AAUA VC Applauds Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ‘Consistent, Unprecedented Financial interventions’.

AAUA VC Applauds Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ‘Consistent, Unprecedented Financial interventions’.

...Thanks Visitor for Implementation of FG/Unions Agreements.

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, has commended the Visitor to the Institution and Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the commencement and implementation of the agreements reached between the Federal Government and university unions.

In a statement of appreciation signed by the Vice Chancellor and released on Sunday, September 27, 2026, Prof. Obamuyi said it was heartwarming that the Visitor has been forthcoming with consistent financial interventions as and when necessary.

The statement said in part, “The governor last month approved a hefty sum of over one billion Naira to us to pay outstanding May and June salaries. He has also approved money for us to commence the payment of the salary increment reached between the federal government and university unions.

“That means that the CATTA/CONTTA agreements would henceforth be paid without hassles, and the academic calendar would henceforth be stable to enable our students to graduate as and when due.

“These consistent and timely financial interventions are unprecedented in the annals of Adekunle Ajasin University and should be commended by all lovers of education in the state and beyond.

“Adekunle Ajasin University will forever remain grateful for these commendable acts of the Visitor. And as Management, we assure Mr. Governor that we remain committed to the vision and mission of the University and would reciprocate the gestures by guaranteeing research that would positively impact the society, and the graduation of students who will hold their own among their peers globally.”

With the release of funds and the commencement of the implementation of the CATTA/CONTTA agreements, it is expected that normal academic and other programmes will resume soonest.

Oyebanji Pledges More Support for EKSCOTECH, Says State-Owned Institutions Must Function Optimally.

Oyebanji Pledges More Support for EKSCOTECH, Says State-Owned Institutions Must Function Optimally.

Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged continued government support for the Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti, and other state-owned tertiary institutions to enable them function effectively and deliver quality education.

Oyebanji made the commitment on Saturday at the maiden combined convocation ceremony of EKSCOTECH, held at the institution’s Sports Complex in Ijero-Ekiti.

The Governor, who was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habitat Adubiaro, said his administration remained committed to strengthening the state’s education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital development and institutional capacity.

He said the transformation of EKSCOTECH from its previous status into a full-fledged polytechnic represented an important step towards expanding access to technical and vocational education in the state.

The Governor commended the Governing Council and management of the institution for their efforts in repositioning the Polytechnic and creating an environment capable of supporting academic and professional development.

Oyebanji urged the management to sustain the momentum and ensure that the opportunities created by the institution’s new Polytechnic status translated into better training and improved prospects for students and graduates.

He also called on stakeholders, alumni, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to complement government efforts by contributing to the development of the institution.

The Governor’s commitment comes against the backdrop of recent developments at EKSCOTECH, including its transition to full Polytechnic status and the expansion of its academic programmes. The institution has also secured accreditation for additional programmes from the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr 'Femi Thomas, described the institution’s recent transformation as the product of a deliberate effort to restore stability, strengthen its foundation and complete its long-awaited transition to Polytechnic status.

Thomas recalled that before the present Governing Council was constituted, Governor Oyebanji had expressed concern over the challenges confronting the institution and charged the council to restore order and reposition it for growth.

According to him, the council subsequently worked towards completing the institution’s transmutation, which culminated in its recognition as a full-fledged Polytechnic and accreditation by the NBTE.

He said the development had opened new opportunities for the institution, including access to TETFund support, JAMB recognition and NYSC participation for eligible programmes and graduates.

Thomas, however, identified increased government subvention as one of the immediate needs of the Polytechnic, alongside additional lecturers, infrastructure and other facilities required to sustain the expansion.

He listed the development of the permanent South Campus, construction of academic blocks, including facilities for the School of Engineering, library and laboratories, provision of buses for practical sessions, completion of the clinic and rehabilitation of internal roads at the North Campus among the institution’s priorities.

The Council Chairman also disclosed that the institution had cleared its backlog of staff promotions dating back to 2022, while efforts were being sustained to ensure that promotion exercises did not fall into arrears.

In his address, the Rector of EKSCOTECH, Dr Olufemi Olubamise, said the combined convocation was significant because it brought together graduands from academic sessions whose convocation ceremonies had not previously been held.

He said the ceremony was the second convocation in the history of the institution, following the last edition in 2017, and the first to be held under its new Polytechnic status.

A total of 5,742 graduands were presented for the conferment of National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and other certificates.

The graduating population recorded 343 distinctions, representing 5.97 per cent; 1,951 Upper Credits, representing 33.98 per cent; 2,720 Lower Credits, representing 47.37 per cent; 661 Passes, representing 11.51 per cent; and 67 Merits.

Olubamise said the transformation reflected the institution’s evolution from a Women Development Centre to a School of Health Technology, College and now a Polytechnic.

He noted that the institution had also recorded improvements in digital infrastructure, with campus-wide Wi-Fi deployment, digital identity cards, electronic fee-clearance systems and digital staff attendance management.

According to the Rector, 14 classrooms are now covered by CCTV, contributing to efforts to reduce examination malpractice.

The institution is also seeking further development of its infrastructure, academic programmes and technical capacity as it consolidates its new Polytechnic status.

Council seeks more investmentThomas said the achievements recorded by EKSCOTECH should not be seen as an endpoint, stressing that the institution’s expansion had created additional responsibilities.

He appealed for increased funding to enable the Polytechnic recruit lecturers for its new departments and strengthen its academic programmes.

He also called for greater investment in infrastructure, laboratories, workshops, transportation and other facilities required for practical training.

The Council Chairman urged individuals and organisations with an interest in education and human capital development to support the institution, noting that the progress recorded so far required collective ownership.

The overall best graduating student, Iji Alice-Omonya, in her valedictory speech, expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the Polytechnic for their role in shaping the academic and professional future of the graduands.

She said the quality of education and training received at EKSCOTECH would continue to influence the graduates positively as they ventured into the next phase of their lives. Alice-Omonya thanked the institution’s management and lecturers for their sacrifices and commitment to moulding the students into responsible and successful individuals.

In recognition of her outstanding academic performance, the overall best graduating student was offered automatic employment by the institution and also received a cash reward.

The convocation also featured the conferment of honorary fellowship awards on distinguished individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of EKSCOTECH.

Among those honoured were the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Dr Abiodun Arokodare; Hon. Omowunmi Ogunlola; the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr ‘Femi Thomas; the Owa Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adewole Adebayo; and Mrs Bolanle Oladunjoye.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES BOARDS, TERMINATES APPOINTMENT OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES BOARDS, TERMINATES APPOINTMENT OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the immediate dissolution of boards, commissions, and parastatals in the State, as well as the termination of appointment of all political appointees.

Those affected by the termination include Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, and Technical Assistants.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the decision became imperative in view of the gradual winding down of the Governor’s first term in office, ahead of the inauguration of his second term scheduled for October 16, 2026.

However, chairmen and members of statutory boards are not affected by the dissolution. These include the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), Civil Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission, and Judicial Service Commission.

Similarly, the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions remain intact, in line with earlier directives by the Governor.

The Chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB),  Local Government Service Commission, and Teaching Service Commission are to remain in office, although their respective boards stand dissolved.

Also exempted from the termination of appointments are the Directors-General and Technical Advisors to the Governor.

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the affected appointees for their diverse contributions to the success of his administration and their service to the State. He wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

Ekiti Tourism Needs Partnership, Not Division.

Ekiti Tourism Needs Partnership, Not Division.

By Olalekan Ojo

Something was troubling about recent remarks attributed to the Director-General of the Ekiti State Tourism Bureau, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre. While presenting his stewardship report before the Ekiti State House of Assembly, he reportedly claimed that Glocient Hospitality Limited, operators of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre, does not support the Bureau’s efforts to develop tourism in the state. The claim has since travelled far beyond the Assembly chamber. 

Public institutions have every right to account for their stewardship, just as private organisations have a right to expect their contributions to be assessed fairly. The available evidence, however, suggests a more complicated picture than the one conveyed at the Assembly, and one that deserves closer examination before conclusions are reached or reputations are unfairly judged.

Consider first the record at Ikogosi itself. Glocient Hospitality took over management of the resort in 2022 under a 15-year build, operate and transfer concession designed to revive and reposition the facility. Since then, the company has invested billions in accommodation, conference facilities and leisure infrastructure in an effort to match the site’s natural appeal with the demands of a modern tourism destination.

The transformation is increasingly visible in the resort’s role as a venue for government functions, business meetings, tourism gatherings and private celebrations. Its growing use by different categories of visitors and institutions points to a facility that is steadily finding its place within the Nigeria's tourism ecosystem.

Against that background, the suggestion that Glocient Hospitality does not support tourism development deserves proper scrutiny rather than swift acceptance. According to information available to this writer, the company’s 2026 sponsorship budget had already been fully committed when a further request for N4.5 million arrived from Wale Ojo-Lanre, making it impossible to accommodate the request at that stage.

Yet a decision not to fund one particular request is not, by itself, evidence of indifference to an entire sector. Sponsorship is discretionary expenditure, and companies operate within budgets and commercial priorities like any other organisation. The inability to fund a particular programme cannot reasonably become the sole measure of a company’s broader commitment to tourism.

The wider record tells a different story. When the Bureau sought support for the AKWAABA Travel Market, one of West Africa’s leading tourism exhibitions, Glocient supplied marketing materials for the delegation. Photographs from the event showed Ojo-Lanre alongside members of the Glocient team, suggesting an existing working relationship rather than an absent one.

A year earlier, a similar request relating to the Efon-Alaaye Hiking Event attracted N5 million in sponsorship from the company. Glocient’s relationship with AKWAABA’s organisers also predates and continues independently of the Bureau’s involvement, a detail that matters when assessing the fuller picture of its engagement with tourism promotion.

Glocient Hospitality does not stand alone in the wider corporate footprint across the state. For instance, Agbeyewa Farms, a sister company under the Cavista Holdings portfolios, has continued to invest in youth development through the Agbeyewa Cup, a state-wide football competition that has attracted more than 150 secondary schools, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Ministry of Education since 2023. Public records from the 2025 edition put participation at more than 150 schools, while Agbeyewa’s own account describes the competition as an annual initiative covering all 16 local government areas.

The company has also been involved in promoting Adire Ekiti, connecting hospitality with the state’s indigenous cultural heritage in a tangible way. In March 2025, the resort announced a partnership with the Ekiti State Government to promote Adire and integrate the fabric into the tourism experience offered to visitors.

None of this means every request from the Bureau must be funded, nor that Glocient should be placed beyond scrutiny. Private investors, like public officials, ought to remain open to fair and constructive criticism. The argument here is simply that judgement should rest on the complete record, not on one unmet request.

Government cannot do everything on its own, and private investors cannot reasonably be expected to do everything either. Tourism thrives when government, investors, communities and cultural practitioners work together within an ecosystem where responsibilities are understood and expectations remain realistic.

Ikogosi’s transformation from an underused public asset into a functioning hospitality and events destination illustrates what sustained private investment can contribute. Its progress also demonstrates why the relationship between government and investors should be managed as a partnership rather than reduced to a question of who funded which individual programme.

The larger issue is the kind of tourism ecosystem Ekiti wants to build. A state blessed with warm springs, hills, forests, cultural traditions, festivals and a rich history cannot afford unnecessary friction between institutions whose interests should ultimately converge.

Public agencies need effective partners, while private investors need an environment in which their contributions are recognised fairly and legitimate concerns can be addressed constructively. Neither side benefits when isolated disagreements are allowed to overshadow the broader objective of developing a sustainable tourism economy.

That requires candour on all sides. Where government believes an investor is not doing enough, it should say so and provide the evidence. Where an investor has contributed substantially, that record should also be acknowledged. The objective should not be to win an argument, but to strengthen the sector.

Public office holders, in particular, must be mindful of how they communicate. Public communication is not only about what is said, but also how it is said, when it is said and the meaning it may convey. Personal feelings or temporary disappointments should never outweigh emotional intelligence and institutional responsibility. In a knowledge economy, statements and silence, actions and inactions, can shape perceptions and affect the corporate identity of the people and organisations we represent. 

Taken in full, the available record presents a picture considerably more nuanced than the suggestion that Glocient has no interest in Ekiti’s tourism development. Sponsorship is only one form of support. Investment, infrastructure, partnerships, cultural promotion, destination development and sustained private-sector participation matter just as much in the long run.

Ekiti tourism needs more of these partnerships, not less. It needs investment without suspicion, accountability without hostility and public conversation anchored in facts. Above all, it needs stakeholders who understand that the destination they are building belongs not to one institution or one company, but to the people of Ekiti.

In conclusion, I feel that one single unfulfilled request shouldn't have been used to jeopardize investment, partnership potential, job opportunities and growth that took years and billions to build.

The Ekiti State’s tourism future is too big and important for division to become the story. Partnership should be.

*Ojo a Mass Communication Lecturer writes from Ilorin*

*P.S: My intervention in the ongoing debate was informed by two things: my recent visit to Ikogosi and  my Unity days at Usi in the late 90s where Uncle Wale Ojo-Lanre's name was loud among those of us in the Arts class. I couldn't just reconcile the then quintessential man of pen with the political jobber our dear Uncle has suddenly become. Could it be survival? Could the sudden change be as a result of craving for relevance? Who exactly  Uncle trying to impress with that outburst? How times fly? With this latest development, one can conveniently conclude that our darling brother is fast losing his qualities.*

EKITI TRIBUNAL SLAMS ACTION ALLIANCE OVER POOR ATTITUDE TO ELECTION PETITION.

EKITI TRIBUNAL SLAMS ACTION ALLIANCE OVER POOR ATTITUDE TO ELECTION PETITION.

…as party's witnesses fail to appear in court.

The three-member panel of the Election Tribunal hearing the petitions arising from the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State has frowned against the Action Alliance (AA) over its perceived lukewarm attitude in pursuing its petition.

The Chairman of the panel, Justice Abubakar Kutigi, made the feelings of the judges known on Friday, following the failure of the AA to bring its witnesses to the Tribunal as earlier promised making it a third consecutive time the party has failed to make its witnesses available to give evidence.

The AA could not come up with any of its witnesses at the tribunal sitting on Friday after the Social Democratic Party (SDP) brought six witnesses who testified on the conduct of the election in the units and wards where they served as party and collation agents.

Both the AA and the SDP which scored 126 votes and 179 votes respectively in the governorship poll are challenging the return of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC is the first Respondent in the petition while Oyebanji is the second Respondent.

All the SDP witnesses for the day were led in their examination-in-chief by the party's counsel, Ebenezer Akinbuli and were equally cross-examined by counsel to INEC, Tunde Salako and counsel to Oyebanji, Adetunji Oso, SAN.

After all the SDP witnesses had given evidence and the case adjourned till Monday, September 28, the tribunal chairman then urged Akinbuli, who is also the counsel representing the AA continue the prosecution of the petition with presentation of the party's witnesses as promised on the last day of sitting.

But Akinbuli's request for another adjournment on the premise of looking around for witnesses did not sit well with the tribunal judges as the chairman of the panel, Justice Kutigi, expressed reservations with the failure of the counsel to proceed with the case.

Justice Kutigi said: "If you are not interested in this case, you these people (AA) should just close your case. If at this stage you have not made up your mind on what you want to do, we can't just keep adjourning every time and you know that this is an election petition.

"We find this strange and we are not here to play. How does it sound for you to stand before us saying you will be looking for witnesses, after how many months? When was this case filed? Why not pursue this case? You are the counsel, try and take charge of this matter."

Akinbuli apologised to the judges on the panel and pleaded that he be given the last chance to bring the AA witnesses to court on Monday promising "to do the needful on the next day of adjournment."

Counsel to INEC, Salako and counsel to Oyebanji, Oso, said they had no objections to the AA's counsel's request for adjournment till Monday to bring the party's witnesses to the tribunal for the first time to give evidence in support of their petition.

Justice Kutigi consequently adjourned the petition till Monday, September 28 for continuation of hearing.

OLUYEDE HAILS GOV. OYEBANJI’S EFFORT AT BUILDING A GREATER EKITI.

OLUYEDE HAILS GOV. OYEBANJI’S EFFORT AT BUILDING A GREATER EKITI.

… As Gov. Says Collaboration With Oluyede in Ekiti's Interest.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and candidate of the party in the June 2026 governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his efforts towards building a greater Ekiti State, describing the Governor’s commitment to the development of the state as commendable and requiring the support of the citizens. 

Dr Oluyede gave the commendation on Friday when the Governor visited him at his residence in Ikere Ekiti shortly after attending the burial ceremony of late Senator Anthony Adeniyi, SAN.

Speaking with Journalists shortly after the visit, Dr Oluyede, who contested the June 20 governorship election against Governor Oyebanji said the Governor’s efforts at advancing the state deserve commendation, particularly in the area of security, infrastructure and human capital development. 

He particularly lauded the Governor’s huge investment in the security sector, noting that the sustained commitment had contributed to the peace and security being enjoyed across the state.

Olueyede also hinted that the Governor’s visit  also provided an opportunity to discuss ways of further strengthening security across the state and ensuring that the forthcoming general elections are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.

The PDP chieftain also reiterated support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji, saying he would collaborate with the Governor to ensure that Ekiti State delivers a landslide victory for the President in the January 2027 general election, so that the President and the Governor can continue their good works.

 He said “Myself and Governor Oyebanji have been friends for a long time, we were in the same party, we diverged but we stick together and the Governor is a fantastic gentle man, kind, generous and he’s working hard for a greater and more prosperous Ekiti.

“ I commended him about three days ago, he is working hard on security of the state, his investments in infrastructure is commendable and apart from that, our meeting today is to secure the state further, we want to have free, fair and credible general election. We are also working together to deliver a landslide victory for the President who is doing a fantastic job and the Governor is also doing a fantastic job in Ekiti”.

Also in his remarks, Governor Oyebanji said his collaboaration with Chief Wole Oluyede was in the best interest of Ekiti people, stressing that their shared commitment to the development of the state remained the driving force behind their engagement.

While thanking Oluyede for his good spirit and commitment to the development of the state, the Governor noted that whenever they met, their discussion were always centered on the progress and advancement of the state. 

Governor Oyebanji maintained that the desire to find lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the state was another factor that bonded them together, adding that their common interest was to work towards achieving sustainable development and improving the wellbeing of Ekiti people.

Speaking concerning his long standing relationship with Dr Oluyede, the Governor said “ People don’t know this, myself and Dr Oluyede have come a long way. Dr Oluwole is one of the most committed Ekiti indigenes I have ever met and he belongs to the progressive family, his father is the pillar of the progressive politics in Ikere Ekiti”.

“And I must thank him for his generosity of spirit, for his commitment to the development of Ekiti State, anytime I see Dr Oluyede, he is always talking about the development of the state and that is what binds us together, the spirit of developing the state, finding solution to all the problems and working together in maintaining peace in the state and I am sure in the next few days, Ekiti people will see the result of our collaboration."

Ekiti trains 30 officers for mass livestock artificial insemination.

Ekiti trains 30 officers for mass livestock artificial insemination.

The Ekiti State Government has charged livestock farmers in the state to adopt modern methods of improving livestock production through programmes such as artificial insemination and breed improvement.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting livestock producers and agribusiness entrepreneurs by ensuring sustainability through strategic investments and interventions.

Boluwade spoke in Ado Ekiti on Friday during the ongoing “Mass Artificial Insemination, Training and Induction of Inseminators in Ekiti State,” organised by the state Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project.

He said, “The artificial insemination programme was designed by the state L-PRES for breed/genetic improvement and multiplication of livestock for better production.

“Ekiti State is targeting 850 cows and 150 goats while 30 professionals mainly from Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Departments are being trained and will be inducted as Artificial Insemination Technicians.

“It is important to raise personnel that would acquire skills in artificial insemination technology and most importantly to develop expert in artificial insemination operations that can train others and ensure sustainability and transmission of skills in the technology in the state.

“At the end of this programme, I expect to see a marked genetic improvement in our local ruminant breeds that is capable of driving economic growth and improving livelihoods”.

He said, “Survey showed that livestock productivity among L-PRES beneficiary farmers in Ekiti State is characterized by poor genetic quality and poor access to improved breeding services, resulting in low milk yield, slow growth rates, and reduced market value.

“To address this gap, Ekiti State supports the L-PRES key results indicator on artificial insemination which include increased yields in milk output, live weight gain, and carcass yield, thereby improving incomes and enhance the resilience of beneficiary households”.

Boluwade said, “the product of artificial insemination is improved hybrid vigour with better yield and performance through cross of local breeds with exotic breeds with good pedigree.

“Artificial insemination as a technology is a better channel for genetics upgrading and multiplying in livestock, eliminates the spread of sexually transmitted disease among the flock, reproductive materials and semen of good stock can also be stored for a long period of time”.

He urged participants to pay close attention to the sessions because of the technicalities involved, saying, “The knowledge gained will have positive impact on improving and upgrading our local breeds of ruminant livestock in terms of faster growth rate, efficient feed conversion rate, good carcass yield and resistance to diseases.

“The Ekiti State Government remains committed to supporting livestock producers and agribusiness entrepreneurs through strategic investments in infrastructure, capacity building, market development, access to finance, and institutional strengthening,” Boluwade said.

The Lead Consultant, Genex Urus Company, Olayiwola Adekunle, said the exercise was “to ensure that we have citizens of Ekiti State who are able to do artificial insemination instead of importing people from other countries to do it”.

Olayiwola said that Genex would support the 30 trained and qualified artificial inseminators for the next three years as part of the sustainability plan for the L-PRES project in the state.

He said, “We will be inseminating a lot of animals from 1000 upwards and also goats around the different local government areas in Ekiti State. We want to see sustainability and improved livelihood. At the end of the day, we want to see more animals, more milk in Ekiti State and of course the beef programme will also go on according to plan for the state”.

Also speaking, the Ekiti L-PRES Animal Husbandry Officer, Olumuyiwa Adelodun, said the goal of the mass artificial insemination and training and induction of 30 artificial insemination technicians “is breed improvement and multiplication of livestock”.

Adelodun, who said that the production of local breeds had been on the decline in recent times, said, “We intend to improve their quality through artificial insemination in order to have more productive livestock in terms of meat production.