Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, BAOress: A Champion of Youth Development.

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, BAOress: A Champion of Youth Development.

By Omo Imam Adekunle.

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, fondly referred to as BAOress, is a shining example of a leader who has dedicated her life to empowering the youth. As the wife of the Governor of Ekiti State, she has used her platform to drive positive change and inspire a generation of young people to reach their full potential.

With a heart full of love and compassion, BAOress has tirelessly worked to provide opportunities for youth development, education, and empowerment. Her passion for the well-being and success of young people is evident in everything she does, from supporting education initiatives to promoting entrepreneurship and skills development.

BAOress believes that the youth are the future of our nation, and she has made it her mission to equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Her leadership and dedication have inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.

As a lover of youth, BAOress has:

- Supported education initiatives, providing scholarships and resources for students

- Empowered young entrepreneurs through mentorship and funding opportunities

- Promoted skills development and vocational training programs

- Advocated for youth inclusion in governance and decision-making processes

Her impact on the lives of young people in Ekiti State and beyond is immeasurable. She is a true champion of youth development, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

We celebrate Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, BAOress, for her selfless dedication to empowering the youth. May her love and compassion continue to inspire us all to make a positive difference in the world.

Hon. Ojuawo Calls for Thorough Investigation into Damilola Iyanda's Death.

Hon. Ojuawo Calls for Thorough Investigation into Damilola Iyanda's Death.

The Honourable member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has called for a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Master Damilola Iyanda, who was killed by a trigger-happy policeman in Ogbomosho.

Damilola Iyanda, a serving corps member from Ogotun Ekiti, was assigned to Ibadan, the state capital. He had traveled to Ogbomosho town in Oyo State to celebrate his younger brother, Oluwafemi Iyanda's graduation from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.

Hon. Ojuawo moved a motion on the floor of the house for an urgent need to thoroughly investigate the gruesome killing of Damilola Iyanda by policemen whose primary assignment is to protect lives and property. He described the killing as "highly condemnable and unprofessional" and emphasized that it is "worrisome to lose a promising young man who was meant to contribute to national development at his prime to a reckless officer."

Hon. Ojuawo urged the house to request the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation and pay adequate compensation to the bereaved family. He also canvassed for proper training of police personnel in handling firearms to avoid wanton killing of innocent Nigerians.

The motion was seconded and adopted by the house, and the Inspector General of Police was called upon to take immediate action to investigate the matter and prevent future occurrences.

EKSG, Cavista Holdings Sign multi-billion naira MOU to boost cassava farming.

EKSG, Cavista Holdings Sign multi-billion naira MOU to boost cassava farming.

Ekiti State Government yesterday took a significant step towards agricultural transformation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a leading Nigerian investment company - Cavista Holdings (owners of Agbeyewa Farms Limited) to establish a state-of-the-art cassava farm spanning 100,000 hectares within the State.

The MOU which is worth billions of naira was signed by Governor Oyebanji and the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide on the sidelines of the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit currently ongoing in Dallas, USA.

Present at the signing ceremony were the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade; Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode; and Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo.

On the Cavista Team were the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Dele Odufuye, Chief Financial Officer, Mr Niran Olajide, Dr. Niyi Arije (Legal Director) Mr. Cyril Akika (Member of the Board of Directors) and senior management staff of the company.

Also present were Chief Dele Kelvin Oye, President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), who is also the Vice Chairman, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA); Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru as well as other key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

Speaking during the event, Governor Oyebanji articulated the government's vision for agricultural advancement, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in driving progress. He underscored Ekiti State's commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and urged other investors to explore the vast opportunities available in the state, particularly in sectors such as tourism, mining, and the burgeoning Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Special Agriculture Processing Zone.

The Governor described the MOU as a testament of his administration’s commitment to the continuity of programmes of the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi as enunciated in the State’s 30- year development plan. “This also speaks to alignment of vision. John ( Olajide) wants to create jobs. We want our people to prosper by creating opportunities for them. So, we found a good partner in John and the CAVISTA group.” He said. 

Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to Cavista for its unwavering commitment to Ekiti State, which has led to several success stories in the Tourism and the Agriculture sectors, bringing about jobs opportunities and income to the state.

“The private sector is very critical to developing our economy, and as a government we must ensure that the process of doing business is easy, seamless and top-notch. I am very proud that Cavista has continued to demonstrate confidence in our state, and all their investments are now success stories. So I look forward to the successful implementation of this MOU to the benefit of Ekiti State and Nigeria”.

 

Echoing the Governor’s remarks, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide stated that the company had no regrets investing in Ekiti, adding that its commitment is driven by his desire to create thousands of jobs for the people of the state.

“The success of our investment in Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and our previous agricultural investment in the state, is what encouraged us to embark on this new cassava revolution initiative, to be driven by our subsidiary - Agbeyewa Farms. We are very proud of our partnership with the state and driven by my personal goal to create thousands of jobs in the state, we look forward to another successful partnership with the Ekiti State government under the distinguished leadership of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji”. He said.

This collaboration between the Ekiti State Government and Cavista Holdings marks a significant milestone in the journey towards agricultural transformation and economic empowerment in the region. The partnership is poised to catalyze growth, drive innovation, and position Ekiti State as a beacon of agricultural excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

Fayemi mourns passing of Chief Gbagi, extols his contribution to education.

Fayemi mourns passing of Chief Gbagi, extols his contribution to education.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has expressed heartfelt condolences on the untimely death of Chief Kenneth Gbagi, politician and former Minister of State for Education under President Goodluck Jonathan. 

In a statement released by his media office, Fayemi described the passing of the 62-year-old Gbagi as profoundly sad and shocking, stating that the nation has lost a dedicated public servant and patriot.

He stated that Chief Gbagi was a dear friend who as the Minister of State for Education played a pivotal role in the establishment of new federal universities.

According to Fayemi, "Gbagi's contributions to the education sector in Nigeria are immense and enduring. As Minister of State for Education, he played a key role in the establishment of six new federal universities across the country, including the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, a feat that significantly expanded access to quality tertiary education for our teeming youth."

Fayemi praised Gbagi as a dedicated businessman, public servant, and politician who was influential in the politics of Delta State and who leveraged that influence to improve the lives of his people.

He noted that his passing leaves an immense void but that his exemplary life will continue to inspire many.

‘’I extend my deepest sympathies to the Gbagi family, his friends and associates, the people and the government of Delta State in this trying time. We have lost a great patriot, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all. May his soul rest in the bosom of the lord," Fayemi added.

Now is time to invest in Nigeria, Gov Oyebanji urges investors at US- Africa Business Summit.

Now is time to invest in Nigeria, Gov Oyebanji urges investors at US- Africa Business Summit.

….tells investors to take advantage of President Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji yesterday in Dallas , USA told foreign investors to take advantage of the current economic reforms in Nigeria to invest in the country. 

“This is the right time for any investor to invest in Nigeria”, Oyebanji declared at a panel session, one of the major events at the 2024 US- Africa Business Summit organised the Corporate Council on Africa ( CCA), citing the current reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and the synergy between the Federal Government and the state governments. 

In attendance at the session were heads of national government and sub- national governments; investors; policy makers and development agencies drawn from different parts of the world, including the Chairman of the Board of Corporate Council on Africa, Mr John Olajide. 

Governor Oyebanji, in his presentation also cited a few successful collaboration between Ekiti State Government and some international investors, including Cavista Holdings and Promasidor to make a case for more direct investment in the state, stressing that the right time to invest in the state is now. 

According to Oyebanji “Now we have a reform-minded government that is visionary and we have 36 state governors (I am one of them) and these are people that have keyed in to the vision of the President Tinubu’s administration. 

“And like I have said, the economies of sub-nationals are so critical to the Nigerian economy itself. So, for any investor that wants credible return on their investment, this is the time to invest in Nigeria because the market is readily available, the people are ready, we have a government that is reform-minded, transparent, and trusted by the people. 

“Nigerians believe in this government because we have a President that has done it right and all the governors have keyed into his vision as well. So, the time to invest in Nigeria is now.” He added. 

 

Wooing Investors to Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the State Government is strong on regulatory framework which are designed to protect investors and investments in the state. 

“What we are doing is to ensure that we have a stable and predictable regulatory framework and there must be trust because I believe that for any business to thrive, trust is key. You must have a leader that is visionary, trust-worthy, and transparent. All these, we have in Ekiti State and that is why I am here today so that we can have more investors like Cavista who are relevant to what we are doing in the State.

“So, the sub-nationals are critical to developing the Nigerian economy, but for them to attract credible investors there must be clear regulatory framework. The ease of doing business has to be top notch, security must be guaranteed, put in place the building blocks that will allow businesses to grow and thrive. Things must also be done in the way and manner that will give them confidence to bring their capital to invest.

 

“The Cavista story is one of our success stories and I am proud of it. Cavista Holdings came to Ekiti State as a company we were not aware of but they showed interest in one of our moribund assets that has been there for many years and nobody wants to touch it. Cavista came to discuss with us but through the help of NIPC, they told us to set up an Investment Promotion Agency so we have an IPA that shields investors away from government bureaucracies. 

“So, they do things the private sector way and we also set up a very strong regulatory system. We have a predictable policy because we realized that when you look for development, investors look for returns on their investments. So we have all our businesses plan being driven by the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) and the Director-General has access to me directly so that when there are issues, I can give the executive backing. 

“So we started with the facility at Ikogosi Warm Spring and Resort that we are so proud of, and they told us what is expected of us as a government and because of the recent reforms of the Federal Government, which ceded resources to sub-nationals who are able to build critical infrastructure to support investments. Now the Resort is a success story, and because of that, we have now migrated from Tourism to the Agriculture.

 

“In Nigeria, there is a central government and there are 36 state governments with governors as heads of states; The Nigerian economy is the aggregate economy of sub-nationals and so if the sub-nationals do well, the country will do well as whole. The Federal Government realizing this put in place structures to assist subnational in areas of business development and attracting private investors into their space. 

“As a governor of a state you have responsibilities within the state but there are some critical areas that are better left in the hands of private investors. So through the Nigerian Investment and Promotion Council ( NIPC), the Federal Government collaborates with states and tell us what we need to do to make the state investment-friendly because capitals (finances) will move to a place where they are welcome. 

“So, there are healthy competitions amongst the 36 states to get very responsible and credible private sector players into our states.”

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation Launches Operation Feed an Orphan.

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation Launches Operation Feed an Orphan.

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation has introduced "Operation Feed an Orphan," a program aimed at addressing child hunger in our community. The inaugural event is set for May 27th at Ketu Adie-Owe Community School at 10 am.

The program, "Feed an Orphan with N1000," aims to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The foundation invites individuals and organizations to support this cause through sponsorship and donations.

Partnership with the foundation offers sponsors a chance to fulfill their moral duty while impacting the lives of vulnerable children. Donations can be made to the provided account details: Account No: 

1214037497

Bank Name: Zenith Bank

Account Name: Divine Intervention Impact Foundation.

With the launch approaching, Divine Intervention Impact Foundation is committed to creating a brighter future for all. For more information and sponsorship details, visit http//:diifoundation.org/donation.

Ekiti First Lady Teaches ABUAD Students, Receives Encomium From Aare Afe Babalola.

Ekiti First Lady Teaches ABUAD Students, Receives Encomium From Aare Afe Babalola.

...My University is Blessed to Have Her as a Visiting Lecturer, says Aare Afe Babalola.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, a university scholar and educationist per excellence, on Monday, fulfilled her promise to teach the students of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), as part of her community services while serving as First Lady.

Dr. Oyebanji said she was happy and fulfilled to carry out community service at ABUAD a few months after performing a similar gesture at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti

Addressing the excited students who were happy to have her in their midst, Dr. Oyebanji said she came before them as a teacher ready to impart knowledge, broaden their intellectual horizon, and give them the needed mentorship in her capacity as a visiting lecturer.

The Ekiti First Lady explained that she has passion for teaching which she still dedicates time to do out of her busy schedule . She still goes to her place of work, the University of Ibadan to supervise her PhD students with a good number of them graduating under her tutelage.

Dr. Oyebanji's gesture elicited commendation from ABUAD Founder/Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, who said his university was blessed to have the First Lady as Visiting Lecturer praising her for leaving her comfort zone to have a time with students in the classroom.

The governor's wife taught the course, titled Business Communication, with the course code, MAN 106 to the students of Accounting, Business Management, and Economics in the College of Social and Management Sciences.

The lecture lasted for over one hour.

The First Lady emphasized the importance of effective communication in the management of business enterprises, corporate worlds, and educational institutions.

She identified human resources as a key component of any business organization and further established a symbiotic relationship between decision-making and communication.

Dr. Oyebanji, in the course of interacting with the students, also urged them to cultivate the art of public speaking and also be ready to communicate and articulate their thoughts.

Speaking with reporters after the lecture, Dr. Oyebanji said she was happy to fulfill her promise to teach ABUAD students, which she made during a courtesy visit to the Aare Babalola some months ago commending the students for responding well to her lecture.

She said: "I made the promise sometime ago when I visited Baba Afe, and I am happy to be here. It's part of my community service to the state. What I do practically in the office of the First Lady is community service, simply complementing what my husband is doing in office.

"As you know, I have been to EKSU; I taught in EKSU last session, and I am teaching again this session. Last session, they gave me a course and this session, I am having two courses.

"I also volunteered to come to this place (ABUAD) and teach students, and like you all know, university is universal. I am teaching them, whether it's EKSU, whether it is ABUAD, they are all my students."

Receiving the First Lady in his office after finishing her lecture with the students, Aare Afe Babalola described her gesture as historic, noting that humbling herself to come and teach despite the enviable office she occupies was symbolic.

Aare Babalola said: "We are happy to have you around. You are the first governor's wife to teach in the university while in office. This is the first time in my 'short life' when the number one lady, the governor's wife, would take a step to come and teach in our university.

"This university is blessed. This university is honoured to be the recipient of this great gesture. We are blessed, and we appreciate what you have done. You will continue to rise in whatever you do."

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, said Dr. Oyebanji, by her action, has made a great impact not only in the university but in the education sector and the state at large.

Prof. Olarinde said: "We are happy to have you teach in one of our old colleges, College of Social and Management Sciences, and we hope to have you back soonest.

"This shows how sincere the Governor and his beautiful First Lady are, in developing Ekiti State, and that starts with education. Our First Lady is here to ensure that she contributes her input, and we are grateful and very honoured for this as a university."