GOV OYEBANJI NAMES ATERE, FATUKASI, MAKINDE, AKINGBOLU TAs, DG.

GOV OYEBANJI NAMES ATERE, FATUKASI, MAKINDE, AKINGBOLU TAs, DG.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the appointment of four 

officials to serve in key positons in the State’s power and road infrastructure as well as the transportation sectors.

The appointees are: 

1. Engr. Philip Atere – Technical Advisor (Power infrastructure) 

2. Engr. Tope Fatukasi- Technical Advisor (Road infrastructure) 

3. AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd)- Technical Advisor (Airport)

4. Barrister Tajudeen Akingbolu - Director -General, Ekiti State Transport Agency.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, are informed by the strategic importance of the respective agencies to the administration’s development agenda.

This development is contained in a statement issued and signed by Olayinka Oyebode

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Tuesday. 

GOV OYEBANJI MOURNS AFENIFERE LEADER, FASORANTI.

GOV OYEBANJI MOURNS AFENIFERE LEADER, FASORANTI.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed deep condolences over the death of respected elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 100.

The Governor described his death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria, extending his condolences to Afenifere, the people of Ondo State, prominent Yoruba leaders, and the deceased’s family and associates.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji described Pa Fasoranti as a patriot whose life was marked by selfless service, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria.

He said the late Afenifere leader would be remembered for his courage, loyalty and principled stand on truth, justice and the rule of law.

The Governor noted that Pa Fasoranti remained committed to justice, equity, good governance and restructuring throughout his life, adding that his contributions to national affairs reflected his desire for a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

He said the deceased’s legacy would endure through the values he upheld, the causes he championed and the generations inspired by his commitment to democracy and national development.

Governor Oyebanji urged the children and other family members to be consoled with the fact their  father lived a  remarkable life of service,  and his enduring contributions to society would remain indelible. 

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ekiti State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of our departed leader, Pa Fasoranti. I pray that God will grant Baba eternal rest and give his children and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.

OYEBANJI SWEARS IN SSG, CHIEF OF STAFF, TASKS THEM ON EXCELLENT SERVICE DELIVERY.

OYEBANJI SWEARS IN SSG, CHIEF OF STAFF, TASKS THEM ON EXCELLENT SERVICE DELIVERY.

…Says reappointment means greater responsibility, less tolerance for lapses.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday swore in the reappointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, and Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, charging them to deploy the wealth of experience they acquired during the first term of his administration to deliver on their responsibilities without delay.

The Governor declared that his second-term administration would not tolerate anything short of excellent service delivery, noting that the reappointment of the two officials placed greater responsibilities on them to serve the government and the people of Ekiti State.

At the brief swearing-in ceremony held at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji clarified the nature of the two offices, explaining that while stakeholders could nominate commissioners and special advisers, the SSG and Chief of Staff were his personal choices and closest administrative aides.

He commended the two officials for their loyalty, dedication and contributions to the administration, describing them as steady hands who had served creditably as foundation appointees since he assumed office four years ago.

The Governor stressed that their reappointment was a call to greater service and higher responsibility, urging them to hit the ground running and demonstrate renewed humility, commitment and dedication to duty.

Govenror Oyebanji cautioned them against becoming complacent, overconfident or too comfortable in their positions, emphasising that the demands of the second term required a higher level of diligence, discipline and accountability.

Governor Oyebanji also noted that the two officials would face considerable pressure in the coming weeks as they would be expected to multitask and provide administrative support to cover existing vacancies in government pending the constitution of the full cabinet.

The Governor reminded them that their appointments were made possible by the mandate freely given to the administration by the people of Ekiti State, urging them to remain accessible, respectful and compassionate in their dealings with citizens.

“Treat our people with courtesy; be compassionate, humble, fair and God-fearing. It is their votes that brought us here. So, by extension, they are our employer.

“They put us into this job. We cannot get to office and assume to be lords over them,” he said.

While congratulating the appointees, their friends and family members present at the ceremony, the Governor urged them to continue to pray for the success of the administration.

He described their reappointment as evidence that good performance attracts greater responsibility, while acknowledging that there were areas in need of improvement during the first term.

“This reappointment is, therefore, proof that the reward for good work is more work. But I will be dishonest if I do not acknowledge that there were areas in need of improvement.

“You, therefore, have no reason to grope around. The burden that comes with this, however, is that I will be less tolerant of lapses than I was in the first administration because you cannot claim inexperience again,” the Governor said.

Speaking on behalf of the duo, Prof. Adubiaro expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for the confidence reposed in them, commending his compassionate leadership, humility and unwavering support throughout her public service and academic career.

She also lauded the Governor for what she described as an unbroken record of good governance in Ekiti State, noting that the developmental strides recorded during his first term had earned him widespread respect across different segments of society and laid the foundation for continuity and further progress.

The SSG pledged the renewed commitment of the two appointees to the service of the state, assuring the Governor that they would not take their reappointments for granted but would redouble their efforts to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Fayemi Mourns Uduaghan, Patrick Dele Cole, Says Nigeria Has Lost Distinguished Public Servants.

Fayemi Mourns Uduaghan, Patrick Dele Cole, Says Nigeria Has Lost Distinguished Public Servants.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and past Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and elder statesman and distinguished public figure, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, describing their passing as a profound loss to their families, their respective communities and the country.

Fayemi said both men, though distinguished by different professional paths and public engagements, made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political, social and intellectual development, leaving behind legacies that would continue to shape public life and inspire future generations.

He described Uduaghan as a public servant whose years in government reflected a commitment to the development of Delta State and the advancement of its people. As governor, Uduaghan played an important role in the state’s political and developmental journey, with his administration focused on healthcare, infrastructure, human capital development and the management of the complex social and economic challenges of the Niger Delta.

Fayemi noted that Uduaghan’s experience in public service, including his background in medicine and his years in political leadership, gave him a clear perspective on governance and the responsibilities of public office.

He said Uduaghan’s death was a reminder of the importance of public service and the enduring responsibility of leaders to improve the lives of the people they serve.

On the passing of Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, Fayemi described the late elder statesman as a man of considerable intellect, experience and influence whose contributions to Nigeria’s public life, diplomacy, journalism and national discourse earned him a place among the country’s distinguished voices.

He noted that Cole represented a generation of Nigerians whose professional accomplishments and engagement with national affairs enriched public debate and contributed to the development of institutions and ideas essential to nation-building.

Fayemi said Cole’s wealth of experience, knowledge, and commitment to public affairs would be greatly missed, especially at a time when Nigeria needs the wisdom, perspective, and counsel of experienced statesmen.

“Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole served Nigeria in different capacities, but they shared a commitment to making their contributions to the society in which they lived. Their passing is a painful reminder that the nation continues to lose men whose experience, service and perspectives remain valuable to our collective progress,” Fayemi said.

He added that while their deaths had created painful voids in their families and communities, the legacies of their respective contributions would endure through the people they served, the institutions they helped shape and the example they set.

Fayemi extended his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, associates and political colleagues of both deceased men, as well as the governments and people of Delta and Rivers states, and the wider Nigerian community.

He urged their families to find strength in the knowledge that their loved ones lived lives of consequence and made contributions that would be remembered beyond their lifetimes.

“On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole. I pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear these painful losses, comforts all who mourn them and gives those they have left behind the strength and wisdom to carry forward the worthy aspects of their legacies,” he said.

EKSCOTECH Hails Governing Council Chairman, Dr. 'Femi Thomas on Birthday, Celebrates Institutional Milestones

‎EKSCOTECH Hails Governing Council Chairman, Dr. 'Femi Thomas on Birthday, Celebrates Institutional Milestones.

‎The Governing Council, Management, staff and students of Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti, have congratulated the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Dr. ‘Femi Thomas, on his birthday, describing him as a purposeful leader whose contributions have helped reposition the institution for greater growth and development.

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‎In a press release made available to newsmen, the Rector, Ekiti State College of Technology Ijero-Ekiti, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, noted that Dr.  Thomas assumed leadership as Chairman Governing Council at a defining period in the institution’s history.

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‎According to him, EKSCOTECH has recorded significant milestones, including its successful transition to a full-fledged Polytechnic and the accreditation of not less than forty-two (42) National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes, just as the institution has continued to consolidate on reforms in financial accountability, digital administration and academic development.

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‎Dr. Olubamise commended the Council Chairman for his strategic guidance and commitment to the institution’s advancement, noting that the achievements recorded reflect the importance of purposeful leadership and collaboration between the Governing Council and Management.

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‎The Rector, on behalf of the Principal Officers, Management, Teaching Staff, Non-Teaching Staff and Students, wished Dr. Thomas good health, renewed strength, wisdom and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

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‎He further prayed for God’s continued protection, blessings and grace upon the Cardiothoracic Surgeon, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience would remain valuable to the institution’s quest for academic excellence and sustainable development.

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ARCH TOPE OGUNLEYE RST FELICITATES PROF. HABIBAT ADUBIARO AND MR. OYENIYI ADEBAYO, CHARGES THEM TO EXCEL BEYOND THEIR FIRST TENURE.

ARCH TOPE OGUNLEYE RST FELICITATES PROF. HABIBAT ADUBIARO AND MR. OYENIYI ADEBAYO, CHARGES THEM TO EXCEL BEYOND THEIR FIRST TENURE.

Arch. Tope Ogunleye, RST congratulates Prof. Habibat Adubiaro and Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo on their reappointment as Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, respectively.

In his congratulatory message, Arch. Ogunleye described their appointments as a testament to the confidence reposed in their competence, experience, loyalty, and contributions to the success of the first term tenure of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration.

He noted that their return to these strategic positions presents another opportunity to consolidate the achievements of the administration, strengthen governance, and contribute more meaningfully to the actualisation of Governor Oyebanji's vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and economically vibrant Ekiti State.

While celebrating the appointees, Arch. Ogunleye charged them to surpass their previous performances by demonstrating greater commitment, innovation, diligence, and dedication to public service. He emphasised that their second opportunity comes with higher expectations from the Governor and the people of Ekiti State.

He urged them to remain accessible, deepen teamwork, prioritise the welfare of citizens, and support the Governor's developmental agenda with renewed energy and determination.

Arch. Ogunleye expressed confidence that their wealth of experience would contribute to a more impactful second term for the Oyebanji administration.

Congratulations once again to Prof. Habibat Adubiaro and Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo. Greater accomplishments are expected in this new chapter of service.

Signed:

Arc. Tope Ogunleye (RST)

Oyebanji boosts Ekiti Airport Operations with new aviation fuel infrastructure.

Oyebanji boosts Ekiti Airport Operations with new aviation fuel infrastructure.

… As United Nigeria Airlines moves to commence daily flight, cargo operations.

In a major move aimed at repositioning the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport for improved service delivery and making it a foremost aviation hub in Nigeria, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Monday commissioned the Aviation Fuel depot within the airport complex .

The Governor said he will continue to target expansion of the facility's operational capabilities through strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Governor Oyebanji said during the commissioning of the aviation fuel dump established through a partnership arrangement with Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited, said the initiative was designed to facilitate seamless aircraft refuelling, reduce operational overheads for airlines, and strengthen commercial flights operations.

On the development of the airport, Oyebanji disclosed that work had reached an advanced stage to upgrade the Instrument Landing System (ILS) as well as the installation of Aerodrome Ground Lighting to enable round-the-clock flight operations. 

According to him, the aerodrome ground lighting project is expected to cost more than N10 billion, stressing that its completion would allow aircraft to land at the airport at any time, thereby improving its operational capacity and attractiveness to investors.

The Governor further revealed that discussions were ongoing to establish an Independent Power Project (IPP) for the airport to guarantee a more reliable electricity supply and reduce operating expenses.

Oyebanji said his administration would continue to strengthen infrastructure, improve security and pursue alternative energy solutions to make Ekiti more attractive to investors. He called on communities across the state to embrace investors and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, describing community cooperation as critical to the state’s industrialisation drive.

The governor said his administration’s second term would focus on industrialising the state, promoting productivity and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth. He noted that while the government had invested significantly in infrastructure over the past four years, the next phase of development would prioritise attracting investments capable of expanding the state’s productive capacity and generating wealth.

According to him, investors are primarily motivated by the availability of conducive business environment, supporting infrastructure and the prospect of profitability rather than emotional considerations. The governor stressed that the responsibility of attracting investments should not rest solely on the government, adding that host communities must demonstrate willingness to partner with investors.

“Investors are not emotional people. Capital will flow to where it is well treated and where the right environment will also support profitability,” he said.

Speaking further, Oyebanji commended Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited for investing in Ekiti, acknowledging that choosing to establish a business in the state involved considerable confidence in its economic prospects. He assured the company and other investors of the state government's continued support.

“By the time we finish what we are doing with the airport by the end of the year by God’s grace, we should be able to complete the upgrade of the ILS that has been certified, then what we are doing now is what they call in aviation the Aerodrome Ground Lightning, that is what we are doing now, that project is costing us more than N10Billion so, by the time we finish that, at least we'll be able to have 24 hours operation at the airport, this means aircraft can land at any time. 

“We are also working on getting an IPP for this airport, we cannot be wasting time on that so once we have an IPP here then the airport will be self-sufficient when it comes to electricity.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Reeve Energy Limited, Ms Efuru Nwakuche  described the milestone as a testament to the power of collaboration between the private sector and government in driving economic growth and infrastructural development.

Ms Nwakuche expressed deep gratitude to Governor Oyebanji and relevant government authorities including Ekiti State Airport Management Company for their immense support and partnership in bringing the project to fruition.  She maintained that the significance of the new facility aims to strengthen aviation energy services, support increasing aviation activities and contribute to the broader economic expansion of the state.

The CEO reaffirmed its company’s commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, reliability, and operational excellence as it supports the ongoing development of Nigeria's aviation and energy sectors.

In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo announced plans to scale up its airlines operations to daily flights and launch a dedicated cargo section at the Airport.  

Prof. Okonkwo, who praised Governor Oyebanji for his visionary leadership and proactive partnership in fostering business investments, noted that the logistical difficulties his airline previously faced due to the absence of a local fuelling facility has finally come to an end.

He further revealed that as aircraft could not refuel locally upon arrival; flights landing in Ekiti had to operate under strict weight and fuel safety rules, forcing the airline to fly with limited passenger capacities.

Prof. Obiora also maintained that his airline will soon transit to daily flights in and out of Ekiti, ensuring seamless and reliable travel connectivity as he also pledged to activate the airport's cargo section by January next year. This initiative, according to him is intended to support local agricultural export and commercial logistics, with United Nigeria Airlines positioned as the primary carrier ready to lift commercial cargo.  

Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habitat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, former members of the Executive Council, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe among others.