Bishop lauds Gov. Oyebanji's resource management ability.

Bishop lauds Gov. Oyebanji's resource management ability.

… As Gov. hails inauguration of Ekiti South Anglican Diocese.

The newly enthroned Bishop of Ekiti South Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Francis Bankole has commended Ekiti State Governor; Mr Biodun Oyebanji for the remarkable achievements recorded in all sectors through effective management of the resources accruable to the State

Bishop Bankole, who stated this at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church Cathedral, Ikere-Ekiti on Thursday during his  installation as the pioneer Bishop of the diocese of Ekiti South Anglican Communion following the inauguration of the diocese by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, stressed that the managerial acumen of the Governor had helped to lift Ekiti State higher in the committee of all states of the federation.

In his inaugural sermon, titled the ‘hand of God’, Rt. Rev’d Bankole called on Nigeria leaders to be accountable for their actions by demonstrating transparency, integrity saying this will help in preventing misuse of the common wealth of the people as well as ensuring that people holding public positions act in the best interest of the people.

The Bishop asserted that humans are not accidental being because whatever happen in the lives of the people is not a  coincidence but  a purposeful act of God, adding that humans need divine guidance to be able to lead according to God’s will and return all thanksgiving and adoration to God.

He used the opportunity to thank God for his faithfulness in ensuring that the diocese came into existence after about 31 years of struggle, stressing that nobody has the capability to block God or hinder his work as he asserted that the creation of the diocese is an act of God and a platform to deliberately expand the kingdom of God through the gospel.

Speaking at the event, Governor Biodun Oyebanji hailed the decision of the Anglican Communion to inaugurate the diocese after over 30 years of struggle to achieve it, saying the new diocese will bring evangelism, welfare, mission effectiveness and improved pastoral care closer to the people in the area.

While congratulating the Rt. Rev’d Bankole for being installed as the pioneer Bishop of the diocese, Governor Oyebanji stressed that the inauguration of the diocese was aimed to decentralize administration that will make the church adapt more effectively to the specific social, cultural, and spiritual situations of the area.

“I understand the importance of this program and it will set an encouragement to the church, I was reading the brief history of the journey from 1994 when Baba Olatawura moved that motion in Ikole which is more than 30 years of struggle to have this diocese, so we can only thank God that this is a vision fulfilled.

“And when I listened to the Bishop, I will just admonish you, that thing that you have struggled for, God has given you, you need to guide it jealously. I can say here and attest to the character of the bishop, I have known him for many years he's a man of honor, he's a man of integrity, and he's a man that carries grace. If you look at his history and what has happened to him you know that it can only be God. I congratulate this diocese for having him as your pioneer Bishop.” He stated.

Also at the event were the legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun, traditional rulers and Bishops and Archbishops from various parts of Nigeria.

Land Disputes: Ekiti Govt Urges Monarchs to Step up Arbitration Efforts.

Land Disputes: Ekiti Govt Urges Monarchs to Step up Arbitration Efforts.

The Ekiti State Government, has appealed to traditional rulers to intensify their arbitration efforts to resolve some of the raging intra and inter town land disputes in their domains.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while mediating in a land brawl between Iye and Ikun Ekiti, from Ilejemeje/Moba Local Government areas, respectively.

The mediation was sequel to a petition written by Oniye of Iye Ekiti, Oba Jonathan Agbola Oni, raising eyebrows over encroachment on their lands by Ikun Ekiti farmers, which he feared could stoke violence and bloodshed, if not tackled swiftly.

Speaking at the parley, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the traditional rulers as custodians of culture, customs and traditions must get involved in land dispute resolution to abate the burdens of government.

She asserted that government can’t solely resolve some of these issues, hence, the imperative of the traditional rulers holding regular meetings to straighten rough edges before snowballing into full scale war.

“I want to appeal to our traditional rulers to try and create unity and love among themselves. It is whatever you do among yourselves that will go deep down to your people.

“Some of these land crises can be resolved amicably by our traditional rulers, because they are the authorities at the grassroots. They can do this through regular interactions on some of the pending issues, so that they can find ways to resolve them. But if they can’t agree, government can now intervene”.

On the Iye/Ikun land dispute, Mrs Afuye, assured that the Ekiti State Boundary Dispute Technical Committee will visit the encumbered land to ascertain true ownership, in partnership with the monarchs and farmers involved.

“Go and meet and straighten things out between yourselves. The Technical committee will visit the place and the two parties will make representations, so that nobody will accuse anybody of bias.

“After the visit, the final report will be released by the government. This is the best way to handle this matter in the interest of peace”, she stated.

Speaking to his petition, the Oniye of Iye Ekiti, Oba Jonathan Agboola Oni, claimed that the disputed land, had long belonged to his town, which was being given to Ikun farmers upon payment of royalties.

The monarch stated that attempt by his neighbours to claim the land may trigger insurrection and violence that could threaten the longstanding relationship between the two towns.

“We agree with the government’s position that we can resolve on our own. But it has to be on the truth. Ikun farmers had been paying royalty on this land from time immemorial. They can’t turn around and claim ownership now”.

Also, the Onikun of Ikun Ekiti, Oba Olatunde David Olusola, keyed into the peace move suggested by the deputy governor , adding that the cord of relationship between the two communities predated three centuries and had been adjudged strong and invincible.

Oba Olusola said the land was allegedly being infiltrated by Iye Ekiti people to be able to meet demands for land operations for Fadama farming, saying this could have been resolved through discussion, since it was a matter of development that could benefit the state.

Based on issue raised by Iye farmers, the monarch countered that the insignia like pillars erected during the colonial era were not for permanent delineation between communities, but to indicate boundaries between Southern and Northern protectorates.

A former commissioner in Ekiti State, Hon. Segun Akinwumi, appealed to the two communities to allow unity, love and peace reign between them, saying the matter can only be tackled through truthfulness and not by sectionalism and armtwisting .

Akinwumi, a town planning expert , revealed that the land had for long been demarcated during the Colonial Era with pillars that are still visible, revealing that these physical elements were still there and practically erasable.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi Has Done It Again In Ikole Wards 9, 10, 11, & 12 With 200 Solar Street Light Project.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi Has Done It Again In Ikole Wards 9, 10, 11, & 12 With 200 Solar Street Light Project.

In a significant and heartwarming fulfillment of his campaign promises, Senator Cyril Fasuyi has once again demonstrated his profound commitment to grassroots development by installing 200 solar street lights across Ikole Wards 9, 10, 11, and 12. This monumental project underscores his dedication to improving the security, economic vitality, and overall quality of life for his constituents.

 

The high-quality solar street lighting materials, which include galvanized poles and high-capacity solar street lamp heads, were officially received by Mr. Ajisola Olusola at Ayedun-Ekiti. The excitement from community members was palpable, as this initiative promises immediate and lasting benefits:

●Enhanced Security: The new lighting will significantly deter criminal activities and improve safety for residents moving around at night.

●Economic Boost: Nighttime socioeconomic activities will be revitalized, supporting local businesses and commerce.

●Improved Quality of Life: The overall ambience and functionality of the communities will be greatly enhanced.

The beneficiaries of this project span several communities within the wards, including: Oke Ayedun, Oke Ako, Irele, Esun, Iyemero, Ayebode, Odo Ayedun, Itapaji, Ipao, and Ijowa.

Receiving the lights, Mr. Ajisola Olusola hailed the project as timely and deeply impactful. He described it as a shining example of a leader who prioritizes action over rhetoric. The event was marked by heartfelt prayers, goodwill messages, and strong words of solidarity, reflecting the community's profound gratitude for this meaningful gesture.

Senator Fasuyi's consistent delivery of transformative, people-centered projects at the grassroots level continues to solidify his reputation as a promise-keeping leader.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi: Delivering Hope, Lighting Up Communities for a Brighter Future.

Venite University Kicks Off 2025/2026 Freshers’ Orientation with Strong Focus on Discipline and Academic Excellence.

Venite University Kicks Off 2025/2026 Freshers’ Orientation with Strong Focus on Discipline and Academic Excellence.

Venite University officially opened its 2025/2026 orientation programme on Monday, November 24, welcoming freshers into an academic environment designed to combine rigour, discipline, and world-class facilities. The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. K.A. Aduloju, declared the week-long programme open, congratulating students for emerging from a highly competitive admission process and urging them to set clear academic goals from day one.

Addressing the new students, Prof. Aduloju described Venite as a rising private university known for its accredited programmes, architectural excellence, and commitment to intellectual growth. He stressed the importance of adhering to university rules, warned against cultism, examination malpractice, and misinformation, and encouraged students to use available support structures, including the Student Affairs Office and the Students’ Programme Representative Forum (SPRF).

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https://veniteuniversity.edu.ng/2025/11/26/venite-university-kicks-off-2025-2026-freshers-orientation-with-strong-focus-on-discipline-and-academic-excellence/

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.