Oyebanji greets Christians as Lenten season begins.

Oyebanji greets Christians as Lenten season begins.

As Christians commence this year’s Lenten season with the Ash Wednesday, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has stressed the need for believers to use the period to seek the face of God on behalf of the state and Nigeria in general.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, on Wednesday, enjoined every true believer to use the period for sober reflection and intercession- reflecting on their lives, and developments around the globe as well as interceding on behalf of the state, the country and nations of the world. 

The Governor also urged the people of the state irrespective of their political and religious affiliations to continue to live together in unity, which according to him is needed to stimulate the overall development of the state.

Noting that the Lenten season began few days after the commencement of the Ramadan fasting period, Governor Oyebanji, urged  Christians and Muslims to take full advantage of the fasting season to preach and work towards peace, love and a more harmonious relationship with one another as well as adherents of other religions. 

Oyebanji restated the  commitment of his administration to ensuring peace, safety and security of lives and property in the state in order to make it more attractive to local and foreign investments.

“We wish all our Christian brothers and sisters worldwide and in Ekiti in particular a successful completion of the lenten season. We covet  your continued support for the administration and our dear state, more especially this fasting season.”, the Governor added.

Ajoni Local Council Development Area Shows Appreciation to Military Personnel.

Ajoni Local Council Development Area Shows Appreciation to Military Personnel.

In a heartfelt display of gratitude, the management of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) presented gifts to military personnel stationed in the area. The gesture aims to boost the morale of the security agents and demonstrates the council's commitment to prioritizing their welfare.

The presentation ceremony took place at military bases in Oke-ako Irele Ipao Ekiti and Itapaji Iyemero Ekiti, as well as the Amotekun office in Ipao Ekiti. Top council officials, led by Executive Chairman Honorable Ambassador Prince Michael Ogungbemi, attended the event. Other dignitaries present included Executive Vice Chairman Prince Babatunde Famoroti, Executive Secretary Comrade Olusola Alagbo, and Head of Local Government Administration Mr. Tunde Arowolaju.

Additionally, the ceremony was attended by Director of Finance and Supply Mr. Vincent Igbalajobi, Director of Administration Mr. Odeniyi Tope, and Director of Information and Civil Orientation Prince Adeola Alex Fafure, among others.

The council's management team gifted the military personnel with essential items, including solar lights, solar fans, and brand-new tires. These gifts will enhance the living conditions of the security agents and facilitate their operations in the area.

The military personnel expressed their gratitude and praised the council's management team for their thoughtfulness. Chairman Prince Michael Ogungbemi emphasized the importance of supporting security personnel who risk their lives to protect the community.

The Ajoni Local Council Development Area's gesture serves as a shining example of community support for security personnel. By prioritizing the welfare of security agents, the council demonstrates its commitment to their well-being and the community's safety.

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.