Oyebanji restates commitment to equipping youths with innovative, entrepreneurial skills.

Oyebanji restates commitment to equipping youths with innovative, entrepreneurial skills.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said that his administration places high premium on innovation and entrepreneurship that will empower students and young professionals with skills, tools and mind-set necessary for self-reliance, job creation and economic independence.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Saturday at the first convocation ceremony of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, said his government is not just equipping the youths with academic knowledge but also with practical skills that prepare them for the demands of an evolving world.

Governor Oyebanji, at the event which was attended by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and other eminent personalities, said his government has invested heavily in the establishment of entrepreneurial and innovation centers across the state to position graduates to excel not only as employees but as employers, innovators and solution providers.

 

While commending the University for the phenomenal achievement and growth in less than five years and for its efforts in producing graduates equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the Governor assured them that his government remains steadfast in its commitment to the growth of the university as he promised to continue to provide the infrastructure, resources and support needed for the institution to thrive as a citadel of learning, producing graduates who will not only compete but lead on the global stage.

The convocation was attended by several dignitaries, who flew in through the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti. About five aircraft landed at the airport.

 

Congratulating the graduating students for their meritorious success, the Governor charged them to transform the knowledge deposited in them into fruits of service, innovation and excellence.

 

“As a government, we understand the importance of equipping our youths not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills that prepare them for the demands of an evolving world. This is why we have placed a high premium on entrepreneurial skills. In line with this vision, we are investing heavily in the establishment of entrepreneurial and innovation centres across the state.

 

“These centres are designed to empower students and young professionals with the skills, tools and mindset necessary for self-reliance, job creation, and economic independence. We are proud to see this commitment reflected in the entrepreneurial programmes, initiatives and exploits of BOUESTI, which position our graduates to excel not only as employees but as employers , innovators and solution providers.

Earlier in his address, the Chancellor of the university, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) who commended the Governor for his unwavering support towards the development of the institution, said the Governor’s commitment to education has been instrumental in positioning the university as a hub for academic excellence and skill development.

 

Highlighting the institution's achievements in less than five years, Chief Olanipekun said the University has witnessed tremendous growth, advancement in academic programs, and a growing reputation for producing highly skilled graduates ready to compete in global economy.

 

Also in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Olufemi Adeoluwa, who explained that the university was adjudged the best University of Education in Sub-Sahara Africa at the University of Uwanda, Kigali in 2022, highlighted the achievements of the university to include securing accreditation of 78 programes by the National Universities Commission, increase in enrolment of students, well equipped library with free access to internet, among others.

 

Prof. Adeoluwa explained that total of 1,109 students graduated comprising 37  who bagged first class, 426 second class upper division, 586 in second class lower division and 60 in third class.

 

The highpoint of the event was the conferment of honourary degree of the university on four eminent personalities which include Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sanni Musa, Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adu Alagbado. While Governor Peter Mbah was conferred with the Doctor of humane Letters, Senator Sanni Musa was conferred with Doctor of Public Policy, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, Doctor of Business Administration, while Oba Adu Alagbado was conferred with Doctor of Public Administration.

 

Speaking on behalf of the honorees, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah thanked the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and the University for recognizing their contribution to national development. He described the conferment of the honourary degrees as a significant encouragement to continue working toward the betterment of the society.

EKSU Chancellor, Olowolafe, Donates Mini Bus, Equipment Worth Millions to Varsity.

EKSU Chancellor, Olowolafe, Donates Mini Bus, Equipment Worth Millions to Varsity.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, has donated a brand new Donfeng M3 (11-seater) mini bus and other educational materials to the institution’s Department of Geology.

The donation, which also included five workstations worth ₦20 million, a plotter, a 15th-generation laptop, and an HP color laser printer, was part of Olowolafe’s effort to support academic excellence in the university. Additionally, the Department of Banking and Finance received 12 sets of computers from the Chancellor.

Speaking during the handover of the materials at the university campus in Ado-Ekiti, the General Manager of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, Oyinkansola Familoni, said the donations were aimed at enhancing effective teaching and learning in the institution.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Governing Council and Management, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele, expressed deep appreciation for the Chancellor’s generosity, describing him as "an uncommon philanthropist."

He also charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the materials and provide periodic updates on their impact, adding, “The Chancellor would want to see the impact of the materials on the development of the university.”

The donation was confirmed in a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Bode Olofinmuagun, and made available to the media.

'BIODUN ABAYOMI OYEBANJI: OF CAPACITY, EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP AND EXPONENTIAL LEGITIMACY.

'BIODUN ABAYOMI OYEBANJI: OF CAPACITY, EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP AND EXPONENTIAL LEGITIMACY.

_By Johnson Ola Folarin (JOF)_

"Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions." - Harold Geneen 

BAO is such a pride to Our party, APC and Ekiti in general. For the first time in history, no former Governor of the State is currently against him. Don't come and tell me it's because he's settling them oooo... Don't underrate a former Governor that after leaving office, he would still need to be fed by the current Governor. 

The contacts they'd made alone can feed them forever. As a sitting Governor, you can't buy a former Governor who doesn't love you. If you doubt it, why is Fubara not buying Wike as we speak? It's still because he's not worth buying him. Fubara would have done plenty of things to buy Wike but for a fact that the love is no more there, he (Wike) doesn't have a price so as all other former Governors. 

The above inference, shows that only loving intentions can buy People to your side. The former Governors are not hungry as it may be presumed by some disgruntled People and they can never be, forever. It takes loving-kindness, intentionality, cool-headedness, recognition and legitimacy to buy the unique interests of former Governors from different parties, not the money.

*"There are three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage."* —Chan Master Fuchan Yuan

BAO has really shown to be special and exceptional. He's a man after the hearts of those who truly love the State and her dynamics. Whatever can bring Baba Afe Babalola, Chief Wole Olanipekun and Chief Femi FALANA of this world together, such thing has passed through the hurdles of those requirements listed above. Senator Ojudu fought virtually all the former Governors' re-elections, whilst they're Governing the State at one time or the other, but now, same Senator Ojudu is only having the relentless desires to work for BAO's re-election, same as other opposition Members who are now freely desiring him (BAO) for a second term.

BAO has indeed simplified governance in Ekiti State, to the extent of laying the durable foundation for the solid future, and rich in good governance-templates for Up-And-Coming governments to be bred from the trait of Omoluabism that has endeared Governor 'Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO, to the hearts of almost everyone in the State.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has indeed set the long-lasting precedences for those God will bless with taking up the governance of the State, subsequently. It's indeed a plus to all of us! Through these established quality precedences, there will be no more--- abandonment of projects by successive governments in the State. That alone assures the State of development-driven results and Ekiti People shall continue to rejoice and be glad in it.

BAO needs Our supports as good indigenes for a greater Ekiti that the foundation and pillar can now be confirmed strong and trusted.

Let's all anticipate a greater Ekiti with Governor 'Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO till 2030.

Ojuawo Felicitates with Oba Adejimi Alagbado on His Honorary Degree.

Ojuawo Felicitates with Oba Adejimi Alagbado on His Honorary Degree.

The Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has congratulated His Royal Majesty Oba Samuel Adu Adejimi Alagbado, Agirilala II, Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, on the conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration by Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI).

In his congratulatory message, Ojuawo affirmed the conferment as well-deserved. 

“I congratulate our revered Monarch, Oba Adu Alagbado, on his conferment as Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration by BOUESTI. Our Kabiyesi is an administrator par excellence and a manager of men. His antecedents in corporate organizations show his distinct excellence in all his records of service, without blemish, even before ascending the throne of his forefathers.

 

The reign of Oba Alagbado has further affirmed his managerial skills, discipline, and love for his community. I join the Ikere community in celebrating our Kabiyesi and wish him a peaceful reign, long life, and prosperity.”

Hon. Ojuawo also thanked the Governing Council and Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere, for the award. “On behalf of the good people of Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 and myself, I say a big thank you for finding our Kabiyesi worthy of this honour,” Ojuawo added.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Oyebanji reinstates commitment to sports development.

Oyebanji reinstates commitment to sports development.

… as renovation work begins at stadium.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for job creation and wealth generation.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Friday during an inspection of ongoing renovation of Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti, emphasized that sports in the state would no longer be regarded solely as a recreational activity but as a strategic platform for empowering athletes.

The Governor, who expressed dismay at the poor conditions under which the athletes train, assured them that such situation would soon become a thing of the past. He said his administration is determined to revamp the stadium to meet international standard.

The Governor also hinted that his government has awarded over Seven billion naira contract for the construction of a state- of- the - art indoor sports hall which is expected to be completed before the end of his administration.

While assuring the athletes that his administration would continue to provide enabling environment for them to thrive which include modern facilities and training programs that would position them to compete effectively at national and international levels, the Governor charged them to remain diligent and concentrate on their goals and take advantage of the opportunities his administration is creating to develop their talents. 

“I came here this morning in continuation of what we started yesterday just to look at what is happening at the stadium. I recall that I was here last year, I went round and I did not like what I saw and I promised that we are going to revamp sports in Ekiti State.

“If you look at the six pillars of our administration, one of them is human capital development, that is where sport development is and I made a promise that we will use sport as an avenue to create job and wealth, that sport will no longer be a recreation activities, it will be a platform for sport lovers in sporting activities to make money and we can only do that if we put in place structures and building blocks that will allow you to exhibit your potentials”. The Governor said.

In her own remarks, the Technical Advisor on sports development, Dr.(Mrs) Olusola Osetoba lauded the Governor’s vision and proactive efforts in ensuring that sports are no longer seen as a mere recreational activity but as a platform for youth empowerment, job creation, and economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, the Captain of Ekiti United Football Club, Mr Makanjuola Ayodeji who could not hide his joy expressed his profound appreciation to the Governor for his remarkable contribution to the welfare of the athletes in the state. He noted that since the inception of the Governor’s administration, they have witnessed unprecedented improvement in their condition of service with salary increment, uniforms, traveling allowance, bonuses, among others.

Oyebanji at APC Ward meeting, calls for unity, accommodation of new members.

Oyebanji at APC Ward meeting, calls for unity, accommodation of new members.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to remain united and embrace new members in order to further strengthen the party and position it for victory in future elections. 

Governor Oyebanji gave the charge on Thursday when he paid an unscheduled visit to the APC Ado Ekiti,Ward 8, where party members held their ward meeting.

The Governor, whose visit caught members unaware said the purpose of the sudden visit was to ascertain the level of punctuality of the party members particularly those who hold political office and to appreciate members of the party for their support for the APC and the government.

 

Expressing satisfaction at the turn out of members at the meeting, Governor Oyebanji encouraged party members to foster a sense of belonging among new and existing members, stressing that the strength of the party lies in its ability to accommodate diverse perspectives while maintaining a united front

He urged the leaders to intensify efforts in promoting harmony and addressing grievances promptly to ensure members feel valued and respected.

“I am here for two reasons today, first is to ascertain the number of appointees that attend meetings and the second reason is to thank you for your support for the party and for the government, we cannot appoint everybody, yet you remain in the party with the hope that things will get better and I assured you by the grace of God, those who were not on appointment, government initiatives will get to you and your children.

“I have only one plea, please, it is the people that make party and it is through humility and unity that we can gather party members, so please anybody that want to join, don’t shut the door on them. Don’t let us say some people didn’t vote for us during election, or during primaries you did not work for us, it is people that make the party. Whatever we are going to become in life has been written by God and nobody can hinder it. So, please don’t let us shut our doors, let us open our doors to allow people to enter our party, so when elections come, it will be easy for us”, the Governor said.

Speaking earlier, the ward Chairman, Mr Arowolo Tajudeen, who could not hide his excitement, expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor for attending the meeting. He noted that Governor Oyebanji has made history as the first Governor to attend ward meetings.

The chairman commended the Governor's monumental achievements, which, according to him, have strengthened the party’s reputation and drawn more supporters to the party.

He added that the Governor’s efforts have created a solid foundation for the party to thrive in future elections.

EKSG Approves Promotion for 6129 Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff.

EKSG Approves Promotion for 6129 Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Ekiti State Government has approved the promotion of 6,129 teaching and non-teaching staff of public secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to enhance the education sector.

Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Rhoda Ojo, disclosed this during a meeting with public secondary school principals in Ado-Ekiti, stating that promotion letters had already been dispatched to the beneficiaries.

She explained that 5,669 teachers and 460 non-teaching staff benefited from the promotion exercise, attributing its success to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly in the education sector.

Addressing the delay in the 2022/2023 promotion exercise, Mrs Ojo noted that challenges related to seniority and internal contentions had been resolved. She urged the promoted workers to reciprocate the government’s gesture through diligence and dedication to their duties.

She also emphasised that the government would not tolerate hooliganism, violence, or indiscipline in schools, stressing that principals must take responsibility for maintaining order, fostering a positive learning environment, and ensuring student success. She assured that the state would continue to reward hardworking principals and teachers while sanctioning those found negligent.

Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Mr Michael Boluwade, in his remarks, cautioned against attempts to influence postings and transfers, particularly mid-session, noting that such disruptions negatively impact students’ academic performance. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of both teaching and non-teaching staff to enhance productivity and ensure excellent student outcomes.

Reacting to the development, State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Bamidele Daodu, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Comrade Sola Adigun, and Chairman of the All-Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr Akinbode Oke, commended the government’s continuous support for teachers.

They pledged that their members would uphold professionalism and academic excellence in public secondary schools across the state. They also appealed for more capacity-building programmes to equip teachers with modern instructional techniques for improved learning outcomes.

#TeachersWelfare #SharedProsperity #BAOGovernance #KeepingEkitiWorking