He Has Done It Before, He Will Do It Again: Excitements as Tinubu's Aide, Olanrewaju, Empowers Ekiti Youths, Teachers with 200 Brand New Laptops, Cash.

He Has Done It Before, He Will Do It Again: Excitements as Tinubu's Aide, Olanrewaju, Empowers Ekiti Youths, Teachers with 200 Brand New Laptops, Cash.

...As Gov. Oyebanji, others hail initiative.

FLASH BACK NEWS

In an unprecedented development, 200 Ekiti people, comprising 100 youths, 70 teachers and 30 others, on Friday participated in an empowerment training on data management and computer application, sponsored by the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Parliamentary Affairs (House of Representatives), Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju. 

The programme which attracted participants across the state took place at Moba Local Government Secretariat, Otun Ekiti. However, while youths, women and a selected stakeholders had their own training in the morning, teachers had theirs in the afternoon.

The participants, who were taking through the rudiments of data privacy ,identify theft and other data security techniques, were also gifted a brand new laptop each and cash gift to equip them and enhance the training. 

Speaking at the event, Hon. Olarewaju, said his decision to facilitate the training, which targeted youths, women and teachers was to prepare the participants for the 24 century work place. To this end, he urged the participants to see the laptops as an enabler and tools for transformation. 

Olarewaju, who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1 in the 9th National Assembly, said the initiative was in line with the vision of President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who have both indicated their passions to engage and empower the youths to be productive. 

He said, "The future of Ekiti and Nigeria economy at large is in technology and the future is now. Knowing well the place of digital in emerging technological world, these laptops and importantly, the training given today are necessary to equip our youths, women and teachers to become self reliant and fit in to the future workplace. What I'm doing here today are in line with the renewed hope initiative of Tinubu administration, which our amiable governor in Ekiti has keyed into. No doubt, today's intervention will positively impact our people and prepare them for the global current digital revolution,"

Also speaking at the event, Ekiti State Commissioner for Youths Development, Hon. Gold Adedayo, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Governor Oyebanji said the governor was impressed with the training and sent his good wishes to both the initiator and the participants. The commissioner added that what Hon. Olarewaju did was a life-long opportunity for the participants to change their worlds. 

"What Hon. Olarewaju has demonstrated today with the training and the laptops has further stood him out as a serious-minded politician who believes in pragmatic approach to leadership. With this, Hon. Olarewaju is telling the participants to go out there and conquer the world because what the participants have learnt is the future and the future is now. Mr. Governor believes so much in youth and women empowerment and that's why he's so happy with this initiative by Hon. Olarewaju. I hereby call on the participants to see this as an opportunity to excell and make a difference in life. Obviously, in today's work place, there's no work that can be done without having computer knowledge." 

A special guest of honour at the programme, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, (Adl), who described the program as a 'pathway to success' called on participants to rise up and explore the world with the knowledge provided.

According to Adl, "What Hon. Olarewaju did today has shown that he's determined to show his constituents how to fish and not to give them fish. While I'm commending our Honourable for this, I'm charging the participants to see this as equipment to explore the world."

A participant from Ijero, Ayodele Alofe, said even though he is computer literate, what he leant about data privacy and security has opened his eyes to fresh knowledge and opportunities in the digital world. 

“Data Privacy and Protection has opened my eyes to understanding how to protect my data against breaches from any where, the training is indeed an eye opener for me and would love to extend the experience to learning more in the nearest future” he said. 

Another participant, Mrs. Taiwo Bamigbola from Ekiti West said the training had prepared her better as a teacher, not only to teach her pupils but to look for opportunities beyond her immediate environment through digital knowledge acquisition.

MAXIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES, SHUN SHORTCUTS, OYEBANJI CHARGES EKITI YOUTH.

MAXIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES, SHUN SHORTCUTS, OYEBANJI CHARGES EKITI YOUTH.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has charged youths in the state to take advantage of numerous opportunities and empowerment initiatives provided by his administration to acquire relevant skills, build sustainable enterprise, and become employers of labour so as to be able to contribute meaningfully to the overall development of the state.

Governor Oyebanji gave the charge at the weekend during the International Youth Day Summit organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day.

Addressing the youths at the summit held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Gold Adedayo, urged the youths to take advantage of various youth-oriented programmes and initiatives of his administration designed to empower them, develop their skill and improve their economic prospects.

The Governor explained that his administration has been deliberate and strategic in prioritizing youth development as a key component of its development agenda, noting that the decision to establish a dedicated Ministry was borne out of the need to give focused attention to the aspirations, challenges and potentials of young people in the state.

The Governor said his government deliberately prioritized youth development by creating opportunities in entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, digital innovation, agriculture, sports and other sectors.

He highlighted various interventions of his government in youth development to include, direct financial support to youth and student organizations, skill training and enterprise support that place tools and startup capital in the hands of the young people, providing innovation and technology platform, regular youth engagement, among others.

While felicitating the youths on the occasion of the international Youth Day, Governor Oyebanji also advised them against the pursuit of quick wealth through shortcuts, saying sustainable success requires discipline, hard work, patience and willingness to develop oneself.

He assured them that his administration remains committed to providing an enabling environment for Ekiti youths to thrive in the development and future prosperity of the state.

In his keynote address, Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, urged the youths in the state to reject the notion that they are leaders of tomorrow, charging them to take ownership of the present and position themselves as active participants in shaping the future of Ekiti state and Nigeria at large.

Aribasoye, who noted that government could not employ everyone, stressing that its responsibility is to create enabling environment for young people to thrive, innovate and create wealth, challenged the youths to prioritise competence, digital skills, entrepreneurship, agriculture, renewable energy and emerging technologies while using their talents to create sustainable enterprise and employment opportunities.

The Speaker also charged them to move from consumption to creation, protest to constructive policy engagement, identifying societal problems and develop solutions that could drive development. 

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the NYCN, Ekiti State Chapter, Comr Segun Bankole commended Governor Oyebanji for his administration’s commitment to youth development and empowerment, describing the various initiatives of the government as deliberate efforts to create opportunities for young people to become self-reliant and productive members of society

He explained that that the youth week and the international youth day summit were designed to create platforms for young people from different backgrounds to come together, share ideas, build networks and identify practical ways of contributing to the development of the state.

Hon. Emmanuel Oladokun Marks World Humanitarian Day with Food Distribution and Youth Engagement in Oye Constituency 1.

Hon. Emmanuel Oladokun Marks World Humanitarian Day with Food Distribution and Youth Engagement in Oye Constituency 1.

 

The World Humanitarian Day celebration, held at St. Augustine College on August 21, 2026, brought together youths, students, town presidents, community representatives and other stakeholders in a meaningful display of compassion, community engagement and people-oriented leadership.  

As part of activities marking the day, the Honourable representing Oye Constituency 1 in Ekiti Youth Parliament extended humanitarian support to 20 beneficiaries, including youths, through the distribution of essential food items. The items distributed included rice, beans, garri, palm oil, and other food provisions, providing immediate support to beneficiaries and reinforcing the importance of caring for vulnerable members of society.  

  

Beyond the distribution of food items, the event also provided an avenue for meaningful interaction and enlightenment. The Honourable addressed the youths and students of Oye constituency 1, highlighting the essence of humanitarian service and encouraging individuals, particularly young people, to understand that giving should go beyond material assistance. He emphasized the importance of compassion, responsibility, community service and extending support to those in need.  

The Honourable further called for a closer and stronger relationship with the various towns within the constituency, stressing that stronger collaboration and communication among communities, youths, students and leaders are essential to achieving meaningful and sustainable development.  

  

The event was attended by town presidents, various representatives, the Vice President of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti Students’ Union, and other stakeholders. Participants expressed their appreciation for the Honourable's gesture and commitment to humanitarian service. They also pledged to foster a wider and stronger relationship and collaboration with him in the interest of community and youth development.  

The initiative also received support from several sponsors whose contributions played a significant role in making the humanitarian outreach possible. Their generosity helped provide the food items distributed to the beneficiaries and contributed to the overall success of the programme. A special appreciation to the Commissioner for youth development, Hon. Adesola Gold Adedayo for the platform to serve and the speaker of the 5th assembly, Ekiti youth parliament.   

  

The World Humanitarian Day event therefore served as more than a food distribution exercise. It became an opportunity to promote compassion, engage young people, strengthen community relationships and reaffirm the importance of people centred leadership in the constituency.

The message from the event was clear: humanitarianism is not only about giving; it is about building a society where people care, communities connect, and no one is left behind.  

AAWSG Ekiti Congratulates Fagboyo Rachael Funmilayo as New Coordinator.

AAWSG Ekiti Congratulates Fagboyo Rachael Funmilayo as New Coordinator.

The All APC Women Support Group (AAWSG), Ekiti State Chapter, has congratulated Pharmacist Fagboyo Rachael Funmilayo on her emergence as the new Coordinator of the association in the state.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Secretary of AAWSG, Ekiti State Chapter, the group described Fagboyo’s emergence as a testament to the confidence reposed in her capacity, experience and ability to provide purposeful leadership.

The association expressed confidence that the new coordinator would justify the trust placed in her by promoting unity, peace and progress among members across the state.

The group also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and understanding for Fagboyo as she assumes the new responsibility, urging her to lead with love, fairness and inclusiveness.

According to the association, her tenure is expected to usher in greater progress, togetherness and meaningful achievements for AAWSG in Ekiti State.

The group further pledged its support and cooperation towards ensuring that the new administration succeeds, while expressing optimism that her leadership would strengthen the association and advance its objectives of being a formidable group in the politics of our dear state and Nigeria as a whole

The statement added, “We celebrate this new responsibility and trust that has been placed in your capable hands. We pray that God will grant you wisdom, strength, understanding and the grace to lead with love, unity and fairness.”

The association congratulated Fagboyo once again and prayed that God would guide, protect and uphold her throughout her tenure as coordinator.

Oyebanji Administration Committed to Youth Wealth Creation, Says Commissioner Babafemi at Positive Impact Summit 2026.

Oyebanji Administration Committed to Youth Wealth Creation, Says Commissioner Babafemi at Positive Impact Summit 2026.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration to youth empowerment, innovation and sustainable wealth creation, describing young people as critical drivers of the state’s socio-economic transformation.

Mrs Babafemi stated this in her goodwill message at the 2026 Positive Impact Summit (PIS), held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic & Convention Centre, Fajuyi, Ado-Ekiti, on the theme, “Turning Ideas into Wealth.”

The summit, organised by the Divine Motivation for Positive Impact Initiative (DMPII), led by Dr Gbenga Emiloju, attracted a large gathering of young entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners and other youths seeking to transform their ideas into viable economic opportunities.

The Commissioner commended the organisers for convening the summit, describing it as a timely and impactful initiative that aligns with the Oyebanji Administration's governance priorities, particularly in youth development, economic empowerment, innovation, and wealth creation.

She noted that the state government is deliberately creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive through various programmes and interventions implemented by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministries of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy; Agriculture and Food Security; Employment and Wealth Creation; as well as the Knowledge Zone, among others.

Addressing the enthusiastic participants, Mrs Babafemi urged them to maximise the opportunities offered by the summit, particularly the business grants, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and practical insights into wealth creation.

She encouraged the youths to move beyond ideas to action, stressing the importance of discipline, resilience, creativity and continuous learning in building sustainable businesses and achieving financial independence.

The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of character in achieving enduring success, noting that wealth and professional accomplishments must be built on integrity, responsibility and a strong sense of purpose. She therefore commended DMPII not only for promoting entrepreneurship but also for its focus on raising young people with character, purpose, and vision.

The high-profile gathering also had a strong assembly of dignitaries and professionals in attendance, including a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Iyabo Fakunle Okeiheme; Dr. Adetayo Egunlusi; the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services (Governor's Office), Dr. Oyeyemi Kayode Ojo; the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor's Office, Mr. Adeleke Adefolaju (mni); the General Manager of Ayooba FM, Mr. Wale Ojo; and Miss Seyifunmi Kolawole, a teenage prolific writer who recently authored four books.

The summit featured business grant presentations, robust networking sessions and expert-led mentorship panels, equipping participants with practical knowledge and renewed confidence to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures and take greater charge of their economic futures.

EKSCOTECH SET TO HOLD SECOND COMBINED CONVOCATION NINE YEARS AFTER INAUGURAL EDITION.

EKSCOTECH SET TO HOLD SECOND COMBINED CONVOCATION NINE YEARS AFTER INAUGURAL EDITION.

...Week-long celebration to feature Press Conference, Community Service, Novelty Match, Convocation Lecture, Gala Night and Grand Convocation Ceremony.

Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti, is set to hold its Second Combined Convocation Ceremony, marking another significant milestone in the history and development of the institution.

The week-long event, scheduled to hold from Monday, September 21 to Sunday, September 27, 2026, will bring together graduands, their parents and guardians, members of the Governing Council, management, staff, students, alumni, government officials, traditional rulers, distinguished guests and other stakeholders to celebrate academic achievements and institutional progress.

The forthcoming convocation is particularly significant as it comes nine years after the College's inaugural Convocation ceremony held in 2017, thereby making the 2026 edition a landmark occasion in the annals of the institution.

Under the theme of "Celebration, Achievements and Renewed Institutional Development", the week will feature a variety of academic, social, religious and community-oriented activities.

SEVEN DAYS OF CELEBRATION

The programme will commence on Monday, September 21, 2026, with a Press Conference, providing an opportunity for the Polytechnic's Management to engage members of the media and highlight the institution's achievements, transformation and future aspirations.

On Tuesday, September 22, the Polytechnic will take its convocation celebration into the host community through a variety of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) community services aimed at further strengthening the relationship between the institution and its host community.

The excitement will continue on Wednesday, September 23, with a Novelty Football Match, bringing together members of the Polytechnic community and other stakeholders in a relaxed atmosphere of sportsmanship, camaraderie and entertainment.

The academic high point of the week will come on Thursday, September 24, with the Convocation Lecture. The lecture will provide an intellectual platform for the exchange of ideas and reflection on issues relevant to education, technology, society and national development.

On Friday, September 25, the Polytechnic community will gather for a Jumat Service, before rounding off the day's activities with the much-anticipated Rector's Gala Night.

The Grand Finale of the week-long celebration will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with the actual Convocation Ceremony in which graduands will formally celebrate the successful completion of their programmes and receive their academic awards.

The week-long celebration will come to a close on Sunday, September 27, with a Thanksgiving Service, offering the Polytechnic Community an opportunity to express gratitude to God for the success of the institution, its staff and students, and particularly the convocation ceremony.

OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF EAGLE ONLINE PUBLISHER DOTUN OLADIPO.

OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF EAGLE ONLINE PUBLISHER DOTUN OLADIPO.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of the Publisher of Eagle Online Newspaper, Mr Dotun Oladipo.

The late Mr Oladipo, a former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers ( GOCOP), died on Tuesday after a brief illness. He was aged 56. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, regretted that Nigeria has lost one of its finest and most talented journalists.

He described the late Mr Oladipo as a vibrant, articulate and versatile professional who enriched the media space with his intellect, industry and brilliance in informing, educating and entertaining Nigerians with his brand of journalism.

Governor Oyebanji recalled that the deceased was one of the pioneers of online journalism after putting in decades of unblemished practice as a reporter and later as editor in some prominent news organisations in the country.

He added that the role of the deceased as an elder statesman of online news publishing was recognized with his emergence as President of the Guild of Online Corporate Publishers (GOCOP) a role he held between 2017 and 2021

The Ekiti helmsman said the late media executive used his profession to speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable through his writings, analysis and contributions to burning national issues thereby deepening the nation's democracy.

According to him, the late Mr Oladipo was a respected voice in the polity through his appearances on radio and television programmes, most prominently on the popular JOURNALISTS' HANGOUT on Television Continental (TVC).

The Governor noted that the late Mr Oladipo brought integrity to bear in the practice of the profession he loved passionately and earned distinction within and outside the country.

The Governor commiserated with the deceased's immediate family, friends, associates and admirers who are still shocked by his demise praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the tragic loss. He urged them to be consoled by the good life he lived and worthy legacies he left behind.