Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appointed Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff, effective Thursday.

Adebayo, currently the Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management, will oversee the coordination of activities in the Governor’s Office.

Announcing the appointment in a statement, the governor’s Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said, “Mr. Adebayo brings a wealth of experience in finance, management, and planning to his new role. His expertise will be critical in ensuring the efficient operation of the Governor’s Office.”

Adebayo, from Usi-Ekiti, joined the Oyebanji administration in November 2022 as Special Adviser on Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management before being elevated to commissioner in August 2023.

In related developments, Femi Ajayi has been appointed as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, effective Thursday.

Ajayi, who had previously held this position, currently serves as Special Adviser to the Governor in the Independent Project Monitoring Office.

On the restructuring of the ministry, Oyebode explained, “The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will revert to its original name from January 2, 2025, reflecting its renewed focus and mandate under Hon. Ajayi.”

Governor Oyebanji also announced the creation of the Office of Special Services, to be headed by Prince Wole Ajakaiye as Special Adviser.

Ajakaiye, the current Director General/Special Adviser on SDGs, will oversee Sustainable Development Goals, Independent Project Monitoring, and other responsibilities.

Speaking on Ajakaiye’s appointment, the governor said, “Prince Ajakaiye’s leadership has been instrumental in driving SDG-related initiatives, and I am confident he will bring the same dedication to his expanded role.”

Additionally, Tajudeen Akingbolu has been appointed Director General of the Ekiti State Transport Agency, effective January 2, 2025.

A former member of the state House of Assembly, Akingbolu will manage the newly established agency.

Oyebode said, “These appointments reflect Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to harnessing the skills and experience of competent individuals to drive Ekiti State’s development agenda.”

The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Senator Manu Haruna has said 2025 will showcase victory for his constituents, Tarabans and Nigeria as a country.

Manu who made this disclosure in a new year message to his constituents and Nigerians declared that it’s going to be a year of victory against insecurity and economic challenges.

Senator Manu celebrated the dawn of a new year and expressed his gratitude for the trust and support of the people of Taraba Central.

He acknowledged their resilience and unity in facing the challenges of the past year and prayed for peace, prosperity, and progress in the year ahead.

The Senator reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people, advancing development projects, and addressing key issues in the district.

The former Deputy Governor of Taraba State Manu encouraged everyone to embrace the spirit of hope and determination as they work together to build a brighter future for Taraba Central and Nigeria.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the grace period for land allottees to pay their Certificate of Occupancy fees would not be extended.

He said it is essential for individuals to fulfil their obligations, adding that after the grace period expires, these lands will be reallocated to interested parties.

Wike said this while conducting a routine inspection of several key infrastructure projects currently underway in the FCT.

Projects inspected include the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway, OSEX, from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District and the 5-kilometre Saburi Road.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, Wike expressed concerns raised by some individuals regarding the publication of the names of plot owners who have yet to pay their Certificate of Occupancy fees.

He clarified that the list was generated from existing records and that individuals with proof of payment would be addressed accordingly.

He further stated that the grace period for land allottees to pay the fee would not be extended.

Emphasising the need for compliance and the importance of revenue generation for FCT’s development, he explained that some of the land allocations dated back to 10 years, adding: “We believe it is essential for individuals to fulfill their obligations. After the grace period expires, these lands will be reallocated to interested parties.”

When asked about distractions and how they may affect his developmental strides in the FCT in 2025, the Minister reiterated that nothing distracts him, insisting that he remains intensely focused on achieving his mandate in the FCT.

He said complaints were an inherent part of governance and that it was unrealistic to expect to satisfy everyone.

“These complaints will not deter us from our mission. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities and achieving the best possible outcomes for most of our residents,” he said.

“Our focus remains on what is right and achieving the best possible results for the majority of our residents, not for a select few.”