Ex-Lawmaker Opts out of House of Representatives Race.

Ex-Lawmaker Opts out of House of Representatives Race.

A former member of the House of Representatives for Ijero/Efon/Ekiti West Federal Constituency, Hon Wumi Ogunlola, has declared she would not contest the National Assembly seat in the forthcoming election slated for January 2027.

Ogunlola, while currently serves as a member of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) made the declaration on Friday in Ado-Ekiti during a press conference with journalists and political stakeholders.

She said the decision was taken after careful consideration of her current responsibilities and the need to continue serving the state in her present capacity.

The former lawmaker said her choice was also influenced by the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission requiring political appointees seeking elective offices in the coming elections to resign before contesting.

According to her, resigning from her present position in order to contest the House of Representatives’ election would affect ongoing efforts and commitments she currently handles.

She however assured her followers and stakeholders in her federal constituency in Ekiti Central II that she would continue to work towards the development of the areas in addition to sustaining her various empowerment and intervention programmes for the people. 

“I have carefully reflected on the situation and decided that I will not be contesting for the House of Representatives or any other elective position for now,” she said.

Ogunlola added that her decision was guided by the interest of Ekiti State and the need to sustain the contributions she is currently making to the development of the state.

The former federal lawmaker also appreciated the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and her supporters across the constituency for their continued trust and understanding of her decision.

Oyebanji unveils 5,000 canvassers for Tinubu’s re-election.

Oyebanji unveils 5,000 canvassers for Tinubu’s re-election.

…hinges administration’s success on President’s support.

Ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship and January 20, 2027 presidential election, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Friday inaugurated a group of 5,000 community canvassers as a significant step towards a massive mobilization of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

Governor Oyebanji at  the event, hinged the success of his administration to the massive support the he received from the president.

Addressing the crowd at the colourful event which took place at the Fajuyi pavilion, Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of the two elections at both the state and national levels noting that the June 20, 2026 election would stand as a litmus test of strength for the January 2027 presidential election.

Governor Oyebanji also stressed the need for the party to consolidate its dominance in the state as well as nationally saying he will continue to leverage on his government’s achievements in infrastructural development, agriculture and food security, welfare programmes among others to win over voters during the two elections.

He added that the community canvassers are being inaugurated in preparation for a strong campaign, focusing on grassroots mobilization, door-to-door engagement, and youth-driven strategies with each of the 5,000 canvassers targeting in at least 25 voters each.

The Governor, who commended the genuineness and the patience of the canvassers stressed the need for them to be connected with the electorate to enable them achieve their mandate of 25 voters per canvasser as he was confident that APC will corner no fewer than 500,000 votes in the governorship election and at least 700,000 votes for president Tinubu in 2027.

While also affirming that elections have gone scientific, the Governor posited that the person to person communication would allow the canvassers identify the voters before election and be able to ensure that they all come out physically during the election.

“You are not APC members, you are volunteers, people that were brought together by conviction and by the need to continue with the government that mean well, you have put yourself together, nobody has contributed money towards this, you have put resources together to put this in place and on behalf of my party and the national leader, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and we are grateful to him.

“I listen to the DG’s speech and she said something that touched my heart, when I was being sworn in as governor of Ekiti state three and a half years ago, I made a promise that I will sit with you, I will listen to you and I will be accessible and God has helped me to keep to those promises. One thing that is clear to me, and I need to tell all of us in political business, is that democracy has an expiry date, every democracy will expire every four years, and there will be need for a renewal of that mandate. If you are conscious that your own term will expire one day and you’ll need to go back to the people, you will listen to them, you will see them, and you will be accessible to them. And today, what we are reaping is the benefits and the gains of the accessibility.

“I listened to all our speakers when they said we have performed and I said yes we have performed, but as a government in Ekiti state, there are two people that we need to give glory to, God almighty for making this possible and president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for our government in Ekiti state, everything you have seen in the state as achievements wouldn't have been possible without the support, the guidance and the advice of the President. He is a father to all the governors in this country and that is why those governors mostly are now falling in and come into APC because we have a leader that's intentional. For the first time in the history of this country, we have a president that wanted to be president and became president. So, I can assure you that we continue to fire to deliver on our promises to Ekiti people.

“And like one of the speakers said, if you have a President that has done well today, the only way we can say thank you to him is to come out on June 20th to test the microphone at the governorship election with 500,000 votes, that is the minimum we are expecting. So, President, will now know that when it comes to January next year, we will go out and do 700,000 votes. 

“Winning the elections is not the problem, the margins and the numbers we are able to make out for the presidential election, we don't want to leave anybody behind”, He stated.

Earlier, the convener of the event and the Director-General of the Bureau of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso said the gathering was not just about politics of election but in support of a trusted leadership that has positively affected and touched lives of many and need to reciprocate that good gesture with initiative capable of returning the governor and president to power.

Mrs Omotoso, who disclosed that the canvassers were drawn from communities, groups, and grassroots structures that have made up their minds by conviction added that the initiative has its roots in genuine grassroots support with some generous hearts donating to make this event possible to achieve collective community progress.

According to her, “What we celebrate today in Ekiti is not merely governance, we celebrate a rare kind of leadership that you exude and exemplify. You do not only run an inclusive government; you run a humanitarian government, a government that has saved many from untimely death through timely intervention, a government that has revived forgotten destinies, a government that has restored hope where despair once lived.

In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of private sector development organization, Olabanji Ojo; artisans, Sunday Ogunyebi, Christian Community, CAN chairman, Rev. Dr Aribasoye; Muslim Community, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere; Youth, Ajibola and people with disabilities, Agboola Foluso, non-indigenous ethnic group, Alhaji Sheu Sampam commended the governor for his altruistic postures and promised to come out in their numbers to massively vote for him and the president by intensifying voter outreach, engage stakeholders as well as mobilise support at the community and faith levels.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the state House of Assembly, Executive council

Auditor-General’s Team Inspects Youth-in-Agriculture Projects.

Auditor-General’s Team Inspects Youth-in-Agriculture Projects.

A team from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation has inspected various agricultural project sites of the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the Bring Back Youth into Agriculture Initiative.

Projects visited include the Broiler Production Scheme centres at Erinfun and Technical College, Ado-Ekiti, the dormitory constructed by the state government along BOUESTI Road, Ikere-Ekiti, and the land clearing project along Igbara-Odo Road, Ikere-Ekiti.

The team also inspected the Cocoa and Oil Palm Nursery Project at Erinfun, Ado-Ekiti.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, received the delegation at Erinfun and briefed them on the various agricultural initiatives of the present administration.

The team expressed satisfaction with the projects and encouraged the state government to sustain the momentum towards making Ekiti the food basket of the nation.

On the team were the Director, Animal Husbandry Service, Mr Babatunde Ogundipe, 

Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Junaid Aishat Omoyemi and the Farm Manager, EBOPS, Mr Ola Folorunso among others.

Matna Foods Partners Ondo State Government To Boost Youth and Women's Participation in Agriculture.

Matna Foods Partners Ondo State Government To Boost Youth and Women's Participation in Agriculture.

From L-R: Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, MD/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Honourable Engineer Olaleye Akinola and Ondo State Commissioner for Youth & Sports Development Hon. Segun Omoyofunmmi during their visit to Matna Foods factory in Ogbese, Akure, Ondo State.

Matna Foods Company Limited is strengthening efforts to drive economic empowerment and job creation in Ondo State through strategic collaboration with key government ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. The partnership aligns with the implementation of the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) Program, an initiative designed to empower 3,000 youth outgrower farmers — with 80 percent expected to be young women between the ages of 18 and 35 — through active participation in the cassava value chain.

The program is implemented in partnership with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation and will support farmers with access to improved inputs, technical training, and guaranteed market opportunities through processing facilities such as Matna Foods.

The collaboration was highlighted during a stakeholder engagement session at the Matna Foods facility, where leaders of the ministries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people, promote gender inclusion, and strengthen rural livelihoods. The engagement forms part of broader efforts to ensure that agricultural investments translate into sustainable employment opportunities, strengthen rural economies, and expand opportunities for women and youth across the state.

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, emphasized that the WISE Program is designed to create long-term economic value while strengthening local agricultural supply chains. “This initiative is about building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers farmers while ensuring reliable feedstock for agro-processing. By connecting young farmers directly to structured markets, we are not only creating jobs but also laying the foundation for inclusive agricultural growth that benefits communities across Ondo State,” Aiyeleso said.

He further highlighted the vision of the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, who remains deeply committed to contributing to Nigeria’s development through strategic investments. According to Aiyeleso, John Olajide believes that business is a force for good that can be used to transform lives and strengthen communities. “The Chairman is passionate about creating opportunities for Nigerians. John Olajide he noted has a clear focus — create jobs, create more jobs, and further create more jobs for Nigerians as a pathway to economic empowerment and national development which has been implanted with Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods, he said.  

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. (Engr.) Olaleye Akinola, emphasized the importance of partnerships between government and private sector investors in expanding agricultural production and supporting farmers. “Agriculture remains a key pillar of economic development in Ondo State. Through initiatives like this, we can mobilize land, technical expertise, and extension support to empower farmers and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for agro-processing companies such as Matna Foods. The ministry will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the success of programs that strengthen the cassava value chain,” Akinola said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Seun Bosede Osamaye, commended Matna Foods for prioritizing women and vulnerable groups within its empowerment initiatives. “When we saw the structure of this initiative, particularly the focus on young women and other vulnerable groups, it became clear that it aligns strongly with the mandate of our ministry. Programs like this create meaningful opportunities for women to achieve economic independence and contribute to the development of their communities,” Osamaye noted.

From L-R: Mrs. Seyialade Muyiwa-Bello, Senior People Specialist, Matna Foods, Mr. Femi Omotuyi, Vice President Operations Matna Foods, Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, MD/CEO Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods and Mr. Ayo Obe, Manager Community Engagement Matna foods during the visit of the SSA to Matna Foods in Ogbese, Akure Ondo State.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Segun Omoyofunmmi, highlighted the importance of agriculture as a pathway for youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. “Our priority as a ministry is to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities that take them off the streets and position them for self-reliance. Agriculture offers tremendous potential for employment, and initiatives like the one being driven by Matna Foods help equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to become productive members of the economy,” he stated.

Supporting the initiative, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness,  Hon. Wemimo Akinsola, assured Matna leadership of the Ondo State Government’s support and security protection in sustaining the organization’s agricultural investments in the state. He noted that ensuring the safety of farming communities and agricultural facilities would encourage investors like Matna Foods while enabling programs like WISE to scale effectively and reach more young farmers and women across rural communities.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Disability Board, Eniola Olusola, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it reflects a strong commitment to inclusive development. He commended Matna Foods for creating employment opportunities for people across Ondo State, including persons living with disabilities. According to him, initiatives that intentionally create opportunities for vulnerable groups help ensure that economic growth is inclusive and that no segment of society is left behind.

Providing further insight into the initiative, Project Coordinator Ayo Obe explained that the WISE Program is structured to run for 39 months, supporting participants through two cultivation cycles. 

Beneficiaries will begin with 0.4 hectares of farmland, with the opportunity to expand production in subsequent phases as they gain experience and capacity. According to Obe, the program will combine farmer training, extension support, and structured market access through Matna Foods’ processing operations to ensure sustainable participation in the cassava value chain and contribute to long-term economic growth in Ondo State.

Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Ekiti State Assembly Commends Governor Oyebanji for Promoting Youth Inclusion in 2026 Campaign Council.

Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Ekiti State Assembly Commends Governor Oyebanji for Promoting Youth Inclusion in 2026 Campaign Council.

The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ekiti State Assembly, has applauded the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his commendable commitment to youth inclusion and participatory governance through the appointment of a youth representative into the 2026 Governorship Campaign Council.

This remarkable decision once again demonstrates Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to empowering young people and ensuring that the voices of the youth remain relevant in shaping the political and developmental future of Ekiti State.

Speaking on behalf of the Assembly, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oluwatosin Ayomide Samuel, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for recognizing the critical role young people play in governance and democratic development. He noted that the appointment reflects the Governor’s visionary leadership and his consistent effort to create opportunities for youths to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state.

 Rt. Hon. Olusanya N. Babatunde, Speaker of the Ekiti Youth Parliament.

The Assembly also congratulated Rt. Hon. Olusanya N. Babatunde, Speaker of the Ekiti Youth Parliament, on his well-deserved appointment into the Campaign Council. His inclusion is not only a recognition of his leadership ability and dedication to youth development but also a reflection of the confidence the Governor has in the younger generation to actively participate in governance.

Governor Oyebanji has continued to demonstrate through his policies, leadership style, and engagement with young people that he strongly believes in the capacity of youths to drive innovation, development, and sustainable growth. This appointment further strengthens the relationship between government and the youth constituency, inspiring more young leaders across Ekiti State to take active roles in governance and public service.

The Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Ekiti State Assembly, therefore expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for this thoughtful and inclusive gesture. The Assembly remains confident that such initiatives will further strengthen youth participation, promote unity, and deepen democratic values within the state.

Once again, the Assembly celebrates Governor Oyebanji for his exemplary leadership and for continuously creating opportunities that enable young people to contribute to the advancement and prosperity of Ekiti State.

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Oluwatosin Ayomide Samuel

Speaker

Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ekiti State Assembly

Media Contact:

Office of the Speaker

Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ekiti State Assembly

Architect Tope Ogunleye: A Visionary Leader for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I Representative.

Architect Tope Ogunleye: A Visionary Leader for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I Representative.

Leadership is defined by vision, integrity, competence, and a sincere commitment to the service of the people. Architect Tope Ogunleye has consistently demonstrated these qualities through his professional achievements, active community engagement, and unwavering dedication to the growth and development of our constituency.

As a seasoned professional and a grassroots-oriented leader, Architect Ogunleye clearly understands the needs, challenges, and aspirations of the people. More importantly, he possesses the capacity, experience, and passion required to transform those aspirations into meaningful and sustainable development for our communities.

Our constituency deserves a representative who will prioritize infrastructural development, youth empowerment, educational advancement, economic opportunities, and the overall welfare of the people. We need a personality that can align all that we're mentioned above with the BAO continuity agenda in the state. Architect Tope Ogunleye has shown remarkable readiness and determination to champion these causes with transparency, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility.

At this critical moment in our political journey, the people of Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun must unite behind a credible, capable, and visionary aspirant who can effectively represent our collective interests at the national level. Architect Tope Ogunleye stands out as a man of humility, vision, and proven capacity—one who is prepared to provide purposeful leadership and quality representation for the constituency.

I therefore call on all stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups, women associations, and the entire electorate across the constituency to rally their support for Architect Tope Ogunleye.

With unity, commitment, and collective support, we can move our constituency forward and ensure that the true dividends of democracy reach everyone at their various communities. 

Together, we can build a brighter and more prosperous future for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I.

RST WA FUN ITESIWAJU BAO

RST DEE, ANFANI DEE.

RST MEDIA VOLUNTEERS

Cavista Holdings Appoints Dr. Tony Bello as Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer at Matna Foods.

Cavista Holdings Appoints Dr. Tony Bello as Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer at Matna Foods.

As part of efforts to strengthen its agro-industrial strategy following the recent acquisition of matna limited, cavistaholdings has appointed Dr Tony Bello as Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer at matna limited .

Dr. Bello is an internationally recognized food scientist and industrial transformation executive with more than three decades of experience across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

He is widely recognized for pioneering work in advancing cassava as a scalable industrial and food ingredient with strong global market potential.

Commenting on the appointment, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr Niyi John Olajide said: 

“We see delighted to welcome Dr. Tony Bello to the cavista Holdings family. He brings world-class scientific expertise and deep commercialization experience that will strengthen our ambition to build globally competitive food businesses from African agriculture. His leadership will help unlock the full potential of cassava and accelerate the transformation of local crops into high-value products that can serve both Nigerian and international markets.”

At Matna Foods, Dr. Bello will lead innovation strategy, product development, and commercialization, with a focus on expanding cassava-based products for both domestic and international markets.

For more information, please visit

www.cavistaholdings.com or contact Uchenna Ibemere at uibemere@cavistaholdings.com