Artisans, private sector declare support for Oyebanji's re-election.

Artisans, private sector declare support for Oyebanji's re-election.

…Governor cautions opposition against using fake news to gain relevance.

Artisans and and private sector association across Ekiti state on Monday publicly declared their unflinching support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20 election, citing his unrivalled achievements in critical areas of development for their position. 

The two unions, who were led by their presidents, Mr Ebenezer Babatunde for the Artisans,  and Mr Abiodun Gbenga for Private sector, spoke in Ado Ekiti during an engagement with the Governor, praising the Governor for his  superlative performance in infrastructure development, empowerment, health, education and support for the informal sector, among others. 

The artisans and private sector, under the aegis of Congress of Artisans and Private Sectors commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to the welfare of workers and residents in general and thanked him for implementing trader friendly policies which have enhanced their businesses and boost small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

The two leaders, who expressed their members’ assurance in Governor Oyebanji’s ability to steer the ship of the state toward a more prosperous future if given another chance, emphasised that the Governor’s track record remains a testament to his competence and capacity as a leader.

They also expressed their appreciation to the Governor for appointing their members to senior level positions in his administration, promising to canvass votes for the Governor at the grassroots to ensure he wins across the 177 wards of the state.

Governor Oyebanji in his response, thanked the artisans and private sector players for their support in 2022 and urged them to make sure they collect their PVCs so as to be able to fulfill their promise of ensuring his re- election. 

According to Oyebanji, the promises would materialise only if all of them o again their voters cards. 

The Governor also frowned at the activities of some elements in the state who are deploying fake news to heat up the polity in the bid to attract political sympathy and blackmail the government. 

The Governor also disclosed that his government has concluded plans to disburse loans to 2,000 women to support small businesses and economic inclusion in the state. He advised traders to form themselves into cooperative societies in order to access loans from banks and government since banks are not ready to grant loans to individual traders.

He said his administration has consistently supported local traders and small businesses through the local content law, which emphasizes  that local businesses and artisans must be patronized.

Governor Oyebanji, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described the informal sector as critical to his government as well as the coming election,  adding that he had developed confidence in them over time and is optimistic about the support they have promised.

“I am appealing to those who have registered for voters cards to ensure they collect their cards as distribution will commence tomorrow. Note that anyone without voter’s card is not relevant to us during the election. Please go to your local government and wards, they will be available there from tomorrow, it may be difficult at the beginning, let us endure, it will ease in few days.

“We have just 19 days to election, please don’t fight with anyone, we are all one in Ekiti and I say whoever wants to serve his community will not wage war on the community. Few days ago, we have been hearing a lot of fake news about our security. I wonder how Ekiti indigene would spread fake news that a commuter bus was hijacked and all the passengers were kidnapped. This is condemnable and it shows the kind of people who are aspiring to rule Ekiti. If you don’t wish your people well, you cannot be a good leader. In as much as I don’t want to destroy anyone’s character, that is not my style, but at the same time, I condemn any attempt at faking news. 

The Director General of the campaign council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi Called on every Ekiti resident to come out in their numbers and cast their votes for Governor Oyebanji stressing that they should not be lackadaisical about the election since the expectation of the party is not just to win but moving from the previous 200,000 votes in 2022 to over 500,000 votes in the June 20 election.

Ekiti’s Inclusion Model Takes Centre Stage at Global Conference in Lagos.

Ekiti’s Inclusion Model Takes Centre Stage at Global Conference in Lagos.

Ekiti State’s growing reputation as a leading force in disability inclusion and special education reforms came into sharp focus at the 2026 National Inclusion Conference held at Rugby School, Atlantic City, Lagos. Bringing together educators, researchers, and policymakers under the theme “Embedding Inclusive Excellence: Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in Every Class,” the two-day event highlighted measurable strategies for integrating special needs individuals into the wider society.

Delivering a compelling presentation on “Ekiti State Inclusion Journey,” Princess Adetoun Funmilayo Agboola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, highlighted how the Biodun Oyebanji administration has turned disability inclusion from mere political rhetoric into measurable action. The state has actively integrated persons with disabilities into governance based on competence, appointing seven individuals to strategic leadership roles and employing 41 others into state and local government positions.

To ensure equal opportunities from the ground up, the government overhauled its special education framework by upgrading public schools with modern therapy rooms, ICT labs, and trained specialist personnel. These interventions led to a 30% rise in student performance in national examinations like WAEC and JAMB, enabling many beneficiaries to transition into tertiary institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University and Afe Babalola University.

Ekiti has also pioneered critical healthcare and welfare support systems, including establishing Nigeria's first free public therapy center for children with severe disabilities and offering free healthcare at primary health centers. Furthermore, the state executed a free prosthetics program providing artificial limbs to 131 individuals, conducted mental health screenings, and set up a skills acquisition center that has already trained and empowered over 130 beneficiaries in vocational fields.

The state is similarly fostering social and athletic integration, resulting in Persons with Disabilities athletes winning gold medals at the National Sports Festival. With the recent launch of Ekiti’s first inclusive basic school in Ikole-Ekiti for neurodivergent learners, Princess Agboola urged other governments to adopt similar deliberate policies, proving that meaningful societal change happens when leaders actively prioritize the dignity of persons with disabilities.

Echoing the need for national reform, the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, lamented the inadequate implementation of inclusive education across the country. She emphasized that every child deserves equal opportunities in both public and private schools, urging teachers to remain motivated because neurodiverse children possess immense talents capable of contributing significantly to national development if properly nurtured.

In her remarks, Mrs. Lai Koiki, Chairperson of the Association of Private Educators of Nigeria, defined true inclusion as creating environments where every child is seen, supported, and valued for their potential rather than their challenges. She identified teacher preparedness, flexible learning systems, parental involvement, and intentional leadership as critical drivers, calling for stronger collaboration among governments, specialists, and communities to build sustainable support systems.

The event concluded with insights from global inclusion experts, including Thomas Keaney, CEO of TCES Group, and Daniel Sobel, President of the International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP). They addressed participants on practical psychological approaches and classroom strategies designed to support neurodiverse learners, reinforcing the conference's goal of helping special needs students maximize their abilities in both academic settings and the broader society.

BAO’s Healthcare Drive Gains Momentum as Fagboyo Launches Free Medical Outreach.

BAO’s Healthcare Drive Gains Momentum as Fagboyo Launches Free Medical Outreach.

The healthcare agenda of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, received a boost on Monday as a free medical outreach, tagged “Ilera Ofe,” commenced in Ido Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state.

The outreach, organised by Princess (Pharm.) Funmilayo Racheal Fagboyo at the palace of the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, was aimed at supporting the administration’s healthcare initiatives and the governor’s second-term bid ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Flagging off the programme on behalf of Governor Oyebanji, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, commended the organiser for a remarkable commitment to grassroots healthcare delivery and party development.

Awe said, “I have only known Pharm. Fagboyo for about two months, but her dedication, particularly in the area of health outreach, has been impressive. This is the kind of sacrifice and commitment the APC needs at this crucial period.”

Among dignitaries present at the event were the member representing Ido/Osi Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Yomi Ayorinde; the State APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Segun Dipe; the Executive Chairman of Ido/Osi Local Government, Hon. Dele Omoleye; APC Chairman in the council, Hon. Aina; Hon. Ibikunle Ale; Hon. Afolabi Rotimi; Otunba Ayodeji Olorunfemi; and the APC Women Leader in Ido/Osi, Hon. Grace Olayinka, among other party stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Ayorinde praised the financial commitment and active participation of Fagboyo in party affairs within the local government area.

Also speaking, Hon. Aina and Hon. Ale acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices made by Fagboyo and her husband since joining the All Progressives Congress in the council area.

No fewer than 200 residents benefitted from the outreach, which featured health talks, medical consultations, deworming for children and adults, free eye glasses distribution, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, malaria screening, and free drugs.

The beneficiaries, comprising elderly residents, youths, men and women, received treatment and medications at no cost.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Fagboyo said she was inspired by the Oyebanji administration’s commitment to good governance and healthcare development in the state.

She said, “I was attracted by the good governance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye, especially in the health sector. Nothing is too much to contribute in support of this administration. This is my sincere support for the BAO/MCA second-term campaign.”

According to her, the outreach will continue in Usi Ekiti on June 2 and 3, Aaye Ekiti on June 4 and 5, before ending with a grand finale in Osi Ekiti on June 6, 2026.

Observers noted that the outreach further reinforces the administration’s message of prioritising the wellbeing of Ekiti residents as campaigns intensify ahead of the governorship election.

EKSCOTECH Holds June Prayer Programme, Rector Declares God as Shield and Lifter in Troubled Times. ‎

EKSCOTECH Holds June Prayer Programme, Rector Declares God as Shield and Lifter in Troubled Times.

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‎The Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero (EKSCOTECH), on Monday, held the June edition of its monthly prayer programme, bringing together members of the Polytechnic community for a solemn and spiritually charged session marked by prophetic prayers, worship, and intercession for the nation.

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‎Delivering the exhortation, the Rector, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, anchored his message on Psalm 3:3: _“For thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter of my head.” He emphasized that in seasons of insecurity and uncertainty, God remains the ultimate protector, defender, and promoter of His people.

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‎According to the Rector, divine intervention is critical for the advancement of both individuals and institutions. He expressed optimism that several individuals have committed themselves to consistent prayers for EKSCOTECH, just as he does, and voiced strong confidence that the institution will move forward by God’s help.

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‎To reinforce his message, Dr. Olubamise led fervent prayers that God should arise in His fury to deliver captives from the den of kidnappers. He also interceded for staff, asking God to grant them meaningful and substantial blessings that will reflect in their families and service to the institution.

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‎The prayer session featured intense prophetic declarations, heartfelt worship, and song ministrations. A major highlight was the collective intercession led by the Rector for the safe rescue of kidnapped children, teachers, and parents in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State and in Oriire Local Government Area, Ogbomoso - Oyo State.

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‎The monthly prayer initiative continues to serve as a vital spiritual platform within EKSCOTECH, strengthening unity, deepening faith, and seeking divine direction for personal and institutional progress.

Police Dismiss Fake Kidnap Report in Ekiti, Warn Against Spread of Misinformation.

Police Dismiss Fake Kidnap Report in Ekiti, Warn Against Spread of Misinformation.                                             By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Ekiti State Police Command has debunked a viral social media report alleging that a bus conveying passengers from Ado-Ekiti was kidnapped along the Aramoko-Ekiti road on May 31, 2026, describing it as false, misleading, and deliberately engineered to cause panic.

In a statement on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, the Command said the alleged incident never occurred anywhere in the state, adding that immediate deployment of intelligence and tactical teams confirmed the absence of any such attack.

The Command expressed concern over what it described as a rising trend of coordinated fake news and false security alerts aimed at creating fear among residents and discrediting ongoing security efforts in the state.

It warned that spreading false information capable of triggering public panic remains a criminal offence, stressing that individuals involved in such acts would be identified and prosecuted.

The police urged residents to always verify information before sharing and to rely only on official communication channels for security updates.

Members of the public were also encouraged to report emergencies or suspicious information via 08062335577 or 09064050086.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace and security across Ekiti State.

Security: Ekiti Will Be Too Hot for Criminals, Oyebanji Warns.

Security: Ekiti Will Be Too Hot for Criminals, Oyebanji Warns.

…Assure Residents of Safety.

Ekiti State Governor,  Mr Biodun Oyebanji has declared that the state would be too hot for criminal elements, assuring residents that his government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.

The Governor gave the assurance shortly after a meeting with the Commander of the 12 Brigade Lokoja, in charge of Kogi and Ekiti, Brigadier-General Kazeem Umar Sidi, in his office in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend, stressing that government is fully prepared to stamp out criminal elements and maintain peace, law and order in all parts of the state.

Governor Oyebanji urged residents not to entertain fears or panic, saying that he is working assiduously round the clock with security agencies to ensure their safety. He also cautioned those who are in the habit of raising false alarms and spreading fake news of fathom attacks to desist from the mischievous act. 

While maintaining that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the country and that every necessary measure is being put in place to sustain the peaceful atmosphere, the Governor said his administration would spare no cost to secure the people and spare no efforts to make the state uncomfortable for criminal elements.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the security agencies for their sustained support and collaboration in maintaining peace and safeguarding lives and properties of citizens across the state. He assured that his government would continue to provide necessary support to ensure a safe and peaceful environment.

Governor Oyebanji said “This visit by the Brig.-Gen. to Ekiti State is to discuss security matters and its shows that the Federal Government is concerned about securing all of us in the country, we have compared notes and we have also agreed on steps to be taken to ensure everybody in the state is secured.

“My charge to Ekiti people is to put their minds at rest, this government will leave no stone unturned to ensure citizens are protected and this is a strong signal to all criminal elements in the state, this state will be too hot for them especially as we move toward elections in three weeks”, he added.

Tinubu 'll Secure Nigeria, Smash Criminal Syndicates, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Assures Ekiti Obas.

Tinubu 'll Secure Nigeria, Smash Criminal Syndicates, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Assures Ekiti Obas.

...as monarchs call for review of kidnapping law, back state police. 

Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured Nigerians of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's unshakeable commitment to security of lives and properties of citizens through stronger internal security plan and building of security alliances with developed nations. 

The First Lady  said President Tinubu has entered into partnership with developed countries, like the United States of America and others, and taking internal security measures to smash those terrorising the country and stoking the fire of killings and kidnappings across the geopolitical zones. 

Senator Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday, during her engagement with Ekiti State Traditional Rulers at a meeting held at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado- Ekiti during her one-day working visit to the state. 

Senator Tinubu, alongside Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Wife of the Vice President , Hajia Nana Shettima; the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji;  Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and  the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, and other top government officials were in attendance at the meeting. 

Addressing the monarchs, the First Lady, who described the horrendous cases of kidnappings, banditry and killings as highly disheartening, revealed that  the President is committed to making the country safe for all citizens. She said a lot of efforts were ongoing to further secure the country and stamp out criminality but which could not be divulged publicly. 

Senator  Tinubu thanked the traditional rulers for their support for President Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying this has been a veritable impetus driving the two leaders  to give their best in terms of commitment to good governance. 

"It is disheartening that we have this insecurity. A lot of foreign countries are helping  our nation. The US and some other developed countries are helping us in this matter. Some of those terrorising us are non- Nigerians. No matter what happens, we shall overcome, Nigeria is too great to be intimidated. 

"Let us bear in mind that we have a great country. Challenges will come, but collectively, we can tackle them. I can assure you, we don't have Mondays or Sundays, the President is working  round the clock to get this matter resolved. At times, Mr President will sleep at 3:00am and God has been faithful. Let us be prayerful about our nation. It is prayers that have taken us this far. 

"We want to thank Ekiti people for the tremendous support they are giving the President. Kabiyesi, I thank you immensely for your love and care for Mr President and Governor Oyebanji". 

Cataloguing what her initiative has done in Ekiti State, Senator Tinubu, said the Renewed Hope Initiative, her brainchild, had built an ultra modern ICT at Ekiti State University to boost the digital education of the youths, while also endowing prizes to the tune of N200 million for the undergraduates to broaden the scope of scholarship scheme in the institution. 

The Nigeria's First Lady added that her initiative had  empowered another  2,000 traders with N50,000 each to engage them in trading , while hundreds of elderly, vulnerable groups and  people living with disabilities are being helped to raise their standards of living through fruitful engagements under the current economy. 

"Kabiyesi, I didn't only come here to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC women campaign council, I am here to thank you for the love you have shown to Mr President in Ekiti State . I am humbled that you are all here and waited patiently. Your domains shall be peaceful by the grace of God. Long may you reign".

Eulogising the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative for gradually transforming the lives of the Nigerian citizens, the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti ,  Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, called for expeditious review of the kidnapping law to stipulate strict punitive actions for those fanning the ember of crimes in the land. 

Oba Adu-Alagbado , also called on  President Tinubu to fastrack actions on the creation of the State Police, so that each state can have a stronger security architecture that can deal decisively with criminal elements terrorising the country. 

The Monarch applauded the President's wife for the respect and honour exhibited for the traditional rulers, saying this would remain indelible in the annals of history.

The monarch applauded the difficult and tasking policies being initiated by President Tinubu to tackle the multifaceted problems facing the country, saying the entire traditional council is solidly behind his administration. 

"Your Excellency, you are welcome to Ekiti State. We had in the past the wife of a president who championed a better life programme, but for Senator Oluremi Tinubu, you have taken your better life programme under Renewed Hope Initiative  to the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and every part of the country. You have touched the lives of our people. We heard about you when you were in the Senate. We heard about how you transformed the lives of Lagos Central that you represented. 

"We thank the President through you for the affection he has shown  for our governor. Our Governor had always been praising  him for his fatherly role. Our message to the President is that we are with him totally. He is a special man that was ordained by God. 

“We knew about the obstacles. We knew how he had been tackling them. He is our son and we are proud of him, not just a son, but one that is doing wonders and making us proud.

"No country  is devoid of criminals. But there should be review of laws in the country dealing with issue of insecurity. Kidnapping has been on for some time. All those that are aiding and abetting kidnapping, we have not seen any punitive measures being taken against them. There should be a  review of the laws dealing with these murderers. 

"The bill for the creation of the state police should be fasttracked. Our people are not cowards, but our hands are tied, because our people can't carry AK 47 to face these criminals". 

Oba Adu-Alagbado, said President Tinubu stood tall and towering among the contestants and those showing intention to vie for the nation's number one seat. He said Ekiti people will support the President for a second term in office,  based on his good performance,  so he can do more.