Unity, Vision And Excellence Define HLA Gathering At Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government.

Unity, Vision And Excellence Define HLA Gathering At Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government.

By Asubiojo G . O

The Coordinator of Heads of Local Government Administration (HLA), Mr. Borisade, led an array of distinguished administrative heavyweights—Heads of Local Government Administration from all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas across Ekiti State—to a purposeful and highly productive meeting held on Wednesday at Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government.

In his warm and dignified welcome address, Mr. Borisade graciously received all administrative heads and encouraged them to continue glowing in unity, mutual respect, and professional love—virtues essential for sustaining an optimal and responsive Local Government administrative system.

His words resonated as a call to collective strength, reminding all present that unity remains the invisible thread that binds efficiency to excellence.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Akomolede Rotimi, in his visionary, charismatic, disciplined, and humble submission, applauded the Heads of Local Government Administration for their unwavering professional excellence, diligence, discipline, and administrative dexterity in executing their official mandates. He noted with pride that their steadfast commitment has continually amplified the relevance, strength, and transformative impact of Local Government Service Administration. With fatherly conviction, he encouraged them to sustain their glowing performance and remain shining beacons of administrative integrity within their respective Local Governments.

Equally lending his seasoned voice, Mr. Oluwasesan Aina, the former Coordinator of the HLA Conference, now Executive Secretary,charged the administrative leaders to remain dynamic, proactive, and result-oriented in their duties. Beyond professional excellence, he urged them to continue supporting and upholding the visible achievements and visionary strides of the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji (BAO). He highlighted the remarkable and pragmatic reforms introduced into the Local Government system—transformations once considered distant dreams under past administrations. With persuasive clarity, he emphasized the need to appreciate these lofty and radical positive changes through sustained loyalty and collective support toward continued progress.

Indeed, the gathering stood as a huge and splendid convergence of the most senior administrative minds across the Local Governments and LCDAs, where ideas were exchanged with intellectual depth and shared commitment toward sustaining the relevance, efficiency, and responsiveness of the Local Government administrative structure.

In her characteristic enthusiasm and charismatic leadership style, Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-Bosede, the Head of Local Government Administration of Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government, who graciously hosted the meeting, expressed heartfelt appreciation to her colleagues for their consistent and glorious turnout, as demonstrated in previous engagements.

 Her words flowed with gratitude and professional warmth, acknowledging the collective spirit that continues to strengthen the administrative family.

She also extended profound appreciation to the Executive Chairman of Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, for his fatherly support, unwavering encouragement, and timely assistance, which have continually fostered an enabling environment for administrative excellence and institutional growth.

It was, without doubt, a moment of administrative harmony—

a gathering where intellect met purpose,

where leadership embraced unity,

and where service to the people remained the sacred anthem.

Together, these administrative leaders stood not merely as officers of duty, but as custodians of governance, architects of grassroots development, and torchbearers of progressive transformation—committed to sustaining excellence, nurturing unity, and driving the Local Government system toward enduring relevance and outstanding performance.

Ekiti Govt Approves 50% Tractorization Subsidy for Farmers.

Ekiti Govt Approves 50% Tractorization Subsidy for Farmers.

The Ekiti State Executive Council has approved a 50 per cent subsidy on tractorization services for farmers as part of measures to enhance agricultural productivity in the 2026 planting season.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, noting that the subsidy covers ploughing, harrowing and ridging of farmlands across the state.

According to him, following the council’s approval, farmers will now pay ₦45,000 per hectare for ploughing, instead of the ₦90,000 market rate, while harrowing and ridging will cost ₦32,500 per hectare each, down from ₦65,000.

Boluwade explained that the slight increase in prices compared to last year was due to rising diesel costs, attributed to ongoing global tensions involving Iran and the US/Israel, adding that prices may be reviewed downward if fuel costs decline.

He outlined conditions for participation in the programme, including a maximum of five hectares per farmer and verification by ministry engineers to ensure the land has not been tractorized within the last 12 months.

The Commissioner added that payment by farmers will only be made after confirmation that the land is suitable for tractorization, assuring that service providers are expected to mobilize to project sites within 48 hours of payment.

 

He urged interested farmers to contact designated numbers based on their senatorial districts: Ekiti South (0706-826-2309, 0803-487-9106), Ekiti Central (0806-8497008, 0806-232-5044) and Ekiti North (0803-565-6550, 0803-489-2651).

Boluwade added that, ” this is the fourth time the State Government will be subsidising the Tractorization Support Scheme for farmers in the State.

 

” The Scheme started in 2023 and it has captured so many farmers and improved productivity among the small holder farmers.The list of approved Mechanisation Service Providers allocated to every farmstead has been circulated widely within the state.”

I WILL NOT LET NIGERIANS DOWN, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADORS.

I WILL NOT LET NIGERIANS DOWN, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADORS.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in Abuja, reaffirmed his commitment to building a stable, peaceful, and prosperous nation, assuring that the well-being of Nigerians remains his top priority.

He stated that the political and economic structures that have long undermined Nigerians’ prosperity are being steadily replaced through the realignment of the economy to enable full participation.

Receiving a delegation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State at the State House, President Tinubu pledged to sustain reforms aimed at creating more opportunities for poor and vulnerable citizens.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, also attended the event, alongside many governors: Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Mohammed Inuwa (Gombe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Uba Sani (Kaduna), who also serves as deputy director-general of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors..

A host of former governors, including Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), attended, as well as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, the APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru, zonal coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, directors and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari.

President Tinubu emphasised that the more citizens participate in shaping their lives and future, the better society will be for generations to come.

He urged the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to continue sensitising and mobilising citizens, especially at the grassroots, on the government's efforts to improve their livelihoods through economic reforms.

“You represent the conscience of a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty and hopelessness,’’ he said.

President Tinubu assured that the administration will uphold the tenets of democracy, including the rule of law, the separation of powers and the rights of all citizens.

“We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court; we must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not. We submit to this principle of democracy, separation of powers, and understanding of the dynamics of it, and the nationhood that Nigeria is, that we must build one country.  That's what Renewed Hope is all about. You must give them that hope.

“There's no other path for us to attain national greatness other than to build one common vision for the progress and prosperity of our people. That is what we must do,’' he added.

He reiterated that his government is guided by a clear vision to foster inclusive growth, create opportunities for youth, and ensure that every Nigerian—regardless of background or region—has a stake in the country’s future.

He encouraged citizens not to be discouraged by the misinformation championed by the opposition elements in the country.

He said the great accomplishments witnessed in modern times were achieved through visionary leadership, assuring that Nigeria is in safe hands.

To the opposition, he said: "They want to scare me off? It's a lie. I've been through this path before. And if I have to come back over and over and over again, I'll do the same thing. There is no better place than your own country. And no one can build it except you. We saw great things, skyscrapers. We wonder how the plane takes off and flies us from one destination to another. There was no magic of yesterday. It is the thinker of tomorrow and the future that can elevate life, that can reform us all.

"And being the transformative leaders that you are, you are in good company. Don't be afraid. I've listened to you.  I didn't have to look back on the economy because the truth is, I took over from myself. The late Buhari was me. He was my partner.  And if I took over from him. Is that not from me? So, if something is wrong, fine. Live with it, correct it, move on. The life voyage is not going to be easy. I can only stand before you and say you will not regret it. That is why we ask you to renew their hope. If they don't want to see the hope and the roads and bridges, and the children we raise, the economy we are growing, we shall lend them Jigi-Bola, eyeglasses. One thing that you need from me is a promise that I won't run away from the affair. With you, the deal is done".

Turning to the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, President Tinubu promised to be their greatest champion.

"We act as one family. You represent a conscience, a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty, ignorance, and hopelessness. You are in a good company. That's all I can say. And all I can promise is I won't give up".

Earlier, the Director–General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA)and Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, said they were at the State House to update the President on the progress made so far.

"Our purpose in coming is to brief Mr President on how far we have gone with this national assignment, to present the substance of the work already done, and to reaffirm that the structure you graciously created is not only alive but active, coordinated, and already creating measurable political and civic dividends across the nation.

“At the regional level, activities have begun in earnest. All the structures of all the local governments have been inaugurated, as in the electoral wards.

“We have kick – started the process of enumeration up to the polling unit level. We are continuously harvesting data during enrolment, taking the messages to the markets, schools and professional groups, women's platforms and faith-based and grassroots political structures,” Governor Uzodinma said.

He lauded President Tinubu for his purposeful leadership and assured him of their loyalty and commitment to the success of the assignment.

The North-West Zonal Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, commended the courage and political sagacity of the President, describing him as a dogged reformer despite the teething difficulties being experienced.

"We know very well that reformers are always finding it extremely difficult at the beginning. More especially, if you are reforming in a society that is very difficult to understand, and some are willing to make people not understand," Masari said.

Masari commended the President for taking hard but necessary reforms that leaders before him could not, saying that Nigeria has become better for it.

He assured the President that most political heavyweights in the North-West geopolitical zone are solidly behind the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the struggle for a better Nigeria is for all to undertake.

He said the North West leaders have agreed to tour the federal projects in the zone to raise awareness among citizens.

" You have done so much, Mr President, but don't allow noise makers to distract you. Your bashings are not for you alone. Even your detractors know that you have done well.

"Will anyone come tomorrow and say he will reverse the removal of the fuel subsidy or return the nation to multiple foreign exchange rates?" Masari said.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, lauded President Tinubu for the infrastructural revolution across the nation, enabled by the several reform programmes of his administration, as attested to by state governors.

Former Governor Okowa, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, Governors Uba Sani and Biodun Oyebanji also delivered goodwill messages at the meeting.

VENITE UNIVERSITY VC URGES EKITI TRADITIONAL RULERS TO SUPPORT AGBEYEWA’S AGRICULTURAL DRIVE.

VENITE UNIVERSITY VC URGES EKITI TRADITIONAL RULERS TO SUPPORT AGBEYEWA’S AGRICULTURAL DRIVE.

The Vice-Chancellor of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Professor Charity Onye Aremu, has called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to support the expansion of Agbeyewa’s agricultural initiative as part of efforts to drive economic transformation in Nigeria.

She made this appeal on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the 3rd Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center.

Speaking at the event, Professor Aremu highlighted that Agbeyewa’s core mission is to build healthy and thriving communities through sustainable agro-allied investments, stressing that collaboration is vital for meaningful transformation.

She emphasised the need for a mindset shift, noting that “perspective defines what you see,” and that such change is essential to move from mere production to value addition, where farm produce becomes finished products of greater economic value.

Describing Agbeyewa as a leading Agripreneurial initiative, she said its products should be in every household in Ekiti State, achievable with the support of traditional rulers who are key to grassroots mobilisation. She also stressed increased food production, citing John Dewey that “food brings happiness,” and added that Agbeyewa aims to restore prosperity and well-being among Nigerians, starting from Ekiti State.

Professor Aremu further charged that individuals and communities have “two choices” ; to accept unfavourable conditions or take responsibility to create positive change, commending Agbeyewa for choosing transformation.

Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Royal Father of the Day, praised Agbeyewa and its Chairman, Niyi John Olajide, noting that Olajide has established over 500 companies in the United States and is replicating similar success in Nigeria.

The monarch described Agbeyewa as the largest cassava farm in the world and Nigeria’s biggest cassava farm reserve, highlighting its potential to boost food security and employment.

In her concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated that combating poverty requires agricultural entrepreneurship, urging agripreneurs to act as intermediaries between corporate organisations and rural farmers through corporate social responsibility in collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders.

The retreat brought together key stakeholders in agriculture, academics, and traditional institutions, reinforcing the role of partnership in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

PROFESSOR CHARITY AREMU CHARGES GOVERNMENT TO INITIATE POLICIES TO DRIVE YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE.

PROFESSOR CHARITY AREMU CHARGES GOVERNMENT TO INITIATE POLICIES TO DRIVE YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE.

The Vice Chancellor of Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, Professor Charity Onye Aremu, has called on government at all levels to initiate policies that will promote youth participation in agriculture and enhance cassava production and processing in Nigeria.

She made this call while delivering the keynote address at the 3rd Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center.

Professor Aremu emphasised the need for deliberate government policies that will strengthen cassava value chains, improve processing systems, and boost productivity in the agricultural sector. She also reiterated the importance of engaging farmers associations in Ekiti State to drive a purposeful vision towards achieving greater progress in agriculture.

Highlighting the importance of youth inclusion, the Vice Chancellor stressed the need to inspire and empower young people, particularly Generation Z, to take active roles in agriculture. She outlined three approaches to achieving this goal through the use of high technology, promotion of innovation, and the application of gamification such as competitions, dashboards, and hackathons to make agriculture more attractive.

Also speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, who represented the Governor, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting investors in agriculture. He stated that the government recognises the impact of enterprises like Agbeyewa and commended traditional rulers for their continued support.

He further assured stakeholders that land related challenges that may hinder investment would be resolved promptly, noting that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.

The retreat was attended by traditional rulers across Ekiti State, with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, serving as the Royal Father of the Day.

In her concluding remarks, Professor Aremu emphasised the need to create access to grants for agripreneurs, describing them as the “3ers” Growers, Consumers and Exporters as a pathway to sustainable agricultural development and economic transformation.

Agbeyewa Strengthens Ties with Traditional Rulers to Expand Jobs and Boost Cassava Value Chain.

Agbeyewa Strengthens Ties with Traditional Rulers to Expand Jobs and Boost Cassava Value Chain.

Agbeyewa Farms has reinforced its partnership with traditional institutions as part of efforts to drive grassroots job creation and accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

At the Third Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held in Ekiti State, Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Niyi John-Olajide, praised royal fathers for their unwavering support, describing their collaboration as central to advancing his vision of large-scale employment across rural communities.

 

He noted that the retreat provides an avenue to assure host communities that Agbeyewa’s operations are focused not on land control, but on creating shared economic value. According to him, the company’s expansion strategy—including the acquisition of Matna Foods—is aimed at strengthening the cassava value chain by guaranteeing consistent offtake for farmers.

John-Olajide further revealed that the company has deployed modern farming technologies capable of boosting cassava yields from six tonnes per hectare to as much as 30 tonnes, urging farmers to increase production to meet rising demand.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called for deeper collaboration among government, traditional institutions, and private investors to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s forest lands. He emphasized that large-scale commercial agriculture could play a critical role in tackling insecurity, particularly kidnapping, by converting idle forests into productive zones.

The monarch pointed to the transformation of Ekiti North—once affected by insecurity but now experiencing improved safety and economic activity—as evidence of the impact of such partnerships. He also urged affluent Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to invest in agriculture and industrial ventures to create jobs.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council, HRM Oba Samuel Adu Adejimi Alagbado encouraged traditional rulers to continue mobilizing farmers to expand cassava cultivation, assuring them of a ready and reliable market.

Ogoga also commended the Agbeyewa’s workforce, urging them to uphold values of integrity, discipline, and dedication.

Representing Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Agbeyewa as a global leader in cassava production. He highlighted the impact of private sector investments on the state’s economy, noting that Ekiti’s GDP has grown significantly from ₦2.4 trillion in 2022 to nearly ₦5 trillion.

He added that the government is actively working to resolve land disputes to create a more investor-friendly climate.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Charity Aremu identified persistent challenges facing farmers, including limited access to credit, poor infrastructure, and inadequate inputs. She commended Agbeyewa’s structured offtake model for addressing some of these issues and encouraged traditional rulers to promote youth participation in agriculture.

Prof. Aremu also urged Nigeria to adopt best practices from countries like Tailand, where farmers benefit from mechanization, improved seedlings, irrigation systems, and better rural infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, called on residents to collaborate with traditional institutions in reporting suspicious activities, assuring that security agencies would intensify efforts to maintain peace and stability across the state.

Ekiti leads in promoting women participation in politics, governance, says Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Ekiti leads in promoting women participation in politics, governance, says Commissioner for Women Affairs.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ekiti State, Peju Babafemi, has declared that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is setting the pace in promoting women participation in politics and governance. 

Speaking on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during the interactive S'etigbo multicast, anchored by the Bureau of Community Communications, the commissioner said the state government has created more opportunities to enable women actively contribute to governance and leadership.

She noted that Governor Oyebanji is fully committed to involving women in decision-making process stressing that the initiative serves as an encouragement to upcoming female leaders and young girls. 

She commended Governor Oyebanji for investing in women to drive inclusive and sustainable development in the state in line with his shared prosperity mantra. 

Her words: "We are happy that the government of Governor Oyebanji is involving women in a remarkable manner in leadership and appointing them in decision-making roles, both appointive and elective positions more than ever before in Ekiti State. 

"This is heartwarming and encouraging for young girls and upcoming female leaders because when you see women not at the back again but at the centre bringing forth ideas and suggestions that are moving the state forward. 

"It is just normal and instructive for anyone coming to government to know that women are very important in governance, women are important in public administration and the government of Governor Oyebanji has really set the pace that women are assets in the society."