NASS: THE POLITICS OF HIGH RANKING.

NASS: THE POLITICS OF HIGH RANKING.

Retiring into politics—or leaving a distinguished career to heed the call of one’s people—is often a wise and rewarding decision. In most cases, accumulated experience naturally finds expression in public service. A person’s carriage, conduct, contributions, performance, and human relations often reflect the depth of their past engagements and the bridges they have crossed. Indeed, an impressive and well-earned résumé frequently positions such individuals as valuable leadership assets.

Within the National Assembly, there exists an entrenched system known as high ranking, which simply refers to seniority. This system is comparable to what many experienced in secondary schools, particularly boarding schools, where seniors are accorded respect by virtue of longevity. One does not need to explicitly label a person a “senior”; their status is already established by time, experience, and position.

In the legislature, seniority significantly influences responsibilities, opportunities, and leadership roles. Where one stands, what one qualifies for, and how one is regarded are largely shaped by this principle. While professional background and experience may earn respect and, in rare cases, fast-track leadership consideration, seniority remains the primary ladder to key positions such as committee chairmanships in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Our own Hon. Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, fondly called O’nfo Loke, falls within the category of lawmakers whose lack of seniority has limited access to certain strategic positions—positions that could have delivered even greater cumulative benefits to his constituency and Ekiti State at large. This is despite his rich résumé and vast professional experience. Nevertheless, he has continued to distinguish himself, ensuring that his constituents feel the impact of his representation, particularly in his home base of Ise-Ekiti.

Ekiti’s staggered gubernatorial election cycle has shaped its political landscape uniquely. Typically, once a party produces the governor, it gains momentum across the National Assembly and State Assembly elections. As progressives, we must commend ourselves for sustaining continuity in governance. In the coming months, we look forward to deepening this progress by returning our multi-award-winning governor for a second term. In the same spirit, we omo Akinlúadùse must begin the process of returning our own, Hon. Ojuawo, a retired but not tired General, to the National Assembly to consolidate on the experience gained during his first term.

Hon. Ojuawo is a fine gentleman—humble, disciplined, and widely respected among his colleagues in the Green Chamber. He has earned the fitting appellation “Mr. Integrity,” a testament to his forthrightness and principled approach to leadership. Despite being a first-time legislator, he refused to be constrained by the limitations often associated with newcomers. His contributions to debates and oversight functions have been timely, insightful, and impactful.

Even before his formal legislative journey began in 2022, he had already contributed significantly to Ekiti’s development, notably with the Ekiti Cargo International Airport—a legacy project that underscored his vision and capacity. His confident assertion that “there is no aircraft that cannot land in Ekiti” reflects not just optimism, but the authority of a seasoned fighter pilot whose expertise speaks volumes.

The hallmark of effective legislation lies in quality representation, and this he has consistently demonstrated. Through the sponsorship of bills and support for initiatives that attract federal presence, as well as motions addressing urgent national and constituency concerns, Hon. Ojuawo has proven his dedication to the welfare of his people.

A grassroots politician to the core, he maintains strong ties with his constituency, visiting regularly—often every fortnight. His empowerment initiatives, particularly in agriculture through his farms in Ogbese (Ise-Ekiti) and Ikato (Ogotun-Ekiti), have provided sustained support to local farmers over the past two years, with growing impact.

His contributions span critical sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, social amenities, and youth and women empowerment. Hon. Ojuawo is a committed and effective public servant who undoubtedly deserves our collective support for a second term. Despite his military background, he remains deeply loyal to party ideals, upholding discipline, strong ethics, and constitutional order.

Ekiti needs experienced, focused, and proven leaders like Hon. Ojuawo in the National Assembly come 2027. His commitment to party growth and continuity, as well as his alignment with the vision of our hardworking governor, further underscores his suitability for re-election.

The reality remains: influence and opportunity in the National Assembly are largely shaped by seniority—not merely party affiliation. Therefore, if we truly desire stronger representation and more impactful results than what we currently have, we must prioritize continuity and experience over self-interest and personal ambition.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

EKITI 2026: BAYO AJAYI URGES CONTINUITY, BACKS OYEBANJI, AFUYE FOR SECOND TERM.

EKITI 2026: BAYO AJAYI URGES CONTINUITY, BACKS OYEBANJI, AFUYE FOR SECOND TERM.

Bayo Ajayi (Imole 1) has called on the people of Ekiti State to support the continuity of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Mrs. Christiana Monisade Afuye, urging residents to back their administration till 2030 under the Shared Prosperity Agenda.

Ajayi made the call while speaking with journalists, noting that the current administration has demonstrated capacity, inclusiveness, and a strong commitment to development across all sectors of the state.

He said, “Ekiti has witnessed a new phase of governance that prioritizes the welfare of the people. Governor Oyebanji and Deputy Governor Afuye have shown uncommon dedication to service, and they deserve continuity to consolidate on the gains already achieved.”

Highlighting some of the administration’s achievements, Ajayi pointed to improved infrastructure, enhanced security across communities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as deliberate investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

According to him, the administration’s approach has not only strengthened the economy of the state but also created opportunities for small businesses and improved the standard of living for residents.

Ajayi stressed that the Shared Prosperity Agenda has begun to yield positive results, adding that continuity would ensure that ongoing projects are completed and new initiatives are sustained for the benefit of the people.

He therefore urged Ekiti citizens and residents to set aside political differences and unite in support of the Oyebanji-led administration, describing it as a step towards securing a more prosperous future for the state.

“The progress we are seeing today must not be disrupted. Ekiti needs stability, and the best way to achieve that is to support continuity till 2030,” he added.

Ajayi reaffirmed his support for the administration, calling on stakeholders, youths, and community leaders to join in the movement for sustained development and greater prosperity in Ekiti State.

Boluwade Commends Youths at EBOPS Hub, Reaffirms Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s Commitment to Agro-Based Job Creation.

Boluwade Commends Youths at EBOPS Hub, Reaffirms Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s Commitment to Agro-Based Job Creation.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, has commended youths participating in the Ekiti State Broilers Production Scheme for their dedication and commitment to agricultural development.

Boluwade gave the commendation during a visit to the Ekiti State Broilers Production Scheme hub in Efon Alaaye, where he encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the initiative as a pathway to becoming self-reliant agropreneurs.

During the visit, the commissioner held an interactive session with the youths, listened to their concerns, and assured them of continued government support.

He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to creating employment opportunities and generating wealth through agriculture.

The Ekiti State Broilers Production Scheme, an initiative of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is designed to train and empower youths in poultry production.

Findings revealed that the scheme has so far trained and empowered about 150 youths, while no fewer than 250 participants are currently engaged across seven operational hubs in the state.

At the Efon Alaaye hub, which was activated last month, 34 youths are currently raising about 12,000 birds, with culling scheduled for next week.

New group seeks massive votes for Oyebanji, begins rural, urban campaign.

New group seeks massive votes for Oyebanji, begins rural, urban campaign.

The newly launched South West Independent Campaign Movement, (SWICAM) has said it is working hard to ensure 1.5million votes for the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate and State Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the coming gubernatorial election. The group said such a feat is possible if non-party strategy of campaign is employed to galvanise the people across the 177wards in the state.

The group on Thursday said the entire South West has the second largest number of voters in Nigeria and in a position to secure 15 to 20millon votes from the region if the people are effectively mobilised. It however regretted that voter’s apathy in the South West is the highest in the country.

‘We are set to change the voting culture in the South West. We are using non-party volunteers, speaking to teachers, meeting peasants on their farms, meeting students in high and higher institutions, market women and men, while professional organisations and the young and the aged are not left out,’ the communique issued at the end of the  Congress in Ado-Ekiti signed by  group’s National Coordinator Suleiman Olubayo and Mr Fred Ojinika and Idris Abukar representing the Niger Delta and Northern communities in the South West  respectively stated.

  

The group at its maiden congress at Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital said it would use Ekiti State as the starting point towards a new, conscious voter’s culture in the South West.  Over 500 delegates from across the South West, Kwara, Kogi, Delta and Edo Statwes attended the historic event. The group said Ekiti alone with a population of over 4million people is in a position to produce 1.5million votes for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) candidate and Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji. The communique issued after the congress, the group said the volunteers recruited to campaign in Ekiti are young people who will move from one community to the other not just talking to the people but acting like evangelists with Information, Education and Communication Materials.

‘We have embarked on a revolutionary campaign. The difference is that the campaign is not led by the APC but by non-party members who are concerned about the need to preserve democracy against military intervention, sustain power shift to the South and to support the on-going efforts at restructuring the country which the APC had started.

It listed such efforts which were never achieved in the 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP)

rule as Railway and Electricity now on concurrent list, initiation of state police, the establishment of the South West Development Commission, (SWDC) and the ongoing process towards the establishment of State police. The group described the efforts as ‘fundamental intervention to secure the most important pillar of democracy which is self determination.’ It warned that a return to PDP or African Democratic Congress, (ADC) would spell doom for Nigeria.

  

In the communique, the group said it is specifically mobilising the entire South West for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) based on the fact that the APC leaderships in the region are the last remnants of progressives which have been decimated for many decades first by the military and later by the reactionary that took over power at the centre in 1999. 

‘SWICAM has the mandate to mobilise the people  for popular votes for Oyebanji. We want his victory to be total and overwhelming. We are also sensitising the people of the South West on the current power shift while at the same time putting them on their toes to galvanise the masses against coups.’

It said in the communique that ‘the SWICAM is driven by the principle that voting strength influences power and positions. The South West are the most educated people in Nigeria.

 The South West has one of the fasted growing population in the country. The region provide sanctuary for many displaced people from across the country while many including those from West Africa and the Sahel are seeking economic sanctuary in the region which is now redrawing the political map.’ polulation growth in Nigeria. The region has the capacity to determined the power equation in Nigeria is properly mobilised.’

SWICAM said it will written personal letters to all the 151 traditional rulers in Ekiti State, while communication tools have been developed specifically for all teachers, traders,  civil servants, peasants, farmers, primary, secondary and university principals and students, professionals, traders, hunters and even rural goldsmiths while information materials were also produced to Igbo, Northerners and people from the Niger-Delta living in Ekiti State.

The group said ‘Personal communication give people a deep sense of belonging. It establishes a bond of friendship and recognition. This is something Ekiti people value a lot.’

In conclusion, the South West Independent Campaign Movement, (SWICAM) according to the communique has come to create a paradigm shift. The organisation is made up of volunteers that want to change the tradition of low voters’ turnouts in the Old Western Region. The strategy is to engage the people as an independent group moving from one community to the other, engaging community-based, professional, artisan and peasant groups across the South West to ensure massive turn out in June 2026 and beyond. 

‘We are here to endorse this great initiative being launched in Ado-Ekiti today. We have started with a major step forward using Ekiti as the case study. This intervention is bound to radically change the electoral strength of the South West in a way that will ensure voting strength reflect the huge population of the region.’ Speaking at the event, the Guest Speaker, Adewale Adeoye, a journalist said political parties have the false impression that dancing and singing in rallies represent constructive engagement with the people. He listed elements of popular campaign and mobilisation to include the following:

Poor campaign mechanism: In the South West campaigns are often driven by party members alone. Most of the time the party members restrict themselves to their constituencies. This means that the party keeps talking to itself without making attempts to cultivate fresh voters.

Political parties often believe that the voters are not interested in ideas. There is the wrong notion that voters prefer financial tokenism than serious intellectual engagement with the people. This is a costly mistake. The truth is that while some voters may not be interested in the policies and programmes of political parties, it is wrong to assume that this represents the dominant view.

 The South West are largely educated, intelligent and enlightened. They want  to be engaged, they want to know what politicians have in stock for them. Teachers, civil servants, workers, peasants and artisans are highly organised people along professional lines, associations and in communities.

 There is a huge potential for revolutionary mobilisation of voters in ways that would upturn the table in favour of the canvassers.

Rallies have become ceremonies with dances, music, drums and carnivals. This is expected to automatically turn into votes. This is another fatal error. Mobilising the masses to vote goes beyond carnivals. It involves messaging, clear thoughts about past, present and future plans for the people. This attitude needs to change for political parties to be able to galvanise the people towards mass outing on election day.

Failure to engage leaders of strategic groups, community based associations and professional unions. While occasionally leaders of political parties engage professional bodies, they do so haphazardly through sharing of goodies without contractual relationship with such organisations. There are some 5,345 organisations, community-based groups and associations in the South West. These organisations hold meetings, have a strong communal and blood-bound relationship. Unfortunately, political parties do not have data of these strategic organisations talk less of engaging them. 

Political parties also lack a clearly defined STRATEGY FOR MOBILISATION. This requires having Secretary for Mobilisation and Secretary for Organisation, two very key positions what the party rely on to bring into the party fresh members; the officials visit rural, urban, inter-personal and collective relationship. The Secretary for Mobilisation is usually the field officer that takes his or her job as a full time enterprise, He does not wait for election season before be begins to mobilise the masses and enlists them for popular participation. 

He keeps a record of old and new members, he goes out daily with his team, has a short term, medium and long term strategy of mobilising the people with a comprehensive register of old and new members. Secretary for Mobilisation is usually a trained field man knowledgeable in mass communication skill whose tongue is compelling.

Inadequate voting units is also a challenge while the lack of e-voting is a difficulty the country needs to resolve. Ekiti State needs to engage Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC) to deal with the sparse allocation of polling units in Ekiti so that polling units would not be more than 300 meters away from every voter. In some places in the South West, voting goes on until 8pm simply because the units are not adequate compared with the population.

Ramadan Mubarak: A Message of Hope and Unity from Architect Ogunleye Temitope Ajisafe (RST).

Ramadan Mubarak: A Message of Hope and Unity from Architect Ogunleye Temitope Ajisafe (RST).

As the holy month of Ramadan end, it is a privilege to extend my warmest felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Ekiti Central Constituency 1,and across Ekiti State, and throughout Nigeria.

This season of fasting, reflection, and devotion serves as a profound reminder of the values that bind us together: sacrifice, empathy, and an unwavering faith in a better tomorrow.

 Through the discipline of the fast, we find the strength to support one another and the clarity to seek divine guidance for our shared journey.

As the prayers of the faithful ascend during these  days, it is my sincere hope and prayer that

 May Almighty God answers every secret prayer and rewards and devotion shown throughout this holy month and brings progress to Ekiti Central Constituency 1,so that our beloved people can continues to witness unprecedented growth, peace, and communal harmony.

 I Also Pray for Stability for Ekiti & Nigeria so our state and our nation can  transition into a season of renewed prosperity, security, and forward-thinking leadership.

"May the blessings of this season illuminate our hearts and pave way for a future where every citizen can thrive in a progressive and united Nigeria."

Ramadan Kareem and a happy Eid-el-Fitr  to you and your families.

Signed,

Architect Ogunleye Temitope Ajisafe (RST)

ADAMAWA PROGRESSIVES ELDERS COUNCIL CELEBRATES EID-EL-FITR, CALLS FOR UNITY AND POLITICAL MATURITY.

ADAMAWA PROGRESSIVES ELDERS COUNCIL CELEBRATES EID-EL-FITR, CALLS FOR UNITY AND POLITICAL MATURITY.

The Adamawa Progressives Elders Council, under the leadership of His Excellency Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), has issued a robust message of felicitation to the Muslim Ummah in Adamawa State and across Nigeria on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. Marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, the Council emphasized the need for the spiritual lessons of piety, sacrifice, and charity to be sustained far beyond the fasting period.

In a statement released through the organization’s media office by the Head of Media and Publicity, Ahmad I. Sajoh, fnipr, the group extended warm greetings to the leaders of the APC in Adamawa State. Special recognition was given to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, alongside the National Vice Chairman (North East) of the APC, the State Chairman, and members of the State Working Committee.

General Marwa noted that while Ramadan was a month of rigorous spiritual exercise, the Council now expects every citizen of Adamawa to embrace a culture of unity and fraternity. He stressed that the essence of celebrating spiritual milestones like Sallah is to find moments of joy that transcend natural fault lines. He urged the people to set aside differences and build an enduring bond of unity that promotes the state’s common heritage and shared prosperity.

Addressing the political landscape, General Marwa called on members of the APC in Adamawa to approach the upcoming activities on the INEC timetable with maturity and a spirit of brotherhood. He maintained that the Council’s primary goal remains the pursuit of peace and understanding among all party members and the entire citizenry.

The Council also used the occasion to celebrate a significant political feat: Adamawa State emerging with the second-highest figure nationwide in the recently concluded party e-registration exercise, trailing only Lagos State. General Marwa commended the NSA, the Governor, and the party leadership for this achievement, describing it as a clear affirmation of the confidence Adamawa residents have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Concluding the message on behalf of the entire membership, General Marwa prayed for a successful celebration filled with peace and brotherhood. He expressed hope that the season would bring abundant blessings to the land and further rededicate the people to the progress and stability of Adamawa State.

EID-EL-FITR: HON. IBRAHIM KUNLE OLAREWAJU CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL RAMADAN, RALLIES EKITI MUSLIMS FOR GOV. OYEBANJI.

EID-EL-FITR: HON. IBRAHIM KUNLE OLAREWAJU CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL RAMADAN, RALLIES EKITI MUSLIMS FOR GOV. OYEBANJI.

Following the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, extends his warmest greetings and a message of hope to the global Muslim Ummah, particularly the pious and resilient people of Ekiti State.

As we celebrate this glorious festival of breaking the fast, it serves as a divine testament to our self-discipline, compassion, and renewed connection with the Almighty. Hon. Olarewaju urges all Nigerians to carry the spiritual lessons of Ramadan into their daily lives, offering fervent prayers for the peace and prosperity of our nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The virtues of piety, patience, and charity that defined the past month are the very pillars we need to build a stronger, more united Nigeria.

Addressing the Muslim community in Ekiti State, Hon. Olarewaju highlighted the inclusive and visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO). He emphasized that despite being a devout Christian, Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated an "open-door, open-heart" policy that transcends religious boundaries. By integrating numerous Muslim faithful into the highest echelons of his administration and ensuring our voices are central to the decision-making process, BAO has fostered an unprecedented era of religious harmony and mutual respect in Ekiti. I call on my fellow brothers and sisters in Islam to recognize Governor Oyebanji as one of our own by spirit and by action. He has shown us profound respect; it is only fitting that we return that gesture with unalloyed loyalty and massive support for his reelection bid.

To the good people of Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido-Osi, the Senior Special Assistant delivered a powerful message of restoration and political reclamation. He formally assured the constituents that the "golden era" of dividends of democracy is not just returning, it is already here. Hon. Olarewaju declared his unwavering commitment to reclaiming the mandate that was stolen, asserting that he is coming back to restore the effective representation the people truly deserve. Through the loud and unmistakable voice of the Ekiti North Constituency II people, the former days of grassroots prosperity are being revitalized through strategic federal and state interventions. With God on our side, the hardship of the past is giving way to a season of plenty, as he works tirelessly to ensure that Ekiti North Constituency II remains a top priority in the developmental agenda of the "Renewed Hope" administration.

Looking ahead to the next electoral cycle, Hon. Olarewaju sent a clear signal regarding the readiness of the constituency. He declared that the region is no longer just "giving votes" but is actively mobilizing for a historic landslide victory. We are not just supporters; we are an army of progress. Our target is clear and firm: we are mobilizing over 150,000 votes across Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido-Osi to secure Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s second term and ensure the continuity of our collective mandate. This is our pledge to continuity, excellence, and the bright future of Ekiti State.

Hon. Olarewaju concluded by wishing all Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid celebration, praying that the blessings and peace of this season bring comfort and joy to every household in Ekiti and across Nigeria.

Eid Mubarak.