OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES FORMER GOVERNOR FAYEMI ON 61ST BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES FORMER GOVERNOR FAYEMI ON 61ST BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji , has congratulated the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi , on his 61st birthday, describing him as a rare gift to Ekiti, Nigeria and the global community.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media,  Olayinka Oyebode , hailed Dr. Fayemi for his immense contribution to the growth and development of Ekiti State, which, according to him, has made the state an enviable subnational entity in Nigeria and beyond.

The Governor expressed gratitude to God for sparing Dr. Fayemi's life to witness another birthday in good health and sound mind and for giving him a prominent place in the quest for a greater Ekiti in his private capacity as a respected statesman.

Governor Oyebanji said Dr. Fayemi is a beneficiary of immense grace of God, judging by the great achievements God has helped him to attain in life at a relatively young age.

He noted that history would be kind to Dr. Fayemi, who was also a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for using public office as a platform for selfless service to mankind at state, national, continental and global levels.

Oyebanji  described the former Governor as a mentor, a role model, a builder of men, a passionate believer in greater Ekiti and an incurable optimist in the prosperity of the Nigerian nation.

According to the Ekiti helmsman, Fayemi's impact as a scholar, pro-democracy activist, a committed progressive, a transformational leader and eminent statesman continue to inspire the younger generation. 

Governor Oyebanji noted that Dr Fayemi's experience as a two-term governor of the State, a federal minister, chairman of Nigeria Governors' Forum and currently as President of Forum for Regions in Africa (FORAF) has made him a renowned global voice for good governance. He commended the former Governor for continually working for Ekiti and offering useful advice which has enormously benefitted the State.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate this great leader and a man of honour from the Land of Honour, on his 61st birthday and pray that God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom and excellent spirit, as he continues to contribute to nation building”, the statement added.

Ifedore Councillor Raises Alarm Over Alleged Executive List Imposition in Ijare Ward.

Ifedore Councillor Raises Alarm Over Alleged Executive List Imposition in Ijare Ward.

By Eleko Johnson.

A councillor representing Ward 1 in Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Hon. Fashua Orisunmibare, has raised concerns over what he described as an alleged administrative breach by the Chairman of the local government.

In a statement issued by Eleko Johnson, the Media Aide to Hon. Fashua Orisunmibare, the councillor accused the council chairman of unilaterally constituting an executive list for Ward 1 without his knowledge or the involvement of other recognised leaders of the ward, an action he said contravenes established constitutional and administrative norms.

Orisunmibare stated that none of the leaders in Ijare Ward 1 was aware of the list prior to its release, noting that due process requires wide consultation and a meeting of ward leaders before such a list can be produced.

He further alleged that the council chairman claimed the directive to constitute the list came from the state government, but added that no official letter or written instruction was presented to substantiate the claim.

The councillor, who recently received an award as the best councillor of the year in recognition of his empowerment programmes and community interventions, described the development as disheartening and capable of generating tension if not urgently addressed.

According to him, “It is an aberration and a grand violation of the constitution for a council chairman to constitute the executive of a ward without the knowledge of the elected councillor representing that ward.”

Orisunmibare maintained that, as the duly elected councillor, he remains the political leader of Ward 1, Ijare, and that no council authority has the right to usurp his constitutional responsibilities.

He therefore appealed to the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, to intervene by calling the council chairman to order and ensuring the immediate withdrawal of the disputed executive list in the interest of peace and harmony in the ward.

He warned that failure to address the issue promptly could escalate tensions within the community, stressing that his intervention was aimed at preserving peace and preventing a breakdown of law and order.

2027: Oyebanji backs Southwest Arewa Community's Renewed Hope Campaigns.

2027: Oyebanji backs Southwest Arewa Community's Renewed Hope Campaigns.

….Groups vows to storm Ekiti for Governor’s re-elecion.

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‎Ekiti State Governor, Mr  Biodun Oyebanji has restated his unalloyed commitment to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  in the 2027 general elections, even as he endorsed exclusive campaigns for him across all Southwest states.

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‎Governor Oyebanji stated this when he received a delegation of the South West Arewa Community Renewed Hope Agenda for Asiwaju 2027 at the Ekiti Lagos Liaison Office, Ikeja on Friday. 

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‎Oyebanji, who described President Tinubu as his political leader and father figure, said he fully align with the mandate of the political group.

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‎Oyebanji commended the group for advocating continuity of the President’s vision and socioeconomic prosperity.

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‎He said "Governor Fashola has told me much about you and meeting your representatives today has confirmed what he told me. May God bless you. I endorse everything you stand for and you have my 100 percent support."

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‎He noted that Nigeria is a great and diverse country, and that diversity should be a source of strength not discord. He praised the group for promoting oneness across ethnic lines.

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‎Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji  thanked the Hausa/Fulani community in Ekiti State for maintaining peaceful relations with other ethnic groups, promising to involve them in the forthcoming gubernatorial election campaign.

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‎The Governor said: "I am happy that we have a group that is now saying that all of us are one and I'm using this opportunity to thank and commend the Hausa/fulani Community in Ekiti State. They have been peaceful, we have no issues among ourselves, we are one, we are working together and for the campaign, like I said, we are going to create a slot to make you an integral  part of our campaign."

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‎The Director General of the group in the Southwest, Alhaji Shehu  Jibrin-Sampam described Oyebanji as a father to all Northerners in the Southwest, and acknowledged the appointment of some members of the Hausa community in his government.

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‎He said the visit was to seek the support of Governor Oyebanji for the continuity of President Tinubu in the position of power till year 2031.

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‎He  promised to visit Ekiti and join the campaign for the re-election of the Governor, while also enlisting the support of members of Hausa/fulani Community in the state for the continuity of his administration

Governor Oyebanji Seeks more awareness on effect of illicit drugs among youths.

Governor Oyebanji Seeks more awareness on effect of  illicit drugs among youths. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called for a greater level of advocacy, collaboration, and awareness campaigns to combat the growing menace of illicit drugs, particularly among youths in the country. 

Unveiling a book titled “Kick the Habit”, authored by Eno-Udoma Eniang in Lagos, the Governor said there is a need to promote a drug-free society by partnering with stakeholders to sensitise communities against substance abuse.

Governor Oyebanji described drug abuse as a silent epidemic, tracing its root causes to individuals, families and the wider society.

He said the devastating effects of drugs had led many addicts to psychological and emotional trauma leading to the  truncation of their destinies.

The Governor highlighted his administration’s efforts to combat the menace, particularly through anti-drug campaigns, community outreach, rehabilitation, and enforcement against illicit substances.

He noted that security reports showed that many users had moved from marijuana to harder drugs, emphasising the need for government and stakeholders to act urgently to protect young Nigerians and support their rehabilitation- physically, medically, and spiritually.

‎"Behind every abuse, there is a personality, that personality has a message, if care is not taken, that personality, an individual makes a family, families make a community, community makes a state and state make up a nation."

Oyebanji stressed that law enforcement agencies cannot solve the problem alone, calling for collaborative involvement of religious leaders, traditional rulers, and parents.

He posited further that the foundation of every great nation matters; if the destinies of the youths are not managed, a nation can be destroyed by their dysfunctions.  

The Governor commended the publication of the book, saying it would contribute to the betterment of society, adding that tackling illicit drugs is about prevention and must be addressed holistically.

The author of the book, Dr Eno-Udoma Eniang, said many Nigerian youths are exposed to negative influences and addiction, noting that the book provides practical insights and spiritual guidance for those affected.

Also in attendance were the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by Information Commissioner Aniekan Umanah; Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substances, Dr Rametu Momodu, and a representative of NDLEA, among others.

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU, ON BEHALF OF SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO, REAFFIRMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S COMMITMENT TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AT NIGERIAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT FIRST ANNIVERSARY PLENARY.

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU, ON BEHALF OF SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO, REAFFIRMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S COMMITMENT TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AT NIGERIAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT FIRST ANNIVERSARY PLENARY.

The Spokesperson of the 10th Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagement, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, on Thursday represented the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, at the Special Plenary of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, held to commemorate its first anniversary.

The anniversary plenary brought together youth leaders, policymakers, and critical stakeholders from across the country to reflect on the achievements of the Youth Parliament over the past year, assess its impact on youth legislative engagement, and explore pathways for deepening youth participation in governance and nation-building.

Delivering the address of the Senate President, Senator Adaramodu emphasized the urgent need for Nigerian youths to embrace purposeful, solution-driven engagement in national affairs. He urged young people to move beyond rhetoric and channel their energy, creativity, and innovation toward developing practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political challenges.

According to him, the 10th National Assembly remains firmly committed to promoting youth empowerment through inclusive policies, leadership development initiatives, and legislative frameworks that expand opportunities for young Nigerians. He noted that under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the National Assembly continues to prioritize youth-focused governance as a cornerstone for sustainable national development.

Senator Adaramodu further described the Nigerian Youth Parliament as a strategic platform for grooming future leaders and strengthening democratic values among young citizens. He commended members of the Youth Parliament for their dedication, resilience, and meaningful contributions to national discourse since its inauguration, encouraging them to remain steadfast in advocating progressive policies that foster unity, economic growth, and social development.

The Special Plenary also featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, interactive deliberations, and reflective sessions on the milestones achieved so far, as well as discussions on the future prospects of the Nigerian Youth Parliament as a training ground for emerging leaders and responsible citizens in Nigeria.

~~ ADARAMODU Media Team

Four Years Is four Years at EKSU — VC Assures Matriculants.

Four Years Is four Years at EKSU — VC Assures  Matriculants.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Babatola Ayodele has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar, assuring the newly admitted students that they could confidently complete their academic programmes within the stipulated time.

Professor Ayodele gave the assurance while delivering his address at the Matriculation Ceremony  for new students admitted into the regular programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session. 

The ceremony, held at the University’s Main Auditorium on Friday, 6th February 2026 formally inducted the fresh students as bonafide members of the EKSU academic community.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the University has sustained academic stability for several consecutive sessions, enabling students to clearly determine their graduation timelines without any uncertainty. He emphasized that “four years is four years at EKSU,” underscoring the institution’s resolve to uphold academic consistency.

The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, used the occasion to acknowledge the immense support received from relevant stakeholders, particularly the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as well as students and staff union leaders, for their contributions to the development of the institution, including the adoption of dialogue as the best way of resolving possible grievances.

Professor Ayodele charged the matriculants to make effective use of the opportunity offered them, noting that admission into EKSU is highly competitive. He urged them to pursue academic excellence and prepare themselves to make meaningful and lasting contributions to the society. “The world is waiting for you to make a positive and enduring impact on the global society in the not-too-distant future,” he stated.

While congratulating the students and their parents,  the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in Ekiti State University. He reiterated the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality education within a conducive academic environment.

Ekiti: Oyebanji's Steady Governance Ushers in Era of Shared Prosperity.

Ekiti: Oyebanji's Steady Governance Ushers in Era of Shared Prosperity.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

As Ekiti State approaches the 2026 gubernatorial election, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration continues to highlight its achievements, emphasizing a long-term vision for sustainable development. With a 30-year plan guiding the state's progress, Oyebanji's leadership has focused on security, governance, and steady development, earning praise from stakeholders for fostering peace and inclusive growth.

Governor Oyebanji, who assumed office in October 2022, has prioritized fiscal responsibility and transparency, positioning Ekiti among the top states in budget management and civil service reforms. This approach has enabled significant investments across key sectors, delivering tangible results that align with his six-pillar agenda for shared prosperity.

In agriculture, the administration's "Bring Back the Youths in Agriculture" initiative has provided training, funding, and mechanized tools to young farmers, ensuring access to inputs, credit, and guaranteed markets.ca6204 These efforts have boosted economic growth, with stakeholders noting improved food security and job creation for women and youth.

Infrastructure development stands out as a cornerstone of Oyebanji's tenure. Over 350 kilometers of roads have been addressed, with 126 kilometers completed across all 16 local government areas, easing transportation and connecting rural communities to urban centers. Projects like the Ekiti Ring Road and the Agro-Allied Cargo International Airport have been advanced, opening new economic opportunities.

Healthcare reforms have also seen remarkable strides. Primary facilities have been revitalized, mobile health initiatives introduced, and access improved in underserved areas, reflecting a commitment to quality care for all citizens. Similarly, in education, public schools are undergoing renovations, with investments in teacher training, digital learning tools, and performance incentives to prepare students for a knowledge-driven economy.

Youth empowerment remains a key focus. The Ekiti Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (E-YEEP) has disbursed grants and vocational training to thousands of young entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and self-reliance. These initiatives, coupled with social investments in water and sanitation, underscore Oyebanji's people-centered approach.

Oyebanji's inclusive style has bridged political divides, promoting unity among elites, traditional institutions, artisans, women, and youth. "Governor Oyebanji's achievements in road construction, education, healthcare, and support for workers demonstrate a leader who listens, plans, and delivers," said a stakeholder during recent celebrations.

Awards such as the Governor of the Year 2025 from LEADERSHIP for transformative leadership and the Most Outstanding Governor for Inclusive Leadership affirm these efforts. As Ekiti looks ahead, calls for continuity echo the sentiment that protecting these gains is essential for a prosperous future.

In separate engagements, the Governor has reiterated his commitment to accelerating development in the state, assuring residents that his administration remains focused on the speedy realisation of rapid economic prosperity across Ekiti.

With security strengthened and governance calmer, the vision for Ekiti—a state of lasting peace and progress—appears clearer than ever.

More importantly, the future of Ekiti is clearer. With a long-term plan already in motion, each year builds on the last, ensuring that progress is protected and expanded. This is why continuity matters. It is not about politics; it is about safeguarding gains, completing ongoing projects and allowing a well-defined vision to fully mature.

For many residents, Governor Oyebanji remains the preferred choice because he plans and delivers. For the people, he symbolises peace that works and progress that is visible. For Ekiti as a whole, continuity represents the assurance that the state will continue moving forward rather than backward.

As discussions around the 2026–2030 period intensify, the message from Ekiti Kete remains clear: the state must finish what it has started, protect the vision and continue building an Ekiti that future generations will be proud to call home.

Ekiti oni  bàjẹ́.

BAO 4 + 4 = 8.

DA TI E MO 26 💚

Written by Olamide Akinwumi from Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State.