EKIFEST’s tool for cultural re-armament, youth development – Alawe, Commission for Youths

Published

7 years ago

November 21, 2019

The Chairman Ekiti State Council for Traditional Rulers, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi has described the resuscitation of Ekiti State Festival for Arts and Culture, EKIFEST by Governor Kayode Fayemi as an act of saving this generation from the contempt of generation next, while the State Commissioner for Youths and Sport Development, Mr Michael Awopetu said that EKIFEST would be a platform for cultural re-armament and tool for socio-behavioural re-engineering of our youths

Oba Alabi and Commissioner Awopetu made these observations in a separate forum while hosting some members of EKIFEST 2019 Steering Committee led by Professor Rasaki Ojo – Bakare, Festival Consultant, which includes Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre , Director – General , Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Banji Adelusi , Director of Culture and Prince Caleb Osasona , Chairman, Network for Ekiti State Creative Artists, NECA, and others in their respective base .

Oba Alabi, a diplomat by career who had served Nigeria in Jamaica and the Caribbean before mounting the stool promised to support the Committee for a successful festival said that the desire to host EKIFEST by the state government is a genuine desire by the government to stoke the economics of the state via cultural – tourism initiative.

He pointed out that the cultural festival celebration is a multi-dollar revenue spinner which countries like Jamaica, The Gambia, India, Brazil, have explored to boost their economies and which Ekiti – State government must tap early and enhance spiritedly

Oba Alabi reaffirmed his commitment to the success of EKIFEST 2019 adding that obas in Ekiti would support the event with everything legally possible as “ apart from showcasing our heritage, it will also boost the economy of the state “

He applauded the efforts of the Director-General of the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre at branding the arts and culture sector in Ekiti – State.

Oba Alabi said that “the selection of Prof Ojo Bakare as the Festival Consultant is apt, prim, fit and appropriate. I remember that this Prof from Ekiti State was the one hired by the Federal Government of Nigeria to train Nigerians in Diaspora Jamaica on cultural etiquette and values when I was still in the diplomatic service in Jamaica .”

“I have complete confidence and trust that the duo of Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre and Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, who I have worked within Jamaica will package the best EKIFEST for the State “

Reinforcing Oba Alabi’s view, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Awopetu disclosed that EKIFEST 2019 would be used as a platform to forge cultural altruism among the youths

He revealed “Our youths are caught in the web of cultural confusion due to globalisation, religious indoctrination and colonial infiltrations. An event such as EKIFEST is a potent platform where cultural rejuvenation and revival can be endeared to our youth. It is on this note that my Ministry will not only support this festival but will go many miles at mobilizing the youths to actively participate in all the programmes “

King Femi Ariyo, one of the music icons in Ekiti who was surprised by the visit of the Committee members to his house in Ilawe said that “Governor Fayemi is a surprise. I am short of words but what I can tell you people is that Governor Fayemi is God sent, he is doing what nobody expects in the arts and culture sector. Imagine his Committee led by the first Professor of Dance in Africa and Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre and others counting me worthy of a visit. Look, EKIFEST is a success “

In summary, Prof Ojo Bakare craved for support for EKIFEST and revealed that EKIFEST 2019 is a cultural migration from dance, entertainment and fun to empowerment and economic development which all Ekiti must witness and participate

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Politics

‎Rep Oseni Gives Ibadan Motor Parts Dealers N90m Support, Donates 100 Solar Lights

Published

2 days ago

August 8, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Aderemi Oseni, has unveiled a N90 million support package for motor parts dealers at the Araromi Gate Market in Ibadan, Oyo State.

‎Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, announced the intervention on Saturday during an engagement with traders at the market.
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‎The package comprises a N50 million interest-free revolving loan and a N40 million grant for traders operating in the four major sections of the market — car, lorry, tyre and iron.
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‎In addition to the financial support, Oseni donated 100 solar-powered streetlights to the market and pledged to take responsibility for the monthly salaries of the market’s Baale and chiefs.
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‎The lawmaker said the intervention was designed to strengthen the businesses of the traders and improve their contribution to the local economy.

He said, “The motor parts dealers are critical drivers of the local economy. We must continue to support them so that they can expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute more to the economy.”
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‎Oseni explained that the N50 million revolving loan would be provided without interest, while the N40 million grant would serve as an empowerment package for traders across the four sections of the market.
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‎He said the provision of solar-powered streetlights was also intended to improve security and extend the conducive environment for commercial activities within the market.
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‎The APC candidate further called on the traders to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government’s reforms were beginning to produce positive results.
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‎He also appealed for the support of the traders for APC candidates in the state, expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.
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‎Earlier, the Chairman of Araromi Gate Market Motor Parts Dealers, Alhaji Ojo Azeez, commended Oseni for his contributions to the development of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency.
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‎Azeez said the traders had confidence in Oseni’s leadership and ability to fulfil his promises.
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‎“We believe in your achievements so far. By the grace of Almighty God, you shall defeat your opponents hands down,” he said.
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‎The chairmen of the four sections of the market also pledged their support for Oseni, President Tinubu and other APC candidates.
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‎The meeting was attended by the Baale of the market, Alhaji Raimi Ewebiyi, as well as leaders and representatives of the various groups and sections within the market.

News

ICPC Recommends Prosecution of Alleged Fake Agency DG, Submits Report to Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

August 7, 2026

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, recommending the prosecution of its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.

ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, exactly 30 days after Tinubu directed the anti-graft agency to investigate the activities of the council.

Aliyu said preliminary findings showed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government, adding that the appointment letter, gazette and other documents used to present the council as a government agency were forged.

According to him, the investigation also uncovered lapses in government verification and oversight mechanisms, which were allegedly exploited to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate agency.

“Our interim report found weaknesses in verification, inter-agency oversight and government processes. Those weaknesses were exploited by Adeniyi, with some level of negligence,” Aliyu said.

He added that the commission found no evidence that any Federal Government funds were approved or released to the purported PFIPC or its related entity.

The ICPC chairman further disclosed that investigators uncovered two other agencies allegedly floated by Adeyemi — the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership. He alleged that forged legislative instruments presented as enabling laws were used to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for the organisations.

Aliyu said the commission had recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution and called for administrative sanctions against public officers whose negligence allegedly allowed the fake agency to operate. He also urged the Federal Government to strengthen internal control systems across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prevent similar incidents.

He, however, stressed that the report submitted to the President was only an interim one, noting that investigations were ongoing to identify other collaborators and build a stronger criminal case capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.

The PFIPC controversy came to public attention after the Presidency disowned the council, insisting it was never established by the Federal Government despite appearing in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budget allocation of ₦1.3bn. The Federal Government has since filed criminal charges against Adeyemi over alleged forgery, impersonation and fraudulent misrepresentation, while separate investigations by the House of Representatives and the ICPC are continuing into how the purported agency operated within government institutions.

Crime & Court

Ex-DSS Officer Arraigned Over Alleged IPOB Membership, Terror Charges

Published

4 days ago

August 7, 2026

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The Department of State Services has arraigned one of its retired officers, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged involvement with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

Ezeakolam was docked before Justice Mohammed Umar on a four-count charge bordering on alleged membership of the separatist group, providing support for its activities and using social media to promote its cause.

The charges were instituted by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government. The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed in Abuja and Abia State between 2025 and 2026.

According to the charge, the retired operative allegedly rendered moral support to IPOB by disseminating information in favour of the group through the internet and his social media platforms. The prosecution said the action contravened provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The Federal Government also accused him of becoming a member of IPOB despite the group’s proscription by the court. It maintained that the alleged act is punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

In another count, the prosecution alleged that Ezeakolam knowingly posted messages on social media designed to persuade members of the public to support IPOB. It further claimed that the posts amounted to aiding and abetting the activities of the proscribed organisation.

The fourth charge accused the defendant of publishing messages online to advance the cause of IPOB, an offence the prosecution said is contrary to the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

When the charges were read, Ezeakolam pleaded not guilty to all four counts. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel, Memunat Oladunjoye, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.

Counsel for the defendant, Godfirst Maduka, informed the court that he intended to file a bail application on behalf of his client. Justice Umar directed that the application should be filed accordingly and fixed October 29 for the commencement of trial.

The judge subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Kuje Custodial Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.