Oyebanji’s Wife Awards Scholarship to 100 Vulnerable Students, Vows Sustained Support for Education.

Oyebanji’s Wife Awards Scholarship to 100 Vulnerable Students, Vows Sustained Support for Education. 

Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Wednesday disbursed ₦10 million in scholarships to 100 orphaned and indigent students in higher institutions across the state, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring that no child is deprived of quality education as a result of poverty or difficult life circumstances. 

Speaking during the scholarship disbursement ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Oyebanji described education as a critical tool for empowerment, social mobility, and national development, stressing that every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve academic success regardless of their financial background.

The scholarship scheme, facilitated through her foundation, benefited students selected from the 10 higher institutions located in Ekiti State. 

Each beneficiary received financial support of One Hundred Thousand Naira (#100,000) aimed at easing the burden of educational expenses.

According to the Governor’s wife, the initiative forms part of her annual intervention programme designed to support vulnerable students and promote access to education.

She noted that the foundation also extends educational assistance to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools through its yearly Back-to-School Programme, which provides learning materials and other educational resources.

“Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for personal transformation and societal progress. Through this intervention, we are contributing our quota towards ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent our young people from pursuing their dreams". She said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Coordinator of the Widows, Aged, Orphans and Hope (WAOH) Project, Dr. Kemi Dairo, explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the various institutions based on their indigent status and demonstrated need for assistance.

She stressed that the scholarship funds would help beneficiaries cover tuition fees, procure academic materials, support research projects, and meet other educational needs.

Dairo commended the Governor’s wife for sustaining the initiative and urged the students to make judicious use of the opportunity while remaining committed to their academic pursuits.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Mr. Sunday Asefon, encouraged the beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined and dedicated to their studies so as to become positive representatives of their institutions and communities.

Other dignitaries at the event, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Apenpe; Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi; and Commissioner for Education, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye, charged the students to see the scholarship as a motivation for excellence and a call to greater responsibility.

They collectively emphasized the importance of education in shaping future leaders and commended the initiative for providing hope and opportunities to vulnerable youths across the state.

Oyebanji Disburses N2b cheques to Retirees, Says Suffering Days Over.

Oyebanji Disburses N2b cheques to Retirees, Says Suffering Days Over.

...N84b paid as gratuities, pensions since 2022. 

...Retirees hold prayers for Oyebanji's victory.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday disbursed another N2 billion gratuity cheques  to retired workers, bidding farewell to days when retirees  suffered unwarranted  neglect  due to lacklustre responses to the payments of their benefits. 

The Governor said the gratuity  payment covers 2017 for state workers and 2014 for their  local government counterparts, assuring that his administration will continually treat and accord their welfare a topmost priority as elderstatesmen, who deserve care and attention. 

Distributing the cheques to the beneficiaries, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, praised the pensioners for their solid backing for his administration, promising not to relent in ensuring speedy treatment of matters connected to their welfare and wellbeing . 

He appreciated the retirees for their contributions to Ekiti during their active years in the service, saying history and posterity will continue to be kind to them as lovers of the state, who worked hard for its development in all spheres.

Oyebanji, who urged workers to massively troop out and vote for him in the June 20 governorship election, revealed that his government, had expended a whopping sum of N19 billion for payment of gratuities since 2022, while N65.3 billion was spent to offset arrears of monthly pensions and to pay up to date. 

In a manner underscoring his fidelity to promise, Oyebanji stated that his government expended a sum of N3.8 billion to defray pension arrears  covering July to September 2018 owed by the  previous administrations.

"When I came on board, I promised to prioritise your welfare. As of today, the government has regularly been reducing the gratuities' backlog. A total sum of  N7.3b has been paid to local government pensioners , while the sum of N11.7b has been paid to state pensioners, making a total amount of N19 billion on gratuities. 

"Since inception, monthly pensions have been paid regularly without delay. We do not owe any arrears. We have paid a sum of N31.7b  to local government pensioners and N33.6b to state pensioners , totalling N65.3b for monthly pensions. 

"I know that if we return, I will do better for you. I am not going to betray you. On election day, troop out and vote for us to realise this second term ambition, so that all these good incentives you are enjoying can continue.

"Before, there were those that were receiving N1,000 as monthly pensions. But this government effected a Consequential Adjustment on the N70,000 Minimum Wage. Today, the least paid pensioner receives a sum of N20,000 monthly. Between May 2024 and November 2024, a sum of N1.3b was spent on provision of palliatives for pensioners to reduce economic pressures on them". 

As part of post retirement comfort for pensioners, Oyebanji added that  his government has taken more effective actions to streamline the Contributory Pension Scheme, by committing a sum of N2.16 billion for about 16,000 workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the scheme. 

Eulogising the governor for championing  pro-retiree policies that are resetting the land, the Special Advisor to the Governor on Pension Matters, Mr. Pius Owolabi, urged his members to vote massively for the governor in the June 20 poll to appreciate him for his love and compassion.

"The labour leaders have promised over 300,000 votes, the pensioners who are elites and community leaders should use their contacts to mobilise more votes for the  governor. It is not about your votes alone, try and mobilise others, so that these things we are enjoying can continue when Governor Oyebanji gets a second term. There is no deceit, let us fulfil this commitment". 

Describing the commitment being displayed by Governor Oyebanji to payment of gratuities as representing a ray of hope for retirees, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, said the Governor has been  fulfilling the pact he signed with retirees to prioritise their welfare to elongate their life expectancy and reduce mortality rate. 

Dr Olomojobi said Governor Oyebanji’s decision to  release  a sum of N2 billion to respond to gratuities' payment, further amplified his fidelity to keeping electioneering promises and make the lives of the retirees more rewarding and blossoming.  

Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olatunde and and his counterpart in the  Trade Union Congress, Comrade Omotola Farotimi,  saluted Oyebanji for dismantling the old era of delayed payments of salaries, gratuities and other emoluments, stressing that  this has boosted the health status of pensioners and those in the service . 

"Gone were those days when retirees were going about with drugs to stabilise theirr blood pressures, because pensions and gratuities were not paid. But today, Governor Oyebanji is responding to payment swiftly. The salaries, gratuities and pensions are now being paid as and when due. What we need is massive votes for him on June 20. Let us stand firmly by him. He has earned it and deserves it". 

Appreciating the Governor on behalf of the retirees, a former labour leader, Com. Oluropo Olayemi, promised 250,000 vote tally for the governor in the impending poll, saying his policies are creating enabling environment for pensioners to live and enjoy the fruits of their labour. 

Dignitaries at the ceremony include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, Commissioners for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, Women's Affairs, Peju Babafemi, Director General of OTSD, Dr. Moyo Ekundayo, Chairman of the Local Government Service  Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide, Permanent Secretaries,  Executive Secretaries, General Managers, among others.

Staff Hail Ex-Special Adviser, Tope Ogunleye, as Dedicated, Result-Oriented Leader.

Staff Hail Ex-Special Adviser, Tope Ogunleye, as Dedicated, Result-Oriented Leader.

Staff members of the Bureau of Special Projects under the Ekiti State Ministry of Works have showered encomiums on the immediate past Special Adviser, Bureau of Special Projects, Architect Tope Ogunleye, describing him as a hardworking, dedicated, reliable and visionary leader whose contributions significantly advanced the operations and achievements of the office.

The commendation came on Monday during the commissioning of the ultra-modern office complex of the Bureau of Special Projects at the Ministry of Works, Ado-Ekiti, where members of staff turned out in large numbers to welcome Ogunleye.

The warm reception underscored the deep respect and admiration the former Special Adviser enjoys among workers of the bureau, many of whom praised his exemplary leadership style, professionalism, accessibility and commitment to excellence while in office.

Speaking on behalf of the staff, some senior officials noted that Architect Ogunleye distinguished himself through diligence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the successful execution of critical infrastructure projects across the state.

According to them, his tenure witnessed remarkable progress in project monitoring, implementation and coordination, helping to strengthen the bureau’s role in delivering developmental projects that have positively impacted residents of the state.

The staff described him as a leader who always prioritised teamwork, encouraged innovation and maintained cordial relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, adding that his contributions remain evident in the successes recorded by the bureau.

“Architect Tope Ogunleye is not only a consummate professional but also a mentor and motivator. He created an environment where staff members were inspired to give their best. His dedication to duty and passion for service left lasting impressions on everyone who worked with him,” one of the staff members said.

Many of the workers expressed delight at seeing Ogunleye participate in the historic commissioning of the ultra-modern Bureau of Special Projects office complex, a landmark facility they described as a reflection of the developmental vision of the Biodun Oyebanji administration.

They further commended the former Special Adviser for his invaluable contributions to the conception, coordination and successful execution of several strategic projects in the state, noting that his expertise as an architect and administrator greatly enhanced project delivery standards.

The staff collectively wished him greater accomplishments in future assignments, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and passion for public service would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.

Architect Ogunleye’s reception by the staff highlighted the enduring legacy of service, professionalism and excellence he left behind at the Bureau of Special Projects, a legacy many believe will continue to inspire both current and future generations of public servants.

Ekiti Guber Polls: APC inaugurates Campaign Council.

Ekiti Guber Polls: APC inaugurates Campaign Council.

….Yiltwada, Akpabio, Uba Sani Say Party will Deploy full Strength for Oyebanji's Landslide Victory.

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday inaugurated a high powered National Campaign Council to drive Governor Biodun Oyebanji's re election campaign.

The inauguration, held at the Kashim Shettima Hall of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, attended by the National Chairman of the party, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, Senator President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, serving and former governors, serving and former ministers and party leaders across the six geographical political zones.

Addressing party leaders and members at the inauguration, APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, said the party was approaching the election from a position of strength, insisting that Governor Oyebanji’s performance over the last four years had provided a compelling case for re- election and made the campaign Councils work a lot easier. 

According to him, the governor's achievements in infrastructure renewal, rural development, healthcare delivery, education, youth empowerment, agriculture and social investments have not only earned him public goodwill but have also strengthened the APC's popularity across communities in the state. 

He noted that the administration's emphasis on inclusive governance has ensured that no segment of society was left behind.

Professor Yilwatda explained that the composition of the National Campaign Council reflected the leadership philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises inclusion, participation and broad stakeholder engagement. He added that women, youths, persons with disabilities and representatives of various interest groups were deliberately accommodated within the campaign architecture to ensure that every voice is represented in the electoral process.

"I can testify as an eye witness that the Governor is doing very well. in terms of infrastructure, you have built road, you have provided social protection for your people, you have provided scholarships, You have provided health support system for your people, you are not only connecting roads, you are connecting Houses across the state, we celebrate you and we thank God for giving you to the people of Ekiti State and Our Party. We are proud that we have you and I say congratulations to you in advance. 

“No political party can parade this array of people we have in this council. I challenge any candidate to present any Governor or Personality behind him during campaign, we will present ten times of such bigwigs within our party to support you. We have the numbers, we have the strength, and we are prepared.", the chairman said. 

The APC National Chairman further stated that the campaign would not merely focus on winning votes but on presenting to the people of Ekiti a clear account of the administration's stewardship and its vision for the future. He expressed confidence that the governor's record in office would resonate with voters when they head to the polls.

Providing insight into the operational framework of the council, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, disclosed that specialised committees had been established to coordinate every aspect of the campaign. These include election planning and management, grassroots mobilisation, finance and resource mobilisation, media and publicity, security, protocol, logistics, women's mobilisation, youth mobilisation and secretariat operations.

"As it is in the character of our party Every election matters to us. and we believe that we must put in our best in terms of human resources, In terms of capacity leadership and in terms of adequate preparation for the election. The composition comprises best of the best elements in progressive politics in Nigeria with adequate experience and exposure on how to deliver victory for our party I June 20 2026 in Ekiti State." He remarked

Basiru noted that the comprehensive structure was designed to ensure a seamless campaign across all wards and local government areas of the state, while also strengthening engagement with critical voting blocs ahead of the election.

The council is chaired by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, with President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, serving as Co Chairman, while Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, takes responsibility as Secretary. 

Speaking shortly after his inauguration as Chairman of the Campaign Council, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, declared that Governor Oyebanji had made the task of campaigning considerably easier through what he described as an uncommon combination of humility, competence and political maturity.

He said the Ekiti governor had succeeded in building bridges across political divides and maintaining harmonious relationships with stakeholders regardless of party affiliation. According to him, the governor's disposition has transformed him from being merely a political leader into a rallying point for consensus and development in the state.

"I really want to acknowledge the remarkable achievement of my brother the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji. Our goal for the upcoming election is ambitious yet achievable we are targeting 100 percent victory for Biodun Oyebanji with nothing less than 500,000 votes. I am pleased to announce to you that we have established formidable campaign structures across the sixteen local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti.

In the same vein, Senate President and Co-chairman of the campaign Council Senator Godswill Akpabio described Oyebanji as one of the most unifying governors in the country, noting that his humility and inclusive style of governance had earned him the respect of political leaders across generations. 

The Senate President said it is rare in contemporary politics to see a governor enjoying the support and goodwill of leaders from different tendencies within the same political family.

Akpabio said the prevailing atmosphere of unity within the Ekiti APC is a testament to the governor's ability to place the interests of the state above personal or political considerations. 

Akpabio who declared that Oyebanji has been the most friendly Governor to the current National Assembly, assured party members that the National Campaign Council would deploy its experience, networks and resources to ensure a successful outing for the APC at the polls, saying that it is a pay back time for the Governor and the people of Ekiti State.

In his Remarks, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee and party leaders across the country for their support, atttributing the successes of his administration to the cooperation he has enjoyed from the President, party leaders and the people of Ekiti.

He said the supports had enabled his government to pursue people centred policies and development initiatives that have touched lives across the state.

Oyebanji pledged to remain committed to inclusive governance, sustainable development and policies that directly improve the welfare of citizens, assuring party leaders that the trust reposed in him would not be taken for granted.

"For the past three years plus, we have succeeded in ensuring that the social contract we signed with the people of Ekiti have been duly followed. And we have no fear and we have no doubt that Ekiti people will on June 20 vote our performance. But whatever we have achieved as a government in the last three years, after God, the Credit Goes to the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He provides the resources for all of us to ensure that we deliver on our promises to the people.

the Challenge in Ekiti is not about the winning, the challenge is about the numbers. I the last election we have Mr President 67 percent of our vote, but for this coming election we want to do 500,000 and for the general election in 2027, we want to do 700, 000 votes. 

It is indeed ambitious but it not impossible because we have done everything humanly possible and we are still doing everything to connect with the real voters and bring them out on the day of elections." Oyebanji said.

He stressed that his administration would continue to place the people at the centre of governance while consolidating the gains already recorded across key sectors of the state's economy.

𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗜 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗟𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗧 — 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦.

𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗜 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗟𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗧 — 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦.

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence that the ruling party is firmly positioned for victory, declaring that the election has already been won by the APC and lost by the opposition parties.

Professor Yilwatda made the statement on Wednesday during the inauguration of the APC National Campaign Council for the Ekiti Governorship Election.

The APC National Chairman attributed his confidence to the overwhelming support the party enjoys from its serving governors, members of the National Assembly, and other key stakeholders across the country.

He also stated that campaign funding would not be a challenge, considering the calibre of party leaders and political office holders serving on the various committees established to ensure the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for another four-year term.

Speaking on the performance of the governor, Yilwatda said Governor Oyebanji's achievements in office have earned him widespread acceptance among the people of Ekiti State.

"I had the privilege of visiting Ekiti and seeing firsthand the remarkable work being done by Governor Oyebanji. I can confidently testify that the government is performing exceptionally well.

"You have delivered on infrastructure, road construction, social protection programmes, scholarships, healthcare services, and projects that continue to unite communities across the state. We are proud of your achievements and confident in presenting you once again to the people of Ekiti.

"As a party, we are proud to have you as our candidate. Looking at your performance and acceptability, you appear to be the candidate to beat in this election. Congratulations in advance," he said.

Highlighting the strength of the APC campaign structure, Yilwatda pointed to the presence of governors and top party leaders from all geopolitical zones, describing the campaign council as a reflection of the party's national spread and influence.

According to him, no opposition party can match the APC's level of support and political strength.

"We have governors from every region of the country, leaders of the National Assembly, and influential stakeholders working together. We have the numbers, the strength, and the structure needed to secure victory," he added.

The Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti State and Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, disclosed that the council had already commenced grassroots mobilisation ahead of its formal inauguration.

He revealed that effective campaign structures had been established across all 16 local government areas and the 177 wards of the state.

"Our campaign will go beyond rallies. It will be a movement driven by the aspirations of the people. We have put structures in place across all local governments and wards to ensure that every voter is reached and mobilised," he said.

Senator Sani also commended the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as transformative policies that are empowering states and strengthening governance across the country.

He noted that Governor Oyebanji's re-election bid is further strengthened by the rare support he enjoys from all living former governors of Ekiti State.

In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed confidence that the people of Ekiti would renew his mandate on June 20, stressing that his administration has fulfilled the promises made during the 2022 election campaign.

"For the past three years, we have remained faithful to the social contract we signed with the people of Ekiti. We have implemented our promises, and we are confident that the people will reward our performance.

"The June 20 election will be a celebration of good governance, performance, and the progress that our administration has brought to the state. There is nothing to fear in Ekiti," the governor stated.

Governor Oyebanji also appreciated the support of the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, for his contributions to the ongoing campaign efforts across the state.

TINUBU INAUGURATES ADO EKITI FLYOVER, SAYS OYEBANJI DESERVES TO BE RE-ELECTED.

TINUBU INAUGURATES ADO EKITI FLYOVER, SAYS OYEBANJI DESERVES TO BE RE-ELECTED.

...Oyebanji names flyover after Tinubu.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated a 1.2 kilometre Flyover with an appeal to the people of Ekiti State to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji for another term of office during the June 20 governorship election.

The President said Governor Oyebanji deserves to be re-elected on the basis of rapid socio-economic development the state has witnessed since he assumed office in October 2022.

Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu who described Oyebanji as an "Omoluabi" commended the Governor for transforming Ekiti to a modern state within three and half years restating the readiness of his administration to always identify with the state and its developmental strides.

In appreciation of the love shown to Ekiti by the President since he came to power in May 2023 in terms of massive increment in allocation and projects, the Governor subsequently announced the naming of the flyover the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Flyover, Ado Ekiti.

The inauguration ceremony which was performed at the foot of the flyover at Ajilosun-Ijigbo end was witnessed by Ondo State Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye and officials from the Presidency led by the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari.

President Tinubu said Oyebanji has done enough to merit another four years in office, judging by the avalanche of life-changing policies, programmes and projects that have transformed the lives of the people of the state. 

Earlier in the day, the President had performed the groundbreaking of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ),  a technological and digital hub in the state and the commissioning of the Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

President Tinubu described the flyover named after him as "another promise kept by Governor Oyebanji and a testimony to the promise made by the Governor to the people of the state which he noted was made possible by his administration's commitment to to ensure that states get more resources from the federal purse.

"I was a Governor for eight years and what accrued to my state in eight years, some states now  get it in one year. States are able to execute landmark projects without borrowing a dime from financial institutions. We have to show gratitude, we have to openly commend the President for his transparency in ensuring that the states get what is due to them," he said.

Waxing more political, the President said the forthcoming governorship election represents another golden opportunity for the people of Ekiti State to reward Oyebanji's hard work noting that since the governor would be on the ballot as the representative of his political party, the electorate should keep faith in him by returning him to office again.

He said the flyover and many projects previously inaugurated in over three years and life-transforming policies have proved that the APC is the party that assures the people of result-oriented governance and improved standard of living both at state level and national level.

The President added: "Most importantly, we are in electoral season and two weeks from now, there will be an election here in Ekiti State. Omoluabi is on the ticket, BAO (Oyebanji) is on the ticket, I urge you all to vote for him.

"In the 2023 presidential elections, President Bola Tinubu got 201,494 votes from Ekiti State. EKITI State election result trended for over 24 hours (in favour of APC) before other states started following suit. Ekiti gave us 67 percent of their total votes, no candidate got 25 percent in Ekiti State beside the APC candidate.

"In Ekiti, we won all the three senatorial seats and the six House of Representatives seat. Ekiti is a land of promise, it is a land of equity. Ekiti is the most educated state in the Nigerian federation. I believe you will reciprocate the landmark accomplishments of Governor BAO in the next couple of weeks."

He promised to be back in the state in a week's time to mobilise for votes for Oyebanji most especially to woo the northern communities saying "BAO deserves to be re-elected, BAO has done his best and BAO has transformed the agrarian state into a modern state."

Earlier in his short remarks, Governor Oyebanji appreciated President Tinubu for his support for the state, which he said, contributed to the progress made by the state under his administration noting that beside God Almighty, the President deserved commendation for the much-touted Ekiti transformation.

Oyebanji said: "We want to thank Mr President for the support he has given. To us as a state government. Whatever achievements we might have achieved in Ekiti State close to.four years now, after God, the glory and all accolades should go to Mr President for his support.

"I am also grateful to the staff and members of the Ministry of Works for a job well done. I thank the MD of Step Development Limited, thank you so much because you have convinced everybody that your company can conveniently compete with any foreign company. It is a local company and it is in line with our local content policy and you have done well.

"In appreciation of the people to Mr President for his support, this flyover is named Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Flyover and we make a pledge to Mr President that as a state and as a people, we shall continue to support him and we shall continue to stand by his party."

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, noted that the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu Administration has brought about fiscal stability, regular payment of workers' salaries and more remittances to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) but he urged the federal government to urgently tackle the problem of insecurity.

Earlier at the groundbreaking of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, the President hailed Oyebanji for sustaining and promoting the spirit behind the concept of the project which he said "has a good prognosis of becoming a viable Nigeria's hub of innovations, research and skill development in the future. 

President Tinubu described Ekiti as the home of scholars and posited that the EKZ, as a state government propelled investment, is capable of radicalising  the potentials of talented Nigerians and serve as a launchpad for theirvrekebace at the global scene.

The nation's number one citizen who described education as the most viable  inheritance of Ekiti people, commended  Governor Oyebanji for  demonstrating  visionary leadership in governing the State, by building strategic alliances with critical stakeholders to make Ekiti a model.

While describing the project as a masterpiece, the President said it was  in alignment with Singaporean vision that any economy can be unlocked  through education and  technological innovation, assuring Governor Oyebanji and the entire  citizens of  President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu's high proclivity to supporting  the project and make it thrives.

Ekiti Knowledge Zone 'll Be Nigeria's Innovation, Job Creation Hub- President Tinubu.

Ekiti Knowledge Zone 'll Be Nigeria's Innovation, Job Creation Hub- President Tinubu.

...project 'll create 100,000 jobs, Oyebanji assures.

The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for sustaining and promoting the spirit behind the concept of Ekiti Knowledge Zone(EKZ), saying the project has a good prognosis of becoming a viable Nigeria's hub of Innovations, research and skill development in the future. 

The President described Ekiti as the home of scholars and posited that the EKZ, as a state government propelled investment, is capable of radicalising  the potentials of talented Nigerians and serve as a launchpad for their relevance at the global stage. 

The President spoke  on Tuesday, during the turning of the sod  for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone located at Ago Araromi in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said education remained the most viable  inheritance of Ekiti people and commended Governor Oyebanji for  demonstrating  visionary leadership in governing the State through strategic alliances with critical stakeholders. 

Describing the EKZ project as a masterpiece, the President said it  was  in alignment with Singaporean vision that any economy can be unlocked  through education and  technological innovation, assuring Governor Oyebanji and the entire  citizens of  the federal Government’s support to make the project thrive. 

"Under President Tinubu's administration, we are gradually  moving from dependency to sustainability and self sufficiency. We are determined to encourage research, innovation and technological development to create jobs for our teeming youths. 

"We are focused about this and I thank Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his leadership and initiative".

Also speaking at the event , Governor Oyebanji revealed that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone   was conceptualised to unlock the hidden potentials of Ekiti citizens and make the state the frontliner in skill, innovation, research and human capital  development worldwide. 

The governor said Ekiti has been known to be intellectual hub and for having the highest number of Professors in the country, who deserves serious attention in the area of innovation. 

He added  that the project commenced August 12, 2013 under Governor Kayode Fayemi-led government, with the intention to build the potentials of Ekiti citizens. 

Oyebanji stated that he decided to sustain the EKZ in demonstration of the continuity agenda of his government as well as making significant investment in technology, industrial development, healthcare , research, science and innovation, and many other pivotal areas of the economy that would make Ekiti epicentre of development . 

"This project is part of the 30 years Development Plan of this administration in its efforts to unlock the economic potentials of our state. And we are happy that we  had been able to raise $80 million financial capital  through the federal government and African Development Bank. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and AfDB  for approving the deal.

"You could all remember that that the EKZ was designated as a Free Trade Zone by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. This EKZ is not only going to be the giant of innovation in Africa, but it represents a world class economic ecosystem that will serve as a catalyst for industrial development, innovation, job creation, opportunities for technology driven industries and skill acquisition platform.

"I am glad to inform you that the first phase when fully  completed, over 20,000 jobs will be created in line with the local contents policy of our administration, while the entire phases is to generate about 100,000 jobs covering  areas like research, science, technology, industry and education development".

The Chief Executive Officer of CCECC, the contractor handling the project, Eric Shem, applauded the federal, state and African Development Bank for their partnership, saying their lofty contributions demonstrated how committed they are to the development of the human capital in the country. 

Shem said the programme will change the future of the country by attracting investments and build the human capital, assuring that the project will be completed in record time to create employment opportunities and to meet other demands. 

High profile figures at  the ceremony were: the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye,  Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker  of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, former Governor Segun Oni, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Hon Ibrahim Masari, the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, commissioners, Special Advisers, political and community leaders, among others.