MOB Unveils Plans for Mini Stadium at Ekiti State University.

MOB Unveils Plans for Mini Stadium at Ekiti State University.

A mini stadium is set to be constructed at Ekiti State University (EKSU) as part of the constituency projects initiated by Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) for 2025. The announcement was made during the 10th Special Convention of the EKSU Alumni Association in Abuja.

The event, attended by distinguished figures including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, and Vice Chancellor Professor Babatola Ayodele, highlighted the project's significance for the university community.

Senator Bamidele expressed his commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure at EKSU, indicating that the project aims to benefit students, faculty, and the local community by providing a venue for sports events and promoting student engagement.

During the convention, Senator Bamidele revealed that he had proposed the mini stadium project to President Bola Tinubu after discussions with the university's Vice Chancellor during a recent visit. He noted that the President had graciously approved the request.

As the Life Patron of the EKSU Alumni Association, Senator Bamidele reiterated his dedication to attracting further interventions for the university's development.

SAHARA REPORTERS’ BLUNDER ON EKITI STATE’S 2024 BUDGET PERFORMANCE.

SAHARA REPORTERS’ BLUNDER ON EKITI STATE’S 2024 BUDGET PERFORMANCE.

After several goofs and failed attempts to rubbish the developmental efforts of the Government of Ekiti State by Sahara Reporters, an online soft-sell publication, another misleading report by the publication has been brought to the notice of the State Government on how Government allegedly spent N314million on furniture in nine months and nothing on Medical Equipment. 

Absurdly, the publication, as usual, without seeking clarification as professionally required, published a misrepresentation of facts capable of causing disaffection, eroding the trust of the people and tarnishing the image of Government.

Ordinarily, it would not have been  necessary to respond to the mischievous publication, but owing to the policy of transparency, accountability and inclusivity of the Biodun Oyebanji administration, it becomes imperative to dispel the distortion of facts for the sake of the unsuspecting reading public who could be misled by the report.

We find it rather ridiculous on the part of Sahara Reporters, to attempt to exclude the Health sector from the N314million spent on office furniture, giving the fact Government had repeatedly explained that its non-specialized procurements, such as furniture, are done centrally and distributed on delivery by suppliers  across ministries, departments and agencies. 

It is clear that Sahara Reporters was deliberately trying to misinform the general public as the publication chose to disregard the contents of page 38 of the same report which shows the State Government had in the same period incurred capital expenditure of N1.74billion on health and N4.3billion on education. 

In addition, It is clearly stated in the report that  N4,096,089,130.00 was expended as capital expenditure in the Agric sub-sector on page 36. 

This style of biased and manipulative reporting by Sahara Reporters is not only malicious but reckless and irresponsible. 

For the benefit of doubt, the State Government during the period under review, successfully renovated and provided state-of-the- art equipment for the Okeyinmi Health Centre, Ado Ekiti, renovated nine General Hospitals in Ijan, Ijesa-Isu, Okemesi, Efon-Alaaye, Iye, Ayede, Ilupeju/Itapa, Ifaki Ekiti, Government House Clinic, Hospital Management Board (HMB) and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) Ado-Ekiti.

Within the same period, medical equipment including Semed 2D mammogram machine with digitizer and printer, 16 100AH batteries, 10KVA inverter, Hospital bed with ABS, Bedside locker ABS-150 units, Theatre operating table hydraulic, Ceiling-type LED theatre lamp, Wheelchair, Dental chair with a camera, Patient transfer trolley ABS Type, Emergency trolley ABS Type and Stainless steel patient transfer trolley were acquired by the state government. 

It is also on record that, the State Government commenced parity payment to Doctors in the State Ministry of Health and Hospital Management Board, renovated and rehabilitated the Comprehensive Health Center at Adin-Ilawe as well as constructed Neonatal Intensive Care unit, oxygen gas plant, the students hostel at the College of Nursing Sciences, renovated the main theatre, male medical ward, female medical ward, all at EKSUTH.

It must also be stated that the insinuation that only N200 million was spent on the rehabilitation of public schools with development partners’ programmes such as the Adolescent Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project as well as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) interventions is incorrect. the State Government paid a sum of N1.3billion as counterpart fund in August, this year aside another N1.3billon paid in April, 2023. Given the State Government’s contribution is 50 

The partnerships have facilitated multi-million naira projects in all the 203 public secondary schools and the six technical colleges in the State.

While urging people in the State to completely disregard the persistent attempt by Sahara Reporters to downplay the globally acknowledged rising profile of the State and portray efforts of our Government in bad light, it must be stated categorically that these vitriolic outpourings of Sahara Reporters are deliberate attacks on people in the State.

The State Government will however not be distracted from its commitment to all round development of the State and making life easier for the people. That is our focus!

Sahara Reporters will do well to read our reports fully, carry out necessary investigations and seek clarifications before rushing to the press with a potpourri of childish claims  and outright falsehood. 

 

Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun

Honourable Commissioner for Information.

Cooperation, peace, veritable tools for development, Oyebanji tells community leaders.

Cooperation, peace, veritable tools for development, Oyebanji tells community leaders.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on the citizens of his native town, Ikogosi Ekiti, at home and in the diaspora to embrace cooperation and peace as essential tools for meaningful and sustainable development of the community.

Governor Oyebanji, who made the call at Ikogosi Ekiti on Friday night during an interactive session with leaders of the community in commemoration of the 2024 Ikogosi day celebration, said harmony, unity and love among the community members are vital for attracting investment and growth which will help the community reach its full potential as a prime destination for tourism and economic progress.

Describing the community as a potential revenue generator for the state due to its unique cultural and natural assets, the Governor implored the citizens to prioritize collective goals over and above personal gains, stressing that collaboration is crucial for advancing and improving the fortune of the community.

The Governor assured them that his administration would continue to empower the community through infrastructure, education, and job opportunities for the local youths.

He maintained that ikogosi development holds a special place in his government agenda and urged the residents to remain committed to shared dream of a prosperous and harmonious community

"I believe strongly that the path way to progress is frankness, truth and love. I am pleading with all of us, this is our own Jerusalem, we must love ourselves because where there is no love there cannot be progress, it's when we love ourselves that we love our community".

"The change we want in this town must start with us, and the best way to change a community is to start with oneself. All of us present tonight must make up our mind to leave this place as a changed person and love Ikogosi". The Governor stated.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the President, Ikogosi Progressive Union, Mr Sola Agbaje, who expressed his appreciation to the Governor for being very passionate and committed to the development of the community, said the purpose of the meeting was to find a way to move the community forward.

In her own remarks, the Regent of the town, Princess Omobola Adepoju, who expressed her appreciation to the Governor for not disappointing the community, said the community is so proud of the tremendous achievements of the Governor’s administration in just two year.

She urged the citizens to work in unity  to achieve remarkable progress and development for the community. 

The community leaders at the parley also lauded the Governor for the all round development being witnessed across the state under his watch, pledging their unalloyed support for his administration.

Oyebanji attributes leadership style to Mother’s lessons in humility, love.

Oyebanji attributes leadership style to Mother’s lessons in humility, love.

….as mother’s foundation donates multipurpose hall to church.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has attributed his approach to leadership to the virtues of humility, contentment, and love that his late Mother instilled in him, stressing that her emphasis on simplicity and service has been a major influence in his life and career.

Governor Oyebanji, who disclosed this on Friday at Ikogosi Ekiti, while commissioning an ultra-modern multipurpose hall donated to the First Baptist Church, Ikogosi, by the Abiyamo Esther Oyebanji Foundation, a foundation in memory of the Governor’s mother. He said the lessons learned at home have guided his approach to governance, helping him maintain perspective and empathy in his service to humanity.

According to him, his late mother was an example of true motherhood who used all she had to assist the less privileged and trained her children the right way to success.

While calling on parents to inculcate the virtues of honesty, love and empathy in their children, the Governor charged the Church and the community to make the best use of the hall as well as cultivate good maintenance culture towards ensuring the durability of the facility. 

He assured the community that more development projects would be executed within the town and other towns in the state, calling for a more united front in achieving collective growth and shared prosperity.

“We are here today to give glory to God and celebrate our late Mother who lived for us. Mummy is no more, the greatest legacy to her is what we are doing today, walking the talk, the way he brought us up in humility, contentment, and in love for everybody around us.”

“We were brought up to show love to everybody, to respect people, fear God and serve him. So I am happy today that between myself and my siblings, we are able to bring this together in her memory”, the Governor said.

Also speaking at the event, the wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji who described the late Esther Abosede Oyebanji as a disciplinarian and philanthropist, said the Governor’s leadership attributes of empathy and love for the people, as well as commitment to just causes were product of his upbringing, adding that they have been part of him long before he embraced public service. 

Other dignitaries and community leaders at the event included the regent of Ikogosi Ekiti, Princess Omobola Adepoju, the President of the Ekiti Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Aribasoye, Prof. (Mrs) Ojo and Dr Temiola  eulogized the late matriarch of the Oyebanji dynasty and commended the initiative of the children at immortalizing her.

Airport: Ekiti Pays N300m Compensation to 377 Land Owners.

Airport: Ekiti Pays N300m Compensation to 377 Land Owners.

…..Says airport ‘ll uplift Ekiti’s Agric, tourism viabilities.

….warns land owners against disturbing contractors on sites.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, paid a whopping sum of N300 million to 377 land owners , whose property were acquired for the construction of the Ekiti State Agro Allied Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti capital city.

Dispelling insinuation that the airport project was a misplaced priority, Oyebanji posited that the facility was intended to expand the state’s economy, open a new vista of economic opportunities, investments and bolster industrial drives.

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, while disbursing cheques to land owners from Ijan, Igbemo, Afao, Iworoko and others, whose lands and economic trees were acquired to give way for the construction of the Airport facility.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the event marks the third and last tranche of compensation payments to individuals and families affected by the land acquisition for the realisation of the ambitious Ekiti State Cargo Airport facility.

The governor, however, advised those whose lands were acquired in public interest and have not been compensated not to disturb contractors on sites, assuring that all their expectations shall be met to indemnify their losses.

He clarified further that the vision behind the airport was to build an airport that will not only improve the state’s connectivity to national and international markets, but would also serve as a gateway for agriculture, commerce, and tourism to fuel local businesses.

The governor assured that no effort will be dissipated to unravel the gains inherent in the facility for Ekiti people when fully berthed and operational, saying creating atmosphere of abundance remains the focus of his administration.

“The Ekiti State Cargo Airport Project was conceived not just as an infrastructural achievement, but as a critical pillar in our mission to drive economic diversification, stimulate local industry, and create new opportunities for the people of Ekiti.

“We have a vision of an airport that will not only improve the state’s connectivity to national and international markets but also serve as a gateway for agriculture, commerce, and tourism, fueling local business growth and attracting investments that will benefit our communities”.

Oyebanji saluted the farmers and landowners for their sacrifices, commitments and patience, saying the payment of compensation was geared towards appreciating their patriotism to a lofty and common cause.

“The claimants we are honouring here today have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the future of Ekiti, agreeing to adjust their lives for a greater good that will ultimately benefit every citizen of this state.

“To you, the landowners, I say: thank you for your patience and understanding.Today’s ceremony marks the disbursement of the third and final tranche of compensation to 377 claimants.

“Let this be a testament to our administration’s dedication to fulfilling its promises. We understand that the prompt and fair compensation of those affected is not only a legal obligation but a moral one. Our sacrifice and cooperation with this administration are deeply valued”, he said.

Oyebanji added that his government is focused on creating a propitious environment, where every Ekiti citizen can feel the positive impact of the airport facility, through increased business opportunities, job creation, and upward infrastructural improvements.

Addressing the claimants, the Special Adviser to the governo Geographic Information System, Lands and Survey, Prof. James Olaleye, said the compensation serves as indemnity against losses suffered by the land owners, which he said would help in putting a sooting balm on their pains.

“I hope those concerned will understand the genuine efforts of the present government to bring all their worries to past. I hereby assure all the claimants who are being owed compensations for other project sites, that very soon, all their dues will be settled.

“Let me urge our people to refrain from disturbing ongoing projects through threats of violence and other acts that may hinder the peace of the state”, he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the benefitting communities, Chief Ojo Awe and Mr. Olufemi Oso, commended the governor for being sympathetic to the plights of the land owners through expeditious payments of the pending compensation.

“On behalf of the nine communities that donated lands for the construction of the airport, we appreciate the governor. Though it was painful that we lost our property, but we thank God that the airport project is gradually coming to fruition and it will become a gain to all of us in the future”, he said.

"𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐃 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐧-𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐰𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭".

"𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐃 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐧-𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐰𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭".

Earlier on Wednesday, 30th October 2024, members of the Strategy Team from the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), led by the Special Adviser/Director General, Engr. (Dr.) John Moyo Ekundayo, conducted an on-site assessment of Agbeyewa Farms to evaluate the investment's intervention on agriculture in Ekiti State. This private sector initiative aims to boost local economic development and enhance the shared prosperity agenda of the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) administration.

In alignment with Ekiti State’s agricultural policy, which supports businesses already rooted in local communities, the team began its visit at a newly acquired 46.5-hectare proposed for a modern farm estate. This area is designated to become a comprehensive farming estate, comprising of an administrative office, processing facility, worship centre, school, bank, supermarket, amusement park, etc.

At Gede and Iyemero, the team observed approximately 500 hectares of cultivated land, mainly dedicated to cassava planting, some of which are still in the early stages.

Agbeyewa Farms employs a combination of mechanical, herbicidal, and manual methods, using standard pre-emergence herbicides to control weeds before planting.

Agbeyewa Farms collaborates with various offtakers, such as Promise Point, which operates along the same corridor, with buyers coming from as far as Bayelsa State, Edo State, etc. The combination of farms belonging to Agbeyewa Farms is the largest cassava plantation in southwest Nigeria. Focus is on high standard of land preparation, planting, production and processing.

The farms employ hundred of workers, paying them above minimum wage. Approximately 65% of the workforce comprises local residents. The Executive Director, who led the joint inspection, an Ekiti Indigene, emphasizes community involvement in order to meet the local content demand of the incumbent administration of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in Ekiti.

Highlight of the farms' inspection was the remarkable remark of one of the farms' managers. 

He commended the Ekiti State government’s agricultural template, emphasizing its potential for food security across Nigeria. The manager added that with additional support from the government—such as improved road access and expanded land-clearing initiatives—Agbeyewa Farms could further scale its cultivated hectares and impact.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launches Renewed Hope Initiative food outreach in Ekiti.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launches Renewed Hope Initiative food outreach in Ekiti.

…restates commitment to welfare of women, children, vulnerable.

Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach in Ekiti State, with distribution of food items to People with Disabilities, widows l, special schools and other vulnerable groups in the state. 

She also reaffirmed her commitment to uplifting women and vulnerable communities across the Country.

Speaking while performing the symbolic presentation of food items to the beneficiaries at a brief event held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Ground, Ado Ekiti, Senator Tinubu,  who was represented by the Wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman RHI, Hajiya Nana Shetima, said the event was a testament to her  determination  to improve living standard for women and vulnerable groups, adding that empowerment and food security are critical pillars in her agenda.

She said the initiative was part of a larger strategy spearheaded by her Office to tackle hunger and poverty among underserved population, which according to her aligns with the objectives of the President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-administration’s focus on improving the lives of all Nigerians.

Emphasizing the RHI food outreach commitment to alleviating the hardship faced by many Nigerians, particularly those impacted by the economic challenges, the First Lady said the outreach is not just about providing food items but about reinforcing her commitment to the well-being of women, children, and elderly who are disproportionately affected by poverty.

She explained that the initiative will distribute food staples, including rice, beans, spaghetti, garri among others to thousand of families in Ekiti State with plans to expand to other region in the coming months.

The RHI National Chairman maintained that the initiative remains an avenue to transform lives across the country through various programs in health, education, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment. 

“Today, as we launch the program in Ekiti State, we aim to reach all the geo-political zones and support citizens in need. Our hope is that this initiative will have a tangible impact on the lives of those we are here to support as we distribute these associated food items, we encourage the beneficiaries to utilize them for the well-being of their families. A healthy family forms the foundation of a striving society, which is ultimately our goal. The Renewed Hope Initiative remains committed to transforming lives through various programs in health, education, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment.”

“We are dedicated to supporting our citizens, particularly persons with disabilities, youth, women and children, so to help them build a better family life.” She added. 

Earlier in her welcome address, the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor and RHI State Coordinator, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, expressed her gratitude to the Wife of the President for the impactful gesture under the Renewed Hope Initiative food outreach programme.

Dr Oyebanji who described the gesture as a symbol of hope and assurance that the President remains committed to addressing the needs of Nigerians, said the initiative would bring relief to countless vulnerable people across the state.

She commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her determination through The Renewed Hope Initiative platform to make positive and tangible impacts in the lives of all Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Biodun Agboola who expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Wife of the President, said the initiative would alleviate the burden faced by the vulnerable.

While hailing the First Lady’s compassion and advocacy for the disadvantaged, Mr. Agboola maintained that the Governor Oyebanji led-administration has improved the fortunes of the people living with disabilities in the state with various programs aimed at improving their living standard.

The arrival of the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Shettima at the event was greeted with singing and dancing by different women groups and the State Performing Arts Company, who put up superlative performances reflecting different ethnic groupings in the country. 

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the State House of Assembly, State Executive Council, representatives of religious bodies; market women associations, and community leaders among others.