New Dawn for Ise/ Orun Students as FIESU Revives After Years of Dormancy.

New Dawn for Ise/ Orun Students as FIESU Revives After Years of Dormancy.

 After years of inactivity, the Federation of Ise-Ekiti Students’ Union (FIESU) has bounced back to life with the inauguration of a caretaker committee aimed at restoring the union’s activities and relevance among students.

The move follows a series of deliberations among student stakeholders and community leaders, who highlighted the urgent need for a functioning student leadership body. The union, which serves as an umbrella for students of Ise/Orun origin across various higher institutions, had suffered prolonged inactivity, leaving a gap in both student welfare advocacy and community engagement.

Before the recent development, the dormancy of FIESU had led to a disconnection between students and opportunities that could have aided their academic and personal growth. Many students lamented the absence of structured programs such as workshops, seminars, and career development initiatives—programs typically driven by a proactive union.

"This gap has placed our students at a disadvantage compared to their peers from other local government areas," a concerned stakeholder said.

The leadership vacuum also deprived students of social, cultural, and networking events that foster unity and communal ties. According to student leaders, events that could have promoted solidarity among Ise-Ekiti students became sporadic and poorly coordinated during the union’s inactive years.

With the new caretaker committee now in place, expectations are high for a revival of both academic and social engagements within the student community.

The committee’s mandate is to temporarily oversee the union’s affairs and reestablish an inclusive platform where students can express concerns, proffer solutions, and actively participate in shaping the future of FIESU.

"The task before us is not just to manage the union temporarily but to rebuild trust, rekindle participation, and pave the way for permanent leadership," a member of the committee told Punch.

Plans are already underway to organize town hall meetings, mentorship programs, and advocacy drives aimed at addressing student welfare and promoting unity.

The reactivation of FIESU is seen as a turning point for students from Ise/Orun, with many optimistic that the union will soon reclaim its position as a voice for student advocacy and development.

Stakeholders have called on all Ise-Ekiti students to embrace the revival efforts by participating actively in union activities and supporting the committee’s initiatives.

"Now is the time for every Ise-Ekiti student to rise, reconnect, and rebuild the union together. The future of FIESU begins with all of us," a statement from the committee read.

Cavista Holdings Elevates Female Leaders to Strategic Roles Across Its Group.

Cavista Holdings Elevates Female Leaders to Strategic Roles Across Its Group.

Cavista Holdings is proud to announce the promotion of two exceptional women in leadership - Funlola Akintonde and Anthonia Attoh to senior roles that reflect their outstanding contributions, leadership excellence, and continued commitment to driving transformation across the Group.

Funlola Akintonde has been promoted to Senior People Director and Chief of Staff to the Chairman, a dual role that places her at the heart of the Group’s strategic execution. In addition to leading the Group’s People function, she will support John Olajide, Founder and Chairman of Cavista Holdings, in aligning enterprise-wide priorities, enhancing cross-functional collaboration, and driving organizational effectiveness. 

A distinguished Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience across finance, energy, and tech, Funlola holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan. Her elevation is a testament to her vision, impact, and ability to lead with both heart and strategy.

Meanwhile, Anthonia Attoh has been appointed Vice President, Operations at Agbeyewa Farms, transitioning from her role as Director of Operations at Cavista Holdings. Since joining the Group in 2024, Anthonia has been instrumental in strengthening operational capabilities and professionalizing operational processes across the Group. Her new role will see her focus on driving operational excellence and institutional growth at Agbeyewa Farms, reporting directly to the MD/CEO of the business. 

Anthonia is an alumna of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (HND, Mechanical Engineering) and Lagos State University (MBA, Human Resource Management). She also holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Analysis from The George Washington University School of Business, and is a certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence.

Speaking on the appointments, Niyi John Olajide, Founder and Chairman of Cavista Holdings, said: “At Cavista, we are deeply committed to recognizing talent and advancing leaders who embody our values of excellence, purpose, and impact. Funlola and Anthonia represent the very best of our organisation. Their leadership, character, and ability to deliver results will play a defining role in the next phase of our growth across industries and continents. I am incredibly proud of them and excited for what lies ahead.”

These appointments not only reinforce Cavista Holdings’ commitment to empowering women in leadership but also signal the Group’s continued investment in top-tier talent to drive lasting impact across Africa and the global markets in which it operates.

So Many Roads Constructed by Oyebanji — Yet They Judge Him for the Ones He Hasn't Touched.

So Many Roads Constructed by Oyebanji — Yet They Judge Him for the Ones He Hasn't Touched.

By Idowu Ephraim Faleye

How do you judge a man who is fixing over 30 major broken roads, yet you accuse him for the ones he didn’t break? This is the reality Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is facing today in Ekiti State. He’s working tirelessly, silently, consistently, and passionately building roads that make life better for ordinary people, but some still choose to judge him by the federal roads he doesn’t control.

Let’s tell ourselves the truth: when it comes to road development in Ekiti today, Governor Oyebanji has set a new standard. The roads he's building are not just about asphalt and concrete; they are about connection—connection to markets, schools, hospitals, and opportunities. From the map above, over 30 road projects that spread across every part of the state are either completed or ongoing under his watch. This isn’t noise. This isn’t PR. This is real work—real roads in real places changing real lives.

From the heart of Ado-Ekiti to the far corners of Ikole, Ijero, Emure, and Efon, BAO’s touch is visible. He’s not doing it for praise. He’s doing it because he knows what suffering looks like. He’s doing it because he believes that a government must not abandon its people, especially in something as basic as roads.

Inner-city roads are been fixed, and one policy of his government is that all township roads must have solar street lights installed from end to end upon completion. Rural roads are being opened. Roads leading to economic hubs and tourism zones like Ikogosi have been rehabilitated. New roads now connect previously isolated communities to the rest of the state. And still, people say, “What about Ado-Akure? What about Aramoko - Itawure?”

Let’s pause and be honest. Ado-Akure is a federal road. So is Ado-Ijan. So is Aramoko - Itawure. These roads belong to the federal government, not the state. But in the face of their abandonment by Abuja, did Governor Oyebanji fold his arms? No. He rose up where others gave excuses.

He didn’t just speak up, he acted. He completed the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road, another neglected federal road that had caused pain for years. Four governors before him couldn’t get it done. But BAO did it without federal help, without waiting for compensation. He did it because Ekiti lives matter to him.

And because he understands that people must move, goods must move, families must move, he went a step further. He created alternative routes to federal roads that had become death traps. If you can’t ply Ado-Akure, you now have options: Ikere - Igbaraodo. - Igbaraoke - Akure or Ado - Ilawe - Igbaraodo - Igbaraoke. Heading towards Ilesha? Ado - Ilawe - Erinjiyan - Ikogosi - Efon Alaaye is now a strong backup. If you're traveling Ado-Ijan, the Ekiti State Ring Road Phase 1(ongoing) or Ikole Ara Isinbode road are your new path.

This is a man thinking ahead. This is a governor solving problems others would have politicized.

Let’s even look deeper. When the federal government finally started construction on the long-abandoned Akure-Ado road, governor Oyebanji paid over ₦400 million in compensation to affected people. Imagine that—spending state money on a federal project, simply because he couldn’t bear to see his people continue to suffer.

And when he took his complaints to Abuja, he wasn’t ignored. The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, publicly acknowledged Oyebanji’s efforts and the condition of the roads in Ekiti. That recognition didn’t come from nowhere—it came from the governor’s tireless push for federal attention.

Critics may pretend not to see all these. But people who travel these roads every day feel the change. Farmers who can now reach markets without their produce rotting in traffic. Students who get to school on time. Sick people who no longer die in ambulances trapped on terrible roads. This is what Oyebanji is fixing—not just roads, but lives.

And he’s not focusing only on Ado-Ekiti. Every zone—North, South, and Central—has been touched. From Ido to Igbara-Odo, from Ipole-Iloro to Omuo, from Ilawe to Ikogosi, the work is happening. Without drama. Without propaganda. Just solid, silent transformation.

This is not about politics. It’s about truth. It's about fairness. It’s about not letting ignorance or bitterness blind us to progress. When someone is doing the right thing, the least we can do is not sabotage it with unfair judgment.

So yes, there are roads he didn’t build—but let’s not forget: many of them were never his to build. And the ones he could build, he has not only built them—he’s done so with heart, with urgency, and with results that even his enemies cannot deny.

This is the governor Ekiti has been waiting for. A man who doesn’t shout. A man who doesn’t sleep. A man who works. Let us not be among those who waited decades for a saviour but failed to recognize him when he came.

Give credit where it’s due. Support progress. And let the truth be louder than propaganda. Because no matter how long it takes, history always remembers who built and who broke. And Governor Biodun Oyebanji is building—with love, with grit, and one road at a time.

Idowu Ephraim Faleye writes from Ado-Ekiti | +2348132100608.

Adegoke Olajide’s Claims on Federal Roads in Ekiti: a misguided blame.

Adegoke Olajide’s Claims on Federal Roads in Ekiti: a misguided blame.

By Mary Oso-Omotosho 

Adegoke Olajide, our resident expert on everything except, apparently, reality, needs urgent rescue. His latest masterpiece, “ODE FOR EKITI LIBERATION series 1,” is less a call for liberation and more a cry for relevance. It seems our former House of Assembly member has traded legislative prowess for the art of throwing shade, and boy, is he throwing it with gusto! 

 

One might almost admire the sheer audacity of someone so confidently detached from the facts. Almost! His recent article is a masterclass in misdirection and misguided blame. How refreshing to see someone so passionately grappling with reality! 

Well, let’s address his claims about the federal roads that he insists are somehow beyond the reach of our beloved Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO). Yes, Adegoke, we get it—federal roads are not the direct responsibility of the state government. But how convenient of you to ignore the fact that the Ado-Ifaki road, a federal road, has just been completed under the diligent leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).And guess what? The state has not  even gotten  a refund for that! But let’s not let facts get in the way of a good narrative, right?

You raise a good point about the federal allocation, Adegoke. But isn’t it funny that while you lament about the allocations from Abuja, you fail to mention that the state government has been working closely with our National Assembly representatives and the federal government on these matters? It appears that while you’re busy throwing mud, the Governor is busy getting things done! 

The governor has strategically provided alternative roads to the poor federal government roads for travelers . Ado-Akure has two alternative roads : 

a. Ikere-Igbaraodo-Igbaraoke-Akure

b. Ado-Ilawe-Igbaraodo-Igbaraoke

And for your information, the alternative road for Ado-Aramoko-Itawure-Ilesha axis is now

Ado-Ilawe-Erinjiyan-Ikogosi-Efon Alaaye, while that of  Ado-Ijan-Agbado axis is the Ekiti State Ring Road phase 1. Let’s not forget again that Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Federal road was completed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji after several administration of four governors. Goke Olajide didn’t see this development too?

Anyway, as of last year, the incumbent Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, acknowledged BAO's proactive outreach regarding the poor conditions of federal roads in Ekiti. It’s heartening to know that genuine efforts are being made to address these issues, even as you’re busy writing your political epitaph. If you are not too lazy, google is your best friend on this!

Oh, and let’s not forget the ongoing construction on the Akure-Ado road, which is now under federal government contracts. Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji has invested over 400 million Naira in compensation payment for the Ikere-Akure, Ado-Ijan, and Omuo-Ifaki roads. Currently, the Governor is actively resolving logistics issues to ensure speedy delivery. But again, facts are clearly not your forte, Adegoke and your co-travellers! 

Your desperate attempts to tarnish BAO’s reputation may reflect more on your own political orphan status in your local government area than on the Governor’s performance. It’s almost comical how you seem to think that attacking a successful leader will revive your dead political career. Perhaps it’s time to take a step back and reassess your strategy, Adegoke. 

In a nutshell, while you throw around baseless accusations and engage in a circus of political theatrics, the people of Ekiti will continue to see the real progress being made. So, keep the noise coming — it's only further proving how out of touch you are with the realities of governance and the needs of our communities. 

So, before I come back to respond to your other unfounded accusations, keep trying, Adegoke; perhaps by then you would have found a way to contribute positively instead of being a footnote in the history of Ekiti politics! 

Mary writes from Ado Ekiti.

20th July 2025.

Agricultural Group Backs Oyebanji’s Second-Term Bid.

Agricultural Group Backs Oyebanji’s Second-Term Bid.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Agricultural Agenda Nigeria Initiative (AANI), Ekiti State chapter, on Friday, declared support for the second-term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, citing his administration’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and food security.

Members of the association, led by their Convener, Princess Kehinde Badun, staged a solidarity walk to the Governor's Office in Ado Ekiti, where they sang, danced, and formally announced their endorsement of the governor.

Badun said the association resolved to support Oyebanji for re-election following what she described as the unprecedented support the agriculture sector has received in the last three years.

 “Since Governor Oyebanji came on board, farmers in Ekiti have enjoyed massive support. We have received fertilizers, tractor services, subsidized seedlings, and farm inputs. Our farmlands are being cleared and ploughed at reduced costs, and farm roads have been constructed across the state to ease the transportation of goods and products,” she said.

She added that the group would not only vote massively for the governor but would also embark on aggressive mobilisation to canvass votes across the state.

“We are not just going to vote for him; we are going to campaign and convince more people to join this progressive agenda because Governor Oyebanji has performed beyond expectations,” Badun stated.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the governor, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Inter-Party Affairs, Chief Jide Awe, applauded the group for publicly declaring their support.

 “What you have done today is a bold and commendable step. The developmental strides of Governor Oyebanji, especially in the agricultural sector, are unmatched in the history of Ekiti State,” Awe said.

He urged the farmers to prioritise collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to translate their goodwill into actual votes during the election.

“Your support is noted, but I must remind you that the power to re-elect the governor lies in your PVCs. We must ensure that the good work of Governor Oyebanji is not truncated,” he added.

Also present at the event was the Director-General of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso, alongside other government officials.

Ekiti Govt Opens to Profitable Partnerships to Tackle Poverty, Unemployment, Says Oyebanji.

Ekiti Govt Opens to Profitable Partnerships to Tackle Poverty, Unemployment, Says Oyebanji.

…As ex-rep, Wunmi Ogunlola, lifts 1,200 residents.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to all Ekiti citizens to coalesce efforts with him in the task of building a state that will be economically viable, socially mobile and politically recognised among the comity of states in Nigeria.

Oyebanji posited that his government was incurably ready to relate with every citizen, regardless of class, political belief and religious inclination, as long as the interest of the state and its development are taking the centre stage.

The Governor spoke on Friday, during a 60th Birthday Empowerment programme, organised by a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Wunmi Ogunlola, for the people of Ijero Local Government Area.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, commended the former House of Assembly lawmaker, for deeming it fit to empower her people to cushion the effect of astronomic increase in the prices of commodities in the nation.

Despite the crunchy economic situation, the governor assured Nigerian citizens that the day of abundance is imminent in view of the pragmatic reforms being initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rejuvenate the economy.

“You can all attest to the fact that Hon Wunmi Ogunlola had at various times proven to be a good representative of the people. This she demonstrated during her time in the Ekiti State House of Assembly between 2007 and 2011, where she worked tirelessly to give Ijero constituency the best of representation.

“The same feat was achieved when she was a member of the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023 representing Ijero/Efon/Ekiti West Federal Constituency.

“I want to place on record that the empowerment programme of today will go into the annals of history as one of the best ever organised by a single individual in the state”.

On the economic situation of the country, Governor Oyebanji said: “The day of joy is imminent. With the gradual pick up of our economy, because of the actions being taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am sure that our days of abundance are on the way”.

Giving the breakdown of the beneficiaries, the celebrant, Hon. Ogunlola, said a total of 800 students will benefit from textbooks, 200 from cash gifts and 200 from other materials like motorcycles, tricycles, fridges, sowing machines, grinding machines, wheel chairs, and others.

Ogunlola, who is a Commissioner in the Board of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), said she would continue to form a strong synergy with Governor Oyebanji to mitigate poverty and unemployment in the land through personal philanthropic gestures.

Mrs Ogunlola added that she will stride hard to offer hope for the less fortunate, whether she is position of authority or not, saying impacting positively in the lives of the masses remains the hallmark of effective leadership .

She stated that the birthday empowerment programme was intended to promote education, being the best antidote against poverty, and promote the economic survival of those at the grassroots.

“What I did today was devoid of politics. I didn’t pick the beneficiaries based on their political beliefs, I did it with a passion to promote education of our children, and raise the standards of economic survival of our people”.

Ekiti 2026: We’re Solidly Behind You, Ekiti Ex-Govs, Senate Leader, others assure Oyebanji.

Ekiti 2026: We’re Solidly Behind You, Ekiti Ex-Govs, Senate Leader, others  assure Oyebanji.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele alongside other prominent political leaders in the State have assured the Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, of massive and widespread support ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the State.

The political leaders gave the assurance on Thursday evening in Abuja during an event tagged “An evening with Senator Dayo Adeyeye” in honour of the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Sentaor Dayo Adeyeye.

Speaking on behalf of the former Governors in the state, Former Governor Fayose, who described Governor Oyebanji as a bridge-builder who has restored peace and unity to Ekiti State political landscape, noted that the Governor’s achievement in the areas of infrastructure, workers’ welfare, education, agriculture and rural development are visible and verifiable.

While noting that Oyebanji’s people-oriented leadership, humility, and developmental strides have endeared him to the people of the state, Fayose said the Governor has demonstrated uncommon maturity and capacity in managing the affairs of the state. This, he said informed the need for every stakeholder to support him for a second term in office.

Fayose maintained that regardless of political affiliation, leaders in the state have recognized the need to support continuity of good governance and stability, which, according to him, Governor Oyebanji represents.

“Your Excellency, you have overwhelmed me with honour and respect, I am not the one that put you there but I will do more than those who put you there when the election comes, I will enter the street for you but I will not put your party logo because I will never join your party but we will support you to complete the journey you have started.

“None of us will come and oppose you in this election.  Ekiti will be the model in Nigeria, I have spoken to Governor Adebayo, Governor Fayemi and Governor Segun Oni, we are all with you” the former Governor asserted.

 

While congratulating Senator Dayo Adeyeye on his appointment as the Chairman Nigerian Ports Authority, Fayose said the recognition was well deserved, adding that it was also a testament to the former Senator’s long-standing contributions to national development.

He described Senator Adeyeye as a seasoned politician and technocrat whose wealth of experience would add value to the maritime sector and further enhance the image of Ekiti at the federal level.

In his goodwill message, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who described Governor Oyebanji’s leadership as exemplary and transformational, said the Governor’s ability to deliver impactful projects across all sectors, while maintaining transparency and accountability, has earned him the respect and admiration of both the political class and the general public.

Commending the virtues of Senator Adeyeye and noting that his leadership would further strengthen the capacity and efficiency of the NPA, Senator Bamidele said Adeyeye’s wealth of experience, administrative competence, and deep sense of patriotism make him well suited for the job.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji expressed his profound appreciation to the Ekiti leaders for their support and trust in his administration. He described it as a strong affirmation of unity and shared commitment to the progress of the state.

Describing the event as not just a celebration of Senator Adeyeye’s recent national assignment, but also a testament to the maturity and political harmony that now exist among Ekiti leaders across party lines. The Governor expressed confidence that Senator Adeyeye would bring greater value to the NPA, citing his track record of excellent and integrity as key asset that would contribute to the growth and efficiency of the agency.

“To the management and staff of NPA, you cannot get a better Chairman, Ekiti men are loyal, detailed and we don’t cut deal, we are straightforward but cannot take us for granted, I know that Senator Adeyeye will add value to NPA”. The Governor stated

In his response, Senator Adeyeye who expressed his deep appreciation to the Governor and other Ekiti leaders and  other dignitaries present at the occasion for their support and goodwill. He described the event as humbling and overwhelming, assured the Governor of his full support for his second-term ambition, pledging to work tirelessly to ensure his victory across all local governments in the state.

While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Nigerian Ports Authority, Adeyeye assured the President that he will do his job with dedication, integrity, and clear vision to reposition the authority for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.

Also at the event were, former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former and serving senators, among others.