EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT PARTNERS WITH NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NiMET) TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT PARTNERS WITH NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NiMET) TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY.

The Ekiti State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to enhance agricultural activities in the State through the provision of accurate and timely weather information.

In Pic Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro

The collaboration follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ekiti State Government, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, and NiMet, represented by its Legal Services Director and Board Secretary, Mr. Shola Gabriel.

NiMet Legal Services Director and Board Secretary, Mr. Shola Gabriel.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Babatope Ojo, reaffirmed the readiness of the State Government to work closely with NiMet to provide Ekiti farmers with vital meteorological data. This, he noted, will enable them to make informed decisions that will improve productivity and ensure food security. 

He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his proactive measures in supporting farmers and safeguarding the State’s food supply chain.

In his remarks, NiMet’s Legal Director, Mr. Shola Gabriel, assured that the Agency will provide timely and precise weather forecasts to guide farmers on the best periods for planting and harvesting, thereby boosting yields and minimizing losses.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Agro-Meteorology at NiMet, Mr. Haruna Zakari, highlighted the vast opportunities inherent in the partnership. According to him, the initiative will not only improve farmers’ livelihoods but also facilitate agricultural experiments aimed at enhancing productivity, diversifying crop varieties, and ensuring sustainable farming practices across the State.

The Ekiti State Government remains committed to deploying innovative partnerships to strengthen the agricultural sector in alignment with its vision for economic growth, job creation, and food security.

OSV Urges Ekiti APC Members to Revalidate Membership Ahead of Governorship Primaries.

OSV Urges Ekiti APC Members to Revalidate Membership Ahead of Governorship Primaries.

With the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Ekiti State set for October 27, 2025, the Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV) has called on party members across the state to actively participate in the ongoing membership revalidation exercise.

The grassroots mobilisation group, known for its unwavering support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, said the exercise, which began on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, across the 16 local government areas, is in line with directives from the APC National Secretariat.

Chairman of the National Committee on the revalidation exercise, Jarret Tenebe, who arrived in the state alongside other committee members, described the process as crucial for updating the party’s membership register. According to him, the updated database will be key to the success of the primaries ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

A party chieftain and OSV member, Mr. Olupitan Adebayo, popularly known as “Unusual” from Ilogbo Ward, noted that the revalidation is backed by Article 9.3(1) of the APC Constitution, which stipulates that only financially up-to-date members can vote or be voted for.

In a statement signed by OSV Convener, HC Ade, after the group’s strategic review meeting, the exercise was described as an opportunity to strengthen the party’s membership base and reflect its growth ahead of major electoral contests.

“We urge all bonafide members of our great party to visit their respective wards and take advantage of this opportunity to revalidate their membership. A strong and dedicated membership remains the foundation on which any political party is built,” the statement read.

Afe Babalola Meets Cavista Holdings Chair, Olajide.

Afe Babalola Meets Cavista Holdings Chair, Olajide.

Legal icon and Founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, on Thursday met with the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, for a quality conversation centered on Ekiti State’s development and potential areas of collaboration. Olajide, on his first courtesy visit to Aare Afe Babalola, expressed deep admiration for the elder statesman’s legacy investments in Ekiti State.

During the visit, Chief Babalola personally directed his team to take Olajide on a tour of ABUAD’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, academic buildings across various colleges, the ABUAD Industrial Park, and ABUAD Farms, among others.

Speaking after the tour, Olajide described the university as a monumental achievement that has significantly elevated the standard of education in Nigeria while creating countless job opportunities for Ekiti State. 

"I’m impressed with all that I have seen at ABUAD, and I think Chief Babalola deserves the commendation of all for this huge investment. At close to 100, Aare Afe Babalola remains a great pride and an illustrious ambassador of the people of Ekiti State and Nigeria. This is a lifelong legacy, and posterity will not forget Chief Babalola in history," he remarked.

In response, the nonagenarian lauded Olajide for his substantial contributions to Ekiti’s economy through his investments in agriculture and hospitality, noting that his efforts through the establishment of Agbeyewa Farms and Glocient Hospitality have created jobs and driven growth in the state. Chief Babalola expressed optimism that this meeting would pave the way for a fruitful partnership that would further enhance Ekiti’s development in education, agriculture, hospitality, and beyond.

The meeting also served as a reminder of the importance of synergy between two private investors in development efforts. Both leaders agreed that such collaborations are key to unlocking Ekiti’s potential and building a brighter future for its people, particularly in critical sectors like education, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, and agriculture.

The meeting between these two prominent figures underscores the importance of collaboration and visionary leadership in driving sustainable growth for Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji’s Aides Donate N10m for Governor’s Nomination Form.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji’s Aides Donate N10m for Governor’s Nomination Form.

In an apparent show of solidarity, political aides of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State have donated the sum of N10million to purchase the All Progressive Congress (APC) nomination form for the Governor ahead of the forthcoming governorship primary election of the party. 

The gesture, which was announced in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, involved the Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Senior Technical Assistants, and Technical Assistants serving in the current administration.

The aides gathered at the Governor’s office dancing and singing during the presentation. 

Speaking on behalf of the group during the presentation of the check to the Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategy, Hon Tope Olanipekun, noted that Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated exceptional leadership, transparency, and dedication to the welfare of Ekiti people. This, according to him, justifies their decision to rally support for his second-term in office , adding that the contribution was voluntary and reflect the confidence the aides have in the Governor’s ability to sustain good governance.

Stressing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had set cost of purchase of expression of interest form at N10million and Nomination form at N40Million, as well as scheduling the commencement of sale of form, for August 26th, the aides said they chose to pay for the expression of interest form to show the world that all the endorsements by over 300 groups in the state were true reflection of the love the people have for the Governor. 

The aides further stressed that their decision was driven by the desire to ensure continuity of the Governor’s policies and projects, particularly in infrastructure, human capital development, and economic growth a former

They assured that they will continue to mobilize stakeholders across the state to consolidate the Governor’s achievements and ensure he records an overwhelming victory at the governorship election next year. 

Responding on behalf of the Governor, the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, who acknowledged the gesture with gratitude, commended the iades for their unwavering support and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by sustaining his people-oriented governance.

While explaining that the Governor sees the donation as more than just a financial contribution but as a demonstration of shared vision and collective responsibility for the progress of the state

According to him “the Governor remains grateful for the confidence reposed in his leadership and will continue to run an open, inclusive, and transparent government.

He urged them to go beyond financial support by mobilizing citizens across the state to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasizing that it is the only way their voices could be heard.

NPUGA 2025 Football: Venite University to Face Pan-Atlantic, Gregory in Group G Battle.

NPUGA 2025 Football: Venite University to Face Pan-Atlantic, Gregory in Group G Battle.

Venite University has been drawn alongside Pan-Atlantic University and Gregory University in Group G of the NPUGA 2025 Football Competition, setting up a high-stakes clash of skill and strategy.

The Nigeria Private Universities Games Association (NPUGA) unveiled the group stage line-up through its official media partner, TCL Global, via its WhatsApp channel, sparking anticipation across campuses for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.

Full Group Stage Draw

Group A: Babcock University, Crawford University, Trinity University

Group B: Chrisland University, Christopher University, Fountain University

Group C: Western Delta University, Veritas University, Caleb University

Group D: Mountain Top University, Lead City University, Oduduwa University

Group E: Afe Babalola University, McPherson University, JABU University

Group F: Achievers University, Redeemer’s University, Ritman University

Group G: Pan-Atlantic University, Gregory University, Venite University

Group H: Bells University, Afelete University, Crescent University

With the fixtures now confirmed, Venite University will look to harness its competitive edge and push for a strong run in the tournament. Supporters are urged to follow match updates, wear the university colours with pride, and rally behind the team as it kicks off its quest for NPUGA glory.

Ogoga of Ikere Refutes Claims of Waning Support for Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye.

Ogoga of Ikere Refutes Claims of Waning Support for Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye.

…Says Deputy Governor Enjoys Huge Popularity in Ikere.

The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Samuel Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, Agirilala II, has refuted claims by a former Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Hon. Femi Ayodele, that support for the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, is dwindling in her hometown due to alleged misunderstandings.

Speaking with reporters in Ikere, Oba Adu-Alagbado dismissed Ayodele’s social media post, stressing that the Deputy Governor enjoys overwhelming popularity in the town.

According to the Ogoga, Mrs. Afuye has the full backing of the people of Ikere, especially from himself as the traditional ruler, the Ogoga-in-Council, and other prominent personalities of the community. He commended her contributions to the state as Deputy Governor and her service to Ikere as both a Princess and a titled chief of the town.

He urged residents to remain united in their support for the Deputy Governor, noting that she played a key role in his emergence as Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The monarch further stated that the present administration, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji with Mrs. Afuye as Deputy Governor, has prioritized the welfare of Ikere indigenes. He highlighted several development projects already sited in the town for the benefit of its residents.

EKITI APC PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN DEPUTY GOVERNOR.

EKITI APC PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN DEPUTY GOVERNOR.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has passed a vote of confidence in the Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye. 

In a release signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, the Party described Mrs Afuye as a party faithful, qualified, competent and loyal representative of the party in government. 

According to Dipe, the Deputy Governor matches the Governor well, and there is no reason for anyone to call for her removal in office. Not only is such call unnecessary, the party also lacks the power to grant it. 

Dipe noted that such power to remove a Governor or his deputy from office, if for any reason, is vested only the State House of Assembly, and cannot be applied recklessly or arbitrarily, rather after following the due process laid down in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 1999.

Some faceless persons under the guise of an unregistered group have been circulating an unsigned release, demanding for the removal of Chief Mrs. Afuye as deputy governor, citing unsubstantiated academic qualification as their ground. 

On the matter of academic qualification, the Constitution is crystal clear in Section 177 that the minimum qualification required of a governor and deputy governor is a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent as recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Also, it is only the State House of Assembly that can remove either the governor or the deputy governor and the ground for which any or both of them can be removed is that of gross misconduct. 

Section 189(11) describes gross misconduct for which a governor or deputy governor can be removed as "a grave violation or breach of the provisions of the Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts in the opinion of the House of Assembly as gross misconduct." 

As noted from the above, it is crystal clear that neither a person not group of persons can raise their voice(s) against the sitting governor or his deputy for a jejune reason not provided for in the Constitution. 

Dipe then called on the good people of the State to disregard the call by the mindless group as an intention to create a distraction in governance. 

Speaking generally on the conduct of Chief Afuye, APC said that she was good mannered, trusted and tested representative of the party in government. 

"We can further confirm that Chief Afuye is a good compliment of the governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO, in the day to day running of the affairs of the State. The governor on the other hand has not for once complained of Mrs Afuye's performance in office as deputy governor," Dipe said. 

Signed:

Segun Dipe

State Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State. 

Wednesday 13 August, 2025.