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.

GOV OYEBANJI TO SWEAR-IN SSG, COS.

GOV OYEBANJI TO SWEAR-IN SSG, COS.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, will on Tuesday, October 20, swear in the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, and Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to hold at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti by 2.00pm.

All invited guests and government officials are expected to be seated by 1:30pm.

The development was announced in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, and made available to journalists on Monday.

Ajijola Backs Egbeyemi, Adarabierin for Ado Assembly Seats.

Ajijola Backs Egbeyemi, Adarabierin for Ado Assembly Seats.

...Urges APC members, residents to support candidates for better Ekiti.

An All Progressives Congress chieftain and Executive Director of the South West Development Commission, Chief Lateef Ajijola, has called on residents of Ado-Ekiti to support the party's candidates for the two constituencies in the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

Ajijola, popularly known as Always Standing, endorsed Rt. Hon. Bolaji Egbeyemi for Ado Constituency II and Asipa Ayodeji Adarabierin for Ado Constituency I, urging the electorate to rally behind them in the interest of progressive governance and grassroots development.

In a statement issued by his Media Office, Ajijola urged APC members, party stakeholders and residents of the state capital to unite behind the candidates to strengthen the party's representation and promote the overall development of Ekiti State.

He emphasised the importance of electing representatives who would prioritise effective legislation, community development and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

The APC chieftain noted that strong legislative representation was essential to addressing the needs of constituents, advancing development initiatives and ensuring that the interests of the people remained central to governance.

He also called for unity among party members and stakeholders, stressing that collective commitment and grassroots mobilisation were necessary to consolidate the party's presence in Ado-Ekiti.

Ajijola reaffirmed his commitment to progressive politics and initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of the people and advancing the development of Ekiti State.

He expressed optimism that sustained cooperation among political leaders, party members and residents would contribute to building a better Ekiti founded on inclusive development, effective representation and shared prosperity.

Don't Distract Oyebanji With 2030 Guber Ambitions, Tinubu Warns at Gov's Thanksgiving Service.

Don't Distract Oyebanji With 2030 Guber Ambitions, Tinubu Warns at Gov's Thanksgiving Service.

...I 'll  serve with more humility, patience,  Oyebanji assures.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has cautioned members of the political class in Ekiti against constituting unnecessary distraction to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji through early declaration of interest in the 2030 governorship contest,  saying such declaration could cause internal contradictions capable of derailing governance. 

The President gave the admonition as Governor Oyebanji promised to undertake more transformative initiatives to rejig the economy and tackle poverty, unemployment and deprivation as his second term begins.  

Oyebanji and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, were inaugurated for a second term at a well attended inauguration ceremony graced by President Tinubu, held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti on Friday.

Speaking on Sunday during a special second term inauguration thanksgiving service, held at the Anglican Cathedral of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado Ekiti, Tinubu appealed to politicians to consider the larger interest of the state, rather than having a primordial entitlement of being eligible to contest for the governorship seat.

The President, represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended Governor Oyebanji for ending the first term gloriously, urging him to continue to pilot the affairs of the State with the spirit of inclusivity and respect for all citizens as demonstrated in the first term. 

Speaking against early declaration of intents for governorship in 2030, Tinubu declared that it would be a great disservice for anyone to exhibit such within the next three years, so that the governor can remain focused to deliver democracy dividends to the people.

"To the political class, let us show love to this administration. Let us show love to Ekiti. Loyalty to Governor Oyebanji is loyalty to Ekiti. It is when we are loyal that we won't distract him or start declaring to occupy his seat so early. 

"Let me say this, whoever says he wants to become the governor in the next three years is an enemy of progress. Let us bear in mind that the moment you declare interest in governorship, there will be distraction. Don't let us see politics as the only industry in Ekiti. Let us think of other things and look at the larger picture and the interest of Ekiti ".

Tinubu, who urged Governor Oyebanji to remain focused, humble and accessible the way he demonstrated in his first term, urged the governor to resist the temptation of changing character from good to bad in his second term.

"I appeal to you, continue to be whom you are. Let no one, not the traditional rulers, not the former governors, not the political class, not the civil servants, not the women or youth groups change whom you are. You are not the first governor to run for a second term, but to the glory of God, You were the first to hand over to yourself. Others fought hard to come back. This was a grace. 

"Whoever breaks the jinx of second term after you will have you as a reference point. There is power in continuity, so you must work hard to ensure continuity in this state. God will help you to perform better".

Addressing the congregants, Oyebanji thanked Ekiti citizens for their solid backing  and assured that he will deliver more democracy dividends, by focusing chiefly  on Industrialisation and shared prosperity to the people. 

However, the Governor said industrialisation can only thrive and expand geometrically when people cooperate on issue of land acquisition, saying there are sacrifices to make when development processes are being aggressively undertaken. 

"Let me assure you that my second term will be better than the first term with emphasis on Industrialisation and prosperity for our people. In our first, we had put infrastructures in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialisation, employment will be here and everyone will prosper. 

"But government alone can't do it, so we are partnering with our traditional rulers on the issue of land. Investors won't come when people are not ready to release lands and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be problem. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here. 

"I know I am confronted with the burden of  87.7% of total votes cast you gave me in the last election. I know that the only way I can go is for me to serve  Ekiti in the way that glorifies God. I promise before God and man today that I will serve you with humility, listen to you and connect with you. 

"It is my desire that after my exit, I should be able to walk tall like my predecessors are doing".

In his homily , the Bishop, Diocese of Ekiti, Anglican Communion,  Rt.  Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, urged the Governor to perceive the position he occupies as being held in trust for the people, showering encomiums on him for ending the first term gloriously.

To smoothen governance in the second term , the Cleric appealed to the citizens to fulfil their obligations through payment of all taxes and levies, as well as complying strictly to laws guiding governance.

"Do you know what God wants from you in this second term, it is for you to serve  Him and humanity. You are not the owner of Ekiti State, but a steward. You must give reverence to the man who will judge you. Nobody can deceive God, so you must fear than man that enthrones you. This position is for you to serve God and humanity.

"The second one is about power. You know that power is transient. So, making people happy should be your utmost interest. You shouldn't change your principle. I know you are not materialistic. Politics without principle amounts to nothing. Render selfless service and help the people to grow better. 

"People are talking good things  about you. Please, continue in this goodness. You should also maintain your integrity. You are a man of integrity, you must know this. Two things must go together : integrity of heart and stiffness of hands. You don't deceive people that is why Ekiti people trust you". 

At the spiritual procession, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji and her team of choristers rendered a special number, demonstrating her unshakeable belief in God as the pillar and cornerstone of Governor Oyebanji's second term tenure. 

At the event were former Governors Niyi Adebayo,  Ayodele Fayose  Segun Oni, and Kayode Fayemi, represented by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.  Members of the National Assembly that graced the service included: Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Hon Femi Bamisile, Hon Sola Fatoba, Hon Biodun Omoleye, 

Others  dignitaries included : former commissioners, former Special Advisers, traditional rulers, faith leaders, leaders of organised labour, traders, civil servants, among others.

Engr. Bayo Ajayi Congratulates Oyebanji, Afuye on Second-Term Inauguration.

Engr. Bayo Ajayi Congratulates Oyebanji, Afuye on Second-Term Inauguration.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart from Emure-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Engr. Bayo Ajayi, has congratulated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, on their inauguration for a second term in office.

Engr. Bayo Ajayi, who attended the swearing-in ceremony with great joy, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the political history of Ekiti State and a testament to the confidence reposed in the administration by the people.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, the APC chieftain commended Oyebanji's administration for its commitment to good governance, people-oriented policies, infrastructural development and inclusive leadership.

Governor Oyebanji taking the oath of office administered by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State during his second-term inauguration ceremony.

He described the governor as a compassionate, accessible and development-driven leader whose administration has continued to prioritise the welfare of citizens and promote peace, unity and shared prosperity across the state.

Ajayi also praised the deputy governor, Afuye, for her contributions to the administration's success, expressing confidence that their renewed mandate would usher in greater development, improved opportunities and sustainable growth for Ekiti State.

He urged the people of Ekiti State to sustain their support for the Oyebanji-led administration, remain steadfast in their belief in its vision and work collectively with the government to achieve greater progress.

According to him, the second term presents another opportunity to consolidate the achievements of the first term and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

OYEBANJI EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO TINUBU, EKITI PEOPLE, NIGERIANS OVER SUCCESSFUL SECOND-TERM INAUGURATION.

OYEBANJI EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO TINUBU, EKITI PEOPLE, NIGERIANS OVER SUCCESSFUL SECOND-TERM INAUGURATION.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians at large for their support and goodwill during the successful inauguration of his second term in office on Friday, October 16, 2026.

The Governor, in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, said he was deeply humbled by the overwhelming show of love, solidarity and goodwill that accompanied the historic occasion.

On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ekiti State, the Land of Honour, Governor Oyebanji conveyed his profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support for the state, which, he said, continues to translate into tangible growth and development across various sectors.

He noted that the remarkable milestones recorded by his administration during its first term would not have been possible without the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, which had increased the financial resources available to subnational governments for development.

The Governor said: “We owe Mr President a huge debt of gratitude for his love and support for Ekiti State. The impact of his policies and the resources made available to subnational governments have contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by our administration.”

Governor Oyebanji also expressed appreciation to the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, for attending the inauguration on behalf of the President and presiding over the ceremony. He noted that the Vice President’s presence marked his third visit to Ekiti State in 2026, adding that he had witnessed firsthand some of the tangible outcomes of the administration’s development efforts during his previous visits.

The Governor extended special appreciation to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; and members of the party’s National Working Committee for their support and participation in the historic event.

He equally thanked his colleagues across the country who honoured the state with their presence, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dr Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.

He also appreciated the Governors of Osun and Kaduna States, who were represented at the ceremony by their deputies.

Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to former Governors of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Engr. Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi, as well as Erelu Bisi Fayemi, for their presence and support.

He also acknowledged the contributions of distinguished national leaders and eminent personalities, including former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba; former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande; former Ondo State Governor, Dr Rahman Mimiko; former APC National Vice Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN; Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Hon. Bisi Kolawole; and Osun State First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke.

The Governor further appreciated the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; serving and former members of the National Assembly; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake; the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the State Assembly; and former members of the State Executive Council.

He reserved special commendation for the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Borgu, Dr Muhammed Sani Haliru Dantoro, for honouring the state with their presence. He also thanked Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, and other members of the council for their support.

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the judiciary in Ekiti State, under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, for its support. He particularly acknowledged Justice Ogunmoye for administering the oaths of office and allegiance during the inauguration, as well as the retired Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, for her presence and support.

He also commended the State Council of Traditional Rulers, chaired by the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, for its continued cooperation with his administration. Special appreciation went to all traditional rulers in the state, particularly the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, for their royal presence at the inauguration programmes and their sustained support for the government.

The Governor equally thanked the heads of security agencies in the state for their effective collaboration, which ensured a peaceful and hitch-free week-long inauguration programme.

He extended his appreciation to heads of institutions, managing directors and chief executives of banks and other financial institutions, labour leaders, professional bodies, trade associations, the media, drivers’ unions, commercial motorcycle operators, market leaders, Iyalajes and Iyalojas for their contributions to the success of the event.

Governor Oyebanji also acknowledged the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Wole Oluyede; the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Chief Joseph Anifowose; and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr Isaac Alade, for their goodwill.

He said the successful inauguration marked the beginning of another phase of service to the people, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building on the achievements of the first term and pursuing policies and programmes that would promote shared prosperity, inclusive development and improved living standards for all Ekiti citizens.

“Together, we shall continue to work towards shared prosperity for all Ekiti citizens and make our dear state the number-one destination of choice for those seeking a place to live, work, invest and relax,” the Governor said.

He concluded by reiterating his profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and goodwill towards Ekiti State.

“Once again, we thank our dear President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“May God continue to bless Ekiti State. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”, the statement added.

OYEBANJI MAKES FIRST APPOINTMENT, RE-APPOINTS SSG, COS, CPS.

OYEBANJI MAKES FIRST APPOINTMENT, RE-APPOINTS SSG, COS, CPS.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the re-appointment of Prof. Habibat Adubiaro as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff, and Mr Olayinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary (CPS), following his inauguration for a second term in office on Friday.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, are the first made by the Governor since his inauguration.

Prof. Adubiaro, a Professor of Chemistry and seasoned administrator, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan. She obtained her master’s degree and PhD from the University of Ado-Ekiti, now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, in 2004 and 2010, respectively.

She began her professional career at the defunct Oodua Textile Industry, Ado-Ekiti, in 1995, shortly after completing her National Youth Service. In 1999, she joined the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, where she spent several years teaching and advancing through the academic ranks.

In February 2013, she joined the Federal University Oye-Ekiti as a Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Chemistry. Her academic career culminated in her promotion to the rank of Professor of Chemistry, officially announced in January 2025, with effect from October 1, 2022.

Her research interests include food chemistry and organic synthesis, particularly the chemical composition, nutritional properties and functional characteristics of plant-derived food materials.

Prof. Adubiaro has a longstanding record of public service in Ekiti State. She previously served as Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the Ekiti State Governor between 2003 and 2004 before her appointment as Secretary to the State Government by Governor Oyebanji on October 16, 2022.

As SSG, she played a central coordinating role in the state administration, bringing her experience in governance, institutional administration and policy implementation to bear on government operations.

Mr Adebayo, the re-appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor, hails from Usi-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State. A former banker and financial management expert, he combines academic training in Forest Resources Management and Agricultural Economics with advanced business education and extensive experience in banking, corporate management and public service.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. He subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, United States. He has also attended executive programmes at Harvard Business School, INSEAD and the Kellogg School of Management.

Adebayo began his professional career at Arthur Andersen, where he gained experience in accounting, auditing and financial consultancy across various industries. He later worked with Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management Group in Los Angeles, United States, gaining experience in investment management and wealth advisory services.

He subsequently built a career in commercial banking, serving in various leadership and specialist roles at Wema Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the defunct Enterprise Bank, where he served as Executive Director.

In November 2022, Adebayo joined the Oyebanji administration as Special Adviser on Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management. He was appointed Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management in August 2023, contributing to budgeting, economic planning, fiscal coordination, development planning and performance monitoring.

On December 31, 2024, Governor Oyebanji appointed him Chief of Staff, effective January 2, 2025. In that capacity, he supported the coordination of executive administration, facilitated engagement between the Governor’s Office and other government institutions, and helped drive the implementation of government priorities.

Mr Oyebode, the re-appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, has extensive experience in journalism, media management and strategic communication.

A graduate of English and Literary Studies from the then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, (now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti), Oyebode holds a master’s degree in Peace and Security Studies from the same institution. He is also an alumnus of the International Journalism Institute, Berlin, Germany, and the Austria Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), Schlaining, Austria.

He began his journalism career with the Post Express newspaper, Apapa, Lagos, in 1996. He subsequently worked with The Punch and The Nation newspapers, where he rose to the position of Assistant Editor (Politics).

Oyebode joined the Ekiti State Government in December 2010 as Special Assistant on Media to the Governor. He was appointed Chief Press Secretary in June 2011 and served in that capacity until the end of the first administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi in October 2014.

Between 2015 and 2018, he served as Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development. He later returned to Ekiti State as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor from October 2018 to October 2022.

On October 16, 2022, Governor Oyebanji re-appointed him Chief Press Secretary. In 2023, he was additionally appointed Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, combining the two responsibilities until the end of the administration’s first term on October 15, 2026.

Governor Oyebanji congratulated the appointees on their re-appointments and urged them to deploy their wealth of experience, professional expertise and institutional knowledge towards effective service delivery and the continued development of Ekiti State.

Signed: 

Olayinka Oyebode

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

October 16, 2026