I WILL NOT LET NIGERIANS DOWN, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADORS.

I WILL NOT LET NIGERIANS DOWN, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADORS.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in Abuja, reaffirmed his commitment to building a stable, peaceful, and prosperous nation, assuring that the well-being of Nigerians remains his top priority.

He stated that the political and economic structures that have long undermined Nigerians’ prosperity are being steadily replaced through the realignment of the economy to enable full participation.

Receiving a delegation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State at the State House, President Tinubu pledged to sustain reforms aimed at creating more opportunities for poor and vulnerable citizens.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, also attended the event, alongside many governors: Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Mohammed Inuwa (Gombe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Uba Sani (Kaduna), who also serves as deputy director-general of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors..

A host of former governors, including Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), attended, as well as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, the APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru, zonal coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, directors and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari.

President Tinubu emphasised that the more citizens participate in shaping their lives and future, the better society will be for generations to come.

He urged the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to continue sensitising and mobilising citizens, especially at the grassroots, on the government's efforts to improve their livelihoods through economic reforms.

“You represent the conscience of a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty and hopelessness,’’ he said.

President Tinubu assured that the administration will uphold the tenets of democracy, including the rule of law, the separation of powers and the rights of all citizens.

“We cannot submit to disobedience of a lawful order of the court; we must embrace the judiciary, whether it favours us or not. We submit to this principle of democracy, separation of powers, and understanding of the dynamics of it, and the nationhood that Nigeria is, that we must build one country.  That's what Renewed Hope is all about. You must give them that hope.

“There's no other path for us to attain national greatness other than to build one common vision for the progress and prosperity of our people. That is what we must do,’' he added.

He reiterated that his government is guided by a clear vision to foster inclusive growth, create opportunities for youth, and ensure that every Nigerian—regardless of background or region—has a stake in the country’s future.

He encouraged citizens not to be discouraged by the misinformation championed by the opposition elements in the country.

He said the great accomplishments witnessed in modern times were achieved through visionary leadership, assuring that Nigeria is in safe hands.

To the opposition, he said: "They want to scare me off? It's a lie. I've been through this path before. And if I have to come back over and over and over again, I'll do the same thing. There is no better place than your own country. And no one can build it except you. We saw great things, skyscrapers. We wonder how the plane takes off and flies us from one destination to another. There was no magic of yesterday. It is the thinker of tomorrow and the future that can elevate life, that can reform us all.

"And being the transformative leaders that you are, you are in good company. Don't be afraid. I've listened to you.  I didn't have to look back on the economy because the truth is, I took over from myself. The late Buhari was me. He was my partner.  And if I took over from him. Is that not from me? So, if something is wrong, fine. Live with it, correct it, move on. The life voyage is not going to be easy. I can only stand before you and say you will not regret it. That is why we ask you to renew their hope. If they don't want to see the hope and the roads and bridges, and the children we raise, the economy we are growing, we shall lend them Jigi-Bola, eyeglasses. One thing that you need from me is a promise that I won't run away from the affair. With you, the deal is done".

Turning to the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, President Tinubu promised to be their greatest champion.

"We act as one family. You represent a conscience, a nation that wants to break the shackles of poverty, ignorance, and hopelessness. You are in a good company. That's all I can say. And all I can promise is I won't give up".

Earlier, the Director–General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA)and Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, said they were at the State House to update the President on the progress made so far.

"Our purpose in coming is to brief Mr President on how far we have gone with this national assignment, to present the substance of the work already done, and to reaffirm that the structure you graciously created is not only alive but active, coordinated, and already creating measurable political and civic dividends across the nation.

“At the regional level, activities have begun in earnest. All the structures of all the local governments have been inaugurated, as in the electoral wards.

“We have kick – started the process of enumeration up to the polling unit level. We are continuously harvesting data during enrolment, taking the messages to the markets, schools and professional groups, women's platforms and faith-based and grassroots political structures,” Governor Uzodinma said.

He lauded President Tinubu for his purposeful leadership and assured him of their loyalty and commitment to the success of the assignment.

The North-West Zonal Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, commended the courage and political sagacity of the President, describing him as a dogged reformer despite the teething difficulties being experienced.

"We know very well that reformers are always finding it extremely difficult at the beginning. More especially, if you are reforming in a society that is very difficult to understand, and some are willing to make people not understand," Masari said.

Masari commended the President for taking hard but necessary reforms that leaders before him could not, saying that Nigeria has become better for it.

He assured the President that most political heavyweights in the North-West geopolitical zone are solidly behind the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the struggle for a better Nigeria is for all to undertake.

He said the North West leaders have agreed to tour the federal projects in the zone to raise awareness among citizens.

" You have done so much, Mr President, but don't allow noise makers to distract you. Your bashings are not for you alone. Even your detractors know that you have done well.

"Will anyone come tomorrow and say he will reverse the removal of the fuel subsidy or return the nation to multiple foreign exchange rates?" Masari said.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, lauded President Tinubu for the infrastructural revolution across the nation, enabled by the several reform programmes of his administration, as attested to by state governors.

Former Governor Okowa, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, Governors Uba Sani and Biodun Oyebanji also delivered goodwill messages at the meeting.

VENITE UNIVERSITY VC URGES EKITI TRADITIONAL RULERS TO SUPPORT AGBEYEWA’S AGRICULTURAL DRIVE.

VENITE UNIVERSITY VC URGES EKITI TRADITIONAL RULERS TO SUPPORT AGBEYEWA’S AGRICULTURAL DRIVE.

The Vice-Chancellor of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Professor Charity Onye Aremu, has called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to support the expansion of Agbeyewa’s agricultural initiative as part of efforts to drive economic transformation in Nigeria.

She made this appeal on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the 3rd Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center.

Speaking at the event, Professor Aremu highlighted that Agbeyewa’s core mission is to build healthy and thriving communities through sustainable agro-allied investments, stressing that collaboration is vital for meaningful transformation.

She emphasised the need for a mindset shift, noting that “perspective defines what you see,” and that such change is essential to move from mere production to value addition, where farm produce becomes finished products of greater economic value.

Describing Agbeyewa as a leading Agripreneurial initiative, she said its products should be in every household in Ekiti State, achievable with the support of traditional rulers who are key to grassroots mobilisation. She also stressed increased food production, citing John Dewey that “food brings happiness,” and added that Agbeyewa aims to restore prosperity and well-being among Nigerians, starting from Ekiti State.

Professor Aremu further charged that individuals and communities have “two choices” ; to accept unfavourable conditions or take responsibility to create positive change, commending Agbeyewa for choosing transformation.

Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Royal Father of the Day, praised Agbeyewa and its Chairman, Niyi John Olajide, noting that Olajide has established over 500 companies in the United States and is replicating similar success in Nigeria.

The monarch described Agbeyewa as the largest cassava farm in the world and Nigeria’s biggest cassava farm reserve, highlighting its potential to boost food security and employment.

In her concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated that combating poverty requires agricultural entrepreneurship, urging agripreneurs to act as intermediaries between corporate organisations and rural farmers through corporate social responsibility in collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders.

The retreat brought together key stakeholders in agriculture, academics, and traditional institutions, reinforcing the role of partnership in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

PROFESSOR CHARITY AREMU CHARGES GOVERNMENT TO INITIATE POLICIES TO DRIVE YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE.

PROFESSOR CHARITY AREMU CHARGES GOVERNMENT TO INITIATE POLICIES TO DRIVE YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE.

The Vice Chancellor of Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, Professor Charity Onye Aremu, has called on government at all levels to initiate policies that will promote youth participation in agriculture and enhance cassava production and processing in Nigeria.

She made this call while delivering the keynote address at the 3rd Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center.

Professor Aremu emphasised the need for deliberate government policies that will strengthen cassava value chains, improve processing systems, and boost productivity in the agricultural sector. She also reiterated the importance of engaging farmers associations in Ekiti State to drive a purposeful vision towards achieving greater progress in agriculture.

Highlighting the importance of youth inclusion, the Vice Chancellor stressed the need to inspire and empower young people, particularly Generation Z, to take active roles in agriculture. She outlined three approaches to achieving this goal through the use of high technology, promotion of innovation, and the application of gamification such as competitions, dashboards, and hackathons to make agriculture more attractive.

Also speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, who represented the Governor, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting investors in agriculture. He stated that the government recognises the impact of enterprises like Agbeyewa and commended traditional rulers for their continued support.

He further assured stakeholders that land related challenges that may hinder investment would be resolved promptly, noting that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.

The retreat was attended by traditional rulers across Ekiti State, with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, serving as the Royal Father of the Day.

In her concluding remarks, Professor Aremu emphasised the need to create access to grants for agripreneurs, describing them as the “3ers” Growers, Consumers and Exporters as a pathway to sustainable agricultural development and economic transformation.

Agbeyewa Strengthens Ties with Traditional Rulers to Expand Jobs and Boost Cassava Value Chain.

Agbeyewa Strengthens Ties with Traditional Rulers to Expand Jobs and Boost Cassava Value Chain.

Agbeyewa Farms has reinforced its partnership with traditional institutions as part of efforts to drive grassroots job creation and accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

At the Third Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held in Ekiti State, Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Niyi John-Olajide, praised royal fathers for their unwavering support, describing their collaboration as central to advancing his vision of large-scale employment across rural communities.

 

He noted that the retreat provides an avenue to assure host communities that Agbeyewa’s operations are focused not on land control, but on creating shared economic value. According to him, the company’s expansion strategy—including the acquisition of Matna Foods—is aimed at strengthening the cassava value chain by guaranteeing consistent offtake for farmers.

John-Olajide further revealed that the company has deployed modern farming technologies capable of boosting cassava yields from six tonnes per hectare to as much as 30 tonnes, urging farmers to increase production to meet rising demand.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called for deeper collaboration among government, traditional institutions, and private investors to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s forest lands. He emphasized that large-scale commercial agriculture could play a critical role in tackling insecurity, particularly kidnapping, by converting idle forests into productive zones.

The monarch pointed to the transformation of Ekiti North—once affected by insecurity but now experiencing improved safety and economic activity—as evidence of the impact of such partnerships. He also urged affluent Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to invest in agriculture and industrial ventures to create jobs.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council, HRM Oba Samuel Adu Adejimi Alagbado encouraged traditional rulers to continue mobilizing farmers to expand cassava cultivation, assuring them of a ready and reliable market.

Ogoga also commended the Agbeyewa’s workforce, urging them to uphold values of integrity, discipline, and dedication.

Representing Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Agbeyewa as a global leader in cassava production. He highlighted the impact of private sector investments on the state’s economy, noting that Ekiti’s GDP has grown significantly from ₦2.4 trillion in 2022 to nearly ₦5 trillion.

He added that the government is actively working to resolve land disputes to create a more investor-friendly climate.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Charity Aremu identified persistent challenges facing farmers, including limited access to credit, poor infrastructure, and inadequate inputs. She commended Agbeyewa’s structured offtake model for addressing some of these issues and encouraged traditional rulers to promote youth participation in agriculture.

Prof. Aremu also urged Nigeria to adopt best practices from countries like Tailand, where farmers benefit from mechanization, improved seedlings, irrigation systems, and better rural infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, called on residents to collaborate with traditional institutions in reporting suspicious activities, assuring that security agencies would intensify efforts to maintain peace and stability across the state.

Ekiti leads in promoting women participation in politics, governance, says Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Ekiti leads in promoting women participation in politics, governance, says Commissioner for Women Affairs.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ekiti State, Peju Babafemi, has declared that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is setting the pace in promoting women participation in politics and governance. 

Speaking on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during the interactive S'etigbo multicast, anchored by the Bureau of Community Communications, the commissioner said the state government has created more opportunities to enable women actively contribute to governance and leadership.

She noted that Governor Oyebanji is fully committed to involving women in decision-making process stressing that the initiative serves as an encouragement to upcoming female leaders and young girls. 

She commended Governor Oyebanji for investing in women to drive inclusive and sustainable development in the state in line with his shared prosperity mantra. 

Her words: "We are happy that the government of Governor Oyebanji is involving women in a remarkable manner in leadership and appointing them in decision-making roles, both appointive and elective positions more than ever before in Ekiti State. 

"This is heartwarming and encouraging for young girls and upcoming female leaders because when you see women not at the back again but at the centre bringing forth ideas and suggestions that are moving the state forward. 

"It is just normal and instructive for anyone coming to government to know that women are very important in governance, women are important in public administration and the government of Governor Oyebanji has really set the pace that women are assets in the society."

COURTS AFFIRM SUPREMACY OF THE PARTY.

COURTS AFFIRM SUPREMACY OF THE PARTY.

…as Ekiti APC hails court decisions, cautions members against dragging party to court unduly.

The All Progressives Congress, Ekiti State Chapter, welcomes with humility the judgments of the Federal High Court affirming the supremacy of the party and the sanctity of its internal processes.

Hon. Justice Peter Lifu, while dismissing the suit filed by one Olajumoke Abimbola on Wednesday, affirmed that issues of membership and internal party processes are the sole responsibility of the political party and not for judicial determination. 

In a separate matter decided today thursday, the Court struck out another case, insisting that Courts are not permitted to interfere in the internal affairs of a party.  

Both judgements affirmed His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as the bona fide candidate of the APC for the June 20 governorship election and that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi to institute the case against the party. The plaintiffs were thus described as mere busy bodies and both cases as an aberration and abuse of judicial process.   

We rate the two judgments as consistent and an affirmation of the supremacy of the party, which Gov. Oyebanji has been preaching since he mounted the saddle. They further lay credence to the binding nature of our Constitution and the finality of our internal mechanisms as a political party. The courts should therefore not be used to disrupt the peace and progress of the APC.

As a law-abiding party, we magnanimously state emphatically that _there is no victor and there is no vanquished_. All members, including those who approached the court, remain valued members of the APC family. Now that the courts have spoken, we must close ranks.

However, we use this opportunity to further caution our members against dragging the party to court on matters that are clearly internal and non-justiciable. Such actions distract the party, waste judicial time, and amount to abuse of process. As a party of order, we have internal dispute resolution mechanisms that members must respect and exhaust.

The task before us is urgent and historic. Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji seeks re-election on the strength of a sterling first-term record. Under his leadership, Ekiti has witnessed stability, transparency, infrastructure renewal, and security.

We call on all party members to see themselves as equal canvassers. The campaign is intra local government, intra ward, and intra unit, and must be prosecuted without rancour. Our objective is to win for Governor Oyebanji in all 177 Wards and garner a minimum of 500,000 votes. This victory will benefit all Ekiti people.

We thank the judiciary for its wisdom and firmness, and our leaders, elders, and members for their loyalty. Now, let us unite and work. Let us win together.

APC is one. Ekiti is one. BAO’s second term is for the good of all.

We moveee...! 

Signed:  

Segun Dipe

Publicity Secretary  

All Progressives Congress, Ekiti State Chapter  

April 16, 2026

COURT UPHOLDS OYEBANJI’S CANDIDACY, DISMISSES OLAWUNMI’S SUIT.

COURT UPHOLDS OYEBANJI’S CANDIDACY, DISMISSES OLAWUNMI’S SUIT.

In a decisive legal victory for Ekiti State Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Biodun Oyebanji, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi challenging her disqualification from last year’s Governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The judgment, delivered in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2221/2025, effectively cleared  the legal hurdles for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, affirming his nomination as the party’s candidate for the Ekiti State Governorship election. The plaintiff had sought to contest her disqualification during the party's screening exercise, naming the APC, INEC, and Governor Oyebanji as defendants.

The presiding judge, Hon Justice Peter Lifu, dismissed the case on two primary grounds. First, the court reaffirmed that the selection and nomination of candidates are strictly internal affairs of a political party. The court noted that a political party maintains the sole prerogative to determine the eligibility of its members, and the judiciary lacks the jurisdiction to interfere in such domestic matters.

Secondly, the court ruled that the plaintiff failed to file the case within the strict timeframe required by the Electoral Act, 2022. Because the suit was not initiated within the mandatory period for pre-election matters, it was deemed statute-barred.

The proceedings featured a robust legal presence, including Barr. Bashiru Ajibola for the APC, Adetunji Oso, (SAN), Tamunotonye Ekundayo (Esq) and Umar Abdulhameed for Governor Oyebanji, and Nanyak Janfa Esq. for INEC.

With the court declaring the case closed, the candidacy of Governor Oyebanji remains valid and undisputed. The ruling reinforces the legal principle that internal party grievances must be resolved within the party's own framework and must strictly adhere to statutory filing deadlines.