Ilejemeje LGA Chairman Empowers 100 Elderly Women in Historic Initiative.

Ilejemeje LGA Chairman Empowers 100 Elderly Women in Historic Initiative.

In a groundbreaking move, the Ilejemeje Local Government Chairman, Hon. Pius Alaba Dada, has empowered 100 elderly women across the 10 wards of the LGA. This historic event was attended by dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Olabode Folorunsho Bamidele, the Vice Chairman Ogunleye Grace, and several revered traditional rulers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman Dada expressed his unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of the less privileged in Ilejemeje. “As the Chairman, I cannot afford to fail the people who have reposed so much faith in us. It is on this premise that we have set in motion various empowerment initiatives, with the elderly being a key focus.”

The Chairman highlighted the limited resources at the LGA’s disposal, yet the administration has embarked on impactful projects such as the construction of the second phase of the permanent secretariat. “This empowerment program is a testament to our vision to put smiles on the faces of the masses,” he added.

Commissioner Bamidele commended the Chairman’s welfare-centric approach, which aligns with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration. “The Governor’s commitment to pensioners, gratuity, and timely payment of salaries has set a new benchmark. Chairman Dada has clearly taken a leaf from this playbook, and the results are evident in his short time in office.”

The Commissioner also revealed plans to build accommodation for Nigerian Army personnel stationed in the area, further enhancing security and community development.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mama Oyedele Grace from Ward 3, Iye-Ekiti, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chairman. “In these trying economic times, this gesture is truly impactful and rare. We pledge our unwavering support for the Chairman and Governor Oyebanji’s second term bid.”

The event was graced by traditional rulers, including the Oniye of Iye-Ekiti, Oba Jonathan Agboola Adeleye-Oni; the Eleda of Eda-Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola; the Onijeshe of Ijesha-Modu, Oba Samuel Daramola; the Owa of Iludun-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Akinola; Elewu of Ewu-Ekiti Oba Bamidele Adetutu Ajayi, the Onipere of Ipere-Ekiti, and Onijaro of Ijaro who was represented by his wife. The traditional leaders praised the Chairman’s transformative initiatives and expressed optimism for the continued progress of Ilejemeje LGA under his leadership.

Oyebanji Truly Deserves Second Term, Says Ekiti Deputy Gov.

Oyebanji Truly Deserves Second Term, Says Ekiti Deputy Gov.                                                              ...Deputy gov, commissioners join campaign for Oyebanji's reelection.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has justified the litany of second term endorsements being accorded Governor Biodun Oyebanji by groups, saying the governor's exemplary performance across economic sectors make him favourably deserve reelection. 

Mrs Afuye gave the justification in Ado Ekiti, on Friday, while being decorated as the Chairperson, Board of Trustees of pro-Oyebanji campaign group under the auspices of 'BAO Agenda for 2026', to drum support for the governor's reelection in the 2026 governorship poll.

Other high profile figures that constitute the BOT are : Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Commissioners for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Karounwi Oladapo, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, Erelu Kemi Elebute Halle, and Engr. Bayo Ajayi.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, applauded the group for the enormous respect and support displayed towards the governor and its resolve to back him for the 2026 poll.

Mrs Afuye, said such soul-lifting gesture would serve as a catalyst and morale booster for the State Chief Executive to deliver more democracy dividends to the people.

She added that the litany of second term endorsements being enjoyed by the governor barely two years into his administration were not mere flippancy or jamborees, but a product of good and dispassionate thinking. 

"At his inauguration on October 16, 2022, Governor Oyebanji announced the six-pillar of his administration and this has been a guiding principle and compass of this administration upon which he has delivered democracy dividends to the people. 

" As of now, appreciable works are ongoing on projects like: flyover project in Ado Ekiti, Ikere-Igbara Odo road, Ikere-Ise road, Ikere-Ilawe roads, Itapa-Omu-Ijelu road, Ado-Ikere road, Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki road, Isinbode-Ara-Ikole road and many others. These are projects that were strategically awarded to attract investments to the state. 

"The government is also working in partnership with cavista Holdings to radicalise the agriculture sector and lift Ekiti to reach the food security status by attracting youth population into commercial farming for more and abundant food production. 

"Under Human Capital Development, the current government had employed over 3,000 people into the state civil service. The Adire Ekiti Hub being championed by Her Excellency, Ekiti State First Lady, Prof Olayemi Oyebanji, has trained hundreds of Ekiti youths to be self- dependent through exposure to skills on how to make Adire local fabric. 

"The Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic, which was commissioned recently by His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima will also be a veritable platform to train our youths in relevant skills and vocations that can make them relevant under the current economic situation".

About civil service restructuring, she added that workers and pensioners have been enjoying unfettered dividends of democracy under Governor Oyebanji's leadership, saying the government has made it a matter of policy by ensuring regular payments of salaries and deductions. 

"Just a few weeks ago, a total of N1 billion was released to pay backlog of gratuity to give the retirees a better welfare package. The government also released a sum of N365 million as housing/car loans to workers to give them a sense of belonging.

" I am of that conviction that the cumulative effect of the foregoing must have prompted this endorsement, which I firmly believe was well deserved". 

The Deputy Governor appreciated the group for her investiture as the BOT Chairperson, assuring that she will readily make herself available to provide the body with the needed support and guidance that will make them achieve their set goals.

Inaugurating the BOT members, the Acting State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Hon. Sola Elesin, urged the group not to allow internal squabbles to derail their focus of ensuring aggressive mobilisation for the governor. 

"You all witnessed how Vice president Kashim Shettima spoke glowingly of our governor in Abuja. In real infrastructure, stomach infrastructure and empowerment, in fact, Governor Oyebanji has done well. He has made the job easier for us by his exemplary performance, but we won't be complacent. 

"We will work hard for him and make the dream successful.We must be inclusive and leave no stone unturned. It should be house- to- house campaign, nobody should be left behind".

A serving commissioner and member of the BOT, Hon Oladapo Karounwi, said the group should work hard for Governor Oyebanji to make history as the first governor to spend eight unbroken years as a governor.

In his submission, the group's Coordinator, Hon. Ibrahim Lawal, said they decided to work for Governor Oyebanji's reelection to further consolidate democracy gains to the people, saying allowing him to lead the state for eight years will bring radical development to the state. 

Lawal described the BOT members as committed and resourceful individuals, who can contribute their mental and physical resources to advertise to Ekiti the positivity the governor has brought earning him the second term.

"We have 23 executive members, 38 coordinators and 177 mobilisers across the state to preach the gospel of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's reelection in 2026. We are not going to take chances despite not having any stiff opposition. 

"We all know the governor deserves it and we will work hard to ensure that he is returned. We won't allow what happened in 2014 to repeat itself".

Oyebanji ‘ll Promote Ekiti Local Festivals to National Status – Mrs Afuye.

Oyebanji ‘ll Promote Ekiti Local Festivals to National Status – Mrs Afuye.

…Lauds monarch over ‘Ita Ajero’ unity festival.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has declared that the progressive investment being made by Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s government in Creative economy and Tourism stemmed from his firm belief that the sectors can sustain the state’s economy.

Rather than relying solely on proceeds of oil accruing to Ekiti from the federation account to develop the state, Mrs Afuye, posited that Governor Oyebanji, was investing heavily in other viable alternative sectors, so that Ekiti can shed the toga of full reliance on revenue from the national level for survival.

Mrs Afuye said these in Ijero Ekiti, headquarters of Ijero Local Government Area, during the 2024 Edition of ‘Odun Ita Ajero’, held in the town, on Thursday, in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje.

Addressing the mammoth crowd of indigenes and visitors at the cultural fiesta, Mrs Afuye, commended the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, for conceptualising the festival to adore Ijero’s rich culture and solidify the cord of unity among its indigenes.

On efforts being intensified by Governor Oyebanji to develop the creative and hospitality sectors, the Deputy Governor, said this manifested in the remarkable facelift being noticed at Ikogosi Resort Centre, thereby shoring up the state’s revenue profile.

The Deputy Governor also lauded Governor Oyebanji over appreciable investment in the Ekiti State Festival of Arts and Culture (EKIFEST), saying the government was ready to partner some communities to upgrade their local festivals to national status.

“As I congratulate you on this unification ceremony, let me bring to your notice that what you are doing today is in tandem with the belief and political philosophy of our Omoluabi Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who had demonstrated in actions and deeds that all the towns in Ekiti must unite across political and religious divides to develop the state.

“Ekiti is sufficiently rich in both human and material resources and these must be skillfully and successfully harnessed to develop the State.

“The Ikogosi Resort Centre and Arinta Waterfall are now economically viable and making revenues to the state’s coffers. The government has been making commensurate efforts to make the Annual EKIFEST more grandiose to gain traction and national recognition.

“The just concluded 2024 Edition of EKIFEST had been adjudged to be colourful all over the globe. In actual fact, it has launched Ekiti on the global map as an hospitable and artistically ingenious group of people”.

She considered the annual ceremony as a platform to celebrate the historical greatness of Ijero people, saying it has been a policy of the Oyebanji-led administration to protect Ekiti culture and make it a thing of economic benefit to the populace.

“Like Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode, Udiroko in Ado Ekiti, Eyo festival in Lagos, Governor Oyebanji is ready to partner our towns to develop their cultural and creative endowments to gain national reckoning.

“In this modern time, these potentials are sufficient enough to power the economy, even better than oil that we are solely dependent”.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who traced the historical connection of Ijero Kingdom to Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race, commended Governor Oyebanji for his unshaken interest in culture and making efforts to upgrade and preserve it by his friendly policies.

The monarch charged all the towns in Yoruba race to be proud of their culture and work hard to make economic benefit out of it as obtainable in some climes.

“Ijero Kingdom occupies a priceless position in the history of Yoruba race, so I am proud of what Ajero is doing here today. We need unity in Yoruba land and Nigeria and this is a signal that we can use our culture to unite our people”.

The Ajero of Ajero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, saluted the Oyebanji’s administration for displaying boundless passion to creative economy and stepping up efforts to preserve the arts and cultural endowments of Ekiti towns.

The monarch said the ‘Odun Ita Ajero’ was specially conceived to bring all the Ijero indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora together, unify and commit them to make substantial contributions to the progress of the community.

Ifeloju LCDA Unveils Refurbished Tractor to Support Local Farmers.

Ifeloju LCDA Unveils Refurbished Tractor to Support Local Farmers.

In a move to bolster agricultural productivity and strengthen food security, the Chairman of Ifeloju Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Olusola Micheal Oniyelu, proudly unveiled a refurbished tractor for the benefit of local farmers.

This is seen as part of the LCDA's concerted efforts to empower and support agriculture in Ifeloju LCDA. The modernized tractor, which was previously in a rickety condition, has now been fully repaired and reconditioned to serve the hardworking farmers of Ifeloju LCDA.

"Our administration is committed to the development of the agricultural sector, as we recognize its crucial role in ensuring food security and driving economic growth within our community," stated Chairman ONIYELU during the unveiling. "This refurbished tractor will significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of our local farmers, enabling them to cultivate their land more effectively and contribute to the overall prosperity of Ifeloju LCDA ."

The refurbished tractor will be deployed to assist farmers in various agricultural activities, such as plowing, harrowing, and other tractor-essential tasks. This initiative aligns with the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration's broader strategy to bolster the agricultural industry and provide the necessary support to boost food production in the state.

"We are grateful to the council leadership for their unwavering support and investment in our local agricultural sector," expressed one of the Ifeloju LCDA farmers. "This modernized tractor will be a game-changer for us, as it will help us overcome the challenges we have faced with outdated and unreliable equipment. This is a significant step towards enhancing our farming capabilities and securing a brighter future for our community."

The unveiling of the refurbished tractor in Ifeloju LCDA marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to empower local farmers and foster sustainable agricultural development. This initiative is expected to have a positive ripple effect, leading to increased food production, improved economic outcomes, and a stronger sense of self-reliance within the community.

LEADERSHIP: WE NEED MORE GOVERNORS LIKE OYEBANJI, SAYS VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA.

LEADERSHIP: WE NEED MORE GOVERNORS LIKE OYEBANJI, SAYS VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria needs more Governors like Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji whose style of governance would bring all political Stakeholders on board to enhance the educational system, security and socio economic growth of the sub nationals.

Senator Shettima stated this during the official launch of “Navigating the Politics of Universal Education Policies in Nigeria”, a book written by a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Modupe Adelabu, in Abuja on Thursday. 

 

The event was attended by the Chief Of Staff to the President, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Former Governors of Ekiti, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, and prominent traditional rulers. 

Vice President Shettima who narrated his first meeting with Governor Oyebanji during Dr Fayemi’s administration, where Oyebanji served as Secretary to the State Government. He recalled telling the then SSG that he would be the next Governor of the State based on his impression of him. 

The Vice President said he had observed Governor Oyebanji as Governor and he is impressed by the Governor’s unique leadership style which, according to the Vice President,  has united all tendencies in the state with attendant remarkable growth and development across different sectors.

He restated the importance of continuity of good governance, saying Ekiti is fortunate to have elected Oyebanji as their Governor, adding that the Governor has distinguished himself among his peers in Nigeria.

Vice President Shettima said: "honestly I am very proud of Governor Oyebanji. He exhumes humility, he exhumes acceptability and accessibility. He has been able  to carry all the tendencies in Ekiti State.

“Former Governor Niyi Adebayo is here, my friend former Governor Kayode Fayemi and his wife are all here, Senator Adetunmbi and many other Stakeholders in Ekiti State are all here to celebrate Professor Modupe Adelabu and also to identify with the Governor. 

“We need Governors like Oyebanji in Nigeria. Governors that will not work with everybody regardless of their political differences, Governors that will not chase shadows; Governors that have the capacity to be humble and height of their glories."

Speaking further, the Vice President congratulated  the writer who is a former deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Adelabu for sharing her thoughts, expertise and experiences as a distinguished Scholar in a book form. He urged policy makers at all levels to take advantage of the book. 

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji said  education is a critical component of nation building, stressing that this informed the decision of his administration to put necessary frameworks in place towards improving educational infrastructure in Ekiti. 

This, according to him has made Ekiti to have the highest number of basic school enrollment in Nigeria, with the provision of basic needs to aid teaching and learning as well as ensuring that gender mainstreaming remains an integral part of approach to education.

Governor Oyebanji lauded the Professor Adelabu for her contributions to the education and political development of the state, saying the book will be beneficial to all policy makers in the sector.

According to him, "Professor Adelabu's life is a testament to the abiding faith in God either as a princess who got married to a prince or as a mother who has raised distinguished children that are here today and we are thankful for her life as an academics who rose to the zenith of her profession by becoming a Professor and as a politician who at a one point in time was the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State."

 "I commend her quest for excellence and humanity..what we are celebrating today is just a celebration of academic excellence and intellectualism".

"Since we got to the saddle in Ekiti State, Professor Adelabu is the Chair of the committee put together to help us look for the best hands to run the government. The committee that recommended those at the executive now, the same committee has just submitted the report of those that will be in boards and parastatals and that speaks to her life- a life of service and dedication to humanity."

The author of the book, Professor Adelabu who gave an insight into the book, explained that the publication was not limited to a particular region; but covers the whole country with focus on Politics and Education which are like twin brothers.

She advocated for proper education system which connotes that everyone should go back to basic learning.

Discussants at the book launch include, former Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a former Minister of youths nd Sports, Mr Bolaji Abdulahi and Senator Bunmi Adetunmbi. They all called for a review of the Nation's Education policy, Universal Basic Education Act and priorities given to the enrollment of girl child at schools.

AJONI LCDA CHAIRMAN, OGUNGBEMI RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AS YOUTHS SKILL DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION.

AJONI LCDA CHAIRMAN, OGUNGBEMI RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AS YOUTHS SKILL DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION.

The serial award wining Council Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. (Amb) Prince Michael Ogungbemi fcpa has been honored with the prestigious award as a Youth Skills Development Champion by the Omo Èkìtì Ni Mí Foundation led by it's converner, Mr. Mike Owoseni, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on SME in commemoration of the International Youth Skill Day Celebration. 

International Youth Skill Day is a significant event that aims to raise awareness about the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. This year's theme is Youth Skills for Peace and Development.

This recognition is a testament to the Chairman's tireless efforts, interventions and commitment to empowering young people in the community, these interventions includes but not limited to the training of Ajoni Youths in Commercial Agriculture tagged Youths in Commercial Agricultural Development(YCAD) where the Youths were given hybrid Cashew seedlings and 60acres of land for cassava plantation, training of young entrepreneurs in self reliance modules by Interweaves Solution International, ISI USA, where over 150 Youths were trained on business management etc. The Chairman also employed the Youths as Data Managers through African Oral Histories and Genealogical Project, USA, trained 50 unemployed graduates and young school leavers (Job seekers) and were remunerated based on work done.

This award comes on the heels of several other accolades received by the Chairman for his outstanding work in Youth Developments and Empowerment programnes. His antecedents in this area are well-documented, and this latest recognition is a clear indication of his dedication to creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

Prince Ogungbemi initiatives focused on providing skills training, mentorship, and economic empowerment programs for youths, helping them to become self-sufficient and productive members of the society. His leadership has made a significant impact on the lives of many young people, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts.

"I am humbled and grateful to receive this award," said the Chairman. "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we will continue to work tirelessly to empower our young people and create a brighter future for them."

The award was presented at a ceremony attended by dignitaries, community leaders, and young people who have benefited from the Chairman's initiatives.

AJONI LCDA: PRINCE OGUNGBEMI GIFTED CHIEF IMAMS AND OTHER MUSLIMS CLERICS ACROSS AJONI COMMUNITIES.

AJONI LCDA: PRINCE OGUNGBEMI GIFTED CHIEF IMAMS AND OTHER MUSLIMS CLERICS ACROSS AJONI COMMUNITIES.

...as he builds positive Interactions with the Muslims Communities.

In preparation towards the forthcoming Ileya Muslims annual festival, the Executive Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. (Amb) Prince Michael Ogungbemi fcpa had invited the Chief Imams of the 10 Ajoni communities and other Muslims clerics from the Supreme Council of Islamic Affaires to the headquarters of the Council Secretariat.

The Muslim clerics who recieved cash donations each from the Council Chairman expresses heartfelt appreciation for the kind gestures and generous financial support towards the Salah celebration.

The lists of beneficiaries who were drawn from more than thirteen (13) different mosques across Ajoni communities prayed for Allah's mercies, divine guidance and protections for the Council Chairman and management of the LCDA.

Prince Ogungbemi ensured Ileya gifts were extended and delivered to the palace of the traditional ruler of Itapaji Ekiti, Oba Abdulazeez Abdulkareem Adebanjo, Olu of Itapaji towards the Salah celebration.

The Chairman charged the Muslim Community to continue to pray fervently for the growth, progress and development of BAO'S APC-led administration in the state and of the Ajoni Local Council Development Area.