Date Published: 08/01/09

Ekiti Govt. donates N7 million bus to Jos crisis victims

Governor Segun Oni of Ekiti State has donated N7 million and a Toyota Hiase 18-seater bus to indigenes of Ekiti State resident in Jos, Plateau State who lost their properties in the Jos Political/Religious crisis of November, 2008.

Governor Oni while making the donation through his deputy, Dr. Sikiru Tae Lawal at ado Ekiti, the State Capital lamented that Ekiti indigenes who were living in Jos during the upheaval lost their hard-earned valuables, saying the money was just to ameliorate their sufferings.

 Media Aide to the deputy governor, Mr. Joseph Ogunsemi said in a statement made available to journalists that Governor Oni said that N2 million should be disbursed to all Yoruba in various refugee camps in Plateau State while the balance of N5 million is strictly for Ekiti indigenes affected by the 2008 crisis.

He added that the 18-seater bus is for the Ekiti State Development Association in Plateau State.

The governor however advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money given to them and to also use the bus to effectively mobilise indigenes of Ekiti State for the overall development of their State..  

‘’You must be fair to yourselves in the sharing of the money while you should put the bus to proper use for the overall interest of Ekiti State,’’ Oni said.

The deputy governor in his own advice said that Ekiti people, wherever they lived, should always remember their route.

‘’There is no crime in going outside your own State to work or trade but you should always remember that no matter how sweet a foreign land may be, you should always think of your home,’’ Lawal said.

Receiving the governor’s donations of N2 million and N5 million cheques and key to the bus from Dr. Lawal, President of Ekiti State Development Association, Jos, Plateau, Mr. Bankole Falade expressed the appreciation of Ekiti people in Plateau State for the assistance. He pledged the continued loyalty and cooperation of the association to the State government.

‘’We are immensely grateful to Governor Segun Oni for this money and the bus. It simply demonstrates the government’s concern for its citizens wherever they live,’’ he said.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sikiru Tae Lawal presenting key to the 18-seater bus to the President of Ekiti State Development Association, Jos, Plateau, Mr. Bankole Falade while other members of the association watch with interest (Photo: Govt. House)