THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (SEC) APPROVED THE FOLLOWING:
- Implementation plan of the Ekiti State Youth Policy.
The State Executive Council at its meeting on 29th November 2024, had approved the Ekiti State Youth Policy and His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji directed the Ministry of Youth Development to prepare an implementation plan for the State Youth Policy.
Pursuant to this directive, the Ministry of Youth Development subsequently prepared an achievable implementation plan. This plan outlines a clear pathway for translating the policy’s objectives into tangible actions, ensuring the participation of all relevant stakeholders, and addressing the key challenges faced by youth in the State. The plan reflects a commitment to long-term youth development, with structured timelines for short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals on the Ekiti State Youth Policy.
The Oyebanji administration remains committed to facilitating and sustaining youth-oriented initiatives with the aim of empowering youths through creativity, innovation and job creation while ensuring their active participation in political and governance structures.
- Conversion of the College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti from a Monotechnic to a Polytechnic.
In response to requests from the Management of the College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti along with other stakeholders, that the College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti be converted from a monotechnic to a polytechnic, the State Government constituted an eight-man committee on 15th March, 2024 to assess the request and provide recommendations. The Committee subsequently submitted its report to the Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on the 30th December, 2024 and a White Paper Drafting Committee which was constituted afterwards to study the report, produced a draft White Paper for the consideration of the State Executive Council.
Compared to a monotechnic, a polytechnic generally offers a broader range of technical programs, providing students with more diverse skills and career options, alongside a potentially more comprehensive theoretical foundation alongside practical training, making them better prepared for a wider range of employment opportunities in various technical fields.
- Award of N7,642,981,521.50 contract for the establishment of the Ekiti State Indoor Sports Hall.
This project aims to engage and empower Ekiti youths through various sporting activities and also a reflection of the present administration’s commitment to the advancement of the sport in the State.
The contract awarded to Messrs. Aron Nigeria Limited is expected to be completed in 52 weeks.
- The Human Capital Development Strategic Plan Document.
Ekiti State is one of the selected States for the first phase of ECOWAS financial support on Human Capital Development. The hallmark of this financial support is to help improve human capital development activities in the State. To address critical issues affecting the well-being of Ekiti citizens, particularly in the three thematic areas of Health, Education and Labour Force Participation, a comprehensive document titled Human Capital Strategic Plan has been developed. This plan was created through various conversations, workshops and round-table meetings with Civil Society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations.
The objectives of the plan, in summary, are to strengthen human capital foundation through improved education, health care and social protection. These objectives will help the State address key challenges to human capital development, including weak foundation, inadequate knowledge and skills, poor health status, high youth unemployment and inadequate social protection for the vulnerable.
The strategic document has been presented and discussed in not less than nine different Human Capital Development workshops/meetings comprising ALGON, NGOs/CSOs, MDAs Focal Persons, other relevant stakeholders and the Human Capital Development Council under the Chairmanship of Deputy Governor. These presentations significantly contributed to the review of the document. The document is designed to provide a clear sense of direction and aid in decision making for the State in terms of Human Capital Development from 2025-2030.
The draft copy of Human Capital Development Strategic plan document was presented to the HCD Council, on 11th December 2024, The Council consist of the Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Commissioner for Wealth Creation &Employment, Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Commissioner for
Agriculture and Food Security, Commissioner for Trade, Industries, Investment and Cooperative, Commissioner of Training & Capacity Development, the SA, OTSD, the Head of Service and the Statistician General. During the presentation, stakeholders’ inputs were collated to make the document more robust.
The document is expected to assist in attracting both local and foreign partners to the State.
- Award of N113,319,500.00 contract for the procurement of water treatment chemicals and other reagents.
The approval is part of proactive steps taken to prevent disruptions in water production, improve water quality and mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.
Ekiti State Government under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is committed to providing potable water to its citizens and ensuring their wellness and good health. A recent need assessment conducted revealed dwindling stocks, prompting the State Water Corporation which is the organization mandated to ensure the availability of water treatment chemicals and reagents to maintain functioning water schemes statewide to seek approval for the procurement of the chemicals.
The contract is to be awarded to Messrs. Reliant Overseas Ltd. and given three weeks completion period.
- N2,211,157,000.00 for clearing of 1,300 hectares of land in continuation of Land-clearing exercise for mechanized farming.
Following the successful land-clearing exercise carried out in year 2024, the present administration, in a display of unwavering commitment to transforming Ekiti State’s Agriculture Sector, is poised to continue the exercise and further empower youths in Agriculture across the State. Building on the progress made, the approval is to engage 13vendors through direct labour taking advantage of the current dry season to promptly execute the project and maximize impact.
Location of land slated for clearing include: Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Ose Emure; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Gede; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, lyemero; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Omuo Ekiti; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Egbe Ekiti; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Ayede Isan; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Ogotun Ekiti; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Ise Ekiti; Youth under Promise Point Partnership farms, lyemero; lyemero Farm Settlement; Gede Farm Settlement P.F.D, Gede; Eporo Farm Settlement, Eporo and Gede Farm Setlement P.F.D.
The job is expected to be completed in three months to facilitate planting of crops in the current year.
- Award of N144,300,000.00 contract for procurement of Japan customized working tools for the youths in the Bring Back Youth to Agriculture to spur food production in the State.
The customized tools include 902 Packed Customized Rain coats, 902 Packed Customized Rain boots, and other agricultural implements to support the participants.
The “Bring Back the Youth to Agriculture” a Private Partnership (PP) initiative, launched in collaboration with YSJ Farms Limited has the aim of empowering and engaging young people in commercial agriculture to promote food security and economic development in the State. This initiative has yielded result through the provision of financial support, training, and resources to young farmers. Through the initiative, the State Government has established a number of farm clusters across the State, providing opportunities for young people to engage in agricultural activities. The approval is to enhance productivity by addressing the need to provide agricultural working tools for the first set of the Bring Back Youth to Agriculture initiative participants.
In view of the need to customize the equipment and to get the equipment to the participants to aid their work during the current dry season planting period, BETTY FUTURE WAY LIMITED was recommended in line with Direct Procurement Method, having met all the procurement requirements.
Signed
Rt. Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun
Commissioner for Information.