Ekiti 2026: GJZ Submits Nomination Form for Ekiti North Federal Constituency I.

Ekiti 2026: GJZ Submits Nomination Form for Ekiti North Federal Constituency I.

...Urges Loyalty to Oyebanji, Tinubu, Says Progressive Governance Must Continue Till 2031.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Gbenga Joseph Zaccheus, popularly known as GJZ Hope for reformation, has officially submitted his nomination form to contest for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency I seat ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Zaccheus, an indigene of Ipao-Ekiti, submitted the form on Thursday, May 7, 2026, declaring that his aspiration was driven by his passion to deepen democratic dividends and provide purposeful representation for the people of the constituency.

Speaking shortly after the submission, the APC aspirant described democracy as “government of the people, by the people and for the people,” stressing that true leadership must remain people-centred, transparent and development-oriented.

According to him, “Democracy thrives when the voices of the people are heard and respected. My aspiration is anchored on service, inclusiveness, youth empowerment and sustainable development across Ekiti North Federal Constituency I.”

He added that the constituency deserves quality representation capable of attracting meaningful projects, improving the welfare of the people and creating opportunities for youths and women.

The federal constituency aspirant also reaffirmed his loyalty and support for the administration of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, commending the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across the state.

GJZ urged residents of Ekiti State, party loyalists and supporters to remain steadfast in supporting Governor Oyebanji’s continuity in office till 2030, noting that the state has continued to witness growth and stability under the governor’s leadership.

He also declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda was gradually repositioning the country for sustainable growth and national development.

“Progressive governance remains the pathway to sustainable development. I urge all loyalists, party members and the good people of Ekiti Kete to continue supporting Governor Biodun Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continuity, stability and greater prosperity,” he said.

Zaccheus appreciated his supporters and political associates for their encouragement and unwavering support, assuring them of transparent, responsive and people-oriented leadership if elected.

Some party faithful present at the venue described GJZ as a grassroots politician with strong connection to the people, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver effective representation for the constituency.

EKITI 2026: RE-ELECT ME FOR CONTINUITY OF GOOD GOVERNANCE, OYEBANJI URGES VOTERS.

EKITI 2026: RE-ELECT ME FOR CONTINUITY OF GOOD GOVERNANCE, OYEBANJI URGES VOTERS.

...Residents hail Governor for restoring power after 10 years blackout.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said the forthcoming governorship election offers the people of the state an opportunity to use their votes to cement continuity of good governance and defeat politics of retrogression.

Governor Oyebanji also urged the electorate to cast their votes massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election in appreciation of his immense support for the government and people of Ekiti State.

The Governor who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State said no Nigerian leader has done as much as President Tinubu had done for Ekiti State, hence the state must contribute a high tally of votes that would contribute to his re-election.

Oyebanji who spoke on Thursday while addressing rallies in Ekiti East and Ayekire Local Government Areas in continuation of his campaign tour round the state, said frequent changes of ruling parties at election cycles negatively affected the growth and development of the state.

Oyebanji also restated his call for peaceful and violence-free election. He enjoined APC members not to be provoked into violence before, during and after the election for the victory to be sweet and remarkable.

The rallies which were turned into carnivals by party members and residents saw the Governor receiving a rousing welcome in Omuo Ekiti and Ode Ekiti, the headquarters of the two council areas in appreciation of the projects implemented and restoring electricity to the axis after a blackout of over ten years.

The Governor told the crowd that his administration has succeeded in fulfilling promises made to the people of the two council areas including putting an end to more than ten years of blackout expressing readiness to work harder to consolidate on the gains achieved if he wins re-election at the polls.

He spoke just as residents of the community through their spokesperson thanked the Governor for restoring power supply in several communities in the area, after over ten years of blackout. They said the restoration of power supply has boosted local economy of the communities. 

A massive  crowd of party supporters, community leaders, teachers, local government workers, artisans, market women and non-indigenes welcomed the Governor during the rallies and pledged their support for his re-election on June 20.

Speaking in Omuo Ekiti, Oyebanji identified lack of continuity in good governance occasioned by the single term syndrome, said the forthcoming election offers the people of Ekiti an opportunity to elect a governor back-to-back and put a stop to retrogression caused by instability in governance.

He said: "In less than a year, Ekiti State will clock 30 years since it was created and no government has won election back-to-back. If one government comes, it will introduce some policies within four years and when another government comes, rather than building on what is on ground, it will introduce something new and the state will have to start all over again.

"The problem of Ekiti State development has been lack of continuity in good governance, so June 20 offers us a platform to change that narrative once and for all. On June 20, Ekiti will rise up as a mass army to say enough is enough.

"Through our votes for APC, we must say no to politics of retrogression, to politics of underdevelopment, to politics that does not advance the cause of women, to politics that will take ten steps forward and 50 steps backward, all those will stop on June 20."

The Governor further emphasised the need for a high voter turnout at the Ekiti poll in favour of the APC which he believes would rub off positively on the fortunes of the party in neighbouring Osun State where another governorship election holds in August.

According to him, an impressive showing for the party in both Ekiti and Osun States would set the stage for an overwhelming victory for Tinubu at the January presidential poll saying "the governorship poll results in the two states should prepare the groumd for the re-election of the President.

Two prominent party leaders in Ekiti East, Senator Biodun Olujimi and Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile canvassed support for re-election of Oyebanji on the strength of the impact of his administration in the axis.

Olujimi, the immediate past Senator for Ekiti South Senatorial District urged voters in the axis to repay the good done by the Governor on election day and be faithful to the covenant to re-elect him back to office.

Bamisile, the incumbent member of House of Representatives for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2, said the Governor has become an adopted son of Ekiti East who must be re-elected because he has done well for the people.

A youth leader, Mayowa Ogundana, commended the Governor for creating jobs through the Bring Back the Youths into Agriculture with many beneficiaries in the area and also reconnecting communities back to the national grid after over ten years of being in darkness.

Oyebanji also met with traditional rulers in the two local government areas and used the forum to solicit their support for his aspiration and administration.

The Governor was joined during the campaign by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Deputy Director of the Campaign Council / Senator representing Ekiti South , Senator Yemi Adaramodu among others.

NALDA Strengthens Partnership with Agbeyewa Farms to Advance Agricultural Expansion and Rural Economic Growth.

NALDA Strengthens Partnership with Agbeyewa Farms to Advance Agricultural Expansion and Rural Economic Growth.

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic agricultural development partnerships with Agbeyewa Farms as part of efforts to accelerate large-scale food production, youth empowerment, and rural economic transformation in Nigeria.

As part of the engagement, the management team of Agbeyewa Farms was taken on a facility tour of the NALDA Farm Estate located in Oke-Ako Community, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The estate spans 1,200 hectares of farmland earmarked for cultivation by Agbeyewa Farms under the partnership arrangement.

The visit served as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NALDA and Agbeyewa Farms in Abuja in November 2025. The agreement includes the cultivation and management of the 1,200-hectare farmland for NALDA, with Agbeyewa Farms designated as the anchor operator for the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate in Ekiti State.

Under the arrangement, Agbeyewa Farms is expected to drive operations across the agricultural hub, supporting mechanized farming, value chain development, and job creation within the host communities. Already, over 600 hectares of land have been cleared to support the expansion phase of the project.

Speaking during the visit, the Ekiti State Coordinator of NALDA, Mr. Olusegun Ayeni, said, “This initiative reflects NALDA’s mandate to open up agricultural land and partner with serious investors who can drive productivity at scale. Our collaboration with Agbeyewa Farms is a clear example of how strategic partnerships can translate into tangible agricultural development on the ground.”

In his remarks, the MD/CEO, Seyi OSKA Aiyeleso, on behalf of the Agbeyewa Farms Chairman, Mr Niyi John Olajide appreciated the Executive Secretary of NALDA Mr. Olusegun Cornelius Adebayo for enhancing and advancing the Private Public Partnership in Ekiti State and indeed Nigeria, this relationship will continue to serve as an encouragement and long lasting alliance between the two sectors of Nigerian Economy. 

During the inspection tour, both parties also addressed security concerns within the operational corridor, emphasizing the need to strengthen protective measures to safeguard personnel, infrastructure, and investments across the estate. At the same time, the delegation reviewed ongoing infrastructure development within the farm settlement, including hostel accommodations and other support facilities currently under construction for workers, alongside additional mechanized support systems being deployed to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

The partnership continues to position both institutions as key drivers of cassava value chain development, mechanized farming expansion, and inclusive rural prosperity across Ekiti State and beyond.

2026: Oyebanji is tested, trusted for second term, says Labour Unions.

2026: Oyebanji is tested, trusted for second term, says Labour Unions.

Organised labour unions in Ekiti State have thrown their weight behind the second term ambition of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji in the forthcoming poll.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday, during the interactive S'etigbo multicast, anchored by the Bureau of Community Communications, the Nigeria Labour Congress State Chairman, Olatunde Kolapo noted that the governor has prioritised the welfare of workers in the state. 

He declared that Governor Oyebanji has proven to be tested and trusted since the inception of his administration, describing him as a worker-friendly governor. 

According to him, "Workers in Ekiti State are giving Governor Oyebanji full support because he ascended to the request and erased the request of workers in Ekiti State. 

"One is the prompt payment of salary, defrayed past arrears of salary, payment of gratuity, ensuring that leave bonuses are given attention to, increment in subventions to institutions, gross employment of teachers in primary and secondary schools and various employments that are ongoing."

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Matters, Kayode Fatomiluyi urged Ekiti workers to mobilise voters across the nooks and crannies of the state for the re-election of the governor. 

"The governor has been proactive and he has taken the welfare of workers at heart. When such things are done, you expect workers to reciprocate the gesture in the June 20 election. 

"We are expecting workers to come out enmasse and mobilise their household, church members, peer groups and everyone that is eligible to vote for the governor as a way of repaying the good things he has done."

Ekiti Targets 5,000 Youths for Poultry, Agribusiness Development.

Ekiti Targets 5,000 Youths for Poultry, Agribusiness Development.

The Ekiti State Government says it has commenced a strategic initiative to engage 5,000 youths in poultry production and agribusiness as part of efforts to boost food security, create jobs and strengthen the agricultural value chain in the state.

 

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during a five-day capacity development programme on Good Animal Husbandry Practices under the Ekiti State Broiler Production Scheme.

 

Boluwade said the programme was designed to equip participants with technical skills and agribusiness knowledge needed to thrive in modern poultry production.

 

He said the initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, was aimed at increasing youth participation in commercial poultry production.

 

According to him, the programme aligns with the state government’s long-term vision of transforming agriculture from subsistence farming to a structured and market-driven enterprise.

 

The commissioner revealed that the state was also advancing plans to deploy poultry infrastructure with a cumulative poultry pens capacity of 300,000 birds under the L-PRES framework. This will guarantee a minimum of 1 million birds to be raised up to table size in a year.

 

He said the investment would significantly expand production capacity, ensure steady supply and strengthen market linkages across the poultry value chain.

Boluwade reiterated the government’s commitment to building a competitive agro-allied sector, noting that the strategy covered production, processing, value addition and market integration.

“Our priority is to institutionalise a full-spectrum agribusiness model that integrates production, processing and commercialisation while positioning youths as key drivers of agricultural transformation in the state,” he said.

Ekiti State Broilers Production Scheme (EBOPS) since inception in 2023 has engaged about 500 youths, raised more than 250,000 birds to table size, made sufficient profit and presently in 7 hubs from the Erinfun the starting point.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Babatope Ojo, represented by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr Bunmi Oluwalana, described capacity building as critical to sustainable livestock development.

He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training to improve productivity and profitability.

Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, Mr Olayinka Adedipe, said the programme formed part of broader efforts to strengthen livestock systems through infrastructure development and human capital investment.

Some participants, including Mrs Yemi Abosede and Mr Oluwaseun Osho, described the training as timely and impactful.

They said the knowledge acquired would help expand their businesses and contribute to the growth of the state’s agricultural sector.

2027: No credible alternative to President Tinubu, says Oyebanji.

2027: No credible alternative to President Tinubu, says Oyebanji.

…As SWAGA 2.0 is launched in Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said there is no credible alternative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election, stressing that the President’s reforms have boosted the fortunes of  the sub-nationals, and improved infrastructure across the country, thereby  making many states to clamour for his re-election for a second term in office.

Oyebanji also said the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State would be a celebration of democracy owing to the high level of support he continues to receive from the electorate, adding that the election would only parade opponents without opposition.

Governor Oyebanji, stated these in Ado- Ekiti on Wednesday during the launch of the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA 2.0), a support group for President Bola Tinubu’s second term in office. 

The event which took place at the Eagle Hall, Ado Ekiti was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; former Governor Segun Oni; Chairman, Nigeria Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye who is the National Chairman of SWAGA, Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority, Hon Oyetunde Ojo and leaders of the group from across the six Southwest states. 

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the colourful event, Governor Oyebajji said President Tinubu  was fully prepared for governance. This, he said reflects in the courageous decisions he has taken which have helped reposition the country’s economy and the attendant stability. 

The Governor, who said he had to shelve his campaign activities scheduled for Wednesday to be part of the event in view of its importance, said Ekiti people are solidly with the President and would vote massively for his re- election in the January 2027 election. 

Stressing that no President in the history of the country has been as fair to Ekiti State as President Tinubu, Governor Oyebanii said but for the President’s reforms that freed some funds to the sub nationals, he would not have been able to achieve much in terms of infrastructure development in the state. 

He therefore sought the assistance of the leadership of the group to express appreciation to the President on behalf of Ekiti state. 

"Before I go into my short remarks, let me publicly say that I am very grateful to the President, please thank him on behalf of Ekiti people. And I'm saying this publicly because we are 29 years old as a state, no president has been this good to us in Ekiti. And I'm pleading with you to please help us thank him.

“I'm sure by the time we get to the poll; you will know that we are SWAGA- compliant here. And like our leaders said, June 20 election in Ekiti State is going to be a celebration of democracy. 

“Many people have been asking us, why did you take this thing so seriously? Because the truth of the matter is that we have opponents, we don't have opposition. There are characters that want to be governor, fantastic, It's their right, but the aggregate of all those people can't scratch anything from the party in the state. So, we see them as opponents, but they are not opposition. But in spite of that, we have taken this campaign as if our life and our future depend on it.”

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said  that the June 20 election in the state has a number of implications including the August's election in Osun State as well as the Presidential election in January, 2027 which invariably will tell the people in other regions that the president is a prophet that is valued and honoured at home. 

He added  that his remarkable performance will ginger Osun electorates to also win resoundingly.

Earlier, the Chairman of SWAGA, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said the group came back to the state with the primary purpose of garnering support for Governor Oyebanji in his bid to make remarkable impact in the forthcoming election as well mobilize massively for President Tinubu’s second term.

While asserting that the Governor had already won the election, he assured him that the whole machinery of the group will concentrate all its efforts in the state till after the election to ensure that the Governor fulfil the benchmark of at least 500,000 votes as well as set a record of winning in all the electoral wards.

Prior to the event, Governor Oyebanji had received the leadership of SWAGA led by Senator Dayo Adeyeye on a courtesy visit at the Governor’s office.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji’s cabinet members donate N100 million to re-election campaign.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji’s cabinet members donate N100 million to re-election campaign.

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election, members of the Ekiti State Executive Council on Wednesday donated the sum of N100 million to the re-election campaign of the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji. 

The council members described the donation as a token of their love and support for the Governor’s second term bid. 

Making the donation on behalf of their colleagues during a brief meeting at the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, said members were delighted to be part of the Governor’s team and are committed to his re-election for a second term in office. 

“Your Excellency, you are a man of history and we consider it a great privilege to be part of your impactful administration. This is our little way of showing our love, support and commitment to your re-election on June 20. We shall continue to work assiduously to ensure you win overwhelmingly and become the first Governor to be elected back- to- back in our dear state”, they said.

Responding Governor Oyebanji thanked the EXCO members for the gesture, which he described as a show of love and solidarity. 

“My profound appreciation to you all for this huge donation. I have been around for a while, I don’t think any EXCO has ever made such a huge donation to the re- election of any Governor. Yes, they’ve always made donations, but none has been as huge as this. 

“I am so grateful for your love and support.”, he added. 

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, who is also the Secretary to the Campaign Council, Mr Niyi Adebayo confirmed that the amount has been received into the account of the campaign council.

The Coordinator of the Welfare Committee of the EXCO, Prof Akeem Azeez, thanked members for their generous contributions, which,  according to him,  made the donation possible.