EKITI STATE COMMITS N200 MILLION TO SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION FOR YOUTH-LED FARM HUBS.

EKITI STATE COMMITS N200 MILLION TO SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION FOR YOUTH-LED FARM HUBS.

As part of ongoing efforts to revolutionize the agricultural sector and empower young farmers across Ekiti State, the Government has approved the sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) for the construction of Modular Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems at selected farm hubs currently in use under the Bring Back Youths into Agriculture (BBYA) Programme.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade.

The initiative forms a critical component of the State’s strategy to modernize agriculture, enhance productivity, and reduce dependence on rain-fed farming. 

The irrigation systems will tap into perennial water bodies located across the State, ensuring year-round farming activities and mitigating the risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns.

The solar-powered systems will be deployed to farm hubs in Ose Centre, Emure Local Government; Ado-Ekiti; Ikere and Aramoko, where clusters of youth-led agricultural activities are already thriving under the BBYA programme.

This bold investment underscores the commitment of the State Government to youth empowerment and sustainable agricultural development, aligning with the broader agenda of national food security and economic diversification.

EKSG Dissolves Traditional Council, Appoints Ogoga of Ikere as New Chairman.

EKSG Dissolves Traditional Council, Appoints Ogoga of Ikere as New Chairman.

The Ekiti State Government has dissolved the State Council of Traditional Rulers, chaired by the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, HRM, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro.

The dissolution was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye, and made available to newsmen on Thursday. 

The government's action was sequel to the expiration of the council, whose two-year tenure expires on 31st July, 2025, having been composed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji on 31st July, 2023.

Flowing from the above, the Ekiti State Government has appointed the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, HRM, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, Agirilala II, as the new Chairman of the Council.

Oba Adu Alagbado, is to succeed the outgone Chairman of the council and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, HRM, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro.

The date for the swearing-in of the Chairman, which will be performed by His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi  Oyebanji, will be announced later.

The Ekiti State Government appreciated the immediate past chairman and members of his council for their sense of patriotism in partnering the state government, not only to protect the traditional institution, but to raise the bar of governance in Ekiti State. 

The government also congratulated the new Chairman and wishes him a rewarding time as he presides over  the respectable traditional council.

Ekiti Caucus of the National Assembly Marvels at Agbeyewa Farms' Agricultural Prowess.

Ekiti Caucus of the National Assembly Marvels at Agbeyewa Farms' Agricultural Prowess.

Yesterday, the Ekiti caucus of the House of Representatives, led by Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile paid a courtesy visit to Agbeyewa Farms and was thoroughly impressed by what they saw. The National Assembly lawmakers were left flabbergasted by the farm's size, operations, and achievements, showcasing the potential for agricultural development and job creation in Ekiti and Nigeria.

The leader of the team and Chairman of the Ekiti caucus, Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile was personally astonished, saying, "Coming to Agbeyewa Farm, I discovered that I haven't seen a farm before. Besides, I used to live in the US, where I spent 16 uninterrupted years, and it baffles me that someone can be in his comfort zone in the US and think of investing in an agricultural activity like this in Ekiti. To me, this is more than giving back. And to borrow the words of my father, I'm flabbergasted."

This sentiment was echoed by Hon. Olusola Fatoba, who commended the Chairman of Agbeyewa, John Olajide, for his patriotic zeal, saying, "We commend the Chairman of Agbeyewa, John Olajide, whose patriotic zeal gave birth to this agricultural venture. As members of the Ekiti caucus in the National Assembly, we will ensure that Agbeyewa receives all the necessary attention and support from all the relevant agencies of government." 

The lawmakers' admiration for Agbeyewa Farms was palpable, with Hon. (AVM) Rufus Ojuawo humbly admitting, "Before now, I used to think I had a farm, but on my visit to Agbeyewa Farm, I realized I have just a garden." He further praised the transformative impact of Glocient at Ikogosi, saying, "In my recent visits to Ikogosi Warm Spring, including the most recent ones, I was dazed that the same resort that has almost lost all its natural ambiance and beauty has been turned around by Glocient. Kudos to Chairman of Cavista, John Olajide, and his team."

Hon. Davidson Akinlayo's sentiments resonated with the group's overall impression, as he expressed his pride and gratitude, saying, "I'm humbled today, and I'm happy because the Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, John Olajide, is from my constituency. He has done wonderfully well here, and I'm going to sponsor 100 youths from my constituency for training at Agbeyewa. What we have seen here today is beyond words."

This visit has further enhanced Agbeyewa's shared commitment to Ekiti State and Nigeria's socio-economic development through investments in sustainable agriculture and job creation, as Rt. Hon Bamisile made some spirited commitment to boost infrastructure with the Agbeyewa farm. 

"We plan to legislate policies to support large mechanized farms like Agbeyewa; showcase its success to the entire National Assembly and collaborate with our colleagues to provide further support; secure tractors from the Federal Government's purchases for Agbeyewa; provide solar lights for the farm and upgrade its inner roads; drill more boreholes on the farm, and support the Ifaki-Ikole-Omuo-Kabba road project. These initiatives will not only benefit Agbeyewa but also serve as legacy community projects for us, benefiting the local community."

Thanking the visitors, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Seyi Ayeleso, on behalf of Agbeyewa Farms Chairman, John Olajide, appreciated the distinguished honorable members for their visit. "We appreciate you all on behalf of our Chairman and the entire team of Agbeyewa Farms for this special visit. At Agbeyewa, we are proud to lead the charge and drive inclusive growth in sustainable agriculture. What we are doing is empowering local communities and contributing to the overall development of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole."

"It is all about creating value and transforming lives. Our Chairman, John Olajide, has just three visions in Ekiti: Creation of jobs, more jobs, and even more jobs. He believes that's the only way we can significantly eradicate poverty and transform the lives of our people."

"We are doing that, and today, we have over 1,000 workers earning their livings from this singular investment. This area you see used to be the headquarters of the kidnappers. All that are gone today."

"We are grateful for your coming as we look forward to working together on this journey of impact, growth, and transformation," said Ayeleso.

More Photos from the event below:

Traditional Wedding Coordinators in Ekiti Celebrate Leadership, Bestow State Elder Honour on Mrs. Olaide Adu.

Traditional Wedding Coordinators in Ekiti Celebrate Leadership, Bestow State Elder Honour on Mrs. Olaide Adu.

In a colourful celebration of remarkable members and leadership, the Association of Professional Traditional Wedding Coordinators of Nigeria (APTWECON), Ekiti State Chapter, has honoured Mrs. Olaide Temitope Adu, Vice Chairman of the Achievers Zone, Ado Ekiti, with the distinguished title of State Elder/Leader.

The recognition, conferred during a ceremony in Ado Ekiti, placed Mrs. Adu alongside nine other distinguished members drawn from the 10 zones of the association across the state.

Explaining the significance of the award, the Ekiti State Governor of APTWECON, Olori Adesina Oluwafunke, said the recipients were carefully selected based on their dedication to the growth and progress of the body. 

She described Mrs. Adu as a passionate trailblazer whose selfless service had strengthened the association.

“Engagers are the life of traditional wedding ceremonies. Without their coordination, the celebration lacks colour and excitement. Mrs. Adu has shown exceptional leadership and wisdom, qualities that make her worthy of guiding the association as State Elder,” Olori Oluwafunke remarked.

Responding to the honour, Mrs. Adu expressed gratitude to God and the state chapter of APTWECON for the recognition, pledging to redouble her efforts to unite members, strengthen their relevance at the national level and foster harmony within the body.

“Our work as traditional wedding coordinators brings joy to families. We must, therefore, uphold love, cooperation, and integrity while avoiding anything that could bring disrepute to the association,” she advised.

Balancing her multiple roles, Mrs. Adu, who also serves as the Principal of the Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro Ekiti, assured members that her official duties would not hinder her new responsibility. 

“My role in the association is mostly at weekends, while my school duties are on weekdays. This honour only challenges me to do more. I will not let the association down,” she promised.

A founding member of APTWECON in Ekiti, Mrs. Adu has also distinguished herself as President of the Home Economics Teachers Association in the state. 

In her new role, she is expected to provide guidance, moral and financial support to the association, represent Ekiti at national engagements and defend the state’s interests within the organisation.

Unanimously endorsed by members, she has been widely praised as a competent leader and a role model who embodies both professional excellence and elder statesmanship.

NO DISCONTENT AMONG OUR PARTY LEADERS -EKITI APC.

NO DISCONTENT AMONG OUR PARTY LEADERS -EKITI APC.

For the umpteenth time, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State is reiterating that that there is no iota of discontent among the leaders of the party in the state. 

We are not unmindful of the efforts of some enemies within and without to cause a crack within our party and enter us through it. We call them crisis merchants, _arije ninu idaru._ They believe the only way they could benefit was to find faults in the relationships among our leaders and enlarge them through propaganda. But they will not succeed. 

Our party, APC, is intact and formidable, our leaders are united in their resolve to see the incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji emerge for the second term, come 2026.

The recent statewide adoption of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyebanji/Afuye for a second term was politically correct and a welcome development. Our party might not have sponsored it, but we are not against it. Rather, we are happy to see it happen. We are, after all, the pacesetter and the party to beat both at the state and federal levels. And, as we state repeatedly, such adoption should not foreclose the ambition of other aspirants within the party, who may wish to throw themselves into the ring. We are in a democracy and we are a party that plays according to the rules. 

However, what we will frown at is for anyone to attempt at decimating our party with his or her ambition. You don't have to crack the wall to enter, neither should you enter through the window. Come through the door and come clean with your ambition. Come and test your might against that of the incumbent. Politics is a game of number, and our symbol is broom, signifying unity. 

Know this and know peace. 

Signed:

Segun Dipe

SPS, APC, Ekiti State. 

Tuesday 29/07/2025

Hitting The Ground Running; Hon. Akande Begins Inspection of Ondo Water Sector Facilities.

Hitting The Ground Running; Hon. Akande Begins Inspection of Ondo Water Sector Facilities.

The newly appointed Ondo State Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon. Ayodele Akande, has embarked on an inspection tour of key water sector facilities in the state.

The visit, which took place on 29th July, 2025, was aimed at assessing the current state of infrastructure, identifying challenges, and evaluating the prospects within the sector.

Facilities visited include the Akure Area Office of the Ondo State Water Corporation, the proposed site for the Water Corporation’s Headquarters and Central Laboratory, as well as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

Akande, during the visit, emphasized his commitment at motivating staff, and improving operational efficiency in line with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE Agenda — particularly in the delivery of clean , safe and potable water to residents across the state.

"This visit is part of our familiarisation and groundwork to reposition the sector for optimal performance," he said.

The commissioner was accompanied by top officials, including the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Victoria Adetoye; General Manager of RUWASSA, Engr. Rotimi Oladimeji, General Manager of the Ondo State Water Corporation, Engr. Remigius Ogunjobi, and top Management Staff of the water sector.

The inspection tour is expected to continue across other facilities in the state over the coming weeks.

Olukoju Clement,

Communication Officer (PIU)

Senator Yemi Adaramodu Applauds Corps Members at NYSC Presidential Award Ceremony.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu Applauds Corps Members at NYSC Presidential Award Ceremony.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagements, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, in attendance at the NYSC Presidential Award Ceremony held on Tuesday the State House, Aso Villa, Abuja. The prestigious event, hosted by the Presidency, celebrated outstanding 200 corps members who exhibited exceptional patriotism, innovation, and community service during their national service year.

Senator Adaramodu, who is also the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs and represents Ekiti South Senatorial District, commended the award recipients for their unwavering dedication to national growth and service. He noted that the awardees demonstrated the true spirit of the NYSC scheme and served as shining examples for other Nigerian youths.

Speaking shortly after the event, Senator Adaramodu reiterated the importance of strengthening the NYSC scheme through sustainable government support. He emphasized the need for continued investment in youth development, skills acquisition, and post-service empowerment opportunities for corps members.

The senator, a vocal advocate for the NYSC Trust Fund, highlighted the relevance of the proposed bill which has been passed in the Senate and transmitted for Presidential Assent. According to him, the Trust Fund, once signed into law, would ensure adequate funding for corps members’ welfare, entrepreneurship training, and capital support, thereby reducing post-service unemployment and promoting national productivity.

Senator Adaramodu also commended the NYSC management for upholding the values of unity, discipline, and selfless service over the years. He called on relevant stakeholders to collaborate in further enhancing the capacity of the scheme to meet contemporary challenges and drive inclusive youth development across the country.

The NYSC Presidential Award remains one of the highest recognitions accorded to corps members in Nigeria, acknowledging their contributions to national unity and development. The presence of key government officials and legislators, underscores the importance placed on youth engagement and national service as cornerstones for Nigeria’s progress.