Ekiti Knowledge Zone, a Catalyst for Development, Prosperity, Says Gov Oyebanji.

Ekiti Knowledge Zone, a Catalyst for Development, Prosperity, Says Gov Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated the transformation potential of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, describing it as a project that will redefine the state’s economic and industrial landscape, create prosperity and drive sustainable development.

Governor Oyebanji stated this on Thursday during a meeting with the team from African Development Bank (AfDB) led by the Chief Development Economist, Ms Rosemond Offei-Awuku and the Federal Ministry of Finance team led by Dr (Mrs) Akande Oyebola who were in the state on a supervisory mission to the Ekiti Knowledge Zone.

Emphasizing that the EKZ is rooted in the intellectual and educational strength of Ekiti people, the Governor said the Zone is strategically positioned to attract investment and serve as a hub for knowledge-based enterprise in Nigeria.

The Governor explained further that the core objective of the project is to leverage the state’s intellectual capacity to promote industrial growth, create job opportunities, and enhance economic empowerment of the state, adding that the fact the state is known to be the most knowledgeable and educated in the country, should lead to prosperity, support industry and foster development.

He expressed optimism in the ability of the EKZ to stimulate economic activities and place Ekiti on the map as a knowledge-driven economy, stressing that the project aligns with global trends where innovation and intellectual capacity drive industrialization and wealth creation.

While assuring the African Development Bank and the Federal Government of his administration’s continuous cooperation to ensure value for money and timely delivery of the project, the Governor said his government will work hard to ensure the project reaches its full potentials, thereby making Ekiti State a reference point for knowledge-based development.

He urged the African Development Bank (AfDB) to review its procurement process from the current approach, which often prioritizes the lowest bidder to the one that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and long-term benefits, stressing that focus should be on ability to deliver to cost m, value and time. 

“Ekiti Knowledge Zone is one of the gains of continuity in governance, my predecessor started it and we are running with it because we believe that Ekiti is the Knowledge capital of the country. The Zone is not an accidental project, we believe that if they say Ekiti people are knowledgeable and are educated, it should count for something, it should support industry and lead to prosperity and development, “ Governor Oyebanji said, adding that the EKZ would be a game changer for the state and the country as a whole. 

Earlier in her remarks, Chief Development Economist of the African Development Bank, Ms Rosemond Offei-Awuku  who expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project, commended the state government for its commitment to developing a knowledge-based economy, noting that the on-going efforts align with AfDB vision for sustainable development and innovation-driven growth.

Expressing optimism about the future impact of the Zone, the AfDB official highlighted the zone’s potential to become a central attraction for the knowledge economy in the country and beyond.

Also in her remarks, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr (Mrs) Oyebola Akande, who commended the Governor for his visionary leadership at leveraging on the state knowledge to create wealth and prosperity, said the zone when fully operational, would not only enhance the state’s position as a hub for innovation but also contribute significantly to global advancement in technology, research and education.

She assured the Governor that the federal government would continue to support the state to ensure the project achieves it objective.

The team which is in the state for a week long supervisory mission visit, was joined by members of the Project Implementation Unit for EKZ at the meeting.

Oyebanji’s Aide, Ekiran, Empowers Iyin-Ekiti Residents with Cash, Vows Wider Community Reach.

Oyebanji’s Aide, Ekiran, Empowers Iyin-Ekiti Residents with Cash, Vows Wider Community Reach.

The Special Assistant on Tourism Development to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Michael Peculiar Ekiran, has extended a cash empowerment initiative to residents of Iyin-Ekiti, his hometown, as part of ongoing efforts to support grassroots development and community welfare.

The empowerment, which took place during the political ward meeting in Iyin-Ekiti, saw dozens of residents benefit from financial assistance aimed at easing economic pressure and encouraging self-reliance among community members. The gesture, according to observers, aligns with the broader vision of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration to promote human capital development and strengthen social support systems.

Mr. Ekiran, who also anchors the Iyin Indigenes for BAO initiative, said the empowerment scheme would soon be extended to other communities within the Iyin axis, including Okeao, Okeagbe, Ikingbinsin, Aroto, Odouro, among others. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all parts of the ward are carried along in the distribution of welfare and development initiatives.

"This is just the beginning. We are taking empowerment to every corner of Iyin-Ekiti because we believe in inclusive growth and sustainable support for our people," he said.

The event attracted a large turnout of residents and party faithful, many of whom commended the government for prioritizing grassroots engagement. They described the initiative as timely and impactful, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges.

Mr. Ekiran’s gesture is seen as a direct reflection of the leadership style of Governor Oyebanji, whose administration has consistently championed social welfare programmes across the state. Under his leadership, the government has implemented policies such as free and compulsory primary and secondary education, extensive road renovations, and the regular payment of workers' salaries and pension arrears.

Supporters say the initiative also mirrors the progressive agenda of Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, whose influence continues to resonate in Ekiti’s development narrative. Together with Governor Oyebanji, they have been lauded for investing in initiatives that uplift the standard of living for citizens and promote inclusive governance.

EKSG gifts N12m worth of hearing aids devices to PWDs.

EKSG gifts N12m worth of  hearing aids devices to PWDs.

In the drive to reduce the consequences of hearing impairment among school children and other residents of the state, Ekiti State government has provided hearing aids devices worth 12 million naira to four school children and one adult.

The amount covers the cost of the devices and assessment process. 

Presenting the electronic hearing devices to the beneficiaries at a brief event held at the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre, Ilokun, Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola said the office arrived at the  number of beneficiaries after a pilot study of hearing impaired population in the state. 

According to her, 70 affected residents were screened to determine the sensitivity of their sense of hearing out of which five scaled through. 

While affirming that school age children need good eye sight and hearing to achieve perfect academic capabilities, the Special Adviser appealed to parents to always monitor the state of health of their children, stressing the need for early  diagnosis and correction in order to forestall any form of permanent disabilities that may affect them negatively and retard their development.

While expressing her appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for giving Persons with Disabilities in the state a new lease of life, Princess Agboola cautioned  parents against withdrawing their children from school because of one disability or the other,  explaining that the Governor is interested in improving their quality of life.

“When Governor Biodun Oyebanji came on board, he insisted that parents who have children with disabilities, particularly those that are out of school, should resume school. As a result, people came with children who have hearing impairments. You know, because of the hearing impairment, their parents already pulled them out of school.

“And because His Excellency also said that we need to follow international standards in whatever thing we're doing with the children, we had to send them for assessments, when they came back with the reports, we realized that some of them can hear if they get some amplified devices. So, instead of sending them to the School for the Deaf, we decided to amplify their hearing, even though it comes at a cost, the Governor is interested in helping to improve their quality of life.

“So, we were able to get hearing aids for some of them, and I will say that the ones that we got hearing aids for were the ones whose hearing tests up till March shows that with hearing aids, they would hear. And we saw the demonstration here. When we called their names, they're able to respond, particularly the adults that used to hear and speak before.” She said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani noted that the intervention was more than just a device but a lifeline to communication, education, and social inclusion adding that their strength and perseverance is a great inspiration reaffirming the commitment of the state government to ensuring that no one is left behind in Ekiti.  

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr Charles Doherty highlighted the various efforts of the state government in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) saying government has prioritized inclusive healthcare, ensuring that all persons living with one form of disability or the other are enrolled in the free health services, including access to essential medical care, assistive devices, and specialized treatments.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Opeyemi Ogunmoko, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries thanked Governor Oyebanji for his empathy towards persons living with disabilities and prayed for greater success in his future endeavours. She added that with the hearing aids, she can hear very well. 

Aside the presentation of hearing aids to the beneficiaries,  Proficiency and Trade Test Certificate of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment were also presented to 40 PWDs who last year completed six months training programme in five key trades including tailoring, shoemaking, hairdressing, ICT, and catering .

While assuring them of further government support, the Special Adviser stated that the trade test certificates would enable them seek employment anywhere in Nigeria and place them on equal footing with other members of the society.

Oyebanji Seeks Deployment of More Police Personnel to Ekiti.

Oyebanji Seeks Deployment of More Police Personnel to Ekiti.

….Wants State Borders Fortified.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on the Nigeria Police Force to  deploy additional personnel to the state to further enhance  security and address criminal activities particularly at the border towns. 

Governor Oyebanji, who made the call on Thursday when he received the new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 17 (comprising Ondo and Ekiti States), Ajani Musubau Omolabi in his Office in Ado-Ekiti. He also urged the Police force to intensify efforts at enhancing security as the state would soon enter election season.

While saying that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the country, the Governor  also noted what he described as inadequate security coverage in many the rural areas of the state, leaving residents vulnerable to criminal activities which undermine public safety. 

The Governor appealed to the AIG not to deplete the current strength of the force in the state, stressing that any reduction would further weaken the already strained security apparatus.

While commending the leadership of the force in the state for displaying a high sense of professionalism in securing lives and property, the Governor said the activities of police force had helped reduce the spate of criminality in the state, as well as creating a conducive environment for investors. 

Governor Oyebanji assured the Police authorities that his administration will continue to support the force to assure adequate security of lives and property across the state, adding that his administration is committed to ensuring that the state remains one of the safest in the country and that his government would continue to invest in resources, infrastructure, and partnerships to strengthen security measures in the state.

“ You said you are here to work, we are also ready to work with you and we will continue to partner and support the police force because they have added value to us, we are lucky in the state that the rate of kidnapping, banditry, and criminality has gone down tremendously and that speaks to the hard work and the cooperation we enjoy together and I must thank the Commissioner of Police for that.

“I will just plead with the AIG to also help us, I know that the police force is stretched in respect to manpower, but I have to say this since you are here, we are underserved, a lot of communities have no police formation and I have discussed with the Inspector General of Police himself and he told me the problem but even if you cannot add to our numbers do not deplete us”. The Governor asserted. 

Earlier in his remarks, AIG Ajani Musbau, said the purpose of the visit was to familiarize himself with the Governor and express his gratitude to the Governor for his consistent support of the police force which had significantly improved the effectiveness of security operations in the state.

While commending Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment that has facilitated the smooth functioning of the police in the state, the AIG assured the Governor of his commitment to working tirelessly to sustain the peace and security, emphasizing that it has ensured the safety of residents and maintaining public order would remain a top priority under his leadership.

Also at the meeting were, the Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier Gen Ebenezer Ogundana, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo among others.

Ekiti Govt Disburses N50Million to Fire Disaster Victims.

Ekiti Govt Disburses N50Million to Fire Disaster Victims.

As a display of compassion and a window of opportunity to regain their losses, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has distributed a staggering sum of N50 million to victims of fire disaster in the state.

The governor said the action further accentuated how committed and steadfast his administration was to the plights of Ekiti residents and the desire of his government to be inclusive to rid Ekiti of exclusion and neglect.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while distributing cheques to another set of victims of fire disaster in the state.

Oyebanji noted that what the government was offering might not be suffice to cover all the losses, but emphasized that the gesture would help in mitigating the sufferings of the victims and give the needed respite.

The governor appealed to well meaning indigenes to always exhibit solidarity and empathies toward those who suffered any disaster, while advising the residents to take precaution by taking proactive steps to reduce disasters in the facets of fire, rainstorm and flooding.

To underscore how passionate the government was, Oyebanji stated that victims of rainstorm in 2024 received millions of Naira as grants, and that same gesture would be demonstrated to those whose buildings were blown off recently in the state.

“It is not common to get this kind of assistance. This is the fifth assistance we will be giving to victims of fire disaster since 2022 that we came on board.

“You will recall that the state had witnessed rainstorm, flooding , thunderstorm and fire disaster. The Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated sincerity of purpose and has not abandoned the victims by ensuring that he attended to them and gave them help.

“We are aware that the pains have been so much for our people , we know that whatever we have provided may not be enough to guarantee full recovery from the losses. We are grateful to God that the inferno did not claim lives.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to everyone affected. The government recognizes your struggles and we assure you that you are not alone. We understand that rebuilding is not just about structures, it is about restoring lives , dignity and the dreams that were disrupted”.

In his submission, the General Manager, Ekiti State State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, said the state government shared the pains of the victims and that the actions being taken were to mitigate their sufferings.

To bolster the strength of the state in fire disaster management, Asaolu said government had retooled the state Fire Service offices across the three senatorial districts with proficient personnel and tools for effective service delivery.

“This government is emphatic and prioritising the welfare of the people despite the paucity of funds. And the fortification of our fire fighting offices have helped to reduce the level of damage and reduce the number of casualties during fire incident”.

The National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), represented by Mrs Foluso Adetimehin, applauded Governor Oyebanji for displaying support for the victims, pledging the backing of the federal government to Ekiti to overcome disaster challenges.

The beneficiaries, represented by Messrs Dada Oluwasiji and Joseph Chinedu, showered encomiums on the government for the philanthropic gesture, pledging that the victims would continually support the government to succeed in the execution of its programmes, policies and projects.

The occasion was attended by a member of the House of Assembly, Hon Kareem Akunbiade, Chairman, Board of EKSEMA, Alhaji Ademola Bello, Special Adviser, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. Moyo Ekundayo, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Abayomi Opeyemi, among others.

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU A TOWERING FIGURE IN POLITICS.

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU A TOWERING FIGURE IN POLITICS.                                                         Comrade Oso Emmanuel Piper 

 

True leadership is earned via visionary statesmanship, unwavering integrity, people's championship, unimpeachable character, unshakeable principle and legendary figure.... Sacrosanctly, the undaunted dedication of service to humanity by Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu earned him the unmeasured admiration, credibility, popularity and acceptability by his people and Ekiti at large.

Agbaman has since in the wake of democracy gained popularity among the people at the grassroot... His productive and cordial relationship with his people made him a core grassroot politician par excellence. A.T.M as labelled by his people affirmatively confirm the generosity and genuineness of Senator Adaramodu's leadership towards innovative and transformative development of Ekiti South Senatorial District and Ekiti at large.

Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu has in short time made commendable developmental achievements at the Red Chamber which included; monetary and material empowerment to members of the district, distribution of palliatives, rehabilitation of roads across the district, sponsoring of bills, award of scholarships to students, payment of students' bursaries, renovation and building of classrooms across the district, installation of solar light to illuminate communities across the district, renovation of Health centres, distribution of farms tools and grains to farmers, digital and other skills acquisition empowerment training and programs, facilitated job employment for youths across the districts, and many others but a few to mention.... 

Interestingly, distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu remains an adorable political figure in Ekiti politics, and a respected sagacious political juggernaut in national politics... Evidently and undoubtedly, the political coast of Agbaman is all inclusive that conglomerates vibrant and intelligent young politicians, strategic comrades and gallant political soldiers.

Above all, with utmost sense of modesty and admiration,  we the good people of Ekiti South Senatorial District appreciate and commend the good work of our National Treasure, "Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu." And as we pledge our undaunted support, we are trusting for more dividends of democracy at our doorsteps to complement the transformative and innovative political viability Agbaman is known for. May God bless the Leader. 

#A.P.C For A Reason 

#Adaramodu Our Leader 

#Ekiti South for Agbaman

Comrade Oso Emmanuel Piper writes ✍️

FG Ranks Ekiti High for Agricultural Investment.

FG Ranks Ekiti High for Agricultural Investment.

Yomi Ayeleso

The Federal Government has rated Ekiti State highly for its significant agricultural interventions and investments towards ensuring food security in the country.

The national report, tagged 2024 Wet Season Agricultural Performance in Nigeria by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), is certified by the National Technical Committee on Agricultural Statistics under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the report obtained by our correspondent, the Ekiti State Government was commended, among other states in the region, for its deliberate efforts to improve agricultural productivity in the state.

The report acknowledged the growth witnessed by the state in major crops such as maize, rice, cowpea, soybean, yam, and cassava in terms of land area, production, and yield per hectare.

Aside from encouraging mechanised farming in the state, the report lauded the Ekiti state government’s agricultural investment in training no fewer than 7,542 farmers across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Additionally, the state was adjudged one of the few that procured and supported farmers with necessary seedlings and agrochemicals during the 2024 farming season, contributing to high levels of productivity along the agricultural value chain, including livestock production.

The report reads: “Ekiti State Government procured and distributed 7,053.5 litres of herbicides, 1,239 litres of liquid insecticides, 123.32kg of powdered insecticides, 199 litres of liquid fungicides, and 213.8kg of powdered fungicides. The inputs were deemed accessible and affordable by farmers.

“Additionally, 1,250 sprayers were distributed by the Ekiti State Government during the 2024 farming season.

“Ekiti State successfully distributed 40,000 day-old chicks and 134 tonnes of poultry feed, maintaining accessibility and affordability.”

Reacting to the latest report from the Federal Government, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, said the rating is a testament to the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to agricultural revolution in the state.

The commissioner revealed that, over the past two and a half years, the administration has invested in the agriculture sector to ensure the socio-economic development of the state in line with the shared prosperity agenda.

He said part of these efforts includes the creation of close to 100 farm clusters for communities and cooperatives, as well as no fewer than 13 farm hubs across the state, which have accommodated youths interested in agriculture.

According to him,”To curtail the excesses of middlemen who capitalised on farmers’ lack of market access, the state set up Ilu Eye Agro Trading and Aggregation Company Ltd last year to buy back products from farmers and retail them to citizens in order to bend the food inflation curve.

“The retail strategy, coined Ounje Ekiti, will be marketed online and through physical footprints in the market space.”

Boluwade maintained that the investment is already yielding the desired results across the value chain, promising sustained government efforts to make Ekiti the food basket of the region and the country.