Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Hosts Christmas Get-Together in Ogbese.

Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Hosts Christmas Get-Together in Ogbese.

The Ojuawo Empowerment Farm, Ogbese, became a hub of festivities on Friday as it hosted a Christmas get-together to celebrate the yuletide season with its principal, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, and other dignitaries.

In a carnival-like atmosphere, farmers, stakeholders, and guests gathered to share a feast featuring the traditional delicacy, "Iyan Oko," symbolizing the farm’s unique way of marking Christmas and the year’s end.

Engr. Bayo Babalotin, the farm's supervisor, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to Hon. Ojuawo and other guests for their presence. He described the event as an opportunity to bond as a family while sharing plans for the coming season.

"We've already begun preparations for the next farming cycle, focusing on the nursery stage and improving our irrigation process. This feast underscores our tradition of eating together as a family," Engr. Babalotin said.

A highlight of the event was when Hon. Ojuawo joined the food preparation team, displaying his skills in pounding yam. His gesture resonated deeply with the farmers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

Several prominent figures, including Hon. Ropo Ogunbolude and Hon. Femi Babalola, APC chieftains from Ise Ekiti, accompanied Hon. Ojuawo. They encouraged the farmers to boost crop production, emphasizing the dual benefits of increased income and food security for Ekiti State.

Hon. Bamikole Ayodele, the Executive Chairman of Ise/Orun Local Government and special guest at the occasion, commended Hon. Ojuawo’s commitment to agricultural development.

"This initiative aligns perfectly with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s vision for food sufficiency in Ekiti State. It is a noble cause, and I will continue to support projects that bring relief to our people," Ayodele said.

In his remarks, Hon. Ojuawo lauded the farmers for their dedication, assuring them of continued support to achieve even greater milestones in the coming year. He revealed plans to expand the farm's operations with the addition of 10 hectares of land, courtesy of Governor Oyebanji’s administration.

"With the bulldozer provided by the governor, we will cultivate an additional 10 hectares, bringing our total to 25 hectares next season. This empowerment farm is designed to create employment opportunities across the value chain, from planting to finished products. I remain committed to providing the necessary logistics and support," Hon. Ojuawo said.

Other dignitaries at the event included Hon. Ojuawo’s wife and a former House of Assembly member representing Ise/Orun, Hon. Deji Ajayi. They applauded the farmers for their cooperation and resilience, highlighting their vital role in the farm's progress.

The Christmas get-together ended with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen the farm’s impact on food security and employment generation in Ekiti State.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Ifeloju LCDA Chairman Distributes Cash, Cows, Clothes to Residents on Boxing Day.

Ifeloju LCDA Chairman Distributes Cash, Cows, Clothes to Residents on Boxing Day.

The Chairman of Ifeloju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Oye Local Government, Hon. Olusola Michael Oniyelu (OMO), marked this year’s Boxing Day with a show of goodwill and generosity by distributing cash, cows, and clothing materials to residents across the council’s four wards.

The initiative, which took place in Ilupeju Ward 1 and 2, Itapa/Osin Ward, and Omu-Ijelu Ward, saw the donation of four cows, ₦2 million in cash, and various clothing materials. Hon. Oniyelu personally interacted with beneficiaries during the event, reaffirming his commitment to fostering unity and improving the welfare of the community.

Speaking at the event, Oniyelu said his gesture was inspired by the exemplary leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who has consistently encouraged political appointees and elected officials to give back to their communities.

“The acts of kindness demonstrated by Mr. Governor motivate me,” he said. “By giving back to our community, we ensure that the dividends of good governance reach every corner of our LCDA.”

The council boss further assured residents that the gesture would become an annual tradition.

“We are committed to making this a yearly celebration, and I assure you that next year’s event will be even bigger and better,” Oniyelu promised.

Residents praised the initiative, describing it as a reflection of the chairman’s dedication to the welfare of his people.

The event served as a reminder of the resilience and unity within the Ifeloju LCDA community and highlighted Hon. Oniyelu’s unwavering focus on improving the lives of his constituents.

Ekiti 2026: Anybody can show interest, but I’m for Oyebanji, says Fayemi at leaders’ meeting.

Ekiti 2026: Anybody can show interest, but I’m for Oyebanji, says Fayemi at leaders’ meeting.

The  immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has formally declared support for the second term bid of the incumbent Governor of the state, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, insisting that the Governor had done creditably well and should be well supported to achieve a second term in office.

Dr Fayemi, who stated this during a meeting/end of year get together with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 16 local government of the state at his Isan Ekiti country home on Thursday, however said his endorsement does not mean other intending aspirants cannot take a shot at the party’s governorship ticket.

“I am a democrat, so I cannot discourage anybody from contesting for the party’s ticket. Anybody who feels he is capable can contest for the party’s ticket.“

“What I am saying is that as for me and my entire family, we are for Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s second term in office.“

“We have all agreed that our Governor is an Omoluabi who has performed exceedingly well within the last two years. And we all agreed that if we support him as our candidate, the people of Ekiti will joyfully follow us. So, the best thing to do is to rally support for him so he can continue the good governance till 2030.

“By April next year, INEC will announce dates for Ekiti election. So, this is a good time to start the work. Let the work begin in our various wards and local government areas. 

“I am a democrat and during my time, I contested against no fewer than 30 other aspirants in 2007 and in 2018 not less than 26 other aspirants showed interest. So, as a democrat I cannot ask anybody not to show interest. Anybody who feels he is sufficiently capable can show interest, should go ahead, the former Governor added.

The declaration was greeted with thunderous applause from the over 5,000 party leaders in attendance at the meeting.

Responding to the endorsement, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to former Governor Fayemi and other leaders of the party, said he was humbled by the open declaration by the former Governor whom he described as his “ boss, mentor and benefactor.”

Oyebanji said he will do everything possible not to disappoint Dr Fayemi and other leaders of the APC.

“When you made me SSG in 2018, I said I would do everything to make you proud. When in in 2021 you told me of the party’s decision to have me as the flagbearer, I remember I also told you, I will make you proud. I believe I have been able to make you proud through the various programmes and policies that have brought joy to the people.

“What I can only say for now is that God helping me, I shall make you and the entire party proud again. We have been able to position the party as a darling of the people and I know that has always been your desire. And I am happy, no single person has left our party for another party. Instead we have been receiving people from other political parties who are fascinated by what we are doing.” , Oyebanji said.

Earlier, leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts as well as leaders of various local government chapters of the party, had spoken glowingly of the excellent performance of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration, which they said had redefined governance and service delivery in the state.

Present at the end of year get together were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Acting State Chairman of the party, Mr Sola Elesin; Speaker of the state Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; chairman elders caucus of the party, members of the state assembly and state executive council as well as council chairmen and chairmen of local government and senatorial chapters of the party and former office holders.

Yemi Olubusoye: Youth Empowerment Specialist, Business Development Consultant, Certified Trainer in Entrepreneurship and MSME Growth - Profile.

Yemi Olubusoye: Youth Empowerment Specialist, Business Development Consultant, Certified Trainer in Entrepreneurship and MSME Growth - Profile.

Olubusoye Yemi David is a dynamic individual with a passion for empowering youths, an industrious and enthusiastic personality, youth coach, business development consultant, with over 12 years of experience in designing and delivering MSMEs upscaling programs, community development, building capacity and adding values that enables government and organizations to achieve their strategic goals in MSMEs space. A design thinker that is committed to solving one of the biggest challenges in entrepreneurship eco-system by supporting entrepreneurs in identifying opportunities and resources to help them plan, start and grow their business as a viable career option and solution to unemployment. 

As CEO of Onayod Global Services, Yagfield Biotech Engineering Limited a BIOGAS and CNG company and Co-founder  Mao-Dav Global Resources Ltd. An ALUMNI of Lagos Business School LBS. He has:

- Assisted over 1,000 entrepreneurs in accessing shortterm loan (From Development Financial Institutions) DFI. (BOI, CBN AGSMEIS NIRSAL, BOA Agric projects) and COVID-19 facility

- Trained over 3,000 youths in Ekiti of N-POWER NEXIT and others on how to package bankable business plan to access fund.

- Honed expertise in  processing short term loan, various empowerment programs by Federal Government and World Bank grants for business expansion.

- Successfully led initiatives connecting Ekiti youth with World Bank N-CARE, IGF IDEAS,NYESAF, L-PRESS  (World Bank Assisted) Projects in South-West Nigeria, USADF finance opportunities for farmers cooperative societies in Ekiti

- Registered over 600 companies with Corporate Affairs Commission CAC and  Cooperatives societies as part of business development and farming initiatives build-up.

- Assisted Ekiti Youths in accessing vocational skills training for SMEs and agricultural empowerment programs of  SMEDAN, NDE and export packaging training by NEPC with resettlement benefits.

Yemi Olubusoye has attended training and workshops organized by World Bank and DFI, his impressive career in Business Development spans:

- 2014: Commenced career in business development as first runner up in youth enterprise with innovation in Nigeria YOUWIN capacity building training Federal Government of Nigeria sponsor 2014 Lagos Business School LBS

- Workshop on World Bank IDEAS PROJECT one of the south-west panelist on INNOVATION GRANT FACILITY IGF OCT 2022

- Inter-Agency Consultative Forum On Development and Promotion of Non-Oil Export In Ekiti State Nigeria Export Promotion Council NEPC MAY 2022

- Bank of Industry BOI youth enterprise challenge Capacity building training 2017 Abuja.

- Nigerian Institute of Management, Youth employment and livelihood strategies: National Directorate of Employment (N.D.E) Approached. July 2009 ABUJA (NIM)  

He is a Certified Trainer and Consultant in Entrepreneurship and Business Development.

Yemi Olubusoye was the Ekiti State Coordinator of NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, member Ekiti Trade Fair 2022 and Convener of Ekiti Youth Entrepreneurs a platform created by him for youth empowerment.

Yemi Olubusoye currently serves as a Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor on Youth Empowerment.

“I’ve achieved 90 percent of my promises to Ekiti people ‘, says Oyebanji.

“I’ve achieved 90 percent of my promises to Ekiti people ‘, says Oyebanji.

… Flags off  construction of Itawure - Okemesi road.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday said his administration has achieved over 90 percent of the promises he made to Ekiti people during his electioneering campaign. 

Governor Oyebanji who disclosed this during the flag off of Itawure – Okemeei road, added that his government had lit up over 30 communities that had been in darkness for close to 20 years.

He assured residents of the state that his government would continue to invest in infrastructure development in the bid to ensure the people live a better life. 

The Governor noted that the Itawure- Okemesi road is just the first phase of the road project, adding that the second phase would see the construction work extended to Ikoro, Ipoti, Ijero and Iloro axis. 

He added that the project had both economic and security importance to the state as it has the ability to attract investors into the area and support the developmental strides of his administration.

 “Today’s projects cover Okemesi, Ido-Ile and Efon Alaaye. As we are flagging off this project, we are also embarking on the construction of Ido-Ile - Okemesi road, and we are also embarking on the construction of Alanaka road in Efon. These are my campaign promises to our people. 

“When we marked two years in office, I have a book of promises I made to our people, I checked it and I stand before God and man to say that in two years, what I promised Ekiti people, I have done more than 90percent of it. 

“There is no community where I made promises that we have not done what we promised them, either in terms of infrastructure, welfare or party development.

“On the issue of electricity, if there is one thing I am desirous of doing, I promise to ensure that Okemesi also enjoy the benefit of electricity from the state. I am going to send a team here in January to advise us on how to go about it. 

“Within the last two years, we have lit up more than 30 communities in Ekiti state, these are communities that have not had electricity in 20 years.”, the Governor added . 

Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo, who described the project as another milestone in the annals of the administration of Governor Oyebanji’s drive to open up the state to investors and community development . He added that the government had continue to prioritize the wellbeing of the people through a robust focus on infrastructure and industrialization. 

Adebayo noted that government recognizes that roads are not just infrastructure, but lifelines that connect people through transportation of goods and open doors to investments.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Owaoye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; President, Okemesi Improvement Union, Chief Nathaniel Olaoye and a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda (SAN), expressed their gratitude to the governor for his interest in the community as well as counting their community worthy in his developmental agenda.

Other dignitaries at the event include members of the state House of Assembly, traditional rulers, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Hon Femi Ajayi; former Political Adviser to the President, Chief Akin Oshuntokun.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Salutes Kinsmen Over Strong Backing for Oyebanji's Govt.

Ekiti Deputy Gov Salutes Kinsmen Over Strong Backing for Oyebanji's Govt.

...donates cash gifts to scores of Ikere residents.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has commended her kinsmen in Ikere Ekiti over their strong backing for the success  of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration, saying this has been a source of pride to her personality as a top echelon of government. 

Laying a solid foundation to underscore Oyebanji's impressive governance and the merited acceptability, Mrs Afuye, saluted his boss for being zealous in his steadfast actions to elevate democracy through open door policy and high regard for the masses.

The Deputy Governor said these in Ikere Ekiti, on Thursday, during the "Adegboye Royal Dynasty Day 2024", through a  statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje.

At the annual programme, which was in honour of the Deputy Governor's late father, Prince Noah Adegboye Afeni, a respectable businessman and royal personage during his lifetime, Mrs Afuye donated cash gifts to scores of family members to reinforce their bond of unity .

Addressing the prominent personalities at the event, held at Adegboye compound, Oke Osun Area of Ikere Ekiti, Mrs Afuye, revealed that Governor Oyebanji, has raised the stake of development in the town through  project execution in road infrastructure, security and other pivotal areas of the economy.

In governing Ekiti, Mrs Afuye, said Oyebanji, has laid a solid foundation to demonstrate that politics and governance are instruments to foster unity and development, and not the ones to fan the ember of acrimony, or oppress the citizens

"I am happy that our people in Ikere Ekiti are reciprocating what Governor Oyebanji has done. The Ado-Ikere dual carriage way is wearing a new look, while the Moshood road in the heart of this town had been reconstructed with asphalt overlay.

"The reconstruction of Ikere-Ilawe road and Ikere-Igbara Odo road are nearing completion. These are besides the series of appointments given to our people. 

"The governor deserves our support and we must reciprocate his good deeds by showing commitment to the success of his administration .

Governor Oyebanji has done well in the area of food security through cluster farming that has employed 940 youths. 

"As of now, Ekiti has about 20 ongoing road projects across the three senatorial districts. 

"Our governor is a friend of everybody: the opposition, civil servants, traders, drivers, teachers, vulnerable groups are all his friends, no discrimination. He doesn't oppress anybody with power, so he deserves our respect and support, let us give it to him in the interest of our dear state", she said.

Mrs Afuye described Adegboye dynasty as respectable royal family, who has contributed to Ikere Ekiti in all ramifications, urging the family to sustain the legacy of the late patriarch by eschewing hatred for them to retain the respect being accorded the lineage.

"This family is known for honour, honesty, sincerity, integrity, and valour, let us sustain all these virtues. Let us be focused and contribute to development of Ikere kingdom, because we are known here as champions of development and we must keep this brand at all costs; that is our selling point".

She commended the family for supporting the  chairmen of Ikere Local Government and its subsidiary Local Council Development Area to upscale the level of development in the town.

In their submissions, the Interim Chairperson, Adegboye Royal Dynasty, Princess Christiana Adekemi and Chairman, Royal Day Planning Committee, Prince Olumide Adegboye, appealed to family members to embrace unity, so that they can contribute to the growth of the community.

They said the late Prince Adegboye Afeni, who was their patriarch, had laid a rocky foundation of love, unity , honour and honesty known to Ikere Ekiti, saying these virtues must be sustained to further enhance the respect attached to the royal lineage. 

In her short exhortation at the event, the vicar in charge of St Luke's Anglican Church, Ikere Ekiti, Ven. Olorunfemi Ajayi, described the annual reunion of the family as a sign that the family remains epitome of love and oneness in the community.

Ven Ajayi urged the family to build on this legacy to further reinforce unity in Ikere Ekiti kingdom, re owned as the second largest town in the state.

Ekiti Govt Clears 3,000 Hectares for Mechanised Farming, Warns Against Bush Burning.

Ekiti Govt Clears 3,000 Hectares for Mechanised Farming, Warns Against Bush Burning.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

His Excellency Gov Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji 
Executive Governor of Ekiti State.

The Ekiti State Government has intensified efforts to boost agriculture and youth participation in agribusiness by clearing 3,000 hectares of land for mechanised farming.

The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed this during a radio programme in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday. He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to drive job creation and economic growth through agriculture.

"The state government will continue to develop agribusiness and attract youths to farming, to create employment and empower the people in the state," Olatunbosun said.

He added that the 2025 budget prioritizes agriculture, underscoring the administration's commitment to positioning Ekiti as a hub for agribusiness and food security.

The commissioner also cautioned residents against indiscriminate bush burning during the dry season, emphasizing the risk of fire outbreaks and property damage.

"This warning is crucial to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property to fire," Olatunbosun stated. He further warned, "The government will not hesitate to bring offenders to justice."

In a related development, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, revealed ongoing interventions to sustain food production systems.

"As of last week, we mobilised another 24 local contractors for land clearing for youths, communities, and cooperatives. Most of them have moved to the sites. No holidays in food production systems," Boluwade said.

He stressed the need for consistent and sustainable interventions to address the state’s food deficit and ensure food security.

"Effective 2025, we will start seeing the outcomes of these initiatives by the populace in our food systems and a downward food inflation curve with the activation of Ilu Eye Trading Company, which has commenced agri-products aggregation from farmers and clusters," Boluwade added.

With these measures, the Ekiti State Government is demonstrating its resolve to strengthen agriculture, create job opportunities for the youth, and address food security challenges effectively.