Strengthen Security in Your Locality, Oyebanji Charges LG Chairmen.

Strengthen Security in Your Locality, Oyebanji Charges LG Chairmen.

.…urges them to focus on impactful projects.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has charged chairmen of Local Government councils and Local Council Development Areas across the state to prioritize security and strengthen community-based efforts to ensure safety of lives and property in their respective areas. 

The Governor stressed that effective grassroots security management remains critical to sustaining peace and boosting socio-economic development of the state.

He also charged them to prioritize the welfare of their people for optimized service delivery, noting that placing citizens at the centre of governance would enhance trust, improve community engagement and ensure that development efforts have meaningful impacts across the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the charge in Ado Ekiti on Thursday during a strategic meeting with the Chairmen of local Governments and Local Council development areas in the state, emphasized that the first responsibility of government at all levels is the protection of citizens. 

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, Commissioner for local Government Affairs, Chief Olabode Folorunso, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide, Special Adviser of Security Matters, Brig- Gen Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), Technical Advisor Local Government Affairs, Bode Adetunji and Director General Community Communication, Mrs Mary Odo Omotosho. 

 The Governor noted that local councils, being the closest to the people, must take ownership of security challenges and respond swiftly to emerging threats.

He further urged the Council bosses to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies to develop coordinated structures that can identify early warning signals and prevent breaches.

The Governor also encouraged them to invest in intelligence gathering and support security operatives where necessary to compliment the efforts of the state government so that the state can sustain its status as the safest in the country.

 

Reiterating his commitment to accountability and transparency, the Governor cautioned the Chairmen against the waste of public resources. He stressed that funds allocated for development must be judiciously utilized, adding that his administration will continue to support local councils in delivering efficient and impactful governance across the state.

 Governor Oyebanji also reaffirmed that his government remains committed to sustaining peace across the state and assured that he would continue to provide the necessary policy backing and resources to ensure that every community remains safe, peaceful and conducive for development.

Cavista Social Media Team Visits Agbeyewa Farms, Applauds Transformative Agricultural Investment in Ekiti.

Cavista Social Media Team Visits Agbeyewa Farms, Applauds Transformative Agricultural Investment in Ekiti.

The Agbeyewa Social Media Team has concluded a strategic familiarisation visit to Agbeyewa Farms, Ipao-Ekiti, as part of its ongoing assessment of Cavista Holdings’ expanding investments across Ekiti State. The visit followed an earlier tour of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Center. It was coordinated by the Director of Community Engagement, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, who received and introduced the delegation to the farm’s management team.

Welcoming the visitors, Agbeyewa’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Mr. Rotimi Wusu, described the visit as crucial and timely, stressing that it would equip the social media team with firsthand information on the daily operational activities of the farm. He noted that the tour would enable the team to appreciate the depth of the huge investments made by John and Ron Olajide in Ekiti State. Wusu added that the visit would strengthen the team’s understanding of the farm’s processes, enhance effective brand representation, and deepen collaboration for accurate storytelling of Agbeyewa Farms’ impact.

The team embarked on a three-hour guided tour across the Ipao operational zone, visiting key units including engineering, agronomy, land preparation, planting and harvesting, mechanised operations, field logistics, and security. Although time did not allow a visit to the mechanised Gede/Iyemero axis, the visitors expressed amazement at the scale of activity within the farm. They were particularly overwhelmed by the size of the cassava plantation—now widely regarded as the largest in Africa and one of the biggest in the world—and the impressive number of staff deployed across various operational units.

Addressing the team after the tour, the Managing Director/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, highlighted the vision of John Olajide and his brother, Ron Olajide, two globally successful Nigerian-American entrepreneurs from Erinmope Ekiti. He explained that their investments, spanning agriculture and hospitality under Cavista Holdings, were driven by a commitment to uplift Ekiti’s economic landscape, transform rural lives, and stimulate broad-based development. He reaffirmed Cavista Holdings’ primary objective in the state: to create jobs, more jobs, and even more jobs.

Aiyeleso added that the over 5,000 hectares now converted into productive cassava fields were, only a few years ago, dense forests dominated by criminal elements terrorising local farmers. Through the Olajide brothers’ investments, the area has been transformed into a thriving agrotourism destination attracting visitors from across the country. He further stated that Agbeyewa Farms currently engages over 1,000 workers daily, with approximately 70 percent of operations now fully mechanised—a testament to the company’s commitment to efficiency and world-class agricultural practice.

The delegation was treated to a display of local hospitality featuring pounded yam, banga soup, palm wine, and bush meat.

Speaking on behalf of the visitors, the leader of the social media crew, Omooba Folayan Amele, expressed profound appreciation to the management team and applauded the Olajide brothers for prioritising Ekiti in their global investment portfolio. He described the Cavista Holdings investments as truly transformative, noting that they would continue to create massive jobs, empower thousands of people, and strengthen economic activities in Ekiti and beyond. Amele assured that the team would continue to accurately project the remarkable achievements and impact of Agbeyewa Farms to the wider public.

For media enquiries, please contact: +2348023517381, +2348067512343.

Communications Unit, Agbeyewa Farms / Cavista Holdings.

Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju Hails Inauguration of Commercial Flights at Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport.

Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju Hails Inauguration of Commercial Flights at Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport.

Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, has extended his profound and heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on the successful inaugural commencement of commercial flight operations at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport.

 This momentous occasion, according to the SSA, is a testimony to visionary leadership and the power of continuity in governance. Hon. Olarewaju revealed that aviation experts and reputable business tycoons who have already utilized the state-of-the-art facility have unanimously confirmed that the airport is indeed of world-class standard, affirming its robustness and operational excellence. This pivotal infrastructure is set to fundamentally reshape the state's economic landscape, opening Ekiti to unprecedented opportunities in business, investment, tourism, and hospitality. Its strategic importance is further heightened by its proximity to notable academic institutions like Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State University (EKSU), and the emerging Ekiti Knowledge Zone in Ado-Ekiti, establishing the state as a prime hub for medical tourism and academic excellence.

The Senior Special Assistant expressed immense gratitude to the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his consistent and unwavering support for Ekiti State in all its developmental activities, specifically highlighting his critical support for Governor Oyebanji's administration and the completion of the airport project. He also took time to congratulate the Former Governors whose initial steps birthed this lofty dream, giving special commendation to His Excellency, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for the bold and decisive steps he took to advance the project. The SSA also recognized and commended Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, for his immense and notable contributions towards making the airport a reality. Concluding his statement, Hon. Olarewaju offered a robust congratulations to all Ekiti people, emphasizing that the airport is a spectacular product of continuity and collective progress. He charged the people to continue to lend their invaluable support to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji until 2030, ensuring stability and allowing the Governor to consolidate on the current successes and realize the other greater projects that are set to transform the State.

A New Era for Ekiti North Constituency 1 (Oye/Ikole): The Time is Now for Engr. Olaoluwa Dawodu!

A New Era for Ekiti North Constituency 1 (Oye/Ikole): The Time is Now for Engr. Olaoluwa Dawodu!

My good people of Oye and Ikole Local Governments, the moment has arrived to make a definitive choice for robust, world-class representation. The time for business-as-usual is over. We stand at a crucial juncture, and the choice we make today will determine the pace of development and the quality of life in Ekiti North Constituency (1) for years to come. That choice is clear: Engineer Olaoluwa Dawodu (EOD).

Engr. Olaoluwa Dawodu is not just a young man seeking office; he is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with a formidable academic foundation built right here in our soil. His journey began at the prestigious Ekiti State University (EKSU) Formerly University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), where he earned his Mechanical Engineering degree in 2013. This is an indisputable advantage: a son of the soil who understands our challenges because he was trained here. But EOD's ambition didn't stop at EKSU. He went on to attain a Master of Engineering from Western Sydney University, Australia, and now manages a successful Engineering company, Tite Knox Pty Ltd., consulting for global mining giants like Rio-Tinto and BHP. This is the World-Class Exposure we need, a mind that combines local knowledge with international best practices in infrastructure, technology, and economic development.

For too long, the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite being a party built on progressive ideals, has been criticized for not always giving deserving youth a chance to occupy key legislative roles. We have watched as established hands, often with diminishing returns, continue to recycle themselves in power. Engr. Olaoluwa Dawodu is the Litmus Test our party needs to prove its commitment to the future. He is a committed, experienced, and globally exposed youth who possesses the technical skills and innovative mindset to transcend the current efforts of the occupiers of this office. Electing EOD is a powerful statement that our party and our constituency prioritize competence and capacity over mere seniority. The current representation, despite their efforts, has not delivered the transformative impact that a technologically-driven, development-focused individual like EOD can offer. It is time to replace stagnant efforts with strategic, result-oriented representation.

The name Dawodu is synonymous with unflinching loyalty and commitment to progressive politics in Ekiti State. Engr. Olaoluwa is the proud son of Hon. Tokunbo Dawodu, a foundational pillar whose sacrifices and contributions helped build our movement from the ground up. Hon. Tokunbo Dawodu was instrumental in the evolution of our progressive family: from the days of AD to AC, to ACN, and now the APC. His unwavering commitment was key in the emergence of the party in the 2007 election which was later delivered October 16, 2010 and in support of the incumbent, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. EOD doesn't just inherit a name; he carries a legacy of genuine, grassroots-trained political service and a deep understanding of the party's ethos.

To the good people of Oye/Ikole Constituency, the time for merely 'being represented' is over. We demand a robust representation that is proactive, innovative, and deeply committed to our development. Engr. Olaoluwa Dawodu offers a unique blend: Youthful Energy and Innovation, World-Class Exposure, and Committed Grassroots Training. Let us unite to send a truly deserving representative to the Green Chamber one who will not only speak for us but will engineer our future. Support Engr. Olaoluwa Dawodu for a new era of excellence and development in Oye/Ikole Constituency.

Babatunde Ayokunle Francis writes from Oye Ekiti.

Ekiti Spends N49.7bn on Airport Project — Oyebanji.

Ekiti Spends N49.7bn on Airport Project — Oyebanji.

• Lauds Afe Babalola’s $1.6m, N356m support.
• EAF hails commencement of commercial flights.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that a total of N49.77bn has so far been invested in the construction and completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

Oyebanji made the revelation yesterday during the inaugural commercial flight into the airport by United Nigeria Airlines, describing the project as a multi-administration legacy that has now come to fruition.

According to him, between May 2019 and October 2022, when a test flight first landed under former Governor Kayode Fayemi, the state government had already spent about N14bn on the project. He added that upon assuming office on October 28, 2022, his administration committed an additional N34bn to complete outstanding works and make the airport fully operational.

The governor also praised the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, for his exceptional contributions, including the direct donation of navigational aids (CVOR/DME) and control tower equipment valued at $1.6m.

“In addition, Afe Babalola built a 100-car capacity car park opposite the terminal building at the cost of N356m,” Oyebanji noted, describing the elder statesman as a pillar of support whose generosity has continued to propel Ekiti’s development.

He further acknowledged the roles played by former governors Segun Oni, who conceived the airport idea; Ayodele Fayose, who acquired and cleared the site; and Kayode Fayemi, who commenced construction six years ago.

Represented by ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Babalola commended Oyebanji for “unwavering resilience” in ensuring the airport’s full operation. He reaffirmed his commitment to the state’s development and emphasised the need for a railway line from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and onward to Onitsha to further boost economic growth.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti Advancement Frontiers (EAF) has congratulated Oyebanji and residents of the state on the successful takeoff of scheduled commercial flights. In a statement signed by its Press Officer, Richard Akinpelumi, the group described the development as “a victory for continuity in governance and a major step towards shared prosperity.”

The group urged Ekiti indigenes and investors at home and abroad to take full advantage of the new gateway to drive economic activities across the state.

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Yuletide: EKSG Vows to Sustain Security, Interfaces with herders, farmers.

Yuletide: EKSG Vows to Sustain Security, Interfaces with herders, farmers.

As part of efforts to sustain peace and security during the yuletide season, Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring calm and safe environment across the state, assuring residents that necessary measures are being strengthened to forestall any breach of peace before, during and after the festive season.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters , Brig- General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting of Farmers/Herders Peace Committee in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday. He said the meeting was part of the proactive measures of the state government to promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among communities.

         

General Ogundana explained that the meeting which serves as an interface between farmers and herders with the aim of preventing conflicts and enhancing collaboration in the interest of peace and security was particularly important at this time in view of the expected influx of cattle into the South-West during the yuletide season, compounded with the fact that the festive season coincided with harvest season, making farmlands more vulnerable. 

While stressing that such movement and activities, if not properly managed could heighten tensions in rural communities, Gen. Ogundana assured that the state government would continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure peaceful celebrations and protection of lives and livelihoods across the state.

The Special Adviser, also commended Governor Oyebanji for his proactive measures in addressing security challenges across the state, noting that the Governor’s inclusive approach and timely intervention have continued to promote peace and stability in the state.

“The essence of this meeting is to bring together stakeholders as far as security of Ekiti state is concern and as far as farming activities is concern and the herdsmen, this committee was set up by the Governor to interface with farmers and herders and looking at the situations around the state and we are also entering yuletide season signifying the movement of cattle from the North to the South and at the same time it is the harvesting period when we sometimes have crises between farmers and herders.

“So, we felt it is necessary to bring all stakeholders together so that we will discuss on how we can move forward and live together in peace and also identify people that are coming to do bad business in our midst”. He stated.

Adeboyejo Backs Ongoing Party E-Registration, Pledges Massive Youth Mobilisation in Ekiti South.

Adeboyejo Backs Ongoing Party E-Registration, Pledges Massive Youth Mobilisation in Ekiti South.

The Chairman of the Ekiti South Youth Campaign Committee, Hon. Oluwaseun Adeboyejo, has thrown his full support behind the ongoing party electronic registration exercise, urging young people across the zone to actively participate in the process.

Hon. Adeboyejo made this known while addressing youth leaders and party faithful in Ikere-Ekiti, where he emphasised that the success of the forthcoming elections largely depends on the level of youth engagement and mobilisation at the grassroots.

According to him, the youth committee is fully committed to ensuring massive turnout for the e-registration exercise across the six local government areas in Ekiti South, as part of strategic preparations for the next general election.

He promised to deploy the entire structure of the Ekiti South Youth Campaign Committee to mobilise young people at the ward and community levels to boost participation and ensure that the South records a significant number of registered members.

Adeboyejo noted that the exercise is crucial for strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the polls and repositioning Ekiti South for greater political relevance.

He urged youths to see the registration exercise not just as a civic duty, but as an opportunity to be part of the decision-making process that will shape the future of the state.