EKITI ADVANCEMENT FRONTIER TO DISTRIBUTE RELIEF MATERIALS IN SUPPORT OF RENEWED HOPE AGENDA AND OYEBANJI’S INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE.

EKITI ADVANCEMENT FRONTIER TO DISTRIBUTE RELIEF MATERIALS IN SUPPORT OF RENEWED HOPE AGENDA AND OYEBANJI’S INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE.

...Group pledges support for Oyebanji’s welfare programs, set to reach thousands of beneficiaries across Ekiti.

By Osunmuyiwa Stephen

Powered by: Ekiti Advancement Frontier (EAF)

The Ekiti Advancement Frontier (EAF), a socio-developmental organization committed to grassroots empowerment and community welfare, has announced plans to distribute relief materials and foodstuffs to the elderly, aged men and women, less privileged persons, and other stakeholders across Ekiti State.

The initiative, according to the Convener of the group, Dr. Deji Oso Dejavu, is designed to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s inclusiveness and transparency policy, both of which emphasize the welfare and well-being of citizens through equitable and sustainable social programs.

Speaking at a briefing in Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Oso noted that the gesture reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to community development and shared prosperity.

“At Ekiti Advancement Frontier, we are inspired by the people-first approach of Governor Oyebanji’s administration and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision. This relief program is a practical step to support the elderly and vulnerable, ensuring that no one is left behind in Ekiti’s growth story,” he said.

The distribution, which will cover all 16 local government areas of the state, will include food items, essential commodities, and welfare packages aimed at cushioning the effects of current economic challenges on citizens.

Community leaders and observers have lauded the move as timely, describing it as a direct reinforcement of the state government’s efforts toward inclusive and transparent governance.

As preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 re-election campaign of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the EAF initiative has been widely regarded as a demonstration of solidarity with the Governor’s vision for peace, inclusiveness, and shared prosperity for all Ekiti indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora.

The Ekiti Advancement Frontier reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with relevant government agencies and partners to promote programs that enhance social welfare, transparency, and participatory development across Ekiti State.

EKSU VC Hails Oyebanji for Boosting Varsity’s Funding, Infrastructure.

EKSU VC Hails Oyebanji for Boosting Varsity’s Funding, Infrastructure.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, has commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, for what he described as “exceptional and transformative support” to the institution.

Ayodele, who spoke during the EKSU Congregation meeting held at the university’s Main Auditorium, lauded the governor’s various interventions, including the approval and timely release of increased monthly subventions to the university.

According to him, the financial interventions, which saw the university’s subvention raised twice within a short period, have brought stability to the institution’s finances. He said this development enabled the management to clear all backlog of outstanding salaries and allowances within a year.

“The consistent support from Governor Oyebanji has ushered in a new era of financial sanity and operational stability in EKSU. His Excellency’s commitment to education is evident in the bold steps he has taken to reposition the university,” Ayodele said.

The Vice Chancellor also expressed appreciation for the governor’s recent approval for the construction of a state-of-the-art Faculty of Pharmacy complex within the university. He disclosed that contractors had already moved to the site to begin construction.

The meeting was attended by principal officers, and academic and non-academic staff who reportedly applauded the governor’s efforts as well as the vice chancellor’s acknowledgment of the state government’s contributions.

The statement was signed by Mathew Ogunlade on behalf of the Deputy Registrar and Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun.

Oyebanji Expresses Satisfaction over Ekiti Budget Performance.

Oyebanji Expresses Satisfaction over Ekiti Budget Performance.

…Urges MDAs to Set up Internal Budget Implementation Team.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed satisfaction with the steady improvement in the State’s budget performance, describing it as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of resources. 

Governor Oyebanji stated this on Sunday during the Treasury Board Meeting involving senior government officials across MDAs and extra-Ministerial Departments on the Proposed 2026 Budget, held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House in Ado Ekiti. He commended the heads of MDAs for ensuring effective implementation of government policies and programmes, which, according to the Governor, has resulted in improved budget outcomes across various sectors.

The Governor, however, charged all MDAs to set up internal implementation teams to ensure seamless execution of approved projects and programmes in alignment with the 2026 budget. 

He explained that such team would help strengthen internal monitoring, enhance performance tracking and promote greater coordination among departments.

The Governor said “ I also want to advise that as we have the budget implementation team at the state level, it wouldn’t be too much for MDAs too to have a small team to watch over your budget. MDAs should set up ministerial implementation team that will ensure that all programmes are in alignment with budget”.

Emphasizing that his administration places high premium on value for money and result-oriented budgeting, the Governor urged the state officials to avoid waste and ensure that every expenditure directly benefit Ekiti people.

While expressing satisfaction with his administration’s achievements in agriculture sector, Governor Oyebanji said he was deliberate in investing hugely in the sector to address unemployment and food security.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said the 2026 budget will focus primarily on completion of all ongoing infrastructure projects across the various communities. He also expressed optimism that the 2026 budget would further bring unprecedented growth and development to the state.

“We are not doing badly at all with our budget, we must understand our nature as a people, understand our limitations and our own challenges. It is good to benchmark our self with states that are doing well but we are not in the same class, within our frame, where God has created us, we are trying our best and I must commend all of you.

“I am so happy with our achievement in the agric sector, that in one year we can create 5,000  jobs for our youth and they are there, they have not left and more people are clamouring to join them”, the Governor stated.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, who acknowledged the consistent efficiency of the budget planning process in the State, attributed it to the adoption of zero-based budgeting and a medium-term expenditure framework spanning 2026 to 2028. He expressed appreciation to the accounting officers and other government officials who have adopted and implemented new frameworks and budgeting techniques aimed at improving fiscal discipline and credibility.

Commending the state commitment to timely budget preparation and adherence to global best practices. Mr Adebayo, who stressed the importance of collective ownership of the budget document to ensure its successful passage, acceptance, and implementation across key sectors, particularly infrastructure and social services, urged all participants to carry the same level of dedication into the public execution phase of the budget.

Presenting the overview of the proposed 2026 expenditure estimate, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Barr. Olusola Akinluyi, who commended the Governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to fiscal responsibility, explained that the state budget performance in 2023, 2024 and 2025 had been a progression of systemic growth.

While maintaining that government had not taken any loan since the inception of the current administration, the Permanent Secretary noted that the projection for the 2026 budget has been put at N415 billion with the recurrent expenditure of N252 billion.

Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, top Government Officials, among others.

Moremi Ojudu SSA to Tinubu Visits Agbeyewa Farms; Pledges more Collaboration.

Moremi Ojudu SSA to Tinubu Visits Agbeyewa Farms; Pledges more Collaboration.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (South-West), Hon. Moremi Ojudu, has paid an official visit to Agbeyewa Farms, the world’s largest cassava farm and a flagship agrotourism destination in Nigeria.

The visit was both official and personal for Hon. Ojudu, an illustrious daughter of Ekiti State. She and her BAT-STEM team were warmly received by the farm’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Seyi “Oska” Aiyeleso; Vice President of Operations, Anthonia Attoh, Director Community Engagement Dauda Lawal; and other senior management staff.

Welcoming the delegation, the Director of Community Engagement, Dauda Lawal, highlighted Agbeyewa’s far-reaching impact on rural communities, describing the initiative as the vision of Mr. John Niyi Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings.

In his remarks, Mr. Aiyeleso thanked the SSAP for visiting and noted that Agbeyewa Farms is driving a cassava revolution across 10,000 hectares of farmland, with over 30 tractors and 8 bulldozers powering its fully mechanized operations. He commended Hon. Ojudu for her leadership and advocacy in national development.

Ms Attoh, the Vice President of Operations, spoke about Agbeyewa’s transformative role in cassava cultivation, processing, and agro-trading, as well as its strong focus on job creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable food production. She reiterated the farm’s commitment to community development, citing ongoing collaborations with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to train and retain young graduates.

“We provide the best pay for our corps members because we value their contribution. Many of them are absorbed as full-time staff after service,” she said.

She futher emphasized that Agbeyewa’s goals align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and rural economic growth, while appealing for more government support in mechanization. “One area of support we are seeking from government is access to tractors and bulldozers,” she added.

In her address, Hon. Moremi Ojudu expressed delight at visiting the farm, describing it as a national pride and a symbol of indigenous innovation.  "I am so privileged and honoured to be here. I would like to thank the MD/CEO for hosting my team and I here. Agbeyewa is the biggest export of Nigeria and it's an indigenous brand that deserves  to be promoted by everyone." 

Hon. Ojudu and her team thereafter embarked on the memorable tour of the IPAO Farm, promising that the Presidency through the Minister of Agriculture will continue to provide more support to Agbeyewa Farms.

During the farm tour, the visiting team was briefed by Mr. Babatunde Akinsinde, General Manager of Farm Operations, and Dr. Saturday Idogen, Senior Farm Operations Manager, who showcased Agbeyewa’s 13 cassava varieties and research partnerships with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). 

The delegation  were briefed on the Agbeyewa's mechanized systems, upcoming modern processing facilities, and sustainable agricultural practices such as GIS system for land management, herbicide application using drones, and irrigation facilities for cultivation during dry season. Deeply impressed, Hon. Ojudu commended the innovation and scale of operations at Agbeyewa Farms.

“I have discovered cassava as an interesting and strategic crop. I am truly inspired and pray for greater success for the Agbeyewa team as they expand and build lasting impact,” she said.

She further proposed a collaboration to promote agricultural education among children and youth in the South-West and expressed her intention to return for another engagement with the Agbeyewa farm workers and farmers.

Princess Adetoun Agboola Named Among Nigeria’s 100 Most Admirable Educators.

Princess Adetoun Agboola Named Among Nigeria’s 100 Most Admirable Educators.

The Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Funmilayo Agboola, has been honoured as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Admirable Schools, Teachers and Educators (M.A.S.T.E.R.S) Class of 2025, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to inclusive education and disability advocacy.

The award, powered by Thesis Education Group, celebrates educators, institutions and innovators transforming Nigeria’s education sector through creativity and commitment to positive change.

Princess Agboola, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Special Education from the University of Ibadan and a Cambridge International Certificate in Educational Leadership, has spent over two decades championing the cause of children with special needs.

As Special Adviser to the Governor, she has spearheaded and played key roles in several transformative reforms, including the enforcement of disability laws, the creation of Nigeria’s first public inclusive school and the establishment of a state therapy centre for children with profound disabilities.

Under her leadership, the Ekiti State Government also introduced mandatory pre-enrollment assessments, classroom accommodations and other innovative programmes that have strengthened special schools and improved access to quality education for children with disabilities in the state. 

Beyond public service, Princess Agboola is the Founder and Director of Plumcare Educational Services, where she pioneered early identification and intervention systems for learners with special needs and developed professional training programmes for teachers.

Her unwavering commitment to inclusion and her visionary leadership have earned her national and international recognition as one of the foremost advocates for disability awareness and equitable education in Nigeria.

According to the Chief Executive Officer and Team Lead of Thesis Education Group, Mr Bosman Adedokun, The innovation, "100 M.A.S.T.E.R.S" was created to spotlight and connect trailblazers shaping the future of education in Nigeria and across Africa.

He explained that the platform is aimed at recognizing outstanding teachers, rewarding innovation and amplifying inspiring stories of educators who are redefining learning in their communities.

Mr Adedokun commended Princess Agboola and other honorees, describing them as the vanguard of innovation, dedication and transformation in Nigeria’s education landscape.

World Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji Extends Ekiti Teachers’ Retirement Age to 65 years.

World Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji Extends Ekiti Teachers’ Retirement Age to 65 years.

…Presents  N46 Million cheques to Outstanding Teachers.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the immediate extension of the retirement age of teachers in the state from 60 years to 65 years and service year raised from 35 to 40 years.

The Governor also rewarded outstanding teachers in the state with cash gifts totalling N46 million, approved upward review of Science Teachers and Head of Department allowances, as well as immediate payment of 2019 leave bonus areas to further motivate the teachers. 

The Governor made this declaration on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavalion, Ado Ekiti. No fewer than 5,000 teachers attended the colourful event which was turned into a carnival as teachers across different cadres adorned in Ankara uniform sang and danced in appreciation of the Governor’s teacher-friendly policies. 

Governor Oyebanji, who thanked the teachers for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the state, described them as the foundation upon which the future of the state is built. He affirmed that the gesture was part of his administration’s efforts to motivate teachers, recognize their immense contribution to the development of education, and enhance their welfare in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

While explaining that the extension of the retirement age was in fulfilment of his promise to reposition the education sector and retain competent and experienced hands in the teaching profession, the Governor said a committee would be set up to oversee the elongation of the service year and ensure that only the agile individuals enjoy the privilege.

Governor Oyebanji further assured the Teachers that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and continue to create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning. 

The Governor also informed the gathering that he will be seeking a re-election for a second term and solicited for their continue support.

“Let me respond to the request by the TUC Chairman, I have been told  now that 2019 leave bonus was paid yesterday and you will start receiving the alert by tomorrow.

“I have heard your yearnings with respect to the mandatory age for retirement and this has been approved as recommended but only for able and willing teachers. On the issue of science and head of departments’ allowances, I know that the Head of Service is doing the review of the allowances and I have instructed her to bring it by next week for approval”. 

“My dear friends, this will be the only opportunity to meet in a group like this before the next governorship election. I therefore want to officially inform you that I will be seeking a re-election into the office of the Governor for a second term. I have been greatly encouraged by the overwhelming goodwill, enthusiasm and support that you have shown me. I want to assure you that, for you, it will always get better. I am resolutely committed to my pact with you and all Ekiti workers. I therefore solicit for your sustained support and prayers going forward. The Governor stated.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his efforts at repositioning the education sector and ensure that the teachers’ welfare are taken care of.

The Commissioner highlighted various efforts of the Governor at improving the general well-being of teachers in the state to include, release of over N1.6 billion as running grant to schools in the last three years, payment of over N6.2 billion as UBEC counterpart fund to ensure renovations of schools in the state, payment of over N1.5 billion for WAEC in the last years of the Governors administration as well as prompt payment exam fees for students, placement, BECE and SS2 exams among others.

In their separate goodwill messages, the National President of ASUSS, Comrade Sola Adigun, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by Mr Lateef Adesiyan, and Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Comrade Adedeji Egbeyemi, all commended Governor Oyebanji for his continue demonstration of love and passion for teachers and the teaching profession in the state.

They commended and appreciated the Governor for his significant achievements in the education sector which include,. Sustenance of free and compulsory education in the state, appointment of retired teachers as political office holders, massive renovation of schools across the state, approval of career progression of graduate teachers, upward review of gratuities paid to retired teachers, employment of 1500 primary school teachers and 2500 secondary school teachers, among others.

Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, among others.

First Lady Tinubu Distributes 370,000 Sanitary Pads Nationwide, 10,000 to Ekiti Girls.

First Lady  Tinubu Distributes  370,000 Sanitary Pads Nationwide, 10,000 to Ekiti Girls.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a national menstrual health project under her Renewed Hope Initiative, tagged “Flow with Confidence.” with the distribution of 370,000 sanitary pads to teenage girls across the county. 

The programme is aimed at empowering schoolgirls, promoting menstrual hygiene, and restoring their dignity during their menstrual cycle.

At the Ekiti State flag-off ceremony held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Ado-Ekiti, Senator Tinubu was represented by the state’s First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who also serves as the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative. She disclosed that Ekiti received an allocation of 10,000 sanitary pads to be distributed equitably across the state, particularly in rural communities where many girls struggle to access such products.

Dr. Oyebanji described the programme as a timely intervention to address the challenges faced by adolescent girls, especially the stigma, ridicule, and loss of self-confidence that often accompany menstruation in schools.

“It is wrong for girls to miss school during their periods because they cannot afford sanitary pads or fear stained clothes. Through this initiative, young girls will not only receive sanitary pads but also gain the confidence to embrace their education without disruption. This gesture is about health, dignity, and self-esteem.” She said.

She urged beneficiaries not to sell the pads but to use them properly, emphasizing that the project was designed to safeguard their health and prevent infections linked to unhygienic alternatives such as rags or tissues.

Also speaking at the launch, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, commended Senator Tinubu’s compassion and dedication to the welfare of women and girls nationwide. He noted that the initiative would reduce school absenteeism among girls and protect their dignity.

 “This is a laudable step towards ensuring menstrual health, reducing the risk of infections, and enabling our girls to stay in school with confidence. We appreciate the First Lady of Nigeria for extending this support to every state, and we are particularly grateful for the 10,000 pads allocated to Ekiti.” He said.

The event also featured a lecture delivered by Dr. Olukemi Akinyemi of the Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan, who encouraged the girls to view menstruation not as a source of shame but as a natural process and a sign of strength.

“Menstruation is not something to hide or be embarrassed about. It is part of womanhood. Use your sanitary pads correctly, maintain good hygiene, and talk to your mothers, sisters, or trusted adults whenever you need guidance. Above all, never let menstruation hold you back from achieving your dreams.” She said.

The gathering, which was attended by state officials, members of ALGON, women’s groups such as the Amazons, and schoolgirls, underscored the importance of menstrual health in sustaining girls’ education. Beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude, noting that the pads would help them attend school regularly and boost their confidence among peers.