Ekiti Central leaders Endorse Oyebanji for second term.

Ekiti Central leaders Endorse Oyebanji for second term.

…Senator Bamidele, Ojudu, NASS Members, LG leaders hail Gov’s performance.

....Uniting Ekiti, Oyebanji's best scorecard, says senate leader. 

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and former deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu led other frontline leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, on Monday, to endorse Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party's sole candidate for the 2026 governorship poll in the state. 

The endorsement was passed, at a special senatorial meeting, organised by the APC leaders and stakeholders from Ekiti Central Senatorial District, held at the Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Capital. 

The endorsement motion, ratified through a thunderous voice vote, was moved and seconded by frontline leaders from the five local government area of the district. The leaders include Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a two-time commissioner, Mrs Ronke Okunsanya, serving House of Representatives' members, Hon. Biodun Omoleye and Sola Fatoba, a former Acting Governor in the state Rt Hon Tope Ademiluyi, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, and other party elders. 

Justifying the reasons for the endorsement in a resolution presented to the APC Acting State Chairman, Sola Elesin and via a letter transmitted to the Governor, by former Deputy Governor and Chairman, Ekiti Central APC Stakeholders, Prof Modupe Adelabu, the party restated that Oyebanji has been endorsed as the sole candidate for the next election slated for 2026.

For clarity, Adelabu said the action doesn't abridge the rights of other APC members to contest for the plum seat. What the endorsement means, according to her is that Oyebanji will get full and solid backing of all APC members in the senatorial district in the coming poll.  

Addressing the mammoth crowd of party supporters that thronged the venue of the political gathering, the Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the action taken by party members signposted that they value continuity of good governance for Ekiti's development to spiral.

The Senate Leader saluted all the past governors  of the State: Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr Segun Oni, Chief Ayodele Fayose and Dr Kayode Fayemi for their contributions to the development of the  state, stressing that the solid foundation they laid has helped the current governor to consolidate and fasttrack development of the state. 

"Today, we are unveiling in the open what we have been saying to ourselves under the closed doors that Ekiti has never had it so good. We are very lucky having Governor Biodun Oyebanji as our governor. What we are doing today is not a campaign, time for campaign is coming. All we are doing is to hold our regular APC senatorial meeting, this is symbolic and strategic to us. 

"The frontline and greatest achievement of Governor Oyebanji  is being able to unite everybody under one platform and umbrella. You may not understand what I meant by  Governor Oyebanji's unity magic.

"But if you follow the trajectory of our politics in Ekiti State, particularly what happened in 2003 between Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose, and what we witnessed between Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi in 2007, then you will understand Oyebanji's unity magic. All these leaders are now working together and all the achievements that Ekiti made under these past leaders are being consolidated under Governor Oyebanji. 

"Beyond uniting Ekiti and bringing down governance from the Olympian height of the past to the grassroots, you will understand that he has given government, governance and our party back to ordinary people. Oyebanji is working and Ekiti is progressing. We have never had it so good. 

"I thank the governor for uniting all of us and for taking Ekiti to the next level. We need continuity in Ekiti. If you go to Lagos before 1999 and you go there today, continuity has brought a new lease of life to that state, so the governor should continue with his good work till 2030". 

Bamidele appreciated the governor for his midas touches and enigmatic strides in the areas of infrastructures, agriculture, youth empowerment and other pivotal actions  taken to radicalise the economy, saying these have reverberated beyond the shores of the state.

In his submission, Senator Ojudu added that Oyebanji has done creditably well in unifying the party leaders and upscale development, especially focusing on human empowerment through Adire Ekiti Hub that has become the masterstroke policy turning around the lives of the citizens. 

"This is the first time since 2003 when everybody will sleep with two eyes closed without fear of being killed in Ekiti. The governor  is a unifier. No case of politically motivated killing under him. He has befriended his enemies and now having none. He is so humble and he must be elected for a second term and we will make sure he wins resoundingly". 

In his response, Governor Oyebanji, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC members for supporting him solidly to be able to take Ekiti to a mileage, in terms of development strides and for providing the platform to serve the people. 

Oyebanji, who is also from the district, promised to continue to serve dedicatedly and with every fibre in his body to mitigate the poverty index and address the infrastructure deficit in the state, while appealing to party members to embark on aggressive mobilisation and be fair to all members.  

"I am moved, very touched by this endorsement and I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. When you gave me the ticket, I told you that I will always hear your voices. In the last two years , I have served you with humility and commitment.

"Myself and the Deputy Governor accept this with all humility. But this doesn't preclude anyone who has governorship ambition on the platform of APC from showing interest. APC is a party that respects the right of every member to contest for any position of his choice. We are not afraid of competition. 

"This is history being made today in Ekiti. When INEC lifts ban on political campaigns, you will know that you have a good and acceptable governor".

Other high profile dignitaries at the event are: The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former Deputy Governor Modupe Adelabu, the House of Representatives member representing Ekiti Central Constituency 1, Hon Sola Fatoba, his colleague in constituency 2, Hon Biodun Omoleye, ex-House of Representatives member, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Wale Fapohunda(SAN), serving and former council chairmen and councillors, party leaders, politicians, among others.

It is recalled that a similar endorsement was made by the leaders of APC from the South senatorial district late last year.

EKSU VC Vows to Prioritize Staff Welfare.

EKSU VC Vows to Prioritize Staff Welfare.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Babatola Ayodele, has reaffirmed his commitment to making staff welfare his top priority.

Professor Ayodele made this pledge while receiving the management team of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Ado-Ekiti, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office. He noted that the university's Governing Council had approved the implementation of the new minimum wage, which his administration had already commenced through the payment of the January 2025 salary.

Professor Babatola Ayodele, EKSU VC Chancellor.

Additionally, he revealed that the university extended this initiative to retirees by disbursing gratuities amounting to approximately ₦200 million to 70 pensioners. He expressed his appreciation to the university’s Governing Council, led by Professor Akin Oyebode, for approving the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Visitor to the university, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his continuous assistance to EKSU. He further appreciated Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for voluntarily teaching students in the Department of Educational Management, a gesture that has significantly added value to the university.

Professor Ayodele commended the staff for their increased commitment and urged them not to relent, assuring them of his continued efforts to enhance their welfare. He also extended his gratitude to the union leaders for maintaining academic stability on campus.

Earlier, the General Manager of NTA, Alhaji Ishaq Ayo Akande, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for the warm reception and solicited a more robust partnership and patronage from the university.

In a statement signed and released by the Deputy Registrar/Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Bode Olofinmuagun, the university reiterated its commitment to staff welfare and fostering productive collaborations with stakeholders.

BATSV'S MEMBERS CELEBRATE THEIR GLOBAL CHAIRMAN.

BATSV'S MEMBERS CELEBRATE THEIR GLOBAL CHAIRMAN.

With gratitude to God for so many things he has done in the life of their Global Chairman, Ambassador Dr Dare Owotomobi, the group wants to specially celebrate him for adding another year to his sojourn on earth.

The members recall with nostalgia Ambassador Owotomobi's untiring efforts in going round the country to drum up support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, right from 2019 to ensure he emerged the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.

They specifically state that no Tinubu Support Group, TSG, equalled the feat attained by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard, BATSV, under the able leadership of Dr Owotomobi.

While urging the Global Chairman not to be detarred by the lack of political patronage, the members are making a passionate appeal to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please consider him for a very juicy appointment, so as not to dampen their spirits in the countdown to 2027.

All the members of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard, BATSV, both at home and in the diaspora therefore wish Ambassador Dr Dare Owotomobi long life in good health in order to continue to serve humanity.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar 

Special Assistant Media to BATSV Global Chairman

FUOYE Uncovers Another Intruder on Staff WhatsApp Platform.

FUOYE Uncovers Another Intruder on Staff WhatsApp Platform.

Barely 72 hours after an intruder was uncovered and arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has again exposed another infiltrator on its official staff WhatsApp platforms.

The latest intruder, identified by the codename “Ajasa,” was discovered through a joint investigation by members of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Union of Allied and Education Institutions (NASU). The university disclosed that Ajasa had been added to FUOYE’s official staff platforms, including the Joint Action Committee (JAC 3) platform, which comprises the three non-academic staff unions—Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), NAAT, and NASU. He was also present on SSANU platforms.

A member of the WhatsApp platform, Alabi Ajao, provided the information in a statement on Saturday, explaining that Ajasa was discovered after NAAT and NASU leadership directed all members of the JAC3 platform to submit their details for verification.

“This move followed the shocking revelation that another number on the platform was linked to the earlier detected intruder who, despite not being a staff member of FUOYE, had been smuggled into the university’s platforms to cause disruption and threaten members who opposed his views. He was recently arrested by DSS operatives for cybercrime-related activities,” the statement read.

In a bid to expose Ajasa, the sister unions issued a statement titled “ADDRESSING AJASA’S OPERATIONS ON THE JAC3 PLATFORM,” declaring that:

> “Ajasa, it is obvious that you were added to this platform to cause mayhem. Now that the ultimatum given to you to disclose your identity has expired, and you have failed to provide any verification, it is assumed that you are not a registered member of this platform. Your continued presence here is deemed illegal.

> “The leadership of NASU and NAAT remains committed to uncovering how Ajasa was added to the platform and will take appropriate action against those responsible. You are hereby removed from the JAC3 platform.”

Following the removal, a victory message circulated among union members, celebrating the expulsion of the intruder. The message read:

> “Freedom at last on JAC3! Now, the attack will persist on SSANU platforms, and the same executives who spend our dues monthly will continue to encourage and support such assaults. I hope members of staff are watching, and I wish newly recruited staff intending to join unions in FUOYE understand what SSANU currently represents.

> “Disagreements are a normal part of unionism, and it is not unusual for members to support different factions. Heated debates and occasional confrontations are also expected. However, when a non-member is deliberately added to platforms to attack the institution, the Vice-Chancellor, and financial members, it becomes a serious concern. Perhaps our national body will need to step in for further clarification.”

The university management, alongside the sister unions, has vowed to continue investigations into how Ajasa gained access to the platform and to ensure that those responsible face appropriate disciplinary action.

Dr. Fayemi mourns the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Foremost Nationalist and Renowned Afenifere Leader.

Dr. Fayemi mourns the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Foremost Nationalist and Renowned Afenifere Leader.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.

Adebanjo, a renowned nationalist and advocate for democracy, died on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lagos residence at the age of 96.

In a personally signed statement, Fayemi described the late Afenifere chieftain as a man who dedicated his life to fairness and democratic ideals despite facing adversity.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, foremost nationalist and leader of Afenifere. This is a great loss not only for the Yoruba nation but Nigeria as a whole. Pa Adebanjo was a true icon of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, an unwavering advocate of justice, and a pillar of progressive politics in Nigeria,” Fayemi said.

He noted that Adebanjo was more than a political leader, describing him as a moral compass who never wavered in his convictions.

“As a committed nationalist and a leading voice in Afenifere, he stood for fairness, justice, and the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure a more equitable society. His principled courage, wisdom, and steadfastness in speaking truth to power made him an enduring figure in our national political landscape,” he added.

The former governor stated that while Adebanjo’s death is a great loss, his life and contributions to nation-building should be celebrated.

“While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived, dedicated to the pursuit of a better Nigeria. His legacy will remain an inspiration for those of us who believe in the principles he championed,” Fayemi said.

He extended his condolences to Adebanjo’s family, the Yoruba nation, Afenifere leadership, and all Nigerians who benefited from his leadership.

“On behalf of my wife, whom he specially adored, and the rest of our family, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Yoruba nation, the Afenifere leadership, and all Nigerians who are beneficiaries of his leadership and goodwill.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may God grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Fayemi concluded.

Ekiti Records Increase in Birth Registration in Government Hospitals- Health Commissioner.

Ekiti Records Increase in Birth Registration in Government Hospitals- Health Commissioner.
.....says Free Health Insurance available for all residents.

Ekiti State has recorded a surge in the number of pregnant women patronising government health facilities across the 16 Local Government areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani made the disclosure during a One-Day Dissemination Event from Data to Policy to Action in Ado-Ekiti.

Dr Filani said that the Ulerawa Health Insurance programme had helped in the reduction of child and infant mortality rates in the state as more women now patronise government hospitals for healthcare especially for antenatal and postnatal care.

The Commissioner appreciated the Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for approving Ulerawa Health Insurance which he said has boosted the number of people accessing Government health facilities for health care.

The Commissioner explained that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the state Ulerawa Health Insurance are two main health interventions in the State that have been offering free health care under the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration in the state.

According to him, the programmes offer free services, including malaria treatment, immunization, maternal and child health services, family planning, nutrition, HIV, and tuberculosis care across 177 health centres in the state while serious cases presented at the centres are referred to secondary and tertiary institutions for further treatment.

" Every resident of the state is fully covered under the Ulerawa Health Insurance services all across our primary health centres and we also have community influencers who ensure that pregnant women register at the government hospitals", he said.

In her remarks at the event,the State Head of Service , Dr Folake Olomojobi commended the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for approving the Ulerawa Health Insurance programme for every individual in the state.

In their Goodwill messages, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun as well as representatives of Civil Society Organizations, World Health Organization among others urged Ekiti people to make use of the health insurance for the betterment of themselves.

In his remarks CEO of NOIpolls and the moderator of the panel session of the event, Dr Chike Nwangwu noted  that with continued commitment to strategic investments in healthcare,  Ekiti State was on course to universal health coverage and achieving access to quality healthcare for all its residents

Former Students Rally Behind FUOYE VC, Prof. Fasina Amid Allegations.

Former Students Rally Behind FUOYE VC, Prof. Fasina Amid Allegations.

Over 300 former students of the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, have voiced strong support for him, dismissing recent sexual harassment allegations as a coordinated attempt to tarnish his reputation.

In a statement signed by representatives of the 300 Agricultural Sciences alumni from 2007 to 2020, the ex-students described Prof. Fasina as a dedicated mentor, an ethical academic and a responsible family man, insisting that the allegations against him are politically and ethnically motivated.

The former students expressed concern over what they see as an orchestrated character assassination, particularly as FUOYE approaches its convocation and Prof. Fasina’s tenure nears its end. 

They noted that certain dissatisfied individuals and media personnel with alleged personal grievances could be fueling the controversy.

“We firmly believe that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Fasina cannot be found wanting in this matter. It is clear that some forces within the university are attempting to discredit his administration and incite chaos,” the statement read.

The statement highlighted Prof. Fasina’s commitment to student welfare, academic excellence and administrative reforms at FUOYE, under whose leadership, the institution was ranked 4th most sought-after university in Nigeria by JAMB, while he has also provided scholarships and financial aid to numerous students.

The alumni emphasized that Prof. Fasina has always protected students from harassment and intimidation, creating an enabling environment for learning.

While acknowledging the ongoing investigation by FUOYE’s governing council, chaired by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the former students urged the public to wait for the panel’s findings before making conclusions.

They further warned against external interference, stating that sensational media reports could jeopardize the credibility of the investigation.

The alumni reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with Prof. Fasina, insisting that the allegations are designed to undermine his four-decade-long career.

“We encourage everyone to reserve judgment until the facts are fully examined. We stand united in support of Professor Fasina, confident that his character and integrity will prevail against these baseless allegations,” the statement concluded.