Residents Defy Heavy Rainfall to Receive Balarabe Akinwumi, Others.

Residents Defy Heavy Rainfall to Receive Balarabe Akinwumi, Others.

Residents of Ward 2 in Akure South Local Government Area, on Friday, September 11, 2026, defied a heavy downpour in the metropolis, trooping out in large numbers to receive Hon. Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election.

The visit formed part of the ADC's ongoing ward-to-ward engagement across the constituency, during which the party's candidates and leaders have been interacting with residents, community leaders, party members and various interest groups.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Akinwumi thanked the residents for turning out despite the unfavourable weather conditions. He described the reception as a demonstration of the confidence and support of the people, assuring them that he and the party would not take their support for granted.

“This show of love is overwhelming. It is a confirmation of your confidence and belief in us. As an individual and a political party, we will not disappoint you too,” Akinwumi said.

He said he was determined to establish a standard of representation that would serve as a benchmark for whoever represents the constituency in the future.

“I am determined to set a standard that even after me, subsequent representatives will not be able to perform below the standard. We will support our women with funding for their businesses and provide job opportunities for their children so that their businesses can grow,” he said.

Akinwumi also spoke on the need for greater economic opportunities for women and youths, stressing that support for small businesses and employment opportunities could contribute to improved livelihoods within the constituency.

He called on ADC members and supporters to continue mobilising peacefully across their respective wards and communities, urging them to communicate the party's message responsibly and engage residents with respect.

The candidate also thanked the residents for their resilience in braving the heavy rainfall to participate in the engagement, describing their presence as an indication of the importance they attach to direct interaction with political candidates.

The campaign train included the ADC Chairman in Akure South,  Prince Abiodun Adeyemi; Director-General of the ADC Campaign Council in Akure South, Ambassador Kunle Adeloye; House of Assembly hopefuls, Engr. Temi Oluwalade and Hon. Adeyemi Adesida; and the ADC Women Leader in Akure South, Olori Falaye Adenike, among other party leaders and supporters.

The Ward 2 engagement is part of the ongoing grassroots sensitization activities of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general election, with the party continuing its interactions with communities across the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency.

Balarabe Foundation Empowers Households, Students as 30 Trainees Graduate, 100 Set for Next Intake.

Balarabe Foundation Empowers Households, Students as 30 Trainees Graduate, 100 Set for Next Intake.

The Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi Foundation (BAAF) has continued its intervention in education, youth empowerment and community development, with 30 young people graduating from its latest skills-acquisition programme as another 100 set to benefit from a new digital-skills training initiative.

Founder of the Foundation, Hon. Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi, said investing in young people and making meaningful contributions to society had become an important part of his personal commitment to community development.

Akinwumi, who is also the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, stated this on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the BAAF Impact and Graduation Ceremony held to celebrate the 30 beneficiaries who completed their training.

The beneficiaries were equipped with practical skills across various areas, including fashion, hair styling, photography, video editing, event planning, pastries and nail artistry.

Speaking at the ceremony, Akinwumi said one of the most enduring ways of impacting society was through investment in human capacity, particularly by giving young people the skills, mentorship and support required to become self-reliant.

According to him, empowering young people goes beyond providing immediate assistance, as it also involves mentoring them and monitoring their progress to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired translate into sustainable livelihoods.

He announced the sponsorship of another batch of 100 young people who would be trained in digital skills as part of the Foundation's continuing empowerment initiative.

Akinwumi expressed appreciation to his wife, Adenike, for what he described as her invaluable support, while also commending the Manager of the Foundation, Mrs Simisola Alabi, and the team of volunteers for their commitment to the Foundation's programmes.

Earlier in her remarks, the Foundation's Manager, Mrs Simisola Alabi, had said BAAF's interventions should not be measured merely by the number of beneficiaries but by the individual lives and families positively affected by its programmes.

“When we look at the journey of BAAF so far, we don’t just see numbers. We see faces. We see young people whose dreams were given another chance. We see parents whose burdens became a little lighter. We see communities that were reminded that someone cares,” Alabi said.

She explained that the Foundation's education-support initiatives had reached a significant number of pupils and students, noting that BAAF had paid the school fees of 100 students and supported 20 parents with their children's education. According to her, the Foundation had also provided 60 school uniforms and distributed more than 2,000 learning materials, 500 mathematical sets and 500 school bags to children who needed them.

Alabi said the Foundation recognised that financial constraints could constitute a major barrier to educational advancement, particularly for young people seeking admission to tertiary institutions.

“We also believe that the cost of an examination should not limit a young person’s future. That is why we sponsored 100 teenagers for JAMB registration, helping remove one more barrier between them and tertiary education,” she said.

She recalled that when residents of Ifelodun community reached out following damage to their water-storage facilities, the Foundation responded by providing two 2,500-litre water tanks.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the 30 beneficiaries who completed the skills-acquisition programme.

The event also featured a panel discussion and talent presentations, providing the beneficiaries with an opportunity to showcase some of the skills and abilities acquired during their training.

OYEBANJI: A FORWARD-LOOKING LEADER PRIORITISING DEVELOPMENT AND EKITI’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION.

OYEBANJI: A FORWARD-LOOKING LEADER PRIORITISING DEVELOPMENT AND EKITI’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION.

The resumption of official duties by Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, immediately after his two-week annual leave is another clear demonstration of the character of a forward-looking leader who understands that governance is a continuous responsibility and that development must remain at the heart of public administration.

Rather than returning from his leave to engage in mere ceremonial activities, Governor Oyebanji went straight to the field to inspect major ongoing projects across the State. For about four hours, the Governor personally assessed the progress of critical projects, interacted with contractors and supervising Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and sought assurances on quality, standards and timely completion.

This hands-on approach deserves commendation. Leadership is not only about making policies from the comfort of an office; it is also about going to the project sites, identifying challenges, demanding accountability and ensuring that public resources are translated into tangible infrastructure and improved quality of life for the people.

The projects inspected — including the newly acquired Ground Handling Equipment and Aviation Fuel Dump at the Ekiti Agro-Allied Airport, the ultra-modern 80-bed facility at EKSUTH, the reconstruction of the Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park and the new Ekiti State High Court Complex — represent investments with the potential to strengthen Ekiti's infrastructure, healthcare, aviation, tourism, justice system and broader economic prospects.

Governor Oyebanji's development philosophy goes beyond constructing physical infrastructure. These projects are components of a broader vision to position Ekiti State for sustainable economic transformation. A functional airport can stimulate investment, tourism and commerce. Modern healthcare infrastructure can improve human capital and attract professional expertise. Quality public spaces can enhance tourism and the urban environment, while a modern judicial complex can strengthen institutional efficiency and investor confidence.

This is why Governor Oyebanji deserves commendation for consistently placing development above political rhetoric. His approach demonstrates an understanding that the real measure of governance is the extent to which government projects and policies create opportunities, improve livelihoods and build a stronger foundation for future generations.

His re-election by the people of Ekiti State on June 20 is, therefore, not merely a political victory; it is also a vote of confidence in a development-oriented administration and its direction for the State. The forthcoming inauguration of his second term will provide another opportunity to consolidate the gains of the first administration and pursue even more ambitious programmes for Ekiti.

The people of Ekiti should expect a second term characterised by greater consolidation, accelerated infrastructure development, economic expansion, job creation, investment attraction and stronger institutional capacity.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has demonstrated that leadership is about vision, commitment, accountability and the courage to turn plans into reality. His immediate return to project inspection after his annual leave is another indication that he remains focused on the task of building an economically stronger, more prosperous and better-positioned Ekiti State.

As Ekiti enters another phase of its development journey, the State needs continuity, stability and purposeful leadership. Governor Oyebanji's record and renewed commitment provide a solid platform upon which the State can build.

"Ekiti's future is not merely about what we have today, but about what we are deliberately building for tomorrow. Governor Oyebanji's development agenda is pointing in that direction." Arch. Tope Ogunleye.

RST Media Team.

EKITI GUBER TRIBUNAL ADMITS OYEBANJI, OTHERS' PRE-HEARING REPORTS.

EKITI GUBER TRIBUNAL ADMITS OYEBANJI, OTHERS' PRE-HEARING REPORTS.

...Full hearing commences on Monday.

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti has admitted the pre-hearing reports as adopted by parties before it in the petition arising from the governorship election held on June 20, 2026 in Ekiti State.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi at the sitting held on Thursday said the three-member panel has taken the report as adopted by parties in the case to pave way for commencement of hearing on Monday, September 14.

The pre-hearing reports were filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Isaac Adebayo Alade;  who are the 1st and 2nd Petitioners and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Biodun Oyebanji who are the 1st and 2nd Respondents in the case with Petition Number EPT/EK/GOV/02/2026.

The Tribunal also received the pre-hearing reports filed by Action Alliance (AA) and its governorship candidate, Matthew Olu Omotoso; who are the 1st and 2nd Petitioners as well as INEC and Governor Oyebanji who are the 1st and 2nd Respondents in the case with Petition Number EPT/EK/GOV/03/2026.

The Thursday's sitting formally brought an end to pre-hearing formalities at the Tribunal with parties now expected to prepare for the full trial of the petition filed by both SDP and AA which scored 179 votes and 126 votes respectively at the June governorship poll.

The three-member jury which also includes Justice Justice Aminu Tukur and Justice Maurice Okediya also admitted the pre-hearing reports submitted by INEC and Governor Oyebanji through their legal teams.

Counsels to parties in the two petitions told the panel that they had read the pre-hearing reports exchanged among themselves and that the reports reflected all the issues they had all agreed on to drive the course of the proceedings before the Tribunal.

Counsel to SDP and AA in the two petitions, Paul Ayantoyinbo and counsel to INEC, Bunmi Ogunsakin, told the panel that they have been served with the pre-hearing reports which contain all issues agreed by parties in line with the Practice Direction.

Also, counsel to Oyebanji in the two petitions, Kabir Akingbolu, also told the panel that he has been served with the pre-hearing reports which reflect issues agreed by parties to allow for commencement of hearing.

Akingbolu, however, said the governor's legal team has filed issues for determination before the Tribunal which was dated September 7 with lawyers to other parties in the case admitting that they have been served.

INEC counsel Ogunsakin also told the Tribunal that she has filed a Motion on Notice also dated September which have been served on other parties in the petitions.

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Kutigi, who emphasized the readiness of the panel to give expeditious hearing to the petitions within the time allowed by law urged petitioners' counsel, Ayantoyinbo, to ensure that witnesses are brought to the Tribunal on Monday in order not to give room to any delay.

Justice Kutigi stressed that the petition had been filed in July with hearing commencing in September with the two months interval enough to assemble witnesses needed to facilitate hearing of the governorship case.

The Tribunal chief further told parties that all applications served will be addressed at the adoption of addresses by parties in the petition.

He subsequently adjourned the sitting of the Tribunal to 9.00am on Monday, September 14, for hearing of the petition in which the SDP and its governorship candidate are expected to open their case.

EKITI AT 30: STATE ANNOUNCES YOUTH ESSAY COMPETITION, OFFERS ₦1.5M TOP PRIZE.

EKITI AT 30: STATE ANNOUNCES YOUTH ESSAY COMPETITION, OFFERS ₦1.5M TOP PRIZE.

As part of activities to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State, the Ekiti State at 30 Anniversary Planning Committee has announced a youth essay competition designed to give young Ekiti people a platform to shape the conversation about the future of the State.

The competition, titled “Ekiti at 30: My Dream and Agenda for the Next Thirty Years,” invites young Ekiti people to envision the kind of State they want to see by 2056 and propose practical steps that government, communities, institutions, the private sector and citizens can take today to make that vision possible.

The essay competition is open to Ekiti indigenes aged 18 to 35, whether resident within or outside the State.

Participants are encouraged to explore issues including agriculture and food security; education and human-capital development; technology and innovation; entrepreneurship and job creation; arts, culture and tourism; infrastructure and urban development; healthcare and social protection; governance and civic responsibility; and environmental sustainability.

The Planning Committee said the competition is intended to move beyond the familiar diagnosis of Ekiti's challenges by encouraging young people to develop original, practical and measurable solutions for the State's long-term development.

According to the Committee, preference will be given to essays that clearly connect vision with implementation by addressing what should be done, who should do it, how it could be funded and what results should be expected.

The competition offers the following prizes:

● First Prize: ₦1,500,000, a laptop computer and certificate

● Second Prize: ₦1,000,000, a laptop computer and certificate

● Third Prize: ₦750,000, a laptop computer and certificate

● Seven other finalists: ₦100,000 each and a certificate of distinction

The winners will be announced and presented with their prizes at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit, scheduled for October 7, 2026, in Ado-Ekiti.

The Committee said the initiative is also aimed at identifying young writers, thinkers and policy innovators whose ideas can contribute to Ekiti's long-term development agenda.

The top ten essays will be edited and published in a commemorative publication, while the finalists will be invited to an Ekiti Youth Futures Forum scheduled for December. 

The strongest proposals emerging from the competition will also be compiled and presented to the State Government as a proposed “Youth Agenda for Ekiti 2056.”

According to the committee, entries, interested participants should visit www.ekitistate.gov.ng/ essay to submit their essay, while entries  will be accepted from September 11 to September 28, 2026.

𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗢𝘆𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗧'𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝟭𝟬𝟱𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟱𝟵 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀.

𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗢𝘆𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗧'𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝟭𝟬𝟱𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟱𝟵 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has again disbursed cash and materials worth  a whopping sum of N105 million to 159 rainstorm and flood victims, urging the residents to heed the warnings of the Nigeria Metrological Agency(NIMET), by clearing drainages and stop blocking the waterways that could stoke ravaging water flow . 

NIMET had in its 2026 well publicised  rain prediction handed down recently, captured Ekiti as one of the states likely to witness flooding as the raining season assumes its peak, which can lead to wanton destruction of property and death, if allowed to happen.

Besides cash, other relief materials  distributed were: roofing sheets, bags of cement, roofing nails, food items, planks  and other consumables .

Speaking during the distribution, on Thursday, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, bemoaned the upsurge of rainstorm and flooding occurrences in recent time, which he attributed to laxity and indiscretion on the parts of many of the property owners. 

The governor regretted how the people's property were being  destroyed , turning house owners to refuge seekers due to displacement suffered through ravaging flooding and rainstorm attacks, saying only collective efforts can halt these sordid scenarios and incidences. 

"In recent months, many of our communities have experienced the devastating effects of flooding and destructive rainstorms. Homes were destroyed, farmlands washed away, and families displaced. Behind every damaged roof and collapsed wall is a story of pain and hardship. 

"But today, again we are here to say: Government sees you. Government feels your pain. And Government is with you.This administration remains committed to the welfare and wellbeing of every Ekiti citizen. That is why, upon receiving reports from the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Governor  Oyebanji immediately approved this intervention to bring succour to those affected. 

"Let me appeal to all Ekiti people. Climate change is real. We must desist from building on waterways. We must clear our drainages and take early warning information from EKSEMA and NIMET seriously.

"Prevention is far better and cheaper than cure.On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I pray that God will restore all that has been lost and that our state will be spared from future disasters.It is now my honour and privilege",

Oyebanji revealed that his government from year 2022 to date, had assisted victims of rainstorms with a total sum of N460.8 million , while victims of fire disaster got assistance worth N184,6 million. 

The governor , who  commended EKSEMA for the swift assessment, verification and transparent process, applauded the  Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their collaborations and support for grassroots'  sensitisation and campaigns. 

Canvassing solid support for the anti-flooding campaigns of government to be successful, the General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Oludare Asaolu, said the government had expended huge amounts to help the  victims rebuild their losses since 2022 and to spearhead sensitisation programmes across the 16 councils on how to mitigate flooding and rainstorm attacks.

The SEMA Boss warned residents and developers against building on waterways and flood prone areas, promising that his agency will continue to monitor situations and take proactive actions that will reduce natural disasters in the state. 

"We have to be cautious of rainstorm and flooding. These can cause serious economic crisis to us. It is not about water disaster alone, we should be careful of fire in our homes. Many houses had got burnt due to electricity sparks. This is the more reason why you should off your lights while leaving home and correct all electrical faults to prevent fire surge that can destroy your property".

Hyping the fact that rainstorm and flooding effects could be devastating and cause economic and psychological crises to people, the  National Emergency Management Agency's head of operations in Ekiti and Ondo States, Mr Olanrewaju Kazim, said NIMET had predicted more torrential rainfall in the month of September, which he said makes it imperative for the people to take measures that could safeguard their property. 

Appreciating the government for the gestures on behalf of the beneficiaries, former Chairman of Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area, Hon Larne Omolase and Mr Peter Akomokafe, praised the government for the swift intervention, saying it will go a long way in helping them rebuild their losses and begin a new life. 

Dignitaries at the event included : member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle Okiemen, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Director General, Office of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso, DG, office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Mr. John Moyo Ekundayo, the Chairman, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Demola Bello, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, representatives of security chiefs, community leaders, among others.

𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗜 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡.

𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗜 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡.

Public and private schools in Ekiti will resume for the first term of the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.

Dr. Aderiye said the first term would run for 13 weeks, from Monday, September 14 to Friday, December 11, 2026.

She urged school administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to take note of the resumption date and ensure full compliance.

The commissioner stressed that academic activities would commence immediately to safeguard the integrity of the academic calendar.

Dr. Aderiye reiterated the state government’s commitment to quality service delivery in the education sector, assuring parents, teachers and other stakeholders of continued implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving teaching and learning.

She said the government would also continue to support initiatives designed to enhance the academic performance of students in both local and national examinations.

The commissioner further charged parents and guardians to adequately prepare their children and wards for resumption.

She also urged proprietors of private schools to ensure that their institutions were fully prepared to receive students for a smooth commencement of the new academic session.