FROM PLANK BRIDGE TO MODERN BRIDGE: APC CHIEFTAIN OGUNLEYE DELIVERS LIFELINE BRIDGE TO A COMMUNITY IN ADO-EKITI.

FROM PLANK BRIDGE TO MODERN BRIDGE: APC CHIEFTAIN OGUNLEYE DELIVERS LIFELINE BRIDGE TO A COMMUNITY IN ADO-EKITI.

A community development advocate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ado-Ekiti, Arch. Tope Ogunleye, RST, on Saturday got a bridge he facilitated and constructed for residents of Peace Estate/Gilead Quarters along Ilawe Road, Ado-Ekiti, as part of his commitment to grassroots development and improved living conditions of his immediate environment.

The bridge, commissioned yesterday, August 1, 2026, is expected to end years of hardship experienced by residents and motorists who had suffered direct link to the main road for years due to lack of bridge across a stream at the community. The only access option directly to the main road was a pedestrian plank bridge erected on the stream by the community who's waiting for government intervention. 

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, a community leader, Chief Ologunja and Prof. Bifatife described the project as a life-changing intervention that had restored hope to residents of the estate.

He recalled that the road had remained inaccessible for years, making movement extremely difficult to connect to the main road, but noted that God had used Arch. Ogunleye to provide a lasting solution through the construction of a bridge.

The Cleric representing the head of the pastorate of CAC Ogba Alafia expressed gratitude to Arch. Ogunleye and his family for the humanitarian gesture, praying that God would continue to bless and reward them abundantly. He also commended community leaders for their cooperation throughout the execution of the project and encouraged the APC chieftain not to relent in his commitment to community development.

Another Leader in  the community Chief. Opeyemi, the Omosio of Ado Ekiti and Hon Ogunsakin(Super) paid glowing tribute to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, for promoting peace and unity across the kingdom, particularly, as regards the establishment of Peace Estate.

Elder Ogunsakin(Super) described Arch. Ogunleye as a true Omoluabi and worthy son of Ado-Ekiti whose acts of generosity have touched lives across the city of Ado Ekiti without discrimination on religion, gender, age or social status.

According to him, Ogunleye's unwavering love for humanity has continued to earn him admiration from all walks of life, adding that his good works would remain a lasting legacy. He also praised Ogunleye's wife for standing firmly behind her husband and supporting his vision for community service.

Residents of the community thereafter united in prayers for God's continued protection, wisdom and prosperity upon the Ogunleye family in appreciation of the landmark project.

In his address, Arch. Ogunleye said his passion for selfless service was inspired by the leadership style of His Excellency Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

He explained that the bridge project was in line with Governor Oyebanji's Shared Prosperity Agenda, which seeks to ensure that the dividends of good governance reach every community across Ekiti State.

He urged individuals that has the means to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities, stressing that no act of kindness or service is too small when it is aimed at improving the lives of others. He stated that a live of no impact is a live of no value.

Arc. Ogunleye thanked Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Ogundare for being the pathfinder for the road before the thought of the bridge. The Chairman and Proprietress of Phaybee-Ville group of schools has constantly maintaining the access road up to the stream point.

The APC chieftain also commended Governor Oyebanji's inclusive leadership and extensive infrastructural development across the state, noting that the administration's people-centred approach continues to inspire citizens to complement government's efforts in advancing sustainable community development.

Lastly Arch. Tope Ogunleye Thank his Beautiful wife, Mrs. Adekemi Ogunleye for her support always whenever he plan to do anything for people and community, and prayed for God’s protection over their union.

Also present at the event are the residents of Gilead Quarters lead by the Chairman. Pastor of CAC , Ogba Alafia 3 and other well wishers.

AAUA's 68th Inaugural: Prof. Eludoyin to Explore Human Element in Climate Equation.

AAUA's 68th Inaugural: Prof. Eludoyin to Explore Human Element in Climate Equation.

All is set for the 68th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, to be delivered by a Professor of Climatology, Oyenike Mary Eludoyin of the Department of Geography and Planning Sciences.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the lecture will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in the University Multipurpose Hall. 

The 68th Inaugural Lecture, which will be the first to be presided over by the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, is titled "The Human Element in the Climate Equation: Navigating Thermal Stress and Environmental Health in a Warming Nigeria."

It is scheduled to commence at 2:00 p.m., while guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Prof. Eludoyin began her academic journey with a Bachelor of  Science ( Edu. ) i n Education/Geography from the Adeyemi College of Education,  Ondo (now the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo), in 1999. 

She subsequently earned a Master of Science in Geography (Climatology) from the University of Ibadan in 2003 and later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Climatology from the same institution in 2015. 

She joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2005 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Planning Sciences and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2021. Throughout her distinguished academic career, she has made significant contributions to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, mentorship, and academic advisory services.

An internationally-recognised scholar, Prof. Eludoyin has authored a book, contributed chapters to scholarly publications, and published over 45 peer-reviewed research articles in reputable national and international journals. She has actively participated in numerous research initiatives, with several completed studies awaiting publication and multiple research projects currently in progress.

Her outstanding academic profile has earned her several grants, scholarships, and professional recognitions, including TETFund sponsorships for Ph.D. research analysis at Rothamsted Research, Harpenen, United  K ingdom (2011); and a specialised short course  at  the University of Exeter , United Kingdom (2014).

Prof. Eludoyin has participated extensively in academic engagements within and outside Nigeria, particularly in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. She is an active member of several renowned professional organisations, including the Nigerian Geographical Association (NGA), Nigerian Meteorological Society (NMS), American Geophysical Union (AGU), International Society of Biometeorology (ISB), African Academic Network (AAN), and the National Association of Women Academics (NAWAC).

OYEBANJI: WHY WE ARE HONOURING FORMER EKITI GOVERNORS WITH LEGACY PROJECTS.

OYEBANJI: WHY WE ARE HONOURING FORMER EKITI GOVERNORS WITH LEGACY PROJECTS.

…As Fayemi commissions edifice named after him.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has offered explanations on why his administration decided to immortalise former governors of the State by naming newly constructed legacy projects after them.

Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the ultramodern Kayode Fayemi Lodge at the Government House Complex, Ado-Ekiti which was named after his immediate predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor Oyebanji said none of the former governors who had served before him named any project after themselves while in office, hence the decision of his administration to honour them with some legacy projects.

The commissioning was witnessed by the former Governor, Dr Fayemi, who unveiled the plaque and cut the tape of the new edifice, accompanied by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi. The Deputy Governor, Chief  (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Chairman, Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council/ Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, HRM Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado; and State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Sola Elesin.

Oyebanji explained that the Kayode Fayemi Lodge was the first of the newly constructed legacy projects to be named after the former Governors as a mark of honour and recognition for their selfless service to the State, adding that the one named after former Governor Ayodele Fayose would be commissioned on Monday while another one to be named after former Governor Segun Oni is due for commissioning at a later date.

The Ekiti State Governor used the opportunity of the ceremony to provide an insight into the economic agenda of his second term, stressing that the infrastructures and facilities being put in place would help attract big-time investors to the State.

"Today we are saying that our own prophet is valued by his people, what we are doing today is just to say thank you for your service to Ekiti State, for your service to Nigeria, and for your service to the world."

Recalling his time as Secretary to the State Government during the second term of Dr Fayemi administration, Governor Oyebanji disclosed that the former governor rejected a proposal to name a government edifice after himself and instead named it after the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Fayemi, according to Oyebanji, insisted then that it was the duty of future administrations to determine whether he was deserving of the honour of naming a monument after him or not.

He explained that the new project aligns with Ekiti’s 30-Year Development Plan stating that the second term agenda of his administration will prioritize crowding the state with investors and supporting small businesses.

Governor Oyebanji also reaffirmed his commitment to creating an enabling environment and ecosystem that will drive investment, support productivity, and ensure that Ekiti plays host to big businesses.

“This is not a mere building, it is part of the infrastructure to drive shared prosperity, the second term of this administration will be devoted to supporting businesses, to ensure that we create an atmosphere that drives productivity, because it is only when an economy is productive that wealth can be created.", the Governor added.

Highlighting ongoing investments, Governor Oyebanji listed roads, the airport, electricity, and water as building blocks of industrialization, adding that investors consistently ask questions about safe and decent accommodation for long stays in the State. He lamented that on many occasions the state have had guests that had to arrive Ekiti State and go back the same day because of lack of decent accommodation.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal support that has enabled projects across the state stressing that the resources the President has made available are part of why his government was able to do all those things that made Ekiti residents vote for him.

Calling for reciprocity, the governor urged Ekiti people to mobilize massively for the President in the next election and set a new target of 600,000 votes for him. " I believe we are going to get 600,000 this time, because those who contested against the ruling party in the last election have now declared support for the President, describing the coming election as "one state, one party, one candidate." He stated.

 

Oyebanji who described Dr Fayemi as a boss, leader, benefactor,  teacher and a man of honour, said the inauguration of the Kayode Fayemi Lodge was a gesture to say "thank you" for the selfless service rendered by the former governor across two terms he served and to prove that he (Fayemi) is a "prophet that is valued at home."

Apparently elated by the honour, former Governor Fayemi who described the lodge as "a magnificent edifice" thanked his successor for his thoughtfulness in not only conceiving the project and seeing it to a logical conclusion, but also extending same gesture to other former governors who had served the state meritoriously.

 

Dr Fayemi recalled that the new Government House constructed during his first administration was named after the former military governor of the old Western State, the late Major General Adeyinka Adebayo; while the Ministry of Finance Complex was named after the renowned Economist, Prof Sam Aluko. He added that newly constructed public schools were also named after distinguished Ekiti patriots like Chief Deji Fasuan, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Prof Banji Akintoye, Prof David Oke, Rt Hon Funminiyi Afuye and a British cleric and educationist, Rev. Harding during his second tenure.

 

Speaking further, Dr Fayemi said the honour done to Ekiti past heroes should inspire the younger Ekiti sons and daughters whom he described as "the successor generation"  to sacrifice for the State for their names to enter into immortality and for them to be remembered for the impact and legacies they would leave behind.

 

The former governor added that Ekiti has succeeded in transitioning from one administration to another and now has the advantage of zero abandonment of project, and continuous project completion under a "brand new Governor" that is committed to the conscientious implementation of the state's 30-year development plan.

In their goodwill messages, the Catholic Bishop, Ekiti Diocese, Rev felix Ajakaiye and the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, thanked former Governor Fayemi for his selfless service to the State and praised Governor Oyebanji for deeming it fit to honour his predecessors in office.

Other dignitaries at the colourful event include the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, the Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye; the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, HRM Oba Gabriel Adejuwon. The Onipole of Ipole-Ekiti, HRM Oba Babatola Oladele; Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev Olusola Ajayi; President General, League of Imam and Alfas, Southwest, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu kewulere; President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Adeyinka Aribasoye; former Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari; members of the State Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Chairmen of local government  and market women leaders, among others