John Olajide visits Agbeyewa Farms, Applauds Progress and Reaffirms Vision.

John Olajide visits Agbeyewa Farms, Applauds Progress and Reaffirms Vision.

Agbeyewa Farms had the honour of welcoming our Chairman, John Olajide, and Chief Financial Officer, Ron Olajide, to Agbeyewa Farms for a strategic visit aimed at reviewing the farm’s ongoing transformation and celebrating the significant milestones achieved so far.

Their visit which covered our farms at Ipao, Gede and Iyemero axis served as a powerful reminder of the bold vision that inspired the establishment of Agbeyewa Farms, a vision that is now unfolding through unwavering dedication, innovative practices, and resilient leadership under the Managing Director/ CEO Seyi (OSKA) Aiyeleso.

The excitement across the team was palpable, as staff members eagerly received the Chairman and CFO with warmth and pride. Their words of encouragement further energized the team and reinforced our shared belief in the Cassava Revolutionary agenda of Agbeyewa Farms.

In his welcome remarks, the MD/CEO Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, reiterated the entire Agbeyewa’s team commitment to achieving the set objectives for the farm and which is to position it as the No 1 Cassava Farm in Africa by the end of the year with cultivation of 5000 hectares.

He appreciated the Chairman and CFO for their leadership roles which has seen the farm experience significant investment in people, machinery and infrastructure development.

He noted that as a team, we remain deeply committed to delivering on our mission and, the journey continues with renewed passion and a clear sense of purpose.

Ekiti 2026: We Now Enter The Forest Without Fear - Pick-up Drivers to Oyebanji.

Ekiti 2026: We Now Enter The Forest Without Fear - Pick-up Drivers to Oyebanji.

...as Caterers, Councilors, Others Endorse Oyebanji.

As part of the build up to the 2026 governorship election, Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji has continued to receive endorsements from groups across the state. 

It was a momentous occasion on Wednesday as several groups including; Pick-up and Lorry Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter; Ekiti Progressive Women's Forum; Ekiti State Caterers Association and Forum of 177 Councilors in Ekiti State endorsed the governor for another tenure in separate endorsements rally. 

The Pick-up and Lorry Drivers unanimously adopted Governor Oyebanji as their consensus candidate citing  the restoration of security in the forests and various road infrastructural developments which has impacted positively on the smooth operations of their jobs. 

Chairman of the association, Sikiru Rasaq, who spoke on behalf of its members, said that "going by the nature of our jobs, there were some areas in Ekiti State before now that our vehicles cannot ply. But now that the governor is piloting the affairs of the state, easily, we can move to anywhere without any problem. We can now travel freely across the state without fear. We see the good and other infrastructure development and we appreciate it."

The Assistant Coordinator of Ekiti Progressive Women's Forum, Olajide Modupe, while moving the endorsement motion on behalf of the group, described the exploits of the governor as unprecedented in prioritizing the welfare of women through people-centered policies. 

The movement took another dimension as Ekiti State Caterers Association stormed the Governor’s Office in another thunderous endorsement of Governor Oyebanji with spoons in one hand saying they are standing solidly with the governor.

The President of the Caterers Association, Mrs Stella Abiodun of Damlek Event Ado-Ekiti said that "the governor has done a lot for us. The wife of the governor has called us on several occasions to give coolers and empowered our members. We just want to appreciate him for what he has done and we promise to deliver during the election." 

Capping off an eventful day, the Forum of 177 Councilors in the state unequivocally affirmed the governor for another tenure. One after the other, leaders of the Forum including; Hon. Arogundade Babatunde from Ado-Ekiti and Hon. Segun Ogunlana from Ekiti West moved and seconded the endorsement motion respectively. 

The separate endorsements rally attracted top government functionaries including; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo, Commissioners for Information and Transportation, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun and Kehinde Ajobiewe respectively, Special Adviser on Political and Inter-Party Affairs, Chief Jide Awe, Secretary of BAO/MCA State Endorsement Committee, Rt. Hon. Karounwi Oladapo, Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mary Omotosho, among others. 

The Special Adviser on Political and Inter-Party Affairs urged the groups to remain steadfast towards ensuring that the governor is re-elected, emphasizing on the need for them to get their voters cards ready ahead of the poll. 

Addressing the 177 Councilors, the S.A on Political and Inter-Party Affairs said: "I thank you that we have vibrant and up-to-date councillors. You have demonstrated what you have been doing. We want you to go back and mobilize the people so that the much-anticipated primary won't have issues."

Hon. Karounwi, who re-echoed the assertion of the S.A charged the Councilors saying "you are elected like the governor, you carry the mandate of the people. Our state-wide endorsement comes up July 28th and you are aware of the mobilization that is going on. I know you won't fail us because you own the ward. 

"Voters registration exercise is coming. You should monitor this exercise in your ward. You are responsible to the governor. There is need for our registration to increase and the governor plays more premium on it. We must ensure that we play by the rule during the primary. Ekiti is ready for BAO and our primary is going to be 100%."

While responding to the endorsements, the governor, represented by the Chief of Staff appreciated the groups for supporting the re-election of the governor and urged them to mobilize members of their communities ahead of the upcoming continuous voters registration. 

He emphasized the readiness of the governor in adhering to the electoral guidelines during the All Progressives Congress primary and urged them to follow due process by avoiding irregularities.

His words: "Voters registration will commence soon. Let us begin mobilizing people—especially youths who have just turned 18, those who wish to transfer their registration, and adults who have never registered before. It is also important to ensure that they collect their PVCs once they are ready, as these will be essential during the election.

"Regarding the primary elections, please ensure that all activities comply strictly with INEC regulations. His Excellency, Governor BAO, is committed to upholding the rule of law. Let us follow due process and avoid irregularities such as over-voting. The number of votes in each ward must not exceed the number of registered voters. Let’s work together to secure victory for BAO, ward by ward, the right way."

Ekiti has Spent Over N4 Billion to fix Electricity supply, says Oyebanji.

Ekiti has Spent Over N4 Billion to fix Electricity supply, says Oyebanji.

…. As state signs MoU with REA on Rural Electrification.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for the implementation of off-grid electricity projects across the state.

The agreement is to accelerate energy access to unserved and underserved communities in Ekiti State, and to jumpstart rural economic activities through access to sustainable and reliable power supply.

Speaking while signing the MoU at the Rural Electrification Agency State-By-State Round Table engagement with Ekiti State tagged leveraging Public-Private Partnership for Scaleable Energy Access Infrastructure, in Abuja, Governor Oyebanji said the meeting was not just about discussions on electricity, power, energy, or their renewable forms, but about lighting up homes, powering the state’s economy and creating a future where no community is left behind.

Acknowledging that significant population in Ekiti State today still needs access to reliable power, the Governor said his administration has spent over 4 billion naira to improve electricity supply in the state, an effort, which according to him, has seen several unserved communities getting reconnected to the national grid after years of blackout, enabling some underserved communities to be better served, eased the burden on entrepreneurs and fostered business growth.

Highlighting his achievements in the electricity sector, the Governor said his administration, through a PPP arrangement had in operation an Independent Power Project facility providing 2.6MW to government facilities, and also investing in solar power infrastructure to provide reliable electricity to the general hospitals, primary health care facilities and public schools to boost efficient service delivery.

Governor Oyebanji further explained that his government has also initiated measures that have put prepaid meters in the homes of thousands of consumers in the state, thereby reducing 80 percent metering gap and eliminating estimated billing.

He described the partnership as a game changer, adding that his government will leverage on the opportunities provided by REA to catalyze and unlock private capital development energy sufficiency in the state.

While commending the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for its consistent efforts in bridging the energy gap across the country, the Governor maintained that his government remain resolute in the drive to achieve 120MW through the contributions of investors by 2030, thereby closing the energy gap in the state 

“I am extremely pleased to address the esteemed stakeholders participating in today’s Strategic Roundtable Event with the Renewable Energy Agency (REA) focusing on Ekiti State. This event is to facilitate the acceleration of energy access to unserved and underserved communities in Ekiti State, and to jumpstart rural economic activities through access to sustainable and reliable power supply.

“Today’s event is not simply about discussions on electricity, power, energy, or their renewable forms, it is about our people. It is about lighting up homes, powering the state’s economy and creating a future where no community is left behind

“We have taken visible steps in upgrading electricity infrastructure across the state, a process that has seen several unserved communities getting reconnected to the national grid after decades of blackout, and enabling some underserved communities to be better served. This, in no small measure, has eased the burden on entrepreneurs and foster business growth. Through this effort, over 40 towns have been connected to the national grid”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, who expressed his appreciation to the Governor for prioritizing rural electrification as a key component of his development agenda, commended the state government for putting the right policies and institutional framework in place to drive energy access and attract partnership that can deliver sustainable results.

 While explaining that the REA with Ekiti State government would not only bring about a transformative change in the state’s energy landscape, Mr Aliyu explained that the collaboration is designed to extend reliable electricity to rural and underserved communities through off-grid solutions.

Also in his remarks, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, who described the partnership with the REA as a milestone achievement in the state’s drive towards universal energy access, said the collaboration aligns with the state government’s strategic infrastructure plan, which according, priorties the extension of electricity to all comunities, particularly rural and economic viable areas

While asserting that the state government has invested heavily in grid extension and other electricity interventions, Prof. Aluko said the partnership with REA would further compliment efforts of the state government to improve electricity access thereby resulting to tangible benefits for the residents.

Also at the event were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Technical Advisor on Power Infrastructure, Engr. Philip Atere, Executive Secretary, Ekiti State Electricity Regulation Bureau, Engr. Dare Samson, REA Executive Director, among others.

Beyond the Finish Line: BAO’s Bold Transformation of Ekiti Sports Sector—A Legacy in Motion.

 Beyond the Finish Line: BAO’s Bold Transformation of Ekiti Sports Sector—A Legacy in Motion.                                                   By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Something exciting is happening in the heart of Ado-Ekiti.

What used to be a quiet corner of memories has now come alive, bursting with color, energy, and renewed purpose. The Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, once a symbol of nostalgia, now carries a bold message of growth and promise. The seats gleam with vibrant hues, and the air is filled with a new sense of pride.

This stadium holds history—but today, it also holds hope.

The Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, formerly known as the Ado-Ekiti Township Stadium, was renamed in honor of late sprint legend Oluyemi Kayode, an Ekiti-born athlete who made Nigeria proud on the international stage. He reached the finals of the 200m race at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and won a 4x100m relay silver medal alongside Davidson Ezinwa, Osmond Ezinwa, and Olapade Adenekan at the same event. Tragically, he passed away in a fatal auto accident on October 1, 1994, in the United States.

Today, his memory lives on—not just in name but in action—as the stadium wears a fresh look that meets modern standards.

But this transformation isn’t just about appearance; it’s about purpose.

It represents the vision of the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), who is not merely talking about sports development but actively building it. The revamped stadium is now a beacon of opportunity for young athletes, a platform to nurture talent, and a statement that greatness can begin from home.

The Oluyemi Kayode Stadium serves as the home ground for Ekiti United Football Club, which plays in the Nigeria National League (NNL), and Ekiti Queens Football Club, also known as the Baoress Queens, who compete in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).

Governor Oyebanji’s commitment goes beyond renovations. Under his leadership, the state has provided new standard Coaster buses to ease transportation for athletes, ensuring comfortable and safe movement from one venue to another.

In addition, towards the end of 2024, the Governor performed the groundbreaking of the Indoor Sports Hall Complex within the precincts of the Ekiti Pavilion along New Iyin Road. Construction work is currently in progress, promising to further expand the state’s sports infrastructure.

The Captain of Ekiti United Football Club, Mr. Makanjuola Ayodeji, could not hide his joy. He expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for his outstanding contributions to athlete welfare. Since the inception of the BAO administration, the players have witnessed unprecedented improvements—salary increments, better uniforms, travel allowances, bonuses, and more.

These initiatives are not just improving the lives of athletes but are also creating an enabling environment for sporting excellence.

The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has also played a pivotal role in supporting the state’s athletes. She has consistently donated various sports equipment to the Ekiti Queens (Baoress Queens) and to young, vibrant athletes across Ekiti State. Her passionate involvement has showcased outstanding love and dedication to grassroots sports development, especially for female athletes.

The tremendous strides under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s leadership signify a new era for sports in Ekiti State. The administration is building not just facilities but also a future where young talents can dream, grow, and excel.

If you haven’t visited the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium lately, now is the time.

Stand there, take it all in—you might not believe the transformation your eyes will see.

As the saying goes, "When a leader plants seeds of greatness, generations will harvest the fruits."

BAO has planted those seeds. Let’s nurture them together till 2030.

Supporting his continuity till 2030 is not just a political choice; it is a commitment to sustaining the momentum of progress. Ekiti State deserves steady hands that understand the needs of the people and are determined to deliver.

With BAO at the helm, the future of sports in Ekiti is brighter than ever.

BAO Joor 📯 BAO Leekansi 🗳️ 2030 is the Goal, Continuity is the Key.

Written by Olamide Akinwumi, Ado-Ekiti

Venite University Issues Public Warning Against Admission Fraudsters.

The management of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, has been alerted to fraudulent activities by certain unscrupulous individuals attempting to deceive prospective students and their families with false claims of selling admission forms and collecting school fees through personal bank accounts.

The university categorically states that at no time will applicants be asked to make payments into personal accounts. All application processes and associated fees are conducted exclusively through Venite University’s official digital platforms.
To this end, the university issues the following important disclaimer to the general public:

Disclaimer – Beware of Fraudulent Activities!

Venite University advises all applicants, parents, and guardians to adhere strictly to the following guidelines:
1. Do not make any payment to individuals claiming to represent Venite University.
2. All applications and payments must be made ONLY through our official website and portal:
○ www.veniteuniversity.edu.ng
○ ecampus.veniteuniversity.edu.ng

3. For all admission inquiries, please contact the university through the following official phone numbers: 09167032000, 09167043000, 07047437000

4. You may also reach us via our verified social media handles:

○ Facebook: Venite University, Iloro Ekiti
○ X (Twitter): @VeniteUni_NG
○ Instagram: @veniteuniversity
○ Linkedln : Venite University, Iloro Ekiti
○ Tiktok : @veniteuniversity

5. For in-person visits, the university is located at Kilometre 2, Ayetoro Road, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Venite University remains committed to transparency and the protection of all applicants. Anyone found impersonating the institution or attempting to defraud the public will be reported to law enforcement agencies.
The university urges everyone to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the appropriate channels.

Signed:
E.A. Agbaje, PhD
Registrar, Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Nigeria
registrar@veniteuniversity.edu.ng

Read More Update About Venite University Here 👇👇

https://veniteuniversity.edu.ng/2025/07/15/venite-university-issues-public-warning-against-admission-fraudsters/

2026: We Can't Afford Trial And Error Governance, Ekiti Deputy Gov Declares.

2026: We Can't Afford Trial And Error Governance, Ekiti Deputy Gov Declares.           ...Says Oyebanji's second term 'll be more beneficial.

As the All Progressives Congress gears up for its governorship primary, preparatory to the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye has declared that his principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains the best for the state to continue till 2030.

She stated that the state can't afford a trial and error governance, by electing a neophyte to govern the state at the expense of an experienced governor like Oyebanji, whom she said has been tested and trusted as an administrator. 

Mrs Afuye spoke in Aramoko and Ado Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti West and Ado Local Governments on Monday,  at the conclusion of the women mobilisation tour organised by the office of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji to rally support for her husband.

Mrs Afuye assured the APC members that his boss, Biodun Oyebanji will serve more inclusively and  beneficially, if given the second term in office.

She saluted the APC members in Ekiti West and Ado Local Governments for their spirit of camaraderie and solid backing towards Governor Oyebanji and the First Lady, who are their son and daughter.

"You have tested Governor Oyebanji and found him suitable as a Governor. He has done excellently well in the last three years. You know that if given a second term, he will do more. I want you to double your votes for him.

"Our governor hails from Ekiti West and the First Lady is from Ado Ekiti. He is your son. I know you won't let him down. As you won't let him down, he too will not disappoint you, be rest assured about this.

"What we need in Ekiti is someone with the experience and the fear of God to lead us. I know Governor Oyebanji possesses all these qualities", she said.

Making projection into the future, Mrs Afuye added that the government will continue to be gender sensitive, by allotting more lofty positions to women in politics and administration, saying the governor is counting heavily on them to clinch the ticket in the party's primary.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, commended the governor for standing by women to rise politically and administratively saying only Ekiti has six members in the House of Assembly in the country.

Prof Adubiaro assured that the government will elevate more women into exalted positions, if Governor Oyebanji is allowed to control the lever of power till 2030.

The APC Women leader, Mrs Caroline Eegunlusi and the Chairperson, Ekiti APC Women Council, Mrs Ronke Okusanya, said Ekiti women have indisputably enjoyed the dividends of democracy under Governor Oyebanji's leadership.

They posited that the governor deserved being supported by womenfolk at the APC's primary and the main election slated for 2026, urging them not to disappoint for posterity to judge them well as people who mean well for the state. 

The  Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, urged the women and other party members to be steadfast in their support for the governor, who has served with passion and delivered the best for the state.

Awe said the massive turn out of women at the mobilisation tour, was a well amplified message that Ekiti is safe for Governor Oyebanji in the impending primary and governorship poll, urging them not to allow anybody to derail the ongoing process, they way it  happended in 2014. 

"The governorship primary comes up in September this year, please, stand with the governor. Let us allow the present level of development to continue. We can't allow Ekiti to go back to Egypt, support the governor to win the party's ticket in the interest of all of us", Awe said.

On the entourage are: Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, Hon Sola Elesin-led APC State Working Committee, Commissioners, Special Advisers, women groups,  market women, women  political office holders, among others.

He was an exemplary leader - Fayemi pays tribute to late Ijebu monarch.

He was an exemplary leader - Fayemi pays tribute to late Ijebu monarch.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has expressed profound sadness over the death of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba Agbotewole II, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

In a statement by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, the head of the Fayemi Media Office, Dr. Fayemi described the late monarch's death as a monumental loss to Nigeria's traditional institution and the entire country.

"I received the news of Kabiyesi's transition with profound sadness," Dr. Fayemi said. "The death of Oba Adetona marks the end of an extraordinary era in traditional rulership in Nigeria. His 65-year reign, which began on April 5, 1960, stands as proof of exceptional leadership and dedication to his people."

The former governor praised the late Awujale's role as a unifying force, noting that his influence extended far beyond Ijebuland to encompass the entire Southwest region and Nigeria as a whole.

"Throughout his remarkable tenure, the late Awujale distinguished himself as a man of wisdom, temperance, and unity. His counsel and diplomatic approach to conflict resolution earned him respect across ethnic and religious lines," he stated.

According to Fayemi, Oba Adetona's vision for development, combined with reverence for tradition, created a unique model of traditional leadership that bridged the gap between modernity and cultural heritage.

"I particularly recall Kabiyesi's advocacy for good governance, his role as a voice of reason during challenging times, and his support for democratic institutions. His palace served as a sanctuary of wisdom where leaders from across the political spectrum sought counsel and direction," Fayemi stated.

Fayemi added that the late monarch's efforts in promoting education, fostering peace, and supporting socio-economic development in Ijebuland and beyond would never be forgotten.

"The vacuum left by Oba Adetona's passing will be deeply felt across Nigeria, particularly in the Southwest region where he played a major role in maintaining inter-communal harmony and fostering regional cooperation among traditional rulers," he said.

Dr. Fayemi extended his condolences to the Adetona Royal Family, the people of Ijebuland, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the entire state of Ogun, praying that Almighty God grant the departed monarch eternal rest.