EKSU Law Graduate, Akinola Dolapo, Shines at 2025 Call to Bar.

EKSU Law Graduate, Akinola Dolapo, Shines at 2025 Call to Bar.

...Ranks 7th Overall Nationwide, Bags Multiple Awards.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

A First Class Law graduate of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Akinola Dolapo Modupe, has made the institution proud by emerging as one of the top graduating students at the February 2025 Nigerian Law School Bar Finals held in Abuja.

Dolapo, who studied Corporate Law at EKSU, was ranked the 7th overall best graduating student nationwide and received multiple prestigious awards at the Call to Bar ceremony.

Among the honours she received were the Chief Adegboyega S. Awomolo CFR, SAN, Life Bencher Award for the 3rd Best Graduating Student in Corporate Law Practice, and the Director General’s Prize for First Class graduates.

Reacting to the development, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Babatola Ayodele, congratulated Dolapo and commended the Faculty of Law for continuing to uphold the university’s tradition of academic excellence.

“EKSU is known for producing brilliant minds, and Dolapo’s achievements are a clear testament to the quality of education we offer. We are proud of her and urge other students and alumni to continue to fly the flag of the university high,” Ayodele said.

The Vice Chancellor also reiterated the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and promoting the university’s global image.

The university’s Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, in a statement signed by Ayobami Adedoyin (Mrs), on behalf of the Deputy Registrar/Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun congratulated Dolapo and reaffirmed EKSU's dedication to nurturing academic brilliance across all disciplines.

Fayemi Congratulates Ladoja on Coronation as Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Fayemi Congratulates Ladoja on Coronation as Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), has congratulated Senator Rashidi Ladoja on his coronation as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

In a press statement issued by the head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Dr Fayemi described the installation of Ladoja as Olubadan as “a fitting recognition of his illustrious contributions to public life and his enduring service to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.”

He said Senator Ladoja’s wealth of experience in politics, business, and community service would no doubt be brought to bear in further uniting the Ibadan traditional institution and enhancing the welfare of his people.

Fayemi expressed confidence that the new Olubadan’s reign would usher in an era of peace, prosperity, and stability not only for Ibadan but also for the entire state of Oyo.

“Senator Ladoja is widely admired as a man of integrity and courage. His ascension to the Ibadan throne is a source of pride, not only to the people of Ibadanland but also to all Nigerians who value leadership anchored on service and humility,” Fayemi said.

While praying for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the monarch, Fayemi urged the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State to rally round the new Olubadan to sustain the tradition of peace and progress for which the ancient city is known.

2026: Ekiti Will joyfully return APC to Power, says Oyebanji.

2026: Ekiti Will joyfully return APC to Power, says Oyebanji.

...community leaders laud gov's diligent execution of budgets.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said that his superlative performance and groundswell of support from the citizens have reinforced his confidence that Ekiti residents made the right choice during the 2022 election that produced him. 

Oyebanji said Ekiti voters won't blink an eyelid nor hesitate before returning the All Progressives Congress back to power in the June 20, 2026 governorship poll. 

The Governor revealed that the 2025 budget has been implemented up to 75 percent, which he said signposted his unshaken fidelity to budget execution. 

Oyebanji spoke in Otun and Ijero Ekiti, at separate  citizens' engagement/Town Hall Meetings held  with stakeholders in Ekiti North and Ekiti Central Senatorial Districts towards the preparation of the 2026 Budget. 

Addressing the populace, Oyebanji described the interaction as buttressing his well-entrenched populist and inclusive approach to governance and the fact that he operates a progressive open door strategy to administer the state. 

Oyebanji praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Federal and State lawmakers, traditional rulers and other pivotal stakeholders, for their partnerships that reinforced his spirit and inspired him to work assiduously to transform the lives of the people. 

"What gives me joy today is that, I can say confidently that there is no town where there is no government-funded project, either in the area of road, water, electricity, agriculture and healthcare and education. This gives me joy that our people have not voted wrongly in 2022 and that they won't hesitate to return APC to power in 2026.

"Our traditional rulers have attested to the improvement in the security level. Today , you can move around the state without fear. I want to appreciate our traditional rulers for giving us lands for commercial farming, where thousands of our youths have been gainfully employed". 

Based on the deafening complaints of the stakeholders across the towns, Governor Oyebanji, pledged that his government will take aggressive steps to fix some of the dilapidated township roads, saying he wholeheartedly agreed that many of them are in decrepit states.

To boost electricity supplies in towns and correct the imbalance and uneven distribution of power, the Ekiti's number one citizen, directed the local government Chairmen to purchase transformers for towns experiencing harrowing power outage. 

"It is not too much for the council chairmen to buy transformers and install in towns where there is no electricity supply for some time. The House of Assembly should take this as part of their oversight functions. The councils must be effective and responsive in this aspect. We are all voted into our respective offices to work for our people".

Oyebanji promised to tackle headlong, the perennial erosion problem and poor access to potable water supply in some communities, to curtail spread of water borne diseases and bring a slump to the rate of morbidity among the populace. 

"The Ministry of Budget can handle this kind of a programme, but I made a promise to always connect with you and listen to you. This meeting is not a waste. There is no budget year that I won't attend to some of your requests. It might not be everything. You voted for me and put all of us on this job. The fidelity to that promise makes me to be here today.

"One thing that is clear is that, you have a governor that listens, a governor that cares and one that doesn't joke with your requests. 

Very soon, I will come to you for the renewal of our mandate and we have to justify such to be able to earn your respect". 

In their presentations for each of the five councils in Ekiti North, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori- Faboro, Owa of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala, Oniye of Iye Ekiti, Oba Adeleye Oni, Chief Bamidele Adeyeye and Engr Ayodeji Abey, saluted Oyebanji for fostering security in the bandit- infested area, where cases of killings and abductions, had been a recurrent decimal in time past.

Similarly, in their presentations for each of the five councils in Ekiti Central senatorial district, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, Olojudo of Ido Ile,  Oba Aderemi Obaleye, Oniropora of Iropora Ekiti, Oba Joel Olonigbua, and Chief Joel Omoniyi, appreciated the Governor for diligent implementation of the 2025 appropriation law. 

They said this vividly reflected in the execution of projects spanning across all the sectors of the economy deemed as the priorities of the populace. 

In the same fashion, the community leaders, commended the Governor for aggressively transforming rural economy, by placing premium value on rural electrification, road infrastructures, youth empowerment, water supply, food security and other thematic projects that can add value to humanity. 

They said the restoration of security in Ekiti, has spirally promoted peace and businesses, adding that infrastructures like roads, healthcare facilities and food security should be intensified in 2026, to buffer poverty rate and improve the standards of living of the people.  

The leaders of the People Living With Disabilities, Messrs Tunde Ajisegbe and Alimi Ologonu, expressed elation over Oyebanji's declaration of free health care services and free education for members, describing this as a masterstroke that has mitigated poverty and promote the spirit of inclusivity.

In the same fashion, the traditional leaders across the two districts, commended the governor for aggressively transforming rural economy, by placing premium value on rural electrification, road infrastructures, youth empowerment, water supply, food security and other thematic projects that can add value to humanity. 

The community leaders, said the restoration of security in Ekiti, has spirally promoted peace and businesses, adding that infrastructures like roads, healthcare facilities and food security should be intensified in 2026, to buffer poverty rate and improve the standards of living of the people.  

At the occasion, a leader of the People Living With Disabilities, Mr Tunde Ajisegbe, saluted Governor Oyebanji, for declaring free health care services for members, describing this as a masterstroke that has mitigated poverty and promote the spirit of inclusivity.

The town hall meetings were  attended by traditional rulers, chiefs, politicians, commercial drivers, market men and women, youths, artisans, people living with disabilities, Okada Riders, students, people from other ethnic nationalities, women groups, among others.

CITIZENS' ENGAGEMENT BEFORE BUDGET NOW COMPULSORY FOR LG CHAIRMEN IN EKITI, SAYS OYEBANJI.

CITIZENS' ENGAGEMENT BEFORE BUDGET NOW COMPULSORY FOR LG CHAIRMEN IN EKITI, SAYS OYEBANJI.

...Community leaders laud Gov’s diligent execution of budgets.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has mandated local government chairmen in the state to always hold citizens' engagement before preparing their budgets as done by his administration at the state level to ensure that initiatives and projects that speak to the needs of the people are included and executed.

Governor Oyebanji gave the directive on Thursday during the Town Hall Meeting and Citizens' Engagement with the people of Ekiti North and Ekiti Central Senatorial Districts towards preparation of the 2026 Budget in the state where he also restated his commitment to always connect with the people in the grassroots to involve them in governance.

At the town hall meeting held in Otun Ekiti, representatives of communities from the five local government areas in Ekiti North-Ido/Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje, Oye and Ikole-tabled their requests while the representatives of communities cutting across the five local government areas in Ekiti Central-Ijero, Efon, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ado Ekiti-also submitted their requests for submission info the 2026 Budget in Ijero Ekiti.

The forum afforded the  representatives of each of the council areas to appreciate the Governor for various completed and ongoing projects which they noted have changed the face of the communities and various empowerment programmes and policies rolled out to boost their standards of living.

However, they seized the opportunity to table many requests including township roads, inter-town and inter-community roads, electricity, potable water, hospitals and health centers, palaces, schools, ambulances, empowerment of citizens, security of lives and property,among others. 

Representatives of artisans and the people living with disabilities also tabled their requests for inclusion in the 2026 Ekiti State budget.

Responding to requests from many communities for transformers to boost power supply, the Governor noted that local government chairmen should be able to provide transformers for towns and villages in their domains on the strength of improved allocations now accruing to them.

The Governor subsequently charged the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) who also doubles as the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Hon Segun Ojo, to rally fellow council chairmen to key into citizens' engagement before preparing their budgets.

Oyebanji specifically directed  the chairmen to invite community leaders and stakeholders in their council areas to town hall meetings to receive their requests in terms of projects in the grassroots into the budgets for the councils to be in sync with what the people want.

He said: "I agree with you that the state of our township roads in many parts of our state are unacceptable and we are going to find ways to attend to them. But is not not too much for the local governments. Local government chairmen, you can still buy transformers from what comes into your coffers.

"ALGON Chairman, this is my advice: the same way we (the state government) visit our people to ask of their requests to be included into the state budget, the local government chairmen should do the same. The local government chairmen should sit down with their people and consider their requests to be included into council budgets.

"I now direct all chairmen of LGAs and LCDAs to hold meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, party leaders, representatives of interest groups and I want to see the reports of such meetings. This should form part of oversight functions of the House of Assembly.

"The 2026 budgets of the local governments should not be prepared without consultation with people living in such local government areas. This is very important and I want our council chairmen to consider doing what we are doing in terms of citizens' engagement for budget preparation."

Oyebanji said he was duty bound to connect with the people in the grassroots from time to time to give account of stewardship and to always ask of the needs of the citizens to be incorporated into the budget since his assumption of office in 2022 because he holds the mandate of the people to whom he must give account.

The Governor explained that he holds his regular interface with the people as an important project which speaks to his commitment to uphold the covenant he made with them at his inauguration expressing satisfaction that the annual engagement on budget has yielded many dividends in terms of projects and better standards of living.

"This shows that this meeting is not a waste. There is no budget year that we have not implemented one or two things requested by each of our communities. We may not have attended to everything but we have attended to a good number of requests of our people which can be seen in every part of the state.

"You have a governor that listens, you have a governor that cares and you have a governor that knows where the shoe pinches. This is why at the fullness of time, we will come back to request for your votes and we will point to those things we have done and the promises we have fulfilled," he added.

He promised to devote a chunk of the 2026 Budget to provide credit facilities to artisans and the informal sector to boost the grassroots economy but he expressed dismay that the micro-credit loans rolled out by the past administrations were not returned by beneficiaries leading to a repayment of over N2 billion of unpaid loans by his administration.

The Governor disclosed that his administration's investment in commercial agriculture has yielded dividends with young farmers in one of the five clusters making over N1 million in three months adding that clearing of more hectares of land has reduced kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He urged residents who are yet to register as voters to do so and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming governorship election expressing confidence that his performance in the last three years are enough to sell his candidacy to his party and the electorate.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor,  Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, explained that the budget town hall meetings have become integral parts of governance in Ekiti to render account and feel the pulse of the populace on their needs for successive fiscal years.

Adebayo said Ekiti under Oyebanji has been widely acknowledged as a state that upholds probity, transparency and accountability which have deepened good governance and warned the Governor and the state prestigious awards.

The meetings in the two locations were attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mrs Bolaji Olagbaju; the Head of Service,Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; the Oore of Orun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo who led other traditional rulers in Ekiti North; the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti who led other monarchs in Ekiti Central where the Ewi of Ado Ekiti was represented by his chiefs, local government chairmen, community leaders and various interest groups.

Cavista Holdings leads foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

Cavista Holdings leads foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

Cavista Holdings in partnership with the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) hosted a Gala Dinner on September 23, 2025, at the iconic Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Plaza in New York on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), spotlighting Nigeria as a premier destination for business and investment.

The exclusive invite-only event was attended by private sector investors, leaders from international finance partners, top governments officials in the U.S, across Africa and an an excellent Nigerian delegation led by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima the Vice President of Nigeria. The gathering signaled robust international interest in partnering with Nigerian states to drive economic development.

The Special Guest of Honor, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima was represented by the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa who shared success stories of investments across the country and highlighted reforms by the government to attract investments and support the private sector. Also present at the Cavista Holdings Gala dinner were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State), Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), His Eminence, The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, the Deputy Governor of Cross River, Peter Odey and several Ministers from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Welcoming guests, Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, reflected on his Nigerian roots and the promise of private sector–led growth.

“Nigeria is not only a future market. It is the present-day frontier of value creation and impact,” Olajide said. “At Cavista Holdings, our vision is clear: to create value and transform lives. We invest in Africa for three reasons: to create jobs, to create more jobs, and to create even more jobs.”

Olajide highlighted Cavista’s flagship investments — including Agbeyewa Farms, home to Africa’s largest cassava farm; Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, transformed into a premier hospitality destination; and Cavista Technologies and Payzeep, which are powering Africa’s digital economy with plans to expand into energy and mining.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Florie Liser, CEO of Corporate Council on Africa, (CCA) and Adam Cortese, CEO of Sun Africa, setting the tone for an evening of impactful dialogue.

The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), Governor Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State), and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State).

Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings

Moderated by Cavista Holdings’ Executive Director and Vice President for Government and External Affairs, Olumide Olayomi, the conversation focused on unlocking state-level investment opportunities, enhancing economic stability, and boosting investor confidence.

The event also featured a moving poetry performance titled “Nigeria: The Rising Giant” by Adetola Sandra Sanni-Thomas, as well as video presentations showcasing the work of Sun Africa, the NGF, and Cavista Holdings.

In his closing remarks, Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, thanked partners and guests for their support and invited investors to come alongside Cavista Holdings to make the most of all the potential that Nigeria has to offer.

About Cavista Holdings

Guided by the belief that business is a force for good, Cavista Holdings is an Africa-focused global investment and holding company committed to creating value and transforming lives through strategic investments.

Operating across four continents, our portfolio of companies delivers innovative products and services in key sectors including Agriculture, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality and Technology.

The Social Capital Needed to Secure Victory: Why Oyebanji Remains APC’s Best Choice.

The Social Capital Needed to Secure Victory: Why Oyebanji Remains APC’s Best Choice.

By Idowu Ephraim Faleye

When it comes to politics, especially in a democracy like ours, people often argue about who should fly the flag of a party. Some argue for change, others argue for continuity. But at the heart of that debate is a simple question: who can deliver both for the people and for the party? In Ekiti State today, that question has a straightforward answer. Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has built up a level of social capital that the All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot afford to waste. To attempt to replace him with someone who lacks both his track record and the people’s support would be politically suicidal.

Let us begin with the facts. Ekiti State is not one of the wealthiest states in Nigeria. It does not enjoy oil revenues like Akwa Ibom or Rivers. It does not have the huge industrial base of Lagos or Ogun. Its internally generated revenue and its federal allocation can not be compared with big league states. Yet, despite these limitations, the state under Governor Oyebanji has managed to carve out a name for itself as one of the best-performing states in the country. According to the CIAPS Governance Performance Index (CGPI), Ekiti ranked 5th nationwide with a score of 64.5%. To put this in context, that ranking placed Ekiti ahead of wealthier states such as Ogun, Kano, Edo, and even Rivers. That is not an accident. It is the outcome of discipline, transparency, and clear vision of leadership.

How does a state with such lean resources achieve this kind of recognition? The answer is in the governor’s approach to governance. Governor Oyebanji is not flamboyant, he is not loud, and he is not one of those leaders who mistake noise for achievement. He is deliberate, methodical, and focused. His first major decision after taking office was to commit to transparency. Government expenditures are made available to the public through digital platforms. This has built trust between the government and the people, creating an environment where citizens feel confident that their taxes are being used for real development.

But transparency alone cannot put food on the table or build roads. That is why the governor’s policies go beyond open books. In education, for example, Oyebanji has strengthened Ekiti’s age-old reputation as the “fountain of knowledge.” Many schools that had fallen into disrepair have been renovated. Teachers are paid their salaries promptly and promoted as due. More teachers have been recruited to fill gaps in the system, ensuring that classrooms are not left abandoned. These are not empty gestures. The result is clear in the performance of Ekiti students in national exams, where they continue to rank among the best nationwide. Parents see the difference, teachers feel the impact, and students reap the benefits. That is real governance.

In health, the governor has been equally deliberate. Healthcare in Nigeria is a nightmare in many states, but in Ekiti, reforms are quietly changing the story. The Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme (EKHIS) now covers thousands of residents, including those in the informal sector who previously had no access to affordable healthcare. Hospitals and diagnostic centers have been upgraded, and primary health centers across the state have been rehabilitated. It is no longer the case that residents have to travel to Ibadan or Lagos for specialized care. Slowly but steadily, Ekiti is becoming self-sufficient in healthcare delivery.

Infrastructure development is another area where Governor Oyebanji has proven that good governance is not about how much money you have, but how well you use it. Over 300 kilometers of roads, both rural and township, have been rehabilitated or constructed within just two years. For the wealthy elite, a road may just be a road. But for the farmer in Ijero who can now move his yams to the market in Ado without fear of them rotting by the roadside, that road is life-changing. For the schoolchild in Ikole who no longer has to wade through mud just to get to class, that road is a blessing. And for local businesses that can now connect more easily to consumers, those roads are the difference between profit and loss.

Beyond the traditional areas of governance, Oyebanji has also looked to the future. He understands that the world is changing and that technology and innovation must play a role in Ekiti’s growth. The Ekiti Tech Hub launched in Ado-Ekiti is providing young people with skills in software development, data science, and digital marketing. Already, hundreds of youths are being linked to remote jobs, earning in foreign currency while living at home. This is the kind of thinking that prepares a state for the future, not the outdated empty promises of politicians who only know how to talk.

Agriculture, the backbone of Ekiti’s economy, has also received new energy under Oyebanji. Through the Youth in Commercial Agriculture Development (YCAD) program, graduates are being encouraged and supported to go into farming, not as subsistence farmers but as commercial operators. With access to land, improved seedlings, and government-backed support, these young farmers are not only feeding themselves but are also contributing to food security in the state. This is a strategy that creates jobs, diversifies the economy, and reduces dependence on federal allocation.

Even in security, which is a nightmare across Nigeria, Ekiti stands out. Through community policing, investment in surveillance, and collaboration with traditional rulers, Ekiti has remained relatively peaceful compared to neighboring states. Farmers can go to their farms without fear of abduction, businesses can thrive without constant harassment, and residents can sleep with some peace of mind. This peace is not by accident; it is the product of deliberate investment and leadership.

Now, all of these achievements are important, but what makes them politically valuable is how the people have responded. Across every sector and segment of society, from market women to artisans, from students to traditional rulers, from religious leaders to civil servants, endorsements have poured in for Governor Oyebanji. These are not coerced endorsements. They are not the product of bribery. They are natural expressions of gratitude and admiration for a leader who has shown sincerity and delivered tangible results.

This is where the idea of social capital comes in. In politics, social capital is the goodwill, trust, and network of support that a leader builds over time. It is not bought, it is earned. And it is the most valuable resource a party can have going into an election. Governor Oyebanji has accumulated this social capital in abundance. When you see market women singing his praises, when you hear traditional rulers speaking in his favor, when you witness professional bodies openly endorsing him, what you are seeing is a reservoir of political strength that no amount of propaganda can manufacture.

This is why it is baffling that some within the APC still toy with the idea of replacing Oyebanji with candidates who have no such social capital to their name. Let us be honest: politics is about winning elections. And elections are won by candidates who can command the people’s trust and enthusiasm. Engr. Kayode Ojo, for instance, may have personal ambition, but ambition alone cannot win elections. He does not enjoy the widespread endorsements that Oyebanji has. He has not built the social capital that Oyebanji has. To present him as the APC candidate would be to throw away the natural advantage the party currently holds. It would be like exchanging gold for gravel.

The recent screening exercise that cleared such aspirants despite the glaring lack of credibility only shows that sometimes, processes can fail. But leadership is about correcting those failures before they become disasters. APC must recognize that presenting a candidate who lacks credibility and social capital is not just a risk, it is an invitation to electoral defeat. The people of Ekiti are not blind. They know who has worked and who has not. They know who has their trust and who does not. And they will not reward a party that tries to short-change them with a candidate they do not want.

Let us also remember that the opposition is watching. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other rivals would love nothing more than for APC to make a mistake. They know that as things stand, Oyebanji is the strongest candidate going into the general election. They know that his endorsements represent votes waiting to be harvested. They know that his performance has already won the hearts of many undecided voters. If APC foolishly replace him, it would be handing victory to the opposition on a platter of gold.

The delegates of the APC must therefore rise to the occasion. They must resist the temptation to be swayed by money or empty promises. They must think not just about their personal interests but about the future of the party and the state. By endorsing Oyebanji, they will not just be choosing continuity, they will be choosing certainty of victory. They will be aligning with the will of the people, which in politics, is the greatest weapon any party can wield.

Governor Oyebanji is not perfect. No leader is. But he has done enough to earn a second term. He has built schools, upgraded hospitals, paid salaries, constructed roads, empowered youths, boosted agriculture, expanded digital opportunities, and maintained peace. More importantly, he has earned the trust and love of the people. That is something you cannot buy. That is social capital. And it is the APC’s biggest asset heading into the next election. To waste it would be unforgivable.

So let the party be wise. Let the delegates be wise. Let them resist distractions and face the reality that is before them. The reality is that Oyebanji is not just the people’s choice, he is the party’s surest path to victory. The endorsements flooding in are not noise; they are signals of what the electorate wants. To ignore them is to ignore the voice of the people. And any party that ignores the people is preparing for defeat.

In the end, the choice is simple. The APC can either hold on to Oyebanji, consolidate on his achievements, and ride on the wave of his social capital to victory. Or it can gamble on an untested, unpopular candidate and risk losing everything. For the sake of Ekiti, for the sake of APC, and for the sake of democracy, the wise choice is continuity with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. Because in politics, as in life, when you have a winning formula, you don’t throw it away. You build on it. And that is exactly what APC must do now.

Idowu Ephraim Faleye|Freelance writer|Independent stories, Data-driven Insights.

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.