Oluwatuyi Signs GBV Prohibition Law, Vows Strict Enforcement in Irepodun/Ifelodun.

Oluwatuyi Signs GBV Prohibition Law, Vows Strict Enforcement in Irepodun/Ifelodun.

By Asubiojo G.O 

The Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, on Monday assented to the Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2025, with a pledge to ensure its strict enforcement across the council area.

Oluwatuyi, who signed the bill into law at the council secretariat, described the legislation as a landmark stride in safeguarding lives, rights, and welfare of residents, especially women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

He said, “This law is a bold declaration that our local government will no longer tolerate any form of gender-based violence. It provides the framework to protect victims, punish offenders, and ensure justice. With this, all relevant committees and agencies now have the legal backing to discharge their duties effectively.”

The council boss assured that his administration would drive full implementation of the law, stressing that it was a decisive step toward curbing the rising cases of gender-based violence in the locality.

He commended the council’s Legislative Arm for diligently scrutinizing and passing the bill, saying their commitment ensured the law was enacted without hitches.

In her remarks, the Leader of the House, Hon. Olagunju Yemisi, hailed the development as a major step toward restoring moral values and social order. She noted that the law not only prohibits all forms of gender-based violence but also guarantees maximum protection for victims, effective remedies, and stiffer sanctions for offenders.

With the signing of the bill, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government has joined the league of councils aligning with both national and global frameworks in combating gender-based violence, promoting dignity, and ensuring security for every citizen.

Group Hails APC Leadership, Declares Oyebanji’s Re-election a “De Javu".

Group Hails APC Leadership, Declares Oyebanji’s Re-election a “De Javu".

The Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), a grassroots mobilisation group, has applauded the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their confidence in Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration, describing his re-election in 2026 as a “de javu” of political continuity.

In a statement signed by its Convener, HC Ade, the group commended Ekiti people for their maturity, resilience, and unflinching support for the present administration, urging them to sustain their doggedness in order to consolidate the State’s development.

The group noted that massive support for Governor Oyebanji’s second term would not only guarantee continuity of good governance in Ekiti but also position the State as a stronghold for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid.

Their remarks followed comments credited to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who recently declared in an interview with Sunday Sun that the 2026 Ekiti governorship election would be a “walkover” for Oyebanji.

Basiru had dismissed claims of a tough contest in the State, stressing that Oyebanji’s popularity cuts across party ranks. According to him, “even those who have purchased expression of interest and nomination forms should know that there is effectively no vacancy in the Ekiti State Government House.”

He added: “There is no election in Ekiti because Oyebanji is going to continue. The election is going to be a walkover because all the former governors, deputy governors except one, all serving and former senators, are fully with him.”

The APC scribe further noted that Oyebanji’s performance has united the party behind him, adding that even if 10 aspirants contested the primary, the people themselves would reward a performing governor at the polls.

OSV, in its statement, showered encomiums on key leaders including the former Governor and Minister of Trade, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; and Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, for what it described as coordinated leadership in positioning Ekiti for greater political and economic relevance.

The group stressed that Ekiti’s seamless political transitions and stability under Oyebanji have created the right environment to attract federal projects and foreign direct investment.

“A vote for Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in the 2026 governorship election is a vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” OSV declared.

“The ship of political, economic, and social development of Ekiti has taken off, no going back. Forward ever, backward never.”

Oyebanji Extends Development Strides to Ekiti South West LGA.

Oyebanji Extends Development Strides to Ekiti South West LGA.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has further demonstrated his commitment to all-round development with a series of impactful projects executed across Ekiti South West Local Government Area. From education and healthcare to road infrastructure, agriculture, rural development, and workers’ welfare, the Governor’s footprint is visible in every sector, reinforcing his pledge that no Local Government in Ekiti State will be left behind.

In line with his administration’s pro-people agenda, Governor Oyebanji approved the payment of ₦1.1 billion in pensions to 672 pensioners and ₦239.4 million in gratuities to 83 retirees in the LGA. This, according to government sources, reflects his commitment to the welfare of senior citizens and the sustenance of dignity in retirement.

The education sector in the LGA has received attention with the construction and renovation of blocks of classrooms, offices, and facilities in schools located in Ilawe, Igbara Odo, and Ogotun. These interventions aim to enhance learning environments and promote quality education for students in the communities.

Health facilities are also being revitalized. The General Hospital, Ilawe, is undergoing renovation, while the Comprehensive Health Centre at Adin-Ilawe has been rehabilitated. A Basic Health Centre has been constructed in Ilawe, complemented by new pharmacy sections, solar-powered lighting, and procurement of medical equipment for facilities in Ogotun, Ilawe, and Igbara Odo.

The government has carried out desiltation works on Temidire River in Ilawe and Olooparun River in Igbara Odo, as well as the excavation of Aaye Quarters River in Ilawe. Motorised boreholes were drilled in Omi Odo Community and the Basic Health Centre in Ilawe, as well as in Ojurube Community, Ogotun. Additionally, culverts and drainage systems have been constructed in Ifesowapo Community, Ilawe, and on Alonge-Olorioko Road, Ogotun.

In terms of infrastructure, the Oyebanji administration has extended a 33KV power line from Ilawe to Igbara Odo (13km) to boost electricity supply.

Road construction and rehabilitation remain a major focus, with projects including:

●Rehabilitation of Ilawe–Igede Road and Ilawe–Erijiyan Road

●Reconstruction of Ikere–Igbara Odo Road and Ikere–Ilawe Road

●Rehabilitation of Igbara Odo–Ikogosi Road

●Construction of major concrete works on Ado–Ilawe–Igbara Odo–Ibuji Road

●Construction of the Ilawe–Erijiyan link road

To strengthen food security, the state government has cleared 170 hectares of land as farm clusters in different parts of the LGA. The construction of a farm dormitory for youths in agriculture is also ongoing.

On rural development, 4km of farm roads have been rehabilitated in Ilawe–Ilupeju and another 4km in Araromi–Aramoko, facilitating better access for farmers and rural dwellers.

In preserving cultural heritage, the government has commenced the renovation of the Oba’s Palace in Ogotun Ekiti, giving it a facelift that reflects both tradition and modernity.

Governor Oyebanji’s projects in Ekiti South West LGA, coming after similar interventions in Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ilejemeje, and Aiyekire/Gbonyin LGAs, reinforce his administration’s resolve to spread development across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.

“There is no local government in Ekiti State where Governor Oyebanji has not executed projects,” a government statement noted, emphasizing his continuity agenda and commitment to inclusive growth.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji’s Re-election Bid Faces No Threat, APC National Secretary.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji’s Re-election Bid Faces No Threat, APC National Secretary.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ajibola Basiru, has declared that the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State will be a walkover for the incumbent, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

Speaking in an interview with The Sun Newspaper in Abuja, Basiru said the widespread support enjoyed by Governor Oyebanji from virtually all political stakeholders in the state makes his re-election bid almost unchallengeable.

According to him, all former governors, deputy governors, and both serving and former senators from the state except one are solidly behind Oyebanji.

“There is no election in Ekiti because Oyebanji is going to continue. Any reasonable person, including those who have purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms, knows that there is no vacancy in the Ekiti Government House,” Basiru said.

While acknowledging that the party will still conduct its primaries, Basiru stressed that the outcome is not in doubt.

 “Even if 10 aspirants participate in the primary, the truth remains that when you see a governor who is performing for the party, you will know he is a performer. It is the people who will do the voting, and I was in Ekiti to see what is going on,” he noted.

Basiru, however, welcomed the purchase of nomination forms by aspirants, saying it contributes to the financial strength of the APC.

Governor Oyebanji, who was elected in 2022, is seeking a second term in office, riding on his record of grassroots development and widespread acceptance among party stakeholders and the electorate.

Tinubu’s Wife Empowers 500 Ekiti Women with Business Tools.

Tinubu’s Wife Empowers 500 Ekiti Women with Business Tools.

 The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday empowered 500 women in Ekiti State with business equipment to boost their economic independence under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The distribution, which took place at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado- Ekiti, featured the presentation of deep freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, industrial grinding machines, and generating sets to beneficiaries carefully selected from the 16 local government areas of the state.

Represented by the Wife of the Governor of Ekiti State and RHI State Coordinator, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senator Tinubu said the programme was part of her vision to empower women across the country with the tools needed to enhance their businesses and create sustainable sources of income.

She explained that the empowerment drive was being held simultaneously in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, with 500 women targeted in each. According to her, the initiative, which began in February 2025 in Abuja, has so far reached thousands of women in the North Central and South-South zones, and will eventually benefit 18,500 women nationwide across all six geopolitical zones.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, represented by the Assistant Director, Policy and Strategy, Dr. Yahaya Umar, charged the beneficiaries to use the empowerment tools as a stepping stone toward financial independence and sustainable livelihood. 

She noted that research has consistently shown that women entrepreneurs play critical roles in poverty reduction, employment generation, and family welfare, thereby contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

In their goodwill messages, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola; and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, lauded the initiative as a deliberate step toward unlocking the potential of women, fostering self-reliance, and creating economic opportunities at the grassroots level.

They stressed that the programme would not only uplift individual households but also contribute to the larger goal of driving local economic development and reducing unemployment in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, some women expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu, the Office of the SDGs, and the Ekiti State Government, pledging to put the items to good use. They described the gesture as timely, especially in the face of current economic challenges, and assured that the support would enable them to expand their businesses and provide better for their families.

The Renewed Hope Initiative is one of the flagship programmes of Senator Tinubu, designed to complement the Federal Government’s policies on poverty alleviation, women empowerment, and sustainable development.

Group Hails Oyebanji for Sustaining Fayemi’s Legacy to Boost Ekiti IGR.

Group Hails Oyebanji for Sustaining Fayemi’s Legacy to Boost Ekiti IGR.

A grassroots mobilisation group in Ekiti State, Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), has lauded Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for leveraging the long-term development blueprint introduced by former Governor Kayode Fayemi to achieve a significant rise in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Convener, HC Ade, the group noted that Ekiti’s IGR rose from N650 million to N2.3 billion monthly, placing the state among the best performers in the country. The figures, according to OSV, were contained in a circular released by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) during its 155th meeting held at Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja.

The JTB ranking also placed Niger and Ekiti States first in the 2023 Annual Growth Rate Ranking of internally generated revenues.

The group recalled that Fayemi, in October 2022, unveiled a 30-year development plan (2021–2050) for the state, rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with focus areas including job creation, human capital development, agriculture, and rural development. It described the present economic progress as evidence of the continuity of governance.

OSV attributed the “sporadic increase” in Ekiti’s revenue to prudent management of resources, financial re-engineering, deployment of digital tools, and motivation of the revenue collection agency under Governor Oyebanji.

The group further commended the governor, his cabinet members, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), and residents for their contributions to the feat.

While urging Ekiti people to sustain their support for the present administration, the group cautioned against what it described as a return to “our Egypt,” insisting that political stability and continuity must be preserved.

“Forward ever, backward never,” the statement added.

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU FELICITATES OBA ADEBANJI ALABI, AFUNTADE I, ALAWE OF ILAWE-EKITI, ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU FELICITATES OBA ADEBANJI ALABI, AFUNTADE I, ALAWE OF ILAWE-EKITI, ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

The distinguished Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, joins the good people of Ilawe-Ekiti in celebrating the birthday of our revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebanji Alabi, Afuntade I, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, and former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Senator Adaramodu extols Oba Adebanji Alabi as a monarch of wisdom, dignity, and unwavering commitment to the peace, progress, and development of Ilawe-Ekiti and its people. Under his royal leadership, Ilawe-Ekiti has witnessed remarkable social cohesion, infrastructural growth, and cultural renaissance.

In his goodwill message, Senator Adaramodu remarked: “Kabiyesi, you are not only a custodian of our rich heritage but also a father to all, whose reign continues to bring honour and pride to Ilawe-Ekiti and Ekiti State. Your wisdom and dedication to the welfare of your people remain exemplary and worthy of emulation.”

The Senator further paid glowing tribute to the monarch with the royal praise chant:

Kábíyèsí Orule Ulawe,

Onisasi ojo pa demu demu,

Etiti jiwa lori oni faa,

Oni koni ko faa,

Óran li fa lori ora rè.

Òdúndún asòde dèrò,

Omo ònà òórò, ko wí kán mó dí hun,

Aláwè ko mú gègé jà bí àrìrà,

Ko mó gbón unú jà bí àse.

Senator Adaramodu prayed for continued sound health, long life, and divine wisdom for the Alawe to reign in peace and prosperity.

On this joyous occasion, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, on behalf of his family, political associates, and the good people of Ekiti South Senatorial District, wishes Oba Adebanji Alabi, Afuntade I, many more glorious years on the throne of his forefathers.

Long live the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti,

Long live Ilawe Ekiti,

Long live Ekiti State.

Signed:

Sen. Yemi Adaramodu

Senator, Ekiti South Senatorial District

24th August, 2025