IKERE COMMUNITY BEGS ONI OVER UNIVERSITY (13/03/08) Prominent indigenes of Ikere-Ekiti were led to the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adegoke Adegboye to tender apology over their earlier rejection of the proposed University of Education in preference for the retention of the existing College of Education. The community, which had earlier protested against the sitting of the University of Education in their town, blamed the action on some misguided minds led by a lawyer and self professed rights activist based in Akure, the Ondo State capital. In a three page letter of apology signed by the monarch and 22 others, including former deputy governor, Abiodun Aluko, Prof. Akin Omotayo and Hon. Babade Kayode, the community pleaded with Governor Segun Oni to give them the university and relocate the College of Education in the town elsewhere. “May we, the paramount ruler of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Adegboye, the Ogoga of Ikere, his Chiefs and the entire citizens of Ikere-Ekiti, hereby tender our unreserved apology for the avoidable and unwarranted crisis that followed government’s plan to site the university in our town”, they said Declaring that the protesters did not represent Ikere community, the monarch and other leaders said that “Ever since, the faceless elements have gone underground, leaving us to bemoan our shame as a community that is presented as not knowing the difference between the value of a college of education and that of a university.” They however explained “since the locus of the event was Ikere Ekiti, we bear the responsibility and so, once again apologize to Mr. Governor, his government and the good people of Ekiti State on behalf of all Ikere Ekiti community for whatever embarrassment the action might have caused.” Chastising the masterminds of the demonstration, which they described as shameful, the community said the demonstrators do not have the interest of Ikere at heart. They particularly said that one of them, who is a lawyer has never contributed financially to the development of the town. Following the protest against the sitting of the university at Ikere Ekiti, Governor Oni had set up a committee, headed by the deputy governor, Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal to advise on the relocation of the institution. Already 15 communities had indicated interest in the relocation of the university in their respective areas. They include Ifaki, Ikole, Ijesa Isu, and Oye, all in the northern part of the state where no single higher institution is located.     2.500 PEOPLE TO BENEFIT FROM MICRO-CREDIT SCHEME (13/03/08) The Senior Special Adviser on Micro Credit Scheme, Dr.Olu Makinde has said that two thousand, five hundred (2,500), people would benefit from Faith Base Micro Credit Scheme. Makinde made this know during a meeting with leaders of Nigeria Inter-Religion Council (NIREC) in Ado.  He said that ten, thousand (10,000) people applied for the loan through religion\us organizations, adding that the loan would help people start small-scale businesses and improve the existing ones.  The Special Adviser also started, that, the Government will partner with commercial banks to implement the project. In his remarks, the Director-General Micro-Credit Scheme, Mr. Cyril Fasuyi noted that poverty was one of the problems hindering people from serving God.  He assured that government would recover the loan through the various religious organizations. Responding, the Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Rev. Eden Asawe said that, Faith Base Micro Credit scheme will better the lot of the people, adding that beneficiaries would be drawn from all Local Government Areas of the State.            Contributing, his Islamic Counterpart, Dr. Sikiru Emiola, advised people not to see the loan as a national cake and lauded the administration for introducing the programme.     EKSG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO BOOST BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (13/03/08) Ekiti State Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Tourism, Mr. Dare Omotoso has re-affirmed Government determination to provide a conduce environment for building materials dealers in Ado. At a meeting \with the merchants, Mr. Omotoso explained that the essence of democracy is dialogue and not confrontation, stressing that Governor Oni would not use force in relocating them. He expressed disappointment at the poor attendance, but said it would not discourage Government from actualizing its plan. Omotoso said, the proposed Oba Adejugb’s market would boost commercial activities and add to the beauty of the State Capital. The Commissioner assured that adequate security would be provided at the market to ensure safety of live\s and properties, while other amenities such as, water, electricity, good road net- work and banking facility would also be put in place. He, however, urged the merchants to avail themselves of the Micro-Credit programme to obtain loans to boost their businesses. Responding, some of the merchants commended the administration for embarking on the laudable programme and urged government to expedite action on the project.     STUDENTS URGED TO SHUN SOCIAL VICES (13/03/08) A call has gone to the students to the School of Health Technology, Ijero to shun cultism, examination malpractices and other social vices. The Principal of the School, Mr. Segun Omotosho made the call while inaugurating the Executive of Students Union Government. Omotosho who lauded the body for conducting a free and credible election, charged the new SUG members to be disciplined and be responsible leaders. He commended the outing executives for the laudable projects executed. The projects according to him include; construction of a roundabout, erection of school posts, erection of Iron Gate and building of a cafeteria. Responding, the SUG President, Mr. Obatola Temitope, expressed appreciation to students and members of staff for their support and promised to fulfill all the electioneering promises. SUG executive include; Adebayo Moyinoluwa, Vice President; Owolabi Oladunmoye, General Secretary; Ogundana Eniola, Assistant General Secretary and Olofintuyi Sarah, Director of Socials.     SUBEB TO EMBARK ON INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS (13/03/08) The Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) would soon embark on Monitoring and Supervision of Schools as apart of efforts to ensure quality delivery in the Primary Education Sector. The Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB) Prince Dayo Adeyeye, who gave the hint in Ado at a press chat, said the move became necessary in order to regain the lost glory of education in the State. He said the monitoring exercise would include observing; learning and teaching processes, the assessment of infrastructural facilities and inspection of projects to ensure that they were executed according to specifications. Adeyeye therefore, urged the head teachers to have a firm control on the teachers under them and always educate them on the need to be disciplined, committed and dedicated to their duties. The Chairman, who stressed that the administration was committed to the welfare of the teachers, said this was the only way they could reciprocate the gesture of Government. He added that Gov. Oni has promised to give equal treatment to both teachers and civil servants, stressing that teachers would enjoy what civil servants are enjoying in items of promotion, car and housing loans. The Chairman further told the teachers to embark on the beautification of the schools by planting ornamental trees and flowers to ensure conducive teaching and learning environment.       OLATUNDE ADVISES CONTRACTORS (13/03/08) Ekiti State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Tunji Olatunde has charged contractors working on road construction and rehabilitation across the state to work according to specifications.  Olatunde who gave the charge in Ado during a chat with journalists urged the contractors to deliver quality jobs. He said the government would not allow any contractor to cause setback in its determination to ensure good road network in the state. The Commissioner added that any contractor who flouts the order would face the music.  Olatunde said the government had flagged off about twenty roads and people of the communities were appreciative of good work of the present administration.   EKITI GOVT. BERATES AC OVER COMMENTS ON FAJUYI PARK  (13/03/08) Ekiti State Government has carpeted the Action Congress (AC) in the state over its comments on the ongoing rehabilitation of the neglected Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti, saying the party appears to be out of the world of sanity. The government in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Public Communications, Mr. Moses Jolayemi described the comments as unfortunate, adding that it appears that the party has elevated its propaganda to the level of insanity. “We would have ignored the AC’s ridiculous comments on the Fajuyi Park ’s rehabilitation, but for the involvement of personality like late Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, who is highly revered not only among Ekiti people, but among Nigerians. “That the party could choose to play its dirty politics with the name of Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi shows how corrupt their minds have become and we pity them. “We pity them because they got it wrong from the onset.  They had their eye set on power and not the people.  They wanted to be in power at all cost and by all means before the election.  That explained why they lost and woefully too. “When hopes get shattered in such manner, what do you expect?  “The truth is that the AC people don’t care if everything went wrong.  They don’t care if the state burns.  Because they are desperate, you will see violence, chaos, intimidation, harassment, mudslinging and unholy political alliances in everything they do. “Their temperament and comments on issues like the beautification of the Fajuyi Park have given them away as a bunch of people who cannot be entrusted with power. What kind of political party would go to town castigating a government that is rehabilitating the Fajuyi Park and be justifying the failure of their own government to carry out the rehabilitation? “It is saddening and we want to call the attention of indigenes of Ado-Ekiti in particular and Ekiti State in general to this new level that the AC has promoted its hatred for the welfare of the people and development of the state to. Or does it not smack of insanity for the AC to be up in arms against development efforts of the state government just because it is making it unpopular? “To us on this side of the divide however, we will continue to view their antics as very divergent, innocuous and destructive.  It is clear that our friends in the AC have lost focus in the last 10 months because of their craze for power and we cannot but sympathize with them,” Jolayemi said.      ONI SALUTES FASUBAA, PETER   The Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has joined Nigerians to congratulate the duo of Olusoji Fasubaa and Samuel Peters who did the country proud by winning the men's 60 meter gold medal at the world indoor championships in a time of 6.51seconds and the World Boxing Council; (WBC) heavyweight title in Mexico  respectively.  A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications, Mr. Moses Jolayemi stated that Governor Oni saluted the resilience and doggedness of both Fasubaa and Peters in their quest to do the country proud, adding that the country has recorded another positive feat in global reckoning.  “I salute the two champions.  I was still jubilating over the success of our son in Ekiti, Fasubaa who won at the International meet when I heard of Samuel Peter’s victory in Mexico .  “I have often said that we have abundant talents in the country.  We are blessed with men and women who can put us on the international map,” he said.  The governor reiterated his commitment to the development of sports as a way of drawing the youths away from vices, which often portray the country in bad light.  His words; “As a sport enthusiast, we are doing everything in Ekiti to bring such talented individuals to the lime light.  “We are going to the basics by developing our young boys and girls to brace up for future challenges and I am promising that many more Ekiti sportsmen and women will do the country proud in no distant future.”  He urged the winners not to rest on their oars, saying, they must constantly strive to win more laurels for the country.  “The top is a height that people are so desirous of attaining. People are practicing constantly to be champions all over the world.  So both Soji and Samuel must keep the pace and bring more laurels to the country,” he said.         ONI URGES EMPLOYERS TO EMPHASIZE ON OUTPUT (13/03/08)  Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has urged government agencies and the organized private sector to lay more emphasis on output and not paper qualification, innovation is not a question of education but the ability to make positive use of ones thinking facility Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications, Mr. Moses Jolayemi stated that the governor made the statement while playing host to chairman and members of the Council of Head of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COHEAD) in Ado-Ekiti last Thursday. Governor Oni who also lamented that that standard of education had fallen to a precarious level in the last few years said conscious efforts should be made by COHEAD to enforce standard in tertiary institutions. His words: “Emphasis should be on output rather than paper qualification. Innovation is not a question of education but the ability to make positive use of ones thinking facility. Many workers obtain additional education without necessarily having improved output on the job. “I strongly believe COHEAD has a great role to play in ensuring that the standard of education improves considerably in the country. The problem of tertiary education is not limited to inadequate funding. One other major problem facing tertiary institutions in Nigeria is fallen standards. It is better you don’t allow students who do not measure up to standard to graduate as they will cheapen your certificates.    “So I wish to implore your council to help us raise the falling standard of education in our tertiary institutions. I implore you to come up with proactive policies that would help give technical education its pride of place in Nigeria .” On the disparity between polytechnic and university certificates, Governor Oni said the first step the polytechnics should take in ensuring parity with university is to make entry requirements of polytechnic the same with that of the universities.   FOURTEEN COMMUNITIES JOSTLE FOR UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION(06/03/08)          Fourteen Communities in the State have shown interest in siting the University of Education in their areas. The Deputy Governor, Dr. Sikiru Lawal made this known in Ado while receiving a delegation of Usi who show interest in the location of the University in their community. Lawal who is the Chairman of the location committee assured the delegation that the committee would critically look into the request of all communities that had shown interest to ensure that the Institution is located in a suitable place. He stressed that the functions of the committee was not to approve any area but to make recommendations to the government. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, who is also the Odofin of Usi, Chief Ayodele Arogbodo told the Deputy Governor that the community had all facilities to ensure a smooth take off. Arogbodo described the community as peace loving, saying that there would be security, if the University is eventually sited in the community.   UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION LOCATION COMMITTEE EMBARKS ON INSPECTION TOUR (06/03/08) The University of Education location committee has embarked on inspection tour of the in interested communities to ascertain their readiness for the smooth take off of the proposed institution. Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, who led the committee to visit Ijesa-Isu, Ifaki, Aaye and Ido-Ekiti, said the purpose was to inspect the list of facilities to be added to the memoranda submitted by the communities. Olubolade described the response of the people as encouraging; assuring that the committee would do a thorough job. He explained that the committee would not base its recommendations on dilapidated structures saying that the aim of the government was to put in place new structures for the institution. The traditional ruler of each community, promised to support the University wherever it is finally located.     NO PLAN TO RELOCATE FACULTY OF EDUCATION – ATEGBERO (06/03/08) Commissioner for information and Civil Orientation, Mr. Odunayo Ategbero has said that the Government has no plan to relocate students of the faculty of Education of University of Ado-Ekiti to newly approved University of Education as being speculated in some quarters. Ategbero who made this known in Ado said students admitted into the UNAD, Faculty of Education would graduate in UNAD like every other UNAD students. He said the clarification became necessary in view of the plot by some politicians to mislead the public that education students in UNAD would be moved to the newly approved University.    EKSG IS COMMITTED TO HUMAN DEVELOPMENT - HS  (06/03/08) The Head of Service, Mr. Olufemi Adewumi has restated the determination of the government to build human capacity to ensure the attainment of probity and accountability for a sustained economic development of the state.   Mr. Adewumi made the remark while declaring open a 2-day workshop for state Auditors in Ado. The Head of service said that Due Process Unit was put in place to compliment the works of the Auditors, adding that government would not tolerate any act of financial indiscipline. He advised the participants to justify the huge investment of the government in the workshop making the best use of the opportunity.  In his address, the state Auditor General, Mr. Gabriel Ajayi explained that the workshop was organized to reposition the state Auditors for contemporary challenges in budget monitoring and financial discipline. He thanked the state government for sponsoring the workshop and assured that the participants would make effective use of the knowledge acquired in the discharge of their duties.   EKSG TO PAY NECO ACCREDITATION FEES (04/03/08) Ekiti State Government has promised to pay NECO accreditation fee for its public Senior Secondary Schools.  A release from the office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Technology, explained that the gesture is to relieve parent and guardian of the burden of the payment.         It advised public Senior Secondary Schools principals, who have paid the fee to retrieve it from NECO state office in Ado.         The release enjoined the principal to present list of candidates of NECO 2008, Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in their respective schools.                                                                                                                                                                                            EKSG TO RECRUIT WORKERS (04/03/08) Arrangements have been concluded to recruit more workers into the Civil Service. The commissioner for information and Civic Orientation Hon, Odunayo Ategbero made the announcement during a press briefing on the outcome of the meeting of the executive council. Ategbero said, applicants would write competitive examination to fill positions in lower and higher cadres of the Civil Service. He explained that 5% would be for non-indigenes and NYSC members, while 2%, for people with disabilities Ategbero said that the council approved two vacant traditional stools. Prince Solomon Adeloye from the Ejisun  ruling house is to fill the vacant stool of the Owa of Ayegbaju in Oye Local Government Area, following the demise of Oba Adelusi Olugbenga Ajayi from Adetiloye ruling house is Olugbole Elect to succeed Oba Ajayi famodimu who joined his ancestors in 2005. Ategbero expressed dismay with the way some private individual encroached on public lands.  He said a bill would be send to the house of the Assemble to empower the government to acquire properties of people who encroached on government lands Ategbero stated that Government would purchase agricultural materials from farmers through the “buyer of the land resort policy’’ and establish zonal office in the Local Government Areas to purchase arm produce. He explained that the policy is to ensure that farm products were not wasted and encourage farmers to produce more.   The commodities will be processed or export. Ategbero lamented that food crops, economic trees and valuables have been destroyed through bush burning.  He warned that anybody caught burning bush, would be made to face the wrath of the law   ONI TASKS PERMANENT SECRETARIES (03/03/08) Permanent Secretaries in the state are to attend state executive council meetings whenever issues affecting their ministries are to be discussed. Governor Segun Oni gave the directive while administrating oath of secrecy on 18 permanent Secretaries in the state public service, to enable them attend the weekly meetings He explained that the decision to involve the permanent Secretaries is part of the positive and revolutionary changes of the government. T he governor noted that the move would also improve coordinator among government ministries, enhance information dissemination and reduce flaws in government decision, as a police would be thoroughly debated before taking any decision. Oni said it will no longer be business as usual in the state civil service and warned that government would not tolerate indolence and disloyalty. While stressing that government has nothing to hide, the governor said every activity of administration is transparent and will be posted on the Internet. He however, charged the permanent Secretaries to redouble their efforts and ensure proper supervision of their subordinates Oni also urge them ton properly appraise their directors and staff in other to ensure that targets set for the ministries are meet Responding on behalf of the permanent Secretaries, the rare opportunity of taking part in decision – making process Adewumi assured the Governor that the Permanents   Secretaries would not disappointed in the task of developing the state.                                                                                                                                                                       EKSG GENERATES NI61.3M I.G.R (03/03/08) Ekiti state Government has generated over one hundred and sixty one million naira (161.3m) as Internally Generated Revenue (I.G.R.) in February as against one hundred and forty one million naira (N141M) in January. The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Adetunji Adeniyi, made the announcement at the monthly meeting of treasury cash officers and revenue collector in Ado Ekiti. Adeniyi said the performance is far below the state monthly revenue target of six hundred million (600m) naira The commissioner who was represented by the Accountant-General, Mr. David Ibikune expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of MDA as participate at the meeting, warring that any erring MDA would be sanctioned. Earlier, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr. Omotunde Aina, who was represented by the director of Budget, Mr. Adeniyi Owolabi, stressed that the state government would continue to provide conducive environment for better performance of the revenue collector. He expressed gratitude to the Governor Oni for supporting the monthly meeting     ONI SWEARS-IN CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN  (03/03/08)          Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has reiterated the commitment of his administration to uplift the state civil service, which is the engine room of government.  The Governor made the assertion, during the swearing-in of Chairman of the Civil Services Commission, Chief Kunle Ogunlade. The Governor urged the new Chairman to use his wealth of experience to assist the government in realizing its dream of a world class civil service. He noted that Ekiti was capable of having the kind of civil service that made the old Western Region an envy of all, adding that government was determine to achieve this. Responding, Chief Ogunlade pledged his commitment to government policies, saying Oni’s government was the best government so far.   ONI SIGNS 2008 APPROPRIATION BILL INTO LAW (03/03/08) Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has signed 2008 Appropriation Bill into Law.  Speaking during the ceremony in Ado, Oni said that all the provisions of the Act would be strictly adhered to and described the budget as not only that of a new beginning but a budget of faith. Governor Oni said his government is desirous to make life more meaning for the people of the state, saying that was why capital expenditure was accorded the priority.          Commending the House of Assembly for doing a through job, Governor Oni said, ‘we have a House that is 13-13, and people keep asking me how we have been getting things done and my answer has always been that things are done not by coercion but by the power of conviction’’. He announced that the bill is the 14th bill passed by the House and that placed it in the pedestal of one of the most active House of Assembly in the country. The N81.4 billion budget is divided into N56.2 billion for capital projects and N25.2 billion for recurrent expenditure.     EKSG EARMARKS N1 BILLION TO ESTABLISH SPECIAL CENTERS (03/03/08) The Ekiti State Government has earmarked One Billion Naira (1Billion) for establishment of special center to fight eternal and infant mortality rate.  Governor Segun Oni who was represented by his Deputy Dr. Sikiru Lawal made the announcement while declaring open the tenth zonal network meeting for children organized by UNICEF for secretaries to state Government and Coordinating Authorities in B-zone. The Governor said the center will treat pregnant women while children from birth to five years be subjected to series of tests. Oni states that since the inception of his administration, lots of the resources have committed to improve the standard of children and woman. He said government will continue to partner with UNICEF, UNDP and world bank and called on UNICEF release of fund for the implementation of assisted programmers. The Governor noted that government has achieved a lot in Educational and Health sector through the reintroduction of boarding system in the schools, medical intervention programmes and upgrading of equipment. In his remarks, the Assistant Representative and Chief Field Officer UNICEF, Mr. Karim Akadiri said the purpose of the forum was to design strategies for implementation of next country programme. Akadiri said that UNICEF is coming up with policies that will benefit children and woman.     A COMMISSIONER RESPONSE TO YAR’ADUA’S VICTORY (03/03/08) The victory of the president Musa Yar’Adua at the tribunal has been described as a good omen for Nigerian democracy. The Commissioner of Information and Civil Orientation, Hon. Ategbero made the remark while reacting to the tribunal judgment at Ado Ekiti.  Ategbero said the judgment has strengthened democracy and would enhance good governance. Also reacting, the senior special assistant to the governor of public communications, Mr. Moses Jolayemi, said the judgment has proved that the judiciary is honest and impartial. Jolayemi commended the judiciary for allowing live transmission of the proceedings saying it is an institution that can be trusted.   THE VICTORY OF PRESIDENT YAR’ADUA, A VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY-GOVERNOR ONI. (03/03/08) Ekiti State Governor Engineer Segun Oni, has described the victory of president Umaru Yar’Adua at the Presidential Election Tribunal, as a victory for democracy.  Oni, made the remark in Abuja, while speaking with newsmen after the verdict, commended the judiciary for living up to expectation. Oni appealed to the parties that lost the case to accept the verdict as good sportsmen and urged them to join President Yar’Adua in the task of moving the nation forward. Oni noted that democracy is gradually taking root in Nigeria, and pleaded with politicians to allow the courts to decide the validity of elections rather than resorting to blackmail and rumour mongering. Other Governors and Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that spoke to newsmen, said the verdict would further reinforce democracy in Nigeria and lay to rest the controversies that surrounded the last presidential elections     UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION LOCATION CRISIS The controversy over the location of the Ekiti State University of Education at Ikere is unnecessary and surprising.  This also goes for the reaction and protest that follows the announcement, which is as unfortunate as the rumours of palm greasing making the rounds. This is a case of good intention, producing negative results.  It is sad and depressing, because instead of rolling out the drums for having an additional tertiary institution, it is a street protest over a kind gesture. Well, another man’s meat is another man’s poison. We plead with the people to remain calm, as government has reversed the decision and set up a 7-man committee to relocate the university.  This is excellent of positive statesmanship, responsive and responsible governance and leadership demonstrated by the Governor and his administration. This is a government that listens and respects the feelings of the people and collective decision.  We wish more of these fine points of administration. Now, the matter arising; one wonders what has been responsible for the negative effect of this good gesture. Some say, it is communication gap, which other believe it is a case of bad judgment or bad politics. Whatever it is, we believe the defense of the government for sitting the University at Ikere, is based on sound arguments to meet electoral promises and respect the directive and regulations of the National University Commission.  Government says it has no ulterior motive nor out to bribe the community leaders to influence its decision. Those explanations are logical; they should be accepted, without any insinuation, blackmail or bad politics. Also, we want to point out that, the founding father of the state visualized Ekiti as a big village, where government and public institutions and development projects would be dispersed evenly. The case of allocation of tertiary institution has aborted this vision.  Ekiti central senatorial district has a university, a College of Medicine, Federal Polytechnic, Teaching hospital, while Ekiti South has a College of Education; now a University of Education is being allocated there, in Ekiti north, apart from Secondary Schools, nothing. It is our belief that with the rejection of the University of Education by he Ikere community it should be relocated to somewhere else as assured by the Governor. That area should be Ekiti north, which has not got a single tertiary institution, for even development. We thank the Ikere people for keeping the College of Education and allowing the relocation of the University of Education to somewhere else. It is selfless and this spirit of give and take is recommended to some do or die communities.  Also, we plead with the various communities to always embrace dialogue rather than protests and rioting in pressing their demands. Equally, the genuine commitment of government to turn the Educational sector around for the better and to keep its electoral promises should not be politicized or aborted by unnecessary agitations and insinuations. It should be appreciated as refreshing and sign of good things to come.  This is not government of no going back.  The vogue in Nigeria is governments sticking to their guns, when a wrong decision is taking and telling us to go to hell.  This government is different we should be very happy.  It is ready to listen. Another time, it will be fitting for benefiting communities to be taken in while projects are being planned for them to avert future embarrassment. Government meant well and should be commended for this and the decision to implement the wish of the Ikere Community. This talk comes from the Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, reflecting the view and opinion of Ekiti State Government.     EKSG UPGRADES SPECIALIST HOSPITAL TO TEACHING HOSPITAL (27/02/08) The Ekiti State Government has upgraded the State Specialist Hospital Ado-Ekiti to University Teaching Hospital, UNADTH.  The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Femi Thomas, made the announcement in Ado while playing host to members of Ekiti Medical Students Union of the University College Hospital Ibadan. Thomas explained that with the signing into law of the Teaching Hospital bill, the Teaching Hospital was not under the State Hospitals Management Board. The Commissioner explained that UNAD College of Medicine would take off in September 2008, stressing that the move would boost the health care delivery system. Thomas commended the Medical Students for their academic performance, and assured them of employment on completion of their studies. The Medical Students carried out health talk, medical tests and administered drugs to about 200 needy patients at the Palace of Oluyin of Iyin-ekiti. The Oluyin, Obas Ademola Ajakaye, expressed appreciation to the students for the humanitarian services.  He appealed to them to always be good ambassadors of Ekiti.     40 EKITI STUDENTS BAGS ODUA’S INVESTMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD (27/02/08) 40 Ekiti State indigenes who were successful in the 2008 Odua Investment Company Limited Scholarship Examination Award has been asked to report to the State scholarship Board. Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs. Desola Oke said the students are to report to the Board on or before March 14, 2008. She requested the students who participated in the scholarship Award Examination to check their names with the state Scholarship Board, New Secretariat road, Ado-Ekiti. Oke advised successful candidates to bring with them WAEC/NECO results, evidence that the candidate is a student of a University, with written proof of Second Class Upper (2.1) GPA Score and State attestation.     E-PAYMENT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS IN EKITI (22/02/08) Civil Servants in Ekiti State have been advised to see E-Payment project as a revolutionary development in Information Technology. The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Information Technology, Mr. Toyin Oriola gave the advice at the meeting of stakeholders on E-Payment in Ado. Oriola said the meeting is for the stakeholders to interact and exchange ideas on the project. He explained that the project was to encourage cashless society while the card was not restricted any Bank but for transactions anywhere. Oriola pointed out that the card would be a debit card, with signature and photograph to serve as identity card for the owner. The representative of Puzzles group, Dr. Chukwu Emeka commended the government for initiating the project, adding that the card was for local and international transactions. Emeka stressed that it would allow individuals to have access to their bank account anytime. Dr. Yemi Adeyemo of Transact said the project would encourage users friendly transaction and discourage delay in payment of salaries.   EKHA PASSES 2008 BUDGET (22/02/08) Ekiti State House of Assembly has passed the year 2008 budget into Law. Presenting the report, the Chairman House Committee on Finance and appropriation, Hon. Isiaka Rafiu said budget, which was reviewed is from the initial estimate of N76.4 billion to about N87 billion. He said that the N10 billion adjustment would be financed from three main sources which include N3 billion from Federal allocation while internally generated revenue would add two billion Naira (N2 billion) and transfer of N5.6 billion from 2007 budget. Rafiu adherence to the Budget would curb cases of unspent fund and uplift the welfare of the people. The Speaker, Hon. Femi Bamisile said the passage of the budget would afford the executive arm to swing into action and hasten the development of the state. He thanked the committee members for doing a thorough job and promised to liaise with the executive on adherence to its implementation noting that year 2008 Budget tagged “new beginning” is to become a reality   GOV. ONI TO FLAG-OFF CONSTRUCTION OF 6 ROADS (22/02/08) The Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni will flag-off the construction of six more roads on Thursday, 21 February 2008. A statement from the office of the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, listed the roads to include Itap-Ijelu (6.5km), Ayede Gede – Omu Oke (22.5km), Iludun – Eda Oniyo – Obo Ayegunle (9.55km), Iludun – Ipere – Ido. Otun township (1.1km) and Otun Osan Ora (9.6km) roads. Members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, General Managers, top government functionaries, Chairmen and members of the Local Government Caretake Committees, Traditional Rulers and Community Leaders are invited to witness the occasion.