We’ll make Ekiti Business Environment more attractive, Oyebanji Assures Investors.

We’ll make Ekiti Business Environment more attractive, Oyebanji Assures Investors.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reassured investors and business owners that his administration would not relent in improving the business environment in order to attract investment to the  State.

The Governor who gave the assurance during a Technical Session and State wide town hall meeting organized by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in collaboration with Ekiti State Development and Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) in Ado Ekiti on Monday said his government is already fostering economic growth through strategic reforms and collaboration with the private sector. 

Oyebanji said he remains committed to policies and reforms aimed at positioning the state as a top choice for investors in Nigeria by eliminating obstacles, improving infrastructure, and implementing business friendly policies

Describing the town hall meeting as crucial to aligning the state reforms with the national efforts to improve Nigeria’s business climate, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, explained that that State Government identified improving the business environment as a critical part of its developmental agenda. 

The Governor Highlighted key reforms undertaken by his administration to enhance the ease of doing business in the state to include, waiver for business fee for initial registration, a functional One-Stop Shop within the Investment Promotion Agency to streamline Investment processes, transition law ratified by the State’s House of Assembly to ensure that projects initiated by one administration are guaranteed to continue, even in the event of change in government. Others include investment aftercare for the provision of continuous support for investors to enhance their business operations and ensure sustained success, among others.

The Governor also explained that his government has made significant strides in improving power supply and critical infrastructures that would help investors to thrive in the state

While commending and appreciating the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) for organizing the town hall tour to further strengthen state-level ownership of reform initiatives and deepen the implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms, the Governor said his government remains committed implementing sustainable reforms that will attract investment, create jobs and promote economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Director General Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, the Senior Reform Leader, Suzana Abdul-Kabdir, who commending the state government for the various efforts at ensuring ease of doing business in the state, said the purpose of the town hall meeting was to review progress, identify challenges, and engage stakeholders on strategies to sustain reforms.

Highlighting the council’s initiative and the purpose of the statewide meeting, the Senior reforms leader explained that PEBEG was established to remove obstacles to doing business in Nigeria and create environment that supports economic growth and investment

Also in her remarks, the Director General, Ekiti State Development and Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Ms Lolade Olutona, who commended Governor Oyebanji for his dedication to creating an enabling environment for business emphasized that EKDIPA remains committed to attracting more investors, fostering economic growth, and supporting the government’s vision for a prosperous and business-friendly environment

Highlighting the state governments efforts through EKDIPA in driving investment-focused reforms in the state, Miss Olutona explained that the state government regularly engages with business owners in the state to resolve operational challenges and ensure their sustainability

Oyebanji’s Wife Donates Sports Equipment to Boost Youth Empowerment.

Oyebanji’s Wife Donates Sports Equipment to Boost Youth Empowerment.

By Olamide Akinwumi

The First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, has donated a variety of sports equipment to support and inspire young athletes across the state.

The donation, which includes footballs, volleyballs, skipping ropes, whistles, and other essential sporting items, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by her Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Hon. Toyin Adepoju.

Speaking during the presentation, Adepoju said the gesture reflects Prof. Oyebanji’s deep commitment to youth development through sports, adding that it aligns with the broader vision of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to promote youth empowerment and job creation across the state.

“The First Lady believes strongly in the potential of sports to change lives. This donation is part of her ongoing efforts to nurture talents and provide young people with the tools they need to succeed,” Adepoju said.

The generous act showcases her commitment to nurturing young talents and supporting the Governor's administration pillar of youth empowerment and job creation.

In his remarks, the Technical Assistant on Sports Development to the Governor, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, commended Prof. Oyebanji for her consistent love and commitment to sports development in the state, particularly her strong support for the Ekiti Queens Football Club, fondly known as the BAORESS Babes.

“Her Excellency has always stood by the sporting community. Her motherly backing for Ekiti Queens FC and other young athletes continues to boost morale and performance. She is not just a supporter, but a key driver of sports transformation in Ekiti,” Osetoba said.

Prof. Oyebanji has continued to show keen interest in the welfare of the state’s sporting community, with stakeholders describing her efforts as a “motherly touch” that has uplifted morale and reinvigorated grassroots sports in the state.

Residents and sports enthusiasts have hailed the initiative as a “fantastic leap forward” in Ekiti’s sporting journey, expressing optimism that the state will continue to produce world-class talents with the right support structures in place.

Oyebanji Empowers Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Chairman with Official Vehicle, Reiterates Grassroots Development Agenda.

Oyebanji Empowers Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Chairman with Official Vehicle, Reiterates Grassroots Development Agenda.

By Asubiojo G.O

In a move that underscores his administration’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has presented a brand-new official vehicle to the Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, popularly known as Chenco.

The official handover, which took place at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, was met with joy and appreciation from local government officials and residents alike, who hailed the gesture as both timely and impactful.

According to sources at the event, the vehicle was provided to improve the chairman’s mobility and administrative efficiency, thereby elevating the operational standards of local governance. Governor Oyebanji, while presenting the vehicle, emphasized that strong local leadership remains a critical component of his administration’s development strategy.

 “This donation is not just symbolic—it reflects our belief in the importance of functional governance at the grassroots. We must ensure that our local government leaders are well-equipped to meet the needs of their communities,” the governor said.

Hon. Oluwatuyi, in response, expressed deep gratitude to the governor, describing the gift as a major motivational boost.

“This gesture by His Excellency is a testament to his love for the grassroots. I am more than ever committed to justifying the trust placed in me by delivering on people-focused initiatives,” he stated.

True to his pragmatic and charismatic leadership style, Hon. Oluwatuyi celebrated the arrival of the vehicle with staff members of the local government secretariat, sharing the moment with warmth and humility. His inclusive celebration was described by many as a show of solidarity and appreciation for the workforce that supports local development.

The Head of Local Administration (HLA), Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, also commended the governor for the landmark gesture, noting that the altruistic and selfless nature of the donation marks the beginning of a new phase of tangible support for local governance.

Prominent political stakeholders in the local government praised Governor Oyebanji’s consistency in empowering grassroots institutions and reinforcing a people-first governance model. Many observers regard the move as another clear example of the administration’s resolve to bridge the gap between high-level policies and on-the-ground realities.

The presentation joins a long list of initiatives led by Governor Oyebanji aimed at strengthening local governance, promoting transparency, and advancing infrastructural and human capital development across all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ekiti State.

As the state continues on its path toward inclusive development, stakeholders have called on other leaders to take a cue from Governor Oyebanji’s proactive and practical approach to supporting local authorities for optimal service delivery.

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."