Oyebanji's Agricultural Drive: Ekiti Govt Engages 56 Contractors for Farm Cluster Expansion.

Oyebanji's Agricultural Drive: Ekiti Govt Engages 56 Contractors for Farm Cluster Expansion.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a bold move to consolidate Ekiti State’s food security agenda, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has engaged 56 local contractors for large-scale land clearing in newly approved farm clusters.

The initiative, which falls under the first phase of the 2025 agricultural development program, is expected to fast-track food production and strengthen the state’s economy.

At a high-level meeting on Monday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, led deliberations with the contractors, emphasizing the urgency of execution.

“Our priority is to ensure that farmers can maximize the government’s interventions in agriculture. The quicker we clear the land, the sooner farming activities can commence,” Boluwade stated.

With the addition of these 56 clusters, Ekiti State now boasts over 100 farm clusters, directly benefiting more than 5,000 farmers. The government aims to make every community a part of the agricultural revolution, positioning the state as a major food-producing hub in Nigeria.

Under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, Ekiti has witnessed an aggressive push for food sufficiency, including policies on farm subsidies, improved seedlings, mechanized farming support, and access to financial aid for smallholder farmers.

Residents and agricultural stakeholders have praised Oyebanji’s administration for its commitment to ensuring food availability and affordability in the state. Many believe this latest intervention will not only boost food production but also drive down the cost of staple foods.

“Cluster farming holds the potential to improve smallholder farmers’ efficiency by leveraging economies of scale,” Boluwade added, reaffirming the administration’s determination to make Ekiti a model for agricultural excellence in Nigeria.

Governor Oyebanji’s visionary approach to agriculture continues to earn accolades, with experts lauding his focus on sustainable food production and economic empowerment. The state government remains resolute in its mission to make food abundance a reality for every Ekiti household.

EKSU Matriculates Over 9,000 Students, Set to Introduce Dentistry, Mechatronics Engineering.

EKSU Matriculates Over 9,000 Students, Set to Introduce Dentistry, Mechatronics Engineering.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

VC, EKSU, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, while addressing the matriculants.

Ekiti State University, Ado - Ekiti has matriculated over 9,000 students recently admitted into the 91 fully accredited academic programmes of the University for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, who presided over the matriculation ceremony, congratulated the matriculants for successfully passing through the rigours of examination and screening exercise before they were found qualified for admission out of the over 25,000 candidates that subscribed to the University. According to him, Ekiti State University "is one of the best sought after universities in the country, owing to its high level of morality, academic excellence and quality of its graduates who have made their marks in their various chosen careers across the globe".

A cross section of the matriculants.

 

The Vice Chancellor specially congratulated the pioneer students admitted into the Doctor of Pharmacy programme for being part of the 2024/2025 matriculants. He noted that despite all odds, the university Management spared no efforts to scale all hurdles to admit students into its various programmes for the 2024/2025 academic session.

He informed the mammoth gathering that the university was already set to commence Dentistry, Mechatronics Engineering and other new academic programmes against the 2025/2026 academic session.

Professor Ayodele however, advised the fresh students to live up to the Matriculation oaths they took earlier,  by shunning all acts of misconducts, such as membership of unregistered associations, indecent dressing, rape, examination malpractices, drug abuse and other social vices. While emphasizing on this, he stated that "Ekiti State University under my leadership has zero tolerance for any form of infractions or breach of the rules and regulations, as appropriate sanctions are always placed on whoever flouts the matriculation oath". 

He, therefore, used the occasion to appreciate the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who he described as a proud alumnus of the institution, for providing an enabling environment for quality teaching and learning. He equally expressed deep appreciation to the Governor's Wife, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji who has been lecturing in the university (probono) for more than two sessions, in the Department of Educational Management.

In a related development, Professor Ayodele, while welcoming 

 his first set of regular students since he assumed duty as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the Institution, during an orientation program organized by the Directorate of Students' Affairs to welcome them about a week ago, described them as highly disciplined, obedient and well trained. The Vice Chancellor was particularly impressed with the way the candidates came in their large numbers, filled the Main Auditorium, where the programme was held, to capacity, even before the commencement of the event.

Professor Ayodele informed the gathering that, as part of the University Management's commitment to the welfare of students, efforts were being put in place towards making the campus life more enjoyable, interesting and sociable as arrangements were in top gear to construct hostels that would accommodate quite a sizeable number of students of the University.

The statement was signed by Bode Olofinmuagun, Deputy Registrar and Head of the Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs.

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.