President Tinubu, Gov. Oyebanji Applaud Ondo’s Developmental Strides at 50th anniversary.

President Tinubu, Gov. Oyebanji Applaud Ondo’s Developmental Strides at 50th anniversary.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Ondo State for its remarkable and consistent development over the past fifty years, describing the state as a shining example of steady growth and purposeful leadership in the country.

Speaking at a colourful ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State in Akure, the state capital,  on Tuesday, President Tinubu  said Ondo has demonstrated strong dedication to the advancement of democracy and and progress, especially in the area of education, infrastructure and human capital development, adding that the state’s growth trajectory remains a source of pride to the country. 

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo,  spoke just as Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, praised the resilience , unity, and commitment of the people of the sunshine state, noting that the state has recoded significant achievements across various sectors since its creation in 1976.

The President said: “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ondo State, I hold the people of Ondo State with very high regards, I recognize the resilience, industrial and civic responsibility of Ondo people.

“During the last national election, the people of Ondo State demonstrated remarkable participation, discipline, and commitment to democratic ideals, your engagements strengthen the nation’s democracy and reinforce our believe in purposeful leadership. I deeply appreciate your support and I assure all citizens of Ondo State that my administration remains commuted to  serving Nigerians equitably”.

Also in his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who congratulated the government and the people of Ondo State for sustaining the vision of its founding fathers, acknowledged the state’s consistency in delivering meaningful development, stressing that Ondo has continued to play a vital role in the socio-economic advancement of the South-West region and Nigeria as a whole.

The Governor noted that the progress recorded by Ondo State serves as motivation for other states to remain committed to policies and programmes that enhance the welfare and wellbeing of their citizens.

“I bring greetings from your brothers and sisters in Ekiti State, we started this journey together 50 years ago but 29 years ago we left and we are so grateful to God that Ondo is going up and up and good things are happening in Ondo State. We are so proud of the development strides that Ondo State has achieved”. The Governor asserted.

In his response, Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other dignitaries for joining the state in celebrating its golden jubilee, described the 50th anniversary as a significant milestone that reflects the sacrifices, vision and collective efforts of the founding fathers and successive administrations that have contributed to the growth and transformation of the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the people of Ondo State for their enduring unity, resilience and support for government initiatives over the years and urged them to continue to work together in peace and harmony, assuring that his administration remains focused on building a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for the State.

While noting that Ondo State has made remarkable progress in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and industrial development, the Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining policies and programmes that will further improve the standard of living of residents, attract investments and create opportunities for economic prosperity across the state.

It is recalled that Ondo State, like Ogun and Oyo States, was created from the old Western Region, when the country embraced the 19- state structure in 1976. Ekiti State was carved out of the old Ondo State on October 1, 1996.

Oyebanji Tasks Ekiti Tertiary Institutions on stable academic calendar.

Oyebanji Tasks Ekiti Tertiary Institutions on stable academic calendar.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji,  has charged state-owned universities to ensure a stable and predictable academic calendar as a critical step towards improving the quality of education and restoring public confidence in tertiary education system in the state.

Governor Oyebanji gave the charge on Monday when he  received the senior management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI),  led by the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Babatunde Omojola, at the Governor’s office, Ado -Ekiti. He said  frequent disruption to academic activities usually undermine students’ learning outcome and place unnecessary burden on them as well as their parents and guardians.

The Governor noted that a stable academic calendar would not only enhance academic excellence but also make the Institution more attractive to prospective students, researchers, and development partners, adding that education remains central to his administration’s development agenda. 

He urged university managements, staff, unions leaders and governing council to strengthen dialogue and embrace proactive conflict resolution mechanism to prevent avoidable strikes and prolonged closures that negatively affect students.

The Governor, however, acknowledged BOUESTI’s rising profile as one of the fastest growing state owned Universities in the country, a feat he attributed to the institution’s stable academic calendar, which, according to him, has made it attractive to students and parents.

Congratulating Prof Omojola on his appointment as the second substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, Governor Oyebanji urged him to build on the success of his predecessor in office, Prof Adeoluwa, especially in sustaining the stable academic calendar for which the school is well respected. 

The Governor, who noted that the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment was strictly on merit, expressed confidence in his capacity to consolidate on the existing achievements and further strengthen academic excellence, institutional ability and global competitiveness.

Oyebanji said his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure, staff welfare and institutional reforms that would make the institution globally competitive and comparable with the world’s best universities.

“I am so much happy with what is happening in BOUESTI, I am very proud of the achievements that have been recorded so far. 

“Let me use this opportunity to express my gratitude to other management staff for your corporation and understanding and to the unions and students for being responsible, at least we have managed to have a peaceful atmosphere in the University and one thing that is responsible for your growth is because you have a stable academic calendar. Students know  that when they come to BOUESTI, they will spend four years for a four-year course, and five years for a five-year course, that is why they are rushing to the institution. So, whatever it is going to cost you please make sure  that tradition remains unbroken”, The Governor asserted. 

Earlier in his remarks, the New Vice-Chancellor, Prof Andrew Babatunde Omojola expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for his appointment. Noting that the university’s achievements were largely due to the huge support, visionary leadership and genuine commitment of the Governor toward the development of education in the state.

Highlighting his agenda for the university, Prof Omojola, who said he met the Governor for the very first time some days after his appointment was announced, said his vision is to ensure BOUESTI is ranked among the top ten universities in the country, ranked among the top 100 in Africa, and listed among  the top 1,000 universities globally. These, he said would be achieved through sustained academic excellence, research innovation and institutional stability. 

Also at the meeting were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye, Special Adviser, Tertiary Education, Prof Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, among others

Civic Obligations Remain A Fundamental Responsibility Of Every Staff, Mrs Akinbobola.

Civic Obligations Remain A  Fundamental Responsibility Of Every  Staff, Mrs Akinbobola.

By Asubiojo G .O

Mrs Akinbobola Deborah-Bosede, the Administrative and Accounting Officer  of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government,  has strongly and logically underscored the importance of responsible citizenship alongside professional service. She noted that beyond being discreet, honest, punctual, diligent, relevant, and forthright in the discharge of official duties—which constitute the foundation of staff livelihood and institutional relevance—civil servants must also recognize that these virtues align with societal values and contribute meaningfully to their moral and civic consciousness.

Mrs. Akinbobola made this assertion while addressing Directors and Officers during the regular Monday morning staff gathering and Administrative Management Meeting, where she encouraged staff to actively engage in civic responsibilities expected of them by government and society.

According to her, participation in civic processes is a clear demonstration of patriotism, accountability, and commitment to the collective progress of the state and the nation at large. She further urged staff to take deliberate interest in the democratic process by contributing to the emergence of focused, dynamic, and people-oriented leadership, stressing that civic engagement strengthens governance and reinforces public trust.

In this regard, she encouraged all eligible staff to participate in the ongoing civic registration exercise in Ekiti State as a lawful and responsible step toward affirming their relevance as good citizens and stakeholders in governance. She stated that such involvement reflects appreciation and support for the administration of His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji Abayomi, whose responsive leadership has continued to address the welfare and official needs of civil servants within Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, and the local government service cum State civil service in Ekiti State,while also extending lawful civic support to Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, fondly known as CHENCO, in the forthcoming civic engagements within the state, in June and December, this year.

Mrs. Akinbobola further charged staff to remain committed to continuous self-development through further academic pursuits, emphasizing that personal growth, professional competence, and civic responsibility are interconnected pillars for career advancement, institutional integrity, and sustainable public service delivery.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON EKITI STATE’S 2026 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE BUDGET.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON EKITI STATE’S 2026 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE BUDGET.

…Why the ₦68m Claim Misses the Point.

 

Claims circulating on social media that Ekiti State budgeted only ₦68 million for primary health care (PHC) in 2026 are false and misleading.

They present a distorted picture of health financing in the state and ignore both the structure of the budget and the scale of actual investments made over recent years.

The ₦68 million being quoted refers to one narrow capital budget line item under PHC.

It does not represent total PHC funding, total health funding, or the resources available to primary health care through insurance, personnel costs, donor-supported programmes, or local government spending.

For the avoidance of doubt, Primary Health Care (PHC) is primarily the responsibility of the Local Government Areas (LGAs), though in practice it operates under a shared, tripartite responsibility structure involving local, state, and federal governments. 

The LGs are responsible for the day-to-day management, implementation, and maintenance of PHC centers. They manage the clinics, staff, and provision of basic services such as immunizations, maternal/child care, and health education.

The State Government Coordinates PHC implementation within the state through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency. They are responsible for supervision, setting up the framework, and supporting local governments with personnel and infrastructure.

 

What the 2026 budget actually shows

Health financing in Ekiti State is spread across multiple agencies and funding streams. In the 2026 budget, the total allocation to the health sector is ₦19.65 billion, covering institutions such as:

• Ministry of Health

• Primary Health Care Development Agency

• Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme (EKHIS)

• Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital  

• Hospitals Management Board

• Drugs and Health Supplies Management Agency

• State Agency for the Control of AIDS

When all health-sector votes are considered together, over ₦2 billion is allocated to primary health care in the 2026 budget alone. This amount excludes state investments in the social determinants of health, such as water and sanitation, which are spread across other Ministries. The selective focus on ₦68 million is therefore a misrepresentation of the same budget document. The 2026 health budget will enable the state build on the gains already made and accelerate our goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

What was actually spent

Budgets tell only part of the story. Actual spending shows clearer government priorities:

In 2025, Ekiti State spent over ₦33.7 billion on health, with more than half invested in primary health care.

Major drivers included Ulerawa health insurance payments under EKHIS, renovation of 103 PHCs, commodity procurement, and health worker incentivisation through the World Bank supported IMPACT Project.

Health sector spending in earlier years was also substantial: ₦16.8bn (2024), ₦8.7bn (2023), and ₦25.8bn (2022).

To suggest that ₦68 million reflects the state’s commitment to PHC is therefore demonstrably incorrect.

 

Investment in health workers

Primary health care depends on people, not just buildings:

250 health workers were recruited in 2025, with 150 deployed directly to PHCs. In addition, 300 community health vanguards were recruited to line list every pregnant woman, map them to primary health facilities, and follow up till delivery.

Approval has also been secured for the replacement of over 1,500 health workers, costing ₦1.8 billion annually, most of whom serve at the primary care level.

Rising utilisation and public trust

Service use is one of the strongest indicators of system performance:

• Outpatient visits increased from 1.14 million in 2023 to 2.17 million in 2025.

• 1.85 million of these visits occurred in primary health care facilities.

• 722,025 residents are enrolled under the Ulerawa Free Health Insurance Scheme.

In 2025 alone:

• 10,935 deliveries were conducted free of charge

• 200,369 children were immunised

• 104,278 pregnant women received antenatal care

Impact on health outcomes

Through state funding, insurance, and the IMPACT Project:

• Over 736,000 malaria tests and 591,000 treatments were provided free

• Preventive services reached more than 116,000 pregnant women

These investments have contributed to large reductions in child and maternal mortality across the state.

Conclusion

The claim that Ekiti State budgeted only ₦68 million for primary health care is factually wrong. The evidence shows sustained investment, expanded services, improved staffing, rising utilisation, and better health outcomes.

Public debate on health is important, but it must be grounded in facts. Ekiti State’s health sector record reflects progress and commitment, not neglect, and it deserves to be discussed truthfully.

 

Signed

Mr. Wale Obelewaji

Information Officer

Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services