Ajoni LCDA Holds Town Hall Meeting Ahead of 2026 Budget Preparation.

Ajoni LCDA Holds Town Hall Meeting Ahead of 2026 Budget Preparation.

In a renewed drive to promote participatory governance and inclusive development, the administration of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), under the visionary leadership of Otunba (Amb.) Prince Michael Ogungbemi, FCPA, has convened a Town Hall Meeting at the Council Secretariat to collate community needs and priorities for inclusion in the forthcoming 2026 Budget.

The well-attended stakeholders’ forum brought together representatives from all ten communities within Ajoni LCDA, alongside key groups including market leaders (Iyalajes and Iyaloja), Drivers’ Union, Okada Riders’ Associations, youth-based community organizations, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Muslim community. The gathering served as a vibrant platform for residents to articulate their needs and suggest developmental priorities that reflect grassroots aspirations.

During the interactive session, community representatives presented specific requests across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, youth empowerment, agriculture, and market development. The inclusive approach underscored the administration’s unwavering belief in people-centered governance and transparent budgeting.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, High Chief Ojo Amos, the Asolo of Elesun Ekiti, who represented the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti commended the Chairman for running a transparent and effective local government administration. He lauded Prince Ogungbemi’s numerous developmental strides across the LCDA, particularly the construction and commissioning of the new Council Secretariat complex, describing it as “a symbol of administrative excellence and a landmark legacy for future generations.”

In his response, Chairman Otunba (Amb.) Prince Michael Ogungbemi, FCPA, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders for their active participation and constructive inputs. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue serving the people of Ajoni LCDA with integrity, transparency, and dedication, emphasizing that every developmental initiative is guided by the genuine needs of the people.

The Chairman also acknowledged the unwavering support of the State Governor, whose funding and policy direction have enabled local governments to embark on impactful developmental programs and projects across the state. He assured participants that all submissions from the meeting would be carefully considered in the 2026 Budget preparation process, as his administration remains steadfast in its pursuit of equitable and sustainable development across all communities in Ajoni.

Also in attendance were the Vice Chairman, Secretary to the LCDA (SLG), Head of Local Council Administration (HLA), Director of Finance (DF), Director of Administration (DA), members of the Legislative Council, and other top management staff. Their collective presence demonstrated the Council’s shared commitment to responsive and community-driven governance.

The Town Hall Meeting concluded on a note of optimism and mutual understanding, with participants commending the Chairman’s inclusive leadership style and pledging continued support for his visionary administration.

 PMO – Building a Brighter Future

 Prince Adeola Alex Fafure

 Director of Information & Civic Orientation

 Ajoni LCDA

Oyebanji Upgrades Ilupeju/Itapa General Hospital to Modern Healthcare Hub.

Oyebanji Upgrades Ilupeju/Itapa General Hospital to Modern Healthcare Hub.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

In a major boost to healthcare delivery in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has transformed the Ilupeju/Itapa General Hospital into a modern medical facility equipped to meet the needs of residents in Ilupeju, Itapa, Ijelu, Omu, and surrounding communities.

Originally established in 1991, the hospital had over the years struggled with dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate facilities. However, following the recent comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade initiated by the Oyebanji-led administration, the hospital now stands as a beacon of renewed hope for thousands of residents in the area.

The revamped facility now boasts upgraded wards, a functional laboratory, a well-equipped maternity section, modern diagnostic tools, and improved staff quarters—all aimed at providing quality healthcare services closer to the people.

Speaking during an inspection visit, Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable healthcare access across all parts of Ekiti State. He noted that the upgrade aligns with his broader vision to ensure that no community is left behind in the state’s development agenda.

“Healthcare is one of the pillars of our development plan. We want every Ekiti citizen—whether in the city or the rural area—to have access to quality and affordable medical care,” Oyebanji said.

Residents of the benefiting communities have expressed gratitude to the governor for what they described as “a breath of fresh air” in public healthcare delivery, noting that pregnant women, children, and the elderly no longer have to travel long distances for medical attention.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, described the transformation as part of ongoing efforts to reposition primary and secondary healthcare institutions across the state, noting that similar projects are being executed in other local government areas.

With the completion of the Ilupeju/Itapa General Hospital upgrade, Ekiti State continues to consolidate its position as one of the few subnational governments in Nigeria prioritising people-oriented healthcare reforms under the Oyebanji administration.

Sen. Cyril Fasuyi Empowers Ekiti North Students with Laptops and Financial Support.

Sen. Cyril Fasuyi Empowers Ekiti North Students with Laptops and Financial Support.

In a significant step towards fostering a digitally skilled generation, Sen. Cyril Fasuyi has empowered 20 students from Ekiti North Senatorial District with brand-new high-spec HP laptops and ₦50,000 academic support each.

The presentation ceremony, held at the APC Party Office in Ido-Ekiti on November 7, 2025, was in line with the Senator's initiative announced on October 21, 2025, aimed at enhancing youth capacity in technology and innovation.

The beneficiaries, comprising students of Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, and Computer Education, were drawn from both public and private tertiary institutions across the country. In his address, Sen. Fasuyi urged the recipients to remain focused and disciplined in their academic pursuits and to serve as worthy ambassadors of Ekiti North.

He also encouraged students in other fields of study to stay optimistic, assuring them that additional empowerment packages tailored to their disciplines would be unveiled in due course.

Miss Christianah Wale-Ajayi, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Senator for his generosity and kindness. She pledged that the recipients would uphold excellence in their various fields of study and represent the district honourably. 

This initiative underscores Sen. Fasuyi's unwavering commitment to human capital development across Ekiti North, particularly in the areas of Ikole, Oye, Ido/Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje LGAs.

By investing in the next generation, Sen. Fasuyi reiterates his belief in the potential of the youth to drive positive change and development in society. The Senator's gesture has brought joy and hope to the beneficiaries, who are expected to leverage the empowerment to enhance their academic and professional pursuits.

_TEAM CYRIL MEDIA_

SENATOR ADARAMODU CELEBRATES 2025 KOTA DAY, DONATES ₦2 MILLION For COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

SENATOR ADARAMODU CELEBRATES 2025 KOTA DAY, DONATES ₦2 MILLION For COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

In a remarkable show of solidarity and commitment to grassroots development, the Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, joined the people of Kota Ekiti in celebrating the 2025 edition of Kota Day.

Although unavoidably absent, the Senator was ably represented by his Legislative Assistant, Comrade Famisa Ayodeji-Adesina, who conveyed his goodwill message to Kabiyesi, Oba Emmanuel Fagbemi, and the entire Kota community. On behalf of the Senator, a cash donation of ₦2 million was presented to support ongoing community development initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Adaramodu, through his aide, highlighted several budgeted interventions already secured across the Ekiti South Senatorial District. He emphasized the urgent need for a higher institution in Ekiti East Local Government Area and unveiled his sponsorship of a pioneering project, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy in Omuo Ekiti. The Academy, he explained, is designed to serve as a socioeconomic catalyst for the entire local government area and the wider senatorial district.

On the political front, the Senator commended the people of Kota for their consistent support for progressive governance. He lauded their endorsement of the statewide consensus supporting Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO) for a second term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged the community to sustain this support ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election, describing the move as a continuation of Ekiti’s progressive path.

Senator Adaramodu further expressed confidence that Governor Oyebanji’s re-election would consolidate development in the state and position Ekiti as a leading force in delivering victory for President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections. 

According to the Senator, “My commitment to grassroots development remains unwavering. I will continue to ensure that communities like Kota feel the real impact of government and representation,” 

Signed:

Media Office of the Senator, Ekiti South Senatorial District

National Assembly, Abuja

Ikogosi Marathon Demonstrates Expanding Socio-Economic Impact, as organisers Award N20 Million cash prizes.

Ikogosi Marathon Demonstrates Expanding Socio-Economic Impact, as organisers Award N20 Million cash prizes.

The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative (IMI) has reaffirmed the transformative impact of the Ikogosi 17.5KM Race on sports development, tourism, economic activation, and youth engagement in Ekiti State, as the second edition successfully concluded with the award of ₦20 million to outstanding athletes.

Commencing in Ilawe-Ekiti and ending at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, the race attracted thousands of participants and spectators, further reinforcing its reputation as one of the most influential community-based endurance events in the region.

The event showcased exceptional athletic performances and highlighted the growing enthusiasm for long-distance running in Ekiti and beyond, according the organisers. 

In the elite male category, Iliya Raymond Gyang from Plateau State clinched first place with a time of 57 minutes and 33 seconds, earning a cash prize of ₦2 million. Francis James, also from Plateau State, finished closely behind in 57 minutes and 44 seconds to take second place and ₦1.5 million, while his compatriot, Sadjo Ismael, secured third place in 59 minutes and 16 seconds to receive ₦1 million. In the elite female category, Blessing Shamboa of Plateau State emerged winner with a finishing time of 68 minutes, earning ₦2 million. She was followed by Akusho Lydia Thomas, also from Plateau State, who finished in 70 minutes and 12 seconds to claim ₦1.5 million, while Nvou Gyang Tanko came third in 71 minutes and 15 seconds to receive ₦1 million.

In line with IMI’s commitment to talent discovery and the advancement of homegrown athletes, special recognition was accorded to indigenous runners from Ekiti State. In the male indigenous category, Tunde Segun from Otun-Ekiti emerged winner and received ₦1.5 million, followed by Sunday Ijoko from Ijero-Ekiti, who took second place with ₦1 million, while Agbalaya Alayande from Ado-Ekiti finished third, earning ₦500,000. 

In the female indigenous category, Ona Ara Popoola from Ilawe-Ekiti clinched the top spot with a ₦1.5 million prize, while Imisioluwa Ajayi from Igbemo-Ekiti and Maria Ojanbati from Omuo-Ekiti came second and third, receiving ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively.

Race Consultant and Technical Lead, Femi Abegunde, highlighted the event’s expanding socio-economic footprint, revealing that 6,891 individuals registered for the race, with 3,694 runners successfully completing the course. He emphasized that beyond elite performances, the Ikogosi 17.5KM Race has evolved into a platform for economic participation, engaging artisans, vendors, hospitality operators, media teams, and community-based organizations. According to him, the event continues to stimulate micro-enterprise activity, promote local tourism, inspire youth engagement, and strengthen social cohesion across Ekiti State.

The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative expressed deep appreciation to its strategic partners whose collaboration has been instrumental to the success of the 2025 edition. 

According to Abegunde, the  Ekiti State Government provided strong institutional support and logistics coordination; Premium Trust Bank offered significant corporate sponsorship; the MKD ARAOYE Foundation continued its unwavering support and sponsorship; the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort hosted an exceptional finish-line experience; while Gossy Water ensured hydration and safety for all participants throughout the event. These partnerships, IMI noted, underscore the power of collaborative investment in community development and sports tourism.

The second edition of the Ikogosi 17.5KM Race reinforces IMI’s long-term vision to position Ekiti State as a leading hub for sports tourism, nurture emerging athletic talent, and promote inclusive socio-economic development.

The race was formally flagged off by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajibade Alabi, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti and former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, who commended IMI for its sustained vision and remarkable progress since its inaugural edition in 2019.

Oyebanji Harps on Agriculture as Key to economic prosperity.

Oyebanji Harps on Agriculture as Key to economic prosperity.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has emphasized that agriculture remains the most sustainable pathway to solving Nigeria’s economic challenges of unemployment, food insecurity, and poverty. 

This, according to the Governor, accounts for his administration’s deliberate policy of using agriculture as a tool to banish poverty, create employment opportunities, and ensure food security in Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji stated these on Thursday while receiving the Consul General of Netherlands, Michel Deelen and his team in his office in Ado Ekiti. The Governor said agriculture remains a core priority of his government, not just as a means of ensuring food sufficiency but also a tool for wealth creation and youth empowerment.

The Governor explained that since inception of his administration, deliberate efforts have been made to reposition the agricultural sector through youth focused programes and modern farming initiatives.

He noted that through the State’s “Bring Back Youth Into Agriculture”, over 5,000 young people have been engaged in various aspect of agribusiness.

While commending the Netherlands for its global leadership and expertise in agriculture, the Governor expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the European nation to enhance productivity, expressing that suich partnership would further accelerate the state’s agricultural revolution and contribute meaningfully to the state’s overall economic growth.

“I believe strongly that for a people or a country to develop, especially in Nigeria, giving God's given resources, lands and human capital, that if we get agric rights, we will solve at least 60 percent of our problem. We will solve the problem of food insecurity, unemployment, poverty, we will solve problem of insecurity itself.

“So when we came into office, I was deliberate about our intervention in the agric sector and we are one of the few states, I can beat my chest and tell you that within two years, we pulled off the streets 5,000 youths to agric and you can verify this”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier in his remarks, the  Consul General of Netherlands, Mr Michel Deelen, who espressed his admiration for the remarkable development stride of the state government, particularly in the agriculture sector, said he was impressed with how the state has transformed agriculture into a major driver of economic growth and youth empowerment, noting that the ongoing agriculture revolution has positioned the state as one of the most promising states in Nigeria.

While expressing the readiness of Netherlands government to partner with the state in critical areas such as agricultural technology, irrigation, capacity building and value chain development, the Consul General noted that Netherlands , being a world leader in modern agriculture, would be glad to collaborate with Ekiti State government in knowledge exchange, investment promotion and introduction of innovative farming systems that can further strengthen the state’s agriculture base.

Also at the meeting were, the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade and the Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.

I’ve No Apology for Supporting Gov Oyebanji, Says Senate Leader Bamidele.

I’ve No Apology for Supporting Gov Oyebanji, Says Senate Leader Bamidele.

…As Oyebanji Harps on Peace, Unity as Recipe for Devt.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has said he has no apologies for supporting Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing their partnership as one that has brought unprecedented development to Ekiti State.

Senator Bamidele  stated this on Saturday at Ikogosi Ekiti, during the 2025 Ikogosi Day Celebration and launch of N1 billion Development Fund, which was attended by dignitaries across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Bamidele, who was also the Chief launcher at the event, explained that his relationship with Governor Oyebanji is a synergy that is driven by a shared vision for the progress of the State and not borne out of personal or political gains. He added that the collaboration between them has translated into visible achievements across critical sectors, particularly in infrastructure, human capital development, and youth empowerment.

Describing the Governor as a man of integrity, humility and who is genuinely committed to the welfare of Ekiti people, the Senate Leader maintained that Ekiti people are the ultimate beneficiaries of the synergy between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

” Those that are angry that I am supporting BAO, I appeal to them not to be angry. We cannot see what is good and not support it, by the grace of God myself and Governor Oyebanji have been friends for over 30 years, when we didn’t even know what we are going to become and let me tell you, our friendship, is a case of glory supporting glory, so for me I have no regret whatsoever standing by Governor Oyebanji and let me assure you and Ekiti people, what is going on between us is not a conspiracy, it is a partnership for the development of Ekiti State.

“When we were elected to go and serve at the National Assembly, Governor Oyebanji invited the nine of us and gave us a list of projects that he would love us to implement as constituency projects and today, while he's doing his own at the state level, we are also picking from that list that he gave us, and things are complementing themselves and that is why every part of Ekiti that you turn to, every corner that you turn to in Ekiti, you will find a project, either being executed by the state government under the leadership of Governor Oyebanji or being implemented by National Assembly members under the watch of the Governor.

“Each time I have come to this state to do my project inspection, the Governor has suspended everything he was doing to go round with me and every project that I am doing in any part of Ekiti Central, i checked with the Governor, he okayed it for implementation so if people are there saying all manners of things, forgetting that Ekiti is benefiting from our partnership, then i really don't have any apology for such people”. He stressed.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who commended Senator Bamidele for his unflinching support and collaboration, described him as a dependable partner in Ekiti project, said his administration values unity, teamwork and peace, which have made governance more impactful and inclusive across the state.

The Governor urged the people of Ikogosi and the entire State to embrace unity and peace, saying no community can experience sustainable growth without cooperation.

Maintaining that his administration’s success so far was rooted in teamwork and mutual understanding between the government and the governed, the Governor further appealed to residents to continue to see themselves as one big family, united by a common purpose, stressing that holding firmly to collective values and goals would make it easier to agree on a shared agenda for the overall development of their communities.

“To the Chairman of this occasion and the Chief launcher, my very good brother and friend, a man of distinction, a man of honor, a man of character, a man of integrity, a man that God yoked us together to develop Ekiti State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, thank you. 

“You see now that any town that there is cooperation, there is always development there, I appeal to you, let us see ourselves as one. Once we hold our self together as one, it will be very easy for us to agree on a common purpose and a common agenda to develop our town." The Governor stated.

Over 650 million naira was realized as donation to the town’s development fund. Governor Oyebanji, while appreciating donors, assured them that the fund raised for the community project would be judiciously utilized to further enhance the town’s infrastructure and tourism potentials.

Speaking at the occasion, the Regent of Ikogosi Community, who was represented by High Chief Jide Oyebanji thanked Governor Oyebanji for his outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to the development of the state.

The regent said the people of Ikogosi are proud of the Governor’s accomplishments, particularly his efforts in promoting peace, infrastructure development and tourism growth in the community.

The royal father of the day, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado who congratulated the people of Ikogosi for producing Governor Oyebanji, whom he described as a compassionate and visionary leader, said Ekiti State is fortunate to have a governor whose humility and passion for development have continued to place the state prominently on the national map.

Oba Adu-Alagbado urged the people of Ikogosi and the entire Ekiti community to remain united and supportive of the Governor’s administration, stressing that unity and peace among communities are essential to sustaining the wave of progress currently being witnessed across the state.

The colourful ceremony also featured presentation of award to some outstanding indigenes of Ikogosi  in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of the town.    

Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senator representing Ekiti North, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Royal fathers, among others.