Governor Biodun Oyebanji: Blending Tenacity with Humility.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji: Blending Tenacity with Humility.

-By Segun Dipe

It is an oxymoron for stubbornness and gentility to collocate. Show me a stubborn person, and I'll show you an ungentleman. Albeit, compatibility of tenacity and humility is a rare virtue in one man, yet a great one. 

Tenacity is about persistence, determination, and refusing to give up in the pursuit of a goal. It is a driving force that helps individuals overcome obstacles and challenges.

Humility on the other hand is being aware of one's own limitations and the value of others' contributions. It involves a willingness to learn and accept that success often depends on external factors, such as the help of others or a bit of luck. 

The antithesis between these two qualities can prove to be a perfect combo if properly managed. They appear uncomplementary, yet they are complimentary. Both support personal and professional growth. 

Humility involves a modest view of one's own importance and a willingness to learn, while tenacity is the persistent determination to overcome difficulties and achieve long-term goals, without caring about whose ox is gored. 

Since taking office in October 2022, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has turned Ekiti State into a showcase of steady, people‑focused governance. His leadership style blends a soft‑spoken humility with an iron‑clad resolve—qualities that have earned him national recognition and a growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most effective governors.

Oyebanji's quiet presence and open ears show him as a humble leader. Colleagues describe Oyebanji as “soft‑spoken” yet highly approachable. He regularly visits communities, attends market gatherings, and sits down with traditional rulers without fanfare, letting the people’s concerns shape his agenda.

People attribute Oyebanji's success to teamwork. After receiving the _Silverbird Man of the Year Award_ (2024) and the _Vanguard Newspaper’s Best Governor Award_ (2025), he publicly credited them to his cabinet, the state assembly, and “the divine grace that guides us,” reinforcing a servant‑leadership mindset.

One can readily point to Oyebanji's simple lifestyle. Despite the trappings of office, he lives modestly, often seen driving himself to events and encouraging civil servants to adopt a culture of contentment and honesty.

Yet, why is Oyebanji seen as tenacious? 

His determination is evident across multiple sectors, where he has turned bold ideas into tangible outcomes. 

Check his hell-bent approach to upping the adminstrstions performance in agriculture & food security. 

He launched the _Ekiti Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (E‑YEEP)_, providing grants, training, and equipment to young farmers. He cleared 5,000 hectares of land for commercial farming and offered 50 % subsidy on seedlings and tractor services. He supported 2,000 farmers with production assets and processing equipment, positioning Ekiti as a key agricultural hub. 

Oyebanji is tenacious with infrastructure & industrialization. Despite lean resources, he prioritised completion of 284 km of roads, including the ongoing Ekiti Ring Road (Phase 1), which is easing traffic and opening new trade corridors.

Oyebanji refused to slow down with the completion of the Ekiti Agro‑Allied Cargo Airport, which he has now upgraded to full commercial operations, attracting investors and creating jobs.

Oyebanji tenaciously rehabilitated 108 primary healthcare centres and equipped them with ICT infrastructure, while also seeing to the expansion of the Ikogosi Warm Springs tourism site.

His approach to education & human capital is top-notch. He renovated 350 classrooms and built new science/ICT labs; recruited over 1,000 teachers, including 353 ICT specialists. He introduced performance‑based incentives for educators and secured N1 billion in car/housing loans for teachers.

Oyebanji boosted subventions to tertiary institutions by 73.5 %, helping stabilize funding for universities and polytechnics.

In the area of healthcare & social welfare, Oyebanji is not ready to tell any story. He, for instance, upgraded Ikole Specialist Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre and Federal Medical Centre, Ido to a Teaching Hospital. He rolled out the Ulerawa health insurance scheme, covering 200,000 Ekiti residents, and introduced mobile health clinics for remote areas. His disbursement of N3 billion in conditional cash transfers to 44,069 vulnerable beneficiaries is a resilient move.

Talk of security & governance, Ekiti boasts a governor that will not give excuses or reasons but result, come what may. Oyebanji recruited and equipped Amotekun Corps, adding patrol vehicles and increasing security votes to local governments. He established an Emergency Command Centre and deployed additional troops, earning Ekiti a top ranking in the Nigeria Security Tracker.

Oyebanji's Silverbird Man of the Year Award (2024) for excellence in governance was not a palliative. Vanguard Newspaper’s Best Governor Award (2025) for policy implementation and economic development is a pointer to his temerity. Daily Independent Governor of the Year (2024) was for inclusive leadership and grassroots development. Marketing Edge Magazine also awarded him Most Outstanding Governor (2024) for visionary leadership across critical sectors.

What sets Oyebanji apart isn’t just a catchphrase. It is a blend of humility and tenacity and it is reflected in how he listens, acts, and inspires. While many leaders boast about achievements, Oyebanji lets the results—new roads, healthier citizens, thriving farms—speak. He has worked for continuity (finishing projects started by predecessors) and transparency (publishing budgets, leveraging e‑governance). He has restored public trust and positioned Ekiti as a model for other states.

Bottom Line: Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s quiet confidence and relentless drive have transformed Ekiti’s landscape, delivering tangible improvements across agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. His story proves that true leadership thrives on humility, fueled by unyielding tenacity. What an oxymoron!

_Segun Dipe is the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State Chapter._

Oyebanji Strengthens Ekiti’s Security Architecture With Unprecedented Investments, Patrol Vehicles, APCs, and Strategic Reforms.

Oyebanji Strengthens Ekiti’s Security Architecture With Unprecedented Investments, Patrol Vehicles, APCs, and Strategic Reforms.
By Olamide Akinwumi

Ekiti State continues to shine as one of Nigeria’s safest and most stable states, thanks to the purposeful leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO). In a series of bold and strategic interventions, the Oyebanji administration has transformed the security landscape of the state—earning Ekiti national recognition as the safest state in the country, according to the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST).

On September 9th, 2023, Governor Oyebanji further demonstrated his commitment to security by donating a new batch of operational tools to the Ekiti State Police Command. The governor presented ten patrol vehicles, two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 50 level-3a helmets, 50 level-4 bulletproof vests, 80 tactical boots, and 80 batons, a gesture praised by security stakeholders across the state. He charged the police to make judicious use of the equipment and intensify efforts against kidnapping, burglary, and other crimes.

But the Governor’s efforts go far beyond donations.

Under BAO’s leadership, the state procured over 15 patrol vehicles for various security agencies, alongside two additional APCs. The administration also completed the Emergency Command Centre (ECC)—a central hub for coordinating incident reporting and emergency response across Ekiti.

The Governor facilitated the deployment of more troops from the Nigerian Army 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, and secured approval for establishing the 148 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Ikere, further deepening military presence and improving rapid response capacity.

In a landmark move, BAO not only equipped the Ekiti Amotekun Corps with operational vehicles but also implemented an upward salary review, effective January 2023—an action that boosted morale and improved operational output.

The administration also introduced the Ekiti Agro Marshals, a rural protection force designed to secure farmlands, schools, and remote communities, ensuring farmers and students can go about their activities without fear.

Local government chairmen across Ekiti now receive increased security votes to support grassroots interventions and enhance community policing.

From equipping the police and military to strengthening local responses and protecting farmers, the Oyebanji administration has made security the foundation of development.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji continues to prove that security is not just a policy—it is a commitment to every Ekiti citizen.

As Ekiti marches toward 2026, the people remain confident that under BAO’s steady leadership, the state will continue to be a model of peace, safety, and progressive governance.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI NAMES PROF. OMOJOLA NEW BOUESTI VC.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI NAMES PROF. OMOJOLA NEW BOUESTI VC.

By  Olamide Akinwumi 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the appointment of Professor Andrew Babatunde Omojola as the new Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).

Omojola, a Professor of Animal Science with specialization in Animal Products and Processing/ Food Safety, is until the appointment, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

Prof Omojola’s appointment as Vice Chancellor takes immediate effect.

He takes over from Prof Olufemi Victor Adeoluwa, whose tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University ends on January 6, 2026.

Prof Andrew Babatunde Omojola was born in Usi-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State on August 14, 1962. He attended Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti for his secondary school education between 1976 and 1980.

He later proceeded to the University of Ibadan in 1984 where he graduated with a Second Class (Upper division) in Animal Science in 1988. He bagged a Master of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan in 1991 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science from the same University in 1997.

Prof Omojola started his lecturing career as a Lecturer II at the University of Ibadan in 1997, and rose through the ranks to the position of a Professor in 2011.

He has served as Visiting Professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana between 2013-2019; External Examiner at the University of Calabar between 2012 and 2016; and at Osun State University, Osogbo between 2015 and 2018.

Prof Omojola also served as Head, Animal Products and Processing Unit, Animal Science Department, University of Ibadan (2000-2023); Director, UI Teaching and Research Farm (2016-2018), Member University of Ibadan Senate (2011-date) and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, (2023-date). He has also served as Chairman, Committee of Dean, Heads of Departments and Directors.

Governor Oyebanji, who is the Visitor to the University, urges the new Vice Chancellor to bring his wealth of experience as an academic and a seasoned administrator to bear in the bid to further reposition the University as a world class institution of learning, even as he wishes him a successful tenure.

The Governor thanks the outgoing BOUESTI Vice Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Adeoluwa, for his meritorious service to the University and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

The appointment was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, and made available to journalists on Monday, November 24, 2025.

Adamawa APC Elders Form New Council to Unify Party, Target 2027 Victory.

Adamawa APC Elders Form New Council to Unify Party, Target 2027 Victory.

In a significant move aimed at fostering unity and ensuring electoral success, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State has formally announced the formation of the Adamawa Progressive Elders Council.

The Council, whose creation is described as the brainchild of the Leader of the Party in the State, was officially adopted following a major stakeholders' meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, November 15, 2025. 

This meeting brought together influential APC figures from all 21 Local Government Areas of Adamawa, including former Governors, Senators, Ministers, and party elders.

As part of ongoing engagement and public clarification on the purpose and mandate of the new Council, representatives of the leadership of the body held a press conference at Muna Hotel, Yola, on Sunday. 

Those present to address the press included Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro, Alhaji Usman Ibrahim, Rt. Hon. Wale Fwa, Ruth Sylvester Nuhu, Barr. Usman Abdullahi Shelleng and Dr Ahmad Sajoh. 

They collectively reaffirmed that the establishment of the Council was aimed at strengthening unity within the party and preparing the APC for a resounding victory in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the briefing, the representatives emphasized that the Council would serve as a stabilizing and coordinating force across the state’s political landscape, ensuring that elders play their rightful advisory role while guiding the party away from internal conflicts and divisions.

According to Senator Abubakar Halilu Girei, Vice Chairman of the newly formed Council, the establishment is a direct fulfilment of a key recommendation from the APC Reconciliation Committee, which was previously headed by the late Senator Muhammed Mana.

"The idea behind the establishment of the Adamawa Progressive Elders Council stems from the report of the Adamawa State APC Reconciliation Committee, which made far-reaching recommendations, including the establishment of the Elders Forum," Senator Girei stated during the inaugural meeting.

He added that the party's leader in the state had specifically requested a respected son of Adamawa to mobilise and lead the Council to serve as a unifying force.

The primary goal of the Council is clear: to ensure the APC succeeds in the next cycle of elections. The Council's members expressed a consensus to deliver all necessary votes in 2027 to secure a landslide victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensure the success of all APC candidates across the board.

The Secretary of the Council's Secretariat, Hon. Bema Olvadi Madayi, reassured members that the Secretariat would develop a roadmap, especially concerning the legitimacy and operational modalities of the Council, which will be addressed in synergy with the party's official leadership.

The inaugural meeting concluded with a 12-point resolution that will serve as the Council's guiding communique.

Key tenets of the resolution include: a commitment to ensure the unity, peace, progress, and success of the APC in Adamawa State; a pledge to ensure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives the highest lawful votes in the 2027 presidential election; ensuring the APC presents credible and victorious candidates for all Governorship, National, and State Assembly elections in 2027; a mandate that all members of the Council must remain strictly neutral, with no personal political interests other than the success of the APC; and a provision for the elders to play a crucial role as a dispute resolution body to prevent the party from being fractured by internal fighting.

The Council also resolved to ensure a rancour-free atmosphere where justice and fairness prevail in all Congresses and to draw its legitimacy from, and operate in complete synergy with, the National and State Working Committees of the Party.

Additionally, the Council pledged to work assiduously to strengthen the Party and establish a strong reward system to build confidence and trust among members.

Inside Oyebanji’s Pension Reforms: Ekiti Clears Backlogs, Strengthens CPS Compliance.

Inside Oyebanji’s Pension Reforms: Ekiti Clears Backlogs, Strengthens CPS Compliance.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Since assuming office in 2022, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has embarked on what many analysts describe as one of Ekiti State’s most determined pushes to overhaul pension administration.

Data obtained by our correspondent shows that from July 2023 to October 2025, the state paid N7.6bn in gratuities to retirees across various sectors. To prevent future accumulation of unpaid benefits, the governor has committed to releasing N200m monthly specifically for gratuity obligations.

A major portion of Ekiti’s pension debt burden has also been addressed, with the government settling N1.1bn arrears from July to September 2018. Stakeholders say this move has restored confidence among pensioners who had expressed concerns over delayed payments.

Beyond clearing backlogs, the Oyebanji administration has fully activated the Contributory Pension Scheme, placing Ekiti among the best-ranked states by the National Pension Commission in terms of compliance and remittance.

Observers note that these reforms signal a stronger culture of fiscal responsibility and transparency in managing the entitlements of retired workers in Ekiti State.

You’ve Earned Global Respect, President Tinubu, Oyebanji, Eulogise Ewi at 80th Birthday Thanksgiving.

You’ve Earned Global Respect, President Tinubu, Oyebanji, Eulogise Ewi at 80th Birthday Thanksgiving.

…As Gov Oyebanji says Nigeria Will Soon Defeat Insecurity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday eulogised the Ewi of Ado- Ekiti Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe at his 80th birthday and 35th coronation anniversary thanksgiving service, describing him as a global figure who has earned respect and reference beyond the shores of the country.

President Tinubu spoke just as Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised the monarch at a well-attended service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado Ekiti.

Extolling the virtues of the monarch, President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said Ewi’s reign has continued to bring honour, stability and cultural prestige to Ado Ekiti and Ekiti State at large. 

Noting that the monarch’s leadership style has become a point of admiration across the world, the President said Ewi has, over the years demonstrated integrity, wisdom and unmatched commitment to peaceful coexistence.

President Tinubu said “Your Majesty, it is with immense joy and profound respect that I like to congratulate you on two remarkable milestones. Your 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary of your ascension to the revered throne of Ewi of Ado Ekiti. These significant milestones in your journey symbolize more than just the passage of time. They represent an enduring commitment to leadership, characterized by integrity, humility and dignity. 

“Your contributions to preserving and advancing the cultural heritage, unity and development of Ado Ekiti and the entire Ekiti State have been unparalleled and are widely admired beyond the borders of Yoruba land.

“As one of Nigeria's foremost traditional rulers, Your Majesty’s love has been a beacon of principled leadership and a source of inspiration for many, including myself. It is your character and career, matched with your dignified presence, that continually earn you reverence and respect nationwide”.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Oyebanji also extolled the virtues of the respected monarch, describing him as a father to all and a custodian of traditions whose councel has helped in shaping the progress of the State.

The Governor said Ewi’s 80th birthday was a celebration of life devoted to service, compassion and community development, commending the monarch’s role the creation of Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji also used the occasion to reassured Nigerians that the country will soon overcome its current security challenges, expressing optimism that the ongoing efforts of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led- Federal Government are already yielding positive results.

While maintaining that Nigeria has the capacity to defeat all forms of insecurity, the Governor called on residents of the state and Nigerians at large to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring that the President’s commitment to reforming the security architecture would create a safer and more prosperous nation.

“It has been 80 years of grace and 35 years of impact. Kabiyesi, I congratulate you, it can only be God. God’s grace has been sufficient for you and we thank God for his faithfulness.

“Two weeks ago, I was with the President and he spoke glowing about Kabiyesi Ewi and my mind went to that period when he was struggling for the creation of Ekiti State. What he went through, all the sacrifices, many nights of you having to share the same hotel room and bed with your brother others, many days of agony, many days of lack. those of us that are governors will not be governors today if not for your efforts. So on behalf of those of us that have enjoyed that platform, and that still enjoying the platform offered by Ekiti State, we say thank you

“Thank you, Kabiyesi for your support for our government and for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The president needs our prayer and support more than before now, because he is our own and he is trying his best ensure that he deliver on the promises to the people. It is not possible for a man to embark on this kind of audacious reforms without some people fighting back but by the grace of God, by your prayers and support, we will defeat criminality in this country”. The Governor asserted

Also at the event were, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, former Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other notable traditional rulers.

2025 KidsCon: Gov Oyebanji Charges Parents, Schools to Prioritise Children’s Talent Development.

2025 KidsCon: Gov Oyebanji Charges Parents, Schools to Prioritise Children’s Talent Development.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing the talents, creativity and diverse abilities of children, describing early talent discovery as a major investment in the future of the state and the nation.

The governor stated this in Ado Ekiti during the 2025 edition of the KidsCon Programme, a youth-focused initiative designed to promote creativity, innovation and inclusion among schoolchildren. 

He was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola. 

Delivering the governor’s message, Princess Agboola said the KidsCon inclusion policy is a shining example of what it means to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all children; an approach that aligns perfectly with Ekiti State’s commitment to inclusive education and equal opportunities.

“Our children are valued, talented, and important. Their gifts matter, and we encourage them to keep exploring, learning, and growing. I urged participants to embrace teamwork, fairness and mutual support as they showcase their skills," She said. 

The S A to the Governor added that beyond celebrating talent, KidsCon promotes sportsmanship, kindness and appreciation of diversity; values that the Governor Oyebanji administration strongly upholds.

Princess Agboola commended the organisers for creating what she described as a transformative humanitarian initiative, expressing optimism that the programme’s impact would soon expand beyond Ekiti to other parts of Nigeria. 

She further charged parents and school owners not to limit children to academic routines, but to be intentional about providing skills, exposure and platforms that will help them maximise their potential.

“No talent is small. Every talent should be identified, encouraged, and supported. Parents must be present for their children, especially during talent-development events like KidsCon,” she said. 

She also urged school proprietors to organise periodic talent-based competitions internally to create opportunities. 

Princess Agboola noted that Governor Oyebanji places a high value on programmes that promote creativity, inclusivity and innovation, assuring that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment through child-friendly policies, improved educational facilities and targeted support programmes to help every Ekiti child thrive.

This year’s edition, held with the full support of the governor, featured students from various schools across Ekiti State; including children with disabilities, competing in different talent categories where Divine Touch International School, Ado Ekiti, emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 KidsCon competition.