Tinubu hails Oyebanji’s statesmanship as Gov holds anniversary thanksgiving.

Tinubu hails Oyebanji’s statesmanship as Gov holds anniversary thanksgiving.

....Ex-govs salute gov's leadership qualities.

...as clerics describe him a bridge builder.

Nigeria's President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s statesmanship disposition to governance, urging him to continue with his leadership style. 

The President also promised to stand by the in order to make more greater positive impact in the lives of the people of Ekiti State. 

President Tinubu gave the assurance in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, during a thanksgiving service commemorating Oyebanji's second anniversary, held at the Cathedral Church, Anglican Communion, Okesa, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital. 

Most thrilling to the congregation was the presence of former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi at the church service, while both Christian and Muslim clerics offered prayers for the governor and the Government if the state. 

The President who was represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said he was pleased with the giant strides being made by Oyebanji to develop the State, in addition to his leadership style which, according to him, has attracted more citizens of the state to participate in the governance process. 

"I don't want to stand here and tell the Governor that the President loves him, you know he loves you and you know he is supporting you. I have taken time to tell some people who were raising issue of misplaced priority against the new flyover you are constructing that it shouldn't be a thing of worry. I told them you are enjoying special presidential intervention. 

"I have assured them that you will go out of your way to create opportunities for Ekiti in every other sector by working round the clock. We don't need any clairvoyance to tell us that our governor has performed well. He has served well and he deserves our support to make him succeed", he said. 

Bamidele, who is also the chairman of Ekiti Caucus of the National Assembly, stated that Ekiti will be the first state, where all APC members and movers and shakers of politics will pick a consensus candidate as governor, assuring that the lawmakers are ready to form a workable partnership with Oyebanji for Ekiti to develop. 

"You are a statesman, pls remain as a statesman. stay focused and allow politicians to play their games. Don't be distracted. Be ready to double up and deliver for Ekiti masses", Bamidele added.

In his short address, Governor Oyebanji, sang some songs of praises to appreciate God for his mercy and provision for the state under his watch. He also thanked all the former governors, national and state assembly members and every other critical stakeholders for the success recorded so far. He specifically thanked President Tinubu for his support for his administration. 

Speaking on behalf of the former Governors, Dr. Fayemi appreciated God for the government of peace being enjoyed in the state under Oyebanji, adding that this has made the state peaceful and developing. 

Fayemi, supported by former governor Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose said Oyebanji is presently preoccupied with governance and was not really subsumed by ambition, assuring that his endorsement for a second term, as being done by various groups has their blessings. 

Speaking further, Fayemi said: "We thank God that Oyebanji is now a pride to us. We thank God we didn't install someone who would bring shame to us. Without peace there can be no development, also without development, there won't be peace. 

"There is no point repeating the obvious, all the former governors all shared the same view. We thank God for the harmony our governor has promoted. I pray that God almighty will continue to guide him to deliver, because Ekiti people will ultimately be the beneficiaries of the harmony that we enjoy in the state. 

"I love the way the governor went out of his way to regularly seek advice from those of us who had occupied the office before him. He did this in a way that none of us is excluded from governance. I pray he grows further in this wisdom", Fayemi said. 

In his homily, the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of  Ekiti, Most Rev Andrew Ajayi, commended the governor for being compassionate and aggressive in his poise to develop the state, by extending roads, electricity and other public utilities to many communities.

The Bishop, urged the governor to follow the paths of equity and justice, saying he should make good use of his privileged position for his post governorship era to be memorable, peaceful and rewarding. 

"As a leader, do what is right. Your right is to create environment where people can excel. Think of how many people you have made. That is your joy after this office. Leaders don't  rely on their power to succeed, but in God, who gives and takes power. With this spirit in you, you will  excel. You need to appreciate God for making you a good ambassador". 

In similar fashion, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, described the governor as a bridge builder, saying this was responsible for his large and cult- like supporters across Ekiti and party lines. 

Other dignitaries at the event include Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye,  Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Speaker, Ekiti Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; and Members of House of Representatives including Hon Sola Fatoba; Hon Kolawole Akinlayo, Hon Akintunde Oyebode; the Chairman, Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Hon Oyetunde Ojo, commissioners, Special Advisers, politicians, traditional rulers, drivers, traders, Okada Riders, among others, among others

The Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Oba Ilori Faboro led traditional rulers to the event, which also had in attendance former members of the national assembly and state assembly.

I’ve Connected Over 40 Towns to National Grid, Says Oyebanji.

I’ve  Connected Over 40 Towns to National Grid, Says Oyebanji.

....commissions road, electricity  projects.

...Fayose hails Governor’s  excellent  performance.  

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday, disclosed that he had connected over 40 towns to the national grid since assumption of office two years ago, with intention to upscale local economy and add modern touch to the grassroots. 

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, during the commissioning of De-Head/ Faglo Road and electrification project that connects suburban areas like: Irewumi, Orungbe, Olorunsogo, Surelere,s Olorunda, and Ijadu, with Basiri, completed by his administration.

Speaking at the event attended by former Governor Ayodele Fayose, Oyebanji said he decided to construct the road with solar lighting to increase nightlife in the area and bring an upswing to the economic development of the populace, adding that putting electricity along new road remains his standard practice.

"This road was started by Governor Ayodele Fayose, but I completed it. That is why it is good for a leader to perform while in office. By my assessment, all our past governors have done well, they deserve our respect. 

"In the last 24 months, I have connected over 40 towns to national grid. Some were reconnected back after decades of power outage, while some never had light at all. No town can develop without electricity and to develop the local economy, we are focusing on grassroots electrification to boost our economy at the rural level", he said.

The governor assured that  the local government Chairmen will be backed fully by his administration to reciprocate the good projects being offered at the state level at the grassroots.

"Light  and road are very central to development and we will continue to connect as many as possible towns with electricity and roads. Any town without good road and light will be in darkness and no development can take place. 

"I am not going to abandon any sector or stratum. All of us must enjoy the dividends of democracy because our votes are of equal value. I will continue to serve you as your servant".

Commissioning the project, former Governor Fayose, who started the project, commended the contractor for completing the project in record time.

Fayose said he was enthralled with the way Oyebanji completed some projects started by his predecessors, which he said further testified that there is unity of purpose among all Ekiti leaders.

Speaking about 2026 governorship election, Fayose posited that all the former governors of the state have endorsed Oyebanji for second term and that they will back him up to succeed at the poll.

Damning the consequences of his steadfast support for Oyebanji, Fayose, a PDP chieftain, said: "I don't care what people say about me, I am with you and whoever that is not pleased should take their party away. The people are speaking for the governor, they love him, they want him back and I can't be against my people. 

"I can see you are leaving  a legacy that will outlive you. All of us former governors will adopt Oyebanji for second term, because he has done well", Fayose said.

In their submissions, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo and his counterpart in infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, charged the residents to protect the facilities provided by mounting security surveillance against vandals and thieves. 

Applauding Oyebanji on behalf of all the benefiting communities, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi , said the project will change the face of the economy of the axis, promising that they shall reciprocate the gesture with massive votes in 2026.

Cavista Holdings Chairman, John Olajide Presents Laptop Computers to Ekiti NUJ Correspondents' Chapel.

Cavista Holdings Chairman, John Olajide Presents Laptop Computers to Ekiti NUJ Correspondents' Chapel. 

...As Ekiti Govt Lauds Cavista's Support for State Development.

By Adl.

The Chairman of Cavista Holdings Limited, Mr. John Olajide has donated ten sets of laptop computers to members of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council. This generous gesture aims to enhance the chapel's pursuit of digital journalism.

The presentation took place on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the chapel's office in the Old Governor's Office, Ado-Ekiti. Olajide was represented by Alhaji Dauda Lawal, Director of Community Engagement of Cavista Holdings and Deputy Executive Director of Agbeyewa Farms.

Lawal explained that the donation, valued in millions, was a fulfillment of Olajide's pledge to support the chapel's digital journalism endeavors, which was discussed during the chapel's annual event on September 26, 2024.

"Cavista Holdings remains committed to supporting the noble media profession and the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the state," Lawal stated. He emphasized that the laptops have been configured to facilitate the journalists' work, urging them to utilize the devices effectively.

Commissioner for Information Taiwo Olatunbosun, who represented the Ekiti State Government during the brief occasion, commended Olajide for the donation, describing him as an iconic figure making significant impacts in the business and technology world. Olatunbosun expressed delight in the collaboration between Cavista and the state government, noting that Cavista's investments in agriculture and hospitality have added immense value to Ekiti's economy.

"The administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji will continue to provide an enabling environment for investment opportunities to thrive in the state," Olatunbosun assured. He encouraged other private organizations and investors to emulate Cavista's example, promising government support.

Olatunbosun also praised the chapel's support for the Oyebanji-led administration over the past two years, promising that media practitioners would not face gagging or intimidation while carrying out their responsibilities.

Responding, the Vice Chairman of the Chapel, Gbenga Sodeinde, thanked Olajide for the generous donation, assuring him that the laptops would be effectively utilized to enhance their journalism works.

This donation underscores Cavista's ongoing commitment to Ekiti State's development, fostering a collaborative environment for business and media growth.

We 're Proud of your unifying role in Ekiti, Ex Govs Oni, Fayose, Adebayo Hail Oyebanji.

We 're Proud of your unifying role in Ekiti, Ex Govs Oni, Fayose, Adebayo Hail Oyebanji.

....as ex-Govs commission projects to mark BAO's second anniversary.

In a manner akin to passing a confidence vote in his sterling leadership qualities and political sagacity, three former Governors of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, Ayodele Fayose and Niyi Adebayo, on Saturday lauded the incumbent Governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji for deploying the instrumentality of governance and politics to unite Ekiti citizens.

This came as Governor Oyebanji sought fruitful engagements on the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement on the local government autonomy, in a fashion that would not contravene the judicial pronouncement, nor inflict sufferings on the council workers and the masses at large.

The former governors spoke while commissioning different projects as part of activities marking the second anniversary of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) administration in different parts of the state on Saturday,

The projects include the newly constructed Local Government Service Commission (LGSC') office complex, the remodeled Otunba Niyi Adebayo Presidential Lodge and the Dehead/Faglo road and electrification project.

Showering accolades on Oyebanji while commissioning the LGSC' office complex, ex-Governor Oni, who started the project in 2008, maintained that the governor was exhibiting extreme leadership acumen and magnanimity with manner he has united all leaders and political tendencies in the state.

Oni harped on the expediency of a sitting governor serving as a rallying point for all the citizens, regardless of political affiliations, describing this as sine qua non to development, unity and peace, adding that.

He said "With my invitation here today, Governor Oyebanji is showing magnanimity. This is a way of bringing people together. It shows our governor believes in unity.

"I understand other former governors; Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, the Osoko and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the JKF, . all around to commission projects. All of us should be ready as citizens to do things together. This is a state that was created late and we need to move faster to be able to catch up with others who came earlier before us. We must have that spirit of togetherness.

Applauding Oyebanji for being steadfast in his developmental strides,former governor Ayodele Fayose, described the governor as a pride to all Ekiti citizens.

"I am very proud of you. You have done well. We will continue to be with you. You have gone far in terms of development. Let me wait for that person that will say you have not done well. I am not a member of your political party, and I will never be, but Ekiti comes first.

"Political party is just a vehicle to achieve our political goal. I am going to stand by you. In everything, Ekiti comes first. We are indeed proud of your achievements and the unique leadership style which has brought everybody together for the progress of Ekiti, our dear stst", he said.

Commissioning the remodelled Presidential Lodge named after him, ex-Governor Niyi Adebayo, said Ekiti is lucky to have a hardworking person as a governor, who has been able to bring all Ekiti people together irrespective of political leanings.

"People shouldn't try to create division among the leaders of this state who are ready to work together despite belonging to different parties and political persuasions. We are all together and we have the love of Ekiti at hearts. We made a lot of sacrifices for the good of the state. I am very proud of the governor and I am happy for being honoured today", Adebayo stated, in an emotion-laden speech.

Speaking about the significance of unity to development, Oyebanji posited that the completion of the buildings were marks of honour to former Governors Oni and Adebayo, particularly for their generosity of spirit and accountability.

He said he was particularly happy to invite the fofrmer Governors to commission the pprojects while alive instead of having to name it after them after their passing.

"We should endeavour to celebrate our leaders while they are alive. i am particularly happy that all our former Governors are here to witness this.

"I am bringing all our governors to come and commission projects they started, which I completed, to send a signal that we must be together for Ekiti to move forward. You can imagine the development that we have been witnessing with them supporting me.

"Some of our politicians are using crisis to make money, it has become an economic means to some, so don't cause crisis among these leaders. Let us use whatever we have to develop the society. With unity, there is nothing we can't achieve", he said.

Expressing his views on local government independence, Oyebanji, said his government recently gave a loan of N1.2 billion to local governments to pay gratuity of pensioners, which he said negated the tenets of autonomy, but clarified that this was demonstrated to buffer the sufferings of the retirees.

"That is why those who are pushing for local government autonomy should also look at some critical aspects. If we have strictly complied with the supreme court judgement, I wouldn't have done that. But most of our people will suffer if we fail to do this. What we should be concerned about is: how do we implement this judgement without anyone suffering? But I haven't seen such conversation.

"With local government autonomy, what happens to the local government service commission? What happens to the traditional rulers and those working in various palaces? What happens to local government workers that are not working in their local government of origin. All these are issues we must consider, Oyebanji advised.

"he however assured that his government woul put the interest of the council workers at heart in the implementation of the council authonoy so nobody suffers unnecessrily.

Present at the occasion are Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, former Deputy Governor Paul Alabi, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, a House of Representatives member, Hon. Sola Fatoba, former Ambassador to Neitherlands, Dr Eniola Ajayi; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioners, labour leaders, Local Government staff, Special Advisers, politicians, among others.

We’ll protect your interest, Oyebanji tells LG workers.

We’ll protect your interest, Oyebanji tells LG workers.

….as NULGE holds appreciation rally at Governor’s office.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has told local government workers in the state that his government would take care of their interests in the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy. 

He said his administration is irrevocably committed to their welfare, assuring that they would not suffer any negative consequences as a result of the new admistrative and fiscal arrangement occasioned by the 

Supreme court ruling. 

The Governor disclosed this on Saturday morning when he received Local government workers under the aiges of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who came on a solidarity visit to his office in Ado Ekiti. 

The workers, led by leaders of the union and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), were at the Governor’s office to thank the Governor for the completion of the Local Government Service Commission Building as well as other policies of the government that had promoted the interests of the workers. 

Citing various peogrammes and policies of the Government, the workers said they would work assiduously for the Governor’s second term in office . 

They described his election in 2022 as a worthwhile mandate well maximized for the interest of all Ekiti people, adding that they would mobilize support for his re- election. 

The Local government workers, who spoke through their representatives led by the President, NULGEN, Comrade Oluseyi Olatunde, said the entire staff of local government in the state were irrevocably committed to Governor Oyebanji’s second term bid owing to the landmark achievements of the Governor through his visionary leadership and tireless efforts aimed at moving the state forward.

Comrade Olatunde, affirmed that Ekiti is tremendously lucky to have Governor Oyebanji in the saddle at a critical time like this stating that the governor had been able to bring Ekiti out of infrastructural decay and deliver local government workers from economic quagmire by activating economic prosperity and transformation through his mantra of share prosperity.

The NULGE  president highlighted some of the governor’s achievements in the local government to include regular payment of pension to retirees, release of lump sum of N1.2Billion for payment of arrears of gratuities as well as payment of six months arrears of salaries and four months of deductions to both local government workers and primary school teachers.

While commending the positive disposition of the Governor to the plight of local government workers, Comrade Olatunde applauded payment of 2017 and 2018 leave bonuses, appointment of two additional Permanent Secretaries for the Commission, and forty five heads of local government administration, completion of the new secretariat complex for the commission as well as regular promotion of staff among others. He noted that all these and many more have endeared him to the heart of all Ekiti both at home and in the diaspora.

“We are here to say thank you for providing robust leadership. In less than one year in office, our health workers that have been marginalized and discriminated against for more than thirteen years, and you graciously put an end to this by approving and implementing health consolidated salaries for our health workers, thereby putting them at par with their counterparts in the state employ. A development that put an end to two salary regimes among health workers in the same sector. 

The Governor stated that he had not done anything that is spectacular, adding that  appreciation should  be given to God and President Tinubu who provided the needed resources for his administration to thrive and which enabled  him deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

Ojuawo Felicitates with Chief Afe Babalola on His Birthday.

Ojuawo Felicitates with Chief Afe Babalola on His Birthday.

Honorable member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, congratulates Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, founder and Pro Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), on his birthday.

In his congratulatory message, Hon. Ojuawo praises Chief Afe Babalola as an institution and model for future generations.

"Today marks an opportunity to wish our revered Baba a happy birthday and many more years of groundbreaking achievements ahead. I appreciate and thank him for his mentorship and transformative leadership in Ekiti and Nigeria. His impact on law, education, health, and agriculture is indelible, constantly supporting the government and society.

I salute his philanthropic and creative ideas that empower younger generations. Baba, I wish you many more years of great accomplishment".

Hon. Ojuawo also commends HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Aladejuyigbe for designating October 18 as Afe Babalola Day to celebrate the icon's trailblazing legacy, deserving recognition in his lifetime. He prays for Chief Babalola's good health, sound mind, and continued good work, leaving enduring legacies for generations to come.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

I Won't Relegate any Religion in Ekiti, Oyebanji Assures Muslim Community.

I Won't Relegate any Religion in Ekiti, Oyebanji Assures Muslim Community.

....your humility, home boy culture have paid off, Sheikh Bello tells Governor.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to continue to maintain fairness in dealing with religious affairs in the state as a way of fostering harmony and spirit of brotherhood among adherents of different religions, adding that he won't betray the confidence reposed in him by the Muslim community.

Oyebanji gave the assurance, on Friday, at a Jum'at Service commemorating his second year anniversary, held at the Central Mosque, Oja Oba, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Addressing the congregation, Oyebanji praised the Muslim leaders and faithful across the state for being steadfast in their support for his government, promising to rev up the pedal of development to benefit all the strata of the society for the rest of his tenure. 

He charged Muslims to maintain the culture of religious tolerance and harmony being enjoyed among all religious tendencies, urging them to sustain the tempo in the overall interest of the state, particularly in driving investments. 

"I am here to appreciate God and all Muslims for their support. Let me bring to your notice that none of those Muslims in my cabinet failed leadership tests, they all performed well, right from the Secretary to the state Government to the last person.

"Last time we came here, I pledged that flooding won't affect this Mosque again, I thank God that we have redeemed our pledge. 

"Let me assure you that whatever is due for you, I shall give you freely without you fighting for it. When things were tough and hard, Muslims stood by me, they never said I am not their member. Whatever you have interest in, I shall redeem it and make it possible for you. You said I have the best records in terms of appointments for Muslims, this is just the beginning, I shall do more by God’s grace.  

"I want to assure you that we are going to serve you very well and zealously. We are supposed to serve you as leaders. You elected us and sent us on this journey, so that we can serve you. I will never fail you. Muslims leaders, particularly the Grand Imam has been so nice and steadfast in his support. I appreciate you", Oyebanji said.

In his sermon, the President, League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, warned the  Muslim adherents against abusing their leaders and scolding them openly over any noticeable shortcoming.

The Islamic Cleric advised that they should rather offer prayer supplications that would direct the psyches and feet of those in leadership to the path of honesty, humanity, transparency and accountability. 

Bello, who doubles as  the Grand Imams of Ekiti State, appreciated the governor for embracing religious balancing and appointed many Muslims into his cabinet to contribute their quotas to the development of the State. 

"We should pray for our leaders, so that they can do more. The work they do is tasking and arduous. Governor Oyebanji is one Governor we should all pray for, he deserves our prayers. Our Governor is working hard, he didn't allow us to be hungry the way God wishes.

"We have been having governors in this state, Governor Oyebanji is different. In character, mutual respect , philanthropy and humility, he is unique. You are leading well and other arms of government like the State Assembly are following your footsteps. I want you to work harder. I am happy that you didn't abandon your predecessors, that is how a leader should behave", Bello stated.

Bello stated further that  the "homeboy culture" of Governor Oyebanji has paid off for the citizens of the state, praising those who supported him to be governor for propping up and marketed a good product for Ekiti populace. 

At the closure of his short exhortation, Sheikh Bello led the congregation to offer  prayers for the success of the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji. 

Present at the service are: the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Muslim leaders, among others.