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Ajimobi committed to Agriculture, Grassroots development.
OYO state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Tuesday assured that his administration is committed to further deepen the dividends of democracy to the people, adding that the government has established a committee to look into genuine complaints from the LCDAs creation.
The governor, who disclosed this at the town hall meeting held for the people of Oyo and Ogbomoso zones in Oyo Town on, also stated that the government would revoke the ownership of any unused fertile land for agriculture, and that the government would distribute the 210 hectares at Rural Community Development Centre (RCDC), Awe, Oyo Town, to farmers to boost food production in the state.
The town hall which was the third in the series of recently resuscitated stakeholders’ engagement between the government and the citizens to discuss and jointly find solutions to critical issues affecting the state had in attendance traditional rulers, community, religious and party leaders, cultural and ethnic groups, religious bodies, youths and faith based organisations, students from Secondary Schools and higher institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations, Labour leaders, politicians among others.
Governor Ajimobi alsi reiterated that there was no going back on the conduct of local government elections in the state in February 2017, noting that the government has started considering petitions received on the newly created LCDAs with a view to make necessary adjustments.
He said, “we realized that we need to further deepen the dividends of our government and that is why we created the LCDAs. If we started from the scratch, it will take time. We know the creation is not perfect but we are ready to make necessary adjustments. We are being guided by the principles of fairness to all, we are going to follow the federal government approved map for the state and we will follow the constitution of the land in redressing the grievances from the LCDAs creation”.
Ajimobi further explained that the drop in oil revenue has turned everybody to the abandoned agriculture, stressing that his administration is constructing automated silos of international standard in Atiba to boost food storage in order to improve food security.
Continuing, the governor warned that the government would take over unused fertile farming land for use, maintaining that the state would leverage on its position as the largest producer of cassava to boost its internally generated revenue through agriculture and ensure that there is enough food for the people of the state.
“Oyo state is the largest producer of cassava in the country. We have many unused fertile land for farming. I want to appeal to our people to release these lands for those that need it for farming to boost agricultural produce in the state. We are ready to revoke any unused lands and give it to farmers for use. We are ready to also share the 210 hectares of land at RCDC Awe, Oyo Town for the use of our farmers,” the governor said.
He appealed to the entire citizens of the state to collaborate and support government’s plans and policies for reviving education in the state and consequently reiterated his assurance that the crisis in the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) would be resolved by month end and the school will be reopened.
Ajimobi appreciated the market men and women for their expression of interest to support the renewed Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) drive of the state, pledging that his administration would continue with its unprecedented infrastructural effort to open the state for more industrialization.
The governor promised that Atiba FM, a fully digital radio station based in Atiba, and the Silo for food storage would be ready for commission this year.
In their separate reactions, the traditional rulers present at the town hall through their representative, Oba Oparinde Stephen Femi, the Akibio of Ilora and the retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu commended Governor Ajimobi for his efforts at transforming the state and his resolve to return education in the state to the path of glory.
In his remarks, Archbishop Ladigbolu said that the people of Oyo Town appreciated the governor’s gesture for citing the silo and Atiba fm in Oyo and for the ongoing dualization of the road in the town.
“We thank the governor for his achievements so far in the state, the people of Oyo Town appreciate him for the road dualization, the Silo and Atiba Fm. No governor has dualised roads in Oyo town before, Ajimobi stands out and we say thank you to him on behalf of the Alaafin of Oyo and the people of Oyo and Ogbomoso zones of the state,” he noted.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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