Yuletide Cheers With A Call To Service Excellence.

Yuletide Cheers With A Call To Service Excellence.

....Akinbobola Deborah, Celebrates Staff, Urges Greater Pragmatism, Honesty And Objectivity In Service Delivery.

By Asubiojo G.O

A glorious and fulfilling Christmas and New Year celebration to you all, from your humility-personified and loving colleague, divinely positioned as your Head of Local Government Administration (HLA), Mrs Akinbobola Deborah-Bosede. With positive vibes and objective goodwill, we wish you a memorable and landmark Yuletide that will remain a reference point of joy, peace and gratitude.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May your encouraging days be long and fulfilled in sound health, renewed strength and overflowing joy, according to His promise: “With long life will I satisfy you and show you My salvation.” Your homes shall continually remain sanctuaries of love, peace and wisdom, for the blessing of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow with it. The grace of God that has distinguished us will keep elevating us, and indeed our latter days shall be exceedingly greater than the former.

Nonetheless, let us all remain committed to perfecting and performing our official assignments without bias, with honesty, objectivity and right mindsets, trusting that our labour will speak for us and that our elevation and promotions will never be hindered.

Furthermore, our unwavering support and encouraging vibes must continually be extended to our loving, innovative and creative Chairman, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, and his pragmatic, game-changing team, for their steadfast love and consistent responsiveness to our objective needs. We pray that the Lord will continue to overshadow him with positive surprises, uncommon wisdom and unrivalled promotions.

On behalf of the workers of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, we also graciously appreciate our humility-personified Governor, His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji Abayomi (BAO), fondly called the “Jinx Breaker.”

Two key reasons he remains the best and deserves our full support are:

1. Worker-centred governance: His administration has consistently prioritised workers’ welfare, stability and peace in the public service, fostering confidence, productivity and trust across the state.

2. Pragmatic and inclusive leadership: Governor Oyebanji leads with humility, continuity and people-focused policies that deliver tangible development while carrying everyone along—hallmarks of sustainable governance and higher political responsibility.

As we step into the New Year, let us be strengthened with hope, united in purpose and renewed in commitment. May our collective efforts yield greater results, may our service speak louder than words, and may God crown us all with joy, peace and fulfilment. The best is yet to come—let us walk into it together with faith, excellence and love.

Agribusiness: Ekiti Govt presents 1 billion naira cheques to young farmers as profits.

Agribusiness: Ekiti Govt presents 1 billion naira cheques  to young farmers as profits. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said his administration would continue to support youth -driven agricultural initiatives through access to land, improved inputs, extension services mechanization, market linkages and partnership with the private sector.

The Governor stated this during the presentation of checks totaling one billion naira as profits made by the young farmers under the Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture programme for the 2025 harvest season. 

About 4,657 youths who participated in the programme got cheques  ranging from N500,000 to N1,500,000 at the event which took place at Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti. 

Governor Oyebanji who stressed that the programme aligns with his administration's shared prosperity agenda because it leads to job creation which contributes significantly towards to food sufficiency, poverty alleviation and general well-being of Ekiti residents.

The Governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo noted that the event represented the reward of the youths for months of dedication, resilience and adherence to best agricultural practices, adding that it signalled a strong message to every young person in the state and beyond that agriculture is no longer a vocation of last resort but a business that one can proudly and profitably engage in on sustainable basis.

While expressing appreciation to the youths for their resilience and cooperation throughout the period of the project, the Governor said he is proud of their achievements as it demonstrated that with the right support, training and commitment, young people can drive economic growth and become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

He further urged them to utilize the proceeds wisely by reinvesting it in their farms by expanding their operations, adopting modern technologies and best practices as well as building sustainable agribusiness that can stand the test of time, stressing the need for them to let their success mark the beginning of bigger achievements rather than the end of their journey.

“Today's gathering is not just about the presentation of Cheques, it is about celebrating the triumph of our youth, an event that tells a powerful story of hard work, of discipline, of vision, of success. It is also to validate our own our belief in agriculture as a viable and economic pathway, which and reaffirming our administration's commitment to inclusion and sustainable development. 

“When we conceived and launched the Bring Back Youth into Agriculture in our State in 2024, our objective was clear, it was to deliberately re-engage young people in agriculture, not as a subsistence activity, but as a profitable business capable of providing sustainable livelihood and strengthening food security in a Ekiti state. I'm proud to announce today that this vision has yielded tangible and measurable results.

“Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that Ekiti State is one of the states with the lowest food inflation movement in month on month basis. 

It is noteworthy that this programming was was made in a way that has grown from 911 participants from one year ago about 5,000 this year, this represents over 500 percent growth in headcount. This cohort is of 5,000 participants and they have collectively generated a total profit of 1Billion Naira representing a 700% increase over the 145 million naira generated in 2024.

“What I am saying is that reinvest in your business so that you can grow, if you're taking home one million naira this year, reinvest, such that when you're coming next year to collect cheques you'll be collecting four, five million, that is what this is about, it's not time to start beginning to think that you have arrived and that you are big men and women, these are the early days and i pray you all get bigger and stronger and more prosperous. 

“As a government we remain fully committed to creating an enabling environment for youth to thrive, we will continue to support youth driven agricultural initiatives through access to land improved inputs extension services mechanization market linkages and partnership with the private sector, this programme aligns squarely with our administration's shared prosperity agenda as it leads to job creation and contributes significantly towards our quest for food sufficiency, poverty alleviation and general well-being to our stakeholders most especially the ministry of agriculture and food security, and our most valid private partners YSJ farms limited. The Governor stated.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, expressed his appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for nurturing the vision, support and commitment to the success of the programme through his intervention in the establishment of twelve farm hubs for the youths, free land clearing that’s up to 5,000 hectares, provision of adequate security, construction of five dormitories in Ikere, Eporo, Ado, Aramoko and Iyemero as well as provision of buses to all the farm clusters among others.

“This is the second edition of the Presentation of Cheques to worthy and committed youths. The first edition was held in November 2024 and a little over 1000 youths were rewarded with around N145million, today, close to 5,000 committed and hardworking youths will be rewarded with N1billion.  Mr Boluwade stated.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Director General, Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Mrs Lolade Olutola and Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Gold Adedayo Commended Governor Oyebanji for his efforts at ensuring wealth creation through agriculture saying the project has positively impacted a number of government offices which has brought increase in the state’s IGR.

They also thanked the YSJ for its trust in the state to reposition the agricultural sector of the economy and improvement in the food security of the state.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, Johnson owoeye and Mayowa Michael thanked Governor Oyebanji for providing the youths with the necessary and modern working implements, security, buses, dormitories and solar power that provide day and night electricity.

New Tax Law ‘ll Boost Economy, Drive Growth, Says Ekiti IRS Chairman.

New Tax Law ‘ll Boost Economy, Drive Growth, Says Ekiti IRS Chairman.

…Allays Public Fear Over Illegal Deduction in Bank Accounts.

The Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Mr Olaniran Olatona has assured Nigerians that the new Federal Tax Law  scheduled to take effect in January is designed to further strengthen the economy and will not result in unauthorized deductions from individual bank accounts or cause undue hardship for the citizens

Speaking at a news conference in his office in Ado Ekiti, the EKIRS Chairman said the tax reform is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu- led Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the tax system, improve revenue generation and promote fairness in tax administration across the country.

Olatona allayed fears among members of the public that the new tax law would lead to arbitrary deductions from personal bank accounts, stressing that the law does not grant tax authorities the power to withdraw funds from individuals’ accounts without due process. 

According to him, the tax reform is designed to broaden the tax base, encourage voluntary compliance, reduce multiple taxes, reduce revenue leakages, while also creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

The EKIRS Chairman also debunked rumours suggesting that Nigerians without Tax Identification Number (TIN) would be penalized or have their account frozen under the new tax reform. He clarified that the reforms are primarily aimed at regularising and issuing TINs to enhance tax administration and ensure better compliance, rather than to target or punish individuals who do not yet have one.

He further clarified that the new tax reform does not mean an increase in taxes for Nigerians, instead, he said it is designed to protect low-income earners, allowing them to grow and develop economically until they reach a level where they become liable to pay taxes, ensuring a fair and progressing taxation.

The Chairman advised Nigerians to use proper and accurate description when making bank transfer, stressing that doing so would help to avert unnecessary taxation or misinterpretation by tax authorities thereby ensuring smooth processing of transactions under the new tax system.

Cautioning the public against unnecessary increment in  prices of goods and services due to the new tax reform, Olatona  stated that the reform is expected to help reduce the cost of food and essential items, making life easier and more affordable for citizens across the country. 

He urged residents of Ekiti State and Nigerians at large to ignore misinformation surrounding the new tax law and seek clarification from credible sources, assuring that EKIRS would continue to sensitise taxpayers on the provisions and benefits of the reform to ensure smooth implementation

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tnubu’s economic reforms, which he said have helped stabilize the economy and set the country on the path of prosperity, the EKIRS Chairman urged Ekiti people and Nigerians at large to support the initiative and cooperate with tax authorities to ensure the successful implementation of the new tax law and sustained national development.

Meanwhile, the EKIRS has met with Ekiti traditional rulers under the aegis of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council; bank executives and will be meeting artisans, small business owners and proprietors of private schools ithis week in Ado- Ekiti in a strategic engagement themed: “The New Tax Reform Laws: Deepening Stakeholders’ Understanding for Strategic Alignment and Implementation.”

Nigeria’s Agro-Based Economy Holds Massive Investment Potential – Former Botswana President at Agbeyewa Farms.

Nigeria’s Agro-Based Economy Holds Massive Investment Potential – Former Botswana President at Agbeyewa Farms.

Former President of Botswana, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has declared that the future of Africa lies in deliberate and sustained investment in agriculture, noting that the continent is naturally endowed to leverage the sector for prosperity, food security, and inclusive economic development.

President Masisi made this disclosure after touring Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti State, where he inspected operations across the farm’s locations and interacted with management and workforce. He called on governments and policymakers in Nigeria, at all levels, to create a truly enabling environment for agriculture and the entire agricultural value chain to thrive.

Commending the Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, and his team, President Masisi described their investment as timely and visionary. He noted that what he observed at Agbeyewa Farms—particularly in the areas of technology adoption, structured operations, and human capital—clearly indicates a bright future for the enterprise. He further described Mr. Olajide as a passionate African committed to job creation and economic prosperity across the continent.

According to President Masisi:

“Government is to provide an enabling environment. Enabling the environment is policy-driven. It is about legal infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and incentivization. As a government, you incentivize through tax breaks and subsidies, because there is nowhere in the world where agriculture is not subsidized. It is not a crime to subsidize agriculture; by doing so, governments provide sustainable jobs, sustainable livelihoods, and improved nutrition. When these are in place, investors and government agencies can diversify agricultural output.”

Speaking further, the former President encouraged Nigeria and private investors to explore the wildlife economy, noting that Nigeria is losing billions of naira by not fully unlocking this sector, which remains a major source of revenue for Botswana.

“There is a whole wildlife economy,” he said. “I have asked Nigerians I have met: where is your wildlife economy? In Botswana, we make hundreds of millions from wildlife—elephants, zebra, antelopes, crocodiles, and more.”

Also speaking during the visit, Chairman of Cavista Holdings—the parent company of Agbeyewa Farms—Mr. Niyi John Olajide reiterated the company’s commitment to maximizing the entire cassava value chain while creating jobs and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

“We are moving decisively into processing,” Olajide said. “As we perfect cultivation and aggregation, we are also perfecting everything around agricultural trading. Our goal is to maximize value addition through processing—producing ethanol, cassava starch, and high-quality cassava flour—so that the benefits of agriculture extend across communities and industries.”

Over the past three years, Agbeyewa Farms has made a profound impact in Ekiti State and beyond. Within this period, the farm has employed over one thousand youths directly and indirectly across its growing ecosystem, providing meaningful work, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods. Beyond employment, Agbeyewa Farms is intentionally positioning agriculture as a viable and attractive investment capable of empowering young people, women, and rural communities, while stimulating inclusive economic growth.

Through large-scale cassava cultivation, structured aggregation, community engagement, and a clear roadmap for processing and value addition, Agbeyewa Farms is not only transforming agricultural practice but also transforming lives—building stronger communities, restoring dignity to farming, and creating pathways to shared prosperity.

According to the farm's Managing Director and CEO, Oska Seyi Ayeleso, he said: "the visit of former President Masisi therefore represents more than a courtesy call; it is a significant validation of Agbeyewa Farms’ vision and Africa’s agricultural future. His visit provided a unique opportunity for cross-country learning and reinforced the urgent need to deploy agribusiness as a strategic tool for economic development and mass job creation across Africa."

President Masisi’s message echoed a clear truth: agriculture remains one of Africa’s most powerful engines for growth. This is precisely the path Mr. John Olajide and his team are pursuing through their bold and sustained investment in Agbeyewa Farms—demonstrating, in practical terms, how agribusiness can unlock opportunity, create massive employment for African youth, and drive long-term, inclusive development across the continent.

EUC Homes Offers 40% Discount on Land Sales: Own Property in Owerri or Abuja with ₦1.1m Deposit, Promo Ends in 14 Days.

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Building Skills, Powering the Future: Ekiti’s IDEAS Project in Action.

Building Skills, Powering the Future: Ekiti’s IDEAS Project in Action.
By Olamide Akinwumi

Education remains a critical pillar of sustainable development, and under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Ekiti State is taking bold and practical steps to reposition technical and vocational education for relevance, excellence, and global competitiveness.

Through the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, the Ekiti State Government has demonstrated a clear commitment to producing a skilled, employable, and future-ready workforce across the state.

The IDEAS Project has delivered remarkable interventions across the three Government Technical Colleges (GTCs) in Ekiti State, including the comprehensive renovation of workshops, college libraries, project offices, and WASH facilities—creating safe, modern, and enabling learning environments for students and instructors alike. To strengthen hands-on learning, modern workshop equipment has been procured for three trades in each of the GTCs, ensuring students gain industry-relevant skills.

Recognising the importance of reliable infrastructure, the project provided solar-powered boreholes, installed 20KVA solar inverters, supplied 20KVA diesel engines, and procured school buses for the three GTCs—significantly improving power supply, water access, mobility, and overall institutional efficiency.

Capacity building has also remained a core focus of the IDEAS Project. In partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), 109 Master Craft Persons (MCPs) underwent generic training in December 2023 at the Government Technical College, Ado Ekiti. This was followed by the training of 250 apprentices in March 2024, equipping young people with practical skills for self-reliance and employment.

Furthermore, the National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU) facilitated the first cohort training of 250 Technical Teachers and Instructors across the South-West zone between November and December 2023. This momentum continued with a second cohort training in February 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, focusing on pedagogy, digital skills, and trade-specific competencies, ensuring educators are well-prepared for modern teaching demands.

Beyond formal institutions, the Ekiti State Government engaged five private digital organisations—four in Ado Ekiti and one in Ikun—to provide digital skills training for unemployed youths, expanding opportunities and promoting inclusion in the digital economy.

Altogether, the IDEAS Project reflects a forward-thinking approach to education—one that blends infrastructure, capacity development, technology, and partnerships to empower Ekiti youths with skills for today and tomorrow.

Indeed, this is a clear testament to purposeful governance, people-focused leadership, and an unwavering belief in education as the engine of development.

Ekiti is building skills. Ekiti is shaping the future.
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EKITI GOVERNMENT TO DISTRBUTE ₦1 BILLION PROFITS TO 4,657 YOUTHS UNDER AGRICULTURE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME.

EKITI GOVERNMENT TO DISTRBUTE ₦1 BILLION PROFITS TO 4,657 YOUTHS UNDER AGRICULTURE EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME.

Ekiti State Government will on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, disburse ₦1 Billion to 4,657 beneficiaries under its Bring Back Our Youths in Agriculture programme.

The disbursement ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, by 10:00 a.m.

In a statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, said the funds represent profits from the programme’s last farming season. 

He explained that the initiative aligns with the government’s empowerment drive to strategically reinvest in agriculture in order to achieve food security and create sustainable wealth for both the state and its citizens.

According to him, the programme is primarily focused on empowering youths by providing access to land, farm inputs, technical support, and a guaranteed market, enabling young farmers to build sustainable livelihoods and earn steady income. 

He further assured that revenues generated from farm clusters and government-led agricultural enterprises are reinvested into the sector to sustain growth and expand opportunities, noting that ₦145 million was similarly earned as profits and disbursed to 911 youths under the same scheme last year.

“The initiative operates a cluster-farming model covering crops such as maize, yam, soya beans, cassava, vegetables, rice, and beans (cowpea). The State Government’s commitment to the programme has actually resulted in an increase in farm cluster centres from five to twelve, located in Eporo, Ose, Ikere, Ogotun, Omuo, Egbe, Aramoko, Oke-Ako, Iyemero, Gede, Isan/Ayede, and Ise with over 5,000 hectares of land cleared for farming, and five of the centres equipped with fully functional dormitories” he affirmed.