APC’s candidate Okpebholo wins Edo gov poll.

APC’s candidate Okpebholo wins Edo gov poll.

The All Progressives Congress candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has emerged victorious at the just concluded Edo State governorship election.

Okpebholo beat his main challengers, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, and that of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, declared Okpebhole as the winner of the poll at the collation centre in Benin City, the state capital on Sunday.

The APC candidate polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Ighodalo, who polled 247,274 votes while Akpata of the LP came a distant third with 22,763 votes.

“That Okpebholo, having satisfied the requirement of the law is thereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Kuta, who is the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, said.

Edo State has a total of 18 Local Government Areas, divided into Edo North, Edo South and Edo Central. Traditionally, Edo North has always been the stronghold of the APC, while the PDP has always shown strength in Edo Central and Edo South.

Below are the election results:

Igueben LG

Registered voters – 54,549

Accredited voters – 15,274

APC – 5,907

PDP – 8,470

LP – 494

Total valid votes – 14,989

Rejected votes – 278

Total votes cast – 15,267

Esan West LG

Registered voters – 113,067

Accredited voters – 25,702

APC – 12,952

PDP – 11,004

LP – 342

Total valid votes – 24,691

Rejected votes -693

Total votes cast – 25,384

Uhunmwonde LG

Registered voters – 92,169

Accredited voters – 20,044

APC – 8,776

PDP – 9,339

LP – 769

Total valid votes – 19,223

Rejected votes – 553

Total votes cast -19,776

Owan West LG

Registered voters – 67,076

Accredited voters – 24,311

APC – 12,277

PDP – 11,284

LP – 201

Total valid votes -23,904

Rejected votes – 391

Total votes cast – 24,295

Ovia North-East LG

Registered voters – 177,106

Accredited voters – 32,441

APC – 13,225

PDP – 15,311

LP – 1,675

Total valid votes – 30,783

Rejected votes – 1,312

Total votes cast – 32,095

Esan South-East LG

Registered voters – 90,240

Accredited voters – 23,390

APC – 8,398

PDP – 14,199

LP – 98

Total valid votes – 22,780

Rejected votes – 356

Total votes cast – 23,136

Egor LG

Registered voters – 242,266

Accredited voters – 35,463

APC – 16,760

PDP – 14,658

LP – 1,966

Total valid votes – 34,022

Rejected votes – 1,018

Total votes cast – 35,040

Akoko Edo LG

Registered voters – 144,379

Accredited voters – 54,395

APC – 34,847

PDP – 15,865

LP – 2, 239

Total valid votes – 53,547

Rejected votes – 331

Total votes cast – 53,878

Esan Central LG

Registered voters – 68,338

Accredited voters – 20,580

APC – 10,990

PDP – 8,618

LP – 418

Total valid votes – 20,198

Rejected votes – 361

Total votes cast – 20,559

Esan North-East LG

Registered voters – 106,280

Accredited voters – 24,430

APC – 10,648

PDP – 12,522

LP – 194

Total valid votes – 23,637

Rejected votes – 674

Total votes cast – 24,311

Ovia South-West LG

Registered voters – 112,091

Accredited voters- 23,196

APC – 10,150

PDP – 10,260

LP – 849

Valid votes – 21,710

Rejected votes – 1,086

Total Vote cast – 22,796

Orhionmwon LG

Registered voters – 139,260

Accredited voters – 33,196

APC – 16,059

PDP – 14,614

LP – 556

Total valid votes – 31,559

Rejected votes – 1,091

Total vote cast – 32,650

Owan East LG

Registered voters – 106,252

Accredited voters – 34,618

APC – 19,380

PDP – 14,189

LP – 446

Total valid votes – 34,157

Rejected votes – 430

Total votes cast – 34,577

Etsako East LG

Registered voters – 102,754

Accredited voters – 35,084

APC – 20,167

PDP – 9,683

LP – 604

Total valid votes – 30,926

Rejected votes – 435

Total votes cast – 31,361

Etsako Central LG

Registered voters – 59,430

Accredited voters – 21,465

APC – 11,906

PDP – 8,455

LP – 381

Total valid votes – 20,851

Rejected votes – 294

Total votes cast – 21,145

Etsako West LG

Registered voters – 186,449

Accredited voters – 54,304

APC – 32,107

PDP – 17,483

LP – 2,116

Total valid votes – 52,226

Rejected votes – 1,188

Total votes cast – 53,414

Oredo LGA

Registered voters – 356,242

Accredited voters – 64,802

APC – 30,780

PDP – 24,938

LP – 5,389

Total valid votes: 62,703

Rejected votes: 1,339

Total votes cast: 64,042

Ikpoba-Okha LGA

Registered Voters – 392,782

Accredited Voters – 61437

PDP – 26,382

APC – 16,338

LP – 4026

Total valid votes – 48, 784

Rejected Votes – 1455

Total Votes cast – 50,239

Dr. Doyle Edeni Honored with Award of Excellence in Philanthropy at SRC Dinner and Awards Night.

Dr. Doyle Edeni Honored with Award of Excellence in Philanthropy at SRC Dinner and Awards Night.

....Donates ₦2 Million in Support of Nigerian Law Students.

Dr. Doyle Edeni, esteemed Founder of the Stand Up Speak Out Initiative (SUSO), was honored with an Award of Excellence for his philanthropic efforts at the Nigerian Law School’s Student Representative Council (SRC) Dinner and Awards Night, held at the institution’s headquarters in Abuja. In a significant gesture of support, Dr. Edeni also donated ₦2 million to assist Nigerian law students, further reinforcing his dedication to education and youth empowerment.

This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Doyle Edeni’s tireless commitment to philanthropy, particularly his focus on educational advancement and social justice in Nigeria. Through his leadership of SUSO, Dr. Doyle Edeni has championed initiatives aimed at empowering youth, promoting gender equality, and improving access to education, leaving an indelible mark on communities across the country.

In accepting the award, Dr. Edeni expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his dedication to advancing social causes that uplift and transform lives. “It is an honor to receive this recognition. At Stand Up Speak Out Initiative, we believe in the power of education and collective action to drive meaningful change. This award serves as both an acknowledgment of our efforts and a call to continue the work of creating opportunities for the next generation,” Dr. Edeni stated.

The SRC Dinner and Awards Night, a hallmark event in the Nigerian legal education calendar, was attended by legal professionals, academics, and dignitaries, celebrating individuals and organizations making significant contributions to education and social progress. Dr. Edeni’s leadership and philanthropic endeavors were praised as exemplary, setting a standard for impactful social responsibility.

About Stand Up Speak Out Initiative (SUSO)

The Stand Up Speak Out Initiative (SUSO) is a non-governmental organization founded by Dr. Doyle Edeni, focused on promoting social justice, gender equality, and educational empowerment for youth across Nigeria. SUSO’s mission is to foster positive social change through advocacy, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives that equip young people with the tools to become leaders in their communities.

Press Contact:

Press office, Stand Up Speak Out Initiative: susoinitiative.org

OYEBANJI CELEBRATES FIRST LADY, SENATOR REMI TINUBU ON 64TH BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CELEBRATES FIRST LADY, SENATOR REMI TINUBU ON 64TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has felicitated the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion of her 64th birthday.

Governor Oyebanji described Senator Tinubu as a special gift to the nation and a pillar of support for her husband, President Bola Tinubu, in his efforts to reposition Nigeria as a prosperous nation.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji noted that Senator Tinubu has contributed immensely to nation building as First Lady of Lagos State, a three-term Senator and now as the Mother of the Nation.

The Ekiti Governor said the wife of the President left worthy legacies behind through her New Era Foundation in Lagos State which gave empowerment to students, youths and women and gave them opportunities for fulfillment and to contribute to societal development.

He further credited the First Lady for making a great impact in the Senate from 2011 to 2023 through her advocacy for women empowerment, social development, better life for the physically challenged and the vulnerable segment of the population.

Governor Oyebanji pointed out that Senator Tinubu is presently making greater impact through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in areas of scholarship for students across the country, economic empowerment, financial support for women in agriculture and the aged.

According to him, the various segments of the RHI has benefitted many citizens of Ekiti State and have complemented the Shared Prosperity agenda of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji prayed God to grant Senator Tinubu long life, sound heath and fulfillment of her wishes and dream for Nigeria as a country and its people in years to come.

“On behalf of my wife, Olayemi, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, we wish the Mother of the Nation, a happy birthday and pray the the good Lord will continue to sustain her with good health, and wisdom so as to continue to serve God and humanity”, the Governor added.

Excitements as Tinubu's Aide, Olanrewaju, Empowers Ekiti Youths, Teachers with 200 Brand New Laptops, Cash.

Excitements as Tinubu's Aide, Olanrewaju, Empowers Ekiti Youths, Teachers with 200 Brand New Laptops, Cash.

...As Gov. Oyebanji, others hail initiative.

In an unprecedented development, 200 Ekiti people, comprising 100 youths, 70 teachers and 30 others, on Friday participated in an empowerment training on data management and computer application, sponsored by the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Parliamentary Affairs (House of Representatives), Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju. 

The programme which attracted participants across the state took place at Moba Local Government Secretariat, Otun Ekiti. However, while youths, women and a selected stakeholders had their own training in the morning, teachers had theirs in the afternoon.

The participants, who were taking through the rudiments of data privacy, identify theft and other data security techniques, were also gifted a brand new laptop each and cash gift to equip them and enhance the training. 

Speaking at the event, Hon. Olarewaju, said his decision to facilitate the training, which targeted youths, women and teachers was to prepare the participants for the 24 century work place. To this end, he urged the participants to see the laptops as an enabler and tools for transformation. 

Olarewaju, who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1 in the 9th National Assembly, said the initiative was in line with the vision of President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who have both indicated their passions to engage and empower the youths to be productive. 

He said, "The future of Ekiti and Nigeria economy at large is in technology and the future is now. Knowing well the place of digital in emerging technological world, these laptops and importantly, the training given today are necessary to equip our youths, women and teachers to become self reliant and fit in to the future workplace. What I'm doing here today are in line with the renewed hope initiative of Tinubu administration, which our amiable governor in Ekiti has keyed into. No doubt, today's intervention will positively impact our people and prepare them for the global current digital revolution,"

Also speaking at the event, Ekiti State Commissioner for Youths Development, Hon. Gold Adedayo, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Governor Oyebanji said the governor was impressed with the training and sent his good wishes to both the initiator and the participants. The commissioner added that what Hon. Olarewaju did was a life-long opportunity for the participants to change their worlds. 

"What Hon. Olarewaju has demonstrated today with the training and the laptops has further stood him out as a serious-minded politician who believes in pragmatic approach to leadership. With this, Hon. Olarewaju is telling the participants to go out there and conquer the world because what the participants have learnt is the future and the future is now. Mr. Governor believes so much in youth and women empowerment and that's why he's so happy with this initiative by Hon. Olarewaju. I hereby call on the participants to see this as an opportunity to excell and make a difference in life. Obviously, in today's work place, there's no work that can be done without having computer knowledge." 

A special guest of honour at the programme, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, (Adl), who described the program as a 'pathway to success' called on participants to rise up and explore the world with the knowledge provided.

According to Adl, "What Hon. Olarewaju did today has shown that he's determined to show his constituents how to fish and not to give them fish. While I'm commending our Honourable for this, I'm charging the participants to see this as equipment to explore the world."

A participant from Ijero, Ayodele Alofe, said even though he is computer literate, what he leant about data privacy and security has opened his eyes to fresh knowledge and opportunities in the digital world. 

“Data Privacy and Protection has opened my eyes to understanding how to protect my data against breaches from any where, the training is indeed an eye opener for me and would love to extend the experience to learning more in the nearest future” he said. 

Another participant, Mrs. Taiwo Bamigbola from Ekiti West said the training had prepared her better as a teacher, not only to teach her pupils but to look for opportunities beyond her immediate environment through digital knowledge acquisition.

The BAO Impact Series No. 3 OYEBANJI'S FRUITFUL COLLABORATION WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES, DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS AND PRIVATE SECTOR.

The BAO Impact Series No. 3

OYEBANJI'S FRUITFUL COLLABORATION WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES, DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS AND PRIVATE SECTOR.

 BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA.

No national government or subnational government can survive in isolation. The 21st Century world is a world that thrives on friendship, collaborations and partnerships, at bilateral and multilateral levels.

Since assuming office in October 2022, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, recognizes this fact hence his resolve to reach out to institutions, agencies, organizations and individuals that have the means to assist in translating the dream of Shared Prosperity to reality.

Before reaching out, the Governor ensured the deep entrenchment of the policy framework that would smoothen the wheel of governance, investment-friendly polices, provide the needed infrastructure and create an enabling environment to fast-track the ease of doing business in Ekiti State.

Shortly after settling down in office, institutions like banks and other corporate organizations paid the Governor courtesy visits with a view to exploring areas they could do business with the State to consolidate what was achieved with the immediate past administration in which he meritoriously served as the Secretary to the State Government.

One area in which Mr. Governor has taken the notch up further is reaching out to entities that could be of support and help to the government and the people of the state which he has done with gusto. For Ekiti to get the very best of the pie within and outside Nigeria, the Governor cannot sit down in his office in Ado Ekiti; he has to go out to look for funds, grants, credit facilities and openings for deserving citizens of the state, local and foreign investors.

It is a fact that cannot be controverted that Governor Oyebanji is a very respected face at the Presidency when it comes to pushing for the interests of Ekiti and his cause has been further helped by the love President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has for him and his administration which has opened the doors of opportunities from which the state has benefitted immensely.

Almost two years down the line, the benefit of Governor Oyebanji's contacts, visits, reaching out and collaboration with federal agencies, institutions, development partners and investors are already yielding bountiful harvests in the interest of Ekiti and its people.

Agencies of the Federal Government the Governor has made representations to include Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Ministry of Power.

Others are Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Nigeria Export Processing Zonal Authority (NEPZA), Agriculture Development Bank, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

Development partners Governor Oyebanji has established a good relationship with in the interest of Ekiti are World Bank, Africa Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United States African Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and some Embassies and High Commissions in the country.

This piece will not be complete without citing a few examples of how Governor Oyebanji's deepening of relationship with all these aforementioned institutions, agencies and development partners is benefitting Ekiti and its people in the key sectors that align with the five-pillar agenda of the administration.

The Governor's visit to the Ministry of Defence resulted in attracting an Air Force Base to the state with the foundation personally laid by the Chief of Air Staff. The presence of an airport in the state is expected to complement the operations of the men of the Nigerian Air Force when it is fully operational.

NAMA and Ekiti State Government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of the ongoing Ekiti Airport certification process which is the last stage of approval for commercial flight operations by the nation's aviation authorities.

The Governor's working relationship with the Ministry of Defence and particularly the Nigerian Army led to the deployment of more soldiers which has helped to curb security breaches in some flashpoints in the state. 

The Governor's meeting with Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, earlier this week focused showed his relentless pursuit of benefits for the Land of Honour and its citizens. The visit, among others, was aimed at securing the Federal Government's support for the fiscal development of the state. 

The Governor used the forum to restate his commitment to exploring opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies, private sector players and development partners in order to create economic opportunities for citizens' socio-economic growth and development of the state in line with the Shared Prosperity agenda.

Governor Oyebanji has taken the state's working relationship with the World Bank to a higher pedestal since coming on board through official visits and articulation of Ekiti's interests in some of its products that are beneficial to the state.

These include the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Adolescent Girls' Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), interventions in agriculture sector and water sub-sector. Different percentages of work have been done on many rural roads through RAAMP and this will rub off positively on agriculture in terms of timely evacuation of farm produce to the markets and providing amenities to rural dwellers.

Though AGILE, many schoolgirls have been empowered with laptops and cash grants to keep them in school and provide the state-owned schools with instructional materials while capacity building programmes were organized for principals and teachers.

Ekiti is also benefitting from the World Bank-assisted Nigeria for Women Project, United States African Development scheme while the state is also benefitting from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the area of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The AfDB has provided huge support for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) and most especially its flagship Model Smart School. The Governor's commitment to payment of counterpart funds to UBEC has given the state opportunities to access funds to turn around the basic education sub-sector.

During Governor Oyebanji's visit to Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, he was assured by the minister of the Federal Government's commitment to reconstruction and rehabilitation of federal roads that are in deplorable conditions in the state with the minister paying a follow-up visit to Ekiti for an on-the-spot assessment of the roads concerned which are already receiving attention.

Time and space will not permit mentioning the benefits Ekiti has derived from the Governor's working relationship with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment through its agencies like SMEDAN, Bank of Industry, NEPZA, Agriculture Development Bank, among others.

The train of development of Ekiti State being piloted by Governor Oyebanji is moving at a faster pace and it is very sure that he won't relent in his fruitful engagement with federal agencies and development partners until the Ekiti of his dream is achieved.

Ogunmola is the Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to the Governor.

PMO: AN EXEMPLAR OF TRANSFORMATORY LEADER AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT.

PMO: AN EXEMPLAR OF TRANSFORMATORY LEADER AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT. 

In the realm of Local Government Administration, few leaders have made more profound impacts. It has got to a level that people kept wondering and aghast, why that tier of government was dogged with poor governance, thereby dragging down its development and exerting heavy burdens on the rural dwellers, where over 70% of the population are domiciled .

But that of the Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, Hon, (Amb)Prince Michael Ogungbemi is unique and could be adjudged to have defied the terrible past. By every standard of measurement, he is a respectable visioner and personality with midas touch and mental acumen to turn things around.

 With his well defined roadmap, daring commitment to excellence and passion for transformative leadership, Ogungbemi has recalibrated leadership and had meandered through the bumpy grassroots governance to etch his name in gold. With his mastery, he is gradually leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of the people of his LCDA.

Under his dexterous leadership, Ajoni Local Council Development Area has witnessed unprecedented development with landmark projects dotted everywhere. His wondrous initiatives have elevated the standards of living of residents. From infrastructure development, Education, social welfare and human capital development programmes, Prince Ogungbemi's administration has been a beacon of hope, demonstrating effective governance buffering the sufferings of the masses.

His leadership style is quintessential. Aptly akin to a blend of humility, empathy, and visionary prowess. He has fostered a culture of inclusivity, engaging stakeholders and citizens in the decision-making process. He has ensured that the council's policies and programs are people-centric and well contrived to respond to the needs of the community.

As a well amplified testament to his exemplary leadership, Ajoni LCDA has become a model for other local councils to emulate. His selfless dedication, integrity, and unflagging commitment to the well-being of his people have earned him a special place in their hearts.

*Overview of his programmes and projects*

His superlative track records of achievement are unparalleled, which includes:

✔️ Market Revitalization Projects i.e (constructions of both open market stalls and lockup shops across Ajoni communities);

✔️ Educational Enhancement Programmes and Projects i.e constructions of International standards public school buildings across Ajoni communities and instituted Ajoni Educational Endowment scheme); 

✔️ Youths Development Initiatives i.e young entrepreneurs recieved self reliance training modules from Internationally recognized Non Governmental Organisations sponsored by Ajoni LCDA and graduated with MBS Diploma Certifications 

■ Youths in Commercial Agriculture i.e (acquisition of 65 acres of land at the Ekiti State Agriculture Proccessing Zone for young Ajoni farmers and fully funded agric empowerment programme in cashew and cassava plantation);

✔️ Women Empowerment i.e (Women in vegetable farming, provisions of traders supports funds and widows/elderly support programmes across Ajoni communities);

✔️ Traditional Rulers Welfare package for Oba's and regents in Ajoni communities;

✔️ Job Creation Initiatives i.e (unemployed graduates and young school leavers employed as field agents and data managers across Ajoni communities);

✔️ Sports Development i.e (Establishment of Ajoni football club, registered in Ekiti football league and promotion of local sporting competition across Ajoni communities);

✔️ Local Security Architecture i.e (Establishment of Ajoni Local Security Network code-named OPERATION EBBORAC, Ajoni local Security social trust funds and other security logistics);

✔️ Health Advocacy Programmes i.e (Conducted Health/Medical outreach and organized child's morbidity and mortality rate programmes by providing micro-nutrient food supplement to over 400 malnurished children across Ajoni communities);

✔️ Community development programmes i.e (installation of hi-tec solar street lights, provisions of solar powered motorized boreholes and boreholes rehabilitation project across Ajoni communities.

■ Financial Donation towards community development programmes and project across Ajoni communities.

■ Embarking on various ecological works i.e road verges, dilsilting of block drains and other social impacts across Ajoni communities. 

■ Ongoing construction of modern Ajoni Administration Building at the Council's Headquarters nearing completion.

In fact, I doff my hat and salute Prince Michael Ogungbemi for his outstanding accomplishments, tireless and daring efforts to build a better future for the people of Ajoni Local Council Development Area. He remain a pride to several other youths and privileged young people who will be willing to occupy public offices to emulate his charismatic and wonderful dispositions towards service delivery and enviable leadership strides.

May his pragmatic and proactive leadership continue to inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence in public service.

With the personality of Prince Michael Ogungbemi impressive performance benchmarks, brilliant mind, energy and workaholic prowess to drive community development through productive partnerships and engagement with international and national Non Governmental Organisations, a well sustainable future of Ekiti development is secured and guarranteed.

~ Akinwumi Akintade writes from Ado-Ekiti.

EKITI DEBUNKS MASS FAILURE IN 2024 COMMON ENTRANCE EXAMINATION/PLACEMENT EXAMINATION.

EKITI DEBUNKS MASS FAILURE IN 2024 COMMON ENTRANCE EXAMINATION/PLACEMENT EXAMINATION.

Ekiti State Government has said that 16,167 out of 16,361 public Primary Schools pupils making 97.43% and 10,675 out of 10,859 (97.28%) pupils of Private schools in the State passed the 2024 Common Entrance/Placement Examination contrary to some media reports of purported mass failure.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye described the report as a misconception.

Giving detailed analysis of the candidates’ performance, Dr. Aderiye stated that 16,361 pupils were examined out of the 16,593 that registered while 232 were absent, adding that 2,235 (13.47%) of the candidates scored between 200 and 299; 11,493 (69.26%) had between 300 and 399 in addition to 2,439 (14.70%) that scored between 400 and 500.

Aderiye who noted that there was no problem with the performance of the pupils, however stressed that the issue is about the capacity of candidates' schools of choice and the respective cut-off marks, adding that the preference, concentration and insistence of some parents and guardians for certain schools, particularly the newly established Model Colleges and some schools considered reputable is creating a logjam.

According to her, the insistence of the parents and guardians that their children and wards attend the preferred schools led to having too many candidates than the schools can accommodate while several other schools still have spaces.

Reiterating the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to the provision of free and compulsory qualitative education up to Senior Secondary School level, she stressed that there is no reason for anyone to write off any school with the volume of interventions and developmental projects executed in all the 203 public schools in the State and Government’s favourable, proactive policies aimed at providing accessible, affordable, qualitative, functional and sustainable education for enlightenment and enterprise using emerging technology.

Aderiye assured that education in the State is now standardized and all schools are equipped to provide quality education for their students, adding that schools that may hitherto had less than good reputation have been transformed to global-standard teaching and learning environment with both personnel and state of art equipment.

She stated that “Government is partnering with reputable organizations including the World Bank using programmes like the Adolescent Girls' Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Innovative Development & Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) amongst others”.

“930 subject teachers were recruited in public secondary schools in the year 2022-2024, 131 staff employed for the Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE) in the year 2024, 150 security guards engaged to strengthen security in public secondary schools in the year 2023 and 43 Education Officers appointed in 2024 to enhance efficiency and boost service delivery”.

“A sum of ₦14,293,424,499 had been expended on renovation and construction in 203 public secondary schools in Ekiti State, 44 classrooms were constructed and 1,084 renovated while 240 new Toilets were constructed and 132 renovated across the 203 public secondary schools in the 2023/2024 session, 32 new Boreholes were sunk and 8 rehabilitated across secondary schools during the 2023/2024 session as well as 18 libraries, 69 laboratories and 67 Halls renovated and or furnished and equipped”.

“2,600 Computer devices, 2,978 furniture and interactive boards were also procured while perimeter fence constructed in 16 secondary schools”.

She stressed that the target is to ensure quality and functional education through sound policies and implementation, using e-learning, whole school monitoring, provision of conducive environment and regular capacity building of personnel for optimal learning outcomes.

The Education Commissioner therefore advised parents and guardians of pupils who did not meet the cut-off marks of the schools of choice to be more flexible with their choices of schools and, emphasizing that under the current dispensation, no school is inferior to another.

She added that affected parents should write or visit the State Ministry of Education to see the list of schools and available number of spaces for placement possibility for their children.