Ado Ekiti House of Representatives Spokesman and member for Ekiti North Constituency I, Hon. Akin Rotimi, has renewed calls for the strict enforcement of Nigeria’s disability rights law, warning that continued neglect of accessibility standards in public buildings undermines the dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Rotimi made the appeal at the flag-off ceremony of a prosthetic limb support programme for 131 beneficiaries in Ado Ekiti, where he stressed that despite the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019 coming into force in January 2024, many banks, eateries, religious centres and other public facilities have failed to comply.

The lawmaker reminded stakeholders that the Act, which prohibits discrimination against PWDs, prescribes heavy penalties for violations—N1 million for corporate bodies, and N100,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for individuals.

He commended the Ekiti State Government for being proactive, noting that new state-owned public buildings have adhered to required standards, unlike many elsewhere in the country. Rotimi added that he has already proposed a repeal and reenactment of the Act to strengthen enforcement and close existing gaps.

“Awareness remains low. From the local governments to the national level, many are still unaware of the provisions of this law. Without sensitisation and enforcement, compliance will remain weak,” he said.

Beyond the prosthetic limb distribution, Rotimi also unveiled legacy projects for PWDs in his constituency, including a Motherless Babies’ Home, a School for Children with Special Needs, and a Specialty Health Centre for the Critically Disabled.

Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who graced the event, praised the initiative while reaffirming the state’s commitment to inclusivity. She pointed to the administration’s unprecedented employment of PWDs in government and progressive policies aimed at making Ekiti a national model of equal opportunity.

Her remarks linked the state’s vision to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the compassion-driven leadership of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, “whose heart for the vulnerable continues to inspire the nation.”

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The reclaimed land, primarily used for agricultural activities, will now support broader state development initiatives.

The government also allocated N146.3 million as initial compensation for 40 landowners with crops and economic trees affected by the land revocation. Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Taiwo Olatunbosun, confirmed that the decision was made during the weekly State Executive Council meeting in Ado-Ekiti.

In a related development, the state government approved a budget of N61.18 million for the production of 12,000 reflective jackets and permits for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators. The initiative aims to enhance security and standardize commercial transportation across the state. According to Olatunbosun, the reflective jackets and permits will help law enforcement identify and regulate operators, ensuring that only authorized individuals are allowed to operate within Ekiti.

The project includes the enumeration of all commercial operators to develop a comprehensive database. TEMPLE SYC INSPECTION LIMITED, a firm known for its roadworthiness inspections and revenue collection for the state, has been contracted to manage the initiative, leveraging its existing system to support the new database.

The Ekiti government reiterated its commitment to public safety and is closely monitoring commercial operators to bolster security measures throughout the state.

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The Ekiti State Government, on Monday, ordered the reconstitution of a new committee to resolve the lingering land crisis between Ido and Osi Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state, to prevent the bedlam from festering to a large scale violence.

The government said, the action became expedient, sequel to wholesome rejection of the recommendations contained in the report of the Ekiti State Boundary Technical Committee by Osi Ekiti, that the land under contention should be shared between the two towns, or be acquired by government for agricultural purpose.

According to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, Mrs Afuye, said this in Ado Ekiti, while meditating in a land dispute between Olotu family of Osi Ekiti and Ejemu dynasty of Ido Ekiti.

To nip the matter in the bud permanently, Mrs Afuye, said the new committee, which be constituted by the Ido/Osi Local Government, which has jurisdictional powers, will have experts from the office of Surveyor General, representatives of the two communities, traditional rulers and security agencies.

Mrs Afuye appealed to the communities to cooperate with the new committee and promote peace, in line with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s policy thrust of peace building among all the citizens and towns across the state.

Mrs Afuye, said: “Since Osi Ekiti said they are not going to take the recommendation of the technical committee’s report earlier done, we are going to set up another committee to interact with the two families in the matter.

“In order to resolve this matter once and for all, we are going to contact the local government to constitute a committee from the Council and experts from the office of the Surveyor General will join, to be able to get a recommendation that will be acceptable to all sides.

“We are not in favour of anyone in this matter. Our action exemplified commitment to unity and peace building between these two towns. We need a proper report on this matter and that is what we are trying to achieve”.

In his briefing, the Ekiti State Surveyor General, Surv. Adebayo Faleto, proposed that the crisis can be nipped in the bud through the spirit of give and take, saying if the families can’t settle, that the land will be acquired by government for agricultural purpose.

Faleto stated that the two cadastral mapping done by the governments of Dr Kayode Fayemi and the current Biodun Oyebanji-led administration tallied, which further accentuated the claim that the technical committee was unbiased in the matter.

“We have always been neutral in our judgement. The land under contention can be divided between the two families. But if they fail to reach agreement, the government can acquire the land for plantation agriculture to resolve the matter eternally”, he said.

Speaking for the Ejemu family of Ido Ekiti, Engr. Olusesan Falae, was vehement in his claim that the land belonged to the family, saying the local government had visited the place and recommended that the land was genuinely owned by them.

In his defence, Falae averred that the family, had submitted the recommendation of the technical committee of May 17,1998, which favoured Ido Ekiti in the matter, besides the one presented by Ido/ Osi Local government in 1999, that also tilted towards the family in terms of ownership.

“In 1998 and 2018, the recommendations of the Ekiti State technical committee and the Local Government were that the land belonged to Ido Ekiti. Several farmers on the land and those who were from Osi Ekiti owned up that the land under contention belongs to us, there is no confusion about this”, he maintained.

Disputing Ido’s claim, the spokesperson of Olotu family of Osi Ekiti, Mr. Kayode Eniola and Chief Babatunde Odetola, said the land had been occupied by Ido Ekiti illegally for years, which they said fueled agitations that such arbitrary possession should be addressed to avert bloodshed.

They said the recommendation by Ido Osi Local Government in its report of 1999 was biased on the premise that no Osi Ekiti person was represented in the Land Dispute Committee.

“How could they have set up a committee without deferring to us? This we believed was biased and wrong, so we can’t accept the recommendation contained therein”, they stated.

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According to a notice, this upgrade will disrupt power supply in Ondo and Ekiti states for two months.

The maintenance, which includes the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), will cause daily power outages lasting nine hours, from July 1 to August 31.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Plunged Into Darkness Again as Power Grid Collapses

The TCN expressed regret for the inconvenience, stating, “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and kindly solicit your patience and understanding

The post Ondo, Ekiti to Face Two-Month Power Outage appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to commence the collection of land use charges in its drive to boost the economy of the state through improved internally generated revenue.

The Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, made this known on Monday during the 2023 Carols and Lessons service that took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti.

Oyebanji while making the announcement said the property tax would not in any way be a serious burden to the residents of Ekiti state as it is going to be progressive.

The Governor also called for the collaboration of all stakeholders on the scheme so that his administration can continue to meet its obligation to the people of the state.

READ ALSO:Ekiti State Governor Promises Swift Response to Flood Damage

According to him, the property tax is going to be progressive based on the type and cost of property of an individual.

“I just want to plead with Ekiti people that by next year, we are going to start with land use charges in Ekiti state, because, if government must meet our obligations, we must raise money which I am sure will not bring any burden to anyone,” he said.

“We are going to do it in a way and manner that it is going to be progressive and we are starting in January. There is going to be a stakeholders’ meeting next week, where we are going to sit down with everybody in Ekiti state to explain this.

READ ALSO:Housing Minister Initiates Land Use Act Review for Improved Efficiency

“If we do this, it is going to increase our IGR, then we will be able to do more. Every time, I receive requests for transformer, for water, for road construction, for community days, all this money will come from somewhere.

“So, if there are areas, we have not explored, time has come to explore them, but one thing you can be sure of is that I will be accountable to you and to God.”

Source: Guardian

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The dire situation has given rise to severe flooding, causing damage to properties and rendering many roads impassable.

The residents who comprise Ekiti State University students and indigenes in areas around Phase2, Iworoko Ekiti, and Yemkem call for help have largely fallen on deaf ears, as the state government has yet to prioritize the construction of drainage systems in the supposed environs.

This lack of action has left many questioning the commitment and responsibility of those in power to address this pressing issue.

Mr. Fabiyi Ayomide, a civil engineer, highlighted the dangers associated with the absence of proper drainage systems.

He stated, “Without an effective drainage system, the water has nowhere to go, causing it to seep into the soil and weaken the foundation of buildings. Over time, this can lead to buildings collapsing, putting lives at risk.”

The dire consequences of the dearth of drainage became evident last month when a resident of Yemkem and Phase2 found it difficult to get a bike to take home due to the sloppy road which prevented bikes men from mobilizing indigene and students to their respective homes

Pastor Ayoola Gabriel, a resident of Yemkem environments lamented how lack of drainage could have almost collapsed the wall of his building if not for getting a beam to support the wall and constructing a localized drainage to enable the flow of the water

“I have no option than to use my last penny to construct a pillar to support the wall, while all my church members create a channel for the water but leading to another drainage that is closed”

In response to these concerns, the Chairman of Irepodun Ifelodun local government, Hon. Sola Adebayo acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured residents that measures are being taken to address the drainage issue.

He mentioned that plans for the construction of proper drainage systems are already underway.

Adebayo also emphasized that this issue requires a comprehensive approach, involving not only the construction of drainage systems but also the rehabilitation of existing ones.

He stated, “We understand the urgency of the matter and are taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.

We are committed to implementing long-term solutions that will mitigate the risks of flooding and prevent further damage to homes.”

Despite the government’s assurances, residents remain skeptical due to the lack of visible progress on the ground. They argue that immediate action is needed to prevent further deterioration of their homes and protect lives.

Local community leaders and advocacy groups have also joined the call, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

They have demanded transparency in the government’s plans and urged regular updates and timelines for the construction of drainage systems.

As the rainy season continues, it is evident that the dearth of drainage systems in Ekiti State continues to put homes at risk of collapse.

The residents anxiously await the implementation of comprehensive measures to address the issue and safeguard their properties and lives.

Only time will tell if the government will fulfil its promises and provide the necessary infrastructure to mitigate the risks of flooding and prevent further damage.

Read Also: We are ready to reduce price of cement – BUA CEMENT

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