NANS Honours Global Takers Foundation President with “National Icon of Youth Empowerment and Humanitarian Excellence” Award.

NANS Honours Global Takers Foundation President with “National Icon of Youth Empowerment and Humanitarian Excellence” Award.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the umbrella body representing over 40 million Nigerian students across tertiary institutions nationwide and in the diaspora, paid a high-level courtesy visit to the President of Global Takers Foundation, Mr. Ayotunde Paul Fasanya, Today 20th June, 2025, at his Abuja office.

During the visit, Mr. Fasanya was presented with the “National Icon of Youth Empowerment and Humanitarian Excellence” award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development, philanthropy, and youth mentorship in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the NANS leadership, Comrade Sadiq S.K. Zango, National Director of Research & Innovation, emphasized that the award was a product of rigorous evaluation and was designed to honour individuals whose efforts have significantly impacted the lives of Nigerian youth and society at large.

“Mr. Fasanya’s life of service, patriotism, and empowerment reflects the ideals and aspirations of Nigerian students. His leadership through Global Takers Foundation is an inspiration and a blueprint for transformative change,” Comrade Sadiq stated.

In his response, Mr. Ayotunde Paul Fasanya expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming his commitment to supporting educational initiatives, national development, and the empowerment of future leaders through mentorship and philanthropic partnerships.

The engagement ended on a collaborative note, with both parties exploring opportunities for future cooperation in the areas of youth capacity building, civic education, and national transformation initiatives.

NANS remains steadfast in its mission to honour excellence, foster leadership, and create meaningful platforms for youth advancement across Nigeria and beyond.

Over 1,000 sickle cell warriors enrolled with Ekiti Health Insurance for free medical care.

Over 1,000 sickle cell warriors enrolled with Ekiti Health Insurance for free medical care.

… As Group honours Oyebanji for pro-people health policy.

Ekiti State Government, through its Health Insurance scheme has registered over 1,000 sickle cell warriors into its programme with the aim of reducing the financial burden on them and  improving their total wellbeing as well as health status.

Disclosing this on Thursday during a public awareness event held in commemoration of the 2025 World Sickle Cell and Blood Donor Day at the College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti, the Executive Director of O.A. Initiative, Dr Ayomide Olanipekun said over 1,000 sickle cell warriors have been registered with the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme 2023 to benefit from the free health services provided by the government, since her organization started collaborating with the state government in 2023.

Dr Olanipekun, who expressed her appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for the unprecedented support received from government since 2023, noted that the testimonies of the warriors across the state particularly about their experience at the Primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities have been that of progress.

She expressed optimism that by 2026 all  sickle cell warriors in the State would have enrolled into the free health scheme to enjoy unfettered health benefits being offered by the state government. This, she said, would be made possible through awareness campaign.

Dr Olanipekun noted that the introduction of the Ekiti State Sickle Cell Policy framework document will help address Sickle Cell Disease and also improve the quality of life for individuals living with the disease, guaranteed by increase in the understanding of the disease.

“At the Centre of every treatment of our warriors is the constant need for blood transfusion, O. A. Initiative has successfully facilitated at least four successful blood donation drives with over 200 pints of blood as a token of intervention for warriors who are in critical crisis. We are proud to announce that EKSUTH Blood bank has deemed it fit to give every sickle cell warrior one pint of blood free whenever the need arises, this is due to our good relationship with them.” 

The highpoint of the event was the presentation an award of recognition to the Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his dedication and commitment to addressing sickle cell disorder in Ekiti state through his people oriented policies which also create awareness and improve care for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.

 

Receiving the award of Ekiti State Warriors’ Doctor on behalf of Governor Oyebanji, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode commended the organizers of the programme for their foresight and initiative of bringing succour to those facing the challenges of sickle cell in the state.

While thanking them for recognizing the Governor for his efforts aimed at repositioning the health sector and drive inclusion, Mr Oyebode, who reiterated the commitment of Governor Oyebanji’s administration to the realization of his mantra of shared prosperity, also said that government would continue to deliver on policies that will enliven the hearts of all Ekiti residents in the drive to give them sense of belonging.

 

The Governor’s media aide who said he was impressed by the testimonies of the warriors, which showed that the health insurance scheme of the government had saved many of the warriors from financial embarrassment, pain and hardship associated with sickle cell management.

 

 “I can hear the testimonies of people saying how they have benefitted from the health insurance scheme and how it impacted their lives positively by not spending their money on these health challenges again as a result of having access to free medical treatment.” Mr Oyebode affirmed.

Earlier, a panel comprising a member of the House of Assembly, Hon Ayo Adegbite; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State chapter,  Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye; President, Medical Women’s Association, Dr Bola Dele Ojo; Director General, Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso had stressed the need for legislations that would help incorporate Genotype into the National Identity card and other national documents. They also called for more awareness in churches, mosques and schools, while also making a case for well equipped referral centre for sickle cell warriors.

In his keynote address, a professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, Prof. Oladele Olatunya commended Governor Oyebanji for his positive policy direction in the care of people living with sickle cell by capturing them in the government sponsored Health Insurance scheme that offered them free Medicare at all levels of health facilities in the state.

The Keynote speaker affirmed that the policy of government had helped reduced the financial burdens encountered by the affected families and provided them with a new lease of life.

BAO Administration: Touching Every Corner, Changing Every Life

BAO Administration: Touching Every Corner, Changing Every Life.

...As Ekiti kete Drum Support Continuity Till 2030.

The administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has emerged as a symbol of visionary leadership, purposeful development, and people-centered governance across Ekiti State. From the remote rural communities to the bustling heart of Ado Ekiti, BAO’s impactful touch is evident, changing lives, restoring hope, and setting new standards in responsive governance.

One of the administration’s most celebrated milestones is the reconnection of 21 long-neglected communities to the national electricity grid. Communities such as Ijan, Ilumoba, Aisegba, Agbado, Imesi, Odo, Isinbode, Egbe, Iro Ayeteju, and Omuo in Aiyekire and Ekiti East LGAs, many of whom endured over a decade of total blackout, now enjoy steady electricity. This was made possible through the installation of over 100 kilometers of electrical conductors and poles and the rehabilitation of 40 transformer substations. More than just power, this restoration brought with it renewed economic activities, social revival, and a rekindling of communal hope.

In his commitment to infrastructure development, Governor Oyebanji is on a mission to connect every part of Ekiti through resilient and enduring road networks. Over 22 major road projects have been completed or are ongoing including:

● Ikole Township Road

● GRA Third Extension Dualization

● Omisanjana Sije Ajebamidele Road

● Ilawe Erijiyan Road

● Igbara Odo Ikogosi Road

● Ado Ilawe Road

● Igede Ilawe Road

● Itapaji Ijelu Omuo Road

● Ado Iworoko Ifaki Dualization

● Ekiti Ring Road Project

● Iloro Ijunrin Road

● Ikere Igbara Odo Road

● Moferere Agric Olope Odo Ado Road

● And several more under the RAAMP rural access scheme.

Particularly, the Ekiti Ring Road Phase One, which connects Iworoko to the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Airport, is unlocking New City expansion and decongesting Ado Ekiti — a major stride in the state’s urban renewal plan.

In the health sector, BAO’s administration has made governance a vehicle for human dignity. Key interventions include:

● Renovation and equipping of general hospitals

● Establishment of adapted classrooms in special schools

● Creation of a Government Therapy Centre for children with disabilities

● Renovation of the Dialysis Centre at EKSUTH and installation of a mammogram machine

● Recruitment of 500 new health professionals

● Distribution of assistive devices including 50 wheelchairs, 100 white canes, 10 CP chairs, and 10 crutches

● Enrollment of 3.6 million residents in the Ulerawa Health Insurance Scheme

In the education sector, BAO recognizes that the path to a prosperous Ekiti lies in the empowerment of its youth. As a result, his administration:

● Paid WAEC fees for over 50,000 students (2023 to 2025)

● Sponsored thousands of students for NABTEB and JAMB exams

● Employed hundreds of new teachers at both primary and secondary levels

● Continues targeted recruitment to close existing manpower gaps

These efforts ease financial burdens on parents and invest directly in the next generation of leaders.

Governor Oyebanji’s bond with the civil service and the broader workforce remains unbreakable. His administration has ensured:

● Timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities

● Expanded employment across healthcare, education, and empowerment sectors

● Implementation of youth and women-focused skill acquisition initiatives

His humility and lifestyle reflect his character as a servant-leader. While others mark birthdays with extravagance, BAO celebrates in silence, directing birthday gifts to special schools and dedicating his spare time to worship and grassroots engagement rather than elitist pageantry.

Governor Oyebanji is not just building roads and schools. He is building people. His inclusive, peaceful, and progressive leadership is healing communities, opening new possibilities, and preparing Ekiti for global relevance.

To mention just a few of Governor Oyebanji’s impactful projects would be to understate his far-reaching transformation agenda. His touch across all sectors politically, economically, and socially has triggered an overwhelming show of support for his continuity in office. Ekiti Kete have spoken loud and clear. Continuity is the goal.

This is not politics as usual. This is purpose in action.

Together Let BAO Finish What He Started

Together Let’s March On With BAO Till 2030.

Together Let Ekiti Kete Rise Higher.

Olamide Akinwumi, writes from Ado-Ekiti

Atayero Urges Oyebanji to Leverage AI for Economic Growth, Sponsors 100 Residents for Training.

Atayero Urges Oyebanji to Leverage AI for Economic Growth, Sponsors 100 Residents for Training.

The Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, His Royal Highness, M’oba Olusegun Aderemi, has called on the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic tool for economic transformation in the state.

The traditional ruler made the call on Wednesday during the closing ceremony of a free, three-day AI training programme sponsored by him for over 100 residents of Aramoko at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Centre located at Glory Model Schools, Aramoko-Ekiti.

Speaking with journalists at the event, Aderemi, who also doubles as the Nigerian Regional President of the Occupational Safety and Health Association, said the state must move in tandem with global trends, stressing that AI holds the key to unlocking numerous economic potentials in Ekiti.

“Artificial Intelligence is the new goldmine. It can increase revenue, boost productivity, and improve governance if fully harnessed. I urge Governor Oyebanji to integrate AI into the state’s developmental blueprint,” he said.

According to him, the youth cannot afford to remain ignorant of the emerging wave of digital innovation. “Any youth who doesn't understand AI is already behind. The usefulness of AI is endless; it is the path to financial independence and economic empowerment,” the monarch said.

Aderemi, in a surprising twist, also linked recent killings in Benue State to a lack of proactive intelligence. He argued that such attacks could be mitigated through the deployment of AI-powered surveillance technologies like drones.

“I attribute the Benue massacre to low intelligence. With full intelligence powered by AI, potential threats can be identified and neutralised before they escalate. We only react after attacks, and that has to change,” he declared.

The event, which attracted a number of dignitaries, also witnessed the presentation of certificates to outstanding participants. The training covered areas such as cybersecurity, digital marketing, machine learning, and prompt engineering.

Mr. Adefisoye Adesola Diligent, President of the Nigerian Entrepreneurship Youth Initiative and lead trainer at the programme, said the goal was to equip Aramoko youths with globally relevant digital skills.

“They have been taught how to control AI through prompt engineering, how to protect themselves online, and how to market their businesses globally using digital tools,” he explained.

Some of the participants who spoke to newsmen expressed gratitude to the monarch and organisers for the rare opportunity.

Joseph Fajuyigbe described the programme as “life-changing,” noting that he now feels more confident navigating the tech space, while Esther Olaniyi said the training was an eye-opener and that the certificate earned would give her an edge in the job market.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were dignitaries including Mr. Ayodele Adeyanju, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Digital Economy; Mr. Ayodele Akande, Technical Assistant on Digital Communication to the Governor; Mr. Bamidele Jegede, State Director of Admin and Supplies; and Mr. Ogunbiyi Ahmed, a digital marketing facilitator.

Other guests included Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Professor Mojisola Oyaregua, former Provost of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti; Pastor Gabriel Olaniyan, Proprietor of Glory Model Schools; Pastor Fatuade; Prophet James Omitade; Mrs. Olubunmi Laniyan; Mrs. Mercy Adebayo; and Prince Pedro Adebayo.

Outstanding among the participants.

They all commended M’oba Aderemi for his steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

The Atayero used the occasion to appeal to indigenes of Aramoko both home and abroad to contribute meaningfully to the town’s progress. “Development is not the duty of government alone. We all have a role to play,” he said.

Below are the pictures of the event:

The participants which cut across Ekiti and Osun States.

Outstanding among the participants.

Ekiti Advances in $22m USDA-Funded Cocoa Rejuvenation Programme.

Ekiti Advances in $22m USDA-Funded Cocoa Rejuvenation Programme.

Ekiti State continues to benefit from the $22 million Cocoa Rejuvenation Programme funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), having been actively involved in the initiative since 2023.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, stated in Ado-Ekiti that the programme, implemented through the USDA-funded TRACE Project, has already seen significant groundwork in Ekiti, including the profiling, grouping, and extensive training of cocoa farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices.

According to him, staff of the Ministry have also undergone several trainings and capacity-building sessions to ensure effective delivery of the project’s goals.

The latest phase of the programme, which commenced this week, involves the free distribution of 1,794 hybrid cocoa seedlings—including improved clones such as NT1, RV2, TC8, RV23, NT2, RV22, and RV1—to selected farmers in the state. 

Further distributions are scheduled for Ise and Omuo Ekiti, where trained farmers will also receive high-yield hybrid cocoa seedlings and tree seedlings at no cost, as part of efforts to enhance productivity and boost sustainable cocoa farming in the state.

A seed tracker system was deployed during the exercise to ensure transparency, monitor growth, and track performance.

Boluwade emphasized that the TRACE Project is in line with the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration’s 10-year strategic plan to reposition Ekiti as one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states by 2034. He added that the ongoing support for farmers, including the supply of hybrid and grafted seedlings, will continue through 2027, reinforcing the state’s commitment to agricultural transformation.

Ekiti Creative Artists Forum declare support for Oyebanji’s re- election.

Ekiti Creative Artists Forum declare support for Oyebanji’s re- election.

….as Prof Adubiaro urges Voters to update their PVCs.

As the race for the 2026 Gubernatorial election gathers momentum, the Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof.  Habibat Adubiaro has called on eligible voters in the state to update their Permanent Voter Cards at the appropriate INEC designated centres. 

Prof Adubiaro spoke in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital on Thursday, just as another prominent group- Ekiti Creative Artists Forum, visited the Governor’s Office to formally endorse Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office. 

Members of the Forum, which has about 16 associations, including the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Movie Makers Association, Society of Nigerian Artists, traditional Musician Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, PMAN amongst others, said they were moved by the Governor’s excellent performance for their decision. 

Prof Adubiaro who welcomed them on behalf of the Governor said their show of solidarity was another attestation to the multi-faceted impact of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji  administration across various sectors which has significantly improved the socio-economic and infrastructural growth of the State.

The Secretary to the State Government urged residents whose polling units are far from where they reside to update their PVCs during the next INEC registration exercise to enable them vote and ensure the victory of Governor Oyebanji in the election scheduled for June 20, 2026. 

The SSG said: "I want to use this opportunity to enjoin all of us here to collect our PVCs. There is no other way to appreciate Governor Oyebanji than to collect your PVCs, because we know some people have relocated from the areas they registered as voters, so let's go and get our voters cards, so that we will go to the poll at once and vote for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to come back for another four years,"

She urged them to remain firm and continue to propagate the gospel of BAO across the nooks and crannies of the state to enjoy more deliverables as encapsulated under the Shared Prosperity mantra. 

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Inter-Party Affairs, High Chief Jide Awe said Yoruba traditional culture is well rooted in Ekiti, and commended members of various groups and associations under the umbrella of Ekiti Creative Artists Forum for the endorsement.

Chief Awe who maintained that Governor Oyebanji had fulfilled all the promises made to Ekiti people, assured that he will not disappoint them in the next dispensation.

Earlier, the representatives of the various groups under the forum, Chief Ojo Olowojolu, Associate Professor Mike Adeloye, Mr Gbenga Apadidun, Chief Ayodele Ilesanmi had commended the various achievements recorded by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in their Arts, Culture and Creative Economy sector as well as other critical sectors which they noted are evident for all to see.

They promised their total support for the Governor, adding that they will canvass more votes towards ensuring its victory in next year’s Gubernatorial election.

The Commissioner for Arts and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Ojo Bakare who led the team to the Governor’s office on behalf of the State Creative Artists hailed the artists for the endorsement.

Venite University Holds Second Matriculation, Charges Fresh Students on Excellence, Leadership.

Venite University Holds Second Matriculation, Charges Fresh Students on Excellence, Leadership.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, on Wednesday, hosted its second matriculation ceremony, formally welcoming over 250 newly admitted students into its various academic programmes for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The colourful event, held at the university auditorium, marked a significant milestone in the lives of the students and reinforced the institution’s growing stature within Nigeria’s private education sector.

The ceremony was graced by a host of dignitaries, including traditional rulers, top government functionaries, academics, and community leaders, who witnessed the administration of the matriculation oath by the Registrar, Dr Ezekiel A. Agbaje. The oath-taking signified the official induction of the students into the university community.

Notable among the traditional rulers in attendance were the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti, Oba Oluwafemi Olugbesoye; the Oluroye of Iroko-Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ekundayo; the Alararomi of Araromi-Ekiti, Oba Babatunde; and the Olujurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola. Their presence underscored the synergy between traditional institutions and educational development in Ekiti State.

Representing the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Her Excellency Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, at the event was the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Peju Babafemi. She conveyed the First Lady’s goodwill message, describing Venite University as a “rising star” in Nigeria’s private education landscape and reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting youth development through education.

In his keynote address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kelvin A. Aduloju, urged the students to embrace a life of excellence, discipline, and innovation throughout their academic journey.

“We are building a new generation of leaders and thinkers,” he said. “Let your time at Venite University be marked by innovation, scholarship, and moral uprightness.”

Several scholars and guests delivered goodwill messages, advising the students to focus on academic excellence, integrity, and purposeful leadership. These included Prof Joyce Olufunke Ogunsanmi of Ekiti State University; Dr F.A. Bello and Dr O.I. Bamikole of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI); Dr S.K. Ekundayo of Federal University Oye-Ekiti; and Prof Haastrup Ekundayo of EKSU.

Also present were the JAMB Coordinator, Mr Olukayode S. Dada; the JAMB Head of Matriculation, Mr Ishola Ganiyu Babaita; and a member of the university’s Governing Council and CEO of Value Ingredient Ltd, Prince Dr Olabode Adetoyi.

Development advocates including Hon Fola Richie-Adewusi and Hon Modupe Bakare, Chairperson of Irewolede LCDA, also inspired the freshers with words of encouragement, urging them to be goal-driven and socially responsible.

The spiritual segment of the event featured prayers and blessings led by Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) Tunde Abdullahi, Regional Pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 25, alongside other ministers. They committed the new academic session into God’s hands.

Speaking on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mrs Olufunmilola I. Nwanguma charged the students to take ownership of their academic and personal development, describing them as future ambassadors of the university’s legacy.

The university founders, Hon Dr (Mrs) Vincent Kolawole, received special recognition for their vision and relentless dedication to building a world-class university in Iloro-Ekiti.

Director of Pre-Degree and Outreach Programmes, Professor Michael S. Omirin, assured parents and guardians of the university’s continued commitment to holistic student development in both academics and character.

As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and renewed purpose. With the successful conduct of its second matriculation, Venite University continues its steady rise as a centre of academic excellence, leadership, and innovation for Ekiti State, Nigeria, and beyond.

https://veniteuniversity.edu.ng/2025/06/20/2024-2025-matriculation-venite-university-matriculates-nearly-270-students-at-second-ceremony/