I'll remain committed to inclusive governance, Says Oyebanji at Jumat thanksgiving service. … Canvasses Muslims' support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

I'll remain committed to inclusive governance, Says Oyebanji at Jumat thanksgiving service.

… Canvasses Muslims' support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has declared that he will sustain the principles of inclusive governance in his second term administration by ensuring that all stakeholders in the Ekiti project participate actively in his government.

Governor Oyebanji stated this on Friday at the special Jumat thanksgiving service held at the Central Mosque, Ado-Ekiti, as part of activities marking his second term in office. The service brought together Muslim faithful, government officials, traditional and community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the service, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to God for the opportunity to serve the people of Ekiti State for another term. He also expressed his appreciation to the Muslim community for their prayers and support for his administration, stressing the importance of peace, unity and religious tolerance in sustaining governance and development of the state.

The Governor said his administration would remain committed to inclusive governance and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of the people. He further emphasised the need for continued collaboration among government, religious institutions and citizens in building a peaceful and prosperous Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji also used the opportunity to appeal to the Muslim community not to desist in praying for the success of his administration as he prepares to commence his second term in office, stating that prayers during his first tenure contributed strongly to the development the state witnessed in four years.

“I am here to give thanks to God and my father, the Grand Imam, thank you for your support, I also thank the Muslim community for your prayers. I want to appeal to you today to continue to pray for us so that we will be able to do more. I assure you that my government will ensure that more Muslims will be given opportunity to serve during the second term.

“I have to say this publicly, all Muslims that worked with me performed exceptionally well, the wisdom I used when we want to appoint them is that I consulted the Grand Imam, who gave me the best and I thank all of them for their exceptional performance.”

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji also used the opportunity to canvass support for President Tinubu’s re-election, urging the Muslim community to support the Presidents in appreciation of the federal government’s intervention and support for the development of the state.

Earlier, the President-General, League of Imams and Alfas for the South-West, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, commended Governor, Oyebanji for providing opportunities for Muslims to contribute to the development of the state through appointments to serve in the government.

The Cleric expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for what he described as his inclusive approach to governance, particularly for giving members of the Muslim community the opportunity to serve in key positions in government. He noted that the appointments had enabled Muslims to make meaningful contributions to the administration and development of Ekiti State.

The Grand Imam also hailed the Muslim appointees in the Oyebanji’s administration for their performance, urging them to continue to justify the confidence reposed in them by the governor and the Muslim community.

He said the Muslim community appreciated the governor's efforts to promote religious harmony and ensure that people of different faiths had a sense of belonging in government as he called on the Muslim faithful to continue praying for the governor and other leaders, stressing the importance of supporting those in authority with prayers and constructive counsel for the continued peace and development of the state.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, members of State executive council, and Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

Ekiti State Empowers 100 Persons with Disabilities as Government Reiterates Commitment to Inclusivity.

Ekiti State Empowers 100 Persons with Disabilities as Government Reiterates Commitment to Inclusivity.

The Ekiti State Government has successfully graduated and empowered 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who completed intensive training at the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre in Ilokun, Ado Ekiti. Held under the theme "Empowering Abilities, Building Independence," the event marked a major milestone for the state's inclusive governance and highlighted the administration's sustained efforts to uplift vulnerable groups. The ceremony brought together key government officials, stakeholders, partners, and families to celebrate the resilience and economic transition of the new trainees from learners to business owners.

Speaking at the historic event, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, noted the remarkable progress of the initiative, which started with just 30 participants in 2023 and scaled up steadily over the years. She expressed profound gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering political will, compassion, and trust in appointing advocates to drive meaningful change within the disability community. She also highlighted groundbreaking milestones achieved under the current administration, including the employment of 81 PWDs in the civil and local government service, the training of 230 individuals, and the economic support extended to hundreds of PWD-owned businesses.

A notable highlight of this year's graduation was the inclusion of 10 parents of children with severe disabilities who were able to participate, thanks to the establishment of the EKSG Therapy Centre for Children with Critical Disabilities. This facility provides professional care and a safe environment for children, freeing their mothers to acquire skills and earn a livelihood. Throughout their program, beneficiaries underwent five months of intensive training in areas such as ICT, tailoring, hairdressing, shoe making, and catering, complemented by practical attachments to seasoned artisans. Additionally, participants were supported with free accommodation and monthly stipends for feeding and transport during their training period.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, who chaired the occasion, congratulated the graduands and described the initiative as a core pillar of Governor Oyebanji's agenda for shared prosperity and inclusive development. He commended Princess Agboola for her exceptional leadership, strategic partnerships, and dedication to improving the welfare of the PWD community. Urging the beneficiaries to make responsible use of the start-up equipment and financial grants provided during the symbolic presentation, Mr. Adebayo encouraged them to embrace creativity, avoid laziness, and treat customers with utmost respect.

Goodwill messages from other dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Pastor Olapeju Babafemi, and the immediate past Chairman of the Disability Board, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, further underscored the collective success of inter-agency collaboration in championing disability inclusion. Speakers praised the graduands for choosing self-reliance over dependence, urging them to remain steadfast, collaborate with peers, and keep their newly acquired skills active. Representatives from major professional bodies, including the hairdressers, shoe makers, and tailoring associations, were also present to welcome the new entrepreneurs into their respective industries.

The ceremony drew wide representation from across the state's leadership, including the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kofoworola Adebimpe Aderiye, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, among other special advisers and agency heads. Partners such as Premium Trust Bank, First Bank, and various non-governmental organizations were also commended for their critical financial and structural contributions toward therapy centers and special schools. As Princess Agboola marked her final official event in office for this tenure, she thanked her dedicated team, family, and security agencies for their unwavering support throughout the tenure.

The event concluded on an inspiring note as the newly minted chief executive officers received their training kits and start-up capital to officially launch their enterprises. Dignitaries expressed immense confidence that the graduates will break new economic boundaries and prove that empowering abilities translates directly to building a stronger nation. The successful graduation stands as a glowing testament to Ekiti State's progressive vision of leaving no segment of society behind.

EKITI’LL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL TO YOU. GOV OYEBANJI, SEN BAMIDELE HAIL CHIEF DEJI FASUAN AT 95.

EKITI’LL FOREVER BE  GRATEFUL TO YOU. GOV OYEBANJI, SEN BAMIDELE HAIL CHIEF DEJI FASUAN AT 95.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, have described the Chairman of Committee for the creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to the creation of the State will remain indelible, assuring that the state will forever be grateful for his commitment to its actualization

Chief Fasuan clocked 95, on Thursday, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Stete, chaired the committee responsible for the creation of Ekiti State, with Governor Oyebanji serving as the committee secretary. 

Governor Oyebanji, accompanied by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, House of Representative member, Hon. Ojuawo and members of the state Executive council, Prof Bolaji Aluko and Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, noted the significant role played by the elder statesman in the struggle for Ekiti State. The Governor noted that his leadership and dedication helped advance the aspiration of the people for a separate state. 

He described the nonagenarian as a symbol of patriotism, selflessness and service, whose contribution to the political and administrative history of Ekiti state continue to provide a reference point for present and future generation.

The governor noted that the creation of Ekiti state represents the fulfillment of a long standing aspiration of its people and that the efforts of those who championed the cause, including Chief Deji Fasuan deserved lasting recognition and appreciation.

The Governor said, “thirty years ago, this house was agog because that was the day Ekiti State was created. On behalf of all Ekiti indigene at home and the diaspora, we say that your struggle, sweat and sacrifice has given the platform to serve Ekiti people, we say thank you.

“Throughout the struggle, one thing I learnt from Daddy was his integrity, commitment to excellence, courage, perseverance and sacrifice. Daddy is a tough person but through the process of the struggle, he took insults and was not annoyed for one day.

“I am happy you have seen the transformation in Ekiti in the last 30 years, yes, we have not reach the promise land but we have left Egypt, there is no doubt about that, individually we are developing, collectively we are developing and I am happy that by the grace of God and the benevolent of Ekiti people, I am in the saddle today”.     

Also in his remarks, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele also celebrated the former committee chairman for his commitment to the development of Ekiti State, describing his 95th birthday as an opportunity to reflect on the founding figures whose efforts shaped state history.

The Senate Leader, who noted that Ekiti State had continued to make steady progress, maintained that the state had recorded remarkable improvement in various areas of development in recent years.

While explaining that Chief Deji Fasuan’s greatest joy shoud be the fact that the secretary of the State Creation Committee, Governor Oyebanji, is today the Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Bamidele said the Governor is implementing the ideals and aspiration they shared during the struggle for the creation of the state.

He maintained that Ekiti had witnessed tremendous development in the last four years, particularly through Oyebanji’s effort to bring the various leaders and stakeholders together, thereby achieving the aspiration of the founding fathers for a united Ekiti state.

Oyebanji’s second term will usher in greater devt , inauguration Committee declares.

Oyebanji’s second term will usher in greater devt , inauguration Committee declares.

As preparations Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term inauguration commenced with the official release of programme of activities, the Planning Committee has highlighted remarkable achievements of the administration in the last four years. 

Reflecting on the achievements of the administration since it assumed office in October 2022, the chairman of the Second term inauguration committee, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, who spoke at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, said Ekiti people has a lot to look out for as the second term administration would usher in greater development and at a faster pace. 

Adebayo who highlighted activities marking the inauguration, said the programme will be kickstarted with a Jumat Thanksgiving service at the Central Mosque, Ado Ekiti on Friday, October 2nd, while the inauguration ceremony would hold on October 16th.

Highlighting the infrastructure development of the administration, Adebayor, who is also the Chief of Staff to the Governor, noted that the completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, which commenced commercial flight operations in late 2025 has created opportunities for investment, tourism, trade, commerce and agricultural exports which has invariably boosted the economy of the state.

He also disclosed that the administration had completed and commissioned over 500 kilometres of inter-city and rural roads, with several other road projects currently at various stages of completion.

According to him, the administration had also provided electricity to parts of Aiyekire, Ekiti East Local Government Areas and the Ikogosi tourism belt, areas which, he said, had experienced prolonged lack of public electricity supply long before the advent of this administration.

On healthcare and education, the committee chairman  said the administration had, as of 2026, renovated over 110 primary healthcare centres and all the general hospitals in the state, equipping them with modern facilities.

He added that the government had made significant investments in education, including the comprehensive renovation of 203 secondary schools, including three special schools and 950 primary schools across the state.

The committee disclosed further that the administration had also established nine ICT laboratories in selected secondary schools and technical colleges and constructed new primary schools under the Suburb Model School Project adding that Governor Oyebanji’s administration had continued to support students by paying WAEC examination fees to the tune of Two Billion, one hundred and fifty-eight million Naira (N2,158,000,000) to sixty-nine thousand (69,000) students as well as procurement of free JAMB forms to 12,400 students in four years.

While highlighting the administration’s youth-focused agricultural initiatives, the committee said over 5,000 youths have been engaged in commercial agriculture through the Bring Back the Youth into Agriculture initiative, with participants reportedly realising more than ₦1 billion in profits over the past one and a half years.

The administration, he said, had also disbursed N1.1 billion to 2,777 beneficiaries as credit and operational grants credit, N400million loan disbursed to 443 micro, small and medium-scale enterprises, provided ₦450 million in grants to 10 cooperatives involved in agro-processing and production, and facilitated free Corporate Affairs Commission registration for about 5,400 MSMEs.

Praising the Oyebanji administration on Fiscal responsibility, the chairman also drew attention to the robust fiscal management in the state, saying Ekiti had maintained a strong record of fiscal transparency and responsibility for over two years. He maintained that the state had been ranked first for nine consecutive quarters, from the second quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of 2026, in the State Fiscal Transparency League reports published by BudgIT Foundation.

Projecting into the second term tenure, the committee chairman said the theme of the inauguration, “The Good Work Continues,” reflected the administration’s intention to consolidate existing programmes while introducing further interventions aimed at strengthening the state’s economy and improving the welfare of citizens.

He said recent stakeholder engagements across the three senatorial districts, identified healthcare, electricity, roads, water supply, agriculture, human capital development and economic opportunities as areas requiring sustained consideration stressing that the major target is the expansion of rural road development, with a target of delivering up to 1,500 kilometres of roads through various interventions, including collaboration with development partners.

The chairman used the opportunity to commend the media for the symbiotic relationship with government as he described them as an important bridge between government and the people. He urged journalists to continue to provide accurate and professional coverage of the state’s activities as well as help citizens understand government policies, programmes and projects while providing broad coverage of the inauguration.

He assured the people that the administration would continue to engage stakeholders, improve service delivery and work towards ensuring that the impact of its shared prosperity agenda was felt across the state.

“As we begin preparations for the second term, the emphasis is on continuity and further development. The Governor has stated that the next phase will focus particularly on interventions that add value to the economy, improve productivity and respond to the needs and aspirations of our people. Recent engagements with stakeholders, including the just concluded Budget Tour of the three Senatorial Districts of the State have identified healthcare, electricity, roads, water supply, agriculture, human capital development and economic opportunities as areas requiring sustained attention. 

“The Governor has also stated that this consultative approach, which has been a hallmark of his administration during the first term, will continue through the second term.  The Administration has also announced plans to expand rural road development, with a target of delivering up to 1,500 kilometres of roads through various interventions, including collaboration with development partners.” the committee chairman said.

"Gentlemen of the Press, I want to specially acknowledge your role in this process. The media is an important bridge between government and the people. Your responsibility goes beyond reporting events. It includes informing the public accurately and helping citizens understand government policies, programmes and projects.

In attendance at the news conference were other members of the planning committee. They include the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chairman APC, Mr Sola Elesin, Chairman ALGON, Hon Segun Ojo; Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Director General , Bureau of Comminity Comminications, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso; and Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mrs Toyin Adepoju, among other.

EKITI MOVES TO CUT TRANSPORT FARE BY 50 PERCENT, ROLLS OUT 15 CNG BUSES.

EKITI MOVES TO CUT TRANSPORT FARE BY 50 PERCENT, ROLLS OUT 15 CNG BUSES.

….Gov thanks President Tinubu.

Ekiti State government on Thursday commenced moves aimed at reducing transport fares by 50 percent across the State, with the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to cushion the effect of transportation cost on residents.

The State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, said the deployment of the CNG buses, which conicided with the Indeoendence Day and 30th anniversary celebrations, marked a major step in government’s move to reduce transport cost for the citizens in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directives. 

He added that the state has commenced the process of cutting transport fare by 59 percent through the rollout of 15 CNG buses donated to the state by the Federal Government as part of efforts to promote affordable and accessible public transportation, adding that the State would expand the fleet of vehicles in order to serve the residents better. 

Governor Oyebanji who was accompanied by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, at the official flag off of the vehicles at the premises of Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, said government would continue to explore avenues to reduce the burden of the citizens. 

Speaking with journalists shortly after inspecting the fleet of vehicles, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the intervention, noting that the provision of the buses would contribute significantly to reducing the burden of transportation on the people. He added that the initiative demonstrates the commitment of both the state and federal government to improving the welfare of the people.

The Governor added that the CNG buses would provide a more affordable means of transpiration for residents across the state, urging the drivers union to ensure that the gains are transmitted to the commuters.

Governor Oyebanji who also inspected ongoing projects in different parts of the state after inspecting the CNG buses, hailed President Tinubu’s economic policies, which he said had allowed more recourses to carry our programme and projects that have direct impact on the people.

“No matter how visionary a leader is, if there are no resources to work with, it will just stay in the realm of a vision. But the President has been helping and supporting us not only Ekiti State but all the states in the country to translate our vision into action and impacts for the people.

“The President charged all state Governors that by October first, we should find a way of reducing transportation cost because most of the implications we are witnessing, transportation contributes a lot to it and what we have done today is just the pilot, 15 CNG buses which is going to be distributed to the unions and the agency will manage it. 

“My appeal is to the Unions, they should allow the gains to translate to the commuters because this will reduce transportation cost by 50 percent. 

Speaking on the deployment of the buses, the Director General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Hon. Tajudeen Akingbolu, said routes had been mapped out for the CNG buses to operate from Ado Ekiti to Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha and Abuja, adding that the initiative would provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation while reducing the burden of high transport fare.

NIYI JOHN OLAJIDE BAGS EKITI BUILDER LEADERSHIP AWARD.

NIYI JOHN OLAJIDE BAGS EKITI BUILDER LEADERSHIP AWARD.

Philanthropist and business mogul, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, has been honoured with the prestigious Ekiti Builder Leadership Award by the Editorial Board of Kayegbo International Magazine.

Mr. Olajide, who has over 1,000 people in his employment at Agbeyewa and Ikogosi, has made multi-billion naira investments in Ekiti State, including the largest cassava farm in Africa and Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, which has been adjudged the best resort in Nigeria for three consecutive years.

These two great investors, Aare Afe Babalola and Mr. Niyi John Olajide, deploying their personal funds and resources, remain the major drivers and shakers of the Ekiti economy, and indeed Nigeria's economy at large.

The award, according to the Editorial Board, is a recognition of Mr. Olajide's remarkable contributions to economic development, job creation, philanthropy and community transformation in Ekiti State. His investments have not only created employment opportunities but have also contributed significantly to positioning Ekiti as an emerging destination for agriculture, tourism and private-sector investment.

Speaking on the honour, the Editorial Board commended Mr. Olajide for demonstrating that purposeful entrepreneurship, when combined with a strong commitment to society, can become a powerful instrument for transforming communities and strengthening the local economy.

The Ekiti Builder Leadership Award therefore stands as a celebration of his vision, enterprise and enduring commitment to the development of Ekiti State, while also inspiring other private investors to deploy their resources towards building a more prosperous and sustainable future for the state.

EKITI AT 30: Olarenwaju Salutes Ekiti Kete, Praises Gov. Oyebanji’s Visionary Leadership.

EKITI AT 30: Olarenwaju Salutes Ekiti Kete, Praises Gov. Oyebanji’s Visionary Leadership.

As Ekiti State marks its momentous 30th anniversary on October 1st, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarenwaju, has warmly congratulated the good people of the state on reaching three decades of self-determined growth, peace, and accelerated development.

In his anniversary message released to mark the October 1st celebration, Hon. Olarenwaju described the creation of Ekiti State on October 1, 1996, under the administration of General Sani Abacha, as a divine intervention. He noted that among several powerful agitation blocs that actively sought statehood during that era, Ekiti found unique divine favor, culminating in the joyous milestones being celebrated today across the land.

Reflecting on the historical journey of the land of honor, Olarenwaju paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers, elders, and leaders whose relentless sacrifices, resilience, and intellectual engagements birthed the homogeneous state. He emphasized that the struggle for autonomy was driven by a collective desire for grassroots prosperity and administrative self-determination, values that the state has continuously strived to uphold over the last thirty years.

Highlighting the remarkable trajectory of the state, the former presidential aide pointed out a profound stroke of historical synergy, noting that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji actively participated in the state's creation journey. He served meritoriously as an integral part of the creation committee, functioning as its secretary. Olarenwaju expressed deep fulfillment that a key founding actor who documented and worked tirelessly for the birth of Ekiti is today at the helm of affairs, practically executing and expanding the dreams of the state's founding fathers.

In the same vein, Olarenwaju salutes all past progressive governors who have governed the state, deeply commending their various contributions and foundational efforts toward the continuous growth and infrastructural development of Ekiti. He specifically paid glowing tributes to the first civilian governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, for laying the essential governance blocks, while also saluting Engr. Segun Oni and immediate past governor Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, who successfully sustained the progressive trajectory and handed the progressive leadership baton to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

He further lauded Governor Oyebanji for breaking a historic political jinx in the state's 30-year history by securing a historic back-to-back consecutive re-election mandate for a second term, describing it as an absolute testament to the Governor's people-first governance, prudent management of resources, and broad public acceptance.

Olarenwaju urged Ekiti Kete to extend continuous, robust support to Governor Oyebanji beyond electoral cycles, emphasizing that collective backing is vital to fully actualizing the vision of the state's founding fathers. He noted that sustained cooperation between the government and the citizenry remains the surest path to achieving infrastructural consolidation and sustainable economic expansion.

Looking ahead to the broader political landscape, the APC stalwart expressed strong optimism that the party, from the Presidency and the National Assembly down to the State House of Assembly, will continuously deliver massive democratic dividends to the electorate. He noted that synergy across all tiers of government remains critical to unlocking optimal socio-economic opportunities for the populace.

Concluding his anniversary message, Olarenwaju reassured constituents of Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2 of his unwavering commitment to providing a vibrant, impactful, and robust representation. He pledged to work in tandem with progressive leadership structures to ensure that the dividends of democracy trickle down effectively to every community within his constituency and the state at large.