Oluwatuyi Leads Security Forces on Extensive Bush-Combing Exercise.

Oluwatuyi Leads Security Forces on Extensive Bush-Combing Exercise.

....Communities Applaud Proactive Security Move and Engagement.

By Asubiojo G.O

In a strong show of proactive governance and unwavering commitment to the safety of residents, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga,and his executives, with some prominent communities leaders in Igede and Awo Ekiti, led security agencies comprises of Nigeria police, Amotekun, Civil Defence Corps,on an extensive bush-combing exercise across several forests, farm settlements and strategic routes within the local government area.

The security operation, which involved personnel from various security outfits working alongside local vigilance groups, was designed to prevent criminal activities, dismantle suspected hideouts and reassure residents of the government’s readiness to protect lives and property. The exercise covered remote and previously vulnerable locations, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, especially areas frequently used by farmers, traders and rural dwellers.

Addressing security personnel and community members during the operation, Hon. Oluwatuyi emphasized that the exercise was not a reaction to any single incident but part of a deliberate, continuous strategy to stay ahead of emerging threats. He stressed that peace and safety are fundamental to economic growth, agricultural productivity and communal harmony, assuring residents that his administration would not relent in taking decisive steps to safeguard the local government.

The presence of the chairman alongside security operatives drew widespread commendation from community members, who described the exercise as timely and reassuring. Farmers operating near forested areas expressed renewed confidence, noting that the visible patrol and combing of bushes would discourage criminal elements and allow them to carry out their activities without fear.

Some residents praised the leadership for moving beyond routine security meetings to visible action on the ground. According to them, the operation sent a strong signal that the local government is alert, responsive and deeply concerned about the wellbeing of its people. Youth leaders and community stakeholders in Igede and Awo Ekiti, also lauded the collaboration between security agencies and local vigilance groups, describing it as a practical model for effective grassroots security.

Market women, transporters and traders equally welcomed the initiative, stating that improved security would positively impact daily commerce and movement across communities. Many called for the exercise to be sustained and expanded, particularly during peak farming and festive periods.

Hon. Oluwatuyi, while responding to the reactions, urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information. He noted that community cooperation remains a critical pillar of effective security management, adding that government efforts are strengthened when citizens remain vigilant and engaged.

The bush-combing exercise forms part of a broader security architecture being strengthened by the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, aimed at ensuring a peaceful, stable and secure environment where residents can pursue their livelihoods with confidence and peace of mind.

Boluwade Inspects EBOPS Farm, Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Poultry Scheme.

Boluwade Inspects EBOPS Farm, Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Poultry Scheme.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, has paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the Ekiti State Broilers Production Scheme (EBOPS) project site at Erinfun, Ado-Ekiti.

Boluwade, who inspected the level of work done at the farm, later interacted with participants of the third cohort of the scheme to assess their progress and welfare.

Recall that the Ekiti State Government recently organised  intensive training programme for about 250 youths selected for Cohort 3 of EBOPS, as part of efforts to equip them with practical skills in commercial poultry production and agribusiness management.

During the interaction, the participants highlighted some operational challenges confronting them. The Commissioner assured them that the issues would be addressed promptly upon resumption of duty next week.

He also announced the provision of Christmas gifts for the participants, assuring that the items would be delivered in the coming week.

Some of the participants, including Olaleye Gabriel and  Adebayo Taiwo commended the State Governor,  Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for sustaining the programme, pledging to surpass the achievements recorded by previous beneficiaries.

The Project Manager, Mr. Ola Folorunso, led the participants to receive the Commissioner during the visit.

Citizens, market women, chiefs Go Agog, as Adaramodu commissions New Market in Ilawe.

Citizens, market women, chiefs Go Agog, as Adaramodu commissions New Market in Ilawe.

Ilawe-Ekiti was today 13th Dec, 20250 a beehive of activities as citizens, market women, community leaders, youth groups, and traditional chiefs turned out in large numbers for the commissioning and official opening of the newly constructed market in Ilawe-Ekiti.

The historic event marked a major milestone in the economic and social life of the town, as the modern market, constructed and facilitated by the Distinguished Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, was formally unveiled for public use. The project is widely seen as a bold intervention aimed at strengthening grassroots commerce, empowering traders, and stimulating sustainable local development.

The atmosphere was festive and electrifying, with songs, cheers, and cultural displays filling the air. Market women expressed profound joy and appreciation, describing the new market as a long-awaited relief from poor trading conditions. They noted that the improved stalls, better layout, and enhanced trading environment would significantly boost productivity, hygiene, and safety.

Traditional rulers and chiefs, adorned in full cultural regalia, offered prayers and royal blessings for peace, prosperity, and continuous progress, emphasizing that the market would not only serve as a commercial hub but also as a centre for unity, interaction, and communal growth.

Community stakeholders praised Senator Adaramodu for his responsiveness to the needs of the people and for prioritising projects with direct impact on livelihoods. Many described the market as a symbol of purposeful representation and people-centred leadership.

As trading activities officially commenced, jubilation swept across Ilawe, with residents expressing hope that the new market would usher in a new era of economic vibrancy and shared prosperity for the town and its environs.

Indeed, Ilawe stood still today, not for lack of movement, but for progress taking a decisive step forward.

Adaramodu Media Team

EKITI SPECIAL SCHOOLS GET N28 MILLION FACILITY UPGRADE FROM GOVERNOR OYEBANJI'S BIRTHDAY DONATIONS.

EKITI SPECIAL SCHOOLS GET N28 MILLION FACILITY UPGRADE FROM GOVERNOR OYEBANJI'S BIRTHDAY DONATIONS.

Five special schools in Ekiti State are now wearing new looks with ultramodern facilities which were procured from donations made to them in commemoration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s birthday in the last three years.

Governor Oyebanji had commenced the act of celebrating his birthday with students with disabilities in the three schools since 2022 when he assumed office sustaining the gesture on December 21st of every year. 

Governor Oyebanji has always instructed his friends, political associates and groups not to place newspaper advertisement on his birthday, urging them instead to convert the money for such adverts into donations to the special schools in the state.

Three years down the line, the special schools now have better facilities courtesy of the donations by the Governor and his friends and associates. 

According to a report on the Governor’s donations to the schools and centres for last year, the benefiting special schools are: Government Special School for Children with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities, Ido- Ekiti, which got total cash donation of N5.4 million; Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti which was boosted with total cash of N7.8 million; and Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti which got  a total cash donation of N7 million.

Others are Government Therapy Centre for Children With Disabilities, Ado Ekiti; which was gifted  a total cash donation of N1 million and Ekiti State Relief and Rehabilitation Center, Ado-Ekiti which got M6.8 million; amounting to a total sum of over N28 million from  the donors to the schools and centers. 

The cash donations are outside the materials and food items donated to the schools and centres by the Governor, his family members and his associates. 

This was disclosed in a report on the projects carried out with the donations forwarded to the Governor by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Friday. 

Projects executed with the cash donations include purchase of 30 iron beds, installation of 2.5 KVA solar inverter energy systems and renovation and installation of 43-inch plasma television at the Ekiti State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre, Ado Ekiti.

At Government Special School for Children with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities, Ido Ekiti, 50 new iron beds were provided due to the massive increase in students' enrolment.

Facilities provided with the donations at Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti include provision of two rooms, purchase of storage equipment (two deep freezers of 160 litres each), a 5.5KVA generator and a 2KVA stabilizer to ensure reliable power supply.

The facilities provided with the donations at Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro Ekiti include solar inverter installation, dormitory bathroom construction, renovation of four toilet rooms in the boys' hostel and successful execution of water reticulation to both bathrooms to ensure regular water supply.

According to the report, Government Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities, Ado- Ekiti is yet to utilize the money donated to it as  at the time of submission of the report to the Governor.

Princess Agboola noted that the special schools have benefitted immensely from the donations received from the Governor and his admirers who were acting under his instructions to donate to the schools, noting that the gesture has boosted facilities in the schools. 

Princess Agboola said in the report: “Every year, you have magnanimously encouraged your family, friends, and political associates to donate to the Special Schools and Centers instead of giving you birthday gifts. This generous gesture has greatly supported the development of these facilities and fostered a sense of inclusion among the children in our society. 

"On behalf of the three special schools and two centers, we express our heartfelt gratitude and pray for God's blessings upon you and your households. I am pleased to share how each facility utilized the 2024 birthday donations.

"The successful execution of these projects underscores the significant impact of Your Excellency's commitment to the Community of Persons with Disabilities.", she added.

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.