OJUAWO MEETS APC LEADERSHIP IN IKERE EKITI.

OJUAWO MEETS APC LEADERSHIP IN IKERE EKITI.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, the Honourable member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I paid a strategic visit to party leaders in Ikere Ekiti to brief them on his achievements and ongoing legislative efforts. The meeting, held at the Ekiti South Senatorial Hall in Ikere, was well attended by key APC stakeholders and chaired by Hon. Francis Aladejebi, who warmly welcomed participants on behalf of the host community at the instance of Hon. Ojuawo, popularly known as O’nfo Loke.

In his address, Hon. Ojuawo expressed deep appreciation to the leaders for honoring his invitation. He presented a comprehensive report of his achievements in office, as well as several programmes already captured in the budget and awaiting implementation. He also charged Ikere leaders to continue supporting the BAO administration as the state approaches the election period. In their responses, Ikere leaders commended his performance, affirming that he has delivered commendably in his current role.

Notably, Hon. Niyi Fabiku, an indigene of Ikere Ekiti and former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised Ojuawo’s legislative impact, stating: “AVM Sir, I am delighted to listen to you. You have truly impressed me. Out of the 360 members in the House, your ability to successfully advance several motions and bills, alongside your constituency interventions, speaks volumes of your competence. Well done, sir.”

Also speaking, Engr. Tunde Fakayode appreciated Hon. Ojuawo’s presentation, noting that Ikere leaders had listened attentively and would further deliberate on the engagement.

Members of Hon. Ojuawo’s entourage included Hon. Ropo Ogunbolude, Major COB Aluko, Prof. Philip Adetiloye, Chief JS Alabi (Asako), Baba Bode Ologun, Mr. Lawrence Ajimotin, Hon. Femi Babalola, Hon. Femi Ajayi, Hon. Oluremi Ajayi (Babintin), and Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi. Otunba Kayode Fasae sent his apologies for his inability to attend due to a state engagement.

OYEBANJI AT ABUAD LECTURE SAYS EKITI REAPING BENEFITS OF CONTINUITY IN GOVERNANCE.

OYEBANJI AT ABUAD LECTURE SAYS EKITI REAPING BENEFITS OF CONTINUITY IN GOVERNANCE.

...says worthy legacies can be built from pragmatic succession plan.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said the State is reaping benefits of deliberate policy of continuity of programmes, policies and projects that add value to governance and beneficial to the people.

Oyebanji said the best way to preserve legacy and ensure continuity is to deeply entrench institutional systems that carry on seamlessly even in the absence of pioneers and achieve sustainable development in all key sectors.

The Governor spoke on Tuesday while delivering the 2026 Afe Babalola Distinguished Personality Lecture organized by the Department of Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) in honour of the Founder and Chancellor of the institution, Aare Afe Babalola(SAN). 

For worthy legacies to be built, Oyebanji advised leaders to always develop a pragmatic succession plan that will sustain laudable vision and enlistment of dedicated and capable lieutenants who do not only believe in the vision but also committed to its continuation and improvement.

The Governor revealed that he had been prepared for his present role right from under the tutelage of the first elected Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and his immediate predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi in which he held positions of Special Assistant, Special Adviser, Chief of Staff, Commissioner, Director General and Secretary to the State Government.

According to him, the offices held before he became Governor gave him opportunities to serve the people, add value to governance and gained requisite experience from leaders who deliberately put in place succession plans that is presently benefiting the state.

In the the lecture titled "Building Legacies: Governance, Successor-Generation and Continuity," Oyebanji noted that the core of his administration's philosophy is the concept of continuity of inherited government projects irrespective of the political party from whom they were inherited.

This, he said, informed the decision of his administration to complete projects started by his predecessors in office including Chief Segun Oni, Mr Ayodele Fayose and Dr Kayode Fayemi as well as the diligent implementation of Ekiti Transition Law 2022 which mandates continuation of government projects by the succeeding administration.

The Governor also paid glowing tributes to Aare Babalola for bequeathing numerous legacies to Ekiti, his home state, Nigeria and humanity at large on his lifetime in virtually all spheres of human life as "a very distinguished Ekiti elder statesman, an archbishop in the legal temple, a towering national figure and one of the most iconic African achievers of modern era."

He hailed the legal icon and eminent educationist for establishing ABUAD which he has built to become a top destination for excellence in tertiary education and a citadel of learning that was recently ranked among 100 top global universities, 3rd in Africa and 1st in Nigeria by the Times Higher Education Impact.

Apart from education, the Ekiti Governor also lauded Aare Babalola for his legacies of hardwork, investment in healthcare through the establishment of ABUAD Multi System Hospital, agriculture, empowerment, creation of Ekiti State, among others which have earned him the status of a living legend and immortalized him in the hearts of the people.

Explaining the link between good governance and continuity, Oyebanji said his administration has been fully committed to a thirty-year blueprint, Ekiti State Development Plan 2020-2050 which is also in sync with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He added that his campaign manifesto of 2022 was sourced from the blueprint and consequently crystallized into his administration's six-pillar agenda.

He said: "I must mention that at the core of our philosophy as an administration is the concept of continuity of inherited government projects. Apart from the fact that this administration is a continuation of the last one as we belong to the same party and I was also a critical participant in the preceding administration, I was personally convinced that each government is a continuation of those before it.

"So, I was committed to the completion of projects that existed before our administration including projects started by Chief Segun Oni, Mr Ayodele Fayose and my immediate predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi. The benefit of this is that today, we have completed the rehabilitation of Ifaki-Iworoko-Ado Ekiti Road, the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, the first phase of the Ring Road, the IPP Project, the Traditional Council Chambers, Ado Ekiti Bus Terminal, RAAMP roads, among other legacy projects.

"Additionally, we have also delivered or continuing on many projects that were initiated by our administration, such as power projects that have seen electricity supply improvement across the state. Many road projects within Ado metropolis such as GRA III Extension Road, Maryland Road, Oke Ila Road, Agric Olope-Matthew Link Road, Moferere Road, Omisanjana-Ajebamidele Road.

"We have also completed Ikole-Ara-Isinbode Road, Omu-Ijelu Road, Ikere-Ise Road, Ikere-Ilawe Road, Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Ikogosi-Igbara Odo Road, Itawure-Okemesi Road among other roads across communities in most LGAs in our state, while many projects are at various stages of completion.

"Our government is currently building an 80-bed complex at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, in addition to the complete overhauling and equipping of all our secondary and primary health facilities. We are also in the process of completing the International Centre for Arts and Culture and Indoor Sports Complex in Ado Ekiti."

ABUAD Founder, Aare Babalola hailed Oyebanji for delivering one of the best public lectures he has heard recently adding that the lecture was lucid, easy to understand, stimulating, deep and capturing key ingredients that enriched the understanding of the audience on the principles of continuity and succession in governance.

Aare Babalola advised the Governor to consider coming back to ABUAD at the end of his public service to lecture students and share his insights and experience in governance as a means of giving back to humanity.

The legal luminary urged the Governor to beam his searchlight on the ongoing work by putting pressure on the contractor handling the federal road which leads to the institution considering the hardship faced by workers including academic staff in arriving at their duty posts.

"Whoever is the contractor working on that road, help us ensure that work.is going on day and night because we know what we suffer because of the present condition of the road. That is the only request I have for you today," Aare Babalola said.

Sport Development: Cricket Star Taking Ekiti’s Name to the Global Stage.

Sport Development: Cricket Star Taking Ekiti’s Name to the Global Stage.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

It is a proud moment for Ekiti State as Oni Oluwadamilola secures her place in the Nigeria U-19 Women’s Cricket Team for the prestigious ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

This remarkable achievement highlights the growing prominence of cricket in the state and underscores the immense potential of young female athletes. It stands as a testament to Oluwadamilola’s dedication, discipline, and passion for excellence.

The feat also reflects the sustained commitment of the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to the development of sports. Through strategic investments in youth empowerment, grassroots sporting initiatives, and talent development programmes, the administration continues to create an enabling environment for young athletes to thrive and compete on national and international stages.

Her success further demonstrates the impact of the visionary leadership of the Ekiti State Cricket Association, alongside the dedication of her coaches and mentors who remain committed to nurturing emerging talents.

As Ekiti celebrates this milestone, it is evident that the future of Nigerian cricket is brighter than ever, with promising stars like Oluwadamilola rising to the global stage and bringing honour to the state and the nation.

#SportDevelopment

#CricketSport

#EkitiRising

#BAOImpact

Ejioye Joins Forbes Business Council.

Ejioye Joins Forbes Business Council.

Ayorinde Ejioye, the Chief Operating Officer of Gidi Real Estate Investment Limited, has been inducted into the prestigious Forbes Business Council, an exclusive global network for accomplished business leaders and entrepreneurs.

The induction, confirmed in a statement issued by the Office of the COO, took effect on April 9, 2026, following a rigorous selection process conducted by a review committee.

According to the statement, Ejioye was admitted based on the depth and diversity of his professional experience, which spans business management, leadership development, and public service. The Council’s selection criteria include a proven track record of driving business growth, as well as significant personal and professional achievements.

With his acceptance into the Forbes Business Council, Ejioye will gain access to exclusive opportunities designed to enhance leadership capacity and global influence. These include lifetime EXEC access—an integrated benefits platform offering premium travel and lifestyle advantages tailored to modern business leaders.

As a member, he is also expected to collaborate with other distinguished executives within a private forum, contribute thought leadership articles, and participate in expert panel discussions published on Forbes platforms, including Forbes.com.

In addition, Ejioye will benefit from membership-branded marketing resources and dedicated support from the Forbes Councils concierge team, further strengthening his professional reach and visibility.

The statement described the milestone as a recognition of Ejioye’s longstanding commitment to strategic leadership and business excellence rather than a starting point.

“This achievement reflects a pattern of sustained contributions to business growth and leadership development. His work continues to shape emerging leaders and influence organisational direction across the ecosystems he operates in,” it read.

Ejioye’s induction underscores his growing reputation as a forward-thinking executive and reinforces his role in driving innovation and growth within Nigeria’s real estate sector.

50 SOLID REASONS APC’S OYEBANJI WILL RE-EMERGE EKITI GOVERNOR COME JUNE 2026.

50 SOLID REASONS APC’S OYEBANJI WILL RE-EMERGE EKITI GOVERNOR COME JUNE 2026. 

_By Segun Dipe_

Again, let’s examine these unalloyed facts:

1. Proven Track Record: BAO’s administration has delivered verifiable projects across all 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAs.  

2. Road Infrastructure: Massive construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of township and rural roads, including the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road.  

3. Power Restoration: Revived dormant electricity projects and expanded power access to underserved communities.  

4. Business Climate Reforms:bStreamlined regulations and cut bureaucratic hurdles to attract investment and grow IGR.  

5. Education Upgrade: Renovated schools, recruited and trained teachers, paid bursaries, and accessed UBEC grants. 

 

6. Healthcare Delivery: Upgraded primary health centers, equipped general hospitals, and expanded health insurance coverage.  

7. Salary & Pension Stability: Ended arrears culture. Workers and retirees now receive entitlements as and when due.  

8. Gratuity Clearance: Commenced transparent, quarterly payment of inherited gratuity backlog.  

9. Fiscal Transparency: Scored 39/39 in Q4 2025 and 100/100 as “Progressive Performer” in Q4 2024. 

 

10. Audit Leadership: Topped the 2026 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index for accountability.  

11. Published LGA/LCDA Budgets: First Ekiti administration to publish local government budgets for public scrutiny.  

12. Security Ranking: Ekiti ranked the most secured state in Nigeria under BAO’s watch.  

13. Amotekun Strengthening: Provided patrol vehicles, training, allowances, and improved inter-agency coordination.  

14. Unity Across Divides: United traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political blocs for peace and progress. 

 

15. Inclusive Governance: Appointments and projects reflect senatorial balance. No community left behind. 

 

16. Traditional Rulers’ Endorsement: Association of Ekiti State Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders backs BAO’s second term.  

17. Religious Leaders’ Backing: Christian and Muslim leaders cite his God-fearing, fair leadership.  

18. Past Governors’ Support: The first executive governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the second executive governor, Chief Ayo Fayose, the third executive governor, Asiwaju Segun Oni, and the the immediate past executive governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi have all passed votes of confidence and endorsed BAO for 2026.  

19. APC Cohesion: Unified party leaders, elders, and stakeholders. The APC goes into 2026 without internal cracks.  

20. Weak Opposition: PDP unsettled by crisis. No other party has statewide structure to challenge BAO.  

21. APC Stronghold: Ekiti remains a core APC state with grassroots dominance from ward to state level.  

22. Continuity Advantage: Second term guarantees completion of ongoing projects without policy reversals.  

23. Grassroots Penetration: BAO AGENDA 2026 tours have built momentum in all 177 wards.  

24. People-Centric Focus: Policies start from town halls and end with direct impact on citizens.  

25. Responsive Leadership: Swift action on floods, market fires, and community emergencies has built trust.  

26. Effective Communication: Uses radio, town halls, and digital platforms to explain policies in plain language.  

27. Youth Empowerment: Over 1,000 young farmers in commercial agric; 5,000+ trained in entrepreneurship with SMEDAN.  

28. Women Inclusion: Deputy Governor, SSG, Head of Service, and key MDAs are led by women. Ekiti is a gender balance model.  

29. Agricultural Transformation: 30-year Agric Plan launched. Farm settlements revived with ultramodern dormitories for youth farmers.  

30. Food Security Gains: Ekiti recorded Nigeria’s lowest food inflation rate due to large-scale production via YSJ partnership.  

31. Rural Access: Constructed rural roads linking farms to markets, boosting income for farmers.  

32. Housing Delivery: Flagged off 1,000 affordable units under Ado Ekiti New Town Project to cut housing deficit.  

33. Sports Development: Renovated Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, built Indoor Sports Complex, created Sports Commission, funded athletes.  

34. Arts & Culture Growth: Invested in cultural preservation and creative economy for job creation.  

35. Tourism Push: Upgraded Ikogosi, Arinta, and other sites. Positioning Ekiti as a conference and eco-tourism hub.  

36. MSME Support: Direct funding, training, and market access for over 15,000 small businesses.  

37. Digital Governance: Automated key services to block leakages and ease doing business.  

38. Social Inclusion Reach: Projects have touched over 200 towns and villages across all 16 LGAs.  

39. Human Capital Plan: Comprehensive blueprint for health, education, and labor force productivity now in motion.  

40. Citizen Participation: Institutionalized public feedback in budgeting and project monitoring. 

 

41. Ojuse BAO Initiative: Personal monthly salary deployed as cash grants, medical aid, and education support to individuals.  

42. Ekiti Knowledge Zone: Flagship tech and innovation hub moving from foundation to full operation for jobs.  

43. Water Supply Projects: Reticulation and rehabilitation works expanding clean water access in rural and urban areas.  

44. Integrity Reputation: Earned public praise for refusing inflated contracts and insisting on due process.  

45. Compassion in Policy: Palliatives, free health missions, and support for vulnerable groups define his approach.  

46. Founder’s Advantage: As Secretary of the Ekiti Creation Committee, BAO is now governing the state he helped birth.  

47. Vision Clarity: Clear roadmap to 2030 shared prosperity, not vague promises.  

48. Party-Wide Endorsement: APC leaders and stakeholders across Ekiti and beyond have ratified his second term bid.  

49. Project Completion Drive: Second term ensures signature projects like EKZ, Ring Road Phase 2, and IPP are delivered.  

50. Performance as Message: From workers to farmers, artisans to royals, the verdict is unanimous: BAO works.

Need we say more?

_Segun Dipe is the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ekiti State Chapter._

Oyebanji Gifts Ekiti-Born Africa Spelling Bee Champion, Coach, School N8m.

Oyebanji Gifts Ekiti-Born Africa Spelling Bee Champion, Coach, School N8m.

...To sponsor winner to China for World Championship. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has gifted Ekiti-born Miss Adeolu Oluwadamilola who recently emerged winner of Africa Spelling Bee competition, her coach, and her school, St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti cash gifts worth N8 million.

The Governor equally pledged to sponsor the Spelling Bee African champion, together with her mother and coach to the world championship holding in China later in the year.

Speaking while receiving Adeolu, the Africa Spelling Bee Champion, her mother, Mrs Oluwabunmi Adeolu; School Proprietor, Mr Lawrence Oluwafemi and her coach, Mrs Esther Omolayo in his office in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Governor Oyebanji said his administration remains committed to prioritizing education as a central pillar of development.

Commending Miss Oluwadamilola for bringing honour to Ekiti State and Nigeria, the Governor described her achievement as a reflection of the state’s long standing tradition of academic excellence. He added that the feat underscored the value of diligence, discipline and excellence for which Ekiti people are widely known.

Speaking further, the Governor explained that since the inception of his administration, deliberate efforts have been made to reposition the education sector through strategic investment in infrastructure, capacity building for teachers, provision of learning materials and policies aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning across the state.

He added that his administration has ensured a deliberate balance between what is being taught, how it is being taught and where is being taught, adding that concerted efforts are also being made to align the curriculum with the demands and realities of the 21st century

While congratulating the African spelling bee champion for the feat, the Governor said his government would continue to support and reward excellence in all sectors, particularly in education sector in order to encourage students and teachers to strive for greater achievements and uphold the state’s reputation as a centre of academic distinction

The Governor urged students across the state to remain focused on their studies, stressing that hard work, determination and discipline remains the surest path to success, while assuring that government would continue to create an enabling environment for them to thrive.

“Damilola has once again demonstrated what Ekiti people are known for, diligence, hardwork, honour and excellence and I am so proud of her. As a government, in that last three and half years, we have done everything humanly possible to reposition the education sector in Ekiti State from the primary, secondary to tertiary education system and we are also looking at informal education”

“Our strategy is to ensure that we strike a balance between what is being taught, how is being taught and where is being taught because for you to have the best in that sector, the content and the curriculum must be alive to serve the need of the state, the country and globally.

“After conquering Africa, what is next is to conquer the world, I leant that she will be going to China to represent Africa, the state will sponsor her, the mother, her coach and two others from the school and as a token of appreciation, the state government will give Damilola two million naira, her coach, one million and the school, five million naira”. the  Governor asserted

Earlier in his opening remarks, the proprietor of the school, Mr Lawrence Oluwafemi who commended the State Government’s education  policies particularly the Governor’s intentional approach to improving the sector, said that such commitment had contributed significantly to the recent successes recorded by students across the state 

Describing the Governor’s gesture as a strong affirmation to his commitment to rewarding excellence and hard work in the education sector, Mr Lawrence noted that the recorgnition would further inspire both student and staff of the school to remain dedicated to academic excellence and discipline.

The Spelling Bee Champion, Miss Adeolu Oluwadamiloa expressed her profound gratitude to the Governor for the recorgnition and support extended to her, especially the plan to sponsor her to China to represent Africa at the forthcoming World Spelling Been competition. She described the gesture as a motivation to aim higher.

Another ‘Unanimous’ Decision: Ekiti South Leaders Settle for Continuity with Yemi Adaramodu.

Another ‘Unanimous’ Decision: Ekiti South Leaders Settle for Continuity with Yemi Adaramodu.

Leaders across Ekiti South Senatorial District have unanimously endorsed Senator Yemi Adaramodu for a second term in office, citing his impactful representation and commitment to grassroots development. The endorsement, which came after a strategic meeting of key stakeholders, reflects growing confidence in his leadership and legislative performance. The atmosphere at the gathering was electrifying, as leaders and supporters chorused slogans such as “Adaramodu Leekansi!” and “Adaramodu Ijinle Pampam!” alongside other glowing accolades.

The senatorial leaders commended Senator Adaramodu for his visible constituency projects, effective engagement with the people, and consistent advocacy for policies that promote development in Ekiti State. They noted that his first term has been marked by accessibility, responsiveness, and a clear understanding of the needs of his constituents.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the leaders emphasized that continuity is essential to sustaining the progress already recorded. They stressed that re-electing Senator Adaramodu would ensure the completion of ongoing projects and attract more federal presence to the district.

The endorsement is expected to strengthen his political standing ahead of the next election cycle, as supporters across the senatorial district continue to rally behind his candidacy. Many believe that his experience and track record position him as the best choice to further advance the interests of Ekiti South at the national level.

~~Adaramodu Media Team