in Public Junior Secondary Schools and Public Primary Schools, respectively.

Fagbamila Okeneye from Omo Edumare Model Nursery and Primary School, Ago-Iwoye, carted home the sum of N1m as the Best Administrator in the Public Primary Schools category.

In the school category, Remo Divisional High School (Senior), Sagamu and St. Michael’s African Church School 1, Ota, won Best Public Secondary School (Senior) and Best Public Primary School, respectively.

Speaking at the event with the theme, “The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers”, held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, Governor Abiodun described teachers as career moulders, mentors and national builders who sacrifice their all to produce diverse professionals for the nation.

He said “No doubt, these peculiar people deserve to be celebrated. In fact, we should celebrate them every day and not just for one day that the global body has set aside like today. Let me on behalf of all of us – the government and the entire people of Ogun State – join all men and women of goodwill all over the world to thank very heartily and congratulate very warmly our teachers on the celebration of yet another Teachers’ Day.

“Education is the bedrock of any meaningful socio-political and economic development. As a foundation for scientific, technological enrichment and the advancement of any society, no Nation can become great without the positive contributions of her teachers. The future of any Nation is usually determined by the quality of its education system and how it treats teachers.

“Ogun State is the Education capital of Nigeria. We could not have achieved this status without the contributions of our teachers. We are the Education Capital of Nigeria today mainly because our teachers are simply the best you can find around this country”.

He attributed the commitment of the teaching professionals to the ability of students in Ogun to win numerous awards at different education competitions both national and international.

The disclosed that more parents are now showing renewed faith in the public schools by enrolling their children into them unlike in the past, adding that his administration was in the process of supplying 25,000 furniture to all public primary and secondary schools, renovating over 956 classrooms in primary and secondary schools, while approval has been given for the commencement of Ogun Digitalized Multimedia Lesson Plan, where the teachers would be equipped with the wherewithal resources for effective delivery.

While appreciating the teachers for their dedication to duties and being at the forefront of achieving his administration’s agenda in the education sector, Abiodun charged them to be more innovative and embrace modern teaching methods, assuring that their welfare would not be jettisoned.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, in his welcome address said the theme of this year’s celebration was in tandem with the incumbent administration’s agenda to reposition the education sector for effectiveness and efficiency, adding that the state government was glad to identify with teachers in celebrating their day.

On his part, the State Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) Akeem Lasisi commended the state government for abolishing all forms of levies in the public schools and urged government to be ready to spend more money on education, while allowance for teachers serving in the rural areas should be increased.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Abiodun Akinola, on his part noted that the occasion was a good opportunity to draw government and other stakeholders’ attention to the issues affecting the welfare and well-being of the teachers.

Akinola who lauded the state government’s efforts at training and retraining teachers, recruitment of more teachers, however, urged the government to address the disparity in salaries between primary and secondary schools teachers, while efforts should be made by stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious bodies, among others to address the issue of out-of-school children.

The NUT also used the occasion to give an award of ‘Standout Performance’ to Governor Abiodun, while the Governor presented a brand new bus to the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter.

By Our Reporter

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland is beyond comparison and even better than the statistics suggest.

Haaland has made a stunning start at the English champions, scoring 17 goals in just 11 appearances since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.

The Norwegian’s hat-trick against Manchester United on Sunday was remarkably his third in successive home English Premier League (EPL) games.

The 22-year-old is averaging a goal every 54 minutes, has had 42 shots and has also laid on three assists, two of which came in the 6-3 derby demolition of Manchester United.

On Wednesday, he will hope to add further to his record of 26 career UEFA Champions League goals from 21 matches as Manchester City host FC Copenhagen. Guardiola said on Tuesday: “At his age no one can compete with him.

“The numbers speak for themselves and inside, in the locker room, and on the pitch we see things that are not in the stats that make us feel happy to have him here.”

Haaland was not the only Manchester City player to shine on Sunday with midfielder Phil Foden, also 22, claiming a hat-trick.

In spite of the high standards being set, Guardiola believes there is more to come from both of them.

The Spaniard said: “Phil is an exceptional player. He grew up a lot and is already many years with us.

“He’s reliable in terms of his physical condition and he’s so intense and clever in everything. He is able to play every three days.

“But both know they can do better and hopefully they can do it.”

One player yet to sparkle this term is Riyad Mahrez, who was one of the stars of last season’s title win and their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The Algeria international has started just four times and has not scored.

Guardiola said: “I know perfectly Riyad, how important (he is).

“We need him to come back to his best —- his best in terms of personality, ability, quality, his love for this game and how he enjoys playing.

“Step by step he will come back. Now he’s not playing much, but he has to come back in better physical condition and then the rest will come along.

“As a player I cannot teach him anything, he’s too good.”

Manchester City already have a three-point lead in Group G after winning their opening two matches against Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund.

They will now hope to take a firm stride to the last 16 in their back-to-back matches against the Danish champions.

Guardiola wants to put the elation of the weekend aside to focus on the next task.

He said: “You have to pay attention. A mistake and now you don’t have time to recover. We know how important our home games are.

“I spent last night and this morning watching FC Copenhagen. They are really good, well organised and you have to be careful.

“You have to come back to reality and put our effort in to win an important game. If we are able to make nine points from three games we’d be so close to the next stage.”

Right-back Kyle Walker looks set to miss out after being forced off against Manchester United while midfielder Rodri’s calf problem will be assessed.

By Bisade Ojoye

Otunba Gbenga Daniel has asked invited guests, party loyalists and the general public to ignore the rumour making the rounds that his Mega Rally has been postponed.

The event is ongoing as our team has been at the venue of the event at the Akarigbo palace, Ita Oba, and when we visited his country home, Asoludero few minutes ago, the former Governor was busy currently receiving party bigwigs, well-wishers had come from far and near to grace the occasion.

By Bisade Ojoye

As Nigeria marks 62 years of her independence from the British, the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians not to despair and not be discouraged by the current socio-economic challenges facing the country, but be hopeful of a better tomorrow.

Abiodun said that Nigeria, like some other nations in the world is facing an economic downturn and bugged down by insecurity, but with resilience and determination, the country would soon surmount the challenges.

The governor saluted Nigerians for their perseverance and called for their support as well as cooperation with the government at all levels, especially at this critical period in the country’s polity.

He noted that for Nigeria to survive, the civil war and various military incursions, and still stand as one entity, indicated how unique the country has been.

Abiodun further urged Nigerians to draw their strength from the oneness of the country, trudge on and be optimistic of light at the end of a dark tunnel.

The governor, however, appealed to the citizens to pray and give optimum support to the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government in its bid to take the country to the next level of economic development, security and stability.

He noted that no country has grown and developed without the sacrifices of founding fathers and the citizens, expressing optimism that Nigeria, with all the hands on the deck, would get to the Promised Land.

While maintaining that Nigerians must not give up on the country, the governor charged the citizens to always demonstrate patriotism and work for unity, peace and progress in Nigeria.

In Ogun State, Abiodun, reassured that his administration would continue to put in place, policies that would engender socio-economic development of the state, which in turn would ensure a prosperous ambience for the people.

He added that as a just and fair administration, developmental projects would continue to be executed equitably among the three senatorial districts.

The governor emphasised that the welfare, security of lives and property of Ogun people would continue to be at the front burner of his administration, while intensifying efforts in creating a conducive ambience for investment to thrive in the state.

While congratulating Nigerians on the milestone of the 62nd Independence anniversary, Abiodun submitted that the country has every reason to celebrate our steady journey to greatness, since the lowering of the Union Jack on October 1st, 1960.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Comfort Light House Care Initiative, Nigeria and London, in collaboration with Special Education Collaborative Outreach (SECO) is organizing a 3- day social awareness and activity fair for parents, caregivers and the general public on the the wellbeing of the Differently-Able persons otherwise known as the physically challenged persons.

According to the founder of the organisation, Princess Tayo Awobajo the programme meant to encourage family- friendly relationships for mutual, physical and social awareness for the people of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole, started with zoom meeting on September 10, 2022.

This was followed by a physical conference held at Sagamu Town Hall on September 29, 2022 from 10AM–1PM while the social awareness and activity fair was held on September 30, 2020 from 10 AM – 2.00 Pm.

Princess Tayo Awobajo, who has been assiduously proactive on aged care and disabled persons’ activities for a span of years, both in the United Kingdom and Nigeria disclosed that the Founder of SECO, Mrs. Imuetinyan Okwueze, Dr. Stacy Brannon, and Mr. Jesse Short would grace the Grand Finale which would start on October 6, with Physical and Wellness Conference at Sagamu Town Hall, Makun from 10:00Am to 1:00 Pm.

She promised the Grand finale would stimulate, educate and sensitize added that the event has been specially packaged to feature fashion shows, cultural dances, arts & crafts, light musical performance and talent show with Dr. Adeleke as the compere.

Awobajo therefore enjoined interested members of the public to join them on the final day, 7th October, 2022 which she said would be like an icing on the cake. “Memories will be made, mind will be edified as humanity will take a centre stage”, Princess Awobajo stressed.

By Our Corresspondent

Notable leaders in the Niger Delta on Sunday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to accept the need for a new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

‘’The board is needed to assure the nine states interests in the region’s development process’’

The leaders in a statement in Port Harcourt urged the president not to dally with the Niger Delta problem.

‘’Fundamental to the forensic audit report is the question of implementation. The evidence so far is that the Federal Government is not rising to the occasion admirably’’

The statement signed by the Chairman of Niger Delta Front (NDF), Chief John Harry, suggested that if Buhari cared so much about developing the region and making the government wide-ranging, he should quickly constitute a new board for the commission.

‘’The Niger Delta people have suffered in silence from the hardship deriving from the advice of interim committee promoters’’

The leaders commended the Federal Government for the forensic audit, the advantage being that the people of the region has been galvanised into lending full support to President Buhari in his campaign to curtail corruption in the region’s development agency.

‘’Three issues likely to have negative effects on government plans for the region are the personnel audit, delay in constituting a new board and moves to put in place another interim committee to run the commission’’

They described the ploy to constitute another interim committee as impractical and unnecessary.

‘’It is a matter of sorrow and regret to see a man or woman betray his region and people. The proposed interim committee will not only make NDDC a weak but scrappy agency’’

Specifically, the leaders referred disdainfully to individuals and groups urging Buhari not to constitute the commission’s board.

‘’In order to avoid a repetition of our recent past experience whereby government engaged in all sorts of interim strategies, the commission’s board should be constituted’’

The leaders expressively proclaimed sympathy for the workers, describing the proposed personnel audit as a moment of total aberration.

‘’For purposes of implementing the personnel audit, the agenda will present enormous problems’’

The statement called for rapid departure from past concepts.

The leaders commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana for his largeness of vision.

They also applauded NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for playing his part creditably.

The statement underscored the people’s unexpected qualities of endurance, the fear of dismissal and Umana’s energy, knowledge and dedication to public service.

‘’We must act, and act quickly. We have to plan our way out from this mud hole and that must be done by the Commission’s board’’ the men and women of intellectual and financial abilities said.