Neyo Donatello Foundation Pays School Fees, Donates Educational Materials, Seeks More Support.

Neyo Donatello Foundation Pays School Fees, Donates Educational Materials, Seeks More Support.

A youth advocate and philanthropist, Niyi Adebomi, has demonstrated his commitment to education and community development by visiting schools in Ekiti State, where he paid the fees of some students and donated essential learning materials.

During his visit, Adebomi, through the Neyo Donatello Foundation, provided textbooks, school supplies, and other educational resources to improve the learning conditions of students. He also pledged to continue supporting indigent students by covering their tuition fees, ensuring they are not hindered by financial constraints.

Speaking during the event, Adebomi emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of young individuals. He called on well-meaning individuals and organizations to support initiatives that promote access to quality education for underprivileged students.

“This is more than just a donation; it is an investment in the future of these children and the society at large. I urge others to also contribute in their own way to ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of resources,” he said.

Community members and beneficiaries lauded Adebomi’s efforts, describing his intervention as a timely relief for struggling families. Many expressed gratitude for his generosity and urged more stakeholders to support similar initiatives that would ease the burden of education expenses.

The Neyo Donatello Foundation continues to champion educational empowerment and youth development, with plans to expand its reach to more schools in need.

My Partnership with Federal Lawmakers Yielding Dividends for Citizens - Oyebanji.

My Partnership with Federal Lawmakers Yielding Dividends for Citizens - Oyebanji.

....Lauds rep Kolawole over massive empowerment.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that the strong partnership he established with nine members of the National Assembly from the state, is yielding the right dividends that are turning around the lives of the citizens. 

Oyebanji said the synergy, which he branded as highly beneficial, was largely responsible for the upsurge in federal projects accruing to the state and massive appointments of Ekiti indigenes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership.

The governor spoke in Ikosu Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, on Saturday, during an empowerment programme, organised by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole, for the people of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

Materials distributed include: hundreds of motorcycles, fridges, generating sets, dryers, roofing sheets, knapsack spraying machines, sowing machines, grinding machines, multimillion naira cash gifts to widows, traditional chiefs, among others. 

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, applauded the federal lawmakers for their loyalty to the electorate, and for establishing a synergy that is upscaling dividends, in terms of projects and human capital development.

Oyebanji eulogized Hon Kolawole for his generosity and sense of patronage, saying he has demonstrated commitment to human capital development as a pillar of his administration, with the quantum of materials distributed to the citizens. 

The governor warned the people of Ekiti North Federal Constituency against selling the materials distributed to them at give away prices, saying this may stall the poverty reduction strides of government and those in positions of authorities .

Most importantly, the governor averred that his government has  gone a mileage in achieving some of its policies and programmes through the peace, unity and security that have reigned supreme in Ekiti communities.

"You could attest to the fact that Governor Oyebanji has established a very strong and reliable partnership with the nine members of the National Assembly from our dear state and this accounted for the high level of federal presence that we are witnessing in Ekiti today. 

"Through this partnership, Ekiti has experienced an increase in road infrastructures, establishment of University in Ekiti State, conversion of Specialist Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre and building of school hostels for medical students of the Ekiti State University.

"I plead with the beneficiaries, please, dont sell off these materials. Try and make good use of them. There is nothing to profit when you sell them. But if you use them for the purpose it is meant for, then, you will enjoy the the gains better", Oyebanji counseled. 

Oyebanji promised to increase the tempo of delivery in the areas of  poverty reduction, employment generation, increased agriculture outputs and road infrastructures, rural development, enhanced security and expand the scope of economic opportunities for the youths.

In clear demonstration of generosity to uplift his  constituents out of poverty, Hon. Kolawole distributed a sum of N15 million to over 300 widows and other vulnerable citizens in the three Local governments of Ido/Osi, Ilejemeje and Moba. 

The lawmaker stressed the need for the federal lawmakers to be in one and invincible accord with Governor Oyebanji to complement the efforts being intensified to abate the indices of poverty and neglect in the state. 

About the empowerment, Hon Kolawole, said the gesture was targeted at increasing the economic viability of his people and reduce poverty, so that democracy gains can percolate down to the grassroots.

The Acting Chairman, All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, Hon Sola Elesin, described the federal lawmaker as a pride to the party, especially his philanthropic gesture and sacrifices he was making to strengthen the party and reach out to the less privileged. 

Elesin charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials to uplift themselves and the local economy, while assuring those who are yet to benefit to exercise patience, that their own time shall surely come.  

High profile politicians at the event are: Member, House of Assembly, Hon. Abimbola Solanke, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon Jide Awe, Special Adviser on Human Capital Development, Hon Gbenga Agbeyo, ex-House of Assembly member, Hon Cecelia Dada,local government  chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups, among others.

GOV OYEBANJI GREETS MUSLIMS AS RAMADAN COMMENCES.

GOV OYEBANJI GREETS MUSLIMS AS RAMADAN COMMENCES.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and across the country on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Governor urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray for peace in Nigeria and Ekiti State  in particular, adding that the Ramadan period should be used to exhibit the best virtues that Islam teaches. 

Governor Oyebanji,  in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, enjoined Muslims, as well as adherents of other religions to continue to live in love, harmony and peaceful coexistence in this month of Ramadan and beyond. 

The Governor said development and progress thrive better in peaceful environments, adding that peace should be sought through prayers and positive actions. 

“I want to congratulate Muslim faithful all over the country, especially in Ekiti State on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. As we begin this holy month, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant us good health and strength to observe the fasting and other acts of worship associated with it.

“I urge all Muslims and adherents of other religions to avail themselves of the opportunity of the Ramadan fasting period to dedicate themselves to the good of humanity, peace and development of our dear state and country. Ramadan Kareem”, the statement added.

Cavista Holdings Convenes Multi-Stakeholder Workshop to Drive Cassava Industrialization in Nigeria.

Cavista Holdings Convenes Multi-Stakeholder Workshop to Drive Cassava Industrialization in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s cassava industry is poised for transformation following a strategic workshop organized by Cavista Holdings. The event, held just a day after Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari’s visit to Agbeyewa Farms, brought together key government agencies, financial institutions, agribusiness leaders, and development organizations to address challenges and opportunities in the cassava value chain.

Workshop Objective:

The workshop aimed to identify bottlenecks in cassava production, financing, and processing while exploring practical solutions to enhance farmer productivity, industrial-scale processing, and market expansion. Stakeholders engaged in in-depth discussions on agricultural financing, mechanization, logistics efficiency, and value addition, all geared toward positioning Nigeria as a leader in cassava processing.

Key Participants and Stakeholders:

The event saw participation from the Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA) led by Lagos Business School (LBS) and Cavista Holdings, among others. The Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo, represented the state government and highlighted ongoing initiatives to boost cassava production and agribusiness development.

Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Cassava Industry:

Nigeria is the largest cassava producer globally, with 14 million smallholder farmers cultivating the crop. However, processing remains the sector’s biggest constraint, with only 10 percent of cassava production transformed into value-added derivatives such as starch, bioethanol, and high-quality cassava flour (HQCF).

Prof. Doyin Salami of Lagos Business School emphasized that farmer aggregation is critical to unlocking financing and improving productivity. By organizing smallholder farmers into structured groups, access to credit, mechanization, and technical support can be significantly improved.

Investment and Industrialization Roadmap:

The Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA) outlined a strategic roadmap to drive investment into cassava processing, aiming to mobilize $300 million to unlock $1 billion in value. Key investment areas include:

• Sweetener Processing Expansion – $500 million

• High-Quality Cassava Flour Optimization – $100 million

• Cassava Bioethanol Integration – $420 million

Stakeholders agreed that these investments must be supported by financing, policy incentives, and market linkages to enhance cassava processing capacity and competitiveness.

Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund’s Role in Financing Cassava Industrialization:

The Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) is playing a crucial role in addressing the financing challenges within the cassava industry. As a key stakeholder in the workshop, NADF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting five million farmers through private-sector partnerships aimed at increasing access to mechanization, improved inputs, and capital.

Nasir Ingawa, Head of Partnerships at NADF, emphasized that limited access to financing remains one of the biggest barriers to productivity and industrial-scale processing. To bridge this gap, NADF is working to develop tailored financing solutions that will enable smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to scale operations, adopt modern agricultural practices, and integrate into larger value chains. By facilitating access to funding, NADF aims to drive sustainable growth, enhance food security, and unlock Nigeria’s cassava processing potential.

Ekiti State Government’s Commitment to Agricultural Development:

Ekiti State’s Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, outlined the government’s land-clearing initiative, which has opened 5,000 hectares for young farmers. Additionally, the state has introduced mechanization and agribusiness programs for over 3,000 youth, aligning with national goals to increase agricultural productivity and employment.

Private Sector Role in Scaling Industrialization:

Agbeyewa Farms, leading agro-allied company and home to Nigeria’s largest cassava plantation is actively driving innovation within the country’s cassava industry. With a focus on agricultural mechanization, value chain development, and rural enterprise growth, the company is leveraging data-driven insights to enhance its outgrower engagement and logistics efficiency. However, stakeholders emphasized that achieving large-scale cassava industrialization requires broader private-sector collaboration. Expanding processing infrastructure, strengthening supply chain networks, and improving access to financing will be critical to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s cassava sector.

Workshop Outcomes and Next Steps:

The workshop concluded with a commitment to concrete action plans across four key areas:

1. Strengthening Farmer Aggregation – Developing structured outgrower models to increase financing access, mechanization adoption, and productivity.

2. Scaling Up Processing Infrastructure – Mobilizing investment for industrial-scale processing plants to expand cassava’s value-added potential.

3. Improving Logistics and Market Access – Addressing inefficiencies in storage and transportation to reduce post-harvest losses.

4. Policy and Investment Facilitation – Engaging policymakers and financial institutions to create an enabling environment for cassava industrialization.

In Conclusion:

The Cavista Holdings-led workshop has set a clear path forward for transforming Nigeria’s cassava industry. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, financial institutions, agribusinesses, and development organizations, the workshop has laid the groundwork for scaling up financing, improving processing capacity, and increasing global competitiveness.

With continued investment and policy support, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a leader in cassava processing, unlocking billions in economic value, creating jobs, and strengthening food security.

Air Peace Dismisses Report of CEO Stranded at Ekiti Airport.

Air Peace Dismisses Report of CEO Stranded at Ekiti Airport.

Air Peace Denies CEO Stranded at Ekiti Airport, Blames Poor Weather for Delay

Air Peace Limited has dismissed reports claiming its Chairman/CEO, Allen Onyema, was stranded for over 24 hours at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport due to the lack of navigational aids.

In a statement by Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications, the airline described the reports—published by Sahara Reporters and some online platforms—as false, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing the company's image.

The airline clarified that Onyema’s flight delay was a result of poor weather conditions, not inadequacies at the airport.

“The aircraft scheduled to pick up Dr. Onyema and his team on Saturday evening could not land in Ekiti due to poor weather conditions (heavy rain). As a standard safety precaution, the flight was rerouted back to Lagos. This is a routine occurrence in global aviation and not a reflection of any inadequacy on the part of the airport,” the statement read.

Air Peace also refuted claims that its pilot executed a risky manoeuvre to leave Ekiti, describing the assertion as irresponsible and a false implication of safety protocol violations.

The airline criticised Sahara Reporters for allegedly ignoring accurate information provided before publishing the story.

“It is disappointing that Sahara Reporters chose to push a sensational and misleading narrative despite having been provided with the accurate sequence of events. This reckless journalism not only misinforms the public but also attempts to tarnish the reputation of Nigeria’s leading airline,” the statement added.

Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to international aviation safety standards, stating that safety remains a fundamental priority across its operations.

The airline urged the public to disregard the report, pledging continued safe, reliable, and efficient air travel services across Nigeria and beyond.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, Visits Agbeyewa Farms to Boost Agricultural Development and Food Security.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, Visits Agbeyewa Farms to Boost Agricultural Development and Food Security.

In a significant move to drive agricultural development, food security, and economic growth, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, led a federal government delegation to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ekiti State. This epoch visit was as a result of the invitation extended to the Honorable Minister by the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, to visit Agbeyewa Farms, one of the subsidiary Holdings of Cavista.

The Minister was received at the Ekiti Agroallied International Airport by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who represented Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, alongside Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, alongside a powerful delegation from Cavista Holding led by its Director of Business Strategy, Kabir Shagaya. After the airport reception, the Minister and his entourage drove to Agbeyewa Farms at Ipao Ekiti, where he was received by the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Ayeleso.

This epoch visit was informed by President Bola Tinubu administration's determination to galvanize the private sector towards Agricultural Revolution and economic prosperity, in Agbeyewa has been found as one of the aligning partners.

Agbeyewa Farms, a leader in innovative agricultural practices, showcased its extensive cassava farm field to the Minister and his team, highlighting advanced farming techniques that integrate technology and sustainability. These practices not only enhance productivity and high-yield cassava production in the farm but also contribute significantly to local economies by creating jobs and empowering communities. With over 1,500 hectares of cassava farm fields cultivated in the last two years, Agbeyewa Farms has become the largest cassava farm in Nigeria today.

During the engagement, Minister Kyari engaged with key team members at Agbeyewa Farms, expressing keen interest in the farm's ambitious initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and private enterprises in fostering agricultural growth, particularly in light of Nigeria's diverse agricultural potential. The Minister's visit underscores the federal government's interest in supporting innovative agricultural projects like Agbeyewa Farms, which align with its goals of promoting food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

As the Minister and his team explore opportunities for collaboration, it's clear that Agbeyewa Farms is poised to play a significant role in Nigeria's agricultural transformation. The visit also highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the sector and addressing pressing issues such as food security and job creation. Agbeyewa Farms remains steadfast in its mission to leverage innovative practices and sustainable methods to revolutionize the agricultural sector, ensuring long-term benefits for both farmers and communities.

The Minister's visit is timely, considering the federal government's renewed focus on agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security. As outlined in the Minister's speech at the event, briefing that the government's priorities include Food Security, Economic Growth and Job Creation, Poverty Eradication, and Inclusivity (Youths and Women). According to the Minister, the government aims to achieve these goals through various initiatives, including partnerships with serious investors like John Olajide and its Agbeyewa Farms.

"As the agricultural landscape in Nigeria evolves today, Agbeyewa Farms is anticipated to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and contributing to national food security," the Minister said.

Also, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security in Ekiti, Ebenezer Boluwade, said the coming of the Minister is a boost to the Public - Private Partnership arrangement between the State and Agbeyewa Farms, and this align with the agenda of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Administration to create job opportunities through innovative agricultural practices and guarantees food security.

The Managing Director and CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Ayeleso, thanked the Minister and his his powerful delegation, saying that: The collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is expected to foster continued advancements in agricultural practices and positioning Agbeyewa Farms as a leader in the cassava revolution across the country and on the African continent. 

"Agbeyewa Farms expresses gratitude for Minister Kyari's visit and support, looking forward to a fruitful partnership that aims to shape the future of agriculture in Nigeria and in Africa at large.  This will be made possible as we will strive to increase our cassava cultivation to 5,000 hectares at the end of the 2025 planting season," Ayeleso said.

ADL

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AIYEDATIWA ON INAUGURATION AS ONDO GOVERNOR.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AIYEDATIWA ON INAUGURATION AS ONDO GOVERNOR.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his inauguration as Governor of the State today, February 24, 2025.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Aiyedatiwa’s emergence In a free and fair election and subsequent inauguration as Governor,  as an evidence that democracy has taken a firm root in the sunshine state. 

While wishing the Ondo State Governor a successful tenure that is characterized by outstanding achievements, Oyebanji urged him to extend olive hands to those who contested the governorship seat with him as well as other critical stakeholders and get their input into the government. 

Governor Oyebanji also congratulated the good people of Ondo State, the national and state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the milestone. 

He urged the people of Ondo State to give maximum support to  the new administration so it can record huge success in every aspect of governance. 

“The Government and good people of Ekiti State heartily felicitate His Excellency Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on this historic inauguration and wish him a successful tenure marked by remarkably outstanding achievements. We also congratulate the good people of the sunshine state on this auspicious occasion and pray that the new administration will usher in a much greater level of development to the state.”, the statement added.