CHINESE INVESTORS MEET SENATOR ADARAMODU TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT.

CHINESE INVESTORS MEET SENATOR ADARAMODU TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT.

In a significant diplomatic and economic engagement, Chinese investors paid a courtesy visit to Senator Yemi Adaramodu at his Abuja residence to discuss potential development initiatives and collaborative opportunities within his constituency. The meeting, which focused on infrastructure development, agricultural modernization, and technological transfer, marks an important step toward strengthening bilateral relations at the grassroots level.

According to a statement made available by his Media Aide, Dr Adebayo A. Adesoji, Senator Adaramodu, known for his commitment to constituency development, welcomed the Chinese delegation and expressed optimism about the prospects of foreign direct investment in boosting local economic growth and job creation.

The Chinese investors presented comprehensive proposals outlining their interest in partnering with local stakeholders to implement sustainable development projects that align with the constituency's needs and priorities. Both parties emphasized the importance of ensuring that any collaborative ventures would benefit local communities through knowledge sharing, skills development, and capacity-building programs.

The meeting concluded with agreements to establish technical working groups to further explore specific project possibilities and investment frameworks, with Senator Adaramodu pledging to facilitate necessary governmental support while ensuring that all prospective partnerships would adhere to Nigeria's regulatory requirements and national development objectives.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji: A Leader of Unimpeachable Character.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji: A Leader of Unimpeachable Character.

By Steve  Oribamise

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's leadership style and personal qualities have earned him widespread admiration and respect.

 As the Governor of Ekiti State, he has demonstrated a commitment to unity, development, and people-centric governance.

Governor  Oyebanji's humility is evident in his willingness to listen and engage with people from all walks of life. He shows genuine concern for the welfare of Ekiti citizens, working tirelessly to address their needs and his leadership style promotes unity and cohesion, bringing together people from different backgrounds and parties.

The governor  has a clear vision for Ekiti's development, driving progress and innovation in various sectors.

 Ekiti State under the leadership of BAO, has witnessed significant progress, such as  ongoing projects aimed at improving the state's infrastructure,

 Initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and support farmers and  Programs designed to provide skills training and economic opportunities for young people.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's admirable qualities and leadership style have made a positive impact on Ekiti State. His commitment to unity, development, and people-centric governance has earned him the respect and admiration of many.

 As a leader, he continues to inspire and motivate others to work towards a brighter future for Ekiti and its citizens.

Oyebanji Prioritises Good Governance, Civil Servants’ Welfare in Ekiti.

Oyebanji Prioritises Good Governance, Civil Servants’ Welfare in Ekiti.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a demonstration of commitment to transparency, accountability, and development, the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in Ekiti State has continued to build a reputation for good governance, positioning it as the first pillar of his administration.

Good governance, which refers to the effective, transparent, accountable, and ethical management of public resources and affairs, is central to every policy and initiative implemented under Governor Oyebanji's leadership. The administration’s good governance agenda not only drives development but ensures the prioritization of civil servants’ welfare, enhanced security, and adherence to global best practices in public administration.

According to the government, "Governance is what brings it all together. It is what ensures we recognise our civil servants as the main drivers of our reforms, and therefore prioritize their welfare. It keeps us working to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the state, and ensures we operate with the highest degree of accessibility and transparency.”

The administration’s governance agenda has also earned the state widespread goodwill and cooperation from critical development partners, as it strives to meet the targets of the State Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and other national and global priorities.

Below are some key achievements under the governance pillar of the BAO administration:

Legislative Milestones:

1. Enactment of Ekiti State Fire Service Law, 2023.

2. Enactment of Ekiti State Electricity Power Sector Law, 2023.

3. Establishment of Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau

4. Ekiti State Wealth Fund Law, 2023.

5. Ekiti State Local Government Staff Loans Board Law, 2023.

6. Ekiti State Roads Fund Law, 2023.

7. Yoruba Language Preservation and Protection Law, 2023.

8. Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency Law, 2024.

9. Ekiti State (Anti-Land Grabbing) Second Amendment Law, 2024.

10. High Court Law (First Amendments), 2024.

11. Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency ( EKDIPA) (First Amendments) Law, 2023.

12. Bureau of Assets Management Agency Law, 2024, and among others. 

Welfare and Financial Commitments to Civil Servants:

●N19.78 billion paid as pensions to core civil servants.

●N6.8 billion paid as gratuity to core civil servants.

●N701.83 million in car loans to civil servants.

●N417.79 million in housing loans to civil servants.

●N17.93 billion in pensions for local government workers.

●N4.02 billion in gratuity for LG workers.

●N36.2 million in car loans to LG workers.

●N384.55 million in housing loans to LG workers.

●N1.1 billion in pension arrears for July 2018.

●N172.4 million disbursed as staff housing loans

Training and Capacity Building:

●180 civil servants trained.

●Renovation of Ido, Ikere, and Ode tax stations.

●Construction of Ikole regional tax office.

●Construction of a new office complex for the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs.

●Construction of Local Government Service Commission office.

●Procurement of office equipment and furniture for various MDAs.

Security and Infrastructure:

●Installation of security surveillance equipment at 11 locations.

●Purchase of 17 operational vehicles for Amotekun Corps.

●Repair of firefighting engines at Ekiti State Fire Service

Social and Economic Support:

●N198 million disbursed to 1,326 Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) beneficiaries.

●N250 million in palliatives for widows, unemployed youths, and persons with disabilities.

●N201 million in relief funds for disaster victims.

●N1.1 billion disbursed in Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) to 44,069 citizens.

●N274.8 million in livelihood grants to 1,718 households.

●N768 million disbursed to 8,900 beneficiaries

Recognitions and Rankings:

●Ekiti ranked 1st in Subnational Audit Efficacy Index (2023).

●Ranked 3rd in the SBM Health Preparedness Index (2024).

●Listed among the only two states and the FCT to attract foreign investment in Q1 2024.

●Ranked 2nd in the BudgIT State Fiscal Transparency League (Q1 2024).

●Ranked 4th in Subnational Climate Governance Performance (2023).

●Ranked 1st in Annual Growth Rate of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) (2023)

The administration remains committed to its guiding principle: that governance must justify the trust of the people. “Above all, our good governance agenda is a reminder that we are accountable to you,” the statement adds.

With its emphasis on institutional reforms, inclusive development, and global alignment, the Oyebanji-led government continues to set a benchmark for public administration in Nigeria.

Ekiti Government Empowers Children with Hearing Aids, Presents Certificates to Trained PWDs' Youths The Ekiti State Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of persons living with disabilities by distributing hearing aids to children with hearing impairments and presenting trade test/proficiency certificates to graduates of the 2024 Ekiti State Skills Acquisition programme. The event, held at the Ekiti Skill Acquisition Centre, Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti, was led by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, in partnership with a medical team headed by Professor Ayo Osisanya from the Department of Special Education (Audiology and Speech Pathology), University of Ibadan. Five children, including Abdulhamed Ahouyiza Sakeenah, Ogunlokun Opeyemi Folashade, Olanrewaju Iyanu, Adeyemi Adeola, and Arohunsoro Mary Oluwatoyin, received pairs of hearing aids, totalling 5.5 million naira. They were selected from about 70 beneficiaries captured to benefit from the hearing aids scheme subsequently. Princess Agboola, while addressing the gathering, explained that the beneficiaries had gone through rigorous assessments to determine the most suitable intervention, noting that the devices would enhance their communication skills. She added that the children could continue schooling at the School for the Deaf to benefit from both sign language education and speech therapy. She praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritising disability inclusion since assuming office, recalling his previous support for persons with albinism, including the provision of sunscreen and umbrellas. According to her, the governor has also personally sponsored surgeries and medical care for children with severe conditions, demonstrating his deep concern for the well-being of all citizens. In his contributions, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, expressed the state Government's commitment towards strengthening social inclusion and youth empowerment by prioritising Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in its healthcare agenda through free health service enrollment, distribution of assistive devices and access to specialised treatments. Dr Filani, who highlighted the state's broader health agenda, described the two interventions as part of the state’s drive to achieve universal health coverage and economic empowerment for all residents, especially vulnerable groups. He celebrated graduates of the government-backed Skills Acquisition Programme, who received Trade Test Certificates as proof of their competence and readiness for self-employment and entrepreneurship, adding that the empowerment initiative is a practical demonstration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration’s promise to uplift youth and vulnerable populations through skills training. Trade test and proficiency certificates were also presented to the PWDs beneficiaries trained in various vocational skills under the state’s empowerment programme, where the Director of the Skills Acquisition Centre, Mr Akinlabi Adeyemi Olumide, highlighted the dual significance of the event to include improving communication for hearing-impaired children and celebrating the achievements of newly skilled youths. He commended the government’s transformation of special schools, support for inclusive employment, and the establishment of a therapy centre for children with complex needs, just as he applauded Princess Agboola for her tireless efforts in championing disability rights in Ekiti. Appreciating Ekiti state Government on behalf of others, one of the hearing-aid recipients, Mrs Ogunlokun Opeyemi Folashade, expressed joy and gratitude, thanking both the state government and Princess Agboola for always being responsive to their needs. Also, one of the beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative, Mr Muhammed Abdulkabir, who is a graduate of Ekiti State University, thanked the government on behalf of the trainees for the startup kits and skills provided, pledging to use the opportunity to build better lives for themselves. The programme ended on a high note, with the beneficiaries singing songs of appreciation and pledging their loyalty and support for Governor Oyebanji’s second-term bid.

Ekiti Government Empowers Children with Hearing Aids, Presents Certificates to Trained PWDs' Youths.

The Ekiti State Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of persons living with disabilities by distributing hearing aids to children with hearing impairments and presenting trade test/proficiency certificates to graduates of the 2024 Ekiti State Skills Acquisition programme.

The event, held at the Ekiti Skill Acquisition Centre, Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti, was led by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, in partnership with a medical team headed by Professor Ayo Osisanya from the Department of Special Education (Audiology and Speech Pathology), University of Ibadan.

Five children, including Abdulhamed Ahouyiza Sakeenah, Ogunlokun Opeyemi Folashade, Olanrewaju Iyanu, Adeyemi Adeola, and Arohunsoro Mary Oluwatoyin, received pairs of hearing aids, totalling 5.5 million naira. They were selected from about 70 beneficiaries captured to benefit from the hearing aids scheme subsequently. 

Princess Agboola, while addressing the gathering, explained that the beneficiaries had gone through rigorous assessments to determine the most suitable intervention, noting that the devices would enhance their communication skills. 

She added that the children could continue schooling at the School for the Deaf to benefit from both sign language education and speech therapy.

She praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritising disability inclusion since assuming office, recalling his previous support for persons with albinism, including the provision of sunscreen and umbrellas. 

According to her, the governor has also personally sponsored surgeries and medical care for children with severe conditions, demonstrating his deep concern for the well-being of all citizens.

In his contributions, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, expressed the state Government's commitment towards strengthening social inclusion and youth empowerment by prioritising Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in its healthcare agenda through free health service enrollment, distribution of assistive devices and access to specialised treatments.

Dr Filani, who highlighted the state's broader health agenda, described the two interventions as part of the state’s drive to achieve universal health coverage and economic empowerment for all residents, especially vulnerable groups.

He celebrated graduates of the government-backed Skills Acquisition Programme, who received Trade Test Certificates as proof of their competence and readiness for self-employment and entrepreneurship, adding that the empowerment initiative is a practical demonstration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration’s promise to uplift youth and vulnerable populations through skills training. 

Trade test and proficiency certificates were also presented to the PWDs beneficiaries trained in various vocational skills under the state’s empowerment programme, where the Director of the Skills Acquisition Centre, Mr Akinlabi Adeyemi Olumide,  highlighted the dual significance of the event to include improving communication for hearing-impaired children and celebrating the achievements of newly skilled youths.

He commended the government’s transformation of special schools, support for inclusive employment, and the establishment of a therapy centre for children with complex needs, just as he applauded Princess Agboola for her tireless efforts in championing disability rights in Ekiti. 

Appreciating Ekiti state Government on behalf of others, one of the hearing-aid recipients, Mrs Ogunlokun Opeyemi Folashade, expressed joy and gratitude, thanking both the state government and Princess Agboola for always being responsive to their needs.

Also, one of the beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative, Mr Muhammed Abdulkabir, who is a graduate of Ekiti State University, thanked the government on behalf of the trainees for the startup kits and skills provided, pledging to use the opportunity to build better lives for themselves. 

The programme ended on a high note, with the beneficiaries singing songs of appreciation and pledging their loyalty and support for Governor Oyebanji’s second-term bid.

NUC Grants Full Accreditation to 18 Programmes at EKSU.

NUC Grants Full Accreditation to 18 Programmes at EKSU.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted full accreditation status to 18 academic programmes at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, following the Commission’s accreditation exercise conducted in October/November 2024.

The official approval was conveyed in a letter dated April 30, 2025, signed by Engineer Abraham Chundusu, NUC's Acting Director of Accreditation, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, and addressed to the Vice Chancellor of EKSU.

The newly accredited programmes span several faculties and disciplines, including:

•ADMINISTRATION:

•M.Sc. Business Administration

•Master of Personnel Management

•M.Sc. Finance

•⁠Master of Public Administration

•⁠Master of Business Administration

ART: 

•Arabic Studies

•⁠Islamic Studies

•⁠Philosophy

●EDUCATION:

•Building and Woodwork Technology Education.

•⁠Electrical and Electronic Technology Education.

•⁠Metal and Auto Mechanic Technology Education.

•⁠Education Christian Religious Studies.

●ENGINEERING:

•Civil Engineering

•⁠Electrical and Electronic Engineering

•⁠Computer Engineering

●LAW:

•Law

●SCIENCES:

•Geology

●SOCIAL SCIENCES:

•Psychology

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, described the accreditation as a “dream come true” and credited the achievement to the dedication and hard work of both academic and administrative staff. He affirmed the university’s readiness to meet the educational needs of Nigerian youth in cutting-edge and relevant fields of study.

He also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the university, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who is an alumnus of EKSU, as well as to the Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Akin Oyebode, for their unwavering support.

The development further reinforces EKSU’s rising reputation, especially following its recent recognition as the best state university in Nigeria by the Times Higher Education 2025 ranking.

Speaking on the milestone, Bode Olofinmuagun, Deputy Registrar and Head of the Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, described the accreditation as a significant leap forward in the university’s pursuit of academic excellence and national relevance.

Oyebanji Investing in Talent Hunting, Devt to Launch Ekiti to Global Scene – Deputy Gov.

Oyebanji Investing in Talent Hunting, Devt to Launch Ekiti to Global Scene – Deputy Gov.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor , Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji was making significant investment in talent hunting and promotion at the grassroots to develop the sport potentials of the young population.

Mrs Afuye stated that Oyebanji’s government is currently constructing a multi billion Naira Sports Complex that will help in unlocking the untapped potentials of the youths, to create wealth and make Ekiti popular as a centre of excellence in sporting activities.

The Deputy Governor spoke on Friday, while receiving the current Ragnok Pro- Athlete Weightlifting African Champion and Ikere Ekiti indigene, Mr. Kayode Tobiloye, in her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Mrs Afuye commended the African champion weight lifter for making Ekiti and Nigeria proud at the continental scene in 2024, pledging Oyebanji’s support for his career to assume global dimension.

She described the graduate of Ekiti State University and “Strongest Man in Africa” as a patriotic Ekiti for remembering his root, despite spending decades abroad pursuing his career.

The Deputy Governor asserted that the government was open to partnership and ready to work with him in his efforts to expose the young talents to modern ways of garnering fame and wealth in athletics.

“We commend you for your patriotism and for putting Ekiti and Nigeria on the global map as the African champion weightlifter.

“Go round the state and check the remarkable investment Governor Oyebanji’s government is making in sports. We are not joking with issues that deal with talents hunting and development.

“This government is ready to partner people like you to showcase our talents to the world. Particularly, we are ready to support you to bringing a global weightlifting championship to Ekiti State.

“This is a dream that if realised will automatically showcase our potentials to the world”.

In his submission, the continental weightlifting champion, applauded Governor Oyebanji for making remarkable investments in Ikogosi Resort Centre, describing the tourist corridor as highly fascinating and worth capturing the world’s attention.

The athlete and head of Security for the renowned Hip-hop Artiste, Kiss Daniel, said he has the intention of attracting African weightlifting fiesta to Ekiti, as earlier done in Kenya, Tanzania and other African nations to develop local talents.

“I went to Ikogosi warm springs and I realised that the project was huge and worth being showcased to the world. I have the intention of holding African weightlifting championship in that facility.

“There are two gains here: we will develop local economy and talents as well as lifts the name of the tourist centre across the country of the world. We have done that in Kenya, Tanzania and some African countries, we can replicate same in Ekiti here. It is possible with government’s support.

“I have seen some of the achievements of our dear governor Oyebanji, I am impressed with them and we are hoping that we can also collaborate to further develop the sport sector in our dear state”.

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.