EKITI TRADITIONAL RULERS VISIT AGBEYEWA FARMS, LAUD MULTI-BILLION NAIRA INVESTMENT.

EKITI TRADITIONAL RULERS VISIT AGBEYEWA FARMS, LAUD MULTI-BILLION NAIRA INVESTMENT.

The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has lauded the multi-billion-naira investment in the establishment of the expansive Agbeyewa farms in the state. The traditional rulers explained that the commitment of the chairman, Mr John Olajide, in the investment spanning across five different communities in Ikole Local Government Area of the state would significantly help in stimulating economic development and ending food insecurity in the country.

The chairman of the council and Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro stated this on Tuesday when he led over fifteen traditional rulers across the state on inspection of the farm in Ipao-Ekiti.

Those in the entourage included, " the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adejuwon; Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti, Oba Aniyi Aikuirawo; Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala; the Onire of Ire, Oba Adeleke Bobade; the Alasa of Ilasa Ekiti, Oba Ajayi Omolagba; the Olosan of Osan Ekiti, Oba Tajudeen Bamidele Jimoh; the Onifaki of Ifaki Ekiti, Oba Falore Adegbenro; Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; and the Apeju of Ilupeju, Oba Sunday Akingbade.

Others are the Obanla of Ipao-Ekiti, Oba Williams Oluseyi; Olu of Itapaji-Ekiti, Oba Azeez Adebanjo; regent of Oke Ako, Tinuade Adebayo; regent of Esun Ekiti, Fisayo Akinola, and the father of the chairman of Agbeyewa Farms Limited, Pa Daniel Olajide.

Oba Ilori-Faboro expressed delight over the success achieved by the farm in less than three years of its existence, noting that the traditional institution in the state would collaborate with the management in changing the narratives in the agriculture value chain in the country especially in casava farming.

The first-class traditional ruler who acknowledged the quality and capacity of the management team assembled in running the affairs of the farm, said that every private investor and individual should emulate the chairman in his quest to providing employment opportunities and contributing to the economic growth of the state and the country.

He, however, appealed to the management to prioritize massive food production in a bid to solve the problem of shortage of food in the state.

According to him, " I am not surprised by what we have seen in this farm today because we know the quality of the chairman of Agbeyewa Farms Limited, Mr John Olajide, who is doing well and making us proud as a state.

" We decided to visit here to see things for ourselves, and this is a massive farm and equally huge investment that would transform the communities here and Ekiti State at large. We all know the place of agriculture in our society, and for someone to commit so much money to establish this farm, it deserves commendation from us."

The delegation was received by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, the Director of Community Engagement, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, and other top management staff. Speaking, the Managing Director, Seyi Aiyeleso, commended the monarchs for the visit to the expansive farm, saying that the visit not only serves as a morale booster but reinforces the need for more collaboration with the traditional institution in achieving the company's desired goals.

While eulogizing the efforts of the chairman in providing the enabling environment for the over 1,000 workforce, He said the farm is moving towards achieving the cultivation of 5,000 hectares of cassava plantation set as a target for 2025.

The MD/CEO reaffirmed the company’s commitment to becoming Africa’s leading agro-allied enterprise while fostering sustainable agricultural investments, strengthening communities, and transforming lives.

" Agbeyewa’s vision extends beyond farming. Our agro-processing plant will soon begin operations, producing high-quality cassava derivatives such as flour, starch, sorghum, ethanol, and electricity. The starch content of our cassava is 27% as against the general 22% in cassava across here. He stated,

“Inspired by the success of companies like Omnicane in Mauritius, which generates power from sugarcane, we aim to achieve even greater success with cassava.

“The potential is limitless, and Agbeyewa is committed to leading this transformation. Our business model revolves around cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing, and agro-trading, " he said.

Aiyeleso, who acknowledged the top rating of the farm by stakeholders in the agriculture sector, revealed that the federal government has selected the farm as one of the centers for the cassava revolution in the country.

Oyebanji restates commitment to international standards, as State engages facility manager for Ekiti Airport.

Oyebanji restates commitment to international standards, as State engages facility manager for Ekiti Airport.

Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the commitment of the state government to ensuring that operations of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport meet international standards in terms of facilities, safety and management in order to make it attractive for local and international air travels.

This, he said, informed the decision of the state government to engage the services of a renowned Airport Facility Manager for the management and operation of the new airport ahead of the commencement of scheduled commercial flight operations.

 

Governor Oyebanji disclosed this in his office while receiving top officials of the Airport facility Management company, AAC Management Limited led by the Managing Director, Christophe Penninck, in his office in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

He said his administration had deliberately taken aviation as a major catalyst for growth and development in the bid to actualize the shared prosperity agenda of his government.

 

The Governor said his administration is of the opinion that aviation would make a significance impact on the economy of Ekiti State, Southwest region and Nigeria at large, adding that the State has done well to attract one of the very best hands in Nigeria to manage facilities at the airport and bring it to international standard.

 

The Governor commended the Managing Director of the facility management company on the guidance he had provided the state, which according to him, had assisted the state achieve certification with ease.

Government, he said, was not unmindful of the teething challenges in the smooth operation of the airport. He however, assured that such challenges were being handled, including getting the BEDC to place the airport on the national grid as well as partnering with a private institution to link the airport with its Independent Power Plant (IPP).

 

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said he is excited to have the airport as a hub for Hajj and Christian pilgrimage operations, said the state was making concerted efforts to ensure the Instrument Landing System (ILS) is installed at the airport before the end of the year for effective night operations.

 

On the airport road, Governor Oyebanji disclosed that the Federal Government had already awarded the road and that the contractor will soon commence work. He also disclosed that the ring road linking the airport road would be completed by June this year.

 

 “For us as a government, we are desirous of doing well, we are desirous of attracting investors and tourists to the state. So, creating access through transportation is key. The conception of the airport during the last administration was a deliberate action aimed at making it a game changer to reposition transportation system in the state.

 

“We believe that access to Ekiti state is key to our shared prosperity agenda, we don’t want an airport in name but one that meets all conditionality for 24 hours access and that is why whatever its going to cost us, we are going to put an ILS in place because for the airport to be competitive, we must put in that place standard facilities that every airline will want to land there.

 

“We will build the traffic, we’ve done our own traffic studies, as at today we have close to seven higher institutions in the state. We can also have passengers from parts of Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ondo states. We are deliberate about our action and we know that very soon the airport will fulfil its potentials”, He said.

 

Christophe Penninck, the Managing Director of the Management outfit, in his remarks, assured that the airport had the potential for rapid growth as the state was aggressively attracting investors and industrialists into the state who will invariably need the services of the airport.

 

Penninck who disclosed that the airport was already generating revenue for the state, stressed the need to motivate interested airlines to the airport, adding that he  is desirous of ensuring that the airport makes profit for the state as well as develop ability to run itself.

Oyebanji Has Gained Full Confidence, Trust of Ekiti Workers, Say Labour Leaders.

Oyebanji Has Gained Full Confidence, Trust of Ekiti Workers, Say Labour Leaders.

…as govt charges workers on professionalism, political neutrality.

Labour Leaders in Ekiti State have commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for keeping faith with the civil service reengineering, by gradually fulfilling his electioneering promises to the workers and the entire citizens.

The leadership of the trade unions, described Oyebanji as a leader who places high premium on the payment of workers’ salary, pension and gratuity, thereby reducing poverty in their ranks.

The trade unions gave the commendations on Monday during a visit to the office of the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

A statement signed by Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Olakiitan Victor Ogunje, quoted the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Com. Kolapo Olatunde, as eulogising Governor Oyebanji for not betraying the confidence reposed by workers and Ekiti populace in his leadership.

Olatunde averred that the government had succeeded in gaining the trust of his colleagues through prompt payment of all benefits due to them and abated the culture of mutual distrust in the system.

“The entire workforce of Ekiti State is pleased with the leadership being offered by governor Oyebanji. He has been able to foster confidence in the system by fulfilling some of the promises and pacts he had made with us. We are indeed proud of his leadership.

“I am not saying he has done everything, but he has been able to substantially address some of the issues like payment of gratuity, payment of deductions and some other allowances. This is a great hallmark of leadership and we are pleased with him”.

In a letter addressed to the Deputy Governor and presented by Olatunde, the NLC also condoled with Mrs Afuye on the demise of her mother, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye.

The labour union lauded the late Mrs Adegboye for her contributions to the development of Ikere community and prayed for the repose of her soul in the bosom of God Almighty.

Lending credence to the commendations given by the NLC boss, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Labour Matters, Com. Kayode Fatomiluyi, described Governor Oyebanji’s government as wholesomely pro-workers, as reflected in the expeditious implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the consequent adjustments immediately it was signed into law by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Chairman, Joint Negotiating COMMITTEE (JNC), pledged that the government won’t derail in its focus to make lives more abundant for workers in the state to reduce the burden of poverty index.

Responding, Mrs Afuye charged the labour leaders to embrace professionalism and shun partisanship for them to gain credibility that can strengthen democratic practices in the country.

The Deputy governor, described professionalism of the trade unions as a catalyst to development on the premise of being strong partners to government and promoters of the worker’s welfare.

For improved governance through incentives to workers, she promised that Governor Oyebanji has established an invincible working relationships with all the trade unions in the state, based on mutual respect and trust, saying this shall be sustained in the overall interest of Ekiti populace.

The Deputy Governor stressed the imperative of the labour leaders remaining focused and steadfast in accomplishing the statutory functions of providing assistance and services to their members, collectively bargaining for better pay and conditions for all workers and working to improve the quality of public services.

“It is very important that you run away from partisan politics as trade unions. You shouldn’t also make yourselves enemies of government, by criticising when you are to be strong partners to bring about growth, development and good governance.

“Don’t forget to focus on being a reliable partner to government and work hard to protect the welfare of workers as their leaders, because they are looking up to you in that regard.

“Workers are very lucky in Ekiti State, because you have a governor who has kept the faith with prompt and up- to -date payment of salaries and pensions, while gratuities are being paid to the delight of our retirees. This government will continue to see workers as dependable partners, and I know you won’t shirk in your responsibilities as well”.

Present at the parley are: The Chairmen of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Com Kayode Babatuyi, his counterpart in the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATAWU), Com. Tola Popoola, immediate past Chairman of RATTAWU, Com. Taiwo Falae, among other high profile labour leaders in the state.

Afe Babalola University Adopts Innovative Partnership with Ekiti State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.

Afe Babalola University Adopts Innovative Partnership with Ekiti State Ministry of Wealth Creation  and Employment.

Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) and the Ekiti State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment have  agreed to have  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting youth employment, skills development, financial inclusion, and sustainable economic growth in Ekiti State. This partnership was formalized during a meeting held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the university.

The meeting, which brought together top officials from both parties, outlined six key areas of collaboration. These include the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) to connect job seekers with potential employers, the Employment Trust Fund to provide financial resources for local businesses, Wema Bank Training to equip 100,000 youths with skills in basic accounting, finance, and digital literacy, Project TIDE/NASENI to train 500 youths in vocational skills, the Tricycle (Electric Tricycle Initiative) to address transportation challenges, and Agency Banking to promote financial inclusion.

The LMIS aims to tackle youth unemployment by allowing employers to list job openings and enabling job seekers to apply directly. The Employment Trust Fund, which has passed its second reading in the State House of Assembly, will provide access to financial resources for local businesses, with an initial funding of N250 million and a long-term plan to secure N1 billion annually.

Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, expressed the university's willingness to collaborate with the Ministry on these initiatives and proposed the formation of a dedicated Implementation Committee to oversee the partnership's execution. The committee comprises Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Engr. Prof. Adeniran Afolalu, Prof. Adebayo Ogundipe, Engr. Prof. Femi Onobonoje, and Dr. Sesan Asubiojo.

Both parties have commences preparation. of draft MOU to signal commencement of the partnership  This will be followed by a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to discuss significant issues and develop a clear pathway for the next six months. This partnership is poised to foster meaningful collaboration and have a lasting impact on Ekiti State's development and its youth population.

Ojuawo Celebrates Oyebanji as He Bags New Awards on Transformative Leadership

Ojuawo Celebrates Oyebanji as He Bags New Awards on Transformative Leadership..

...Praises Ekiti State Governor for his commitment to good governance and community development.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on receiving two prestigious awards. The Governor was honoured with the Vanguard Newspapers’ Personality of the Year (Good Governance) Award and Energy Times Magazine’s Energy Governor of the Year Award at ceremonies held at Eko Hotel and Suites and Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

These awards recognize Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to good governance, infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, and community development. His inclusive leadership style and humility have resonated with Ekiti residents, solidifying his reputation as a transformative leader.

Ojuawo praised Governor Oyebanji’s exemplary leadership and positive impact on the people of Ekiti, emphasizing that these accolades reflect his dedication to the state’s progress and development. He noted that the Governor’s achievements inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Oyebanji receives Vanguard Newspapers, Energy Times Awards, restates commitment to sustainable development.

Oyebanji receives  Vanguard Newspapers, Energy Times Awards, restates commitment to sustainable development.

….Thanks President Tinubu, Ekiti people.

It was an evening of double honours for Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday as he received the Vanguard Newspapers’ Personality of the Year (Good Governance) Award, and Energy Times Magazine’s Energy Governor of the Year Award at two separate events held in Lagos.

The two awards, coming barely one month after Governor Oyebanji received the Silverbird Man of the Year Award, were predicated on his transformative leadership, inclusive governance and his huge investments in road and power infrastructure, as well as agriculture and community development.

Speaking shortly after the events, Governor Oyebanji, said the awards, like the previous ones, belong to the people of Ekiti State, whom he said have demonstrated unprecedented support for his administration’s development agenda. He added that the recognitions have further placed a necessity on him to do more in terms of lifting the living standards of the people through the right mix of life-transforming programmes, policies and projects.

Governor Oyebanji thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for putting in place economic policies that have ceded more funds to the states, including Ekiti, thereby paving the way for greater development. He also thanked Ekiti people at home and in the Diaspora for their support for his administration, stressing that the support of the people have been of tremendous encouragement.

While reiterating his commitment to sustaining the pace of development in the state, Governor Oyebanji said his administration would not relent in its efforts at creating enabling environment for economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare of the citizens.

The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, at the Vanguard Newspaper Award which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites, said the award was a reflection of his administration’s visionary policies and impactful people- oriented programmes that have successfully repositioned the state as a preferred destination to visit, live, work and invest in Nigeria.

Assuring that his administration would continue to uphold the principles of good governance while delivering impactful projects that align with the needs and aspirations of the people, Governor Oyebanji said the award is a motivation to sustain the pace of development and continue building a prosperous state for all.

“Well, this is possibly the fifth this year and all of them are highly respected awards, and in many of them, the populace were involved in the voting process. So, it speaks to the appreciation of our  performance and commitment to the shared prosperity agenda of our administration and all the efforts are to ensure growth and development of the state in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, human capital development, community development and youth empowerment”, the Governor said.

At the Energy Times award, which took place at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, said he would continue working towards ensuring a stable power supply across the nooks and crannies of the state. This, he said, will create enabling environment for investors, boost local economy and ensure a more rapid economic growth.

He added that the within the spate of two years, his administration had successfully reconnected many communities back to the national grid, with moves to ensure adequate house metering, while the State Independent Power plant were being fortified for wider Coverage. According to him, these remarkable impacts had attracted both public and private key players to the state.

The Governor noted that his administration has creatively navigated the murk waters of regulatory restrictions that had hitherto hindered stable electricity supply with a view to attracting investors to boost the economic status of the state.

Ekiti Broiler Scheme Empowers Youths, Tackles Unemployment – Commissioner.

Ekiti Broiler Scheme Empowers Youths, Tackles Unemployment – Commissioner.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to job creation and youth empowerment through its Broiler Production Scheme.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the Erifun Broiler Production Centre in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Boluwade described the initiative as a strategic move to reduce unemployment and equip youths with sustainable agribusiness skills. The Commissioner noted that the ongoing cycle of the programme—now in its seventh edition—has continued to yield impressive results, with many participants becoming self-reliant.

“This initiative is not just a training programme; it is an empowerment project aimed at preparing participants for life beyond the scheme. Each graduate from the last cycle walked away with nearly N1 million in profits, and the current participants are on track to receive similar benefits,” Boluwade said.

He further revealed that the World Bank has commenced plans to establish Poultry Clusters across Ekiti, with priority access to be given to graduates of the Broiler Scheme.

In a bid to further enhance participant welfare, the Commissioner also announced a 20 percent increase in monthly stipends—from N50,000 to N60,000.

“This is our seventh cycle. The money and profit generated from the programme belong to the participants. They are essentially working for themselves and learning the ropes of the poultry business. We’re currently operating in Erifun, Ikole, Ilupeju, and Ido, with over 100 participants. However, not all of them may graduate,” he explained.

Boluwade also warned participants against mismanaging the grants, urging them to invest in purposeful ventures that will generate income and drive the state’s agricultural economy.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ojo Babatope, also emphasized the Ministry’s vision of using agriculture as a vehicle to create employment and wealth, particularly among young people.

Participants of the programme, Afesojaye Aderemi and Abdulfatai Ayomide, commended the initiative, noting that it has opened doors to numerous opportunities. They called on fellow youths to embrace agriculture, describing it as a viable alternative to the pursuit of elusive white-collar jobs.

The Broiler Production Scheme remains one of the key interventions under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to diversify the state’s economy and empower its teeming youth population through agribusiness.