GOV OYEBANJI URGES FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES TO CONVERT BIRTHDAY GIFTS, ADVERTS INTO CASH DONATIONS FOR STATE’S SPECIAL SCHOOLS.

GOV OYEBANJI URGES FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES TO CONVERT BIRTHDAY GIFTS, ADVERTS INTO CASH DONATIONS FOR STATE’S SPECIAL SCHOOLS.

 

Ahead of his 58th birthday on December 21, 2025, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged friends, associates and the general public not to organise any birthday party or newspaper advertisement in his honour.

Instead of advertisement placements, gifts or social gatherings, Governor Oyebanji said anyone willing to celebrate with him should make cash or material donations to the less privileged children in the State.

Specifically, the Governor requested that materials and cash donations be sent to the three Government Special Schools in the state vis: Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti; Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti; and Government Special School for Children with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, Ido-Ekiti, as well as the State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre for the Mentally Challenged in Ado-Ekiti and Government Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities, Ado-Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, said financial and material gifts sent to these special schools and centres by his friends, associates and well-wishers would be better appreciated, as it would put smiles on the faces of the children with disabilities.

The Governor said he remained grateful to family members, friends and associates that have presented gifts and cash to the special schools in commemoration of his birthday in the last three years and the attendant joy the gestures have brought to the students.

 

The statement listed the account details of the special schools for the purpose of the donations as follows:

1. EKSG Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro- Ekiti

Account No: 0080047610

Premium Trust Bank

2. EKSG Special School for The Blind, Ikere- Ekiti.

Account No : 0080047593

Premium Trust Bank

3. EKSG Special School for Children with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, Ido Ekiti

Account No: 0003574525

Union Bank.

4. Ekiti State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre 

Disability Affairs Office Overhead

Account No. 0080045180

Premium Trust Bank 

5. Ekiti State Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities Endowment Funds Account for  Ekiti Special Education and Social Inclusion 

Account no : 0080063441

Bank : Premium Trust Bank.

Oyebanji reiterates commitment to preservation, proper documentation of Ekiti history.

Oyebanji reiterates commitment to preservation, proper documentation of Ekiti history.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated the commitment of his administration to preserving and properly documenting Ekiti history, as part of efforts to celebrate the state’s rich heritage and position it as a hub for cultural and creative excellence.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance on Monday during an on the spot assessment of the movie production sets of the Ekiti Parapo War film being shot at different locations in Ado Ekiti by Actor and Nollywood Producers Lateef Adedimeji and Bimpe Adedimeji.

The Ekiti–Parapo War, also known as the Kiriji War, was a 16-year civil war fought between 1877 and 1893 among sub-ethnic kingdoms of the Yoruba people, dividing the Western Yoruba—mainly Ibadan and Oyo-speaking groups—and the Eastern Yoruba, including the Ekiti, Ijesa, Ijebu, Yagba and others.

Speaking with journalists shortly after visiting the movie locations across Ado Ekiti, Governor oyebanji, who was accompanied by the Nollywood Producers and other state officials including the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun among other, said his government remains committed to ensuring that Ekiti rich cultural heritage and historical narratives are accurately captured and passed on to future generations, stressing that history remains a critical tools for identity, education and development.

While stressing that the film project was not sponsored by the Ekiti State Government, the Governor said he leveraged on the interest of some of his friends and associates who are committed to promoting Ekiti’s history and culture to facilitate and co-sponsor the project. 

Commending the Nollywood Producer, Lateef Adedimeji and all stakeholders involved in the movie project for their commitment to authenticity, creativity and professionalism, the Governor assured that his government would continue to support initiatives that project Ekiti’s history, culture and value positively to the world.

"Art, culture and tourism is one of the pillars of our administration and there is a saying that a people without history is a lost people and part of our history is what is being shot here into a film now and I just came to look at the locations and this has been a big surprise. I don't know that this kind of massive project is going on here in Ekiti state and I must thank the Adedimejis for a job well-done.

"With what I am seeing here, I am sure that by the time the film is finally released, all Ekiti indigines will be proud of what we are doing, we just want to ensure that while we are here, we write our history by our ourselves". He stated.

In his remarks, the Producer of the Ekiti Parapo War, Lateef Adedimeji, said that shooting the movie on Ekiti soil, was to bring originality to the 18th century war occurrence, adding that  about 500 actors casted for the film, including a good number selected  from Ekiti, are currently participating in the making of the film.

Describing Ekiti landscape as peaceful and beautiful for shooting movies, Adedimeji expressed confidence that those who read the historical book will have the advantage of watching the movie as truly reflecting what actually transpired during the war.

Others on the Governor’s entourage were the Director General Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre and Director General Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotosho.

AGILE in Action: Strengthening Education and Empowerment in Ekiti State.

AGILE in Action: Strengthening Education and Empowerment in Ekiti State.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

Under the purposeful leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE)—introduced in 2023 and strategically expanded in 2025—has continued to deliver measurable impact across Ekiti State’s education sector.

Key Milestones and Impact Areas:

📚 Revitalising Learning Environments:

Over 203 schools have benefited from the renovation of dilapidated classrooms, alongside the provision of modern learning tools including laptops, desktop computers, interactive boards, reliable internet access, and solar-powered inverters.

👩‍🏫 Empowering Mentors, Inspiring Girls:

Mentors across the same 203 schools have undergone capacity-building programmes, strengthening guidance, leadership, and support systems for adolescent girls.

🔐 Safer School Communities:

To enhance security and promote a conducive learning atmosphere, 46 schools now have newly constructed perimeter fencing.

🔬 Strengthening Science Education:

Teaching and learning materials have been supplied to 45 science laboratories, improving practical learning and scientific inquiry.

💰 Keeping Girls in School:

Through conditional cash transfers, 2,808 indigent students were supported during the 2023/2024 academic session, helping to reduce dropouts and improve school retention.

🤝 Protecting the Vulnerable:

The programme also provides targeted support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and other at-risk adolescents, reinforcing social protection and inclusion.

🛠️ Inclusive Skills Development:

Special schools have received vocational equipment and assistive devices, ensuring learners with special needs are not left behind.

Collectively, these interventions reflect Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable educational development, reinforcing Ekiti State’s steady progress toward becoming a national benchmark for educational excellence.

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.