RE: EKITI 2026: YES, I DO!

RE: EKITI 2026: YES, I DO!

By Raheem Akingbolu.

 

There are comments and opinions that deserve no reply, especially at a time like this in Ekiti, when political jobbers and their sponsors are out to score cheap political goals, however, ridiculous. The off-calendar Ekiti governorship election is two years away and it is natural for ambition to have set in for individuals who want to slug it out with Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

 

A short piece by certain Idowu Osatuyi was recently shared on various social media platforms with the above title and it caught my attention like other Ekiti patriots. On the first glance, I dismissed it as a puerile outburst from perhaps a frustrated social media errand boy  who was looking for how to vent his anger but on a second look and the issue raised, I felt the urge to address some of the issues.

 

I don’t know the writer and so I'm not sure if he stays in Ekiti or relies on jaundiced hearsay  from a pessimist who has chosen not to be moved by the development strides of the BAO administration in Ekiti. My conclusion about whether the writer lives in Ekiti or not is born out of the fact that the thrust of his story doesn’t in any way reflect the situation on ground.

 

                  

First, Osatuyi started on a ridiculous and embarrassing note when he declared in his first paragraph that Ekiti people celebrated the 2024 yuletide season in sorrow because they had nothing to celebrate with. But this is far from the truth. In a state where workers were paid a new minimum wage in December and the salary was paid before Christmas, it is not true that the yuletide season was poorly celebrated. Even the pensioners benefited from the minimum wage signed into law by Governor Oyebanji and these senior citizens had a truly merry Christmas. 

Since Oyebanji became the governor, prompt payment of salary and pensions as well as payment of outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities and even deductions has been the order of the day. 

Besides, I’m a member of a social club in my locality and 80% of our members are teachers and local government staff. Before and during the yuletide period, I experienced firsthand the reflection of the joy and happiness in various homes as a result of Oyebanji’s promptness in his constitutional duty.

 

 

Still on the season, the administration is not unaware that not all Ekitis are civil servants and so the government rolled out a strategy through which a 50kg bag of rice was sold for N40,000 in the open market. As part of the measures to spread happiness across, the Oyebanji administration has consistently promoted local content policy and this informs while local vendors are being patronized for supplying basic needs, including gifts and food items. During the Eid prayers, Easter and Christmas, the bulk of what the government distributed were supplied by local vendors.

 

 

 

On the endorsement of BAO for a second term by Local Government staff, I can say categorically that the decision was informed by the Governor’s excellent performance and how he has responded to the yearnings of the people in the areas of infrastructure development, human capital development, women and youth empowerment, power infrastructure upgrade and healthcare delivery among others. 

For workers, who have collected their salaries uninterruptedly for two years without any hitch, it will not be out of place if they express their appreciation. Did I hear you say it’s their constitutional right? Yes, it is, but we have witnessed in Ekiti, occasions where they were owed for months. We have witnessed in Ekiti when workers were said to have been paid on television but received nothing. We have witnessed in Ekiti where people were promoted on papers and no reflection on salary. It is on and on.

 

The writer also made reference to President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Enugu. For God’s sake why can’t we pause momentarily and speak to facts rather than pontificating? Must President Tinubu be in two states at a time? That the President hasn’t been invited to Ekiti in recent times is not enough for anybody to conclude that Oyebanji has not done enough to attract a Presidential endorsement.  For example, in the last two years, he has completed the Ado-Ekiti Central Bus Terminal, the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers’ Chamber, ten Secondary Health Facilities, major street lights, re-connection of Ekiti East, Aiyekire and some parts of Ekiti West and Ikole Local Government areas to the national grid after many years of darkness. 

The Oyebanji administration has also undertaken and completed new projects such as rehabilitation of many roads in Ado-Ekiti, Ikole township road and rehabilitation of the Ilawe-Igede, Ado-Ilawe roads, Ikere-Ilawe, Erijiyan-Ilawe roads. The administration has also reconstructed the Igbara-Odo-Ikogosi road among others.

 

Another area I findy very disturbing was the reference to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. On this, the said Osatuyi gave himself away as someone who was only out to politicize every achievement of this administration. How can someone pretend not to see the recent development in the state and still go ahead to throw a salvo in the midst of  practical achievement. Just recently, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) commenced the calibration of landing systems at the Airport in readiness for commencement of commercial flights operation. This came barely a month after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted approval for non – scheduled flight operations at the airport for a period of six months. What other evidence does the writer need to measure the achievement of the Oyebanji administration on the Airport?

 

 

Finally, it appears Osatuyi has reduced our respected traditional rulers to mere 'amala' and 'gbegiri' politicians with his conclusion that they are not being fed well by Governor Oyebanji. This is Ekiti where dignity and self-esteem is sacrosanct. Perhaps one need to remind the writer the father-son relationship between the Ekiti traditional rulers and Governor Oyebanji, which dated back to 1996 when the Governor, then a young lecturer , served as secretary to the committee on the creation of Ekiti State , where he related well with the traditional rulers, who were the main force behind the state creation campaign. Now, as Governor, Oyebanji sees the welfare of the traditional rulers as a major priority. 

Osatuyi’s gaffe is legendary and I will advise him to focus more on facts and figures rather than fiction. Ekiti people can read between the lines and cannot be distracted by his purple lies.

Akingbolu, a Journalist writes from Aramoko Ekiti.

Ekiti Peace Corps hail Oyebanji Over inclusion in Minimum Wage payment.

Ekiti Peace Corps hail Oyebanji Over inclusion in Minimum Wage payment.

Local Government Sector Commanders of Ekiti State Peace Corps have expressed their appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for including officers and men of the security outfit in the N70,000 new minimum wage payment. 

Ekiti State government commenced payment of the new minimum wage to workers across all cadres in December 2024, following Governor Oyebanji’s approval. 

In an appreciation letter addressed to the Governor, the commanders commended Governor Oyebanji for his worker-friendly policies, especially 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, a development they said had brought a remarkable improvement in their living conditions. 

They said the Governor’s gesture has further propelled them to put in their best in their job of  securing the local environment across the local government areas. 

“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 inclusion in the scheme of workers' welfare,” the letter read.

The commanders also lauded the Governor’s impactful policies over the past two years, stressing  that they had not been left behind in the administration's efforts  toward workers’ empowerment and welfare.

“We are bold to assure Your Excellency of our unshaken loyalty at all times. We are determined to continue to demonstrate 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.

Ekiti State Commissioner Lauds Governor Oyebanji, Pushes LMIS Project Forward.

Ekiti State Commissioner Lauds Governor Oyebanji, Pushes LMIS Project Forward.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment in Ekiti State, Otunba Kayode Fasae, has commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration for its unwavering focus on wealth creation, economic growth, and job opportunities.

Fasae made this remark on Monday during a strategic meeting in Lagos, where he joined representatives of Yorke Solutions to discuss the implementation of the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) project in the state.

Speaking on the Governor's commitment, the Commissioner said, “Governor Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated an extraordinary focus on creating wealth and fostering economic growth in Ekiti State. His vision for sustainable job creation is the driving force behind initiatives like the LMIS project, which will provide the necessary data to inform policies and empower our people.”

The meeting, which outlined the LMIS project’s objectives, timelines, and milestones, also explored partnership modalities. Both parties deliberated on roles and responsibilities essential for the project’s success and long-term impact.

Fasae reiterated the Ministry's commitment to supporting initiatives that align with Governor Oyebanji's developmental agenda. “This project is a significant step towards fulfilling the Governor’s vision for economic empowerment. With data-driven policymaking, we can tackle unemployment and create opportunities for our people,” he added.

The LMIS project is expected to enhance informed decision-making, contributing significantly to Ekiti State's economic transformation.

Food Security: Ekiti set up storage facilities for bumper harvest.

Food Security: Ekiti set up storage facilities for bumper harvest.

In a move aimed at ensuring food sufficiency, Ekiti State government has set up storage facilities in different parts of the state, with the sole aim of buying farm produce from farmers during harvest season and storing them for release during period of scarcity. 

The State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, who on Monday led some officials on inspection of one of the storage facilities for agricultural produce in Ado- Ekiti, said building the storage facilities is one of the government’s plans to avert the food scarcity that was experienced in the state last year. 

Governor Oyebanji said government’s immediate focus is to address food shortage, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food sufficiency all year round across the state.

Speaking with Journalists shortly after the inspection, Governor Oyebanji who was accompanied on the inspection by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer, Commissioner for Trade, investment and cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola, said the initiative was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to the State Governors to prioritize food security as critical step in combating hunger across the country.

The Governor, explained that the state cultivated over 6,000 hectares of farmland in 2024, adding that the warehouse for storing food crops was a major challenge, hence the decision of his administration to provide storage facilities this year. 

The facilities, according the Governor would help in regulating prices of food items in the eventuality of food scarcity.

While expressing his delight that a large chunk of the farm produce were bought from  young farmers under the Bring Back Youth in Agriculture programme , the Governor assured that his administration remains committed to alleviating hunger and achieving food security in the state.

“We promised Ekiti State good governance and like you said we have been trying to work that talk. The President directed that each state should embark on strategy of food security and in Ekiti State in the last one year, we have started with phase one of a very deliberate attempt to ensure that we prow ourselves out of hunger, last year we cumulatively cultivated over 6,000 hectares of land in the state, all planted.

“Going forward, we want to ensure that, those crops that we buy from the youth, store them there and we will release to the market when there is increase in prices of food so that we can moderate prices”. The Governor stated .

In his own remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade said that the goal is not only to tackle hunger but to also create opportunities for youth in agriculture.

While explaining that the initiative would ensure steady food supply throughout the year, Mr Boluwade said government would encourage farmers, particularly the youths in agriculture to increase production, knowing that their produce would not go to waste and government is willing and ready to buy from them.

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.