Easter Yuletide: Adaramodu Distributes Food Items to Ekiti South Constituents, Inspects Ilawe Market Ahead of Reconstruction.

Easter Yuletide: Adaramodu Distributes Food Items to Ekiti South Constituents, Inspects Ilawe Market Ahead of Reconstruction.

The Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, distributed food items to hundreds of constituents as part of activities marking the Easter celebration. The distribution, which took place across various communities within the senatorial district, was aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and spreading the spirit of Easter among the people. Adaramodu, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, noted that the gesture was part of his ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of his constituents, especially during festive seasons.

Speaking during the distribution, Senator Adaramodu emphasized that leadership is about compassion and being present for the people, not only during elections but at all times. “This is not the first time, and by God’s grace, it won’t be the last. As long as I have the capacity, I will always find ways to support my people. Easter is a time of love and giving, and this is my own little way of sharing that love,” he stated. Beneficiaries across various wards expressed their gratitude, describing the senator as a “rare breed” in Nigerian politics due to his consistency in reaching out to the grassroots.

In a related development, Senator Adaramodu visited Oja Oba Ojulawe market in his hometown of Ilawe-Ekiti for an on-the-spot assessment ahead of its planned demolition and reconstruction. Addressing traders during the inspection, he disclosed that plans were in top gear to replace the dilapidated market structure with a modern facility that would better serve the economic and social needs of the town and surrounding communities. “We are going to build a befitting market here. This is not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality, safety, and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.

The senator assured that the reconstruction project would be carried out in phases to minimize disruption to ongoing economic activities. He further promised adequate compensation and a well-organized temporary relocation plan for traders who would be affected by the exercise. According to him, the market reconstruction is part of his broader agenda to foster development and empower local communities across Ekiti South. The project is expected to commence later this year.

AJONI LCDA CHAIRMAN, OGUNGBEMI, SAVES MOTHER AND NEWBORN TWINS AT FMC IDO-EKITI.

AJONI LCDA CHAIRMAN, OGUNGBEMI, SAVES MOTHER AND NEWBORN TWINS AT FMC IDO-EKITI.

 ....leading with compassionate disposition towards vulnerable citizens.

In a profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership, the Executive Chairman, Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, displayed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people by responding to the urgent aid of a distress family. 

The Chairman was alerted to a critical medical emergency involving Mrs. Adeniyi Gboyega, billed to undergo a Caesarean section at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti, to deliver her set of twin babies. She's  faced with financial difficulty and in dire need of help to proceed with the life-saving surgery.

Out of compassion and strong sense of duty, Prince Ogungbemi, acted swiftly, to settle the medical bills. His swift intervention ensured the struggling twin were safely delivered and received timely postnatal care.

 Mrs. Gboyega express gratitude to this act of kindness and having her twin babies discharged in stable condition and safely returned home to Oke Ako-Ekiti, where they were warmly received by family 

Amb. Ogungbemi reiterated his administration will continue to prioritize the wellbeing of all citizens, especially the vulnerable and underprivileged. He emphasized, governance must be people-centered and driven by compassion, especially in moments of distress and need.

This intervention adds to the growing legacy of purposeful and people-focused leadership Ajoni indigenes has enjoyed under his administration.

Ekiti Labour Leaders Endorse Oyebanji’s Re-Election.

Ekiti Labour Leaders Endorse Oyebanji’s Re-Election.

… As Gov lauds President Tinubu’s economic policy.

In a stunning show of solidarity, the leadership of Labour unions in Ekiti State has endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office, citing his exceptional commitment to workers’ welfare and all round development of the state for their decision. 

Speaking at a Labour Round Table Meeting with the Governor at Lady Jibowu Hall of the Government House in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday evening, the Labour Leaders also vowed to continue to support the Governor in the realization of all his lofty policies and programmes aimed at achieving his shared prosperity agenda with a promise not to allow miscreant disrupt the pace of progress recorded under his leadership. 

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Sola Adigun, and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Comrade Oluseye Babatunde commended the Governor for prioritizing the welfare of workers which include timely payment of salaries, clearing of over nine months salaries arrears and leave bonuses, prompt payment of pension and gratuity, payment of financial benefits tied to promotions, approval of promotions up to date, increment of car and housing loans as well as the approval and payment of one of the best minimum wage table in the country, thereby setting a bench mark for other states.

According to them, the payment of the 70,000 minimum wage, among other gesture of the Governor, underscore his understanding of the economic realities facing workers and his dedication to alleviating their burdens.

The Labour leaders explained that it was the first time since the state was created that workers got what is due to them without agitation and confrontation addingthat the Governor’s policies have not only elevated workers’ welfare but has also transformed Ekiti into a model of sustainable development.

While describing the Governor as God sent and answer to Ekiti workers prayers, the Union Leaders said “When people say this has not been done, that has not been done, I smile and say you don’t know the kind of leadership we have in Ekiti State, all the workers agenda is on the Governor’s table and he go through it every day. 

“Your Excellency thank you for the minimum wage you approved, I and my colleagues will recall when negotiating for N13,000 minimum wage, it was returned to us for negotiation more than three times and after a year it was given approval but lo and behold when we were dealing with this N70,000 minimum wage and I saw what was there, I told the panel that my people will rejoice when this would be signed and it didn’t  take long for you to approve. Thank you, Mr Governor for making us proud”.

Also in her remarks, the Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi lauded the Governor for his exceptional dedication to workers’ welfare, disclosing that in the last 12 months, the Governor approved over 30 million naira to address health challenges faced by public servants, the gesture, which according to her, demonstrated his genuine concern for the well-being of the workforce.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi appreciated the Governor for not disappointing the workforce by fulfilling all the promises he made to them during electioneering campaign

Responding, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed his gratitude to the Union leaders for what he described as an uncommon gesture for labour leaders to speak of a government in such manner, said appreciation should go to President Bola Ahmed Tunubu whose visionary reforms have freed resources that significantly empowered the state to address pressing needs and deliver impactful projects that improve the lives of the people.

“Let me start on the note appreciation to you, I became afraid that look, this is an uncommon phenomenon, if not for God’s grace, for labour leaders to come out publicly and speak of a government in this manner and I was asking for God’s help so that I don’t disappoint you.

“But in fairness, apart from God, the person we need to thank is the President, because no matter how good intentioned a leader is, if you don’t have the resources, it’s only going to be a wish, but the President has taken a lot of courageous steps that has freed resources to the state, and I told myself that if this kind of money is coming to Ekiti state, we must spend it in a way and manner that those in government will be happy and those outside government will also be happy”. The Governor asserted.

Present at the event were the Speaker, Ekiti State Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi and Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun among others.

Ekiti State Congratulates Craneburg Construction Company on its Successful Bond Issuance.

Ekiti State Congratulates Craneburg Construction Company on its Successful Bond Issuance.

 

The Ekiti State Government extends its congratulations to Craneburg Construction Company, and its sister entity Craneburg EKSG Motorways PLC on the successful completion of its N32.5 billion 20-year bond issuance to design, build, operate and transfer the Ekiti Ring Road project.

 

The bond issuance, which was “AAA” rated and oversubscribed by domestic pension funds, is the first successful bond issuance for a road project in a State backed by an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee under InfraCredit’s Annuity PPP Guarantee Product, which is targeted at projects in States with strong PPP laws, as well as active investment promotion agencies.

 

Ekiti State remains at the forefront of attracting private capital, and has enacted a best-in-class Public Private Partnership Law, with the support of the House of Assembly.

Apart from the Law, the State has an active Investment Promotion Agency, whose board is chaired by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to demonstrate the emphasis placed on investment promotion. The successful completion of the public corporate bond issuance, approved by the Securities & Exchange Commission shows investors not only have strong confidence in Craneburg’s track record, but also have a lot of confidence in the business environment in Ekiti State, where the project being financed is situated.

 

This novel financing approach is a game changer in Nigeria, and will allow for a rapid development of infrastructure projects by private investors in States, thereby limiting the pressure on the States to fund such projects themselves. By closing this historic project, it means Ekiti State is now the second state, after Lagos, to attract 20 year financing from private capital for such large scale infrastructure deals. However, this is not the first time Ekiti State is attracting such investments. 

The Ekiti Independent Power Plant (IPP), another PPP project, was designed, built, and is being operated by Fenchurch Limited, delivering 3MW of electricity to the State.

 

The continuous attraction of capital to Ekiti State is clear proof that both private entities and the investment community are fully aligned with the shared prosperity agenda of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration. It also shows the result of continuity, and the Government of Ekiti State recognises the immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, whose administration birthed the idea of the Ring Road project.

 

When completed, the first phase of the Ring Road project will be a game changer in Ekiti State, and will provide quicker connections to several neighbouring towns and Ado-Ekiti, while also providing direct access to vehicles coming to and from the Ekiti Agro-allied International Cargo Airport. Once the first phase is successfully completed and put to use, the State will continue to explore creative ways of bringing more private investments to develop the second phase of the road which connects Ijan-Ikere-Ilawe-Igede-Iworoko.

 

The Government congratulates all the parties who made this possible: Craneburg/EKSG Motorways PLC, the concessionaire; InfraCredit, who guaranteed the bond; EKDIPA, who ensured the required investment environment exists in the State; but most especially, the road users, who will benefit from this project.

 

Signed

Yinka Oyebode

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor

17- 04-2025

Stop Declining Govt's Summons, EKSG Warns Traditional Chiefs.

Stop Declining Govt's Summons, EKSG Warns Traditional Chiefs.

The Ekiti State Government, has warned traditional chiefs across the 140 statutory communities in the state against resisting or declining summons issued to them by the state while intervening in any chieftaincy or communal issue.

The government threatened that any Chief, who disrespects the state by declining appearance before a panel to clarify any issue without tenable reasons shall henceforth face disciplinary action. 

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, handed down the warning, on Wednesday, while presiding over a petition written by the Alararomi of Araromi Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area, Oba Adebomi Babalola against two of his chiefs.

As contained in the petition, Oba Babalola, had accused the Eesa of Araromi Ekiti, Chief Olufemi Toyebi and Ojumu, Chief Idowu Atewogbola of installing one Mr. Bayo Alu as Odofin of the community without deferring to him as the prescribed authority, describing this as a flagrant insubordination and disrespect. 

While presiding over the matter, the Deputy Governor via a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, stoutly frowned at the absence of the chiefs at the parley, despite being contacted by the Ministry to inform them about the sitting. 

Mrs Afuye, represented by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, said disrespect to constituted authorities was becoming a recurrent decimal among the chiefs and that such won't be brooked under any guise. 

"The government will take punitive actions against some of our Chiefs for disrespecting the state authorities , by resisting or turning down summons to appear before it to resolve a crisis in their communities.

"We can't but take serious actions against  such conduct, because we won't fold our arms and allow our state to be disrespected. What the chiefs did by not appearing today is punishable. They claimed that  they were sick. How can the three of them fall sick at the same time?

"All these acts of disrespect must stop. What we are doing here is to ensure that we have peace in all our towns, in line with the agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and we won't allow anyone to frustrate us".

Speaking to his petition, the  Alararomi, Oba Babalola, alleged that the three individuals had allegedly been causing division and stoking the fire of acrimony in the community, by running a parallel government to debase his stool.

The monarch appealed that the erring chiefs must be punished for disrespecting the state and his stool to serve as deterrent to others, who are fond of treating the government and traditional institution with contempt and disdain. 

The monarch also requested  the government to order the installed Chief should stop parading himself as a traditional title holder in the community, saying he is not recognised in line with the Ekiti State Chiefs Law. 

Speaking about the matter, a first class monarch and Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, said the offence committed by the two traditional chiefs was grave and punishable under the law.

Oba Adewole averred  that what they did was tantamount to insubordination and stoking of fire of division in the town. 

"Only the king can install a chief and the Ekiti State  Chiefs Law said that whoever installs a Chief without the consent and approval of the prescribed monarch has committed a punishable offence.

"It was spelt out in the state chiefs law and edict that  whoever that is installed had also committed an offence as well. So, the three of them are prosecutable", the first class monarch stated.

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.