Oyebanji Commences Two-Week Annual Leave.

Oyebanji Commences Two-Week Annual Leave.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will commence a two-week annual leave beginning from Sunday, November 9th, 2025.

The Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode in a statement on Friday said the Governor will resume office on Monday, November 24th, 2025.

According to him, ” The two-week leave is part of the Governor’s statutory annual leave.

” However, the Governor will be attending to crucial state matters while on leave.

” This is the first time Governor Oyebanji will be going on leave since assuming office on October 16th, 2022.”

Oyebanji swears in 10 Perm Secs, says no politics with appointment into critical positions.

Oyebanji swears in 10 Perm Secs, says no politics with appointment into critical positions.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday sworn in 10 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service, urging them to discharge their duties effectively and do their best to maintain the tempo of development in the state.

Speaking at the event, which took place at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado- Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji urged the new Permanent Secretaries to work hand in hand with his administration to realize his government’s shared prosperity agenda as well as its vision of sustainable development in the state. 

He told the audience which include the deputy Governor, top government functionaries that the new permanent secretaries emerged through a highly competitive process, stating that he will not play politics with appointment into critical positions,  including the teaching profession.

The Governor, who revealed that the process of their selection and appointments followed their success in the highly competitive examination and based on objectivity, merit and free from any interference, said the exercise was in a bid to strengthen the leadership of the civil service and reposition it for effective service delivery. 

While commending the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi for being diligent and discreet in handling the selection and appointment process, he stressed the need for government to foster culture of creativity, cooperation, innovation, efficiency, effectiveness and accountability within the MDAs since governance has continued to be complex and demands urgent performance.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit, transparency, and fairness in the state civil service, insisting that appointments and promotions will no longer be influenced by politics, religion, gender, or personal connections.

While congratulating the new Permanent Secretaries, the Governor reminded them that  the custody of public funds and effective implementation of government policies fall within their purview adding that, since their everyday choices will affect thousands of lives, they must be guided by patience and not convenience.

Those sworn in are S.O. Ibijola, Olaonipekun Eweje, Sunday Omoya, Morakinyo Akilo, Adelusi Lateef, Peter Ejimokun, Olufemi Adediran, Ayoola Clement, Bayode Lawrence, and Toyin Ojelabi-Pedro.

The Governor said “ This administration has consistently upheld a merit-based mechanism in the selection and appointment of key officers in the civil service. Out of the 141 eligible candidates invited for a computer-based test facilitated by UMA Capital Partners, only 28 emerged on the shortlist for the final interviews, from among which the first 10 were selected, so we still have 18.”

In an apparent reference to clamouring for waivers for some candidates that failed to meet the cut off marks in the recent teachers recruitment exercise, the Governor said here is no goin back on the merit - based approach used for the selection process . 

“  I'm not going to play politics with the appointment of those that will teach our children. Whoever that are appointed, they are indigenes and citizens of Ekiti State, I just want the best to teach our children so that they can compete globally with anybody from any part of the world.”

He assured other candidates who made the cut off point and were not invited to be rest assured that as long as there is vacancies, government will still pick from them. The Governor added, “I am saying it publicly there's a cut-off now from number 10, When there are other vacancies, we start from number 11. We are not going to do any other appointment until we get to the cut-off minimum because the system must be seen to be fair. So, until we get to the last point on that list, I'm not going to do any other appointment.

“I would like to remind you all that the position of Permanent Secretaries is a call to service, I charge you to not only serve with diligence and excellence, but to equally inspire and motivate the staff you work with. Your appointment is not a suggestion that you are an imperial boss, but a mandate to be team leaders that inspire their subordinates. He said.

While highlighting some of the achievement of his administration in lifting the civil service beyond what it used to be in the past, Governor Oyebanji said, “As a government, we will continue to encourage professionalism and a level playground for civil servants. Our administrations, as upheld our commitment to excellence, diligence and fairness in the public service. 

He added, “Our commitment to the different welfare packages, such as car and housing loans evident by the 100% increases approved for different categories. I am aware that our financial commitment to the public service forums and the Award of Excellence programme has further ignited passion for excellence as a reward for our work.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi expressed her profound appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for giving the Civil Servants the necessary impetus to thrive despite the various challenges facing the service nationally as the Governor has consistently and deliberately shown himself as a leader who leads from the front by epitomizing the true meaning of a faithful and diligent public servant.

Olomojobi commended the Governor for prioritizing the development of the public service through capacity building, welfare enhancement, and consistent recognition of outstanding performance. She cited the government’s cash awards of excellence to 138 civil servants amounting to over one hundred and ten million naira, as well as infrastructure improvements and recruitment in the education and health sectors.

While congratulating the appointee, she urge them to carefully consider the assignment ahead and be constantly reminded that they have been called to a very special assignment that requires their expertise and innovation to strengthen the service for excellence and efficiency.

Also present at the event are Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, members of the state House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, members of the state executive council, former Heads of Service and other top government officials.

NALDA, Agbeyewa Farms Sign Historic MoU to Drive Cassava Revolution in Nigeria.

NALDA, Agbeyewa Farms Sign Historic MoU to Drive Cassava Revolution in Nigeria.

In a major stride toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Agbeyewa Farms, a partnership set to redefine the nation’s cassava value chain and accelerate industrial-scale production.

The MoU signing ceremony held at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, brought together key government officials, industry stakeholders, development partners, and private sector leaders in a strong show of commitment to agricultural transformation.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Cornelius Olusegun Adebayo, Executive Secretary of NALDA, reaffirmed the agency’s strategic drive to support private sector-led agricultural expansion under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He recalled that his initial visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti State in 2024 was a defining moment that influenced NALDA’s decision to prioritize cassava as a critical focus crop and partnership with Agbeyewa Farms. 

“Our conviction to partner with Agbeyewa Farms is anchored on the clear capacity of their investment, the scale of their operations, and the size of the farms. These factors validate our belief that Agbeyewa Farms is not just the largest cassava farm in Nigeria, but indeed the largest in Africa.”

“We have moved beyond producing raw cassava quantities. The next phase for Nigeria is capturing the global market — and this partnership is a key direction towards achieving that mark."

"While Nigeria currently leads global cassava production with over 65 million metric tons annually, the country earns less than $1 million from a global market valued at $3.65 billion. This partnership is a vehicle that seeks to close that gaps," Adebayo emphasized.

He further announced that, under the MoU, NALDA will clear an additional 5,000 hectares of land to support Agbeyewa’s large-scale cultivation drive, secure raw material availability for processing, and deepen industrial sector participation.

“Government has no business in running businesses — government should enable businesses to thrive. With Agbeyewa, we are building a model that proves that the private sector, supported with the right policiesand legislations, can scale faster, bigger, and more sustainably,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr. OSKA Seyi Aiyeleso, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms, expressed deep appreciation to NALDA on behalf of the Chairman, Mr. Niyi John Olajide for translating months of strategic engagement into a formal alliance that will reshape Nigeria’s agricultural future.

He reflected on Agbeyewa’s bold growth trajectory, disclosing that the company has already cultivated over 3,000 hectares of cassava, with expansion plans to reach 5,000 hectares by the end of 2025.

“Agbeyewa Farms is today the largest cassava farm in Africa. With this collaboration, we are positioned to become the largest in the world. This is not just growth — it is transformation. This is not just farming — this is industrial repositioning.”

Aiyeleso added that Agbeyewa’s operating model is anchored on four core pillars — cultivation, aggregation, agro-processing, and agro-training, driven by full mechanization. He also reaffirmed the vision of Mr. Niyi John Olajide to curb unemployment in Nigeria through Agebyewa’s commitment to economic empowerment, revealing that its workforce has now grown to over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, with thousands more supported across its value chain.

Both leaders applauded President Tinubu for championing reforms that strengthen private sector participation, unlock investment, and remove systemic barriers to growth.

Delivering the technical framework for the partnership, Engr. Mathew O. Owolabi, Technical Adviser to NALDA, described the MoU as a strategic collaboration designed to share resources, mitigate operational risks, strengthen transparency, and unlock long-term institutional value for Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

The ceremony culminated in the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between NALDA and Agbeyewa Farms Limited, signaling the beginning of an ambitious new era of land expansion, cassava industrialization, value chain development, and large-scale job creation across Nigeria.

“Every Mother Deserves a Safe Delivery, Every Child a Healthy Start”.

“Every Mother Deserves a Safe Delivery, Every Child a Healthy Start”.

....Oluwatuyi Lays Foundation for Post-Natal Ward at Aaye Health Centre, Igede-Ekiti.

By Asubiojo G.O

In a renewed bid to strengthen maternal and child healthcare delivery at the grassroots, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Oluwagbenga Oluwatuyi (CHENCO), on Friday laid the foundation for a Post-Natal/Delivery Ward at the Aaye Health Centre, Igede-Ekiti.

The foundation-laying ceremony, attended by His Royal Highness, Oba Aladesuru James Adelusi, the Onigede of Igede, as well as members of the Game Changing Team, community leaders, health professionals, and other dignitaries, underscored the council’s determination to deepen access to quality healthcare services for residents of the area.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Oluwatuyi reiterated his administration’s resolve to make healthcare delivery a central focus of governance. He explained that the proposed post-natal ward would serve as a safe, modern, and well-equipped environment for expectant mothers, providing comprehensive care before, during, and after childbirth.

The council boss assured that the project would be completed by February next year, and disclosed that the new facility would be named in honour of His Royal Highness, Oba Aladesuru J.A., the Onigede of Igede, whom he described as “a living legend whose wisdom and leadership continue to inspire development.”

Hon. Oluwatuyi also used the occasion to announce the installation of ten solar-powered streetlights in every community or street within the local government every three months, saying the initiative would boost security and night-time visibility in communities.

In his response, Oba Aladesuru J.A. lauded the chairman’s developmental strides, describing him as “a man of wisdom who listens to his people and acts in their best interest.” The monarch prayed for divine guidance and strength for the council boss to sustain his people-centered initiatives.

Also speaking, the Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Dr. Dele George Akomolafe, commended Hon. Oluwatuyi for his pragmatic leadership and consistent investment in the health sector. He said the Aaye Health Centre was gradually transforming into a formidable general hospital due to the quality of facilities being provided and the professionalism of the staff.

Dr. Akomolafe further noted that the Irepodun/Ifelodun chairman stands out among his peers in Ekiti State for his proactive management of healthcare facilities, as he personally supports the financial and maintenance obligations of all health centres in the council and the two LCDAs—an uncommon commitment that complements the efforts of the Ekiti State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

In her remarks, the Head of Local Administration (HLA), Mrs. Deborah Akinbobola-B, expressed appreciation to the chairman for his continuous support toward strengthening the health sector, describing his leadership as “visionary and people-oriented.”

The event was also attended by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Remi Alade, alongside several directors, traditional chiefs, and members of the Game Changing Team, Oba-In - Council, who all applauded the initiative as a clear testament to responsive leadership.

The project aligns with the visionary health agenda of the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), whose administration has remained steadfast in upgrading healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of citizens across the state.

The foundation-laying ceremony thus marks another milestone in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government’s quest to deliver inclusive, people-driven governance, and to complement the state government’s broader mission of ensuring universal access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

The addition of 10 Permanent Secretaries, a strategic move by BAO.

The addition of 10 Permanent Secretaries, a strategic move by BAO.

Powered by: Ekiti Advancement Frontiers 

1. It will enhance Administrative Efficiency: By increasing the number of Permanent Secretaries, Governor Oyebanji's government can better decentralize the administrative workload. This allows for more focused attention on various sectors, improving the efficiency of service delivery. Each Perm Sec will oversee different ministries, ensuring that decisions are made more swiftly and that policies are implemented without delays.

2. Strengthened Policy Implementation: Permanent Secretaries play a pivotal role in ensuring that the government’s policies are executed effectively. With the addition of more Perm Secs, it becomes easier to oversee and coordinate complex governmental operations, aligning them with the administration's priorities. This will likely lead to better policy rollouts and smoother implementation of Governor Oyebanji’s strategic initiatives.

3.An Improved Inter-Departmental Coordination: More Permanent Secretaries will mean better coordination across various ministries and agencies of government. They serve as key links between the political leadership and civil servants, ensuring that there is harmony in the execution of government programs. This also helps minimize conflicts or overlaps between ministries and enhances the overall functioning of the government.

4. Fostering Professionalism: The addition of more Perm Secs could also signal a focus on professionalizing the civil service, as it brings in experienced and seasoned administrators. This is essential for long-term institutional growth, ensuring that the government is guided by competent professionals who prioritize integrity and efficiency.

5. Strategic Focus on Development Goals: With more Perm Secs in place, Governor Oyebanji can designate specific leaders for strategic sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and finance. This specialization ensures that each sector receives the required attention and resources for growth, which can ultimately contribute to the administration’s broader developmental goals.

6. Boosting Public Trust: By ensuring more effective governance through well-managed ministries, the public is likely to perceive the administration as more organized and responsive. This could foster greater trust in the government, enhancing Oyebanji’s leadership credibility and political capital.

In essence, the addition of 10 Permanent Secretaries by BAO will streamline operations within the government, enhance the capacity for policy implementation, and foster better public service outcomes—ultimately positioning Governor Oyebanji's administration for greater success. 

#BAOEAF

#BAOContinuity. 

#BAOcertified.

📢 Venite University Opens Application for Vice Chancellor Position.

📢 Venite University Opens Application for Vice Chancellor Position.

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, is calling on qualified and visionary academics to apply for the position of Vice Chancellor as the institution enters a new phase of growth and innovation.

See the attached image for full details or read the complete announcement via the link below:  

👉 https://veniteuniversity.edu.ng/2025/11/06/venite-university-opens-application-for-vice-chancellor-position/

#VeniteUniversity #ViceChancellor #IloroEkiti #EducationNews #AcademicLeadership #UniversityRecruitment

EKSG sets up Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee on land use.

EKSG sets up Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee on land use.

...maps out strategy to boost agricultural investment.

The Ekiti State Government Steering Committee on Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) has inaugurated a  Grievance Redress Mechanism(GRM) committee with the commitment to run inclusive land administration to proffer solution to all land disputes and boost crop production in the state.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji who is the Chairman of the Committee said the step became necessary to fast track settlement of grievances that emanate from land use to enhance peace and harmony in the sector

Speaking through the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade at the inauguration of the Committee in Ado-Ekiti , the Governor stated that  the core objective of the GRM Committee is to foster a climate of trust and accountability by ensuring that complaints, disputes and appeals related to agricultural investments are addressed promptly and effectively.

He said the present administration in the State was embarking on the implementation of the FRILIA project in its quest to deepen the ease of doing business through State Action On Business Enabling Reform.

According to Governor Oyebanji, the Grievance Redress Mechanism would work hand in hand with the Technical and the Steering Committees based on the key principles of (FRILLA) to resolving issues

He  therefore charged the GRM to be impartial, transparent, accessible by all including vulnerable groups and work in line with the national and international human rights standard

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Mr Olusanmi Akintobi said the GRM would provide a clear pathway for all stakeholders, communities, farmers and investors to resolve disputes fairly adding that this would  on the long run boost agricultural production in the state 

"This GRM Toolkit provides Ekiti State with robust, fair and sustainable system for managing conflicts by  offering a clear and trusted channel for dispute resolution. It protects the rights of communities and investors alike, thereby encourage agricultural investments and promoting a harmonious and productive agricultural sector in the state" he said

Members of the GRM Committee inaugurated are; representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Bureau of Land Services, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, (EKDIPA)  Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,  

Others are; Representatives of Ministry of Environment, Office of Surveyor General, FADAMA and Forestry Commission

The forum was attended by dignitaries including the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola,  Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey and eGIS, Prof James Olaleye; the Chairman of the State  Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olaniran Olatona; the  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Babatope Ojo; the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Mr Tunde Balogun and representatives from other MDAs.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade who represented Governor Oyebanji at the event is the Deputy Chairman of the Steering Committee.