OYEBANJI COMMENCES TOWN HALL MEETINGS, ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS ON 2026 BUDGET.

OYEBANJI COMMENCES TOWN HALL MEETINGS, ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS ON 2026 BUDGET.

...To prioritise security, infrastructure.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to inclusive governance, improved infrastructure and enhanced security as he kickstarted preparations for the 2026 nudgetnwith town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts. 

The Governor, who addressed stakeholders at a Town Hall Meeting and Citizens' Engagement with the people of Ekiti South Senatorial District, emphasized the need for the people of the state to maintain peace to witness more development and transformation in the coming year.

He also attributed the success recorded by his administration and development witnessed in the state to the cooperation and support he has enjoyed with all Senators, House of Representatives members from the state and members of the State House of Assembly whom he said share the same vision to lift Ekiti to higher heights with him.

All the requests of the communities in all the six local government areas in the senatorial district-Ekiti Southwest, Ikere, Ise/Orun, Emure, Ayekire and Ekiti East-were presented by their representatives which the Governor promised to look into and ensure the incorporation of the critical ones into the 2026 Budget.

All the communities' spokesmen hailed Oyebanji for implementing their requests made at similar town hall meetings in 2022, 2023 and 2024 which they said proved that the Governor is a promise keeper who should be entrusted with a fresh mandate of four years.

The requests tabled before the Governor for consideration ahead of the 2026 budget preparation include rehabilitation of township roads, extension of electricity to developing areas, procurement of transformers, provision of potable water, rehabilitation of hospitals and construction of health centers, construction and rehabilitation of palaces, provision of perimeter fencing for schools, security of lives and property among others.

Oyebanji used the forum to preach peace ahead of the conduct of the 2026 governorship election urging the people of the state not to allow politics to divide them maintaining that "Ekiti is one irrespective of political leanings and affiliations."

While urging his supporters to maintain peace, Oyebanji assured that the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti will be peaceful and conducted without any bloodshed. He added that Ekiti people will decide their next governor with their votes and will peacefully elect a governor of their choice.

He said: "We are all one in Ekiti State and politics should not divide us. It is God that puts somebody in position and in Ekiti, we are all one and I don't want politics to divide us. As a contestant, I want to assure you that there will be no bloodshed and it is you people that will vote for who you want.

"Anytime INEC lifts ban on campaign, you will vote for somebody who has performed well. Four years look long but it is a very short time; I knew that the four years will soon expire and I will come back to you and that was why I hit the ground running from day one.

"There is no community in Ekiti State that has not felt our impact. And as we are doing our own, our National Assembly members are doing their own. I want to appreciate Senator (Yemi) Adaramodu, Hon (Femi) Bamisile and Hon (Adeniyi) Ojuawo for what they have done for the people in all the local government areas in this district and their efforts have complemented what our administration has done in the state.

"There is love and unity between me and all National Assembly members, Ekiti State House of Assembly members and the local government chairmen. When we all cooperate, our people will benefit immensely and when there is peace, there will be development. We cannot achieve anything in an atmosphere of rancour."

Responding to a request for more security in the state, Oyebanji appreciated the people of the senatorial district for making land available for commercial agriculture which has helped recovered hectares of land hitherto used as hideouts by criminal elements many of whom have fled the state after a massive land clearing exercise for commercial farming.

He further disclosed that the siting of an Army Barracks in Ikere Ekiti was a means to enhance security not only in the zone but in the entire state commending the roles played by the traditional ruler of the town, the Ogoga, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado and a prominent son of the soil, the Chief of the Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede in ensuring the takeoff of the military base.

"I thank the community for providing land for the barracks and I believe the barracks will be completed very soon and more than 800 soldiers will be posted there. When this is done, the criminal elements will be very far from our state and our security architecture will be further strengthened," he added.

He promised a better welfare package for traditional rulers and look into requests for more befitting places, resuscitation of the construction of five kilometers road in each local government areas annually, revisiting the Omuo Trailers Park, naming of a landmark project after the late former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Paul Omotoso and the incorporation of the Olowe Museum project into the 2026 budget.

The Governor explained that work are ongoing on 435 kilometers of rural road projects which would be extended to cover 500 kilometers because of their strategic importance to evacuation of farm produce and provision of amenities in rural areas assuring that his administration is looking at embarking on another batch of rural roads next year.

In his welcoming remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, said the interaction with the citizens is in line with inclusive and an evidence of entrenchment of probity, accountability and transparency in governance.

Adebayo noted that Oyebanji's transparency in handling the state finances has again been recognized as Ekiti has retained the first position in budget transparency, an accolade the state has won for the sixth consecutive quarter.

He noted that the Governor had always come to the people while preparing the budget to ask for what they want to be included in the budget rather than sitting down in his office in Ado Ekiti.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; the Arinjale of Ise Ekiti, Oba Adetunji Ayodele Ajayi; the Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye; the House of Representatives member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituents 2, Hon Femi Bamisile; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; House of Assembly members, memebers of the state executive council, Local Government Chairmen and community leaders.

EKSU’s Awogbemi Makes World’s Top 2% Scientists List in Energy Subfield.

EKSU’s Awogbemi Makes World’s Top 2% Scientists List in Energy Subfield.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

A staff member of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU), Dr. Omojola Awogbemi, has been ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists in the subfield of Energy for 2025.

The global ranking was compiled by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier and published in the Elsevier Data Repository: John P.A. (2025), August 2025 data-update for “Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators.”

Awogbemi, a Mechanical Engineer and Senior Chief Technologist at EKSU, earned the recognition for his outstanding scholarly contributions. His inclusion on the list has not only brought personal honour but also boosted the international visibility of the institution in the global academic community.

Awogbemi, who once served as Chairman of the university chapter of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has continued to distinguish himself in the field of mechanical engineering and energy studies.

Reacting to the development, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, congratulated Awogbemi, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, all technologists, and the university community on the feat.

Ayodele reiterated the institution’s commitment to excellence and honour, noting that the recognition was a testament to EKSU’s capacity to contribute to global scholarship. He encouraged other staff members to emulate Awogbemi by showcasing their research and scholarly work to enhance the university’s reputation.

The recognition was made public in a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar and Head of the Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun.

Ekiti NYC Appeals for Peace at BSEU, Calls for Understanding Among Workers and VC.

Ekiti NYC Appeals for Peace at BSEU, Calls for Understanding Among Workers and VC.

The Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Youth Congress has appealed for calm and understanding over the ongoing tension between workers and the Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).

Speaking with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the State Chairman of the Congress, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, urged both parties to embrace dialogue and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the university environment.

Adedara described the institution as a critical hub for academic and youth development in Ekiti, stressing that any prolonged crisis could disrupt the smooth running of academic activities and negatively impact students.

He said, “We are appealing to the leadership of BOUESTI, the Vice-Chancellor, and the workers to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue. No development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour. Our university must not be turned into a battleground. Peace is the only way forward.”

The NYC chairman, while calling on stakeholders to wade into the matter, noted that Ekiti State had always been known for peace and intellectual excellence, urging all parties not to allow the situation to degenerate further.

Adedara also pledged that the Nigerian Youth Congress would continue to mediate and advocate for solutions that prioritize students’ welfare and protect the integrity of the institution.

Ekiti 2026: I’ ve Confidence in our party, says Oyebanji.

Ekiti 2026: I’ ve Confidence in our party, says Oyebanji.

‎Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday, restated his unalloyed confidence in the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to make a success of the party’s governorship primaries, leading to the party’s victory at the 2026 election in the state .

The Governor also restated his preparedness to clinch the Guber ticket in the October 27 primary election of the party. 

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‎Governor Oyebanji disclosed these while speaking with newsmen shortly after he appeared before the APC Screening committee headed by Hon Tunji Olawuyi in Abuja. 

‎Governor Oyebanji who was the first to participate in the screening exercise, arrived at the Amor Hotel, Gwantape area, Abuja, venue of the screening exercise around 10.00 am and was ushered into the conference room, where his credentials were screened by  members of the panel. 

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‎The screening session latest about 15 minutes behind closed door.

‎Speaking with newsmen shortly after, the Governor commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress for the arrangement which, according to him, is part of the procedures for the forthcoming primary. He expressed confidence in the ability of the screening committee to deliver a credible process and result. 

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‎The Ekiti State Governor called on the APC National leadership to provide a level playing field for all the aspirants that have indicated interests and scaled through the screening process to enable them sell their manifestos to party members.

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‎The Governor also expressed confidence in the ability of the committee that will conduct the Ekiti APC Governorship Primary election on October 27, to do an excellent job in tandem with party guidelines.

The panel has Tuesday and Wednesday to screen the four aspirants in the race for the party’s  ticket. 

Governor Oyebanji described the process as fair and transparent, noting that it would bring a credible result. 

He said, “I must commend the APC for putting this structure in place. It will save the party from a lot of problems. I have absolute confidence that the party will get it right.”

“This is only the screening stage. Next comes the appeal committee, the Congress committee, then the election proper. Whoever emerges must be supported, because it is not just about the aspirants, it is about returning our party to power and serving the people.”, the Governor added. 

Some party leaders, National Assembly members and political associates accompanied Governor Oyebanji to the venue of the screening exercise. 

They include: the Chairman, SouthWest Development Commission (SWDC), Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi; Senator Yemi Adaramodu( Ekiti South) , Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North), Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Hon Kolawole Akinlayo, and AVM Niyi Ojuawo (rtd).

Others are Hon Wunmi Ogunlola, Hon Bimbo Daramola, Hon Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Prince Wole Ajakaiye , Mr Yinka Oyebode,  Hon Segun Dipe, and Engr Dipo Bamisaye of EKSU Alumni Association’s Support Group, among others.

Amana State Movement Cites Historical Promises and Economic Potential in Public Hearing.

Amana State Movement Cites Historical Promises and Economic Potential in Public Hearing.

 The Movement for the Creation of Amana State made a compelling case for its proposed state at a public hearing held by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 22, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Alhaji Sali Bello, the Director General of the movement, delivered an address that highlighted both historical and economic justifications for the new state.

Alhaji Bello, who also holds the traditional title of Dan Amar Mubi, opened his address by invoking the concept of "trust". He reminded the lawmakers that the people of the proposed Amana State joined Nigeria through a plebiscite in 1961 as a "Trust Territory." According to Bello, two key promises were made to them by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto: that they would maintain autonomy as a sub-national entity and that their capital, Mubi, would be on equal footing with cities like Kano and Katsina. He argued that these promises have "largely and regrettably" remained unfulfilled.

A Strong Case Based on Facts and Figures

Beyond historical grievances, Alhaji Bello presented a strong, data-driven argument for the creation of Amana State. He noted that the proposed area has a landmass of 6,919 square kilometers, which is equivalent to two existing states and larger than four others. The area boasts a projected population of 3.239 million people and could support up to 20 local government areas, based on its current development areas and the inclusion of the Uba Emirate from Borno State. The region also includes three Emirates and two Chiefdoms, which are larger than similar structures in other parts of the country.

Economically, Bello stated that the proposed Amana State is a powerhouse. He asserted that over 60% of Adamawa State's current GDP of N2.66 trillion comes from economic activities within the areas that would make up Amana State. When the Uba Chiefdom is included, the region’s GDP would surpass that of more than half of Nigeria's existing states. He likened Mubi, the proposed capital, to Lagos, calling it the "economic melting pot" of Adamawa State, with a bustling trade in goods and animals that attracts patronage from across Nigeria and neighboring countries.

Rich in Resources and Infrastructure

Alhaji Bello also highlighted the abundant resources and social infrastructure within the proposed state. He mentioned a Federal University of Agriculture, a State University, a Federal Polytechnic, and a Federal Medical Center. The region is predominantly agrarian, rich in both cash and food crops, and home to the Mubi cattle market, which is considered one of the largest in West Africa. He also noted significant untapped solid mineral deposits, including uranium, and confidently stated that Amana State has the potential to be self-reliant in both human capacity and economic development.

Alhaji Bello concluded his address by urging the House of Representatives to consider the request on its own merit, citing that all criteria for state creation have been met. He also implored them to "erase the burden of trust hanging on the Nigerian state" by fulfilling the solemn promise made decades ago.

Oyebanji Making Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Easier in Ekiti ~OSV.

Oyebanji Making Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Easier in Ekiti ~OSV. 

The Oyebanji Street Vanguard, a grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation movement in Ekiti State, has commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for what it described as his exemplary leadership style in uniting stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2026 governorship election and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The group said Oyebanji’s leadership had strengthened the ruling APC in Ekiti, fostered unity among both past and present party leaders, and prepared the ground for what it called a “landmark victory” for the party at both the state and national levels.

In a statement signed by its Convener, HC Ade, and made available to journalists yesterday, the group noted that the governor’s humility, inclusiveness, and servant-leadership style had endeared him to the people of the state across political lines.

According to the statement, “Since the creation of Ekiti State and the return of democracy in 1999, never has the state been this united and determined to ensure political stability and continuity of good governance. Governor Oyebanji has set the stage for a massive, united, and overwhelming vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue his good works in office for a second term.”

The group added that under Oyebanji’s administration, the cohesion and collective resolve of APC stakeholders in Ekiti had become stronger and more people-oriented, a development it described as a major boost for the party ahead of its governorship primary scheduled for October 27, 2025, and the governorship election slated for June 2026.

While commending Oyebanji, the movement cautioned against complacency, urging the governor, party members, and residents of the state to remain vigilant and focused on the twin tasks of securing Oyebanji’s re-election in 2026 and Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The group stressed that support for Oyebanji translates to support for Tinubu, adding that such support would guarantee political stability, sustained progress, and economic growth for the state and the nation at large.

BAO's Re-election: EAF to Commence Grassroots Mobilization, to Distribute Food and Cash Gifts Worth ₦20 Million.

BAO's Re-election: EAF to Commence Grassroots Mobilization, to Distribute Food and Cash Gifts Worth ₦20 Million.

As part of efforts geared towards the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, The Ekiti Advancement Frontiers (EAF), a pressure group in Ekiti State which has recently thrown its weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji in his re-election bid, is set to hit the nooks and crannies of the state to garner support for the incumbent Governor who is seeking a second term in office.

Dr. Adedeji Oso, the Convener of the group made this known in a statement made available to press in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.

Oso stated that EAF will go all out to ensure that Governor Biodun Oyebanji is returned for a second term and will roll out material and intellectual resources in support of Oyebanji who has performed creditably well and thus deserving of a second tenure.

'For a start, we will be reaching out to Stakeholders  to  ensure they remain committed to BAO's re-election, while we extend support to vulnerable citizens to complement the efforts of the Governor who has prioritised their welfare through his policies and programs like the Ounjẹ Ekiti scheme where citizens can get foodstuffs at subsidized rates and the government cash transfers to households.

So, we are commencing with 50 bags of rice and 20 bags of Garri which will be repackaged into 5kg bags for distribution during our outreaches'. The statement read.

Oso also stated that EAF will be giving out cash gifts of ₦10,000 each to quite a number of vulnerable persons across the 16 LGAs of the State, while the group is already working on erecting billboards across the state to spread the message of Biodun Oyebanji's continuity of shared prosperity.