Ekiti Unveils Dry Season Agriculture Strategy, Empowers Farmers.

Ekiti Unveils Dry Season Agriculture Strategy, Empowers Farmers.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a proactive move to mitigate mid-year price hikes and scarcity of tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables, the Ekiti State Government has commenced the implementation of its dry season production strategies for 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer, seeks to revolutionize horticultural production in the state.

During a visit to the Erinfun Horticultural Production Hub in December 2024, Mr. Boluwade reviewed the government’s plans with key stakeholders. The hub, operated by Urban Farmers Ekiti, has been positioned as the nucleus of a statewide agricultural transformation aimed at creating jobs and ensuring food security.

In line with this vision, several interventions have already begun to materialize. These include:

1. Enhanced Water Supply: Two additional solar-powered pumps are set to be installed, ensuring water is reticulated across the 20 hectares of cleared farmland. The contractor has been mobilized, with installation work starting immediately.

2. Improved Irrigation Infrastructure: Drip irrigation tapes have been supplied to complement existing systems, enabling wider coverage and efficient water use.

3. Seed Distribution: Discussions are underway with East West Seeds Ltd to provide improved tomato and pepper seeds at subsidized rates for youths and legacy farmers in Erinfun, Aramoko/Erio, and other horticultural hubs.

4. Crop Protection Solutions: The state is finalizing arrangements with a crop protection company to supply environmentally friendly agrochemicals that enhance yield without compromising ecological balance.

5. Market Access: Ilu Eye Trading Company will sign an offtake agreement with farmers, ensuring their produce reaches consumers at fair prices, thereby curbing middlemen exploitation and price inflation.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Boluwade expressed his gratitude to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for approving these interventions, which will benefit over 500 youths and legacy farmers. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning agriculture as a profitable business and a tool for job creation.

“Our focus is on accelerated food production and wealth creation for our teeming youths,” the Commissioner stated. “With these steps, we are not just addressing the challenges of scarcity and high prices but also laying a foundation for sustainable agricultural practices in Ekiti State.”

The recently desilted dam at the Erinfun hub, coupled with the enhanced infrastructure, is expected to support year-round vegetable production. The state government’s partnership with private-sector players and stakeholders has been lauded as a model for agricultural development.

As the dry season progresses, stakeholders and residents are urged to monitor the strides being made in Ekiti’s agricultural sector. With these strategic interventions, the state is poised to achieve its vision of becoming a leading hub for food production in Nigeria.

OYEBANJI THANKS SILVERBIRD, NIGERIANS FOR MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD.

OYEBANJI THANKS SILVERBIRD, NIGERIANS FOR MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed his appreciation to the management of Silverbird Television and Nigerians in general for his emergence as Silverbird Man of the Year 2024. 

The management of Silverbird had on Wednesday morning announced Governor Oyebanji as winner of Silver bird Man of the Year award 2024, having polled the highest number of votes to beat other nominees for the award category. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode in Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, said he owes Nigerians who voted in the exercise, a debt of gratitude, promising that the recognition will spur him to do more in terms of impactful service to the people. 

“The honor is not about me but for Ekiti people. The award is dedicated to God for his grace, Mr President whose strong support made this possible and Ekitikete for providing the opportunity to serve by voting our party the All Progressives Congress (APC) into office and for their massive support for our administration”, the Governor stated. 

Silverbird had cited Governor Oyebanji’s impressive performance and achievements in the areas of infrastructure and tourism developement, social intervention for the less privileged, inclusion governance, agriculture and rural development. 

Instituted in 2005 to recognize individuals who have impacted the society, previous winners of the Silverbird Man of the Year award include, former Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN); former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el- Rufai; former NAFDAC boss, late Prof Dora Akinyuli; former Governor Aminu Tambuwal , Senator Adams Oshiomjole; Business Mongul, Chief Mike Adenuga among others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Mohammad Buhari have also worn the the Silverbird Extraordinary Perosnality award.

Honourable Oluwatuyi Showered Encomium on Governor Biodun Oyebanji as Silverbird Man of the Year 2024.

Honourable Oluwatuyi Showered Encomium on Governor Biodun Oyebanji as Silverbird Man of the Year 2024.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has been honored with the prestigious Silverbird Man of the Year 2024 award, a well-deserved recognition for his exemplary leadership and transformative contributions to the state and beyond. Honourable Oluwatuyi lauded the governor's exceptional leadership, describing him as "simply the best and most blessed" for his visionary approach to governance and unyielding commitment to the welfare of Ekiti people.

Governor Oyebanji's administration has set remarkable benchmarks across various sectors, which were pivotal in earning him the Silverbird Man of the Year honor. Key achievements include:

1. Infrastructure Development: Under his leadership, Ekiti has witnessed significant infrastructural development, including road networks, bridges, and modern housing projects that have improved connectivity and living standards in the state.

2. Education: Governor Oyebanji’s administration has prioritized education, ensuring the welfare of students through the "Back to School" initiative and empowering teachers, which has seen Ekiti emerging as a leading state in educational reforms in the southwest region.

3. Healthcare: His unwavering dedication to healthcare reform has led to the expansion of healthcare facilities, ensuring accessible and quality health services for Ekiti residents. The governor’s efforts in this sector have positively impacted public health outcomes.

4. Agriculture & Rural Development: Governor Oyebanji's emphasis on sustainable agricultural policies has uplifted the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities, fostering economic growth and food security for the state.

Honourable Oluwatuyi commended the governor for fostering unity, peace, and development across Ekiti, creating an environment conducive for economic and social prosperity. This achievement highlights Governor Oyebanji as a model of leadership in the southwest region, positioning Ekiti as a beacon of progress and development.

The Silverbird Man of the Year award is a recognition of his tireless efforts to uplift Ekiti, and it will undoubtedly strengthen his political position, bolstering public confidence in his leadership heading into his second term. This award further solidifies his standing as a leader committed to sustained growth, and its ripple effect will inspire other southwest governors to adopt similar transformative policies.

 The award also signifies a major milestone for Ekiti’s development, positioning the state as a progressive leader within the southwest, attracting potential investments and collaboration from other regions and stakeholders.

Ekiti Governor's Wife Gifts First Baby Of The Year 2025, Encourages Exclusive Breastfeeding

Ekiti Governor's Wife Gifts First Baby Of The Year 2025, Encourages Exclusive Breastfeeding.

Parents have been charged not to engage in unwholesome practices that can affect the lives of their new born to check mortality rates among infants.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji gave the charge at Ekiti State Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti while welcoming the first Baby of year 2025 in the state.

The governor’s wife who was represented by the state Head of Service Doctor Folake Olomojobi noted that female genital mutilation, poor breast feeding were some of the various acts that could hamper the health status of any child hence the need to do away with them and to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding.

She explained that government had made provisions at various public health facilities across the state urging the people to make proper use of them.

Dr Oyebanji however donated pampers, toilet rolls, food items, cash gift and other items to the parents of the baby for the up keep of their child.

Responding, the parents of the baby, Mr Ayodele Oluwagbuyi and wife Abisoye who could not hide their joy appreciated the governor’s wife for the gesture.

The female baby who is the second child of the family was delivered at 1:37am, weighing 3.02kilogramme.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital, Professor Kayode Olabanji, Special Adviser to Governor on Gender Mobilisation and Women Empowerment, Mrs Kemi Olaleye and other political appointees.

BB26 Wishes Ekiti Kete a Happy New Year and Congratulates Mr. Olaniyi Adebayo on His Appointment as Chief of Staff.

BB26 Wishes Ekiti Kete a Happy New Year and Congratulates Mr. Olaniyi Adebayo on His Appointment as Chief of Staff.

In the spirit of the New Year, the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Beyond 2026 (BB26) extends warm wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling 2025 to the good people of Ekiti State. As we embark on this new journey, we are particularly excited to congratulate Mr. Olaniyi Adebayo on his recent appointment as Chief of Staff to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

BB26, a coalition of forward-thinking young individuals, is committed to promoting good governance and responsible leadership. As we prepare for the upcoming political season, we urge all citizens of Ekiti, both home and abroad, to rally behind Governor BAO. The groundwork laid over the past two years has paved the way for significant progress and development, and it is paramount that we support our Governor in maintaining this upward trajectory.

Mr. Olaniyi Adebayo, who hails from Usi-Ekiti, has been a stalwart in the Oyebanji administration. He initially joined as Special Adviser on Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management in November 2022, later serving as the State Commissioner for the same portfolio since August 2023. Effective January 2, 2025, he will officially assume his new role as Chief of Staff. His impressive credentials and extensive experience in both the public and private sectors make him an excellent fit for this pivotal position. We share the Governor's confidence that Mr. Adebayo will execute his responsibilities with exceptional skill and dedication, furthering the goals of the Oyebanji administration.

Mr. Adebayo boasts an outstanding track record in economic management and financial consulting, having worked with prestigious institutions such as Arthur Andersen, Merrill Lynch, and various Nigerian banks. He holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan and an MBA from the esteemed Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. His rich background in finance and administration uniquely positions him to contribute to the sustainable growth of Ekiti.

As we welcome 2025, we also extend our congratulations to other newly appointed officials: Hon. Femi Ajayi as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prince Wole Ajakaiye as Special Adviser, and Barrister Tajudeen Akingbolu as Director General of the Ekiti State Transport Agency. We wish them every success as they collectively strive to advance the development of our beloved Ekiti State.

On behalf of Team BB26, led by Mr. Olalekan Ijidale, we once again congratulate the new appointees and encourage the good people of Ekiti State to continue to keep faith in the BAO government as we wish everyone a prosperous 2025.

In conclusion, BB26 reaffirms our commitment to supporting the BAO administration in its quest for continued progress and development. We urge all Ekiti citizens to remain vigilant during this political season, discerning true visionaries from those who merely seek to capitalize on the hard-earned successes of our Governor. Together, let us make 2025 a year of unparalleled achievements!

Wishing Ekiti Kete a Happy New Year

Signed:

Adesoji Gabriel (AngelGabby)  

Publicity Secretary  

For BAO Beyond 2026

OYEBANJI: 2025, YEAR OF EKITI'S ACCELERATED GROWTH IN SHARED PROSPERITY.

OYEBANJI: 2025, YEAR OF EKITI'S ACCELERATED GROWTH IN SHARED PROSPERITY.

...Describes Airport as 'Best New Year Gift to Ekiti People'.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has declared  2025 as the year of accelerated growth in the state’s journey towards shared prosperity.

The new year, according to Oyebanji, will see the state witness massive improvement in food production, infrastructure and better government services that have never been seen in the history of the state.

The Governor in a statewide new year broadcast relayed on all radio and television stations in the state on Wednesday morning, congratulated the people of the state for witnessing another year in spite of the numerous challenges that daily confronted them.

Admitting that while each year comes with its challenges, there is need to thank God for seeing the people of the state through 2024 , which he noted began with damning economic challenges and dreadful insecurity.

The Governor expressed delight that the year "thankfully, ended with easing economic situation suggestive of a positive curve for our State and country." He added that the security situation of the State has also improved tremendously.

Governor Oyebanji also pointed out that his administration and the people "have made a remarkable mileage in the journey to prosperity in line with our continuity and shared prosperity agenda," adding that "development in the last one year has been phenomenally exciting, a fact which many have acknowledged."

Governor Oyebanji assured that 2025 would offer better economic prospects for the state and the country, noting that Ekiti has taken a leap towards a higher pedestal of economic development most especially with the approval granted the state airport to commence non-scheduled flights.

He said: "We are very optimistic that 2025 will be a year of positive economic resurgent for the country, as indicators point to increased economic activities that will engender higher income and improved revenue.

"In Ekiti, this is our year of ACCELERATED GROWTH in our shared prosperity journey. Ekiti is going to witness massive improvement in food production, infrastructure and better government services than we have ever seen.

"I am proud to announce that Ekiti State Airport is now completed and ready for operation. The federal government through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on December 13, 2024, granted the airport a six-month licence to commence non-scheduled flight activities at the Airport. 

"This period of six months is for the airport to test its systems and prepare for full operation as from June 15 this year. This, in my view, is the best new year gift to Ekiti people.

 

"For us in Ekiti, the commencement of flights at the airport is a validation of our continuity mantra, it also marks a significant milestone in our strategic vision of linking the economy of our State to the rest of the world, as well as the expansion of  Ekiti economy into new arena of prosperity and opportunities.

"Our ultimate hope is to become the Agro-Allied  export hub of the the country. We are very thrilled by the potential that this breakthrough portends for our State."

The Governor appreciated leaders at all levels, especially the state's former governors, former deputy governors, former and current members of National Assembly, former  and current leaders of the state’s legislative and judicial arms of government, party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and leaders of other segments of the State too numerous to mention.

 

He expressed what he called his "deepest gratitude" to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu "for his special interest in our dear State and his fatherly support to us at all times." He further appreciated federal government and its agencies  in Ekiti for their cooperation and development and financial partners for their continuous support.

The Governor further lauded all Ekiti people both home and abroad for their goodwill since we assumed office noting that he was deeply touched by their show of love and solidarity and grateful for their advice, prayers, suggestions and constructive criticisms.

GOVERNOR BIODUN OYEBANJI OF EKITI STATE EMERGES SILVERBIRD MAN OF THE YEAR, 2024.

GOVERNOR  BIODUN OYEBANJI OF EKITI STATE EMERGES SILVERBIRD MAN OF THE YEAR, 2024.

The Governor of Ekiti State,  Biodun Oyebanji, has emerged the Silverbird Man of the Year, 2024.

He secured the highest number of votes overwhelming beating the other three ndividuals shortlisted for the prestigious award.

Other nominees were the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum 

,  a  renowned industrialist and CEO of Ibeto Group of Companies, Chief Cletus Ibeto  as well as an industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Arthur Eze.

These nominees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to their respective fields.

Governor Oyebanji  was nominated  for his remarkable achievements in infrastructure and tourism development,  social intervention for the elderly and inclusive governance.

Some of the past winners of the Silverbird Man of the Year Award, include late Professor Dora Akunyili, Sanusi Lamido, Mallam Nasir El- Rufai, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Adams Oshiomhole, Godswill Akpabio, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Doctor Mike Adenuga, Emmanuel Uduaghan ,  and Babatunde Fashola .

Others are Peter Obi,  Aminu Tambuwal, Nyesom Wike, Ifeanyi Okowa, Willy Obiano,  Seyi Makinde and Governor Dapo Abiodun

The Silverbird Man of the Year Award now in its 20th year was instituted in 2005 .to recognize individuals who have positively impacted the lives of Nigerians in their chosen careers. Silverbird’s extraordinary personality of the year award has also been won by Asiwajju Bola Tinubu and former President Mohammadu Buhari

Signed 

Mr. Jacob Akinyemi Johnson, Chief Creative Officer/ Chairman of the Editorial board of the Silverbird Man of the Year.