Mastercard Foundation, IDH Partner Ekiti to Deepen Cassava Value Chain Development.

Mastercard Foundation, IDH Partner Ekiti to Deepen Cassava Value Chain Development.

The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a secure and enabling environment for agribusiness investors, as the Mastercard Foundation and IDH Netherlands visited the state’s Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) to assess progress in cassava value chain development.

In Pic: Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, gave the assurance during the visit, describing the organisations as critical partners in the state’s drive to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth.

Boluwade said the government would continue to support investors and ensure adequate security for farming communities to enhance sustainable agribusiness operations.

He added that the state was also prioritising support for programme participants, particularly young women, through the provision of mechanisation services aimed at improving productivity and efficiency.

The assessment tour took the delegation to Itapaji and Iyemero Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area, where youths participating in the Mastercard Foundation-funded WISE programme turned out in large numbers to receive the visitors.

The delegation included the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation in Nigeria, Ms. Rose Fynn, and the Global Director of IDH Netherlands, Mr. Kebba Coiley. They inspected project sites at Promise Point Farm in Itapaji and FMS Farms Ltd in Iyemero.

Speaking during the visit, Fynn commended the participating youths for their commitment and performance, noting that their level of engagement was encouraging.

In the same vein, Coiley expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the programme and the positive feedback from beneficiaries.

The WISE (Women in Sourcing Enterprise) programme is designed to create employment opportunities for youths, especially women aged between 18 and 35, within the cassava value chain.

No fewer than 7,500 beneficiaries are currently participating in the programme through four partner organisations in the state: FMS Farms Ltd, Promise Point Farm, ABAAS and Value Ingredients Ltd.

Funded by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by IDH, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in the state.

IDH, an international organisation established in 2008 in the Netherlands, partners with public and private sector stakeholders to develop sustainable agricultural markets, improve smallholder livelihoods and promote fair working conditions.

2027: Ekiti is Secured for Tinubu, Oyebanji Boasts.

2027: Ekiti is Secured for Tinubu, Oyebanji Boasts.

....as President's support group distributes 1,600 bags of rice.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has boasted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the state with massive votes in the impending  2027 presidential poll, saying the  victory will be secured  on account of landmark projects and juicy  appointments he allotted to Ekiti that have impacted positively on people's lives. 

Oyebanji was elated that the solid collaboration between his government and the federal government is mutually beneficial, advising Ekiti residents to continually back the President to ramp up such benefits and ensure they continue unabated.  

The Governor spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Monday, during the flag off of the distribution of 1600 bags of rice to the residents, by a pro-Tinubu group "Renewed Hope Ambassadors" to galvanize support for President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji. 

Those captured as beneficiaries from the food palliatives were majorly traders, people with disabilities, low income earners, drivers, civil servants, youth groups, among others  

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, applauded the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for its steely commitment to the growth of the All Progressives Congress and efforts to position the party to win the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State and the 2027 presidential election. 

Oyebanji , who hailed the philanthropic gesture, expressed unshakeable belief that the empowerment will go a long way in complementing efforts being taken by his government to make lives easier for the citizens.

Predicting the 2027 election, Oyebanji exuded confidence that President Tinubu will defeat his opponents with wide margin in Ekiti, assuring that the state will surpass the 500,000 votes threshold set by the APC.

"We are indeed grateful to the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for its commitment to ensuring that the party continues to dominate politics and governance in Nigeria and in Ekiti State beyond 2026 and 2027. 

"Ekiti is sure and secured for President Tinubu. We are going to use the June 20 governorship election to send a signal that President Tinubu is loved by our people . We appreciate the level of projects and juicy appointments our people have enjoyed under this government. 

"We are assuring President Tinubu that our people shall reciprocate all the good deeds we have enjoyed under his leadership. As far as I know, Ekiti is a done deal for him".

Justifying while Ekiti electorate should reelect President Tinubu, the Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassador and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, appreciated the President over speedy completion Ado-Ikere-Akure road and for setting machinery in motion for the reconstruction of Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road. 

Awe said since the advent of democracy in 1999, Ekiti had not savoured  plum federal appointments as being witnessed  under Tinubu presidency, saying the electorate must show appreciation through their votes for the APC in every election. 

The former APC State Chairman, assured that the empowerment  is not going to be a one-off benefit, saying he has secured assurance from President  Tinubu that the intervention will be carried out at regular interval to buffer the economic hardship on the people. 

"In terms of solid infrastructures and appointments, Ekiti has not done badly under Tinubu Presidency.  What we have not witnessed before are happening in Ekiti positively. 

"Renewed Hope Ambassadors has Representatives up to the unit level, so we are working hard to galvanize support for President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji ahead of the coming elections.

"We are sitting the 'Ts' and crossing the 'Is'. We are running the campaigns of our president and Governor Oyebanji together. We are happy, because we have a president who is working hard to reduce poverty in our nation. Through solid infrastructures, he is linking Lagos to Calabar and Badagry to Sokoto.

"Our people must understand that all these can't start bearing fruits within three months, it will take a while. All these roads are concrete laid. When he took over, Lagos-Ibadan road  was half way done, but he has completed it. Akure-Ife-Ibadan road is nearing completion. 

"Let me say  this loudly, the re-elections  of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji are a done deal in Ekiti. These are not victories that will be given by emotion, but by performance and what our people have been able to benefit". 

Lending their voices, the commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide and Special Adviser on Mobilisation and Gender Matters , Mrs Kemi Olaleye , expressed confidence that the opposition parties will be trounced in Ekiti Guber poll and the 2027 presidential elections.

They were emphatic  that the aggressive mobilisation being spearheaded by the party will make the APC surpasses the 500,000  votes projection  set by the party in the impending elections. 

"APC is a political party with experience. We know where the votes are. The votes are at the grassroots and that is where we are going to canvass for votes, not on the social media where our opponents are always rushing to. President Tinubu will win the 2027 election, it is sure because Nigerians are with him".

Ekiti North 2 Race: Olarewaju’s Experience and BAO-Aligned Humanitarian Vision in Focus.

Ekiti North 2 Race: Olarewaju’s Experience and BAO-Aligned Humanitarian Vision in Focus.

As political activities intensify ahead of the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II contest, attention continues to shift toward candidates whose records reflect service, capacity, and alignment with the developmental direction of the state government.

Among the frontline contenders is Kunle Ibrahim Olarewaju, whose political journey spanning his time in the House of Representatives and later as Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters has been consistently defined by public service, legislative engagement, and grassroots connection.

Olarewaju’s governance philosophy reflects the humanitarian and development driven agenda of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji BAO, particularly in the areas of people centered governance, inclusive development, and welfare oriented leadership. This alignment places him within a strategic framework that supports ongoing development efforts between the state and federal levels.

During his tenure in the National Assembly, Olarewaju was associated with advocacy for constituency focused initiatives aimed at improving social welfare and strengthening community development structures. His approach reflected a consistent belief that governance must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

Similarly, his role as Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters further deepened his understanding of policy coordination, intergovernmental relations, and legislative executive synergy, skills considered vital in advancing development agendas similar to that of the BAO led administration.

The shared humanitarian outlook between Olarewaju’s political ideology and Governor Oyebanji’s governance framework continues to shape discussions around continuity, collaboration, and sustainable development.

As former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln once noted, “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This principle continues to define expectations of representation in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

In the same spirit, Olarewaju’s blend of experience and ideological alignment positions him to deepen the impact of ongoing reforms and development initiatives.

As the contest progresses, emphasis remains on experience, alignment with state developmental vision, and capacity to deliver as key determinants for effective representation.

#PBATTILL2031

#BAOTILL2030

#IBOLEKANSI

#VICTORYISASSURED

Ikogosi Backs Oyebanji with ₦25m, Mobilises Grassroots for Re-election.

Ikogosi Backs Oyebanji with ₦25m, Mobilises Grassroots for Re-election.

….Community pledges rallies, voter education in mobilisation drive.

A powerful wave of grassroots political support swept through Ikogosi- Ekiti, the hometown of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the Ikogosi Progressives Union (IPU) and the Oyebanji Age Group, Egbe Ayonimofe, rolled out a combined ₦25 million campaign support package for the Governor’s re-election bid.

At a well-attended community engagement, held at the Governor’s residence in Ikogosi, the IPU led the charge with a ₦20 million donation, alongside 200 customised shirts and face caps, while Egbe Ayonimofe contributed ₦5 million, sending a strong signal of consolidated community backing ahead of the polls.

Speaking on behalf of the IPU, its President, Mr. Agbaje Olusola, described the gesture as more than financial support, calling it a firm political endorsement of a leader they described as Ikogosi’s pride and a proven performer. 

He cited the Governor’s achievements in infrastructure renewal, social investment, and inclusive governance, noting that his administration has remained firmly rooted in grassroots engagement.

On its part, Egbe Ayonimofe, led by its President, Deacon Ojo Ogunsesin, reaffirmed its confidence in the Governor’s leadership, describing him as a unifying force and dependable ally of the community. 

Deacon Ogunsesin attested to the fact that Governor Oyebanji consistently participates in the monthly contributions of the age group and regularly hosts their meetings.

He noted that Oyebanji’s accessibility, consistent support, and personal connection with members have strengthened unity and deepened trust in his administration.

In a further demonstration of support and commitment, both groups unveiled plans for a series of high-energy rallies across Ikogosi and neighbouring communities aimed at deepening grassroots mobilisation and expanding support for the Governor. 

They also announced a major community rally scheduled for May 2, 2026, to which they formally invited the Governor and members of his campaign council, adding that the event would be a veritable platform for voter education and public sensitisation.

Beyond political mobilisation, Egbe Ayonimofe also disclosed plans to embark on voter education initiatives, including sensitisation on political awareness and party identification, stressing the need for citizens to clearly distinguish between political platforms ahead of the elections.

Speaking on behalf of the campaign council, Chief Alaba Abejide described the contributions as a resounding vote of confidence in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership and rising popularity. 

Chief Abejide Commended the donors for their display of affection, support and loyalty, and prayed for their continued progress and prosperity.

In his response, an emotionally moved Governor Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation for what he described as a heartfelt demonstration of loyalty, love, and shared ownership of his administration. 

He assured the groups that their support would further strengthen his resolve to deliver greater dividends of democracy across Ekiti State.

“I will not take this trust for granted,” the Governor said, reaffirming his commitment to deepen development efforts and sustain progress across critical sectors.

Further underscoring the political significance of the development, the Director of Media and Communications of the Biodun Oyebanji Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the donation and planned rallies reflect the Governor’s deep and sustained acceptance at the grassroots level. 

Olatunbosun noted that support from communities like Ikogosi continues to grow steadily, driven by trust in the Governor’s leadership and visible impact, adding that the people remain firmly aligned with him as the election approaches.

EKITI SOUTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY I YOUTHS HOLD ENGAGEMENT, ENDORSE BAO/MCA ’26 RE-ELECTION AND OJUAWO ’27 SECOND TERM.

EKITI SOUTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY I YOUTHS HOLD ENGAGEMENT, ENDORSE BAO/MCA ’26 RE-ELECTION AND OJUAWO ’27 SECOND TERM.

Youths of Ekiti South Federal Constituency I convened a well-attended Youth Engagement and Strategic Endorsement Programme, bringing together a broad cross-section of young people, political stakeholders, and community leaders from Ikere, Ekiti South West, and Ise/Orun Local Government Areas.

The event, held at St. Stephen Anglican Church Hall, Erinwa, Ise-Ekiti, provided a vibrant platform for dialogue, civic inclusion, and the strengthening of youth participation in governance across the constituency.

In a major political development, participants unanimously expressed support for the BAO/MCA ’26 re-election bid and endorsed Hon. Rufus Ojuawo ’27, the Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives, for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Stakeholders noted that the endorsement reflects growing confidence in their leadership, as well as recognition of ongoing developmental initiatives and sustained commitment to grassroots engagement.

Youth participants emphasized the importance of continuity in governance, noting that sustained leadership would help consolidate ongoing projects and deepen the impact of policies aimed at youth empowerment and infrastructural development within the constituency.

Themed “Consolidating Progress, Empowering Youth, Securing the Future,” the programme underscored the strategic role of young people in shaping the political and socio-economic trajectory of Ekiti South Federal Constituency I. Participants stressed that meaningful youth engagement remains critical to achieving inclusive governance and long-term development.

The event also served as a rallying call for unity among youths across the three local government areas, urging them to remain actively involved in civic processes and to support initiatives that promote collective progress and stability.

Observers described the engagement as a timely intervention that not only strengthened political alignment within the constituency but also reinforced the growing influence of youth voices in shaping leadership direction ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The Shield of Loyalty: Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju’s Unwavering Stand for Ekiti’s Progress.

The Shield of Loyalty: Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju’s Unwavering Stand for Ekiti’s Progress.

In the high-stakes arena of Ekiti politics, leadership is defined by those who stand tallest when the storm is fiercest. Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, a distinguished legal mind and the APC candidate for Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2, has recently demonstrated that the collective progress of Ekiti State far outweighs personal ambition. At a pivotal moment when his own campaign for the House of Representatives was in full swing, Hon. Olarewaju made the selfless decision to step away from the podium and into the halls of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Dayo Apata (SAN), Olarewaju was not there on personal business; he was there as a bulwark of moral and support to defend the mandate of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

This presence in court for two consecutive days, during the lawsuits filed by Mrs. Bimbo Olawunmi and the associates of Engr. Kayode Ojo, was both a symbolic and strategic masterstroke. Having personally experienced the sting of a "stolen mandate" in the primaries three years ago, Hon. Olarewaju understands better than anyone the necessity of protecting the people's will from "backdoor" maneuvers. He is a man driven by a deep sense of justice, now resolved to reclaim his own mandate while ensuring the Governor's path remains unobstructed. He is not merely rooting for a leader; he is safeguarding a movement and the very future of Ekiti. He knows the heavy cost of injustice and is determined to ensure that the "Shared Prosperity" agenda remains untouched by those seeking to derail the state’s momentum.

For Hon. Olarewaju, the "Continuity" agenda is the heartbeat of a transforming state, not a mere political slogan. He has witnessed firsthand the revolution under Governor Oyebanji: the modernization of infrastructure connecting our markets to our homes, the agricultural empowerment turning Ekiti into the breadbasket of the West, and the restoration of our pride through revamped education and urban beautification. He believes these hard-won gains are too precious to be jeopardized by political instability. Consequently, his ambition for Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2 is intrinsically tied to the Governor’s success; he views his journey to Abuja as a mission to provide the legislative oxygen needed for the Governor’s vision to thrive.

True leadership is measured by action at the grassroots, and Hon. Olarewaju is currently mobilizing a fortress of support. He has pledged to deliver a staggering 150,000 votes across the three pillars of his constituency, Ido-Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje to cement the Governor’s mandate. He is proving that one can lead a campaign with strategic brilliance while keeping their heart firmly anchored to the state's progress. As a loyal APC stalwart and a legal warrior, he stands as an ardent believer in the Oyebanji vision. By supporting Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, the people are not just electing a representative; they are securing a partner who will ensure that "Shared Prosperity" reaches every household in Ekiti North Constituency 2and beyond.

For Continuity. For Progress. For Ekiti North Constituency 2.

Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju is the answer

WHO IS BAO? 🤔

WHO IS BAO? 🤔

*1. By Title and Office*  

Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) is the sitting Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria. He was elected in 2022 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is now seeking a well-deserved, constitutionally-backed re-election through the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

*2. By Origin and Statehood Connection*  

BAO is an indigene of Ekiti and, as a matter of fact, a founding actor in the creation of the state. He served first as Assistant Secretary and later as substantive Secretary of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State in 1996. As BAO himself puts it: he helped birth the state, and now governs it.

*3. By Political Journey*  

He was at one time Chief of Staff to the Governor; at another time Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Ekiti State; former Commissioner for Integration and Inter-Governmental Affairs; former Chairman, Governing Board, Citations & Assets Management Agency; and a long-time APC loyalist and strategist in Ekiti politics.

*4. By First-Term Record (2022–2026)*  

BAO is the *“Salary-Paying Governor”* who ended the arrears culture. Workers and pensioners receive entitlements as and when due, with quarterly clearance of inherited gratuity.  

BAO is the *“Infrastructure Governor”* – roads, rural roads, and power restoration projects across all 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAs, including the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road.  

BAO is the *“Transparency Governor”* – Ekiti scored 39/39 in Q4 2025, 100/100 as “Progressive Performer” in Q4 2024, and topped the 2026 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index.  

BAO is the *“Security Governor”* – under him, Ekiti ranked the most secured state in Nigeria.  

BAO is the *“Human Capital Governor”* – renovated schools, equipped hospitals, expanded health insurance, launched the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, revived farm settlements, and trained 5,000+ youths with SMEDAN.  

BAO is the *“Gender Balance Governor”* – Deputy Governor, SSG, Head of Service, and key MDAs are led by women.

*5. By People and Court Affirmation*  

BAO is the bona fide candidate of the APC for the June 20, 2026 election, as affirmed by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which struck out suits challenging his candidacy.

*6. By Leadership Style*  

BAO is called the *“Omoluabi Governor”* – humble, accessible, God-fearing. Known for inclusive governance and people-centric policies. He funds “Ojuse BAO” from his monthly salary for cash grants, medical aid, and education support to individuals. BAO is endorsed by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all past governors of Ekiti including Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, Ayo Fayose, and Kayode Fayemi.

*7. By Campaign Identity*  

BAO is *“the candidate of performance, not of propaganda.”* His 2026 campaign is issue-based with a target to win all 177 Wards and garner a minimum of 500,000 votes. The slogan: _“BAO has worked. BAO will do more.”_

*8. By Grassroots Name*  

To market women, BAO is _“Governor wey love us and see us as im mama.”_  

To farmers, BAO is _“Governor wey open rural roads and farm settlements.”_  

To youths, BAO is _“Governor wey give us 1,000 slots for commercial agric and make us IT savvy.”_  

To retirees, BAO is _“Governor wey dey pay gratuity.”_  

To kegites, BAO is _“Comradic Governor wey gavel and street don confam.”_

*9. By Party Position*  

BAO is the leader of the APC in Ekiti State and the unifying figure behind a “formidable, rancour-free campaign” described as intra local government, intra ward, intra unit.

*10. By Vision*  

BAO is the *“Ekiti of My Dream” Governor* – executing a 30-year Agricultural Plan, EKZ tech hub, IPP for industries, and a 2030 shared prosperity roadmap. Term one was stabilization; term two is completion.

*Bottom line:* Biodun Oyebanji, BAO, is the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, APC’s 2026 flagbearer, a founder of Ekiti State, and a first-term governor whose record on salaries, security, transparency, and projects forms the core of his re-election bid.

In politics, arrogance builds walls. Humility builds bridges. On June 20, Ekiti will choose between the arrogance of others and the humility of BAO.

Ekiti has seen both. We had leaders who owed salaries and called it normal. We now have BAO who pays and still says ‘Thank You’.

Arrogant leaders blame the people. Humble leaders blame themselves and fix the problem.

A governor can choose to rule from a palace or serve from the street. BAO chose the street.

BAO is taking over from BAO.

Know this, know peace.

_-SD._