Ekiti 2026: EAF Begins Engagement with APC Stakeholders, Says No Alternative to Oyebanji.

Ekiti 2026: EAF Begins Engagement with APC Stakeholders, Says No Alternative to Oyebanji.

A Pressure Group in Ekiti State, the Ekiti Advancement Frontiers, which has thrown it's weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a Second Term in office said it will begin its tour of Senatorial Districts in the State today 7th October, 2025.

A statement from the Convener of the group, Dr. Adedeji Oso made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Monday said the group will be interacting with critical stakeholders in the APC as well as vulnerable populations from the various wards in each Local Government and Senatorial Districts in the State.

Oso said the group will begin with the tour of Ekiti South Senatorial District which comprises of 6 Local Government Areas on Tuesday 7th October after which the group will tour Ekiti North on Thursday, 9th October. Followed by the tour of some parts of Ekiti Central on Friday 9th October. While the grand finale will hold in Ado at a later date.

The EAF Convener said the group will ensure Governor Biodun Oyebanji's re-election bid by mobilizing grassroots support across the state.

During the engagement, EAF will be distributing food items worth ₦20 million, including over 500 bags of 5kg rice and 500 bags of 5kg Garri to vulnerable population.

Additionally, they'll be providing cash gifts of ₦10,000 each to many vulnerable individuals across all 16 Local Government Areas, while it will also erect billboards promoting Oyebanji's continuity and "shared prosperity" agenda.

The EAF's efforts are aimed at complementing Oyebanji's policies, such as the Ounjẹ Ekiti scheme; which provides subsidized food items, fertilizer subsidies, tractorization for farmers and government cash transfers to vulnerable population in the State.

Oso concluded that Oyebanji towers above all his contenders in the race in character, reputation and performance and also a tested Promise Keeper whose 'governance shoes' are currently too big for anyone to fit in. He urged Ekiti State APC Stakeholders to return a tested Performer at the primary election in other to ensure the responsive governance being witnessed in Ekiti is not jeopardized.

World Teachers’ Day: Group Hails Oyebanji for Prioritising Ekiti Teachers’ Welfare.

World Teachers’ Day: Group Hails Oyebanji for Prioritising Ekiti Teachers’ Welfare.

A grassroots mobilisation group, Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), has commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, for what it described as his unwavering commitment to the welfare of teachers and the overall development of the education sector in the state.

The group made this known in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday in celebration of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, where it praised the governor’s “remarkable strides” in improving the lives of teachers across the state.

According to OSV, Governor Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated an uncommon dedication to the teaching profession through several landmark initiatives. These include the sustenance of free and compulsory education, the appointment of retired teachers as political office holders, massive renovation of public schools, and the approval of career progression for graduate teachers.

The governor was also lauded for the upward review of gratuities for retired teachers, the employment of 1,500 primary school teachers and 2,500 secondary school teachers, and the extension of the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years, alongside an increase in service years from 35 to 40.

In commemoration of this year’s Teachers’ Day, the state government reportedly disbursed N46 million in cash rewards to outstanding teachers across various categories. Governor Oyebanji also approved the upward review of allowances for Science Teachers and Heads of Departments, and ordered the immediate payment of the 2019 leave bonus arrears to further boost morale in the education sector.

“The governor has shown, yet again, that the welfare of teachers is not an afterthought but a cornerstone of his administration,” the statement read in part.

OSV further described the Governor as a “true friend of the education sector,” noting his deep personal connection to the profession as “a product of a teacher, husband of a teacher, and child of a civil servant.”

Quoting the governor's remarks during the Teachers’ Day celebration, the group recalled: “It will always get better. I am resolutely committed to my pact with you and all Ekiti workers.”

The group urged all teachers and civil servants in the state to support the continuity of the present administration, which it said has brought stability and progressive reforms to the state.

“Governor Oyebanji’s governance has continued to position Ekiti as a model for others, and we are proud of the milestones being recorded under his leadership,” the statement concluded.

EKITI AGRO-ALLIED INTERNATIONAL CARGO AIRPORT RECEIVES NCAA APPROVAL FOR COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS.

EKITI AGRO-ALLIED INTERNATIONAL CARGO AIRPORT RECEIVES NCAA APPROVAL FOR COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS.

The Federal Government has given Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport approval to commence scheduled flight operations, (otherwise known as commercial flights), effective October 4th

The development follows the expiration of  the initial approval for a non-scheduled flight approval for the airport by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in December 2024 and compliance with regulatory requirements. 

The NCAA in the letter dated October 3, 2025 addressed to the Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the new approval for scheduled flight. The approval will be for an initial period of six months.

According to the letter with reference number : NCAA/DAAS/TECH//043/Vol. 1/158 and signed by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr Godwin Balang, the validation inspection was conducted on the airport between June 16th – 19th, 2025.

“The outcome revealed that the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations to Ado-Ekiti Airport have been significantly complied with and the instrument flight check validation report conducted by NAMA indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements.

“In view of the above and in line with the provisions of Nig CARs Part 12 Vol. 1, 2023, I have been directed to convey the Authority’s Interim Operational Permit subject to the limitations of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations. 

 "Furthermore, Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note that this interim Operational Permit is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process which will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with Three years validity in accordance with the Nig.CARS Part 12 Vol.1”,  

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Government is in the advanced stage of installing the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to position the airport for night and all weather operations. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has hailed the development as a major boost to the economic development of the state, adding that the commencement of commercial operations at the airport would boost agribusiness, tourism development, commercial activities, and medical tourism, which will further position the state as a destination of choice for people looking for where to live, work, invest and relax.

The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for socioeconomic development at the national and subnational levels. He also thanked his immediate predecessor in office, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who laid the foundation of the airport project in 2019. He also thanked the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) for his remarkable contributions to the airport project as well as members of the Airport Committee. 

Olayinka Oyebode

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekiti State 

07-10-2025

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.