Ekiti plans 10 million cocoa seedlings in 10 years.

Ekiti plans 10 million cocoa seedlings in 10 years.

The Ekiti State Government has said it will raise 10 million cocoa seedlings over the next 10 years as part of efforts to revive cocoa production and restore the state’s position in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, disclosed this while featuring on a simulcast radio programme, “Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today.”

He said the government plans to produce one million cocoa seedlings annually within the period.

Boluwade explained that the initiative is aimed at reversing the long decline in cocoa output, which he attributed to ageing plantations that have exceeded their productive lifespan.

He added that the government is collaborating with the TRACE Project, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA) to implement the programme.

According to him, the partnership with the TRACE programme is designed to train and support private cocoa farmers with modern techniques and inputs required to meet production targets.

He noted that the TRACE programme focuses on sustainable cocoa sourcing and improving cocoa quality through expert fermentation processes.

Boluwade further said the programme promotes traceability, environmental protection and ethical production, stressing that cocoa produced under it must not come from deforested areas or involve child labour.

He noted that as part of the pilot phase of the cocoa rejuvenation scheme, 28 farmers developing cocoa nurseries have received irrigation pumps worth millions of naira to support year-round production of Cocoa seedlings.

The Commissioner said improved, high-yield seedlings are being supplied by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and other institutions to boost productivity and sustainability.

He added that the State Government would provide cocoa seedlings and agrochemicals at a 50 per cent subsidy to reduce production costs and encourage farmers’ participation.

Boluwade said the government is also prioritising quality and global competitiveness, with farmers receiving training in cocoa traceability to meet international export standards.

He disclosed that the state is working on plans to leverage the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, supported by the African Development Bank, to enhance value addition and create jobs in cocoa processing.

On weather support, he said the Nigerian Meteorological Agency would provide timely forecasts to guide planting, adding that full rainfall is expected by mid-April.

He explained that distribution of subsidised seedlings would be decentralised to ensure access across the state, with farmers to be informed on how to obtain them.

The improved cocoa varieties, he said, are climate-resilient and can mature within three years, offering quicker returns on investment.

Boluwade expressed optimism that the initiative would boost cocoa production, create jobs and strengthen the state’s economy.

Tope Ogunleye Felicitates Media Collosus ,Sen Babafemi Ojudu on the occasion of his Birthday.

Tope Ogunleye Felicitates Media Collosus ,Sen Babafemi Ojudu on the occasion of his Birthday.

I seize this auspicious moment of joy and gladness to join the good people of Ekiti State and well-wishers across the world in celebrating my dear brother and veteran journalist, Senator Babafemi Ojudu on the occasion of his birthday.

Sir, you are a gentle giant who has bestrode the political landscape like a colossus.You are the true definition of greatness, a bridge builder, and a philanthropist with a difference whose influence and generosity have positively impacted countless lives across our communities.

Your immense contributions and unwavering dedication to our collective democratic struggles, both in the past and in recent times, have clearly demonstrated your capacity for leadership and your commitment to the growth and stability of our great party. Your maturity, perseverance, patience, and unalloyed loyalty through various stages of political engagement remain remarkable qualities that continue to earn you admiration and respect.

It has pleased Almighty Allah to bless you with sound health and enduring strength, and for this we remain grateful. I pray that the Almighty continues to guide your path and grant you greater success as you soar to even higher heights in every sphere of life.

Once again, on behalf of myself, my political family, I heartily congratulate you and wish you a wonderful birthday filled with joy, prosperity, and many more impactful years ahead.

 

Architect Tope Ogunleye RST 

Convener Team RST for BAO.

IBO Returns With Renewed Vision for Progress in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

IBO Returns With Renewed Vision for Progress in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

Barrister Kunle Ibrahim Olanrewaju is once again in the race, presenting a renewed opportunity for purposeful leadership in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

This critical moment calls for a decision that will shape the future of the constituency. The people deserve a visionary leader with a clear development agenda, a unifier capable of harmonizing diverse interests, and a strategic thinker aligned with national progress. Above all, they deserve a representative who is deeply connected to their realities and committed to their advancement.

Hon. Kunle Ibrahim Olarewaju stands as more than a candidate; he represents a movement driven by progress, experience, and proven capacity. With a track record of service and a firm understanding of the needs of the people, he embodies the qualities required to deliver meaningful transformation.

As Ekiti North Federal Constituency II looks ahead, the choice remains one of competence, trust, and the assurance of effective representation. The path forward lies in sustaining progress and embracing leadership that prioritizes the collective good.

#VoteBAO

#VoteIBO

#VoteProgress

#VoteTransformation

Ekiti L-PRES mobilises 35 inoculators for livestock vaccination.

Ekiti L-PRES mobilises 35 inoculators for livestock vaccination.

The Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has mobilised no fewer than 35 inoculators for a statewide vaccination exercise to combat transboundary animal diseases and safeguard livestock production.

The stakeholders’ meeting held in Ado Ekiti brought together key actors in the livestock sector to strategise on effective vaccine distribution and administration across the state.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, said that the state government received 80,500 doses of vaccines through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

He listed the vaccines as 50,000 doses for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), 30,000 doses for Newcastle Disease and 500 doses for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

Boluwade described the vaccination exercise as a major boost to livestock health management in the state, noting that it would significantly reduce disease outbreaks and improve productivity.

He urged livestock farmers to cooperate with inoculators to ensure the success of the exercise.

The commissioner added that the 35 inoculators selected for the exercise comprise 25 from government veterinary services and 10 from private organisations to ensure wide coverage and efficient service delivery.

In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr Olayinka Adedipe, said the initiative aligns with the project’s objective of strengthening animal health systems and enhancing resilience among livestock farmers.

Adedipe said that collaboration between public and private inoculators would ensure effective reach, particularly in rural communities.

Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Adedamola Fasoranti, assured farmers of the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

He stressed that timely vaccination remains one of the most reliable measures to prevent the spread of deadly livestock diseases.

Fasoranti called on cattle rearers and poultry farmers across the state to present their animals for vaccination, noting that the exercise is critical to improving animal health and ensuring food security.

The vaccination campaign is expected to cover the 16 local government areas in Ekiti State, with a view to strengthening the livestock sector and preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases.

EKSU Alumni Group Storms Ise/Orun, Ikere LGs, Rallies Support for Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Ahead of June Poll.

EKSU Alumni Group Storms Ise/Orun, Ikere LGs, Rallies Support for Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Ahead of June Poll.

In a powerful demonstration of grassroots mobilisation and political solidarity, the EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO on Thursday, 26 March 2026, carried out an extensive community outreach across Ise/ Orun and Ikere Local Government Area in support of the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, ahead of the forthcoming June governorship election.

The mobilisation exercise witnessed an intensive shop to shop, street to street, house to house, and junction to junction campaign aimed at engaging residents directly, sensitising eligible voters, and consolidating support for the Governor’s re election bid. 

The initiative forms part of a broader strategic effort by the group to contribute significantly toward delivering overwhelming votes for Governor Oyebanji across the state.

During the outreach, members of the Solidarity Group educated the people on the critical importance of active participation in the electoral process, emphasising that a strong voter turnout would enhance Ekiti State’s ability to attract greater Federal Government presence, investment, and development projects.

Campaign materials and informational handbills detailing the administration’s achievements were widely distributed to households, traders, artisans, youth groups, and community leaders.

The materials highlighted key accomplishments of the Oyebanji administration, including major road infrastructure upgrades, agricultural transformation initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, human capital development, and sustained efforts to improve the welfare of citizens across the state.

The Chairman of Ise Orun Local Government publicly reaffirmed the council’s unwavering support for Governor Oyebanji, commending his administration for delivering inclusive governance and tangible development to both the local government area and Ekiti State at large. He further expressed appreciation to members of the EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group, describing their action as a demonstration of loyalty, unity, and pride in supporting a distinguished alumnus who has continued to make his alma mater proud.

The campaign recorded enthusiastic reception from residents, with many expressing confidence in the Governor’s leadership and willingness to continue supporting policies and programmes that promote sustainable development, economic growth, and social stability.

The EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with communities across Ekiti State as the election approaches, with the objective of delivering a decisive  mandate for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji at the polls.

EKSG Deepens Ties With NAF, to Boost Airport Devt, Strengthen Security.

EKSG Deepens Ties With NAF, to Boost Airport Devt, Strengthen Security.

 

Ekiti State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force as part of moves to further enhance operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and reinforce security across the State. 

The State Governor, Mr Biodun  Oyebanji, who made this known  during his working visit to the office of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Defence  Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, said Ekiti is home to a world-class airport, making it imperative to collaborate closely with the Nigerian Air Force in order to strengthen security, ensure smooth operations and maximize the facility’s potential for the state’s economic growth.

Governor Oyebanji, who arrived at the Defence Headquarters at 9:35am, was welcomed with a ceremonial parade. He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and dedication, maintaining that their continued efforts have helped to safeguard lives, protect critical infrastructure and ensure smooth operation of Ekiti airport.

The Governor explained that his administration has made available 1,000 hectares of land with C of O for the permanent NAF facility around Ekiti airport, adding that government is prepared to provide any other necessary support to ensure full presence and operational readiness of the Air Force at the facility.

Governor Oyebanji said: “We have this long standing discussion with the Nigerian Air Force on how to deepen partnership with NAF and we are grateful to you for posting your men to defend and protect our State but we can do more. We have made available over 1,000 hectares of land to the Air Force and the C of O is ready and I am here today, personally, to demonstrate the commitment of our government to this collaboration. 

“Ekiti boast of one of the most modern airports in the country which has been attested to by the pilots that have flown to the airport, the quality of our runway, the facilities on ground, our ILS will be ready next month, which is why we have to deepen this collaboration by partnering NAF. We are ready to put in place any assets that are required to make the Air Force to be on ground to increase the security of our people, boost confidence and make the airport more functional”, he added. 

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, in his response, commended Governor Oyebanji for his proactive approach to development and security of Ekiti State noting that the Governor’s commitment to strengthen collaboration with NAF reflects visionary leadership and deep understanding of the importance of security and infrastructure to economic growth.

Air Marshal Aneke explained that the NAF is eager to deepen its collaboration with Ekiti State Government, not only to provide a secure environment around the airport and other critical infrastructure, but also to support initiatives that promote economic growth, regional development and the overall safety of residents and visitors to the State.

While appreciating the Governor for the visit and for leading by example, the Chief of Air Staff hinted that NAF is in discussion with international partners to establish an aircraft repair and overhaul centre at the Ekiti airport. 

He described the plan as a strategic move that would boost the airport’s capacity, create job and further strengthen the state’s aviation and security infrastructure.

He also commended Governor Oyebanji for being proactive and strategic in his administrative and leadership style. “Your development strides are commendable. Only a strategic mind can do what you are doing. And generations unborn will appreciate you for what you are doing for the state”, Air Marshal Aneke added. 

Also at the meeting were, the law maker representing Ekiti South federal Constituency I AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo (Rtd), Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode; Technical Adviser  on Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd) Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; and Mr O’Seun Odewale.

New Southwest APC EXCO Rallies Support for Oyebanji’s re-election.

New Southwest APC EXCO Rallies Support for Oyebanji’s re-election.

 ….Says Ekiti Success ‘ll be Blueprint for Osun, Presidential polls.

The newly elected Southwest Zonal Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed strong confidence in the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, stressing that his performance has positioned him as a unifying force within the party and beyond.

This assurance was given by the Zonal Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, in his acceptance speech,  shortly after his emergence at the party’s Southwest Zonal Congress held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos on Wednesday. 

Kekemeke, while addressing delegates, noted that Governor Oyebanji has not only strengthened the party’s internal cohesion in Ekiti State, but has also broadened its appeal across political divides. 

According to him, the Governor’s inclusive style of governance and visible developmental strides have attracted admiration even from opposition elements within the Ekiti State.

He described Oyebanji as a leader whose performance has redefined governance at the subnational level, stressing that the administration’s approach to infrastructure, public service delivery, and stakeholder engagement has restored public confidence in leadership, adding that such achievements have naturally translated into growing grassroots support for the party.

The APC zonal chairman further called for massive support for the party’s candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, arguing that the developmental trajectory witnessed in Ekiti under Governor Oyebanji provides a clear model of progressive governance that can be replicated.

Drawing a comparison between both states, Kekemeke maintained that the results recorded in Ekiti stand as practical evidence of what disciplined and people-oriented leadership can achieve. He urged voters in Osun to align with the progressive vision of the APC in order to unlock similar opportunities for growth and stability.

"To our governors and delegates, We can assure you that we will do better than we have done before, we will consul better with all of our leaders and the leadership of the National Assembly. We will do much better than we did in the past four years. We ask for your support. We ask for your cooperation. The immediate challenge that we have is that by June, Governor Biodun Oyebanji must return and by August, Oyebamiji must be there in Osun State. Insh Allah. With the leadership of our governor, Governor Oyebanji (BAO ) must break the jinx in Ekiti.

“Our duty as Southwest is to make sure that we give overwhelming victory and support to our President, Asiwaju  Bola Ahmed Tinubu." He remarked. 

Kekemeke reiterated that the APC remains guided by a well-defined ideological framework focused on development, economic inclusion, and national cohesion. He emphasized that Governor Oyebanji has remained consistent with these principles, noting that his administration reflects the core values of the party.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Governor and Southwest Coordinating Governor of the APC, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the election of the new executives as free fair, credible and rancour-free. He explained that the party followed strictly the recent reforms in Nigeria’s electoral framework, particularly the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, for enhanced credibility and accounoutability in both internal party processes and the general elections.

The Lagos Governor charged the newly elected zonal executives to adopt a forward looking approach in their leadership. He stressed the importance of unity and strategic planning in strengthening the party’s dominance in the region.

Sanwo Olu particularly urged party leaders to build a formidable structure capable of delivering victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. He noted that the Southwest remains a critical stronghold for the APC and must continue to set the pace in political organization and governance.

"I want to congratulate our brand new zonal chairman of our party, who, we believe, will lift the zone with him and all his officials, higher. 

“We thank God that everything has gone well here today, peacefully and in accordance with the provision of the law. We have followed the rules of engagement, the newly reformed electoral act and the constitution of our great party. 

We all must join our hands together to deliver victory for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu by 2027". He said 

The congress also witnessed the emergence of other key officials, including Alfred Aluko as Zonal Secretary and Daramola Adesuyi as Zonal Legal Adviser.

All the APC Governors from the zone were present at the event which was also attended by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, members of the National and state Assemblies from the zone among others.