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Meet Top Three PDP Governorship Aspirants in Ekiti State

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By Eric Elezuo

With the declaration by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State that he is giving his support to his Deputy as the next governor, notable divisions has erupted within the party’s rank and file.

With the likes Sikiru Lawal and Abiodun Aluko quitting the party, stakeholders believe that trouble is lurking behind. However, while many of the aspirants have gone low key, a good many others are still breathing fire and brimstone. Here is a compilation of the strength and weaknesses of three more prominent contenders from the lot.

Kolapo Olusola

The man famously known as Ekede is without doubt the most favoured of all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants for the Ekiti governorship seat. This is because he has the mandate of the present Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose. He is without mincing words, the ‘anointed one’.

Fayose’s open support for Olusola, who is presently the Deputy Governor of the state, is the biggest assurance that he is going to grab the ticket to represent the PDP at the polls.

The 49 years old Prof. Kolapo Olubunmi Olusola was born to the family of Elder and Deaconess Olusola Ojo Eleka of Eleka’s compound in Ikere-Ekiti.

He started his education at St. Matthew’s Primary School, Ikere-Ekiti in 1972 and completed it in 1978 when he proceeded to Annunciation School, Ikere-Ekiti for his Secondary School Education, which he completed in 1983. He performed exceptionally while in school, and was constantly winning the best student award.

Between 1984 and 1989, he attended the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and obtained his first degree in Building. Again, he graduated as the best student in his set. Prof Kolapo Olusola also holds a Master’s Degree in Construction Technology from the University of Lagos in 1993 and Ph.D. in Building Structures from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2005.

Prof Kolapo Olusola started his career in 1990 as a Graduate Assistant from where he rose through the ranks to become an Associate Professor in 2009.

Until his election as Deputy Governor in 2014, Prof Olusola was enjoying a career in the Department of Building, Obafemi Awolowo University as a classroom teacher. His lecturing career spanned 24 years with over 50 academic research publications in local and international journals and conference proceedings to his credit.

Apart from age being on his side, he is known to be very diligent, hardworking and principled. As an epitome of humility, he radiates love and affection towards people around him. Again, his unflinching loyalty to his boss, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State is notable and has made both the young and old people of Ekiti adjudge him as “Stabilizing Factor” and a special gift not only to his boss but to the entire people of Ekiti State. This also earned him the anointed status as the next governor.

Abiodun Olujinmi

Biodun Christine Olujimi is a serving lawmaker in the upper legislative house, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District. Just about the only woman in the race presently, Olujimi was born to a Photographer father and Seamstress mother on Christmas day of 1958. She hails from Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti South Local Government Area of Ekiti State Nigeria.

Biodun Olujimi had her early education at our Lady of Apostles, Ibadan, Oyo State, and went ahead to obtain a Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. She obtained a degree in Political Science and a postgraduate degree in Public Relations and Marketing from the University of Abuja and holds a certificate in IT with emphasis on web Development from the Michigan State University.

Biodun Olujimi had been a hard nut to crack in her political sojourn, remaining a vocal voice on the floor of the Senate, especially on matters relating to women and children. Her desire to care for others  is borne out of the fact that she is a product of a hard-working lower class family that did not create opportunities for children like her. She therefore, made it her life’s work to ‘fight’ for lower class families.

Biodun cut her career teeth at the age of fourteen when she became a shop assistant in a fabric shop in Lagos. From the proceeds, she assisted her large family of seven siblings, and still saved for her education. Her story is a typical example of grass to grace.

She also had stints with the Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Posts and Telecommunication, Nigerian Television Authority, the Delta Steel Company Ovwian Aladja, Reflex Concept and DBN Television before delving into politics in 1997 as the National Publicity Secretary of the now defunct NCPN.

Upon the dissolution of NCPN, Biodun joined the All Peoples Congress and eventually became the National Publicity Secretary.

She later joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2002 and has attained great heights in her political Career. She was appointed Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Ekiti State in 2003 and was later elected to the Federal house of Assembly. In 2005, she became the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State under Governor Ayo Fayose.

Later,  Mrs. Olujimi became Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Ekiti State under Governor Segun Oni as well as Director of Women Affairs, Goodluck-Sambo Campaign Organisation at the 2011 General Election. She is one aspirant that has seen the in and out of politics. Her experience is overwhelming. If the women could rally round her as one of their own, then other aspirants should beware.

Biodun and her husband Chief Ariyo Olujimi, have been married for 32 years and their marriage is blessed with Children and Grand-children.

 Adebisi Omoyeni

Popularly known as the true emblem of Ekiti people, Jeremiah Bisi Omoyeni was born January 16, 1958 in Ikere-Ekiti to Late Chief Omotayo Gabriel Omoyeni and Mrs. Bosede Beatrice Omoyeni under the tutelage of his biological parents. He reportedly found himself in the midst of a family already devoted to the tenets of Christianity and continued to grow with the fear of the God.

He started his primary school education in 1964, at the Holy Trinity primary School, Odo Oja, Ikere-Ekiti and completed it in 1969. Between 1970 and 71, he attended St. Benedict Modern School, Ikere-Ekiti before proceeding to Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti where he completed his secondary education 1975.

He later trained as a teacher at the St. John Mary’s Teachers Training College, Owo between 1976 and 1977, and in 1979, he was admitted into the then University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo, Ile-Ife) to study Demography but after a session he moved over to the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos where he graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Insurance in 1983. His brilliance earned him a Federal Government Merit/Scholarship as the best student in Insurance and Actuarial Sciences Department in 1981. He is also a holder two additional postgraduate degrees which he obtained from the University of Lagos. They are Masters in Banking and Finance (MBF) and International Law and Relation in 1991 and 1993 respectively.

Omoyeni is a thoroughbred professional, rising steadily in his chosen career to become the Managing Director of Wema Bank.

In 2014, he tried his hands at the governorship seat, but was unsuccessful as the incumbent governor, Ayodele Fayose, was declared winner.

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Rivers: Wike’s Men Reject Reployment, Resign from Fubara’s Govt

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Two Rivers State commissioners have resigned their appointments shortly after they were redeployed in a cabinet reshuffle by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They are the Attorney General and commissioners for Justice, and Finance; Zacchaeus Adangor and Isaac Kamalu respectively.

The duo were affected by a minor cabinet reshuffle made by the governor on April 23.

Kamalu and Adangor are loyalists of Nyesom Wike, the immediate former governor of Rivers and incumbent minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Last year, the commissioners resigned from their positions following the political feud between Wike and Fubara.

They were later reinstated after Wike and Fubara signed a peace accord facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.

While Adangor was moved to the ministry of special duties (governor’s office), Kamalu was moved to the ministry of employment generation and economic empowerment.

Kamalu’s resignation came hours after Zacchaeus Adangor, tendered his resignation.

In a letter addressed to Tammy Danagogo, secretary to the state government (SSG), Kamalu said the governor’s “inability to maintain peace” in the state was the reason he quit the cabinet.

The former commissioner said he could not give his best in an atmosphere of rancour.

“Your Excellency would recall that I served under the Administration of His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (now Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) originally as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning (2015-2019) and subsequently as Commissioner for Finance with oversight responsibility for the Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (2019 – 2023),” the letter reads.

“The mandates of the respective Ministries were to the best of our abilities (as Ministries) duly carried out and at all times material relevant reforms were embarked upon for improved performance and effective and sustainable service delivery.

“Among several others, we successfully carried out the following; “Initiating and (supporting existing) policy frameworks for enhanced internal revenue generation.

“This with (necessary adjustments made on some of the programs) led to the increase in the internal revenue receipts. This steady rise has presently generated though not the figures erroneously claimed in the media.

“Aggressive improvement in Federation receipts by securing recovery by the state of oilfields that were also the subject of the successful claim against International Oll Companies (IOCs) on production sharing contracts; the recoveries arising from 13% derivation and the demand by the state for adherence to the fiscal provisions in the constitution in support of states by successfully removing from Federation receipts institutions of Government whether state or federal not so recognized by the constitution such as the Police Trust Fund and others thus widening the available receipts for States and the last but not the least our success on the subject of Value Added Tax.

“The reason behind these painstaking efforts was to make available a basket of receipts sufficient to enable the state to deliver good governance through the provision of goods and services.

“It was this idea that informed the continuity and consolidation mantra that was the theme of your election campaign and government thereafter.

“You will respectfully recall that when the climate of discord became unbearable I and other like-minded members of the Executive Council that were appointed by you resigned.

“You thereafter engaged His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as Father of the Nation to intervene in the matter.

“In deference to the directive of Mr. President, I and the others were recalled and we all accepted and joined the cabinet again. I expected Sir that with the opportunity provided by Mr.President, every effort will be made to sustain peace.

“Regrettably Your Excellency the peace in Government and governance that we all – citizens and residents of the state desire has remained out of reach despite our consistent efforts and demand for same.

“This has affected our ability to protect and defend the gains that we made these past years.

“In the course of official engagements, I have reiterated the need for this peace and the fact we all are willing and determined to work for this.

“It is very difficult to deliver good governance where there is acrimony and discord. It is not the point of service that is important but the climate. Our present circumstance makes service delivery extremely challenging. I still hold the belief that it is never too late for peace.

“In view of the above, I find it difficult to accept the redeployment. I do not accept it. I reject it and convey to you my immediate resignation as Commissioner and member of the Rivers State Executive Council with effect from the date of this letter.

“While praying that the Good Lord grants us Peace, I thank you for the opportunity and assure you the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

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Tinubu Approves Credit Scheme Takeoff to Facilitate Purchase of Cars, Houses

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme to facilitate the purchase of houses and cars by working Nigerians. 

In a statement on Wednesday, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said the Consumer Credit Scheme will enhance the quality of life citizens by allowing them to “access goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time”.

“It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, essential for ongoing stability to pursue their aspirations,” the statement added.

“Through responsible repayment, individuals build credit histories, unlocking more opportunities for a better life. Additionally, the increased demand for goods and services stimulates local industry and job creation.

“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision.”

In line with the President’s directive to expand consumer credit access to Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched a portal for Nigerians to express interest in receiving consumer credit.

“This initiative, in collaboration with financial institutions and cooperatives nationwide, aims to broaden consumer credit availability,” the statement noted, adding that working Nigerians interested in receiving consumer credit can visit CREDICORP’s website to express interest before the deadline date of May 15, 2024.

“The scheme will be rolled out in phases, starting with members of the civil service and cascading to members of the public.”

The CREDICORP’s objectives include: “(1) Strengthening Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a dependable credit score. This score becomes personal equity they build, facilitating access to consumer credit.

“(2) Offering credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions dedicated to broadening consumer credit access today.

“(3) Promoting responsible consumer credit as a pathway to an improved quality of life, fostering a cultural shift towards growth and financial responsibility.”

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Group Celebrates Gov Umo Eno at 60 with Visits to Hospitals, Prisons, Empowerment of 60 Persons

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In celebration of the 60th birthday of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the socio-political group, Connect Initiative, has embarked on a series of impactful initiatives.

They have empowered 60 vulnerable individuals and extended compassionate visits to hospitals and prisons across the state.

The group made up of professionals and entrepreneurs kicked off its activities with a low-key ceremony where 60 indigent people were given financial support.

The beneficiaries were carefully selected from across the 31 LGAs of the state.

In his opening remarks, the group’s Chief Conector, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, stated that the organisation decided to toe this line because it is the right thing to do putting into consideration the present realities in Nigeria.

He noted that the event which was to commemorate the birthday of Governor whom he described as a humble, compassionate and visionary leader that believes in development from the bottom up.

Dr Frank said that Comnect Initiatives will soon up the ante in terms of standing in the gap for government through impactful programmes and projects

In the course of the ceremony, seven respected Akwa Ibom indigenes were inducted into the Connect Forum: Sir Okon Okon, Captain Iniobong Ekong ( Retd), Aniekan Essienette, Ime Udo, Murphy Esin, Hon. Mbosowo David and Mrs Imobong Akamba.

The group then began the next day with a visit to the St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, Uyo LGA where they cleared the bills of some indigent patients.

The patients who were in the maternity, female surgical and paedetric wards had concluded their treatments but could not be discharged due to inability to pay their bills.

All the patients: Patricia Victor Brown ( from Itu LGA), Nkoyo Edet Okon ( Oron LGA), Emem Gabriel David ( Nsit Ubium), Enobong Gabriel Emmanuel and Mavelous Bassey were thankful for this womderful intervention of Connect Initiative on behalf of the governor.

The most moving moment of the visit was the case of Mrs Magdalene Okon Edet. After listening to the pathetic story of her surgery and condition afterwards, the group decided on-the-spot to foot her over N400,000 bill.

She and her family broke into uncontrollable tears of joy.

In addition, during the ward rounds, the team was given the cheering news that a mother had earlier that day been delivered of a baby girl.

Not only was the Ebong family’s bill settled, when the good news was relayed to HE Governor Umo Eno that he now had a new birthday mate, he immediately requested to meet with the father of the baby.

The lucky father was acknowledged and presented with special gift by the Governor during the commissioning of Atiku Abubakar Way project in the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In his remarks, Rev. Father Gabriel Ekong the hospital Administrator thanked Connect Initiative for embarking on this noble cause that has brought relief and joy to many homes.

While praying that God would replenish the pockets of all those who contributed to the kind gesture, he applauded the vision of Governor Umo Eno for urging wellwishers to embrace charitable causes instead of spending the funds on parties or other unproductive endeavours.

He used the opportunity to pray for excellent health and wisdom for Governor Eno, while wishing him a very successful tenure in government.

The next port of call for the Connect Initiative members was the Methodist General Hospital, Ituk Mbang, Uruan LGA.

There, the team visited the wards where Baby Favour Edidiong, Joyce Isaac Mbaba, Imeh Phillip Etukudo, Prince Asuquo Okon and Nko Etim Umoh were all cleared to go home with a commitment that all their outstanding bills would be fully paid. Again the patients erupted in happiness and were full of prayers and praise for the celebrant and Connect Initiative.

The Hospital Superintendent, Dr Aniekan in his remarks thanked the group for this humanitarian gesture, adding that this act was worthy of emulation by other organisations
The day was rounded off at the Minimum Correctional Centre, Uyo where the team pledged to pay the fines of 13 inmates with minor offences

Speaking to journalists after the visits, the President-General of the group, Ms Idy Ekwo stated that its itinerary was carefully planned in accordance with the wishes of the celebrant, Governor Umo Eno.

She noted that based on what was discovered during the visits, Connect Initiative would make charitable interventions a more frequent affair.

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