MASISI HAILS ‘VISIONARY’ AGRIBUSINESS REVOLUTION AT AGBEYEWA FARMS; URGES POLICIES TO UNLOCK AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL.

MASISI HAILS ‘VISIONARY’ AGRIBUSINESS REVOLUTION AT AGBEYEWA FARMS; URGES POLICIES TO UNLOCK AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL.

Immediate past President of Botswana, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, left stakeholders in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector and Ekiti State buzzing last week after an inspiring and high-profile tour of Agbeyewa Farms — one of Africa’s fastest-growing agricultural enterprises headquartered in Ekiti, Ikole Local Government area.

Describing what he witnessed as “nothing short of extraordinary”, Masisi said he was deeply impressed by the scale of cassava cultivation, the innovation in farm technology, and the strategic vision of the leadership at Agbeyewa — particularly Chairman Niyi John Olajide and the entire management team under the spirited leadership of Managing Director & CEO, Oska Seyi Ayeleso. 

“What Agbeyewa Farms has achieved in three short years is a lesson in ambition, resilience, and effective management,” Masisi said during his visit. “This kind of large-scale commercial farming, especially when done with modern technology and strong human capital development, is transformational — not just for Nigeria, but for Africa’s agribusiness future.” 

From Subsistence to Strategic Enterprise

Masisi — himself a farmer by background — underscored the fundamental difference between subsistence agriculture and a high-performance, structured agribusiness like Agbeyewa. He noted that while smallholder farming remains the backbone of rural livelihoods across Africa, enterprises like Agbeyewa Farms, which plan and execute at scale, offer a compelling blueprint for the continent’s agricultural transformation.

“What I have seen here is not random farming — it is strategic agriculture,” Masisi observed. “It’s about integrating cultivation with processing, adding value, and creating sustainable jobs for rural people. This is what Africa needs if we are to meet both domestic and global food and industrial demands.” 

Masisi reserved special praise for Agbeyewa’s management team, highlighting their dedication, professionalism, and execution discipline. “The management under Oska Seyi Ayeleso is exemplary,” he remarked. “Their capacity to mobilize resources, drive operational excellence, and engage with local communities shows a leadership that goes beyond routine management — it is visionary stewardship.” 

Ayeleso, Masisi noted, has deftly balanced agricultural productivity with social impact, ensuring that the farm not only produces high-quality cassava but also empowers rural youth, women, and host communities with meaningful employment, skills training, and economic opportunities.

A major focus of Masisi’s remarks was the policy environment necessary to boost agricultural investments. He urged Nigerian federal and state governments to implement incentives such as tax breaks, regulatory reforms, and agricultural subsidies — aligning with global best practices that have helped other countries grow robust agricultural sectors. “There is nowhere in the world where agriculture is not subsidized,” he said, emphasizing that supportive policy frameworks from both the state and the federal governments are not a burden but an engine for rural employment, sustainable nutrition, and economic prosperity. 

Masisi also broadened his remarks to highlight the potential of Nigeria’s wildlife economy, urging stakeholders to explore tourism and wildlife conservation as additional avenues for revenue — a major economic pillar in Botswana.

Chairman, Niyi John Olajide in his response reaffirmed Agbeyewa’s commitment to expanding the entire cassava value chain. He outlined plans for deeper integration into processing — producing, cassava starch, high-quality flour, and other derivatives — to ensure that the company continues to generate broader economic impact and support industrial growth. 

The visit by Masisi, therefore, was more than a diplomatic courtesy; it was a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s agricultural potential and the mission-driven leadership of Agbeyewa Farms in Nigeria, particularly in Ekiti State. It highlighted the possibilities that emerge when visionary entrepreneurship, sound management, and sustained government support converge — a combination that could redefine agribusiness across Africa.

Signed

Dauda Lawal 

Director of Community Engagement and Communications

Agbeyewa Farms Limited

PRESIDENT TINUBU REJOICES WITH GOVERNOR OYEBANJI ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

PRESIDENT TINUBU REJOICES WITH GOVERNOR OYEBANJI ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

President Bola Tinubu sends heartfelt felicitations to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on his 58th birthday on December 21, 2025.

The President highlights Oyebanji’s stewardship and commitment to the development of the state over the years, through his position as Secretary to the Committee on the Creation of Ekiti and later in his public service positions.

Oyebanji was Special Adviser to the state’s first civilian governor, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, and later became his Chief of Staff.

He was Commissioner for Integration and Intergovernmental Affairs during the first-term administration of the immediate-past governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and later served as Secretary to the State Government.

Oyebanji was elected Ekiti governor in 2022. He has already secured the All Progressives Congress’ nomination to contest for a second term in office in 2026.

President Tinubu notes the state’s infrastructural development under Oyebanji’s watch, particularly his special focus on the agricultural and aviation sectors, among others.

The President congratulates the governor on the completion of the Ekiti Agro-allied International Airport in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, and the inauguration of flights.

President Tinubu wishes the governor many more years and continued impactful governance in the state.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

December 20, 2025

The BAO Effect: Celebrating Oyebanji, jinx breaker at 58.

The BAO Effect: Celebrating Oyebanji, jinx breaker at 58.

By Olayinka Oyebode

Christmas indeed came early for the people of Ekiti State this year. For them the celebration begun on December 10th when the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti commenced commercial flight operations signaling a new phase of development under the leadership of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as Governor of the State. On that day, Ekiti did not just celebrate the birth of a world class airport which invariably will bring the markets and the world closer to Ekiti, the people celebrated the power of vision and the beauty of unity. The emphasis was on how unity breeds peace, how peace breeds progress and how that translates into shared prosperity under a visionary leader.

The presence of all the four former governors of the state at the airport event, (three of them on board the inaugural flight), supporting the incumbent Governor and each being given his due recognition for their roles in the airport project and in Ekiti development generally, was a classical example of true leadership. The fragrance of that air of unity was not only sweet to the ear, it was a beauty to behold. It speaks to what a state or a people can achieve when they work in unity. It speaks to the leadership qualities of Governor Oyebanji, whose politics of inclusion has brought every leader and every tendency together in the overall interest of the Ekiti people.

Barely a week after that glorious outing, precisely on December 18th, it was the turn of 4,567 young Ekiti farmers, under the Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture scheme to shine. Governor Oyebanji had presented a total one billion naira cheque to the young farmers as their profit for the 2025 harvest, under the initiative which is being done in partnership with a private concern, YSJ Limited. Exactly a year earlier, the Governor had presented N145 million naira cheque to 911 young farmers- the pioneer set of the initiative. Within a year, enrolment into the scheme moved from 1,000 to 5,000 across the sixteen local government areas of the state.   This was achieved through government’s strategic support to the farmers which came in form of free land clearing, provision of seedling, agric extenstion services, tractorisation and market linkages, which in turn has made farming a profitable business in Ekiti.

So, for the families of the 4,567 youth farmers Christmas actually came early, courtesy of an impactful leader who was born this season some fifty-eight years ago, and who is redefining governance,  making every day count, making everyday a celebration- (Ojo gbogbo bi odun), by virtue of  effective implementation of his six-pillar development agenda and by making the people the centre focus of his policies and programmes.

Oyebanji stands out as a true leader of the people. As noted by a former American President, Ronald Regan, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things, but the one who gets people to do the greatest things”. Oyebanji takes pride in creating economic opportunities for the people, he priortises their welfare and wellbeing. Little wonder the people of Ekiti celebrate BAO, as he is fondly called, not only on his birthday but daily with unparalleled gusto. 

History teaches us that leaders that are most respected are those who inspire people to stand for something. Governor Oyebanji fits into this category of leaders perfectly because his leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to service, truth and loyalty, emphasizing empowerment over power and inspiring change through practical example. Above all, he believes in the grace of God and the power in His name. Gratitude remains BAO’s lifestyle. He regularly ascribes his success in public service to the special grace he enjoys from God; and the support of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; as well as the massive support of Ekitikete home and abroad.

Oyebanji believes Ekiti people, highly rated for their intellect, have no business with poverty. “How can people be brilliant and at the same time be poor.”  His six –pillar development agenda anchored on the mantra of shared prosperity for all, was designed to provide the right answer to that poser. Human Capital Development via education- free, qualitative and compulsory from primary to senior secondary school as well as health care delivery –that is available and accessible. The huge investments in human capital development has led to comprehensive renovation of 203 secondary schools and over 900 primary schools, including the state’s special schools. Teaching quality is now better enhanced through proper motivation for teachers and provision of  modern learning and teaching facilities. Recently the Governor facilitated the training of 2,000 youths in advanced digital skills including cyber security, software development, artificial intelligence and data analytics in a bid to  prepare them for strategic roles in the digital revolution that is bound to happen when the Ekiti Knowledge Zone takes off.   Healthcare followed the same logic with comprehensive renovation and equipment of nine general hospitals, and about 105 primary health centres across the state. Through the Ulerawa initiatives, every resident of the state now enjoys and explicit and guaranteed package of essential services, free at the point of care.

Infrastructure is another battlefield where BAO has recorded his most visible laurels. Just about two months ago, he commissioned for use 10 major road projects. This is in addition to about 25 others that had earlier been delivered and put to use. Similarly, his intervention in power infrastructure has led to the reconnection of scores of communities to the national grid. Currently the state is constructing 2x60 MVA transmission stations in Ikere, Ijesa-Isu and Ilupeju Ekiti, while the state’s Independent Power Project (IPP) is powering major government institutions and private businesses.

 

Oyebanji’s political trajectory is one of the most inspiring in recent history. His journey to the Oke Ayoba Government House started some three years and two months ago. Or, as many have come to believe, it started some 30 years earlier when, as a young university lecturer, he joined the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State in the nineties, where he served as secretary to the Committee on State Creation Committee headed by Chief Deji Fasuan. Working with the committee, which consisted of traditional rulers, and frontline Ekiti leaders, he had a clear understanding of the vision of the founding fathers of the State. The creation of Ekiti State in 1996 paved the way for the first democratically elected state government in May 1999 under the leadership of Governor Niyi Adebayo. Biodun Oyebanji joined the government as a Special Assistant (Parliamentary Affairs) to the Governor, marking his foray into public service. He also served as Special Adviser (Parliamentary Affairs) and later as Chief of Staff to the Governor. During the first term of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, BAO served at different times as Commissioner, Ministry of Integration and Inter-Governmental Affairs; Head, Office of Transformation Strategy and Delivery (OTSD)  and Commissioner, Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Service Delivery. He also served as Secretary to the State Government between 2018 to 2021, when he resigned to contest the governorship election, which he won and was inaugurated as Governor on October 16, 2022.   

On the political turf, BAO’s rare simplicity continues to make him the darling of the people. He feels at home with the grassroots. He attends ward meetings and interacts freely with party faithful. He leads the youth on hiking at Ikogosi and Efon Alaaye hills. On a large scale he regularly holds stakeholders engagement, where he receives feedbacks from the people on quarterly basis. Prior to his emergence as the first ever consensus governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the June 2026 election, no fewer than 350 groups and associations had publicly declared their support for him. This is in addition to the massive support he got from all the former governors of the state, all National and state assembly members as well as the traditional institution and other critical stakeholders.

Since assuming office, Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated that governance can be calm yet impactful, inclusive yet decisive. Under his stewardship Ekiti State has emerged top in some development indices. These include : First position in the BudgIT State Fiscal Transparency League (Q 2. Q 3, 2024 and Q1,and 2, 2025); Ranked first in the PSLI Subnational Audit Efficacy Index (2023); First in the Annual Growth Rate of IGR (2023). Under his watch Ekiti State established the first adapted classrooms in public special schools for Children with Disabilities in Nigeria. Ekiti was also ranked as the state with the second lowest out of school children in Nigeria. Quite importantly, is the significant reduction in infant mortality by 57 percent from 42 per 1,000 in 2019 to 18 per 1,000 in 2024; and infant mortality which reduced by 53 per cent from 57 per 1,000 in 2019 to 44 per 1,000 in 2024.

Today, I join family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate a man of uncommon grace, a jinx breaker, a unifier, a change agent, “Mr Solution” the one Ekitikete love to call “Omoluabi Gomina” or “Gomina ayiye”, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as he marks his 58th birthday. Happy Birthday Your Excellency. The celebration has just begun.

Oyebode is Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Ekiti State.

Ekiti Govt Spreads Christmas Cheer to Children with Disabilities.

Ekiti Govt Spreads Christmas Cheer to Children with Disabilities.

The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive care and social protection by celebrating Christmas with children living with disabilities at the Therapy Centre for Children with Disability, Oke-Oriomi, Ado-Ekiti.

The event, sponsored by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, brought together children, parents and caregivers for a colourful, fun-filled celebration marked by singing, dancing and the presentation of gifts. 

The highlight of the day was the appearance of Santa-Claus, who personally handed out gifts to the children because they are loved, valued and fully included like their peers in regular schools.

Speaking at the programme, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, urged parents to always appreciate and cherish their children, regardless of physical or intellectual challenges, describing every child as a special gift from God.

Princess Agboola praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his consistent love and support for persons with disabilities, noting that his concern for special needs children predates his assumption of office. 

She said the Governor’s regular visits to special schools and therapy centres across the state demonstrate that disability issues are not political to him but a lifelong passion.

“For Governor Oyebanji, caring for persons with disabilities is beyond politics. He genuinely worries about how these children are coping and managing. This is something he has been doing even before becoming Governor. To him, it is a way of life,” she said.

The Special Adviser also commended parents for their support and perseverance, cautioning against discrimination, while appreciating staff of the therapy centre for their dedication and commitment to service, praying that their efforts would be divinely rewarded.

In his remarks, one of the beneficiaries, Toluwalase Adeyeye, expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his continuous support for persons with disabilities, particularly in the provision of food items and operational vehicles, and prayed for God’s continued blessings on the Governor and other supporters of the disability community.

Similarly, Mrs. Olubunmi Ibiteye, speaking on behalf of parents, thanked the Governor for establishing the therapy centre and prioritising special schools across Ekiti State. 

She also commended the caregivers for the genuine love and care shown to the children.

The event was attended by key government officials, including Hon. Stephen Abimbola Senior Special Governor’s Office, Mrs. Funmilayo Fatoba, Senior Special Assistant on Rehabilitation and Mental Health, and the Senior Special Assistant on Social Inclusion, Alhaji Fatai Sulaiman among others.

Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative Empowers 250 Elderly in Ekiti with ₦50 million.

Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative Empowers 250 Elderly in Ekiti with ₦50 million.

 

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended financial support totaling N50 million to  250 elderly citizens in Ekiti State, with each beneficiary receiving the sum of ₦200,000 under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme.

The presentation, which took place at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, formed part of the third edition of the Elderly Support Scheme tagged “Finding Joy in Old Age".

Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu who was represented by the Wife of Ekiti State Governor who is also the state coordinator of RHI, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, disclosed that the programme is being implemented simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including beneficiaries drawn from veterans of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

Senator Tinubu noted that a total of 9,500 elderly citizens have been selected nationwide to benefit from the scheme, a move that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens.

She explained that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative approved the disbursement of a total sum of ₦1.9 billion for the exercise, with each state of the federation, the FCT and DEPOWA receiving ₦50 million.

According to her, the initiative goes beyond financial assistance, as it also promotes healthy and active ageing. She encouraged beneficiaries to prioritise their wellbeing by engaging in regular physical exercise and meaningful activities that would keep both their bodies and minds active.

 “The Renewed Hope Initiative is about restoring dignity and ensuring that our elderly citizens find joy and fulfilment in their later years. This support is designed to help them live healthier and happier lives". She said.

The National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative further noted that since the inception of the current administration in 2023, the initiative has consistently celebrated senior citizens every December in recognition of their invaluable contributions to national development.

In her welcome address, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji expressed profound appreciation to the Convener of the Renewed Hope Initiative and First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for sustaining the Elderly Support Scheme.

She described the programme as a reflection of the First Lady’s tireless commitment to improving the wellbeing of senior citizens and veterans across the country.

Dr. Oyebanji urged beneficiaries in Ekiti State to utilise the financial support judiciously, especially during the festive season, emphasising the importance of meeting essential needs such as food, healthcare and medication where necessary.

In their separate messages of appreciation, Elder Gabriel Oni and Chief Mrs. Musili Eyemugbayeho expressed gratitude to the Wife of the President and the Ekiti State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for their care and concern for senior citizens in Nigeria.

They pledged their continued support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ekiti State Government, while also offering prayers for the success of the governments.

The event attracted government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders, who commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its impactful intervention, describing it as a timely gesture that reinforces the government’s resolve to ensure that elderly Nigerians live with dignity, comfort and joy.

Earlier,the state Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji through the state medical team also provided free medical consultation for the senior citizens who benefited from the gesture of the nation's first lady.

EKSU lauds Oyebanji over release of outstanding subvention.

EKSU lauds Oyebanji over release of outstanding subvention.                                      By Olamide Akinwumi 

The management of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has commended the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for approving the release of the outstanding December 2023 subvention to the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, who spoke on behalf of the management and the entire university community, described the gesture as timely and laudable, noting that it would significantly ease the financial burden on the institution.

Ayodele said the release of the funds would enable the university to meet its financial obligations to staff, particularly at the festive period, thereby allowing them to cater for their needs and enjoy the yuletide season.

He further noted that since the inception of the Oyebanji administration, monthly subventions to the university had been released promptly, a development he said had enhanced stability and effective planning within the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the governor of the continued support and cooperation of the EKSU community towards the success of his administration.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar and Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Dr Bode Olofinmuagun, and made available to journalists.

AVM Ojuawo knocks Kayode Ojo over False claims on Ekiti Airport.

AVM Ojuawo knocks Kayode Ojo over False claims on Ekiti Airport.

…. Sets the record straight.

AVM Niyi Ojuawo(rtd), a member of the House of Representatives and formerly Special Adviser on Ekiti AirPort Project has debunked claims made by a former governorship aspirant of APC on Ekiti State, Wngr Kayode Ojo that he contributed to the construction of the Ekiti Agro- Allied International Cargo Airport that which commenced commercial operations earlier in the month.

Kayode Oko had lamented in a statement earlier in he week that his contribution ought to have been mentioned by the Governor during the event marking the. Commencement of commercial flights at the airport just like the contribution of former Governors and chief Afe Babalola (SAN) were mentioned. 

AVM Ojuawo in a statement yesterday said Engr Ojo did not make any contribution to the airport that warranted his name being mentioned. 

The member of House of Representatives said in the statement titled : 

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

“I have carefully read the various media reports referenced above, and it has become necessary to set the record straight, particularly as my name was mentioned in my former capacity as Technical Adviser to the Governor on the Ekiti Airport Project at the material time.

“This clarification has become imperative in view of claims attributed to Engr. Kayode Ojo, suggesting that I endorsed or validated his alleged contributions to the Ekiti Cargo International Airport project. While Engr. Kayode Ojo at some point indicated an intention to construct a fire station at the airport and was shown a location for that purpose, it is important, in the interest of truth and public accountability, to clearly state the facts as follows:

1. Prior to the governorship primary election 2022, Engr. Kayode Ojo conveyed some blocks to the airport premises through his contractor, purportedly in anticipation of constructing a fire station.

2. Immediately after the primary election, his representatives returned to the site and removed all the blocks that had earlier been brought in. At no time were these materials deployed for the construction of the fire station, nor was any material—not even a bag of cement—left behind for that purpose.

3. Throughout my tenure as Technical Adviser on the Airport Project, I did not receive any form of support—financial, material, or technical—from Engr. Kayode Ojo toward the construction of the fire station or any other component of the airport project. It is also on record that the airport fire station was eventually completed by the Ekiti State Government in mid-2024.

Consequently, the claim by Engr. Kayode Ojo that I was referenced or relied upon to validate such assertions is entirely false, misleading, and reckless. I state unequivocally, and on good authority, that these claims are untrue and should be disregarded in their entirety.

This statement is issued solely to correct the public record and to prevent any distortion of facts surrounding the Ekiti Cargo International Airport project.

Signed:

Hon. (AVM Rtd.) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi

Member, House of Representatives

Ekiti South Federal Constituency I