OYEBANJI REMOVES CHAIRMAN, MICROCREDIT AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY.

OYEBANJI REMOVES CHAIRMAN, MICROCREDIT AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY.

Ekiti  State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has relieved Akogun Abayomi Olumide  a.k.a Lustay of his position as Chairman of the Microcredit and Enterprise Development.

The removal, which was as a result of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty, is with immediate effect.

The sacked Chairman has also been directed to hand over all Government properties in his custody to the Agency.

Signed: 

Olayinka  Oyebode

Chief  Press Secretary to the Governor

16-08-2025

Group Warns Against Instigating Division Between Minister Tunji-Ojo and Governor Ayedatiwa.

Group Warns Against Instigating Division Between Minister Tunji-Ojo and Governor Ayedatiwa.

A political support group, BTO Ambassadors, has warned against alleged moves by some political actors to instigate division between the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The group, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that certain individuals, including some beneficiaries of both leaders, were hiding under “eye service” to create needless tension in the state’s political space.

It, however, maintained that both Tunji-Ojo and Aiyedatiwa enjoy a cordial working relationship and are jointly committed to the progress of Ondo State and the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The statement read partly, “BTO is for Aiyedatiwa, and Aiyedatiwa is for BTO. Both leaders are working tremendously towards the progress of Ondo State. We therefore warn loyalists and beneficiaries to desist from launching attacks on the Honourable Minister. They should learn to make enquiries before passing harsh comments or engaging in shallow criticisms that may disrupt the state’s political system.”

The group further clarified that all PBAT support groups established to back BTO’s commitment to President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid are structures working solely for the Tinubu mandate, and were never created to antagonise or provoke the Ondo State government. It stressed that Tunji-Ojo would not endorse any divisive agenda. 

It further cautioned loyalists on both sides against dragging either leader into personal battles.

“BTO loyalists should know that they cannot use the minister’s name to fight their personal wars, just as Aiyedatiwa’s supporters should avoid the same. The unity between both leaders is paramount for the peace and development of Ondo State,” the statement added.

The group also advised the APC state chairmanship Aspirants should desist from causing crisis between the Honorable Minister and the Governor, rather they should reach out to party members and notable leaders instead of dwelling on divisive tendencies between the Hon. Minister and the Governor.

Ekiti Govt, ENSHET Global Sign MoU for Agro-Forest Investment Expected to Create 1,000 Jobs.

Ekiti Govt, ENSHET Global Sign MoU for Agro-Forest Investment Expected to Create 1,000 Jobs.

The Ekiti State Government has signed a 30-year Memorandum of Understanding MoU, with ENSHET Heights Global for the development of economic trees on a 100-hectare portion of the Ogbese Forest Reserve, marking another giant step towards sustainable forest development and boosting the state’s agro-economic value chain.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ekiti State Government by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro, in the presence of the Executive Secretary, Forestry Commission, Mr. Sunday Adekunle while the 

Chairman, Mr Oladapo Olasope, signed for Enshet Heights Global Ltd, as witnessed by Dr Tunmise Ayodele, MD/CEO Enshet Heights Global Ltd. 

Under the agreement, the state government is granting ENSHET Global access to 1,500 hectares within the Ogbese Forest, out of which 100 hectares will be dedicated to the cultivation of high-value economic trees for commercial purposes.

The initiative, which is to be supervised at no cost by officials of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, mandates ENSHET Global to cultivate only approved species and prohibits the planting of Indian hemp or any unlawful crop.

According to the terms, the investment will run from 1st August 2025 to 31st July 2055, subject to review every five years and renewable based on satisfactory performance.

Harvesting of any mature trees will be carried out jointly upon confirmation by an independent valuer and the Forestry Commission, who will issue the necessary permits. 

It was agreed that any attempt to remove trees without due process or the state’s percentage entitlement will be deemed a breach and sanctioned in line with the Ekiti State Forestry Laws.

Both parties are committed to maintaining confidentiality, acting in good faith, and abiding by Nigerian laws regarding dispute resolution, which shall be settled through arbitration in Ado-Ekiti if required.

The MoU also includes provisions for termination should either party default on agreed obligations or fail to perform satisfactorily. 

Importantly, arbitrary termination, especially after ENSHET Global has made substantial investment, would require the state to refund the investment as valued by jointly appointed independent assessors

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/CEO of Enshet Heights Global Ltd., Dr. Tunmise Ayodele, explained that the project is designed to develop, finance, cultivate, regenerate, process, and market cassava and its value-chain products;  including cassava flour, starch, sorbitol, and ethanol; on up to 1,400 hectares of degraded portions of the Ogbese Forest Reserve. 

He added that the initiative will be implemented alongside the planting of various exotic and indigenous tree species to support environmental sustainability.

According to Dr. Ayodele, the project is expected to directly employ over 1,000 Ekiti citizens, attract increased foreign direct investment and ultimately place Ekiti State on the global economic map, adding that the initiative is in complete alignment with Mr Governor’s shared prosperity agenda.

Ekiti to Host New Forestry Research Institute Outstation, Boosting Research and Job Creation.

Ekiti to Host New Forestry Research Institute Outstation, Boosting Research and Job Creation.

Ekiti State is poised to host a new research outstation for the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), a move expected to significantly boost forestry research and economic development in the state. This initiative stems from a collaborative effort between the Ekiti State government and FRIN's management. A key inspection was conducted in Odoowa, Ijero Local Government Area, led by Dr. Tayo Oyelowo of FRIN, to assess the site's suitability for the proposed facility.

In a move to attract a greater federal presence in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has officially approved the establishment of the FRIN outstation in Odoowa. This approval underscores the state's commitment to harnessing its rich forestry potential. The establishment of this outstation is a crucial step towards unlocking the immense potential of forestry to significantly boost the state's Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) in the future. Beyond economic benefits, this initiative is also a testament to the governor's commitment to climate change mitigation and the long-term sustainability of Ekiti's environment.

The new FRIN outstation, a federal government research institution under the Federal Ministry of Environment, will serve as a hub for research and development, helping the state to better manage its forest resources and contribute to a greener future.

The establishment of this outstation is a direct outcome of a high-level meeting held in Ibadan on April 28, 2025, where Ekiti State officials, including Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha, the Technical Advisor on Green Economy, Dr. Olly Owen, the Technical Advisor on Forestry and Climate Change, and Mr. Sunday Adekunle, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, met with FRIN's Director-General, Professor Zachariah Buba Yaduma. FRIN, Nigeria's premier government agency for forestry research, has over seventeen regional stations but none in Ekiti State, making this a pivotal development. The new outstation will focus on sustainability, conservation, and the utilization of forest resources, aligning with FRIN's core mandate.

The proposed outstation will bring significant benefits to Ekiti, including job creation, capacity building, and enhanced environmental consciousness. It is also expected to become a "Green Hub" for nearby towns and villages, contributing to the restoration of degraded landscapes, tourism, and the eventual development of a seed bank. The Ekiti State government is required to meet several conditions to facilitate the project, including providing a minimum of 10 hectares of arable land, furnished office accommodation, and essential utilities like water and electricity.

During the site inspection in Odoowa, the FRIN team met with Mr. Sunday Adekunle, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, and the Olowa of Odoowa. The Olowa has reportedly promised to provide 20 hectares of land and a farmhouse, exceeding FRIN's minimum requirement and positioning Odoowa as a strong and preferred site for the outstation's location. Odoowa's offer reflects a robust commitment from the local community.

FOR ADB MEDIA TEAM, LIES AND MISCHIEF WONT TAKE YOU ANYWHERE.

FOR ADB MEDIA TEAM, LIES AND MISCHIEF WONT TAKE YOU ANYWHERE.

Our attention has been drawn to a poorly rehashed post by a group that calls itself ADB media team which is understood to be working for a serial governorship aspirant, Mr Dare Bejide.

We would have ignored the highly childish and misleading post but there is a compelling need to respond because the post is riddled with falsehood, mischief and a futile attempt to incite the people against an administration that is fully exercising the mandate given to it to better their lots.

The group alleged in the post that Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji has deliberately left the major roads in the state in ruins, abandoned his official duties for which he was elected and has allegedly been distracted by his bid for endorsements for a second term in office.

This attention seeking gimmick is an evidence that Bejide and his traducers  are blind, deaf and disconnected from realities on ground in a desperate bid to re- launch his epileptic governorship aspiration. 

Contrary to their insipid falsehood, Governor Oyebanji is working hard with the popular mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the Ekiti electorate in 2022 and there are enough incontrovertible proofs and evidences to show for it.

Infrastructure development is a key sector where the Governor has made impact in the last three years and road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation have been on the front burner of his quest for ease of transportation and attraction of investment.

It is on record that a total of eighteen (18) rural roads with an estimated value of approximately ₦17.2 billion are either  being rehabilitated or recently constructed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) programme in a bid to ensure access to farmsteads and easy evacuation of farm produce and provision of amenities to rural dwellers.

Besides, seven State roads various axis of the state are either completed or ongoing, as alternatives to  dilapidated and must-be-fixed federal roads, to allow travellers  and commuters to reach Ado Ekiti, the state capital, from places like Lagos, Ibadan and from the Northern part of the country. 

These include Iwaraja-Efon-Ikogosi-Erijiyan-Ilawe-Ado Road, Igbara Oke-Igbara Odo-Ilawe-Ado Road, Iwaraja-Efon-Ikogosi-Erijiyan-Ilawe-Igede-Iyin-Ado Road, Omuo-Isinbode-Ara-Ikole-Oye-Ifaki Road, Omuo-Isinbode-Ikole-Igbemo-Afao-Ado Road, Akure-Igbara Oke-Igbara Odo-Ilawe-Ado Road and Ikere-Igbara Odo-Igbara Oke-Akure Road.

Besides, a total of 34 state roads are either completed or ongoing and these include township roads and roads that connect various towns and communities in the state boosting the existing infrastructure in the hinterland.

It amounts to hypocrisy, mischief and petty politics to accuse the Oyebanji Administration of abandoning federal roads, when in actual fact the same government has fixed the Ado-Iworoko- Ifaki Ekiti road which is a federal road. 

Perhaps a little enlightenment will suffice here for the ADB team should they be ready to be tutored. 

The Federal Government has six major roads in the state. While the state Government has reconstructed the Ado- Iworoko- Ifaki road, the Federal Government has also awarded the Ado- Ijan- Aisegba- Omuo road, the Kogi- ikole- Ifaki road; and the Ado- Ikere- Akure road. 

Efforts are also ongoing to ensure the remaining two roads I.e Itawure- Aramoko- Igede - Iyin road and the Ifaki - Kwara border road are awarded. 

Only recently the BAO administration paid about N400 million naira as compensation to owners properties that were demolished for the construction of the Ado-Ikere- Akure road as its contribution to the construction of the road, despite being a federal road. 

Governor Oyebanji, through the diligent implementation of the six-pillar agenda of his administration, has transformed the state to an investment destination, generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs and has continued to work hard to take Ekiti to a higher pedestal of development.

This has been acknowledged with many awards for the Governor and top ratings received by his administration from federal agencies, development partners, transparency groups, international agencies, policy watchdogs, the media. The President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, GCFR even attested to this  on his X handle earlier in the week.

The endorsement of Governor Oyebanji by the people of Ekiti State for another term was earned by his excellent performance and no vituperations of a rag-tag opposition cannot obliterate the landmarks of a performing administration from the hearts of the people.

One is baffled that someone aspiring to a governorship seat does not understand simple protocols of governance nor the difference between state and federal roads. Or how do you expect a state government to start working on federal roads that have already been awarded to contractors? As How… ? 

Our advice to Mr Bejide and his gang of mischief makers: Go take a short course in inter- governmental relations. Then, school your followers on good conduct and public mannerism. 

Lastly, like our people will say: ARIWO KO NI MUSIC…!

Oyebanji at Pa Fatoba’s Burial, Assures Resumption of Work on Ado-Ijan-Aisegba-Road.

Oyebanji at Pa Fatoba’s Burial, Assures Resumption of Work on Ado-Ijan-Aisegba-Road.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has given assurances that work would soon resume on Ado-Ijan-Aisegba-Omuo Road stating that the state Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has resolved all issues that led to the temporary abandonment of of the road project by the contractor.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance on Friday during the burial service of the late Chief Mathew Fatoba, the father of his Aide-de-Camp, held at the Holy Trynity, Anglican Church, Aisegba-Ekiti. 

The Governor said the road had earlier been awarded and contractor had been mobilized to site before work was stalled due to certain challenges, which have now been addressed to ensure the contractor’s return to site. 

While commending the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the State, Governor Oyebanji said the President’s policies have helped in addressing infrastructure gaps as well as promoting economic development and welfare of citizens.

"I greet our fathers in the Lord and the deceased family, I assure you that I see the road leading here from Ado- Ekiti. It is part of our efforts. The Federal Government has awarded the road and contractor has moved to site, but they left because of one reason or the other. But by His grace, the Lord has helped us to settle it, very soon the contractor will go back to site".

Speaking about the late Chief Mathew Fatoba, the Governor noted that the deceased lived a fulfilled life to a ripe old age, adding that this was evident in the virtues of integrity, hard work, and humility that he instilled in his children.

He noted that the virtues exhibited by Pa Mathew Fatoba clearly reflected in the children of the deceased, particularly his Aide-de-Camp, Felix Fatoba, whom, he described as a loyal, disciplined, and committed officer, with a track record of excellence and integrity in the course of his duty.

The Governor said "No matter how old our aged can be, we never want them to leave us, if you look at the programme, you will see that Baba spent 110 years, he tried and we should appreciate God together".

Earlier in his homily, the Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola, who described the death of Pa Mathew Fatoba as the glorious transition of a faithful servant who devoted his life to God, family, and community, noted that living to the age of 110 was not only a testament to God’s grace but also an example of a life well spent in humility, righteousness, and service to humanity. 

 He admonished everyone to reflect on their lives and the legacy they will leave behind, urging them to prioritize eternal values over material pursuits, which according to him, the greatest inheritance one can give is a life of virtue and godliness, as demonstrated by the late centenarian.

The Anglican Bishop who urged the congregation to pray for the Governor, hailed him for the various development projects in different parts of the state as well as the level of peace and prosperity within the state. 

Also at the event were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, former National Assembly member, Hon Bimbo Daramola,  former and serving members of the State Executive Council, local government Chairmen, among others.

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.