Oyebanji swears in five high court judges, harps on deepening state’s justice system.

Oyebanji swears in five high court judges, harps on deepening state’s justice system.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Monday, sworn in five newly appointed high court judges with a promise to continue to strengthen the state’s judicial administration and deepen the justice system, stressing the importance of a fair and transparent administration of justice through upholding of high level justice standards.

The five new high court judges are: Justices Adegoke Olanike Caroline, Bamise Julius Sunday, Bamidele Ajibare Julius, Akinyede Stephen Rotimi, and Anoma Adefunke Helen. 

Governor Oyebanji, at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Conference Hall,  Governor’s office Ado-Ekiti, said their elevation was a call to service having been entrusted with the sacred duty to uphold the Constitution and act without fear, favour, affection or ill-will. 

Governor Oyebanji affirmed that only the presence of efficient, effective, accessible, impartial and reliable dispensation of justice can guarantee peace, order, and sustainable development, stressing that his government would ensure that all necessary human and material resources needed by the judiciary are made available at all times.

He used the opportunity to charge the new Judges to remain examples of equity, fairness and integrity at the highest level pointing out that  the standards of behaviour and practice expected of Judges are among the highest and most stringent all over the world as all eyes are on them to effectively dispense Justice speedily with fairness and impartially. 

Governor Oyebanji further assured members of the Bench that his government will continue to provide the necessary impetus for the judiciary to thrive in an atmosphere that will allow them dispense justice impartially and to remain a voice for the voiceless and the last hope for the hopeless.

He appealed to friends and associates of the Judges not to become clogs on the wheel of justice through corruptive influence and undue pressures.

“As you are aware, Section 271(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) places a solemn constitutional responsibility on me, as Governor to appoint Judges of the State High Court on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council. This provision reflects both authority and restraint. It is not merely a responsibility, but one that must be exercised with fidelity to the rule of law, and, in the best interest of justice. It was for this reason that we put machinery in motion to fill the available vacancies in the Ekiti Judiciary in line with relevant laws.

“I therefore feel honoured to have the privilege of swearing-in the distinguished legal luminaries, who have scaled through the rigorous constitutional procedures to have been appointed as new judges on the Bench of Ekiti State High Court. With the addition of the five new judges, I am doubly convinced that the Ekiti Judiciary is strengthened, reenergized and repositioned for better, effective and timely dispensation of justice.

“To get to this stage, each of our new judges has demonstrated exceptional competence and integrity. They earned their nominations and appointments to the High Court of Ekiti State on the strength of their competence, sound character, impeccable credentials and invaluable experience in their respective areas of engagement. 

“Their appointments are a testament to our confidence in a judiciary that mirrors the values of Ekiti State as a Land of Honour. With these appointments, we are further strengthening the foundations of our legal system. Their dedication to upholding justice will undoubtedly enhance the confidence of Ekiti kete in our judiciary.”, The Governor stated.

Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata SAN, commended Governor Oyebanji on his various efforts at repositioning the Justice sector for effective service delivery including an amendment of law for an increase in the statutory number of Judges in the state; approval of a new national minimum wage for judicial staff; completion furnishing of two new courts within the High Court premises in Ado Ekiti as well as the commencement of the construction of a new high court complex in Ado Ekiti among others.

The Attorney General expressed the gratitude of the judiciary for the provision of five brand new 2025 model SUV for each of the judges, adding that  the executive, under Governor Oyebanji, has not, in any way, interfered with the affairs of the judiciary but upholding the principle of separation of powers and safeguarding the independence of judiciary.

Justice Adegoke, who responded on behalf of her colleagues, expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for upholding the recommendations of the NJC and giving them the opportunity to serve as judges in the State.

He said they remained grateful for privilege to serve the state in this capacity promising to continue to discharge their duty with unwavering integrity, impartiality and diligence with commitment to administering justice without fear or favour.

Also at the ceremony were the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiodun Omoleye; Chief Judge of Ekiti state, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye; representatives of the National Judicial Commission; members of the legislature, executive council; traditional rulers; and top government officials.

Mrs. Titilayo Toba - Ojo — “Mother General”.Mrs. Titilayo Toba - Ojo — “Mother General”.

Mrs. Titilayo Toba - Ojo — “Mother General”.

...A Gentle Giant Bids the Service a Golden Farewell.

In the quiet corridors of the Ekiti State Local Government Service, there walks a woman whose presence has never been ordinary.

 Mrs. Titilayo Toba _Ojo, fondly and reverently called "MOTHER GENERAL", stands as a living testimony that leadership is not merely a position—it is a calling wrapped in compassion, competence, and character.

Colleagues describe her as pragmatic yet poetic in reasoning, logical yet tender in heart. She did not wear.

 professionalism like a garment to be removed at sunset; she lived it as a creed. In meetings, her voice was calm but decisive. In moments of tension, her wisdom steadied the room. In seasons of uncertainty, she became both compass and anchor.

Where others saw routine, she saw purpose.

Where others saw limitations, she envisioned possibilities.

Her legacy is not archived in dusty files or sealed within office cabinets. It breathes in the lives she touched. It speaks in the confidence of officers she mentored. It shines in the academic pursuits she inspired and the moral standards she upheld.

When others saw impossibility or expectations, she envisioned a empirical reality.

When others overlooked potential, she nurtured greatness.

When many hesitated, she propelled her team toward academic conquest and personal elevation.

For Mother General, mentorship was not administrative duty—it was spiritual stewardship.

In a system often defined by policies and protocols, she introduced humanity.

 Political and civil service heavyweights may debate power and structure, but none can dismiss her astonishing brilliance—civil, social, Christian, and domestic.

She is generous without noise.

Humorous without effort.

Intelligent without arrogance.

Humane without boundaries.

Her office became more than a workspace—it became a sanctuary of guidance, encouragement, and growth.

As the month of February ,gently draws the curtain on her civil service journey, gratitude fills the atmosphere. Yet this is not an ending. For Mrs. Titilayo Toba -Ojo, retirement is not a sunset—it is a sunrise.

Because women like her do not merely retire.

They transition into deeper relevance.

They ascend into broader purpose.

Her influence will continue to ripple through the Local Government Service and far beyond, shaping conversations, inspiring reforms, and uplifting families.

We celebrate not only an administrator but a mother, mentor, and moral compass. A woman whose Christian virtues illuminated her public service. A woman whose social brilliance balanced discipline with empathy. A woman whose name will echo long after office keys are handed over.

Let the applause rise gracefully.

Let the tributes gather like morning dew.

Let the celebration of greater heights begin.

For this farewell is only the tip of the iceberg.

Soon, echoes of a grander celebration will resound far beyond the service corridors.

To our formidable and dynamic Mother General of the LGSC—

Your story continues.

Your impact endures.

Your light remains.

Asubiojo G . O.

Information And Civic Orientation Department, IILG Igede Ekiti.

ERNEST FOR NERMA PRESIDENT 2026.

ERNEST FOR NERMA PRESIDENT 2026.

Planning Today. Securing Tomorrow. Serving Together.

*Dear Esteemed Members of NERMA,*

In the next five to ten years, many of us will be transitioning into retirement. Some will already be there.

This stage of life brings important realities — housing, healthcare, utilities, financial security, and even the challenge of loneliness.

The question before us is simple:

Are we prepared?

The time to plan is NOW.

Why I Am Stepping Forward:

I, Ernest, humbly present myself for election as the Fourth President of NERMA. I am stepping forward not merely to hold office, but to spark a necessary and urgent conversation about our collective future.

NERMA is no longer a small association. 

We are now over 100 accomplished members spread across multiple countries. We have all faithfully served full-time missions and have since progressed in our professional and personal lives. We are educated, experienced, and capable.

It is time for us to channel that collective strength into:

●Structured retirement and pension planning.

●Financial preparedness.

●Education

●Social support systems for members approaching retirement.

●Sustainable development projects that strengthen our relevance and impact.

I will be continuing with the foundations laid by the past presidents. My Vision for NERMA:

If elected, I will prioritize:

1️⃣ Retirement & Financial Readiness Initiative:

Encourage structured savings and pension awareness.

Develop partnerships to provide financial literacy programs.

Create platforms for members to discuss post-retirement housing and healthcare strategies.

2️⃣ Strengthening NERMA as a Recognized NGO:

I will push for NERMA’s stronger positioning as an active NGO capable of attracting both local and international funding.

This will allow us to undertake impactful projects such as:

Educational Initiatives: Supporting girl-child education.

Health Campaigns: HIV awareness and mental health advocacy.

Social Cohesion Projects:

Promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic groups.

Our association must not only exist — it must make a visible and meaningful difference.

Why Your Vote Matters:

For this vision to move forward, we need legitimacy and unity.

Two-thirds of eligible members must vote to validate this leadership transition.

This is not just about electing Francis. It is about choosing:

Preparedness over uncertainty.

Structure over informality.

Progress over stagnation.

What You Need to Do:

✅ Ensure you are financially up to date to qualify as a voter.

🗳 Cast your vote on Tuesday, 24th February 2026.

✔ Vote Ernest as the 4th President of NERMA.

A Call to Action:

Let us not wait until retirement arrives before we begin planning for it.

Let us not postpone conversations that determine our future comfort and dignity.

Let us build a NERMA that supports its members today and secures their tomorrow.

Together, we can transform our association into a platform of empowerment, preparation, and purposeful impact.

I am counting on your support.

Vote Ernest

Vote Vision.

Vote Preparedness.

Ernest Forever — For a Stronger NERMA.

Ernest, Will do it!

ERNEST CAMPAIGN TEAM

EKSU Alumnus, Ajayi Olwatosin Empowers 220 Widows with Cash Support in Gboyin-Ayekire.

EKSU Alumnus, Ajayi Olwatosin Empowers 220 Widows with Cash Support in Gboyin-Ayekire.

‎An alumnus of Ekiti State University, Mr Ajayi Sunday Olwatosin, (ASO) has empowered widows in Gboyin-Ayekire Local Government Area of Ekiti State with cash support to boost their livelihoods.

‎At a brief ceremony held in the council area, Mr Oluwatosin presented ₦20,000 to twenty widows from each of the 11 wards in Gboyin-Ayekire Local Government Area, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 220. 

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Speaking during the presentation, the benefactor said the gesture was borne out of his desire to make life easier for struggling members of the community.

‎He explained that the initiative was also aimed at encouraging well-meaning individuals to extend a helping hand to the less privileged.

Mr.  Oluwatosin added that the support was designed to complement the efforts of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in providing relief for the aged and widows across the state. 

‎He expressed optimism that the funds would help the beneficiaries expand their small businesses and become more financially stable.

‎In his remarks, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Local Content, Mr Olalekan Ijidale, used the event to commend Governor Oyebanji for what he described as the transformative impact of his administration in Gboyin-Ayekire. 

‎He noted that Mr Oluwatosin’s empowerment programme aligns with the governor’s grassroots-focused vision of supporting the aged and vulnerable.

‎Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Gboyin-Ayekire Local Government, Pastor Olatokunbo Adeyeye, lauded Mr Oluwatosin for the intervention, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to community development. 

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‎He said the initiative would inspire others to emulate similar acts of generosity.

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‎Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs Victoria Akinola and Mrs Oluwalusi Ajayi, expressed appreciation for the support and prayed for the continued success of Mr Olwatosin, saying the money would be used to expand their businesses. 

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‎The empowerment programme attracted party leaders, community stakeholders and residents of the area.

GOV. OYEBANJI TO SWEAR-IN NEW JUDGES.

GOV. OYEBANJI TO SWEAR-IN NEW JUDGES.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, will on Monday, February 23, 2026 preside over the swearing-in of the five newly appointed high court judges in the State judiciary.

The ceremony, scheduled to hold at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, is billed for 10:00am, with invited guests expected to be seated by 9:30am.

A statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, said the event marks another milestone in the administration’s commitment to deepening justice delivery and enhancing the efficiency of the state’s judicial system.

The appointment of the new judges is expected to address workload pressures within the High Court and accelerate the dispensation of cases across the state.

The swearing-in ceremony will be attended by top government officials, members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and other stakeholders.

Ekiti First Lady Rallies CSOs to Groom Women for Political Participation.

Ekiti First Lady Rallies CSOs to Groom Women for Political Participation.

The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has called for deliberate and sustained engagement of women in politics, particularly those in tertiary institutions and at the grassroots, to entrench political participation as a culture rather than a seasonal ambition.

She made the call in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, at a strategic engagement with civil society organisations (CSOs) themed "Collaboration for Enhancing Women’s Political Participation", where she outlined practical steps to boost women’s representation across all tiers of governance in the state.

Dr Oyebanji said early political orientation and structured mentoring would help demystify leadership for young women and build their confidence to participate actively in governance.

“To achieve meaningful inclusion, we must begin to groom our girls and young women early, on our campuses, communities and local councils  so that participation in politics becomes a natural progression and not an afterthought". She said.

The First Lady proposed a multi-pronged approach to advancing women’s political inclusion, including increasing women’s representation at all levels of governance, establishing a Women’s Caucus in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, creating structured mentorship platforms for aspiring female leaders, and investing in political capacity-building and leadership skills training.

According to her, women in Ekiti possess the competence, resilience and leadership capacity required to contribute meaningfully to governance but often lack the institutional support and encouragement needed to step forward.

“Our women are ready. They are capable and strong. They simply need support and sometimes, a little encouragement to step forward". She aded.

She commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for what she described as a firm commitment to inclusive governance, citing the increased number of female appointments under his administration. 

She, however, urged stakeholders to complement the administration’s efforts with deliberate policies and coordinated action.

Speaking further, Dr Oyebanji explained that the engagement with CSOs was strategic, given their proximity to women at the grassroots in markets, community associations and faith-based centres to position them as key partners in mobilising, mentoring and advocating for greater female participation in politics.

She called on civil society groups to intensify advocacy campaigns, collaborate rather than compete, and train women as election monitors to safeguard electoral integrity and ensure their voices are protected throughout the democratic process.

Earlier in her remarks, Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, emphasised the need to dismantle structural and cultural barriers limiting women’s access to leadership positions.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, the Head of Ekiti State Civil Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi and the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Bolaji Olagbaju, also underscored the importance of empowering women through policy reforms, political education and institutional backing.

Participants at the forum engaged in solution-driven discussions, identifying key challenges such as limited funding, cultural stereotypes and inadequate political exposure, while proposing practical strategies to strengthen networks, mentorship and advocacy structures for women.

The engagement also featured a shared commitment among stakeholders to work collectively toward building a more inclusive political landscape in Ekiti State,  one where women are not only participants but decision-makers to shape the future of the state.

Ramadan, Lent: Ajayi Urges Ekiti Residents To Pray For Peace Ahead Of Guber Poll.

Ramadan, Lent: Ajayi Urges Ekiti Residents To Pray For Peace Ahead Of Guber Poll.

Hon. Bayo Ajayi has urged residents of Ekiti State to take advantage of the coinciding Ramadan and Lenten season to seek God’s guidance and blessings for the state and Nigeria at large.

In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the Emure Ekiti-born politician described the rare overlap of the two sacred periods in Islam and Christianity as a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal, unity, and collective intercession for the peace and progress of the state.

Ajayi emphasised the need for Muslims and Christians to demonstrate love, tolerance, and kindness towards one another, irrespective of political or religious differences. He noted that genuine development can only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect.

With the forthcoming governorship election in the state, he called on citizens to pray fervently for peace and stability, stressing that violence-free polls remain a shared responsibility.

He also assured residents of the state government’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful and secure environment before, during, and after the election.

Ajayi wished Muslim and Christian faithful a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan and Lenten season, praying that God would accept their supplications and grant them their heart’s desires.