Hope for Ekiti Agriculture as Youths Excel in BBYA Farm Hubs — Boluwade.

Hope for Ekiti Agriculture as Youths Excel in BBYA Farm Hubs — Boluwade.

By Olamide Akinwumi

 

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, has expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by youths under the state government’s Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture (BBYA) initiative, describing their performance as encouraging and worthy of commendation.

Boluwade stated this during an inspection tour of two BBYA farm hubs located in Eporo/Emure and Ikere Ekiti, conducted three days ago as part of the Ministry’s routine monitoring and support efforts.

He noted that the energy, passion, and level of commitment demonstrated by the young farmers reflect the success and sustainability of the BBYA programme.

“We are proud of what we’ve seen so far. The energy and dedication of our young farmers are truly commendable,” Boluwade said during the visit.

According to the Ministry, the planted crops at both hubs have recorded a germination rate of 99 per cent, signalling a potentially successful farming season. While the Eporo/Emure hub is cultivating maize and cassava, the Ikere hub is focused on the production of yam, melon, and maize.

The commissioner also inspected the ongoing construction of dormitory facilities at both centres and directed contractors to stick to the July completion deadline. He said the structures must be ready to accommodate young farmers during peak farming seasons.

Boluwade emphasized that the BBYA initiative is a flagship programme of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration, designed to create employment, enhance food production, and secure the future of agriculture in Ekiti State through active youth involvement.

“This programme speaks to the broader vision of the Oyebanji administration — youth engagement, food security, wealth creation, and a safe and productive environment,” he added.

The commissioner further disclosed that inspection of the remaining 11 BBYA hubs across the state will continue next week.

NANS Honours Engr. Ibrahim Tayibu Umar with the “Icon of Engineering Excellence and Youth Empowerment” Award.

NANS Honours Engr. Ibrahim Tayibu Umar with the “Icon of Engineering Excellence and Youth Empowerment” Award.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the umbrella body representing the voice of over 40 million Nigerian students at home and in the diaspora, has continued its nationwide engagement tour by paying a courtesy visit to the office of Engr. Ibrahim Tayibu Umar, the esteemed MD/CEO of Dingayi Nigeria Limited and El Tayib Energy Systems.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and transformative contributions to Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, Engr. Ibrahim Tayibu Umar was presented with the prestigious “National Icon of Engineering Excellence and Youth Empowerment” Award.

Although unavoidably absent due to official duties, Engr. Tayibu was ably represented by his executive Office Manager, who warmly received the NANS delegation and reaffirmed his deep commitment to youth development, skills transfer, and clean energy advocacy.

Speaking during the presentation, Comr. Sadiq S.K. Zango, NANS National Director of Research and Innovation, praised Engr. Tayibu’s unwavering efforts in creating job opportunities through energy innovation and solar technology. “Engr. Tayibu has proven that renewable energy is not just a solution to our national power challenges, but a platform for economic inclusion, youth empowerment, and sustainable growth,” he said.

The engagement marks another milestone in the NANS leadership’s ongoing mission to recognize exemplary Nigerians who are building pathways of prosperity and patriotism for the younger generation.

The Association extends its sincere appreciation to Engr. Ibrahim Tayibu Umar and looks forward to future collaborations focused on sustainable development, student capacity building, and national transformation.

EKITI PEOPLE STAND FIRM WITH GOVERNOR OYEBANJI AMID BASELESS ATTACKS.

EKITI PEOPLE STAND FIRM WITH GOVERNOR OYEBANJI AMID BASELESS ATTACKS.

The people of Ekiti State have declared their unwavering support for Governor Biodun Abiodun Oyebanji in response to recent cowardly and baseless attacks from faceless political elements seeking cheap relevance.

Governor Oyebanji, a grassroots leader and tireless servant of the people, remains focused on his transformative agenda despite the malicious distractions being spread by political impostors with no known footing in Ekiti's sociopolitical landscape.

“These desperate attacks are nothing more than a display of frustration by irrelevant, ungrounded actors who fear the Governor’s rising popularity,” community leaders stated. “If they are truly confident in their following, they should come to Ado-Ekiti and engage the people directly.”

Under Governor Oyebanji’s dynamic leadership, Ekiti State has witnessed a remarkable wave of infrastructural renewal and inclusive governance. Key achievements include:

Construction of the Ring Road, a critical infrastructure project to improve transportation and economic activity.

Completion of the Ado-Ifaki dual carriageway, enhancing connectivity and safety.

Near completion of the Ado-Ekiti Overhead Bridge, a landmark project easing urban congestion.

Omisanjana–Ajebandele Road, Jimoh Aliu Road, and the Bawa Area/Olorunsogo–Faglo Road are completed and fully motorable.

Agric Olope Road is completed, and the Ilawe–Ikere Road is nearing completion.

Ongoing renovation of numerous hospitals and schools, restoring dignity and efficiency to public services.

These are not mere promises—they are tangible results visible to every Ekiti citizen.

Governor Oyebanji is not at war with anyone. He welcomes healthy political competition but rejects the politics of hatred, lies, and faceless propaganda. Those engaging in such malicious conduct should be cautioned: the people of Ekiti will aggressively defend their mandate and their leader.

Ekiti belongs to all, not to political desperadoes hiding behind keyboards or operating from hotel rooms outside the state. The 2026 re-election movement is people-driven, issue-based, and performance-backed.

We urge all politicians to rise above pettiness and engage in issue-based dialogue. Ekiti deserves progress, not toxicity.

I seriously thank our former Governors, Adeniyi Adebayo, Kayode Fayemi Segun Oni, and many other notable and respected leaders as well as our youths for their unwavering support.

Signed:

Fola Afolalu

NASET endorses Oyebanji for re-election, commends EKSG’s inclusion policy.

NASET endorses Oyebanji for re-election, commends EKSG’s inclusion policy.

Rising from its 36th National Conference in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state capital, the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) has endorsed Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for re-election in 2026 based on the effectiveness of his administration’s PWDs-friendly policies and huge investment in special education.

Speaking on behalf of the national body and Ekiti State  chapter of the association at the closing session of the annual conference on Ado- Ekiti on Friday, the national president of NASET, Dr Catherine Atteng commended the governor for his policy of inclusion and proactiveness in lifting the status of children with special needs in the state to an enviable level worthy of emulation nationally.

Dr Atteng said she and the national executive members  were excited at the state-of-the- art structures and gadgets in all the special schools in Ekiti, adding that this was made possible because of the passion the governor has for special education. 

The NASET President confirmed that Governor Oyebanji is a Champion of Disability Inclusion nationally, in view of his demonstrated love and commitment to the welfare of Persons with Disabilities and was so honored as a fellow of the association, during the opening session of the week- long conference. 

“We can attest that from yesterday, when we visited the facilities, that there has been a remarkable improvement from what we saw the last time we came. That is why we decided to honour our retirees who studied Special Education and retired from special schools. 

“And they all attested to the fact that what the governor is doing is overwhelming. We can really see for ourselves that the Governor Oyebanji is a friendly governor as well as disability friendly.

”In some states where we have conferences like this, the government officials will not give us any opportunity because they will not send any representative, but here in Ekiti, because of the love the Governor has shown to children with disabilities, because of his passion for children with disabilities, he decided to include the excluded. So many people do not want to relate with children with disabilities, but the governor decided to stoop low and work with these people and so, we are overwhelmed.

“What do we have to say, you know as the national president, I am here as the mother of Special Education in Nigeria, all my Excos and the association in the 36 states, they are all here, for us, we have endorsed the Governor and that is why we decided to confer him with the Fellow of NASET because of his commitment and passion, we decided to do this for him. For me, if I have the opportunity to come during election, I will surely come and cast my vote for Governor Oyebanji and we have already supported him because he has carried my people along.” She stated.

All participants from the 36 states of the federation who were at the conference were visibly excited with the kind of development in the state and lend their voices to the various assertions of their president to commend Governor Oyebanji for the wonderful infrastructure he had put in place for the benefit of the disability family in the state.

Dr Margaret Uzor from Cross River state and Mr Akin Ogunola representing Rivers state spoke glowingly about their experience in Ekiti state and recommended that Governor Oyebanji should be allowed to continue in government to enable people living with disabilities continue to enjoy  his good works.

“I was in Ido yesterday and we saw what they have over there, the therapy room and some of the equipment are just so massive and they are wonderful.

“And I think that other states should copy from what Ekiti State is actually doing in terms of special kids. I am very happy the way the state government really protect them even from entry into their compound, the security and the apparatus there, they are so wonderful.

“I know that the state government is actually doing great in terms of revenue generation, and not only getting this money, the money trickles down to the individuals that actually need this and one of those are these special needs children. 

“So, if someone could come up with this and then thinking of giving their lives a new meaning, I think such a person deserves a huge recommendation.” Ogunola asserted.

NANS Honours Mr. Wisdom Kwati with National Icon Award for Smart City Innovations and Youth Empowerment.

NANS Honours Mr. Wisdom Kwati with National Icon Award for Smart City Innovations and Youth Empowerment.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex body representing over 40 million students across Nigeria and the diaspora, has honored Mr. Wisdom Kwati, a trailblazing entrepreneur and urban development strategist, with the prestigious award of “National Icon of Smart City Innovations and Youth Empowerment.”

The award was formally presented during a courtesy visit to Mr. Kwati’s office, where he was ably represented by two senior members of his organization due to his unavoidable absence. The engagement marked another milestone in NANS’ ongoing National Leadership and Stakeholders’ Engagement Tour, aimed at recognizing key figures whose contributions have significantly impacted youth development and national transformation.

According to Comrade Sadiq S.K. Zango, National Director of Research and Innovation for NANS, Mr. Kwati’s pioneering role in promoting smart city frameworks, urban infrastructure, and tech-driven real estate solutions aligns perfectly with the association’s vision of youth empowerment through innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.

“Mr. Kwati has demonstrated exemplary leadership in shaping sustainable urban futures while mentoring and empowering young Nigerians. His impact extends beyond business — it inspires a new generation of innovators and nation-builders,” Comr. Zango stated.

The award ceremony also served as a platform for strengthening strategic partnerships between the student body and forward-thinking institutions across Nigeria. NANS further commended the professionalism and hospitality of Mr. Kwati’s team during the visit, highlighting the potential for deeper collaboration in education, innovation, and civic engagement.

The association expressed its gratitude for Mr. Kwati’s willingness to support the national secretariat.

This recognition reaffirms NANS’ commitment to celebrating individuals and institutions that champion student-friendly policies, community development, and transformative leadership across Nigeria.

NANS Honours Global Takers Foundation President with “National Icon of Youth Empowerment and Humanitarian Excellence” Award.

NANS Honours Global Takers Foundation President with “National Icon of Youth Empowerment and Humanitarian Excellence” Award.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the umbrella body representing over 40 million Nigerian students across tertiary institutions nationwide and in the diaspora, paid a high-level courtesy visit to the President of Global Takers Foundation, Mr. Ayotunde Paul Fasanya, Today 20th June, 2025, at his Abuja office.

During the visit, Mr. Fasanya was presented with the “National Icon of Youth Empowerment and Humanitarian Excellence” award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development, philanthropy, and youth mentorship in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the NANS leadership, Comrade Sadiq S.K. Zango, National Director of Research & Innovation, emphasized that the award was a product of rigorous evaluation and was designed to honour individuals whose efforts have significantly impacted the lives of Nigerian youth and society at large.

“Mr. Fasanya’s life of service, patriotism, and empowerment reflects the ideals and aspirations of Nigerian students. His leadership through Global Takers Foundation is an inspiration and a blueprint for transformative change,” Comrade Sadiq stated.

In his response, Mr. Ayotunde Paul Fasanya expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming his commitment to supporting educational initiatives, national development, and the empowerment of future leaders through mentorship and philanthropic partnerships.

The engagement ended on a collaborative note, with both parties exploring opportunities for future cooperation in the areas of youth capacity building, civic education, and national transformation initiatives.

NANS remains steadfast in its mission to honour excellence, foster leadership, and create meaningful platforms for youth advancement across Nigeria and beyond.

Over 1,000 sickle cell warriors enrolled with Ekiti Health Insurance for free medical care.

Over 1,000 sickle cell warriors enrolled with Ekiti Health Insurance for free medical care.

… As Group honours Oyebanji for pro-people health policy.

Ekiti State Government, through its Health Insurance scheme has registered over 1,000 sickle cell warriors into its programme with the aim of reducing the financial burden on them and  improving their total wellbeing as well as health status.

Disclosing this on Thursday during a public awareness event held in commemoration of the 2025 World Sickle Cell and Blood Donor Day at the College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti, the Executive Director of O.A. Initiative, Dr Ayomide Olanipekun said over 1,000 sickle cell warriors have been registered with the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme 2023 to benefit from the free health services provided by the government, since her organization started collaborating with the state government in 2023.

Dr Olanipekun, who expressed her appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for the unprecedented support received from government since 2023, noted that the testimonies of the warriors across the state particularly about their experience at the Primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities have been that of progress.

She expressed optimism that by 2026 all  sickle cell warriors in the State would have enrolled into the free health scheme to enjoy unfettered health benefits being offered by the state government. This, she said, would be made possible through awareness campaign.

Dr Olanipekun noted that the introduction of the Ekiti State Sickle Cell Policy framework document will help address Sickle Cell Disease and also improve the quality of life for individuals living with the disease, guaranteed by increase in the understanding of the disease.

“At the Centre of every treatment of our warriors is the constant need for blood transfusion, O. A. Initiative has successfully facilitated at least four successful blood donation drives with over 200 pints of blood as a token of intervention for warriors who are in critical crisis. We are proud to announce that EKSUTH Blood bank has deemed it fit to give every sickle cell warrior one pint of blood free whenever the need arises, this is due to our good relationship with them.” 

The highpoint of the event was the presentation an award of recognition to the Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his dedication and commitment to addressing sickle cell disorder in Ekiti state through his people oriented policies which also create awareness and improve care for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.

 

Receiving the award of Ekiti State Warriors’ Doctor on behalf of Governor Oyebanji, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode commended the organizers of the programme for their foresight and initiative of bringing succour to those facing the challenges of sickle cell in the state.

While thanking them for recognizing the Governor for his efforts aimed at repositioning the health sector and drive inclusion, Mr Oyebode, who reiterated the commitment of Governor Oyebanji’s administration to the realization of his mantra of shared prosperity, also said that government would continue to deliver on policies that will enliven the hearts of all Ekiti residents in the drive to give them sense of belonging.

 

The Governor’s media aide who said he was impressed by the testimonies of the warriors, which showed that the health insurance scheme of the government had saved many of the warriors from financial embarrassment, pain and hardship associated with sickle cell management.

 

 “I can hear the testimonies of people saying how they have benefitted from the health insurance scheme and how it impacted their lives positively by not spending their money on these health challenges again as a result of having access to free medical treatment.” Mr Oyebode affirmed.

Earlier, a panel comprising a member of the House of Assembly, Hon Ayo Adegbite; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State chapter,  Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye; President, Medical Women’s Association, Dr Bola Dele Ojo; Director General, Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso had stressed the need for legislations that would help incorporate Genotype into the National Identity card and other national documents. They also called for more awareness in churches, mosques and schools, while also making a case for well equipped referral centre for sickle cell warriors.

In his keynote address, a professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, Prof. Oladele Olatunya commended Governor Oyebanji for his positive policy direction in the care of people living with sickle cell by capturing them in the government sponsored Health Insurance scheme that offered them free Medicare at all levels of health facilities in the state.

The Keynote speaker affirmed that the policy of government had helped reduced the financial burdens encountered by the affected families and provided them with a new lease of life.