Clarification Regarding Allegations Made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi Against Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Clarification Regarding Allegations Made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi Against Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

We have become aware of a statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s Senate plenary, in which he alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, of sexual harassment.

We categorically state that this claim is entirely false. At no time has Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—or anyone else, for that matter—ever accused Dr. Fayemi of such misconduct. It appears that the Distinguished Senator from Ekiti inadvertently misrepresented the facts, as no such allegation has ever been made against Dr. Fayemi.

Consequently, there is no basis for Senator Fasuyi’s further assertion that Dr. Fayemi would be submitting a petition to the Senate in this regard. We would like to believe that, in his enthusiasm to defend the Senate President, Senator Fasuyi inadvertently conflated events, leading to a misrepresentation of facts.

For the record, the only professional engagement Dr. Fayemi ever had with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was during his tenure as the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, when he oversaw matters related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company. While they may have held differing views on the future of the company at the time, their interactions remained strictly within the realm of policy discussions. At no point did Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan make any allegations of misconduct against Dr. Fayemi.

We urge Senator Fasuyi to exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.

Dr. Fayemi remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in public service, and we reject any attempt to tarnish his name with baseless allegations

Signed

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh

Head, the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja

March 5th, 2025.

Oyebanji to receive Vanguard Newspaper’s Award for Good Governance.

Oyebanji to receive Vanguard Newspaper’s Award for Good Governance.

… Says Ekiti development runs on transparency, accountability.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, is billed to receive the Vanguard Newspaper’s Best Governor’s Award (on Good Governance) during the award ceremony slated for next month.

The award, according to the Newspaper’s Board of Editors, is in recognition of Governor Oyebanji’s remarkable implementation of the six pillars of his administration’s development agenda, particularly in the areas of Human Capital Development, infrastructure and industrialization as well as Arts, Culture and Tourism.

The letter of nomination was presented to the Governor in his office in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday by a delegation from the Newspaper’s head office, led by the Deputy Editor, Mr Adekunle Adekoya.

Governor Oyebanji, while receiving the letter, thanked the management of the Newspaper for the recognition, which he said would further spur him to work harder.

He said the state is able to make remarkable and worthwhile achievements in the critical sectors of the economy because the government is being run on the principles of transparency and accountability.

He identified continuity in governance as one major factor that has helped the State to develop more rapidly under his watch, stressing that projects like the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, the Ekiti Agro-allied International Cargo Airport and the Agric Processing Zone are projects started by the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi, which his government completed for the benefit of the people.

He also said the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have also ceded more fund to the states, adding that the development has helped in the actualization of many projects and programmes of his government. “So, I am thanking the President for this”., he added.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said the revitalized  Ikogosi Wram Springs Resort, is government’s first attempt in PPP arrangement, adding that it’s success has redefined tourism development in the state and has emboldened the government to enter into more PPP arrangements to revitalize other tourism sites, starting with Arinta Water Fall in Ipole-Iloro. He also revealed that government was  already negotiating with some investors in the sector to establish games village and zoological garden between the two tourism sites.

 “On behalf of myself and my team, we express gratitude and appreciation to the board of Editors for counting us worthy for this award. This award coming from a credible organization like Vanguard Newspaper, to me, is exciting. I have looked at the trajectory of Vanguard over time and I see that it’s one of the most serious-minded newspapers in the country. They are objective, highly professional and they have survived the storm in the industry and that speaks to resilience of the management.

 “I am excited because of the pillar on which you are giving us this award, which is governance. We believe strongly that we must tilt government policies and processes to serve the people. We also believe that we have entered into a contract with Ekiti people and we must be deliberate and intentional in ensuring that the terms and conditions of those contracts are met, and that is what we’ve been doing quietly here in the last two and a half years.

“Gradually, people are beginning to see that Ekiti is working and I am so glad that you alluded to the BudgetIT Report on Transparency and Accountability. We are a very small state, we are punching beyond our weight. On the ladder of FAAC, we are second or third to the last in the country, but we have kept the state running due to our commitment to good governance, transparency, accountability and self-denial. The little resources we have, we are spending it to give the best value to the greatest number in the society. And that is why we cannot afford to be irresponsible.

Earlier, the Deputy Editor of Vanguard Newspaper Mr Adekunle Adekoya, had  said Governor Oyebanji earned the Best Governor Award on good governance due to the significant development his government had undertaken across various sectors in the state. This he said came after reviewing the public space to identify leaders of government that are impacting on the people that elected them.

Adekoya stated that Ekiti has been on the radar of the Board of Editors of the newspaper through the lens of the six pillar of the administration which had helped to deliver on the dividends of democracy with particular interest on improved connectivity index of good roads network through conscientious, deliberate and intentional efforts.

He highlighted three major achievements of the governor that excited the Board of Editors to include Ekiti Knowledge Zone and the Free Trade Zone status recently approved by the Federal Government; commitment to Ekiti mega fabric industry and art culture and tourism, adding that all these will help bring the needed sustainability of the development of the state’s economy.

Uphold your high standards, Oyebanji urges ICAN.

Uphold your high standards, Oyebanji urges ICAN.

…says Ekiti now a model for accountability, transparency in governance.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to remain steadfast in maintaining its high standards and rigorous certification process for accountants in the country.

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the charge on Wednesday while playing host to the leadership of the ICAN led by its President, Chief Davidson Chizuoke Alaribe in his office in Ado-Ekiti, urged the leadership not to compromise the institute’s rigorous examination process which is the foundation of its current high reputation.

The Governor, while noting that some people have expressed concern about the toughness of ICAN’s examinations, pointed out that the seeming difficulty is what sets the institute apart and preserves its credibility as a leading professional body.

 

While commending members of the Institute in his government for their role in promoting transparency and accountability, Governor Oyebanji acknowledged that the professionalism and expertise of ICAN-certified accountants serving in various capacities in his administration have significantly contributed to the effective management of resources available to the state, earning the state national recognition as a model of accountability and transparency in Nigeria.

The Governor assured the Institute of the readiness of the state government to partner it through the “Catch Them Young” to train more youths in accounting and financial management. He emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to build a strong foundation for future professionals.

 

“Mr President, I am not an accountant but I will just give you this piece of advice because I listened to you when you said people have expressed concerns over the toughness of your examinations. I will just plead with you not to compromise the process. The is the main reason you are still standing. The day you start to compromise the process,  that will be the beginning of the downfall of ICAN. So, keep doing the right thing. ICAN is respected all over the country simply because your recruitment process is thorough and rigorous.

 

“You will also agree with me that your colleagues in government are doing so well and this has led to good ratings in respect to accountability and transparency. We have very small resources, on FAAC ladder, we are either second or third to the last every month. So, the little we have, we have to apply it in a way and manner that will give happiness to the greatest number of people in the state, and this required a lot of financial engineering from their side and since we got into office we have been rated high in transparency and accountability in the country”. The Governor asserted.  

 

Earlier in his remarks, the ICAN President, Chief Davison Chizuoke Alaribe lauded the Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. He noted that the Governor’s efforts have set a standard for ethical leadership and financial prudence which have earned the state recognition as model for good governance.

 

While expressing his gratitude to the Governor for appointing several ICAN-certified accountants to key positions in his administration, the ICAN President maintained that these appointments reflect the governor’s recognition of value of professionalism and his commitment to fostering culture of accountability.

 

Also at the meeting were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for budget and Economic Planning, Hon Femi Ajayi; Chairman of the State’s Internal Revenue Service, Mr Olaniran Olatona, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Accountant General, Mrs Titilayo Olayinka, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr Oluwadare Jolumo, and State Auditor General, Mr Victor Adeuya, among others, among others.

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.