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FG approves N9.2bn premium for civil servants’ Life Insurance

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the sum of N9.2billion as premium to insurance companies that will manage the group life insurance for federal civil servants in the country.

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed revealed this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said: “On behalf of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, I will like to report that council today approved the award of contract for the appointment of insurance companies for group life assurance for federal government employees, public servants, para-military and the intelligence community for the year 2021-2022 in the sum of N9, 248. 995, 907.

“This premium is for a period of 12 months.

“This is part of the government’s welfare programme for our public employees so that in case of death, they are assured that there would be compensation.”

The minister revealed that the council also approved N18.1billion for development of infrastructure and Kano and Calabar Free Trade Zones, as well as the Textile and Garment Park in Lagos and the Special Economic Zone, Lekki–Lagos.

Mohammed said the approval was of critical importance to the infrastructure development plan of the country.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed, who also addressed the correspondents on the outcome of the FEC meeting, said she presented the first quarter of 2021 GDP results and other performance indicators of the Nigerian economy to the Council.

According to her, the estimates and report show that Nigerian GDP has grown to 0.51% year-on-year in real terms in the First Quarter of 2021.

The minister revealed that the agricultural sector posted a strong growth at the rate of 2.28 per cent in the first quarter of 2021, compared to previous quarters.

“Also, there is a further illustration that the slow, but gradual recovery process is indicative of the fact that business operations are returning to normal and that restrictions of movements and commercial activities have been relaxed after extended close-down in the year 2020.

“Also, the agricultural sector posted a strong growth at the rate of 2.28 per cent in the first quarter of 2021, compared to previous quarters. This growth in agriculture signifies the resilience of the agricultural sector.

“Also, the industry sector has recorded positive growth, even though a weak one, but the growth is a positive one and this marks the past quarter of growth over the past one year in the industry sector.

“Services recorded a slight dip, but a small one at 0.39 per cent.

“In addition to the economic activities and the reopening our businesses, growth was also boosted, in fact by increase in crude oil prices as well as increase in production in the first quarter of 2020.

“We have seen this positive growth being contributed by not just the oil sector, but also by economic activities within the metal sector, the cement sector, electricity, telecommunications, food and beverages as well as human health and social services,’’ she said.

The minister, however, stated that some sectors had recorded negative growth, saying such sectors included quarrying and other minerals, oil refinery, road transport, air transport, rail transport, education, as well as hospitality sectors.

On inflationary trends, Ahmed noted that throughout 2020 airline inflation had maintained an upward trend.

The minister also maintained that prices of food items might not come down as fast as the other aspects of inflation.

She said: “For the first time in 19 months, inflation has shown a slight dip. It’s a very slight dip, but it’s a positive point for us, we had indicated that our projection is that inflation will begin to flatten in the month of April 2021 and this is an indication.

“So, subsequent periods we are looking at inflation beginning to trend downwards. Food inflation will not come down as fast as the other aspects of inflation.

“But it is important to also see that the rate of food inflation also showed a slight dip and the rise in food index, which you will see if you check the detailed report, is driven by foods such as coffee, tea, cocoa, breads, cereals, soft drinks, milk, cheese, not basic food items like rice, maize and millet.

“So this is what we reported to Council today.”

The Minister of Environment, Alhaji Muhammed Mahmud, told the correspondents that the Council approved a revised national policy on climate change.

According to him, the revised policy is aimed at a Nigeria that is sustainable environmentally.

“Its implementation strategy is to be all encompassing. We have met with several MDAs, agencies and civil society organisations and even the media because this is something that requires all hands on deck as we are all potential polluters of environment causing climate change.

“Eventually and ultimately the objective is to help Nigeria that is climate resilient and also gender sensitive in the future and that is the vision of this policy intellectuals because the world is moving towards carbon neutrality.

“It is assumed that by the year 2015, we should have carbon neutrality.

“Now is the time to get prepared for that so that is what the policy is all about to drive towards a Nigeria that is sustainable environmentally,’’ he added. (NAN

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Adubiaro Expresses Gratitude to Oyebanji Over Reappointment as Ekiti SSG

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Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro
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Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro has expressed profound gratitude to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for reappointing her as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), describing the renewed mandate as an honour and a call to greater service.

Adubiaro, in a statement issued following the announcement of her reappointment, appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in her capacity, dedication and commitment to the development of the state.

She pledged continued loyalty, diligence and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Oyebanji administration, assuring that she would work towards the successful implementation of its policies, programmes and development agenda.

The SSG said her renewed appointment offered another opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Ekiti State.

She also expressed appreciation to the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her encouragement, support and contributions to the growth and development of the state.

Adubiaro extended her gratitude to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, and Olori Abosede Adejugbe for their goodwill, prayers and support, noting the important role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, cultural heritage and sustainable development.

She equally appreciated the Grand Imam of Ekiti State and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwestern Nigeria, including Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, as well as the Muslim community in the state, for their prayers, spiritual guidance and encouragement.

The SSG also acknowledged the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their solidarity and support, reaffirming her commitment to the ideals of the party and collaboration with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to advance the administration’s development agenda.

She did not leave out her family members, friends, associates and well-wishers, whom she thanked for their congratulatory messages, prayers and expressions of goodwill following the announcement of her reappointment.

Adubiaro further pledged to discharge her responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, transparency, teamwork, humility and integrity, stressing that she remained conscious of the high expectations associated with public service.

She assured the people of Ekiti State of her determination to work closely with relevant stakeholders to translate the governor’s vision into tangible benefits for residents.

The SSG also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for Governor Oyebanji, while seeking peace, unity and prosperity for the state’s traditional institutions, religious leaders, political stakeholders, public servants and residents.

She reiterated her resolve to justify the confidence reposed in her through dedicated service and an unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ekiti State.

 

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Oyebanji Makes First Appointments in Second Term, Retains SSG, Chief of Staff, CPS

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Ekiti State Governor,Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has made his first set of appointments following his inauguration for a second term in office, retaining three key members of his administration.

The governor approved the reappointment of Professor Habibat Adubiaro as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff, and Mr Olayinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor.

The appointments were announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, shortly after Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, were inaugurated for another term in office in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, the appointments take immediate effect.

The decision to retain the three principal officials ensures continuity in key administrative, executive and communication positions as the governor begins his second term.

As Secretary to the State Government, Professor Adubiaro occupies a strategic position in the coordination of government policies, administrative processes and inter-agency relations.

Similarly, Adebayo, as Chief of Staff, is responsible for supporting the governor’s office and coordinating executive activities, while Oyebode oversees official communications and media relations for the state government.

The reappointments constitute the first official appointments announced by Oyebanji since his inauguration for a second term, signalling the continuation of the existing leadership structure in these critical offices.

The statement did not indicate whether further appointments would be announced in the coming days.

The announcement was signed by Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State.

 

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Bamidele Hails Oyebanji’s First Term, Says Peaceful Politics Drove Ekiti Development

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Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has described the first term of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as remarkably peaceful, attributing the achievement to the governor’s humility, sense of duty and inclusive leadership style.

Bamidele said Oyebanji’s ability to foster cordial relationships among political stakeholders across the state had created an enabling environment for development and progress in Ekiti State.

The Senate Leader stated this in his welcome address at the second-term inauguration of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, in Ado-Ekiti.

He commended the governor for sustaining a peaceful political atmosphere, noting that cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders had contributed significantly to the state’s developmental strides.

Reflecting on Ekiti State’s political and developmental journey from the administration of its first civilian governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, through subsequent administrations, including that of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, Bamidele said Oyebanji had continued to strengthen the culture of political stability and peaceful coexistence.

He noted that the governor’s leadership approach had helped sustain a harmonious political environment, allowing the state to focus on governance and development rather than political divisions.

Bamidele further described Oyebanji’s re-election as a historic milestone, noting that the governor had broken a longstanding political barrier by becoming the first governor in Ekiti State to secure consecutive second-term mandates.

He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would provide further opportunities to consolidate the achievements of his first administration and advance the development of the state.

 

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