Ekiti Advancement Frontiers Declares Support for Oyebanji Ahead of 2026 Governorship Poll.

Ekiti Advancement Frontiers Declares Support for Oyebanji Ahead of 2026 Governorship Poll.

The Ekiti Advancement Frontiers (EAF) has resumed political activities ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state, declaring unflinching support for the incumbent governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the Convener of the group, Mr. Deji Oso, said the decision was hinged on the governor’s six-pillar agenda, describing it as a globally acceptable framework for public policy analysis and a solid benchmark for evaluating performance in office.

Oso maintained that while there might be “minor glitches and perceived skirmishes” in governance, efforts were already in place to address them.

“Perfection in leadership is divine, not mortal. What matters is that Governor Oyebanji has shown vision, inclusiveness, and commitment to developmental strides across sectors. Ekiti must not lose this momentum,” he said.

The organisation urged residents to be wary of what it termed “anti-BAO coagulated fallacies, orchestrated chicanery and debauchery of agent-provocateurs,” stressing that such campaigns were designed to mislead the public.

“Ekiti people must rise in defense of the sustainable development, peace, and progress we have enjoyed under Oyebanji. Facts and scorecards will be presented in the coming days to reinforce our position. Res Ipsa Loquitur—the facts will speak for themselves,” Oso added.

BAD MARKET FOR OPPOSITION IN EKITI OVER OYEBANJI'S EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP WITH WORKERS.

BAD MARKET FOR OPPOSITION IN EKITI OVER OYEBANJI'S EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP WITH WORKERS.

BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

One of the areas opposition elements make attempts to unseat an incumbent administration is workers' welfare. It is usually the prayers of the opposition for a governor to be in the bad books of the workers especially owing them arrears of salaries and implementation of anti-worker policies.

The opposition in Ekiti State whether within the ruling party or across other political parties have met a brick wall in using poor welfare of workers as a campaign tool in the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State because Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has provided excellent welfare package for workers.

As far as the welfare of workers in Ekiti is concerned coupled with excellent relationship with workers, this area has become a bad market for the opposition elements in the Land of Honour. They had wished a strained relationship between the Governor and the workforce, they had wished BAO and workers are at loggerheads but their wishes have turned to nought.

In fact, in the last three years, there have been no single strike action by any labour union in Ekiti State. Since his inauguration on the 16th of October, 2022, Governor Oyebanji has proved through his words, action, policies and programmes that he is a worker-friendly governor.

Landmark days for workers including May Day, World Teachers' Day, Civil Service Week, Artisans' Week are events for celebration of the promotion of welfare of workers where the Governor usually reel out the incentives of his administration for workers and what they should equally expect in years ahead.

During his inauguration speech before an impressive gathering of the people of the state and other eminent guests from far and near inside the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion on that fateful day, Oyebanji promised to accord priority to the welfare.

This is because of his belief that workers are very important in execution of government policies and translation of the blueprint of his administration into reality. The Governor sees workers as friends, allies and comrades and not necessarily as their boss owing to his trademark humility.

Gradually and one-by-one, BAO has tackled the various challenges he met on ground confronting the workforce and this has endeared the Governor to public servants. Because of his commitment and being a faithful promise keeper, the arrears of entitlements of workers have been cleared.

These include arrears owed core civil servants, teachers (especially primary school teachers), local government workers. These include salaries, leave bonuses and allowances that were attended to by the Governor.

One of the earliest gestures of Mr Governor shortly after assumption of office which endeared him to the teeming workers was payment of deductions to the workers cooperative societies which has given them access to loans.

From October 2022 to date, a total sum of N3.4 billion has been given out as car and housing loans to workers to enable them carry out key personal projects for their personal comfort and that of their family. The Governor acknowledged that he was a beneficiary of loans when his parents were working which assisted in his education.

Some of the notable strides of the BAO Administration in workers' welfare include recruitment of 1,500 primary school teachers, 930 subject teachers in public secondary schools, 48 education officers, payment of new minimum wage of N70,000, payment of wage award before the implementation of the minimum wage, free bus shuttle for workers to and fro their workplaces Mondays through Fridays to ease the burden of high cost of transportation occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.

The Governor also ensured the completion of more phases of the State Secretariat Complex which has provided more office accommodation for workers, infrastructure upgrade in offices and schools across the state, approval of career progression for workers, training, retraining and various capacity building programmes. For the first time in the history of Ekiti State, primary school teachers have been given opportunity to reach Grade Level 16.

Workers in the state-owned instructions on subvention have BAO to thank for facilitating increment in their monthly subvention which has rubbed off positively on their welfare in terms of pay rise and other benefits. There has been no single strike in such instructions since BAO came to power.

Local government workers in the state have never had it so good. BAO has worked to improve their welfare and that is why they have formed themselves into a bulwark of support for the re-election of the Governor. In fact, the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) openly declared its support for BAO's re-election and described him as a model for other governors in the federation in the area of council workers' welfare.

Apart from regular payment of workers' salaries, BAO paid five months salary arrears, monthly deductions, leave bonus arrears, payment of N70,000 minimum wage, construction of ultramodern office complex appointment of local government officers as Permanent Secretaries, purchase of new cars for Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLAs), among others.

Many of the local government workers have enjoyed career lifting with the entrenchment of the local council development areas which started with the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi and retained by the BAO Administration. With more council areas, more offices of Heads of Local Government Administration, Directors of Finance/Treasury, among others, more council workers were posted to LCDAs to occupy these offices.

All these incentives have made BAO to become the toast of workers who also reciprocate with their diligence to duty. Workers at the core civil service, teaching service, local government service, tertiary educational and health institutions are rooting for BAO and are waiting to deliver massive votes for him. 

The state council of NULGE went a step further in their support for BAO by making a donation of the sum of N10 million to his campaign in appreciation of what he has done for local government workers in the state. This is unprecedented in the history of the state.

The state NULGE President, Mr Seyi Olatunde, described the BAO Administration as a "golden era for workers in the state" in which their fortunes have changed for better and they are better recognized as important stakeholders in the Ekiti project.

Governor Oyebanji's excellent relationship with workers has become a big boost towards his second term aspiration. He has succeeded in not allowing the opposition elements to come in between him and the workers and this has left the opposition frustrated because there is nothing to use to campaign against him on workers' welfare.

Workers' welfare in Ekiti State can only get better by the time BAO is re-elected because he has earned the trust of workers in the state for him to continue in office till 2030 for them to enjoy more goodies from their governor.

Ogunmola serves as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (Print Media).

Oyebanji Launches Harvesting Hope Caravan, signs insurance policy for farmers.

Oyebanji Launches Harvesting Hope Caravan, signs insurance policy for farmers.

…Receives National Agribusiness policy Award.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji was on Monday honoured as a champion of the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM) in the Southwest, just as he  launched the Harvesting Hope Caravan, a component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu focusing on food security.

The Governor also signed an insurance policy on behalf of Ekiti farmers as part of efforts to boost food production and economic development. 

Performing the launch in Ado Ekiti On Monday, Governor Oyebanji commended the President and NAPM for counting him and Ekiti State worthy of the honour, as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to change the narratives in agricultural development. 

The Governor also commended  efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the areas of food security and socio-economic development across Nigeria. 

The Governor stated that  the food system programme is in consonance with the Renew Hope Agenda of Mr. President which aims to creates a formidable and unified lasting change in national food system.

Highlighting the importance of the insurance policy to include provision of support for farmers in the event of natural disasters that may affect their crops, Governor Oyebanji promised to continually support every effort of President Tinubu geared towards achieving growth and development of Nigeria especially in his strategic direction to achieve food security that will transform the country's food systems through data-driven policies, public-private partnerships, and initiatives to increase agricultural productivity, stabilize food prices, and drive sustainable rural development. 

“We are very proud to associate with the agriculture policy of the Federal Government as we share the same policy objectives. The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in tandem with the 6-Pillars of our Administration. Hence, the need to ensure that Ekiti people collaborate and benefit from the Federal Government’s interventions.”

The Governor added that the Harvesting Hope Caravan is a grassroots platform and a bottom-up approach to foster dialogue, build partnerships, and unify the numerous national and sub-national efforts to strengthen agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.

“This present administration is committed to improving the food systems in Ekiti State, this is more reason we have invested massively in agriculture, rural and food systems since we assumed office till date. In addition, we have created an enabling and secured environment across the length and breaths of Ekiti state.

“Our State is adjudged the safest State in Nigeria. It is therefore pertinent to mention that the present administration has developed numerous strategies aimed at positioning the State as a First Choice Investment Destination to agro-investors and drawdown huge Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the State. This can be attested to with the influx of credible investors to the State, since 2023 till date.

“It is therefore pertinent to mention that the present administration has developed numerous strategies aimed at positioning the state as a first-choice investment destination to agro-investors and draw down huge foreign direct investment to the state. This can be attested to with the influx of credit investors to the states since 2023 to date. Our administration has done 4,800 hectares of land clearing for communities, cooperatives and individuals on free of charge basis. 

“We also provided free fertilizer distribution to farmers in 2024 and gave 50 percent subsidy in 2025. Over six thousand hectares of land preparations at 50 percent subsidy for tractorization, likewise 50 percent subsidies on agro-chemicals and seed stock seedlings were provided for our farmers. The Governor stressed.

He commended YSJ Farms Limited for its effective collaboration with the state government to champion the Bring Back the Youths into agriculture stating further that over 5,000  young farmers are participating in the project leading to the construction of Renew Hope Farm dormitories across farm clusters to provide conducive accommodation for the youth on the farm.

Aside massive land clearing, other initiatives of the administration according to Governor Oyebanji include provision of free fertilizer to farmers in 2024, 50 percent subsidy on fertilizer in 2025 and preparation of over 6,000  hectares of land at 50 percent subsidy for tractorization and agro-chemicals among others.

He affirmed that his administration’s policies in the sector aim to strengthen empowerment of farmers through provision of mechanized farming and improve the agricultural value chain in the state.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary, Presidential Food Security Coordinating Unit, Office of the Vice President, Ms Marion Moon, explained that the team was in Ekiti State to identify priority programmes and existence structures with a view to improving and strengthen agricultural value-chain in the state.

Ms Moon reaffirmed President Tinubu’s mission to unlock Nigeria’s immense economic potential with particular focus on fostering collaboration with subnational to tackle the food deficits affecting Nigerians stressing the urgent need to address the root cause of the crisis in order to develop national sustainable food system.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade thanked Governor Oyebanji for signing the insurance policy for Ekiti farmers saying it will engender farmers to get necessary support in case of natural disaster, while caravan approach will attend to the demands of farmers as identified at various their localities.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, members of the state executive council among others.

Ekiti Teachers Critical to Our Shared Prosperity Agenda - Oyebanji.

Ekiti Teachers Critical to Our Shared Prosperity Agenda - Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji has stated that teachers in the state are critical agents in the actualization of the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ado- Ekiti when he received the new leadership of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), led by its Chairman, Comrade Lawrence Egbeyemi, accompanied by the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olusola. 

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, in Ado- Ekiti on Sunday, Governor Oyebanji hailed the teachers for their remarkable contribution to human capital development agenda of the administration, assuring them of more welfare packages. 

The Governor said their overall well-being would have a multiplier effect on the government’s drive for quality education for students in the State.

While maintaining that the era of looking down on teachers as second class citizens is over, the Governor said his government would leave no stone unturned in bringing the state into the forefront of education in the country.

While explaining that education remains the foundation of sustainable development in the state, Governor Oyebanji noted that teachers are the one shaping the future of the state through their daily efforts in classrooms, adding that the prosperity and future of the State is tied to the quality of education its children receive.

He further assured them that his government would continue to prioritize their welfare, provide opportunities for professional growth, and create a supportive environment that will make their work more rewarding and impactful.

The Governor also promised to look into the issue of proposed 65 years retirement age for teachers, upward review of allowance payable to science teachers, as well as efforts to defray all outstanding gratuity before the end of his fist tenure.

Congratulating the new executives of the NUT, the Governor said his administration will continue to invest in human capital development as a pathway to growth, stressing that teachers are critical partners in this regard. 

“Let me start on the note of appreciation to the NUT for your support before I became Governor and since I became Governor of this state. The NUT is one of the unions that stand out when it comes to support for our administration, and I am extremely grateful to you.

“Education is the most important factor we can give to our children and you are in the business of educating our children. If you are happy, you will build a future for us because the children are the future of any society, so whatever investment we made in education is investment for our own peace and that is the reason we have to do everything possible to ensure that we make you happy. The era of looking down on teachers is over”. The Governor assured.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of NUT, Comrade Lawrence Egbeyemi, who thanked Governor Oyebanji for showing genuine love and concern for teachers in the state, noted that the Governor has consistently placed the welfare of teachers at the forefront of his administration.

He explained that under the present administration, teachers have enjoyed prompt payment of salaries, improved working condition, career progression of teachers to grade level 16, employment of over 2000 teachers, and greater recognition for their contributions.

While assuring the Governor that teachers in the state are appreciative and will reward his hard work and commitment during the gubernatorial election, the NUT chairman revealed that the Governor has addressed more than 85 percent of the union’s demands, describing it as unprecedented in the history of the state.

Also at the meeting were, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Director General Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotosho, Senior Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Comrade Faromiluyi, among others.

Ojuawo Urges Constituents to Participate in the Ongoing Voter’s Registration Exercise.

Ojuawo Urges Constituents to Participate in the Ongoing Voter’s Registration Exercise.

A member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Rep. Hon. (AVM Rtd.) Ojuawo  Rufus Adeniyi, has called on members of is constituency and residents of Ekiti State to massively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter’s Registration (CVR) exercise embarked upon by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Hon Ojuawo made this call in a statement issued on his behalf by his Media Office on Friday, where he emphasized the importance of voter registration in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the retired Air Vice Marshal, “the Continuous Voter’s Registration (CVR) exercise presents an opportunity for eligible voters in Ekiti State and across the country to register and exercise their civic responsibility to choose their leaders during the next governorship election in Ekiti State in 2026, as well as the general elections coming up in 2027.”

He urged his constituents to take the exercise seriously and ensure that they register, correct their cards or  transfer to their nearest polling unit closer to them.  stressing that massive participation in the CVR would guarantee their active involvement in shaping the electoral process in 2026, 2027, and beyond.

The grassroots-oriented lawmaker also seized the opportunity to express his profound appreciation to the electorate for their unwavering support, with a firm promise to remain accessible and responsive to their yearnings at all times.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Ekiti State's Maxwell, a political aide of the Ekiti State Governor BAO, Shines at an International Conference for Youth-in-politics.

Ekiti State's Maxwell, a political aide of the Ekiti State Governor BAO, Shines at an International Conference for Youth-in-politics.                                                                      By Olamide Akinwumi 

Amb. Olu-Ajayi Maxwell, Special Assistant on Youth Affairs to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, recently represented Ekiti State at a capacity-building training for young political leaders at the American Corner in Lekki, Lagos. The training, sponsored by the US Diplomatic Mission and Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association, provided a platform for Maxwell to showcase the Governor's remarkable achievements in Ekiti. 

Maxwell's presentation impressed the US Consular, Mr. Mike Ervin, who praised Governor Oyebanji, stating he is "getting it absolutely right." The Governor's reputation and achievements garnered widespread admiration, with many participants commending BAO and wishing him well ahead of the upcoming governorship election in Ekiti State. As a proud ambassador of BAO's ideology, Maxwell's participation further solidified the Governor's positive reputation on the international stage.

In his remarks after the event, Maxwell reaffirmed his commitment to continuously promoting Governor Oyebanji’s ideology of shared prosperity and good governance. He noted that the Governor has deliberately opened up the political space for youths, creating opportunities for young minds to contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes in Ekiti State.

Participants at the conference also commended Maxwell’s delivery, noting that Ekiti State stood out as a model of youth-inclusion in governance. Many of them expressed admiration for the Governor’s leadership and extended goodwill messages ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections, wishing BAO success in his continuity agenda.

The conference further served as a networking hub for Maxwell and other young leaders, where partnerships were fostered for future collaborations in the areas of policy development, civic engagement, and democratic strengthening.

By shining brightly on such a prestigious stage, Amb. Olu-Ajayi Maxwell has not only lifted Ekiti’s name but also reaffirmed Governor Oyebanji’s rising profile on the national and international political scene.

Ojuawo condoles with Late Alhaji Ekundayo and Hon Kehinde Olokesusi families over their demise.

Ojuawo condoles with Late Alhaji Ekundayo and Hon Kehinde Olokesusi families over their demise.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, the Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, has extended his condolences to the families of the late Alhaji Gbadamosi Ekundayo and Hon Kehinde Olokesusi.

In his condolence message, Hon Ojuawo described the loss of these two prominent political figures within 24 hours interval as a significant blow to the progressive family in Ise/Orun. He acknowledged Alhaji Ekundayo as a father figure in progressive politics in the region, whose exit leaves a void that would be challenging to fill. Hon Ojuawo acknowledged Alhaji Ekundayo’s contributions to the growth of progressivism at both the local government and state levels, particularly highlighting his experience in dealing with  complex situations and promoting peace 

Regarding Late Hon Kehinde Olokesusi, Hon Ojuawo expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden loss, describing it as a heavy blow to him. He acknowledged Olokesusi’s service as a Special Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State, noting that he had left an indelible mark.

‘Alhaji Gbadamosi Ekundayo is one of the founding fathers of progressive politics in Ise/Orun, whose dedication and experience were invaluable to the party’s growth and development and my dearest sister, Kehinde Olokesusi, a dedicated public servant who served as a Special Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State, leaving a lasting impact on the community.’

Hon Ojuawo prayed God to overlook their shortcomings and grant them peaceful eternal rest. Likewise, he extended his condolences to the APC family and the Ekiti State Government. May their legacies continue to inspire our future generations.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM