Ekiti Opens Doors to Agricultural Buyback Program, BAO Inspects Progress.

Ekiti Opens Doors to Agricultural Buyback Program, BAO Inspects Progress.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Ekiti State government has taken a significant step toward revolutionizing agriculture with the activation of the Ilu Eye Agro Trading and Aggregation Company Ltd. The initiative, which kicked off a week ago, focuses on offtaking and buying back agricultural produce directly from farm clusters and steads, providing a stable and structured market for farmers.

In a bid to assess progress, Governor Biodun Oyebanji visited the company’s warehouse complex yesterday evening. The visit was to inspect ongoing renovations of the facility, which began in late December, and review the arrangements for aggregation carried out throughout the festive period.

Governor Oyebanji, while commending the initiative, emphasized its role as a game-changer in boosting agricultural productivity and supply across the state. He noted that agriculture is a market-driven enterprise and highlighted the government's focus on optimizing every link in the agricultural value chain.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer, expressed confidence in the initiative, describing it as a critical pillar of the state’s agricultural policy. “The establishment of the Ilu Eye Agro Trading and Aggregation Company ensures that our farmers not only produce but have a ready market for their goods. This is a transformative project that aligns with the governor’s vision for food security and economic prosperity,” Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer stated.

Key among the innovations being rolled out is the introduction of modular irrigation solutions for newly created farm clusters. This move, supported by the establishment of the Aggregation Company, is designed to reassure financial institutions, ensuring that farmers have access to credit facilities with reliable repayment structures.

“This initiative demonstrates that agriculture is not just a way of life but a viable business. With Ilu Eye Agro Trading and Aggregation Company, we have laid a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural development in Ekiti,” Governor Oyebanji said.

Governor Oyebanji also expressed optimism that initiatives like this would eradicate food insecurity in the state. “The ‘E bi n pa wa’ (We are hungry) song will no longer be heard in Ekiti,” he affirmed.

The Ilu Eye Agro Trading and Aggregation Company is set to catalyze agricultural growth by providing farmers with market access, improved infrastructure, and financial backing, marking a bold step in Ekiti’s journey toward agricultural excellence.

Ojuawo tasks artisans, farmers on commitment to duty.

Ojuawo tasks artisans, farmers on commitment to duty.

...distributes more tools to constituents.

As part of his continued  support to his constituents, Honorable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has distributed more tools to farmers, artisans, and meat sellers in his constituency. 

This took place shortly after the new year break in Ise Ekiti.

Hon Ojuawo was represented by his personal assistant, Hon Johnson Ojuawo, who handed out the tools to the selected individuals. 

In his message to the beneficiaries, Hon Ojuawo encouraged them to make good use of the tools to aid their businesses, promising that more supporting tools would be provided in the future. He said, “I am providing you with these tools to support your business and this will surely have a positive impact on your daily activities as you go about your business and farming.” Hon Ojuawo also appealed to everyone to continue supporting Governor Oyebanji, who he praised for providing purposeful leadership and promoting growth and development in every aspect of Ekiti.

The representatives had earlier set up two large empowerment farms, distributed several empowerment tools and organized trainings for constituents in many areas of endeavour in the constituency 

Meanwhile, Hon Ojuawo’s wife, Mrs Olaitan Ojuawo, paid a New Year visit to women leaders in Ikere and Ekiti South West local government, presenting them with gifts and thanking them for their continued support for the party. She expressed her delight in spending time with these women, describing them as wonderful people.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Ekiti Commissioner Takes Action Against Truancy, Advocates for Children’s Education.

Ekiti Commissioner Takes Action Against Truancy, Advocates for Children’s Education.

In a commendable display of commitment to education, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ekiti State, apprehended several children found outside their classrooms during school hours while en route to Efon Alaaye on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

The incident took place in Erijiyan-Ekiti, where the Commissioner emphasized the Ekiti State Government's zero tolerance for children being out of school at inappropriate times. “Every child deserves the right to an education,” she stated firmly, underscoring the government's dedication to ensuring every child attends school.

Commissioner Babafemi highlighted the various policies introduced by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji aimed at promoting free education and enhancing the overall learning environment for children across the state. She noted that the government is actively working to remove barriers to education and encourage school attendance.

The community members gathered around showed their support for the Commissioner’s initiative, expressing appreciation for her efforts to address the issue of truancy. Many residents implored her to release the apprehended children to the head of the community, reflecting the communal approach to child welfare.

In response to their concerns, Mrs. Babafemi assured the community that she would follow up on the situation, pledging that she would ensure the children return to their classrooms. “I am committed to working with the community to secure the future of our children,” she added.

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Ekiti State Government to combat truancy and foster a culture of education, reinforcing the critical importance of ensuring that every child has access to schooling.

For more information and to see the encounter, a four-minute video capturing the Commissioner’s remarks is available for viewing.

Polytechnic workers applaud Oyebanji over salary increment.

Polytechnic workers applaud Oyebanji over salary increment.

… Assure Gov of continued support for Ekiti development.

Polytechnic workers in Nigeria, under the aegis of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), have expressed their appreciation to Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for the implementation of the 25/35 percent salary increase for polytechnic workers in the State.

This appreciation is contained in a letter addressed to the Governor and signed by the National Secretary of SSANIP, Comrade Nura Shehu Gaya, who noted that the timely implementation of the salary increase underscores the Governor’s commitment to the well-being and professional development of tertiary education in the state.

The Polytechnic workers stated in the letter that the increment is a testament to the shared prosperity agenda of the Governor as well as his desire not to leave anyone behind.  

The noted that the Governor has always prioritized the welfare of all citizens, pointing out that the remarkable increment in the polytechnic workers wages would further  motivate them and enhance productivity of staff in the state-owned Polytechnic.

While assuring the Governor of their continued support and cooperation towards realizing Ekiti's development, the association added that the salary increase had brought significant relief to their members, especially during this challenging economic moment.

“We recognize that this decision reflects Your Administration's vision for a progressive Ekiti State, and we commend you for recognizing the vital role that Education plays in developing the skilled manpower necessary for the State's socio-economic growth.

“This timely implementation underscores your commitment to the well-being, professional development, and welfare of Tertiary Education workers across the state.

“By prioritizing the needs of Our Members, your Administration has not only demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of higher education to the development of the State but has also taken a commendable step towards ensuring better living standards for those dedicated to the Education Sector.

“Your Excellency, we, the members of SSANIP, assure you of our continued support and cooperation as you work towards realizing your developmental agenda for Ekiti State. Once again, we sincerely thank you for this impactful policy and look forward to more beneficial engagements with Your Administration.” The letter reads.

BATSV'S GLOBAL CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES EDO STATE'S CHAIRMAN.

BATSV'S GLOBAL CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES EDO STATE'S CHAIRMAN.

The Global Chairman of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV)Ambassador.Dr. Date Owotomobi congratulates Hon.Dr.Barrister Washington Osita Osifo on his nomination as a Commissioner -Designate in His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State's Cabinet.

He said Hon.Dr.Barrister Washington Osifo's Untiring efforts during 2023 Presidential and 2024 Edo State's Gubernatorial Campaign/Election is a Testament to his ability to work as a Team Member.

The Global Chairman of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV) Ambassador Dr.Dare Owotomobi recalls with nostalgia Hon.Dr.Barrister Washington Osita Osifo's contribution as the State Chairman of BATSV in Edo State which contributed significantly to the All Progressives Congress(APC) wrestling Power from the hands of the Ruling Party Peoples' Democratic Party of Edo State during Last Year's Off Season Edo State's Gubernatorial Elections.

While thanking His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo for appointing one of his members into his cabinet, Ambassador Dr.Dare Owotomobi prays that the Governor appoints more members into his Government.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar Special Assistant Media, BATSV'S GLOBAL CHAIRMAN.

Ekiti Peace Corps Commanders Laud Oyebanji Over N70,000 Minimum Wage Inclusion.

Ekiti Peace Corps Commanders Laud Oyebanji Over N70,000 Minimum Wage Inclusion.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Local Government Sector Commanders of the Ekiti State Peace Corps have expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for including them in the payment of the new minimum wage of ₦70,000.

In a letter addressed to the Governor, the commanders commended Oyebanji for his worker-friendly policies and the recent integration of the Peace Corps into the state’s workforce. According to the letter, the payment of the new minimum wage in their December salaries came as a pleasant surprise.

“Our joy knows no bounds, not only for the payment of the new minimum wage to us but also for officially recognizing us as part of the Ekiti State workforce. We can now proudly identify as ‘Ekiti Workers’ due to this inclusivity in the scheme of workers' welfare,” the letter read.

The commanders also lauded the governor's impactful policies over the past two years, emphasizing that they had not been left behind in the administration's strides toward worker empowerment and welfare.

“We are bold to assure Your Excellency of our unshaken loyalty at all times. We are determined to continue demonstrating unwavering support towards the success of your administration. By God’s grace, we will employ every lawful means to sustain the vision of Your Excellency beyond 2026, knowing fully well we will continue to benefit from your leadership,” the statement added.

The commanders concluded their letter by expressing gratitude for the governor's efforts in putting smiles on the faces of Peace Corps members and pledged their continuous support.

EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY DENOUNCES FAKE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT CLAIMING TO BE VC.

EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY DENOUNCES FAKE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT CLAIMING TO BE VC.

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Professor Babatola Ayodele, has refuted claims of his involvement in any social media business. It has come to the attention of the university that an impostor has created a Facebook account using his name and image to engage unsuspecting individuals in fraudulent business transactions.

The Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs at EKSU has issued a public disclaimer, stating that Professor Ayodele is not associated with this account and does not participate in any form of business dealings on Facebook. The university has its own established procedures for transactions and communication, which do not involve informal platforms like social media.

The public is advised to be vigilant and cautious, as such fraudulent activities have the intent to deceive and scam unsuspecting members of the public. EKSU strongly cautions against engaging with any accounts posing as the Vice Chancellor.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any communication or business proposals purportedly from Professor Ayodele through official university channels.

Signed:

Bode Olofinmuagun, ANIPR

Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs.