Bill to Convert BOUESTI to Federal University Passes First Reading.

Bill to Convert BOUESTI to Federal University Passes First Reading.

A significant legislative milestone has been achieved with the passage of a bill at its first reading, aimed at converting Bamidele Olumilua University for Education, Science, and Technology (BOUESTI) Ikere Ekiti to a Federal University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere Ekiti. This bill was presented before the House by Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, the honourable member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 in the green chamber. 

The primary objective of this bill is to alleviate the financial burden on the state government, enabling them to redirect funds towards other vital institutions within the state. This move is seen as a crucial step in supporting the development of Ekiti State. Hon. Ojuawo emphasized the importance of collective support for the state’s development, stating, ‘As a fountain of knowledge, having three federal universities is not out of place for us to develop our human capital index and also relieve our dear state of funding pressures, allowing us to channel our resources into other critical areas like agriculture and other state institutions.’

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that another bill earlier  sponsored by Hon. Ojuawo, aimed at establishing the Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry in Ise Ekiti, has already garnered Senate concurrence and is now ready to be transmitted to the President for assent. These two bills underscore Hon. Ojuawo’s avowed commitment to enhancing educational and agricultural infrastructure within Ekiti State, ultimately contributing to the state’s overall progress and development.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Ondo Abuzz as FUTA Honours Olabimtan with Award of Excellence.

Ondo Abuzz as FUTA Honours Olabimtan with Award of Excellence.                                                ...A Salute to Visionary Leadership.                       By Eleko Johnson.

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), was on Thursday, July 24, 2025, filled with dignitaries from various walks of life as the institution honoured the Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Adekanye Olabimtan, with an Award of Excellence in Public Education Administration.

The event, held at the university's main auditorium, was part of FUTA’s ongoing recognition of distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions to national development, especially in the education sector.

Olabimtan was celebrated for his outstanding performance and commitment to the development of basic education in Ondo State. According to the university’s citation, his leadership at ODSUBEB has brought about several reforms and innovations, earning him widespread respect within and outside the state.

The recognition also marked a historic moment for the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, as it is the first time a sitting chairman of the board will be honoured by a federal tertiary institution for excellence in service delivery.

Rt. Hon. Olabimtan's decorated career in public service includes his previous roles as Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and as a Commissioner at the Federal Civil Service Commission in Abuja, where he represented the interests of Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo States.

Reacting to the award, Olabimtan described the honour as a motivation to continue working for the good of the people. He expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support, noting that the governor’s leadership has created a conducive environment for appointees to thrive and deliver on their mandates.

Political analysts see this latest recognition as further validation of Olabimtan’s growing influence and credibility within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, with some describing him as a stabilising force and a strong contender for greater responsibilities in the party.

“When capable hands are entrusted with public offices, the people rejoice, and the system functions efficiently,” a guest at the event noted.

Oyebanji is Market Women Friendly Governor, Says Iyalojas, Iyalajes.

Oyebanji is Market Women Friendly Governor, Says Iyalojas, Iyalajes.

...endorse Oyebanji for second term.

Market leaders (Iyalojas and Iyalajes) in Ekiti State on Wednesday commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of market women in the state.

The Iyalojas and Iyalajes in their numbers endorsed the governor for another tenure citing the governor's interventions to mitigate the challenges of market women and various infrastructural developments across all sectors of the state's economy. 

Moving the endorsement motion, Iyaloja General of Ekiti State, Alhaja Abibat Ogunjobi pointed out the government's initiatives to facilitate financial access to traders while expressing optimism that the governor will do more if re-elected for a second term. 

Her words: "To be truthful, Governor Oyebanji has been doing very well. He pays workers on time, supports elderly women, and remains loyal to the people. He has shown great support to all the Iyalojas. He pays pensioners regularly and has also employed women in his administration. We strongly believe he will do even more in his next tenure."

In the same vein, Iyalaje of Provisions Sellers and Iyalaje of Oja Oba Market Ado-Ekiti, Mrs Adeyeye Asabi described the governor as a trustworthy leader who has employed more women in his administration, provided loans to business owners and embarked on massive road projects. 

 

Also, Alhaja Ganiyu Abiola from Fayose Market emphasized that the Oyebanji's administration has performed credibly well than previous administrators noting that the people of the state are behind his re-election ambition. 

Responding on behalf of the governor, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abibat Adubiaro appreciated them for standing behind the governor's re-election and urged them to get their voters cards ready ahead of the 2026 governorship election. 

According to her, "The most important way to support Governor Oyebanji is by voting—and that begins with collecting your PVC. The governor has promised to do even better in his second term. Let’s make sure we register and collect our PVCs when the time comes, so we can show our full support. Don’t betray BAO when others come around seeking your support — stay loyal and stand by good leadership."

OYEBANJI: EKITI LOCKS DOWN FOR AN ENDORSEMENT LIKE NO OTHER.

OYEBANJI: EKITI LOCKS DOWN FOR AN ENDORSEMENT LIKE NO OTHER.

BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA 

All roads lead to Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti on Monday, July 28, 2025 where a historic landmark will take place. It is a day the people of the state will speak with one voice on where they stand on their next political journey.

It is a day that has been chosen by an aggregation of eminent individuals, interest groups, bodies, party leaders and members, men and women on the streets to trumpet their unflinching support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The day has been designated as the day in which they are endorsing Governor Oyebanji as their preferred candidate for a fresh term of four years in office from October 16, 2026 to October 15, 2030.

The build-up has been both frenetic and electric as Ekiti people from various walks of life have been calling on the Governor to run for another term in office based on what they described as his superlative performance since coming to power on October 16, 2022.

In about three months back, the Governor's Office in Ado Ekiti has always been playing host to various interest groups that make up the core segment of the population of the State coming to declare their support for the re-election of Governor Oyebanji.

These included artisans, owners of micro, small and medium enterprises, artisans, health workers, sports men and women, market women, sellers of various commodities, motorcycle and tricycle riders, musicians, artistes and culture practitioners, youth bodies, students, women groups and and many other bodies too numerous to mention and you will agree with me that these bodies form a large chunk of the voting population.

Apart from coming to the seat of power to urge Governor Oyebanji to throw his hat into the ring once again to vie for the top job, these groups also held street processions, roadshows and other forms of razzmatazz in various neighborhoods in support of an Oyebanji candidacy for Ekiti 2026 poll.

We equally have some very influential bodies who had at various times declared their support for Governor Oyebanji on the strength of his exceptional and result-oriented leadership which they believe should continue beyond 2026. They believe that the Governor has managed the economy well and his policies have boosted the standard of living of the people of the Land of Honour.

Some influential groups include the State Council of Traditional rulers, the Oloris (wives of Obas), Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders, Ekiti Council of Elders, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Egbe Afenifere, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Pensioners Association of Nigeria (PAN), just to mention a few.

Leaders and members of the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), were not left out in the Oyebanji endorsement festival as they had at various levels endorsed the Governor for continuity in office. They had performed this act at unit, ward, local government and senatorial district levels.

Before the endorsement of the party faithful at the various levels, the State Caucus of the APC which include former Governors elected on the platform of the party, the State Executive Committee, the State Working Committee, National Assembly members from the state, Ekiti State House of Assembly members, Ekiti State Executive Council (the state cabinet), Chairmen of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, Party Chairmen in the Local Government Areas and other critical organs had endorsed the Governor at their expanded meeting held at the Iyin Ekiti country home of the first elected Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo.

What makes Governor Oyebanji's endorsement unique and unprecedented in the political history of Ekiti State is the support he enjoys from all former elected Governors of Ekiti State cutting across the various political divides. This gesture, which has never happened in the history of the state, has further enlarged his support base.

All the former Governors including Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Chief Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi, had used the first and second anniversaries of the Oyebanji Administration to declare their support for the incumbent who presides over a peaceful and prospering state and accords them respect, honour and dignity of being his predecessors.

Apart from the former Governors, key party leaders at the national level led by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele are all in support of Governor Oyebanji and they have been mobilizing their supporters to ensure that the dream of electing a Governor for a tenure of eight uninterrupted years is realized for the first time in the state.

The Oyebanji candidacy has further been buoyed by the support of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members who are loyal to former Governor Fayose under the aegis of the Osoko Political Family. It is remarkable that Governor Oyebanji appointed many of them into political positions in his avowed bid for an all-inclusive governance.

All these groundswell of support for Governor Oyebanji did not just come for the sake of it. They were borne out of his faithful and conscientious implementation of the six-pillar agenda that has given the people a new lease of life, boosted the capacity of the residents for meaningful contribution to the local economy, attracted more investment into the state, empowered local businessmen and contractors with his local content policy.

Construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads in virtually every part of the state including roads that lead to farmsteads have endeared the Governor to the people. The first and second anniversaries of his administration witnessed the commissioning of major road projects including new areas and township roads with more scheduled for inauguration during the third anniversary in October 2025.

It was during the first year of the Oyebanji Administration that some communities in Ekiti East, Ekiti West and Ayekire Local Government Area were liberated from power outage of over ten years due to the Governor's commitment in ensuring restoration of electricity to such communities through his bold step of assisting them with the needed infrastructure and connection with electricity regulatory bodies.

In pursuit of his Shared Prosperity agenda, Governor Oyebanji leveraged the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and key financial institutions like the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture and the development partners to boost small scale businesses with various incentives to add fillip to the economy in the grassroots.

Under the watch of Governor Oyebanji, Ekiti has become a very busy hub for agricultural activities with the coming on stream of the Special Agriculture Processing Zone and four farming clusters for Bring Back the Youths into Agriculture scheme with massive cultivation of various food and cash crops to boost food security.

Apart from the massive engagement of youths in these schemes, the Oyebanji Administration also attracted big-time investors into the agriculture sector like Agbeyewa Farms, YSJ Limited, among others making a large swathe of hitherto uncultivated land into a hub of production of crops and generating employment for the teeming youths.

Governor Oyebanji has managed the Ekiti economy well who h has seen the state witnessing zero borrowing since October 2022 and a reduction of domestic debt from N110.57 billion to N57 billion within one quarter. His leadership also witnessed a remarkable improvement in the Internally Generated Revenue which has been nationally acknowledged by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) as a model to other states.

The health sector has witnessed a massive turnaround with the massive overhaul and rehabilitation of nine General Hospitals and 200 health centers in rural across the state which have also been equipped with drugs and employment of more hands to bring quality healthcare delivery to the locals.

In the education sector, public primary and secondary schools have been rehabilitated for the convenience of pupils, students and teachers and to make them more attractive. The Governor has ensured the payment of counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) which has given access for release of funds to build facilities and provide instructional materials.

Besides, more teachers were recruited to fill the vacancies occasioned by retirement, resignation and death and this has kept education in primary and secondary school running on the full throttle. Also, the impact of the Oyebanji Midas' touch has been felt in the tertiary education sub-sector with increment in subvention to all state-owned tertiary institutions.

The Ekiti workforce is another powerful bloc of support for Governor Oyebanji and the July 28 endorsement rally offers labour union leaders and opportunity to reiterate their support for the Governor. The Organized Labour in the state at various fora acknowledged the Oyebanji Administration as the most labour-friendly in the state.

Before the implementation of the new national minimum wage of N70,000 in the state, the Governor approved payment of wage bonus to workers which they had been enjoying before the implementation of the new minimum wage commenced in December 2024 which elicited joy among the civil servants and prompted them on an appreciative visit to the Governor shortly after receiving alerts.

Despite the commencement of the payment of the new minimum wage, the wage bonus did not stop and the workers also continued to enjoy free bus shuttle in the morning while going to work and in the afternoon after closing from work. Promotion, advancement, payment of car and housing loans have been a regular occurrence under the Oyebanji Administration.

The local content policy of Governor Oyebanji has empowered local businessmen, artisans and contractors as he ensures that they are regularly patronized by his administration to give them a sense of belonging, empower them, prevent a capital flight from the state and ensure that Ekiti wealth is retained and circulated locally.

Some examples suffice along this line. It is a known fact that Mr Governor's clothes are sewn by local tailors while his administration also awards contracts of government projects to competent local contractors. Ekiti auto dealers are patronized for the purchase of official vehicles for local government administrators and area education officers while local livestock and chicken sellers are patronized during festive periods.

The humanitarian gestures of Governor Oyebanji in which he offers support for the less privileged through his OJUSE BAO initiative and Abiyamo Esther Oyebanji Foundation alongside his siblings have given hope to the hopeless and succour to the needy across the state outside the bigger platform of the position of Governor that Providence has given him.

Through these humanitarian gestures, the homeless have been given new houses, victims of natural disasters were assisted, physically challenged were supported with financial lifelines and equipment that has assisted them to live better lives, scholarships given to indigent students, working tools and cash support were given to small scale traders while widows and aged persons were supported with food and cash.

These are the reasons why the Ekiti publics are demanding for Governor Oyebanji's continued stay in office because all these strides are unprecedented in the history of the state. He has returned power to the people, renders account to them from time to time and has brought himself down to the level of the people as their humble servant.

All what the Oyebanji Administration had achieved in the six-pillar agenda that have made the people of Ekiti State to make a decision to adopt him as their most preferred candidate for the governorship position in the 2026 poll with the endorsement rally being a grand stage for the clamour to be made known to the whole world.

Ekiti is witnessing a steady and remarkable growth under Governor Oyebanji and the people of the state are demanding for his retention in office beyond 2026. He is certainly a candidate to beat at the APC governorship primary later this year and the main governorship election after he might have won his party's ticket.

Ogunmola is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (Print Media).

Senator Yemi Adaramodu Represents Senate President at Nigerian Youth Parliament’s Commemoration of International Day of Parliamentarians.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu Represents Senate President at Nigerian Youth Parliament’s Commemoration of International Day of Parliamentarians.

 The Nigerian Youth Parliament under the Federal Republic of Nigeria held a landmark event to commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarians and officially launch the Legislative Internship Program for NYP Members, drawing participation from distinguished guests and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Representing the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill O. Akpabio, CON, was Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports Development. Senator Adaramodu, standing in for the Senate President, delivered a goodwill message and reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to youth development, democratic inclusion, and nurturing future leaders through meaningful legislative engagement.

The event, which took place at the National Assembly Complex (Senate Wing), Abuja, featured the launch of the first edition of The Mace Magazine, a publication by the Nigerian Youth Parliament designed to amplify youth voices, highlight legislative milestones, and promote civic education among young Nigerians.

In his address, Senator Adaramodu lauded the initiative of the Nigerian Youth Parliament in fostering legislative literacy and institutional mentorship. He emphasised the critical importance of equipping young parliamentarians with practical skills and firsthand exposure to the legislative process as part of national capacity building for future leadership.

The Legislative Internship Program, which was unveiled at the ceremony, aims to serve as a bridge between youth civic participation and the legislative arm of government, ensuring that young Nigerians not only engage in governance discourses but also develop competencies that prepare them for future political and administrative roles.

The event was characterised by vibrant discussions, youth engagement sessions, and an exhibition of the newly published Mace Magazine.

This initiative reinforces Nigeria's dedication to upholding democratic ideals and empowering its youth population to take active roles in shaping the country's future.

EKSG Warns Communities Against Killing, Harassing Staff at Farm Settlements.

EKSG Warns Communities Against Killing, Harassing Staff at Farm Settlements.

...says perpetrators 'II be dealt with.

The Ekiti State Government, has warned host communities of any of its farm settlements in the state against killing or harassing its officials, regretting the recent killing of a staff of the Ministry of Agriculture at Orin Farm Settlement, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the State.

The government posited that whoever perpetrates such act will face the consequences of his action, saying government won't allow its food production policy to be thwarted by land owners and desperate grabbers. 

The Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye, handed down the warning in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, while mediating in a protracted land tussle between the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Olojudo - in-Council. 

This intervention stemmed from a petition written by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, on the raging situation of the Orin Farm Settlement and the persistent land encroachment that led to the death of a staff. 

Interfacing with stakeholders on the matter, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Olakiitan Victor Ogunje, frowned on the killing of the staff, who was a tractor operator at the farm settlement, describing such as worrisome and saddening.

The Deputy Governor, said the murder was criminal and flagrantly negated the policy being championed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to raise the bar of food production in the state. 

Mrs Afuye was, however, upbeat that with the intervention, the confidence of farmers operating within that corridor will be restored, regarding the issue of security of lives and property.

The Deputy Governor sounded a warning that threats to the lives of food producers anywhere in Ekiti won't be taken lightly by Governor Oyebanji's administration, saying the government will work hard to restore confidence in farmers that they can operate anywhere without threat or molestation. 

She mandated the Surveyor General of the State, Surveyor Adebayo Faleto, to lead other experts to the scene and properly demarcate the boundary to avoid unnecessary encroachment that could lead people into murderous action. 

"Our experts are coming to properly demarcate the place. We won't fold our arms and allow our farmers to be sacred or killed. We have to instil confidence in them. This government has food production as a policy, we won't allow anyone to derail it.

 "On the killing, let justice be served accordingly. Those arrested and being tried should go to court and prove their innocence".

Mrs Afuye urged Olojudo, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, who is the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers,  to appeal to the restive youths in Ido Ekiti community to shun violence that can lead to killing on the farmlands. 

The Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Babatope Ojo, disclosed that the farm settlement was acquired in 1954, by the then Western Region to enhance food production, which was later bequeathed to the Old Ondo State and subsequently the Ekiti State upon creation in 1996.

Boluwade lamented the brutal killing of government's staff attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, with autopsy revealing that he was hit with heavy metal on his head, leading to his abrupt end.

"When we saw danger in the area, we wrote to the family that shared boundary with the government to appear, so that we can settle whatever differences they have, but they didn't appear. That forced us to write to the government to intervene in this land matter", he said. 

The Special Adviser on Security to the governor, Brig. General Ebenezer Ogundana, said the killing on the farm will be investigated thorough and those responsible for such carnage would be dealt with accordingly. 

In his submission, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ilori-Faboro and a member of the family that shares boundary with the settlement, Professor Israel Olatunde, regretted the death and promised that such won't repeat itself in the settlement. 

The monarch, who appealed for clemency on those being detained and are on trial in court, revealed that the farmers who encroached on the government's lands had realised their mistakes and are ready to retrace their steps. 

Oba Ilori-Faboro added that his council will write a letter of undertaking on behalf of the family involved to assure the farmers that they are safe to operate in the farm settle

Traditional Rulers Back Oyebanji’s Social Inclusion Outreach as Ekiti Govt. Expands Drive, Empowers Hundreds of PWDs.

Traditional Rulers Back Oyebanji’s Social Inclusion Outreach as Ekiti Govt. Expands Drive, Empowers Hundreds of PWDs.

In a human-centred move that underscores Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s commitment to inclusive governance, the Ekiti State Government has expanded its outreach to People With Disabilities (PWDs), delivering life-changing support across several communities in the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, reached hundreds of PWDs in Erijiyan, Ikogosi-Ekiti and Ipole-Iloro, offering everything from mobility aids and eye care referrals to vocational training and financial empowerment.

The outreach, which is part of the ongoing BAO Social Inclusion initiatives, goes beyond mere welfare as it signals a strategic, long-term investment in the social and economic participation of a marginalised group often ignored in development planning.

In Erijiyan, dozens of PWDs received mobility devices such as wheelchairs, crutches and guide canes, while others were referred to eye specialists for corrective treatment. 

Financial support was provided to petty traders to boost their businesses and those in livestock farming and needed farm inputs and processing equipment like smoking kilns to scale their operations were attended to. 

Children with disabilities were recommended for enrollment into special schools suited to their needs, while adults, both skilled and unskilled, were mapped for vocational training. 

Those without existing skills will also benefit from a three-month intensive programme at the PWD Skill Acquisition Centre in Ado-Ekiti, with accommodation, daily meals, monthly stipends, and start-up tools upon completion.

In her remarks, Princess Agboola, who led the delegation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering every Ekiti citizen, regardless of physical ability. 

She emphasised that disabilities, especially in children, could often be corrected or properly managed with early intervention and community support.

Citing the example of Eniola, a physically challenged Ekiti indigene who recently won a national art competition, Princess Agboola stated that disability should never be a limitation, saying it is a collective expectation to equip and uplift, not to pity. 

She added that the financial support given to PWDs was for strengthening their means of livelihood, while food and clothing needs were separately addressed.

Princess Agboola also pledged consistent follow-up to ensure that the beneficiaries not only receive aid but are also monitored for progress and impact.

The outreach received royal endorsements from traditional rulers in the visited communities. At Erijiyan, the Olohan of Erijiyan, HRM Oba (Dr.) Adegoroye Oluwadare Omosebi, described the social inclusion efforts as a blessing to the people, praying for the continuity of Governor Oyebanji’s policies through 2030.

At Ipole-Iloro, the Olupole, HRM Oba Ezekiel Oladele, also praised the initiative and commended the governor for recognising the dignity and potential of PWDs, urging community members to support the governor’s second-term ambition, describing him as “a listening leader who backs his words with action.”

For beneficiaries like Mr. Kehinde Adebusuyi, who received crutches, food items, and financial help, the outreach was more than a government gesture—it was personal. 

“We’ve never seen this kind of direct intervention before, i urge all PWDs to get their voter cards ready and support Governor Oyebanji. He has shown that we matter,” he said.

The ongoing social inclusion drive under Governor Oyebanji’s watch is fast becoming a reference point in participatory governance as he has laid the foundation for a more inclusive, productive society by investing in the welfare, education and economic empowerment of PWDs.