Ajijola Hails Oyebanji as Ekiti APC Targets 600,000 Votes for Tinubu.

Ajijola Hails Oyebanji as Ekiti APC Targets 600,000 Votes for Tinubu.

Chief Lateef Ajijola, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for inaugurating the state’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the move as a strategic step towards securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ajijola gave the commendation on Friday during the inauguration of the Ekiti State APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti.

The ceremony brought together prominent political figures, including Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, former governors and deputy governors, members of the National Assembly, serving and former lawmakers, political appointees, local government chairmen and other stakeholders.

Also in attendance were governorship candidates of other political parties, reflecting a broad coalition of political interests in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Ajijola praised Oyebanji’s leadership and ability to unite political stakeholders across party lines, noting that the governor’s approach had strengthened the APC’s mobilisation drive and created an opportunity for the party to improve on its previous electoral performance.

He said the inauguration demonstrated the party’s determination to consolidate its political strength in Ekiti and mobilise voters at the grassroots ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Addressing members of the council, Oyebanji challenged them to move beyond organising rallies and campaigns to identifying and mobilising registered voters who failed to participate in previous elections.

The governor said the council must focus on voter tracking across polling units, particularly the more than 600,000 registered voters who did not participate in the June governorship election.

Oyebanji recalled that the APC secured 85.7 per cent of the votes cast in the governorship election but expressed concern that fewer than 400,000 people voted out of approximately one million registered voters.

He said the party should aim to secure at least 90 per cent of the total number of registered voters for Tinubu, describing anything short of the target as a collective failure by council members.

The governor also urged party leaders to intensify voter education and prepare for possible operational challenges associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and electronic transmission of election results.

Ajijola further expressed confidence that the council, comprising experienced political leaders and grassroots mobilisers, would work towards delivering a strong electoral performance for the APC in Ekiti State.

He stressed the importance of effective coordination, strategic voter engagement and sustained grassroots mobilisation in achieving the party’s objectives ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT DISASSOCIATES ITSELF FROM SOWORE’S ALLEGED ORDEAL.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT DISASSOCIATES ITSELF FROM SOWORE’S ALLEGED ORDEAL.

The Ekiti State Government has dismissed allegations by the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Omoyele Sowore, linking the State Government to his reported attack at a food outlet in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

The Government would ordinarily have ignored the allegation, particularly in view of what it considers to be Sowore’s history of making unfounded claims, peddling fake news, and launching media attacks against the State Government over the past four years. However, as a responsible government, it considers it necessary to set the records straight and prevent members of the public from being misled.

While the organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon and the Ekiti State Police Command have issued official statements on the incident, the circumstances surrounding Sowore’s visit and the reported altercation raise questions about the motive behind his actions. The Government, however, leaves the determination of the facts of the matter to the appropriate authorities.

It is particularly absurd, however, to suggest that a state widely recognised for the remarkably peaceful conduct of its recent governorship campaign and election would resort to harassing or hounding an inconsequential presidential candidate.  

The Ekiti State Government therefore dissociates itself totally from the incident and calls on the Police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice.

The Government also wishes to reiterate its commitment to sustaining Ekiti State’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country, founded on respect for the rule of law, democratic principles and tolerance of diverse social and political views.

The Government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all residents and visitors to the State, irrespective of their political affiliations or opinions.

ADDRESS ME SIMPLY AS “MR GOVERNOR”, OYEBANJI CAUTIONS SUPPORTERS AGAINST PRAISE-SINGING.

ADDRESS ME SIMPLY AS “MR GOVERNOR”, OYEBANJI CAUTIONS SUPPORTERS AGAINST PRAISE-SINGING.

…Says election is over, governance has begun.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned his supporters and political associates against excessive praise-singing and the use of grandiose political appellations, urging them to address him simply as “Mr Governor”.

The Governor maintained that all praises and accolades belong to God Almighty and that no political leader should be accorded attributes reserved for God.

Governor Oyebanji gave the admonition on Friday evening at the October edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

He said the period of political campaigns and elections had ended, stressing that the State had entered a new phase focused on governance, service delivery and the fulfilment of promises to the people.

Emphasising the need to avoid elevating political leaders to a status comparable to God, the Governor specifically disapproved of appellations such as “Jinx Breaker”, “Owi Bee, Se Bee”, “History Maker” and “Back to Back”, among others.

He said: “I think we have to put an end to all these appellations. Election is over, and from today, just address me as Mr Governor. I don’t want to hear all these appellations such as ‘Jinx Breaker’, ‘History Maker’ and all the rest.

“I permitted them because it was an election season. Election is over now, a new government has been sworn in, and we are in the era of governance. Politics is over. I don’t want anybody to equate me with God or give me an appellation that is an attribute of God.”

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji attributed the relative peace, stability and development recorded in Ekiti State, particularly over the last four years, to the grace of God.

He said the achievements of his administration and the peaceful atmosphere across the State were testimonies to God’s faithfulness and continued intervention in its affairs.

The Governor expressed confidence that the same God who had guided the State thus far would continue to sustain it, urging residents to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God for greater accomplishments.

“I love the theme of this month’s edition because this is the first Evening of Praise and Worship since this new administration was inaugurated, and the theme is apt. We are just here to praise God, and I know that as we praise God on behalf of Ekiti State, He will speak to us and also step into our situation,” the Governor said

Dignitaries at the programme included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; and President, Baptist Convention, Ekiti State, and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, among others.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳: 𝗢𝘆𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳: 𝗢𝘆𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹.

…𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝟵𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated the State’s  All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council with a charge to accelerate grassroots mobilisation and secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

 The inauguration ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the Governor's office in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, brought together key party leaders, including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Adeoye Aribasoye, former governors, former Deputy Governors, serving and former members of the national assembly and the state House of Assembly, serving federal political appointees, governorship candidates of other political parties, local government chairmen, and political stakeholders from across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Addressing members of the council shortly after the inauguration, Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the critical task before the council is not organizing campaigns and rallies, but ensuring that registered voters who failed to participate in previous elections are identified and mobilized to vote. 

He said the focus should be on unit-by-unit tracking of registered voters across the State.

Reflecting on the state’s gubernatorial poll where the party secured 85.7% of total votes cast, Governor Oyebanji declared that anything short of 90 percent of total number of registered voters for President Tinubu would be a collective failure on the PCC members. 

"The real work is to get the voters registered in a unit and identify those who don't want to vote. Our focus should be on voter tracking."

Expressing concern over poor turnout figures during the governorship election in June, Governor Oyebanji highlighted the gap between one million registered voters and less than 400,000 citizens who actually voted, tasking the committee to discover why over 600,000 registered cardholders stayed at home, stressing the need to bring them to the polls in January to vote for the President.

Acknowledging potential operational obstacles with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission, the Governor urged party stakeholders to develop strategic workarounds through continuous voter education and mobilization.

“We don't like to do the heavy lifting. We want to do campaigns, arrange cars and drive round towns. We are notngoingbtonso that this time around. Our real work is to get the voters registered in each unit and identify those who have not come out to vote. After this inauguration, everybody should go out and agree on how we are going to do voter tracking. That is our job.

“We can’t have a quality collection of leaders like this, and still be sitting on 400,000 votes. That is something we should never contemplate. The most important assignment we have now is to track those voters, to track the 600,000 people who did not come out to vote and find out why they did not come out.” The Governor asserted.

Earlier, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Barr. Sola Elesin charged members of the Council (PCC) to work assiduously towards securing unprecedented votes for President Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

The APC chairman described the assignment before the council members as a serious national responsibility, expressing confidence that their wealth of political experience and commitment would translate into victory for the President.

Elesin said members of the council had been carefully selected based on their pedigree and previous contributions and proven capacity to deliver electoral victories, urging them to deploy their wealth of experience, political networks and organisational abilities towards ensuring a resounding victory for the party.

He noted that the political landscape in Ekiti had witnessed an unprecedented level of collaboration, with members of other political parties and some governorship candidates also joining the campaign effort. According to the party chairman, the growing coalition reflects the governor's ability to provide purposeful leadership, demonstrate humility and bring people together, thereby promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the state.

Delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of the council members, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, assured President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji, of the readiness and commitment of members of to deliver an improved electoral performance for the party as he commended the Governor for ensuring that the composition of the council was comprehensive and inclusive of all relevant stakeholders.

He expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in the members through their appointments, noting that the inauguration marked the beginning of a serious assignment towards securing victory for President Tinubu in the forthcoming election. 

The Senate Leader however cautioned against taking the assignment with levity, stressing that the council was determined to surpass the previous electoral record and secure a significantly higher number of votes for the President in Ekiti State.

While also acknowledging the presence of governorship candidates from other political parties and other political leaders at the inauguration, Senator Bamidele described their participation as significant to the collective political effort to re-elect President Tinubu.

The Senate Leader welcomed them into the council's fold and urged them to feel at home, noting that many of them had shared political backgrounds and relationships with the APC before moving to other political platforms. He expressed optimism that their renewed political collaboration would produce a historic outcome that none of the stakeholders would regret.

Ajijola Hails Oyebanji’s Capacity to Mobilise Massive Votes for Tinubu.

Ajijola Hails Oyebanji’s Capacity to Mobilise Massive Votes for Tinubu.

An All Progressives Congress chieftain in Ekiti State, Chief Lateef Ajijola, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence in the governor’s ability to mobilise unprecedented votes for the President in the state.

Ajijola gave the commendation during the inauguration of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Ekiti State, where Oyebanji reiterated his commitment to securing massive electoral support for Tinubu.

The APC chieftain praised the governor’s leadership and grassroots appeal, describing them as important factors that could strengthen the President’s re-election prospects in Ekiti State.

He noted that Oyebanji had consistently attributed the achievements of his administration to the benevolent leadership and support of President Tinubu, stressing that the governor’s position reflected the importance of cooperation between the state and federal governments.

Ajijola expressed optimism that the growing support for the APC in Ekiti State would translate into overwhelming votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

OYEBANJI TASKS EKITI APC STAKEHOLDERS ON TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION, TARGETS 80% VOTES FOR PRESIDENT.

OYEBANJI TASKS EKITI APC STAKEHOLDERS ON TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION, TARGETS 80% VOTES FOR PRESIDENT.

…As PBAT Door-to-Door Movement inaugurates Ekiti chapter, unveils 25 campaign vehicles.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called on leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the January 2027 presidential election, with a target of securing 80 per cent of registered voters’ support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Governor urged party stakeholders to strengthen their engagement with voters, particularly those who remain undecided, as part of efforts to mobilise support for the President’s re-election bid.

Oyebanji spoke on Thursday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, during the inauguration of the Ekiti State chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement and the presentation of 25 campaign vehicles by the movement to support grassroots mobilisation across the state.

The movement, convened by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is seeking to expand support for President Tinubu through direct engagement with voters in communities across the country.

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the convener and members of the movement for their commitment to the President’s re-election campaign, assuring them that their investment in Ekiti State would be matched by sustained mobilisation efforts.

He urged APC members to work collectively and take the campaign to every community, stressing that victory at the polls would depend largely on direct engagement with voters at the grassroots.

The Governor also warned against voter apathy, particularly among eligible voters who possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) but failed to participate in previous elections. He urged campaigners to identify such voters, engage them personally and encourage them to turn out on election day.

Oyebanji further challenged APC stakeholders in the state to demonstrate their appreciation for the support Ekiti had received from the Tinubu administration by mobilising support for the President in the forthcoming election.

He said the Federal Government’s support had contributed to his administration’s development efforts, adding that continued cooperation between the state and federal governments remained important to sustaining ongoing projects and programmes.

The Governor recalled the APC’s performance in the last governorship election, urging party members to sustain their mobilisation efforts and translate their support at the state level into votes for President Tinubu in January 2027.

He maintained that Ekiti should aim for at least 80 per cent of registered voters’ support for the President, describing the target as a challenge to party leaders and members in view of the Federal Government’s support for the state.

“This is a big challenge to us in Ekiti State. If someone from the Niger Delta can put up this structure, and as of today, they have visited 19 states and are still going to visit other states before the end of the campaign, then I challenge all of us here to support the President with our votes in January.

“I have always said that in our 30 years as a state, there has been no President who has been as fair and supportive to Ekiti as President Tinubu.

“We are extremely grateful, and we assure you that your investment in Ekiti State will not be in vain. I assure you that Ekiti will perform well and record an outstanding result in January. We are grateful for your visit and support, and we assure you that the vehicles will be deployed in a manner that will also support the work we are doing here,” the Governor said.

Earlier, the convener of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, said the donation of the 25 vehicles was intended to strengthen the movement’s grassroots mobilisation and extend its campaign message to communities across Ekiti State and other parts of the country.

Chief Ekpemupolo, who was represented by the Grand Patron of the PBAT Door To Door Movement, High Chief Kestin Pondi, called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu for a second term, arguing that the administration needed more time to consolidate its economic reforms and achieve its objectives.

According to him, the reforms had improved the capacity of state governments to meet financial obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, as well as the execution of development projects.

Ekpemukolo cited projects being undertaken in Ekiti State as evidence of the resources available to the government, attributing the development to the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.

He added that governors in the 19 states visited by the movement had similarly highlighted the impact of the reforms on their ability to meet financial obligations and implement projects. He argued that far-reaching economic reforms required time to deliver their full benefits and called for continuity to consolidate the policies.

The convener also challenged political aspirants seeking public office to explain how their programmes would improve the lives of Nigerians compared with the policies being implemented by the Tinubu administration.

He urged the APC leadership at the federal, state and local government levels to foster cooperation and ensure that the donated vehicles were effectively deployed for the movement’s activities.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the House of Assembly; APC State Chairman, Barr. Sola Eleshin; and party stakeholders from the 16 local government areas of the state, among others.

Ekiti Baptist High School Wins Agbeyewa Cup 2026, and N1Million Prize.

Ekiti Baptist High School Wins Agbeyewa Cup 2026, and N1Million Prize.

Ekiti Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti, are the champions of the 2026 Agbeyewa Cup Secondary Schools Football Championship, after beating Community High School, Osin-Ekiti, 3–2 in a pulsating grand finale at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.

The Managing Director/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi “Oska” Aiyeleso, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Bayode Lawrence Ogunmola, presented the winners with a ₦1 million cash prize, gold medals, a gold trophy and branded sports bags.

Community High School, Osin-Ekiti, the losing finalists, took home ₦750,000 and silver medals. Iluomoba Grammar School, Iluomoba-Ekiti, finished third after beating Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti, on penalties in the third-place playoff. They received ₦500,000 and bronze medals, while Moba Grammar School collected ₦250,000 in consolation prize money for fourth place.

Speaking after the final, Mr. Aiyeleso said the Agbeyewa Cup was an initiative of the company’s Chairman, Dr. Niyi John Olajide, born of his commitment to giving back to Ekiti State through youth and sports development. “The successful conclusion of the fourth edition of the Agbeyewa Cup demonstrates what sustained commitment to our young people can achieve,” he said. “We are proud to continue our Chairman’s vision of using sports to bring schools and communities together, promote sportsmanship and provide opportunities for emerging talents.”

He disclosed that the long-term vision for the competition is the establishment of the Agbeyewa Academy, which would give talented young footballers a structured pathway to develop their skills and pursue wider opportunities. “We remain committed to building on the success of the tournament and making future editions even more impactful,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Ogunmola, who served as Chairman of the occasion, underscored the role of school sports in youth development. “The Agbeyewa Cup demonstrates the value of well-organised school sports in developing our young people,” he said. “Beyond competition, it promotes discipline, teamwork, talent discovery and positive engagement among students. We commend Agbeyewa Farms for this initiative and encourage sustained collaboration to strengthen school football across Ekiti State.”

The Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association, Chief Oluwole Oloworemo, also praised the organisers, describing the Agbeyewa Cup as “the most well-organised football competition in Ekiti State.” He said the tournament was helping to “restore the lost glory of inter-secondary-school football,” likening it to the historic Principals’ Cup, which shaped school sports and community life in earlier decades.

Speaking on the tournament, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, Director of Community Engagement at Agbeyewa Farms, described the Agbeyewa Cup as “a platform for nurturing young talents, bringing communities together, and strengthening our bond with the people we serve.” He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to initiatives that promote youth development and create lasting positive impacts in its host communities.

This year’s edition Fasaye Ayomide was named Most Valuable Player and Abdulahi Amisu was the Best Goalkeeper both from Ekiti Baptist High School. The tournament opened with  140 secondary schools competing across Ekiti State’s 16 Local Government Areas, culminating in a grand finale attended by students, football enthusiasts, government representatives and other stakeholders. Beyond the silverware, the 2026 Agbeyewa Cup gave young footballers a stage to showcase their talent and strengthened community ties across the state.

Venite University Staff Holds Development Bootcamp with Focus on Excellence and Global Visibility.

Venite University Staff Holds Development Bootcamp with Focus on Excellence and Global Visibility.

Venite University commenced its 2026 Staff Development Bootcamp, calling on staff to strengthen institutional excellence, embrace digitalization and contribute to the university’s growth ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.

The two-day Bootcamp commenced on 27 October 2026, Day One featured addresses by Hon. Dapo Kolawole, Director of Strategy, Advancement and Partnership and member of the Governing Council and Associate Professor Adenike Kolawole, member of the governing council, who emphasized the need to raise professional standards and improve institutional visibility.

Hon. Dapo Kolawole, Director of Strategy, Advancement and Partnership and member of the Governing Council, led a session on the university’s vision, mission, values and institutional culture. He reaffirmed Venite University’s commitment to quality education and urged staff to demonstrate consistency, dedication and excellence in service delivery.

He disclosed plans for the university’s radio and television stations to begin transmission this new semester.

Associate Professor Adenike Kolawole urged staff to embrace a culture of ownership, accountability, mentorship and proactive service, while treating students with care and empathy.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu emphasized that every staff member is an ambassador of the university and has a role in strengthening its reputation. She highlighted academic excellence, quality teaching, impactful research, digitalization, professional conduct and external partnerships as key drivers of institutional visibility. 

She also urged staff to promote student achievements, share institutional success stories, participate actively in university events and build professional networks to enhance Venite University’s recognition and competitiveness.

The day also featured an interactive session on Quality Assurance, moderated by the University’s Public Relations Officer, with contributions from Dr Olutayo, Head of the Department of Computing; Elder Oluranti Olu-Ajayi, Chief Laboratory Scientist; Mr Kayode Aladegbehingbe, Acting Bursar; and Dr Olowolaju, Head of the Department of Nursing.

As the university prepares for a new academic session, the message was clear: institutional growth requires every staff member to uphold honesty, integrity and innovation while translating Venite’s vision into quality service and measurable results.

The programme ended with group photographs and the recitation of the Nigerian National Anthem, Ekiti State Anthem and University Anthem.

#StaffDevelopmentBootcamp2026 #InstitutionalExcellence #QualityAssurance #GlobalVisibility

#SDG4QualityEducation

#VeniteUniversity

Betta Edu celebrates 40th birthday with Benue IDPs; offers life changing support for livelihood, scholarships for school children, and lots more.

Betta Edu celebrates 40th birthday with Benue IDPs; offers life changing support for livelihood, scholarships for school children, and lots more.

As part of activities marking her 40th birthday, Dr Betta Edu on Tuesday celebrated with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ichwa IDP Camp, Makurdi, Benue State, providing health care for over 10,000 persons from various camps, livelihood support, start-up capital, educational assistance, food and non-food items to vulnerable families.

Edu said her choice of spending her birthday with the IDP was not politically motivated but a show of gratitude to God for the gift of life and in service to humanity. She said the health and humanitarian outreach was driven by her genuine passion for people and her desire to give back to society in gratitude to God for preserving her life.

Speaking with journalists during the outreach, she said she had visited Benue in 2023, where she met most of them personally and remained committed to supporting displaced families to get back on their feet. 

“Today, I am in Benue because it is my birthday. I am here to reach out to thousands of people in IDP camps across the state. This is my passion and my covenant with God and humanity,” she said.

Edu, who is also the Co-Director of the Directorate of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said the initiative was designed to help beneficiaries rebuild their livelihoods through start-up funds for small businesses and the provision of equipment, including sewing machines, grinding machines, hairdressing kits and deep freezers.

From 40 business startup grants and 40,000 academic scholarships in 10 years, to 40 mobile hair-washing kits , 40 sewing machines and trainings, 40 deep freezers, medical outreach for over 10,000 people and 40 grinding machines, 4000 wrappers etc; smiles and grateful hearts were overflowing across all Dr Betta Edu At 40 empowerment categories, yesterday at ichwa IDP Camp, Makurdi, Benue State. 

Dr Betta explained that scholarships and other educational support are provided to enable displaced children to return to school, while food items distributed to families will address their immediate needs.

Dr Edu said the intervention was intended to complement the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, towards improving the welfare of displaced persons. She commended the support of government and international partners, noting that durable solutions must replace temporal relief.

She, however, stressed that the outreach was not politically motivated but a personal expression of gratitude to God and a commitment to serve humanity.

According to her, the ultimate goal is to help displaced families move beyond temporary relief, regain economic independence, and achieve lasting resettlement.

“The real idea is to ensure that we can pull them out of here back to their ancestral homes and permanently settle so they can be productive and support Nigeria with food,” she said.

The outreach also featured a free medical programme for thousands of internally displaced persons in camps across Benue State.

Edu said Benue was chosen for the birthday intervention because of the peculiar humanitarian challenges facing displaced persons in the state and the need for sustained support for affected families. She also called on the international community, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to support and collaborate with the state government in addressing the challenges speedyly.

The beneficiaries and indeed the whole camp went Agog with Joy celebrating because everybody went home with something. The Youths in town and wo.en were not left out as they too benefited from the birthday celebration. They prayed for greater heights for Edu.

Ekiti First Lady, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, Bags MWAN Award for Championing Women’s, Children’s Health.

Ekiti First Lady, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, Bags MWAN Award for Championing Women’s, Children’s Health.

The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, has received the Champion of Women’s and Children’s Health Award from the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ekiti State Chapter.

The award was in recognition of her commitment to promoting the health and well-being of women and children.

The award was presented during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference held at the NAM Building, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebanji, who was represented by Dr. Omolola Alao, expressed appreciation to the association for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to sustain efforts towards improving healthcare and the welfare of women and children.

She commended MWAN for its commitment to promoting healthcare and its contributions to improving the quality of healthcare delivery in the state.

The First Lady also acknowledged the importance of the association’s professional engagements in addressing health challenges affecting women and children, while wishing its members success in their efforts to achieve better health outcomes.

The conference, themed “Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Innovation and Ethics,” brought together medical professionals to examine emerging developments in healthcare technology and the ethical considerations surrounding their application.

Discussions at the conference focused on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, patient safety and the responsible application of digital technologies in medical practice.

Participants also examined issues relating to career transitions and personal development under the sub-theme, “From Career to Personal Identity: My Strategic Exit Plan.”

The conference provided a platform for medical professionals to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with technological advancements in healthcare and the need to balance innovation with ethical standards.

The event was attended by medical professionals and other dignitaries from across the country, including the Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi.

Oyebanji’s recognition underscores the importance of advocacy and collaboration among healthcare professionals and other stakeholders in promoting the health and well-being of women and children.

Ajijola Mobilises Ekiti for PBAT Door-to-Door Mega Rally, Campaign Vehicle Distribution on Thursday.

Ajijola Mobilises Ekiti for PBAT Door-to-Door Mega Rally, Campaign Vehicle Distribution on Thursday.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Chief Lateef Ajijola, popularly known as Always Standing, has urged residents of the state to turn out en masse for the party’s mega rally scheduled for Thursday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

The rally, organised by the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, is expected to attract APC leaders, party faithful and supporters from across the state.

Ajijola called on residents, particularly APC members and supporters, to participate actively in the rally, describing it as an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with the Tinubu administration and strengthen the party’s grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event will also feature the distribution of PBAT campaign vehicles as part of the movement’s efforts to strengthen its grassroots mobilisation and outreach across the state.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is expected to lead other APC leaders to the rally, which is being coordinated by the movement under the leadership of High Chief Government Tompolo.

Ajijola urged supporters to mobilise their friends, families and associates for the gathering, which he said would demonstrate the party’s unity and reinforce support for the Tinubu-Shettima political project.

The rally is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

The event is expected to attract party loyalists and supporters from different parts of Ekiti State.

Where Compassion Meets Conviction: Ekiti's First Lady Crowned Champion of Women's and Children's Health.

Where Compassion Meets Conviction: Ekiti's First Lady Crowned Champion of Women's and Children's Health.

By Maxwell Olu-Ajayi

Some honours are merely collected. Others are earned in clinics, in classrooms and in the quiet corners of the state where hope had almost run dry.  The Champion of Women's and Children's Health Award, conferred on the First Lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, belongs firmly to the second kind.

The Medical Women's Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ekiti State Chapter, presented the recognition at its Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. Though Prof. Oyebanji was ably represented by Dr. Omolola Alao, her gratitude was unmistakable. She called the award a reminder that "there is still much to do" for the well-being of the state's women and children.

That humility is the hallmark of her tenure. Since 2022, the First Lady has treated women's and children's welfare as a mission rather than a ceremonial portfolio. She has backed the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week, a bi-annual drive that takes life-saving services to health facilities across all council areas, with a pledge to drive down infant mortality. Her WAOH Project, unveiled in October 2023, was designed to plant hope in the hearts of Ekiti's women and children. She has settled medical bills for indigent patients, extended empowerment support to widows, orphans and the aged, and visited physically challenged students with gifts and cheer. Her advocacy has earned wider acclaim, including the TrailBlazer of the Year 2024 Sheroes Award.

Her place in history adds another layer of significance. As the first back-to-back First Lady of Ekiti State, she carries a mandate renewed by the people's trust, and the MWAN honour affirms that she has repaid that trust in service.

In her message, she commended MWAN for convening professionals to confront emerging issues such as digital health and artificial intelligence, with ethics and patient safety at the centre. She also thanked the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, and the distinguished guests present.

Her closing words carry the spirit of the day: an Ekiti where every woman and child can live a healthy and fulfilling life.

For a leader who has spent four years turning compassion into policy and kindness into action, this award is not a finish line. It is a lantern held higher, lighting the road ahead.

Senate Leader Ends Bitter Feud as FUOYE VC Ogunwole and Ex-VC Fasina Reconciled.

Senate Leader Ends Bitter Feud as FUOYE VC Ogunwole and Ex-VC Fasina Reconciled.

It was a huge sigh of relief over the weekend after the current Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, and his predecessor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, who had been embroiled in a bitter crisis of confidence, agreed to sheathe their swords in the interest of peace. 

The rapprochement was brokered by the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who invited the two academics to his residence and successfully resolved the differences between them. A reliable source at the senator’s house disclosed that when Professors Ogunwole and Fasina met, they initially exchanged friendly banter before Senator Bamidele invited each man to state his grievances. 

According to the source, | Professor Fasina accused his successor of punishing him by withholding his entitlements and victimising his loyalists within the university system. Professor Ogunwole, for his part, alleged that his predecessor had been making life difficult for the current administration through cyberbullying, citing certain leaked audio recordings circulating on social media. 

Following Senator Bamidele’s intervention, both parties agreed to bury the hatchet. They shook hands and shared a meal together as a mark of reconciliation. 

Confirming the development during the university’s management meeting yesterday, Professor Ogunwole stated that the highly respected senator had invited both himself and Professor Fasina for a truce. Both men, he said, had shifted ground in deference to the Senate Majority Leader and in the wider interest of peace. 

The incumbent Vice Chancellor informed principal officers that the university would recall some staff members who had been suspended during the crisis, including the former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Kehinde Adeola. He also undertook to ensure the payment of Professor Fasina’s outstanding entitlements. 

Professor Ogunwole declared that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that peace continues to reign in the university, stressing that rapid development cannot take place where there is no peace.

OYEBANJI DEFENDS RE-ELECTION WITH INEC DOCUMENTS, CLOSES CASE AT EKITI TRIBUNAL.

OYEBANJI DEFENDS RE-ELECTION WITH INEC DOCUMENTS, CLOSES CASE AT EKITI TRIBUNAL.

BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday tendered key documents before the Election Petitions Tribunal in defence of the victory he achieved at the June 20 governorship election.

Oyebanji, the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is the 2nd Respondent in separate petitions filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Action Alliance (AA), opened his defence by tendering the documents and subsequently closed his defence thereafter.

In the petitions filed against his return by the two opposition parties, the Ekiti Governor through his lead counsel, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN tendered Certified True Copies (CTCs) of sensitive electoral documents obtained from the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The documents tendered by the Governor included Form EC8D, which was the Summary of results from the Local Government Areas Collation at the state level; Form EC8E, which was the official result sheet for the governorship election as declared at the conclusion of collation and the INEC official receipt for payment of CTCs of election results.

In the two petitions, all the documents tendered by the 2nd Respondent (Oyebanji) were admitted and marked as exhibits. There was no objection to the admissibility of the documents tendered by the Governor from the lead counsel to INEC, Mr Sulaiman Ibrahim, SAN and Mrs Olaoluwa Adeoti, who held brief for the lead counsel to SDP and AA, Mr Adewole Adebayo.

Ikpeazu said having reviewed the evidence led in chief by the petitioners and the evidence led by Oyebanji's legal team during the cross-examination of the witnesses brought to court by the petitioners, the 2nd Respondent had no intention to call any witness.

Ikpeazu, on behalf of the Governor applied to close the case of his client before the tribunal. There was no objection from counsel to the petitioners (SDP and AA) and counsel to INEC.

Earlier in the day, counsel to INEC, Mr Sulaiman Ibrahim, SAN and his colleague, Mrs Wendy Kuku, SAN also tendered relevant documents in support of the conduct and declaration of results of the election conducted by the nation's foremost electoral agency.

The documents tendered by INEC legal team included CTCs of Form EC8D, the summary of results from all the 16 local government areas collated at the state level and Form EC8E which was the official result sheet for the Ekiti governorship election.

There was no objection from counsel to Oyebanji and counsel to SDP and AA to the admissibility of the documents. The documents were subsequently admitted and marked as exhibits by the three-member panel led by the Chairman, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi.

While Ibrahim closed the case for INEC in the SDP petition, Kuku closed the case for the electoral umpire in the AA petition.

The two senior lawyers while closing their client's case in the two petitions said they were satisfied with the evidence obtained during the evidence in chief of the petitioners' witnesses and in their cross-examination by the respondents' counsel.

Panel Chairman, Justice Kutigi in short rulings for the two petitions urged all parties to file and exchange written addresses and replies within the time allowed by law. He subsequently adjourned the sitting till Friday, November 20 for the adoption of written addresses by parties in the petitions.

All lead counsel to parties in the petitions commended the judges on the panel for their industry and patience praying for wisdom in the onerous assignment of scrutinizing all the evidence before them as the proceedings gradually inch to conclusion.

The SDP and AA had closed their cases before the Tribunal on Thursday, October 24 with no further witnesses to call as the day fell on the final day allowed by law for the prosecution of their petitions.

Oyebanji, the APC candidate, polled 319,224 votes to secure a historic back-to-back re-election beating the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Wole Oluyede who scored 40,543 votes to the seond place. Oluyede had withdrawn a petition he earlier filed from the Tribunal.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag bearer in the governorship poll, Chief Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes. Bejide did not file any petition before the Tribunal.

The SDP candidate, Mr Adebayo Alade who later withdrew from his party's petition, polled 179 votes while the AA flag bearer, Mr Olu Omotoso scored 126 votes at the 2026 Ekiti governorship poll.

Ekiti Central Deserves Continuity as Bamidele Proves His Mettle, Says Ajijola.

Ekiti Central Deserves Continuity as Bamidele Proves His Mettle, Says Ajijola.

An All Progressives Congress chieftain and Executive Director of the South West Development Commission, Chief Lateef Ajijola, popularly known as Always Standing, has praised the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, for his contributions to infrastructural development in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, urging the electorate to re-elect him for another term.

Ajijola made the call during a visit to the newly approved Federal University of Technology in Iyin-Ekiti, where he expressed satisfaction with the institution's rapid development and commended efforts to expand federal government presence in the state.

The APC chieftain attributed some of the development strides recorded in Ekiti Central to Bamidele's legislative influence and capacity to attract federal projects to the district.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu's administration for what he described as its commitment to equitable development across the South-West region, noting that the establishment of federal institutions and other infrastructure projects would create opportunities for residents and stimulate economic growth.

Ajijola stressed that the electorate should sustain the gains recorded in the senatorial district by supporting leaders who, according to him, had demonstrated the capacity to deliver meaningful development.

He urged voters in Ekiti Central to support the APC in the forthcoming elections, expressing confidence that continuity in representation would help consolidate existing achievements and attract further development projects to the area.

The APC chieftain maintained that effective representation should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people, adding that sustained collaboration between elected representatives and the Federal Government remained important to the development of Ekiti State.

AGBEYEWA CUP 2026: IGEDE BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL, COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OSIN-EKITI SET FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN.

AGBEYEWA CUP 2026: IGEDE BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL, COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OSIN-EKITI SET FOR FINAL SHOWDOWN.

The race for the 2026 Agbeyewa Cup trophy has reached its climax, with Igede Baptist High School, Igede-Ekiti, and Community High School, Osin-Ekiti, securing their places in the final following their respective semi-final victories. The two schools will now go head-to-head for the coveted title as the fourth edition of the tournament reaches its decisive moment, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the competition.

Both finalists will clash on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, with the ultimate prize of ₦1 million at stake. Having navigated the challenges of the competition to reach the final, the schools will be looking to deliver a decisive performance, with victory offering not only the championship title but also the opportunity to cap their tournament campaigns on a high note.

Meanwhile, Ilumoba Government Secondary School, Ilumoba-Ekiti, and Moba Government Secondary School, Otun-Ekiti, will compete in the third-place match scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the same venue. Both schools will seek to finish among the tournament's top three teams, making the encounter another important fixture in the closing stages of this year's competition.

The journey to the final has once again highlighted the footballing potential of secondary school students across Ekiti State, with participating schools demonstrating determination, teamwork and competitive spirit throughout the tournament. As the finalists prepare for the showdown, attention will turn to which school can rise to the occasion, withstand the pressure and etch its name on the Agbeyewa Cup Hall Of Fame.

Beyond the pursuit of silverware, the Agbeyewa Cup Tournament remains a platform for youth development, using football to promote discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork and positive engagement among young people in Ekiti State.

#AgbeyewaCup2026 #AgbeyewaCupTournament 

#EkitiFootball #YouthDevelopment #EkitiStateSports

OYEBANJI SEEKS ASSEMBLY’S APPROVAL FOR THREE COMMISSIONERS, 10 SPECIAL ADVISERS.

OYEBANJI SEEKS ASSEMBLY’S APPROVAL FOR THREE COMMISSIONERS, 10 SPECIAL ADVISERS.

Barely 10 days after his inauguration for a second term, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has written to the State House of Assembly, seeking approval for the reappointment of three commissioners who served in his first-term administration.

The Governor also sought the Assembly’s approval for the appointment of 10 Special Advisers to assist in the day-to-day administration of the State.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, on Monday, Governor Oyebanji requested the screening and confirmation of the following nominees:

1. Mr Dayo Apata (SAN) – Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice

2. Mr Akintunde Oyebode – Commissioner for Finance

3. Dr Oyebanji Filani – Commissioner for Health and Human Services

The proposed appointments reflect the Governor’s intention to constitute key components of his administration early and ensure continuity in critical sectors of governance.

While the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice is constitutionally required, the Governor also considers the finance and health portfolios crucial to the effective take-off of the new administration, particularly in view of prevailing developments in the country.

The request for the confirmation of the nominees comes as the administration begins its second term, with a focus on sustaining governance and strengthening service delivery across the State.

It will be recalled that Governor Oyebanji last week approved appointments in the power and road infrastructure, as well as the transportation sectors.

Signed 

Olayinka Oyebode 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor 

26-10-2026

NURSING AND EXCELLENCE AT EKSU: A DEPARTMENT SETTING THE PACE IN NURSING EDUCATION.

NURSING AND EXCELLENCE AT EKSU: A DEPARTMENT SETTING THE PACE IN NURSING EDUCATION. 

By OMOTAYO, Peter Olatunde. 

Excellence is the quality of being exceptionally good, superior, or distinguished by outstanding performance. In recent years, reports emerging from the Department of Nursing Science, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, have demonstrated that the department is steadily establishing itself as a centre of academic excellence, professional competence, and moral discipline.

Through impressive examination results, highly qualified academic staff, modern learning facilities, and strong clinical training partnerships, the department has continued to produce nursing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional values required to excel in the healthcare sector.

Today, the Department of Nursing Science has strengthened its position as a promising destination for nursing education in Southwest Nigeria, recording remarkable milestones that reflect the university's commitment to quality education and professional development.

The Department of Nursing Science at EKSU was established on May 2, 2017, through the initiative of the then Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Kehinde S. Oluwadiya, who initiated the necessary contacts and engagements with relevant stakeholders to actualise the establishment of the programme.

Located within the College of Medicine, the department commenced operations with an admission quota of 50 students. This was subsequently increased to 100 students following the institution's fulfilment of the relevant requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

The maiden set, comprising 54 students—47 females and seven males—was admitted during the 2019/2020 academic session, marking the beginning of what has become an encouraging success story in nursing education at the university.

One of the most remarkable features of the department is its consistent record of excellent performance in professional examinations and academic assessments.

The pioneer set was inducted into the nursing profession on December 12, 2024, following its successful academic training. The students recorded a 100 per cent success rate in the Professional Basic National Midwifery Examination conducted by the NMCN, with Miss Ogunbunmi Abisola Mary emerging as the overall best-graduating student.

This achievement demonstrated the effectiveness of the department's teaching methods, academic supervision, and commitment to preparing students for the demands of professional nursing practice.

The second set, comprising 59 students, also recorded impressive academic results. Among the graduates, Oyedotun Oluwanifemi Emmanuel distinguished himself by graduating with First Class Honours and emerging as the overall best-graduating student.

The third set has equally sustained the department's record of excellence. During the third induction and oath-taking ceremony held on October 20, 2026, the university celebrated another milestone in the department's development.

Notably, two of the 38 students in the set, Ikusemori Peter Oluwatobi and Igbalajobi Easy Olamiji, distinguished themselves with distinction-level performances in the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programme.

In addition, Ajayi Ifedolapo Mary and Igbalajobi Easy Olamiji recorded credit passes in the professional midwifery examinations conducted by the NMCN in September 2026, alongside distinction-level performances in their BNSc final examinations.

These accomplishments further demonstrate the department's determination to maintain high academic standards and produce graduates capable of meeting the evolving demands of the healthcare profession.

With three sets of graduates recording 100 per cent success in their respective examinations, the department has established an encouraging tradition of academic and professional achievement.

A major factor contributing to these outstanding results is the calibre of academic staff engaged by the university under the leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele.

The administration has continued to demonstrate a commitment to advancing academic excellence through the provision of qualified personnel and an enabling environment for teaching, learning, and research.

Under the leadership of the Head of Department, Dr. Olofin-Samuel Mary Ayodeji, the academic staff have remained committed to effective teaching, research, mentorship, and the professional development of students.

Their dedication to imparting knowledge, strengthening students' clinical competence, and upholding professional ethics has contributed significantly to the department's growing reputation.

The combination of experienced lecturers, effective academic supervision, and a commitment to continuous improvement has helped create an environment where students are encouraged to pursue excellence in both theoretical knowledge and practical nursing skills.

Another important factor behind the department's progress is its purpose-built Nursing Science Complex, which provides an enabling environment for teaching, research, and professional training.

The facility is equipped with modern offices, laboratories, seminar rooms, and a mini-library, providing students and lecturers with essential resources for academic and practical activities.

The availability of these facilities has strengthened the department's capacity to deliver quality nursing education and prepare students for the realities of contemporary healthcare practice.

During the third induction and oath-taking ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated his administration's determination to expand the facilities available to the department and upgrade the programme to meet internationally recognised standards.

This commitment reflects the university's broader vision of developing its academic programmes, improving infrastructure, and positioning EKSU as a competitive institution in professional education.

Beyond classroom instruction and laboratory activities, clinical experience remains an essential component of nursing education.

The role of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in the training of nursing students is therefore crucial. Through clinical exposure, students have opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge, develop practical skills, interact with patients, and gain experience in different aspects of healthcare delivery.

This partnership between the university's academic environment and the teaching hospital's clinical setting helps prepare students to become competent, confident, and responsible professionals.

It also exposes them to the realities of patient care, teamwork, professional ethics, and the importance of delivering quality healthcare services.

The integration of academic learning with practical clinical experience is a major advantage in preparing graduates who can compete favourably with their counterparts in other institutions and contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

In another significant development, the university has secured approval from the appropriate authorities, including the University Senate and the National Universities Commission, for a postgraduate nursing programme.

The development is expected to expand the university's contribution to advanced nursing education, research, professional specialisation, and the development of future academic and clinical leaders in the healthcare sector.

The introduction of postgraduate nursing education will also provide opportunities for qualified nurses to pursue further academic advancement without necessarily looking beyond the institution.

This milestone represents another step towards strengthening the university's academic profile and broadening its contribution to the development of the nursing profession.

The department's achievements have contributed to its growing visibility among prospective students seeking admission to study Nursing Science.

The increasing interest in the programme reflects the importance attached to quality nursing education, professional competence, and the opportunities available within the healthcare sector.

However, the growing demand also presents a challenge, as the number of candidates seeking admission reportedly exceeds the department's current admission capacity.

This situation underscores the need for continued investment in infrastructure, academic personnel, clinical training facilities, and other essential resources to accommodate more qualified candidates while maintaining the standards that have contributed to the department's success.

With the university's leadership demonstrating a commitment to expanding facilities and improving academic programmes, there is considerable potential for the department to increase its capacity and reach more aspiring nursing professionals.

The progress recorded by the Department of Nursing Science, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti, within a relatively short period is worthy of recognition.

From its establishment in 2017 to the admission of its pioneer students in the 2019/2020 academic session, and the subsequent achievements of its graduating sets, the department has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, professional competence, and the advancement of nursing education.

Its achievements are supported by the dedication of academic staff, the provision of modern infrastructure, clinical training opportunities at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, and the commitment of the university management under Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele.

As the department continues to expand its academic offerings and strengthen its facilities, the need for sustained investment and institutional support remains important to its long-term success.

Ultimately, the goal of nursing education extends beyond producing graduates who excel in examinations. It involves nurturing compassionate, disciplined, knowledgeable, and competent professionals who can provide quality healthcare, respond effectively to emerging health challenges, and contribute to the wellbeing of society.

With its growing record of achievement, commitment to professional standards, and focus on continuous improvement, the Department of Nursing Science at Ekiti State University is well positioned to strengthen its reputation and contribute more significantly to the future of nursing education in Nigeria.

The department's story is a testament to what can be achieved when quality academic leadership, dedicated lecturers, appropriate infrastructure, and effective clinical partnerships work together towards a common goal: excellence in nursing education.

We sincerely appreciate the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Chancellor, members of the Governing Council, management, staff, alumni and development partners for their immense support and investment in making nursing education at Ekiti State University (EKSU) a success.

Omotayo Peter Olatunde is a staff of Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Ekiti State University,(EKSU) Ado Ekiti.