BAO in the Soil: How Governor Oyebanji is Cultivating a New Era of Agriculture and Youth Empowerment in Ekiti State.

BAO in the Soil: How Governor Oyebanji is Cultivating a New Era of Agriculture and Youth Empowerment in Ekiti State.                                 By Olamide Akinwumi

In Ekiti State, agriculture is no longer just a tradition — it's fast becoming a symbol of innovation, youth engagement, and economic revival. Leading this transformation is Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), whose administration has made agriculture the bedrock of development, rural empowerment, and food security.

In a powerful display of hands-on leadership, Governor Oyebanji was recently spotted tending to his personal farm in Ikogosi-Ekiti. With no fanfare or media circus, the Governor was seen inspecting crops, engaging with farm workers, and demonstrating his personal commitment to agriculture. Videos and photos of this visit have since gone viral, not just for their rarity but for the message they send: leadership must begin with example.

"Governor Oyebanji is showing us that farming is not beneath anybody, not even a Governor," a local farmer remarked. That simple act has become a rallying cry — agriculture is dignified, and everyone, especially the youth, can succeed through it.

Governor Oyebanji’s approach to agriculture is not symbolic — it is strategic, systematic, and deeply intentional. His administration has rolled out several key initiatives that are already yielding transformative results:

🌱 1. Youth Farm Settlements:

Specialized clusters are being developed across Ekiti to engage young people in agriculture. These settlements provide access to cleared land, modern tools, training, and cooperative support — creating a new generation of agropreneurs.

💳 2. Access to Agricultural Credit:
Through strategic partnerships with agricultural finance institutions, smallholder farmers and agripreneurs now enjoy easier access to credit for seeds, technology, and equipment.

🚜 3. Tractorisation Subsidy Scheme:
Over 1,000 hectares of farmland have been cleared and ploughed under a subsidy scheme benefiting more than 400 farmers. Subsidies also extend to agro-chemicals, seeds, and seedlings — all available at 50% cost reduction.

🚛 4. Produce Buy-Back Program:
Innovatively, the state introduced a produce buy-back model where the government facilitates the purchase of farm produce from young farmers, ensuring guaranteed returns on their investments.

🧑🏽‍🌾 5. “Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture” (BBYA) Initiative:
This flagship programme has engaged over 1,000 youths in profitable agricultural ventures in partnership with YSJ Farm Limited — equipping them with land, tools, and training.

 6. Agro-Processing Support & Fertilizer Subsidies:

Agro-based enterprises now receive grants, access to equipment, and business incentives. Additionally, 18,000 bags of fertiliser were distributed free to farmers, enhancing productivity across the state.

Ekiti State is a proud participant in the $22 million Cocoa Rejuvenation Programme funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the TRACE Project. Local cocoa farmers are being trained in climate-smart agricultural practices.

Governor Oyebanji understands that agriculture thrives on access. That’s why his administration has invested heavily in farm-to-market roads, rural electrification, and irrigation systems to reduce costs and post-harvest losses. Key road projects include:

✅ 6 km Aramoko Odeyemi farm road – Aramoko Ekiti

✅ 2.5 km Abulefon farm road – Ikere Ekiti

✅ 6.5 km Ilumoba/Ajebamidele farm road – Aiyekire LG

✅ 6 km Odogbo/Ajebamidele farm road – Awo, Irepodun/Ifelodun LG

✅ 2 km Temidire/Ilukunno farm road – Temidire, Ijero LG

✅ 3 km Onijuja farm road – Emure Ekiti

✅ 2 km Isaya farm road – Isaya Ekiti

✅ 6.5 km Oyikaka/Ayegun farm road – Ipoti, Ijero LG

✅ 6.1 km Gbadamosi/Sakoro farm road – Ikoro, Ijero LG among other's.

In partnership with the World Bank under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), over 1,000 km of rural roads are completed or nearing completion across the state.

Governor Oyebanji recognizes that food security begins with physical security. His administration has made Ekiti one of the safest states in Nigeria through:
●Deployment of surveillance tools and operational vehicles for security agencies

●Clearing of known criminal hideouts and converting them into farmlands monitored by security operatives.

●Establishment and training of the Agro-Marshals Corps, a new specialized security outfit under the Ministry of Agriculture, trained and equipped to provide protection to farmers and farmlands across the state. The corps now works hand-in-hand with the Amotekun Corps to combat rural insecurity, theft, and invasion of farmlands.

These initiatives have restored confidence among farmers and investors alike, enabling the agricultural sector to flourish in a safe and supportive environment.

Governor Oyebanji’s leadership goes beyond policies — it’s deeply personal and people-centered. He was recently seen tending to his personal farm in Ikogosi-Ekiti.

His frequent farm cluster visits and direct interaction with farmers have resulted in responsive interventions — like the provision of dormitories and transport buses for young farmers.

Governor Oyebanji’s agricultural revolution is more than a policy — it is a movement. A movement rooted in dignity, passion, and opportunity. It is about turning Ekiti into a hub for agro-entrepreneurship, where the youth can thrive, investors are welcome, and communities are empowered.

His approach blends vision with visibility. Passion with practicality. And governance with grassroots impact.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji is not just growing crops — he is cultivating a future filled with hope, dignity, and shared prosperity. Under his watch, Ekiti State is becoming a national model for inclusive, youth-driven agricultural development.

In BAO’s Ekiti, agriculture is no longer an obligation — it is an opportunity.

Kudos to a Governor who leads from the front and inspires from the soil.

Written by Olamide Akinwumi, Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebanji Makes Surprise Visit to Ikogosi, Vows Stronger Push for Tourism in Ekiti.

Oyebanji Makes Surprise Visit to Ikogosi, Vows Stronger Push for Tourism in Ekiti.       By Olamide Akinwumi 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday, paid an unscheduled early morning visit to the famous Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, where he restated his administration’s commitment to developing tourism and critical infrastructure across the state.

The governor, who took a casual walk from his country home to the resort, engaged freely with tourists and staff at the iconic eco-tourism destination. He was seen exchanging pleasantries, taking photos, and posing for group pictures with members of the Recreation and Tours team, in a manner consistent with his down-to-earth leadership style.

During the visit, Oyebanji inspected the newly operational spa facility at the resort, where he was introduced to the in-house masseuse, identified as Sade. He expressed delight at the standard of service and the quality of infrastructure. The governor disclosed plans to patronize the spa before departing Ikogosi and said he would also brief the First Lady on the available services.

Oyebanji also revealed that the newly constructed hiking trail within the resort would be formally inaugurated this week. He hinted that, depending on his schedule, he intends to personally lead the inaugural hike on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The tour extended to Camp A, where the governor assessed ongoing civil engineering works, focusing particularly on the drainage system. He commended the level of progress and assured stakeholders that the government would continue to provide support until completion.

As he departed Camp A, the governor observed a vehicle descending a slope at high speed. He immediately directed the installation of prefabricated speed bumps to enhance road safety ahead of the proposed rerouting project within the resort.

The visit, which came without prior notice, reinforces Governor Oyebanji’s proactive approach to governance and his administration’s broader vision to position Ekiti as a premier destination for recreation, adventure, and eco-tourism in Nigeria.

Ikogosi Warm Springs, famed for its rare natural confluence of warm and cold springs, remains one of Nigeria’s leading tourist attractions and a strategic asset in Ekiti’s economic development blueprint.

Agbeyewa Farms Showcases Commitment to Youth Development with Sponsorship of NYSC Ekiti State Orientation Cultural Day.

Agbeyewa Farms Showcases Commitment to Youth Development with Sponsorship of NYSC Ekiti State Orientation Cultural Day.

Agbeyewa Farms, has demonstrated its commitment to community development and youth empowerment by sponsoring the cultural day event at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Ikere, Ekiti State.

The event, part of the 3-week orientation program for Batch A2 corps members, aimed to promote cultural diversity and unity among corp members. The event was attended by Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, Managing Director/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr Kenny Fayomi, Talent Manager Agbeyewa Farms, Alhaji Riki, NYSC State Coordinator, and Mr. Adejumo, Camp Coordinator.

Agbeyewa Farms is committed to supporting initiatives that promote national unity, youth development, and community growth. We are delighted to partner with NYSC Ekiti State to empower the next generation of leaders and foster a sense of community among corps members.

ADETUNMBI ‘LL DELIVER AS SWDC BOSS, SAYS OYEBANJI.

ADETUNMBI ‘LL DELIVER AS SWDC BOSS, SAYS OYEBANJI.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has attested to the pedigree, capacity  and competence of Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, to succeed  as the pioneer Chairman of the newly established South West Development Commission (SWDC).

Oyebanji hailed the confirmation of  Senator Adetunmbi and other members of Board of the Commission by the Senate, saying it  marks a new dawn in the quest for a new lease of life by the people of South West geo-political zone .

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji specifically thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of the Ifaki-Ekiti born Senator Adetunmbi as chairman of the SWDC board, adding that his  confirmation is a call to duty to take the development of South West to a higher pedestal and deepen its status as a pacesetter for other regions in the country. 

Governor Oyebanji also congratulated Mr Deji Ajijola, another Ekiti State indigene on his confirmation as a member of the SWDC Board. 

The Governor urged Adetunmbi to justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who graciously nominated him for the position and to also make Ekiti proud in the task ahead of him, as he had done in previous assignments. 

The Ekiti Governor said the latest assignment affords Adetunmbi another opportunity to make a difference in public service having excelled in long-term and adhoc roles he had the privilege to hold.

Describing the new SWDC chair as a competent servant of the people, Oyebanji said he is endowed with requisite experience both in public and private sectors to hit the ground running at his new duty post.

Oyebanji urged the two-time lawmaker for Ekiti North Senatorial District to discharge his duties as the SWDC with every sense of responsibility, fear of God and unquenchable thirst to make a difference during his tenure of office.

He said: "Senator Adetunmbi is bringing quality, pedigree and competence into this new office and I have no doubt that he will succeed. 

"He should be at the vanguard of speeding up development in the South West in areas of agricultural and industrial development, power and water supply, job creation and youth empowerment, road and transport networks thus consolidating South West as the pacesetter in Nigeria."

I’ve No Regret Working With You, Oyebanji Salutes Deputy, Afuye at Mum's Burial.

I’ve No Regret Working With You, Oyebanji Salutes Deputy, Afuye at Mum's Burial.

Echos of eulogies pervaded the air on Friday in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, as Governor Biodun Oyebanji overtly showered encomiums on his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, and glowingly saluted her  for being loyal and dependable  since assumption of office.

Governor Oyebanji said he never regretted in his close to 36 months in office working with a dependable personality like Mrs Afuye, whose loyalty and dependability are superb and exhilarating.

Oyebanji gave the commendations on Friday, at the funeral service held at Saint Luke's Anglican Church, Uro Quarters, Ikere Ekiti, in honour of the late Madam Esther Iyalaje Adegboye, the mother of the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Afuye.

Madam Adegboye, respectable community leader,  died on February 18, 2025 at the age of 97.

Governor Oyebanji, while addressing the congregation, praised the late Mrs Adegboye for living an impactful life, saying this reflected in her contributions to Ikere community and the quality of children she raised. 

"Today is a day of joy, though we have lost someone and no matter how old our parents are, we don't want them to leave us. We are glad that Mama lived to a ripe age. 

"The joy of it is that, she enjoyed and saw goodness  at the twilight of her time. I want to congratulate my Deputy and  big aunty, Mrs Monisade Afuye, a very loyal and dependable Deputy. 

"Let me use this opportunity to say thank you for your support and understanding. I never had cause to regret for once  in my close to three years working relationship with you. In fact, I appreciate you for this", Oyebanji said. 

Governor Oyebanji applauded the church of God and the entire Ikere community for their support to the Deputy Governor and her siblings for the success of the burial, particularly for joining the family to give the deceased a befitting burial. 

Governor Oyebanji spoke at the church service which was attended by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Governor Niyi Adebayo; former Governor Segun Oni; Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Former First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Senators Yemi Adaramodu; and Cyril Fasuyi and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, among others. 

Speaking on the sideline at the event, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Afuye, commended Governor Oyebanji, the first lady, members of the state executive council, political leaders and Ikere community for their solidarity and honour for her late mother.

Mrs Afuye added that she will eternally be grateful to her mother for inculcating in the children the virtues of hardwork, honesty, integrity, content and humility, that have been their guiding principles and moral compass. 

In his sermon, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Olusola Ajayi, described the world as a vanity, urging Nigerians  to divorce themselves from greediness, avarice and corruption that are crippling the country's economy and shaking its foundation.

Commenting on  the deceased's outstanding  virtues, the Cleric said madam Adegboye distinguished herself as a community leader, great women mobiliser and dependable  mother, who invested in the education of her children.

Speaking against the backdrop of preponderance of fraud and substance abuse in the society, the clergyman, appealed to the youths to stop fraternising and keeping bad companies that can attract them into drug abuse, internet fraud and robbery, which may end up ruining their lives and all the stand for.

He also emphasized the imperative of well meaning citizens of Ekiti State partnering the government to ramp up the level of development in all facets of the economy. 

"Take a look at Chief Wole Olanipekun, he has been partnering the government to expand development in Ikere Ekiti. Don't join those that will introduce you into alcoholism, fraud, corruption and drug abuse. Move with the right people who can influence your destinies positively.

"Let me also say this, as a rich person and a man of means,  try and impact positively on the lives of those around you. Don't treat the poor as non-existent. Help them to overcome their challenges, rather than allow them to suffer. 

"Take a look at the deceased, she was gentle women. The Deputy Governor took after her. She always moved with the right people and look at her end. She ended well. Run away from sins and be a man of integrity and to achieve these, you must resist the devil. 

"Don't be corrupt in your working places or offices. Remember your final destination, which is heaven. Be heavenly focused, because this world is a vanity and there will be judgement after your sojourn in this world. Remember that whatever you sow, you shall reap and harvest", the cleric said.

Other dignitaries at the colourful event include: Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, House of Representatives members, Hon. Femi Bamisile and AVM Niyi Ojuawo. 

The roll call also include: Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Babafemi Ojudu,  Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro,  Head of Service l, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Legal Icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN), former Deputy Governors Biodun Aluko and Kolapo Eleka, and Prof Modupe Adelabu; an ICT entrepreneur  and politician, Mr. Kola Alabi,  members of Ekiti State Executive Council, members of Ekiti State House of Assembly, heads of security agencies, and chairmen of board and parastatals and traditional rulers. 

Also in attendance were leaders of APC in the state and chairmen of local government councils.

Cavista Holdings Leads at the U.S - Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.

Cavista Holdings Leads at the U.S - Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.

 

Cavista Holdings has said it was a lead sponsor for this year’s US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola because as a brand, it is deeply committed to making strategic investments and building business that create value and transform lives. The company also pointed out that the sponsorship was a result of its belief that more trade, investments, and commercial engagements between the U.S. and African countries would create win-win outcomes. 

The U.S.-Africa Business Summit organized by the Corporate Council on Africa promotes economic cooperation and investment between the United States and Africa with a focus on fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. By bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society, the summit provides a platform to discuss key issues and opportunities in U.S.–Africa commercial engagements, ultimately driving growth and development on both sides.

Against the backdrop of engaging public and private sector leaders on how to strengthen commercial relations between the US and Africa, Cavista Holdings stood as a beacon of entrepreneurship and economic development, truly embodying the spirit of the summit.

With the theme, “Pathways to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for United States-Africa Partnership,” the 17th United States(US)-Africa Business Summit in 2025 in the city of Luanda, Angola, opened a new path for African development. Among other things, the summit looked at the possibility of fostering a climate conducive to investment and trade; promoting business and investment opportunities in Africa and providing a platform for US and African businesses to explore new opportunities.

Executive Director, Government and External Affairs at Cavista Holdings, Olumide Olayomi expressed pride and gratitude for the brand’s involvement, stating that it further deepened the brand philosophy of Cavista Holdings as a company that is committed to creating value and transforming lives through strategic and sustainable investments. 

“At Cavista, we are committed to bridging the talent gap, expanding digital capacity, and enabling inclusive growth across Africa. To this end, we see the US-Africa Business summit as a platform that gives us the opportunity to play a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting economic integration across Africa,” he stated.

While expressing the company’s delight in being one of the platinum sponsors, he pointed out that Cavista Holdings has always been deeply rooted in promoting economic development across Africa development and that the summit provided the perfect platform to do so.

“We are proud to continue advancing our mission of creating value and transforming lives as we invest across Africa. I am also very proud of our team of professionals, led by our Chairman, John Olajide, who participated and shared their expertise while forging strategic partnerships throughout the summit” he added. 

At the summit, Cavista Holdings showcased its unwavering support for the global event, leaving an indelible mark on the summit through practical thought leadership given its track record of success across various industries and geographies. 

Over the years, Cavista Holdings has cemented its footprint as a brand that encourages technological drive in Africa, which is one of the ultimate values of a market leader through different initiatives such as its annual software hackathon aimed at bridging the digital skills gap in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

Recognising the incredible opportunity that the summit brings, the brand offered tailored technological talk shows and exclusive dialogue with U.S and African businesses and policy makers. 

By aligning itself with such a significant summit, Cavista Holdings continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting technological advancement across Africa.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS FOUR TAX BILLS INTO LAW TOMORROW.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS  FOUR TAX BILLS INTO LAW TOMORROW.

President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, sign into law four groundbreaking tax reform bills that will transform Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.

The four bills, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, were passed by the National Assembly after extensive consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.

When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments.

The historic presidential assent to the bills at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, will be witnessed by the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senate Majority Leader, House Majority Leader, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and his House counterpart.

The Chairman of the Governors Forum, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, the Minister of Finance and Coordination Minister of the Economy, and the Attorney General of the Federation will also attend the ceremony.

One of the four bills is the Nigeria Tax Bill (Ease of Doing Business), which aims to consolidate Nigeria’s fragmented tax laws into a harmonised statute.

By reducing the multiplicity of taxes and eliminating duplication, the bill will enhance the ease of doing business, reduce taxpayer compliance burdens, and create a more predictable fiscal environment.

The second bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, will establish a uniform legal and operational framework for tax administration across federal, state, and local governments.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the third bill, repeals the current Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and creates a more autonomous and performance-driven national revenue agency— the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). It defines the NRS’s expanded mandate, including non-tax revenue collection, and lays out transparency, accountability, and efficiency mechanisms.

The fourth bill is the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. It provides for a formal governance structure to facilitate cooperation between revenue authorities at all levels of government. It introduces essential oversight mechanisms, including establishing a Tax Appeal Tribunal and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman.