Oyebanji Charges Churches to Lead Campaign Against Corruption, Get-Rich Quick Syndrome.

Oyebanji Charges Churches to Lead Campaign Against Corruption, Get-Rich Quick Syndrome.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has charged the church to take the leading role in the fight against corruption, illicit wealth acquisition, money rituals, and other get-rich quick syndrome undermining the moral and ethical values in the country. 

The Governor also urged the church leadership to use the pulpit to champion the promotion of godly character and enduring values, stressing that the Nation must be united to fight the demon of materialism that has held the people down for long. 

Governor Oyebanji stated these on Tuesday while declaring open the 2025 annual Conference of Presidents’ Retreat of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, held at the Abiyamo Esther Oyebanji Event Center, Ikogosi Ekiti, with the theme, leading with skills and integrity. He emphasized the need for hard work and integrity in the collective pursuit of peace and prosperity

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to ethical governance, Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism that with the church’s support, the fight against societal vices would gain momentum, thereby leading to a more prosperous and morally upright society.

The Governor expressed concerns over the prevalence of illicit wealth acquisition and fraudulent practices in the country,  stressing that while  wealth creation through hard work remains a virtue for the spread of prosperity in the society, there is need for well meaning Nigerians to collectively fight the crazy appetite for get-rich- quick syndrome that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society, including the Church.  

“I call on the Church to join us in the campaign against the dangerous evils of corruption, illicit wealth acquisition, money rituals and fraudulent activities of some Nigerians.”, he said. 

Containing, the Governor said : “I want to charge the Church to continue to be in the vanguard of the promotion of peaceful coexistence and to use the pulpits for the promotion of godly character and enduring values. As a nation, we must unite to fight the demon of monism in our society”.

Expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to host the conference for the first time in the history of Ekiti State, the Governor commended the Baptist Mission for its historic role in the development of Ikogosi Ekiti, particularly through the early missionary work of Rev. John Dimagi, who discovered ikogosi warm and cold springs in 1952.

Governor Oyebanji who noted that the church has greatly influenced the town spiritually, educationally, and socially, said most families in ikogosi have benefited from the Baptist mission’s presence over the years.

While calling on the church to continue to support and pray for his government, the state and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji said President Tinubu’s reforms have helped steer the nation away from financial collapse, adding that the country has begun to show signs of recovery. 

“We are indebted to the Church for its pioneering role in the development of education and the provision of opportunity for our people. It is for no reason that Ikogosi is a Baptist Town. There is hardly a household that has not benefited one way or the other in the missionary work of the Baptist in this community.

“Let me also implore you to continue to pray and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose bold policies and reforms halted the country’s slide into depression and bankruptcy. It is a fact that the economy has started showing sign of stability and recovery. Your prayers and support are needed at this critical time for peace and progress of the nation”. The Governor asserted

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Nigerian Baptist Convention Conference Presidents Fellowship, Rev (Dr.) Koeleh Saleh, who commended the Governor for been a good ambassador of Christ and for leading with the fear of God, said afford the conference the opportunity for pray for further progress and development in the state and the country at large.

Also in his welcome address, the host Conference President, Rev (Dr.) Emmanuel Aribasoye explained that the retreat serves as a platform for reflection, strategic planning, and fostering unity among Baptist leaders to promote peace, integrity, and godly values across the country.

Presidents of Baptist Conferences from across the states of the federation and their spouses are part of the retreat, an annual conference of the Baptist mission in the country.

100 Days: Ayedatiwa Sets to Commission Solar-Powered Boreholes, Begins Water Reticulation in Ondo.

100 Days: Ayedatiwa Sets to Commission Solar-Powered Boreholes, Begins Water Reticulation in Ondo.

As part of activities marking his first 100 days in office, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa of Ondo State is set to commission a series of solar-powered borehole water projects across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The projects, which are tagged as “quick-win interventions” in the water sector, are designed to improve access to clean and portable water in underserved communities.

Some of the benefiting areas include Iyani-Ibaram, Iwanrin-Oka, Oba-Akoko, and Owo, while others include the HOS/PS Secretariat in Alagbaka, Akure, Igbokoda, Ode-Aye, Ode-Erinje, Iju-Odo, and Obe-Nla, among others.

In addition to these borehole projects, the state government has commenced the reticulation of water pipelines from the Owena Multipurpose Dam to communities in seven local government areas under the first phase of the broader water access initiative. The affected LGAs are Akure South, Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore, Ondo West, Ondo East, and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Victoria Adetoye, said other local government areas would be covered as soon as the first phase is completed, adding that the entire project is expected to be rounded off before the end of next year.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Ondo State Water Corporation, Engr. R.S. Ogunjobi, and his counterpart at RUWATSAN, Engr. Oladimeji Rotimi, urged residents of beneficiary communities to safeguard the water facilities and ensure proper maintenance. They also appealed for patience from communities yet to benefit, assuring them of the government's commitment to ensuring equitable distribution of clean water across the state.

Signed:

Olukoju Clement.

Communication Officer (PIU) ODWC.

Cavista Technologies to expand engineering team.

Cavista Technologies to expand engineering team.

Cavista Technologies, Nigeria’s biggest employer of software developers with a major hub in Lagos, plans to grow its Nigerian engineering workforce by nearly 30 per cent before the end of 2025.

The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its capacity, expand its technology stack, and scale innovation delivery for clients in Nigeria and beyond.

The General Manager at Cavista Technologies, Oye Morakinyo, disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH, noting that the hiring push will deepen expertise in areas such as Python, Android, iOS, and full-stack development.

“Our software engineering team strength will increase by almost 30 per cent before the end of 2025,” Morakinyo said. “We’re also deepening our technological mix to include more skills in Python, Android, and iOS programming while increasing the number of full-stack engineers.”

Cavista Technologies, which began operations in Nigeria around 2019, is part of Cavista Holdings and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional offices in India and the Philippines.

The firm delivers software development, consulting, and IT solutions for clients across the healthcare, fintech, hospitality, and agriculture sectors.

It serves as a key technology partner to Axxess, a global leader in home healthcare technology, and is also closely affiliated with PayZeep, a digital payments and merchant services platform.

Cavista Technologies, which began operations in Nigeria around 2019, is part of Cavista Holdings and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional offices in India and the Philippines.

The firm delivers software development, consulting, and IT solutions for clients across the healthcare, fintech, hospitality, and agriculture sectors.

It serves as a key technology partner to Axxess, a global leader in home healthcare technology, and is also closely affiliated with PayZeep, a digital payments and merchant services platform.

The firm currently employs over 200 full-time engineers in Nigeria, delivering software solutions to clients in home healthcare, fintech, hospitality and agriculture, both locally and in the United States.

To retain top talent, Cavista combines competitive remuneration with career development opportunities, structured feedback systems and a culture of collaboration.

“At Cavista Technologies, our strategy is to hire the best and the brightest, empower them, and support their career growth,” Morakinyo said.

He added that while the company has not been immune to the ongoing “japa” trend, where skilled Nigerians leave the country for education or work abroad, business continuity has been preserved through careful talent management.

 

Cavista Technologies, which began operations in Nigeria around 2019, is part of Cavista Holdings and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional offices in India and the Philippines.

The firm delivers software development, consulting, and IT solutions for clients across the healthcare, fintech, hospitality, and agriculture sectors.

It serves as a key technology partner to Axxess, a global leader in home healthcare technology, and is also closely affiliated with PayZeep, a digital payments and merchant services platform.

The firm currently employs over 200 full-time engineers in Nigeria, delivering software solutions to clients in home healthcare, fintech, hospitality and agriculture, both locally and in the United States.

To retain top talent, Cavista combines competitive remuneration with career development opportunities, structured feedback systems and a culture of collaboration.

“At Cavista Technologies, our strategy is to hire the best and the brightest, empower them, and support their career growth,” Morakinyo said.

He added that while the company has not been immune to the ongoing “japa” trend, where skilled Nigerians leave the country for education or work abroad, business continuity has been preserved through careful talent management.

Cavista’s commitment to growing local talent goes beyond recruitment. Over the past three years, the company has organised annual university hackathons targeting students from institutions such as the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Yaba College of Technology.

These events focus on real-world problem-solving, especially in the areas of health tech and smart automation, often involving AI-powered innovations.

“Some of the top talent we’ve hired came from our hackathon events,” he said. “They’ve done exceptionally well on the team.”

The third edition of the hackathon concluded in early 2025, drawing hundreds of participants and producing AI-assisted solutions such as personalised skincare apps for detecting and treating skin conditions, evidence of the company’s practical approach to innovation.

Recently, the company collaborated with its global partner Axxess to deliver “Axxess Intelligence”, an AI-powered feature built into an electronic medical records system to streamline clinical workflows and decision-making in home healthcare. 

Morakinyo noted that artificial intelligence is central to Cavista’s product development strategy.

“AI integration is integral in our feature deliveries,” Morakinyo said. “It’s part of how we provide smarter, scalable solutions to clients.”

Despite strong retention efforts, including competitive remuneration, career pathing, and a collaborative work culture, Cavista has not been immune to the broader trend of Nigerian tech talent migrating abroad in search of opportunities.

“I don’t think there is any industry that hasn’t felt the impact of the ‘leaving the country’ syndrome. We’ve had a few engineers leave to further their education or careers, but we’ve worked to ensure business continuity,” said Morakinyo.

Oyebanji Seeks Better Collaboration with Benin-Owena River Basin Devt Authority.

Oyebanji Seeks Better Collaboration with Benin-Owena River Basin Devt Authority.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) over its handling of development initiatives in the state, stressing that the state has not benefited from the authority despite numerous attempts to collaborate with it on some projects.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Monday during a meeting with the new management of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority led by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi in his office on Ado Ekiti, emphasized that the agency has not been fair to the state in it's development drive.

Expressing his displeasure over what he described as lack of meaningful contribution from the authority to Ekiti development, the Governor emphasized that this had forced his administration to exclude the agency from its strategic development plan, stressing the need for a more effective and accountable approach moving forward.

Governor Oyebanji who Emphasized the importance of synergy between government agencies and stakeholders in driving sustainable development, urged the new leadership to ensure that their renewed commitment translates to meaningful actions and development in the state. 

He also assured them that his administration would collaborate with the authority  provided there is a visible shift in their operations and engagement.

“I need to refresh our memories about our experience with Benin-Owena, they have not been fair to us, we have gained nothing from them. We have crafted our development strategy without you in our plan because every attempt to collaborate with you has been frustrated. We are investing massively in agriculture in the state and Benin-Owena has no contribution to it.

“However, I have read your speech, it shows that you want to do things differently but we have listened to beautiful speeches that didn’t translate to action, so for those project that are already in the budget concerning Ekiti State, whatever we can do to ensure that we fast track development, I am ready to do that”, the Governor asserted   

 Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi, who commended the Governor for the remarkable progress in the state particularly in agriculture sector, said the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the new leadership to the Governor, assess on going collaboration with the state government as well as forge a strengthened pathway toward achieving the goal of the renewed hope agenda of President Boa Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of food security.

Unveiling the agency’s  comprehensive development blue print aimed at boosting agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment in the state, the BORBDA CEO  assured the Governor of a new dawn in the agency, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was intention and strategic with the appointment of right people into the board of the agency.

He listed various on-goin and proposed BORDA interventions across the state to include, flood contro projects in Ilupeju, Efon-Alaye, Ado-Ureje Road, Ikere-Ado/Osun Road as well as management of key dams in Apariko-Aisegba, Oye-Ayede, and Ado-Osin, among others.

Also present at the meeting were, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer and Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.

Ekiti Youths Complete Intensive National Training in Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Auto Mechanics.

Ekiti Youths Complete Intensive National Training in Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Auto Mechanics.

Twenty-three young participants from Ekiti State have successfully completed a 21-day intensive training programme organized by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The training focused on cash cropping, renewable energy (solar), and automobile mechanics as part of the Federal Government’s drive to equip Nigerian youth with practical, market-driven skills in Oshodi, Lagos State.

The Honourable Commissioner for  Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae, representing His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, paid a courtesy visit to the training centre, where he commended the participants for their dedication and reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to youth empowerment and sustainable development.

The training exposed participants to modern farming techniques with a focus on high-value crops such as hibiscus, castor, maize, rice, and plantain. Participants also received practical education on the installation and maintenance of solar energy systems, with applications relevant to rural electrification and small business operations. In the automotive track, trainees acquired diagnostic, maintenance, and repair skills under the guidance of experts affiliated with Toyota and GAC Motors.

During his visit, Otunba Kayode Fasae met with facilitators and federal stakeholders including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Digital Bridge Institute, and technical trainers from various sectors. Discussions centred around strengthening intergovernmental partnerships and ensuring continued support and mentorship for the participants.

The event was marked by an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude, with chants of “4+4 = 8” echoing in recognition of Governor Oyebanji’s inclusive and impactful governance. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to acquire transformative skills and pledged to apply their training in ways that would contribute to the socioeconomic development of Ekiti State.

The delegation and trainees are scheduled to return to Ekiti on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, where they will be formally received and integrated into ongoing empowerment and economic development programmes of the state government.

This initiative marks another significant step in Ekiti State’s commitment to building a skilled, self-reliant, and productive youth population.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment

Ekiti State Government

Ekiti 2026: God Has Done It, Put Your Mind at Rest, Oyebanji tells APC Members.

Ekiti 2026: God Has Done It, Put Your Mind at Rest, Oyebanji tells APC Members.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has charged members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state to remain calm and have confidence in God, stressing that his political future has already been divinely settled by God who sent him and that there is no cause for worries. 

Governor Oyebanji gave the charge on Friday during the May edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti. The Governor spoke against the background of the official announcement of the date for the 2026 governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), earlier on Friday. 

 

Describing himself as “God’s project” and someone “on a divine mission”, Governor Oyebanji affirmed that he has never been anxious about his future because of his unwavering trust in God, expressing confidence that the 2026 governorship election is part of the divine plan that has already been settle by God. 

While emphasizing that the APC led-government has laid a solid foundation for progress in the state and that he has served the people with utmost sincerity in the last two and a half years, dedicating himself to transforming the state through impactful policies and programmes, the Governor expressed confidence that the Almighty God and the people of Ekiti State will reward the party’s achievements at the poll.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Governor Oyebanji who highlighted key milestones in infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, and economic development, which have positively impacted the lives of the people, affirmed that these accomplishments are testament to his unwavering dedication to the state’s progress and a clear indication that the journey of transformation will only advance to greater heights.

Governor Oyebanji who disclosed that some party members have started sending messages to him following the release of time table for the governorship election, the Governor said “The reason I sang that song is because this is the day the Lord has made and we are glad and rejoicing in it. I have received more than 200 messages today on INEC notification, we know that this day will come, so, you should be exited. As for me me, I am not worried, I am excited, I have nothing to fear because we serve a living God.”

” Let me encourage all APC members that are here because the first stage is the primary election and the second stage is the general election. To all APC members that are here, put your mind at rest, the battle is of the Lord and he has given us victory because doubt itself is a sin, so I will never doubt the ability of God to get things done for me. 

“I am God's project, I am on assignment and the Lord that has sent me on assignment is more than able. So let us put our mind at rest. God has done it”, the Governor asserted.

Present at the event were top government officials including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Abibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, members of the House of Assembly, members of the state Executive Council, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State chapter, Rev Emmanuel Aribasoye, among others.

A guest artiste, Minister Dunni Praise and the choir from Winners’ Chapel, Ado Ekiti, led the worship sessions at the event which lasted three hours.

Ekiti Govt Acquires 4 Waste Trucks, Increases Street Sweepers' Salary to Boost Waste Management.

Ekiti Govt Acquires 4 Waste Trucks, Increases Street Sweepers' Salary to Boost Waste Management.

Ekiti State government has procured additional four new heavy-duty waste trucks and increased the salary of street sweepers in the state to enhance waste management and environmental sanitation.

Unveiling the new waste trucks at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ekiti State, Oyeniyi Adebayo said the initiative is part of the conscious efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment. 

He charged residents of the state to join hands with the state government in its efforts to manage waste, reduce environmental pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change.

He said: "In Ekiti State, we are very conscious of the importance of the environment and the governor is also very aware of our daily lifestyles, the way we live and the impact they have on the environment. 

"We all have roles both the government and the people. On the part of the people, we need to imbibe safer ,cleaner habits. We need to collect our waste in ways that makes it very easy for government agencies especially EKSWAMA to come around and pick them up."

Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Tosin Aluko commended the governor's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and public health in the state. 

She emphasized that the acquisition of additional new trucks is another testament to the governor's proactive leadership and genuine concern for the well-being of Ekiti people adding that the initiative will help the agency to cover more grounds, respond faster to waste collection needs and improve the cleanliness of the state.

On his part, Director General of Ekiti Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), Olasunkanmi Onipede explained that the new equipments will improve the agency's efforts of refuse collection and disposal to address the challenges in waste management.

He revealed that the governor has also increased the salaries of sweepers, operatives, supervisors and drivers in the agency for the second time to enhance its drive for a cleaner and healthier environment in the state. 

The DG reiterated Governor Oyebanji's administration's dedication to sustainable environmental practices while urging residents to support government efforts through a proper waste disposal.

 

His words: "The governor approved the procurement of these four trucks for us, bearing in mind that he has also done something similar early last year. We bought three trucks last year, and we did fabrications of about 40 dino bins. This year, he gave us the approval to procure these four trucks - two roll-on and two garbage trucks. He has also given us the approval for another fabrication of 20 dino bins. 

"The government is highly-sensitive to the operations of EKSWAMA because he wants the state to be clean and he has been on high support to the agency. Ekiti State will surely be clean because that is the watchword of the governor and that is his target. For us to achieve this, I will be bold to say what the governor has done again which is another indicator that the state has to be clean. 

"We have over 700 sweepers, including operatives and the drivers. The governor has graciously approved the review of their salaries for the second time .The sweepers were formerly earning 12,000, the governor has taken their salary to 35,000 which is over 200% increase. He has taken the salaries of our operatives from 20,000 to 50,000, drivers from 25,000 to 50,000, and the Supervisors from 15,000 to 40,000. I am sure that all these the governor did in less than two months, all the operatives are going to double their efforts while we keep watch on them. 

"We are going to stand up to the task and we are begging Ekiti people to stop indiscriminate dumping of waste. We are going to move heavily on our sensitization program at the same time run our enforcement program. Let them make use of our dino bins that have been positioned strategically in town. If all these are done, I am sure we will achieve the desired result."