Surv. Abiodun Aluko Meets Ekiti Labour Leaders, Canvasses Support for BAO’s Second Term.

Surv. Abiodun Aluko Meets Ekiti Labour Leaders, Canvasses Support for BAO’s Second Term.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

Renowned Ekiti elder statesman and political stakeholder, Surv. Abiodun Aluko, has met with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Ekiti State, urging continued support for the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his re-election bid.

The strategic meeting, which held in Ado-Ekiti, focused on strengthening collaboration between labour unions and the current administration while appreciating the unions for their consistent support.

Aluko, a respected voice in the state’s political landscape, expressed deep appreciation for the unions’ support of Governor Oyebanji’s government and emphasized the importance of continuity for sustainable development.

“I thank you all sincerely for your unwavering support for the current government,” he said. “Governor Oyebanji has done well by prioritizing the welfare of workers and ensuring peace and development across the state. Supporting him for a second term is a step toward consolidating these gains.”

He encouraged the union leaders to maintain their unity and reaffirm their backing of the governor’s people-centered policies, noting that the administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to workers' rights and general wellbeing.

In their response, the labour leaders jointly acknowledged the performance of the Oyebanji-led government, particularly in the areas of welfarism, prompt salary payments, and general responsiveness to workers’ needs.

“We have always supported Governor Oyebanji because of his good work and genuine concern for the welfare of union members and all workers in Ekiti State,” one of the leaders said. “We are seeing real progress, and we believe continuity will bring even more benefits.”

The meeting ended on a high note, with both parties pledging continued cooperation and collective commitment to the growth and prosperity of Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji, widely known as BAO, continues to garner endorsements from key stakeholders across the state as momentum builds ahead of the next gubernatorial election.

Southwest NYC Chairmen Declare Unflinching Support for National President, Mobilize for Convention with Full Delegations.

Southwest NYC Chairmen Declare Unflinching Support for National President, Mobilize for Convention with Full Delegations.

…Say Their Voice Will Be Heard Through Their Votes.

In a strong show of unity and commitment to progressive leadership, the Conference of Chairmen of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) in the Southwest region has thrown its weight behind the current national leadership led by President Blessing Akinlosotu.

The regional bloc, which comprises the chairmen of all six states in the Southwest geopolitical zone, made its position known ahead of the highly anticipated National Convention of the NYC, scheduled to usher in a new wave of leadership for the youth-focused organization.

Speaking on behalf of the conference, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, the Coordinator and Chairman of the Southwest Conference of NYC Chairmen, lauded President Akinlosotu for his exceptional leadership, citing his dedication to youth development, unity, and capacity building across the country.

“We are proud of the direction the NYC has taken under the stewardship of President Akinlosotu,” Aare Adedara stated. “As we head into this critical convention, we are coming in full force—with our voices, our values, and our votes. Our voices will be heard, and we are prepared to support only candidates who are competent, visionary, and committed to creating opportunities for Nigerian youths.”

According to the group, each state in the region is fully mobilized and will be represented at the convention with carefully selected delegates. The chairmen emphasized their collective belief in a convention process that is democratic, transparent, and centered on empowering young Nigerians through inclusive policymaking and strategic collaboration.

The statement also included a call to action for state governments across the federation to support the NYC by ensuring the safety and security of all delegates attending the national event. “This is a crucial process that affects the future of young Nigerians; we urge all relevant authorities to play their part in protecting that future,” the statement read.

Aare Adedara also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Vice President (Southwest) of the Nigerian Youth Congress and other strategic stakeholders in the region for their unwavering support, unity, and shared vision for youth advancement.

“With the right leadership, we believe the NYC can continue to serve as a transformative force in Nigeria—bridging the gap between young people and opportunity,” he added. “We will continue to advocate for inclusion, innovation, and inspiration in youth governance.”

The upcoming National Convention is widely expected to serve as a turning point for the Nigerian Youth Congress, with the election of new national officers poised to redefine the agenda for youth involvement in national development.

As the countdown to the convention continues, all eyes remain on the youth delegates and their chosen leaders—those who will shape the next chapter of youth engagement and advocacy in Nigeria.

BATSV's GLOBAL CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES NENTAWE.

BATSV's GLOBAL CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES NENTAWE.

The Global Chairman, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard, BATSV, Ambassador Dr Dare Owotomobi, congratulates Prof. Nentawe Goshew Yilwatda on his emergence as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, after last Thursday's NEC meeting at the State House, Abuja.

He said with Prof. Yilwatda's experience as an academic, ICT expert , alongside his performance as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State which afforded him the opportunity to conduct off-circle elections in several states,  the party is poised to emerge victorious come 2027.

Dr Owotomobi said Asiwaju's choice of Nentawe is a deliberate move to reposition the APC against the recent marauding activities of the coalition, which resulted in the reinvigoration of the ADC, which was hitherto in limbo.

Ambassador Dare said Asiwaju's choice of Nentawe from the middle belt and Plateau State is no coincidence, but rather his consideration of Plateau as a melting pot of faiths, tribes, and turmoil. This is therefore expected to produce regional stability, ethnic equilibrium, and religious balance in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency.

It is therefore Ambassador Owotomobi's prayer that God almighty give Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda the enablement to deliver on the task ahead.

Ekiti recruits 400 new Amotekun, Agro Marshall corps to strengthen security.

Ekiti recruits 400 new Amotekun, Agro Marshall corps to strengthen security.

Ekiti State government has recruited an additional 404 personnel  into the Ekiti State Security Network Agency, (also known as Amotekun), the Agro-Marshal and Anti-grazing corps as part of its efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture especially at the grassroots.

Speaking on behalf of the Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji at the passing out parade of the new recruits at the NYSC Orientation Camp ground at Ise Ekiti on Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.), described the recruitment of the new security operatives as a sustained investment in the State’s security architecture, which underscores the BAO Administration’s commitment to safety of lives and property of residents of the State.

Gen. Ogundana stated that the move was aimed at further strengthening  the State’s security framework as government considered it necessary to rejig the security architecture of the State by establishing additional informal security outfits that will have community participation and complement efforts of the formal security agencies in the State. 

He said the Passing Out ceremony, which marked a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of a safer Ekiti State came as a result of the marching  order issued to the security agencies to reposition and address the emerging security challenges in the State.

He attributed the State’s relative peaceful atmosphere to deliberate planning, unrelenting investment, and concerted efforts aimed at creating a safe and conducive atmosphere to grow the economy through protection of lives and Property, protection of the Agric clusters to ensure food security and enhance intelligence gathering and sharing.

While congratulating the newly recruited operatives who have successfully gone through three weeks of  rigorous training, Gen. Ogundana urged them to let conscience guide their actions as they will be required to give account of their stewardship when the need arises. 

While assuring them that government had provided adequate logistics such as Vehicles and communication gadgets that will facilitate their quick response to distress calls from residents, the retired General used the opportunity to express appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede for approving officers of the Nigerian Army to train the operatives with support from other security agencies in the State. 

He commended the local government chairmen and traditional institutions for their immense contributions towards the success of the programme with the belief that the presence of the operatives will make remarkable difference in the security situation at the grassroots and the state at large.

Ogundana charged the new recruits to work collaboratively, discharge their responsibilities with dignity and prioritize the safety and security of our citizens at their various beats where they would be strategically deployed across the State to ensure maximum coverage.

“In the effort of the government to ensure security of lives and properties, the Governor considered it necessary to rejig the security architecture of the State by establishing additional informal security outfits that will have community participation to complement the effort of the former security agencies in the State. Hence, the establishment of Amotekun, Agro-Marshal and Anti-Grazing Corps in Ekiti State.

“Therefore the investment of the Governor on the recruitment and training of additional operatives of Amotekun, Agro Marshall and Grazing Marshal Corps is a good security strategy to reduce crimes in the State, protection of Lives and Property, protection of the Agric projects of the Governor and to ensure food security, enhance intelligence gathering and sharing, and collaboration with other security agencies.” He said. 

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr Ojo Oluwasegun commended Governor Oyebanji for his unrivalled investment in maintain security in the state which has adjudged Ekiti state as the safest in Nigeria.

The Director-General of Homeland Intelligence Agency in the State Mr Adetuberu Oludotun said the recruitment would, in no small measure, positively impact the communities and enhance the state’s capability to deal with all current and potential security threats, thereby providing an impetus to build a robust security apparatus designed to combat crime and ensure the safety of all residents in the State.

Ekiti to Tap Into Lagos’ ₦500bn Food Market Guarantee Scheme.

Ekiti to Tap Into Lagos’ ₦500bn Food Market Guarantee Scheme.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Ekiti State Government has announced its readiness to plug into the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund recently launched by the Lagos State Government under the Produce for Lagos initiative — a bold move aimed at expanding structured agricultural market access for producing states.

At the unveiling held in Lagos on Wednesday, Ekiti State was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, and the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Tayo Adeola. The duo conveyed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to leveraging the opportunity to boost local food production and improve farmers’ income.

Hon. Boluwade, in his remarks, described the initiative as “timely and strategic,” noting that aligning with Lagos — Nigeria’s largest consumer market — would significantly transform Ekiti’s agribusiness landscape.

“For agriculture to thrive, structured access to market is non-negotiable. Lagos presents the biggest of such markets, and we’re coming into this program fully prepared,” Boluwade said.

He revealed that Ekiti, in the past two farming seasons, has cleared over 4,500 hectares of farmland, and currently leads in rice production across the Southwest. He also cited the state's achievements in poultry broiler production under a government-driven model.

In 2024, the state established Ilu Eye Agro Trading and Aggregation Company Limited, a vehicle designed to coordinate produce aggregation and link farmers directly to buyers within and beyond state borders.

“Ilu Eye Agro ticks every box for this programme. This isn’t just talk — we have the systems in place,” he added.

According to him, both states will continue to engage in talks to finalise the commercial structure and rollout plan, with active participation from key stakeholders across the agriculture value chain.

“Our Governor is keen on practical partnerships that unlock wealth and opportunities for our people. This collaboration with Lagos is a clear step in that direction,” Boluwade said.

The Produce for Lagos scheme is a market-led intervention that guarantees offtake of agricultural produce for Lagos consumption, while creating wealth and food security across participating states.

Agbeyewa Farms: Where Strategy Cultivates Transformation.

Agbeyewa Farms: Where Strategy Cultivates Transformation.

Raheem Akingbolu 

In the quiet heart of Ekiti, where rich soil cradles deep tradition, Agbeyewa Farms is sowing the future of agribusiness. With a sharp lens on economic scalability and a deep-rooted commitment to agricultural renewal, it blends modern business acumen with the soul of rural transformation. This isn’t just a farm; it’s a bold blueprint for how cassava, once a humble staple, can rise as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and prosperity.

Yesterday, I made an impromptu detour to Agbeyewa Farms headquarters at Ipao-Ekiti, nestled within Ekiti State’s Ikole Local Government. I’ve visited before, but this time was different. I was immersed in a full-throttle business session: The Mid-year performance reports, where departmental heads presented, reviewed, dissected, asked questions, and strategies were being sharpened in real-time.

At the helm was Oska 'Seyi Ayeleso, Managing Director of the farm. Oska wasn’t just present; he was plugged in. With a background steeped in corporate Nigeria and experience spanning Financial Services, Oil & Gas, and FMCG, he brings seasoned insight to the table. His engagement was surgical—listening intently, probing for clarity, making notes, and steering with the calm precision of one who’s truly in the driver’s seat.

Joining virtually but felt viscerally was Anthonia Attoh, VP of Operations. Her enthusiasm cut through the screen. She applauded the team’s efforts but didn’t shy from reminding them of their greater mission: to disrupt cassava farming in Nigeria and transform Agbeyewa into a sourcing powerhouse for agribusinesses far and wide.

Three hours on site felt less like a casual visit and more like attending a miniature MBA class. The moderator was none other than the renowned first-class agronomist and General Manager, Farm Operations, Babatunde Akinsinde, dishing out the roll calls of leaders to review their operations over the last six months. Presentation after presentation revealed not just passion but precision.

I soaked up lessons in agronomy, farm operations, procurement, strategy, and marketing—and I must say, my brilliant friend Rotimi Wusu’s segment on communications was something else. He didn’t just deliver a presentation; he orchestrated a masterclass in brand storytelling. The standing ovation was richly deserved.

Agbeyewa Farms is no doubt full of talented and smart professionals. They were all carefully selected by the scion of the talent department, Kehinde Fayomi, who made a presentation that truly encapsulated a team of professionals working in the most cultured company in the world.

Then there’s Saturday Idogen—popularly known as The Dean. He is the Senior Manager, Farm Operations. According to his colleagues, he’s the doyen of Agricultural Transformation at Agbeyewa. His presentation on the company's entire farm operations was poignant. It raises my emotions and desires towards abandoning my journalism career for agronomy. Saturday, I was told, is the chief proponent of the Agbeyewa Agricultural Academy, coming to the table soon.

I super enjoyed the presentation of my friend ADL, popularly called Adl Jinger. He’s the Director of Community Engagement. Unofficially, he’s the brand’s living, breathing, and negotiating ambassador of the Agbeyewa Farms. Fluent in local dialects, trusted by royal fathers, and relentless in his pursuit of new farmland acquisition. ADL shows that versatility isn’t just desirable—it’s essential. Juggling major responsibilities while doubling as the brand's face across Ekiti, he exemplifies purposeful multitasking.

What stood out the most? The people. Their zeal. Their commitment. Their unmistakable grasp of leadership. At Agbeyewa, cassava isn’t a crop; it’s a calling. And judging by what I witnessed, they’re not just farming—they’re rewriting the playbook.

In all, I saw passion, I saw commitment, and I saw leadership. To the Agbeyewa team, cassava is indeed a serious business. Amidst the rustle of cassava leaves and the quiet hum of a purposeful workforce, Agbeyewa Farms emerges as more than just an agricultural enterprise—it is a crucible where talent, tenacity, and vision are tenderly nurtured.

Here, boardroom strategies meet red earth realities, and every presentation becomes a lesson in leadership. What’s cultivated isn’t merely produce; it’s progress. From the poise of Oska Ayeleso to the passionate reach of Anthonia Attoh and the deft diplomacy of Dauda Lawal, Agbeyewa is a symphony of minds orchestrating a rural renaissance. And if cassava had a heartbeat, it would echo from this corner of Ekiti.

#Agbeyewatotheworld

#EmpoweringCommunities

Ekiti State Government Launches Landmark Reforestation Initiative in Partnership with MBH Global Resources Limited.

Ekiti State Government Launches Landmark Reforestation Initiative in Partnership with MBH Global Resources Limited.

In a monumental step towards ecological restoration and sustainable development, the Ekiti State Government has officially launched a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative focused on reforesting significant areas within the state. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed recently with the innovative timber and agriculture company, MBH Global Resources Limited. This partnership aims to plant thousands of trees in deforested areas, preserve existing forested regions, create hundreds of job opportunities, and expand the state’s revenue base.

The ambitious project will involve the replanting of up to 1,000 hectares of deforested landscapes with a diverse mix of exotic and indigenous economic trees. This collaborative venture will be jointly managed by MBH Global Resources Limited and the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, starting with an immediate focus on planting 100 hectares within the Ise Forest Reserve located in the Ise-Orun Local Government Area.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, signed on behalf of the government. Additionally, Mr. Adekunle Sunday, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, also signed the MOU, reinforcing the state's commitment to the initiative. During the signing ceremony, Governor Oyebanji expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “The green economy is a great opportunity for Ekiti to shine. Our natural assets can provide livelihoods while protecting our environment. This investment signifies confidence in our efforts to rejuvenate rural development and discover innovative pathways in the green economy.” 

Echoing the Governor’s sentiments, Prince Adebanjo Adejuwon, CEO of MBH Global Resources, praised the administration’s dedication to sustainable projects: “Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to green investment is inspiring. This partnership reflects a modern approach to governance that prioritizes environmental responsibility and fosters long-term economic growth.”

The agreement, spanning 30 years, ensures a consistent revenue stream for the state, as 30% of the timber's value will be remitted to Ekiti State’s coffers. The reforestation effort will feature both popular commercial species and the indigenous trees that once established the state as a hub for Nigeria’s timber industry, contributing to ecological balance and enhanced economic benefits.

The forestry initiative is expected to generate at least 100 jobs during its establishment phase, transitioning to approximately 40 full-time roles and 10 seasonal positions focused on key activities such as planting, weeding, and maintenance. In addition to job creation, the project will support continual management and protection of the area, curbing illegal activities, preventing erosion and fire risks, and promoting ecological restoration adjacent to the nationally significant Ise Forest Conservation Area.

Hon. Tayo Adeola, Ekiti State Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, remarked, “This partnership is a testament to our administration's commitment to attracting reputable investors. I am optimistic about the economic and environmental benefits this collaboration will bring to Ekiti.”

Using cutting-edge satellite Land Use Land Cover maps, facilitated by the UK FCDO Propcom+ programme under the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative, the Ekiti State Government identified optimal locations for the reforestation project to maximize impact. The approach will adhere to global standards to safeguard culturally significant sites, wetlands, and existing vegetation.

With the Ekiti State Forestry Law 2016 incentivizing private plantation development through reduced fees, the state is fostering a thriving forestry sector for the future. Hon. Tayo Adeola stated, “Our forests possess immense potential for environmental protection and entrepreneurial prospects. We are enabling responsible growth in our forest sector while promoting private sector participation and safeguarding our natural resources.”

Prince Adebanjo Adejuwon articulated the rationale behind this initiative: “Our decision to invest in Ekiti is grounded in the state’s vast environmental potential, suitable land access, and a rising national recognition of sustainable development. By reintroducing fast-growing species like Gmelina alongside rare indigenous varieties, we aim to contribute to ecological restoration and rural development.”

He further emphasized the importance of forestry as critical for Nigeria’s future: “Forestry has a significant role to play in environmental restoration, economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.”

The significance of this partnership transcends economic benefits. It represents a collective commitment to healing the earth, nurturing ecosystems, and investing in Nigeria’s green future.