Festive Period: Engr Adakeja Celebrates Party Faithful in Ado-Ekiti.

Festive Period: Engr Adakeja Celebrates Party Faithful in Ado-Ekiti.

As part of activities marking the festive season, Engineer Olumide Adakeja has celebrated party faithful in Ado-Ekiti, appreciating them for their steadfast support for the administration of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

Speaking during the gathering, Adakeja thanked party members for their unflinching loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and the Oyebanji-led administration, urging them to continue to promote peace and unity in their respective wards and communities.

The event was marked by fanfare as party leaders and supporters welcomed Adakeja with songs and dance, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Wale Adakeja, described Engineer Olumide Adakeja as a true son of the soil who has consistently demonstrated commitment to the progress of Ado-Ekiti and the sustenance of good governance under Governor Oyebanji.

As part of the celebration, Engineer Adakeja distributed cash gifts to all the 13 ward chairmen in Ado-Ekiti, the 13 ward youth leaders, the 13 ward secretaries, as well as local government youth leaders and women leaders.

The gesture, party leaders said, further underscored Adakeja’s support for grassroots mobilisation and his commitment to strengthening the party structure at the ward and local government levels.

AJAYI CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH CHRISTIAN IN EKITI, URGE THEM TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENTAL GOVERNMENT OF BAO.

AJAYI CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH CHRISTIAN IN EKITI, URGE THEM TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENTAL GOVERNMENT OF BAO.

A member of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency Board, Hon. Bayo Ajayi, has facilitated the celebration of Christmas for Christians across Ekiti State, urging them to embrace love, sacrifice and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking with journalists at his country home in Emure-Ekiti, Ajayi described Christmas as a season that symbolises selflessness and compassion, calling on Christians to reflect the virtues of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.

The politician, known for his people-oriented disposition, urged residents of the state to remain peaceful, cheerful and accommodating to one another, stressing that tolerance, unity and mutual love were critical to sustainable development.

Ajayi also appealed to the people to continue to support the administration of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, noting that the state had recorded remarkable achievements under his leadership.

He described the governor’s style of governance as inclusive and development-driven, praying for the continued success of the administration.

According to him, “Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has demonstrated uncommon leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people. His achievements across critical sectors speak for themselves, and he deserves our total support.”

Ajayi pledged his unflinching loyalty to the governor and declared his support for the continuity of the Oyebanji administration beyond 2026.

“I am fully aligned with the vision of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and I openly endorse and support his leadership till 2030 in the overall interest of Ekiti State and its people,” he said.

He noted that the Christmas gesture was part of his commitment to grassroots engagement and the promotion of unity and shared values among the people of Ekiti during the festive season.

Oyebanji signs N415.57 billion 2026 Budget.

Oyebanji signs N415.57 billion 2026 Budget.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has signed the 2026 Appropriation Law of four hundred and fifteen billion, five hundred and seventy two million, seventy thousand, one hundred and thirty-nine Naira, forty-four kobo (N415, 572,070,139.44), tagged “Budget of Sustainable Governance.”

Assenting to the bill at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s office, Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday, Governor Oyebanji said the focus of the 2026 Budget is to complete all on-going projects while attention will also be given to food security, wealth creation and infrastructural development.

“As next year marks the end of our first term in office, the document will enable us consolidate on our achievements as Government since the inception of our administration on October 16, 2022”, he stressed,

Governor Oyebanji expressed his appreciation to the lawmakers for the prompt passage of the budget which was presented to the House of October 10th, 2025, stressing  that the budget would revive the economy of the State and further drive the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

The budget has N221.87bn (53%) for recurrent and N193.70bn (46%) for capital spending, representing an 11% increase over the 2025 budget and aiming for sustainable growth through fiscal discipline.

The Governor, who also signed the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025 and Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero Ekiti Law 2025 affirmed that the budget represents a commitment to the transformative growth and development of Ekiti State saying the early presentation of the appropriation bill was in line with the 1999 Constitution, to ensure the state keep maintaining the January to December fiscal year cycle as well as ensuring alignment with the recommendation of the Fiscal Sustainability Plan which enables the Assembly ample opportunity and sufficient time to scrutinize the document and engage all relevant stakeholders.

While admitting that the fiscal document was a product of wide consultations with Ekiti people and prepared in line with global best practices, The Governor said the various programmes and projects contained in the budget were in line with the six pillars of the administration which stem from the State's thirty years Development Plan 2021 to 2050.

“In 2026 fiscal year, we shall strive to meet our revenue target to ensure the completion of all on-going projects and start few critical but strategic ones. We shall also further strengthen our relationship with our development partners to provide support for the implementation of specific projects, non-discretionary projects in the State.

“The breakdown of the 2026 Budget of Sustainable Governance will be presented to the members of the public and the Press by the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in the coming days. I appreciate everyone who has worked assiduously to produce the 2026 Budget Document.

“I want to once again deeply appreciate Mr. Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Stephen Adeoye Aribasoye, Principal Officers, and the entire members for your commitment and dedication to the good of our state. I want to seriously commend you for your support and loyalty to our collective development. I'm extremely, extremely grateful, I'm sure that history will be kind to you. The Governor stated.

Speaking earlier before presenting the bill to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye described the budget as a powerful testament to the state’s unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of all Ekiti residents, adding that throughout the process, they placed high premium on transparency, accountability as well as ensuring that the conditions set for the fiscal frameworks were meticulously adhered to.

The Speaker stressed that their commitments was to ensure that the budgeting process was driven by fiscal discipline and sustainability which reflects their dedication to the needs of their constituents.

He revealed that the capital expenditures strategically spans the economic, law and justice, social, and administrative sectors reflecting a careful balance between sustaining government operations and investing in infrastructure, social development, economic growth, and institutional efficiency.

According to the Speaker, “These laws collectively address revenue integrity, educational advancement, and cultural resources allocation, the corpulence of sustainable governance which your government strongly believes in.

The brief ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly, government officials and stakeholders.

Ekiti Takes the Lead, Domesticates Nigeria Tax Administration Act.

Ekiti Takes the Lead, Domesticates Nigeria Tax Administration Act.

….As Oyebanji signs Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law.

Ekiti State, on Tuesday, emerged the first state in the Federation to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act with the signing into law of the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025 by the Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji.

Governor Oyebanji assented to the new revenue law, just as he signed the  State’s 2026 Budget of N415,572,070,139.44 (Four hundred and fifteen billion, five hundred and seventy-two million, seventy thousand, one hundred and thirty-nine naira, forty-four kobo) at a brief ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.

The signing of the laws was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Executive Secretary of Joint Revenue Board (JRB), Mr Segun Adesokan; members of the State Assembly and State Executive Council as well as other critical stakeholders.

Governor Oyebanji, in his address, said the new revenue law is not merely a fiscal document but a bold statement of his administration’s commitment to transparency, modern governance, and economic empowerment of the people.

He said by signing the law, Ekiti State officially became the first State in the Federation to align its internal revenue laws with the four new National Tax Reform Acts.

“From today, Ekiti adopts a strictly electronic payment, billing, and receipting system. This will eradicate leakages and ensure that your payments go directly into the state’s coffers.”, the Governor declared after signing the law.

He added:  “Revenue Administration and Tax laws are changing at the national and sub-national levels, and Ekiti must lead that change. This Law repeals the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law 2019, (As Amended), to bring us into full conformity with national legislations, to adopt and promulgate the State Harmonized Taxes and Levies (Approved List of Collection) sent by Joint Revenue Board (JRB) with technical support provided by the AGF’s secretariat and to affirm the commitment of the Government of Ekiti State to the implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER).

According to Oyebanji, the new Law will institutionalise harmony, fairness, certainty and accountability in sub-national revenue administration across the country.

“This new legislation consolidates all exiting laws and streamlined them for efficient, effective and more transparent collection. To the taxpayers, business owners, and citizens of Ekiti, this Law introduces several transformative changes designed to protect citizens and foster growth.

“The other key takeaways from the Law is that it will enhance our fiscal and economic policies that are aimed at promoting investment. More importantly, the new Law will help in furthering the Ease of Doing Business, zero tolerance for double taxation, protection against extortion, empowering Local Government/LCDAs, strengthening our institutions.

 “This Law grants EKIRS the power to be the sole agency responsible for revenue collection, while also allowing for the accreditation of professional Tax Agents. The Law also empowers the Service by allowing the employment of legal officers with prosecutorial powers and introducing administrative penalties to discourage default and reward compliance in line with the National Acts.”, the Governor added.

Oyebanji also expressed his immense appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his transformative leadership, courage and sincerity in piloting the affairs of the country and his very strong support for Ekiti State.

He assured Ekiti people that his government would continue to pursue policies and programmes that will advance the shared prosperity agenda designed  to make life more abundant for Ekiti people.

Also speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr Segun Adesokan, hailed Ekiti State for taking the lead in the domestication of the law, a request he said the JTB made to the Governor Oyebanji during the Board’s retreat at Ikogosi -Ekiti in September.

Adesokan said: “Recall that in September, when we had our retreat at Ikogosi and when we came for the commissioning of the State Internal Revenue Service headquarters, we made a request that Ekiti should be the first state to give life to this law and here we are today. So, when I was coming, I thought I was just going to attend the signing of the Ekiti State Taxes and Levy Act, but this is much bigger. See what you have done, Ekiti is the first state to domesticate the Nigerian Tax Administration Act.

“Four laws were signed by the President in June, one of which is the Nigerian Tax Administration Act and the Act provides for our taxes to be administered by different authorities. And I'm glad that we are here today, this a great commitment and your reaffirmation of the professionalism and autonomy of the Ekiti State Internet Avenue Service.” he added.

Adesokan expressed optimism that other states that have commenced the process leading to the domestication of the law will take a cue from Ekiti State and complete process.

Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji, while signing the 2026 Budget of N415,572,070,139.44k,  christened “Budget of Sustainable Governance”, said the 2026 Budget will focus on completion of all on-going projects, while attention will also be given to food security, wealth creation and infrastructural development.

“As next year marks the end of our first term in office , the document will enable us consolidate on our achievements as Government since the inception of our administration on October 16, 2022”, he stressed.

According to the budget breakdown, Fifty-three percent (53%)  was appropriated for Recurrent Expenditure and forty-seven percent (47%) for Capital Expenditure.

ADARAMODU DISTRIBUTES CHRISTMAS PALLIATIVES IN EKITI SOUTH, COMMENDS OYEBANJI’S SHARED PROSPERITY AGENDA, CALLS FOR LOVE AND UNITY.

ADARAMODU DISTRIBUTES CHRISTMAS PALLIATIVES IN EKITI SOUTH, COMMENDS OYEBANJI’S SHARED PROSPERITY AGENDA, CALLS FOR LOVE AND UNITY.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District and Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has distributed Christmas palliatives to constituents across the six local government areas of the district, as part of deliberate efforts to ease the economic pressures associated with the festive season and to reinforce the spirit of communal harmony.

The distribution exercise, which was held on Tuesday at the senator’s residence, drew beneficiaries from across Ekiti South. Various food items were distributed to enable families at the grassroots to celebrate the Yuletide season with dignity and a renewed sense of inclusion.

Senator Adaramodu explained that the initiative was inspired by the need to ensure that the joy of Christmas resonates meaningfully among the people, particularly in the prevailing economic climate.

Addressing the gathering, the senator urged constituents to sustain their confidence in and support for the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whom he commended for his people-centred leadership and commitment to policies that promote shared prosperity and inclusive development across Ekiti State.

“I encourage you to continue believing in and supporting the administration of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. His leadership philosophy is anchored on people-oriented governance and the delivery of shared prosperity to all Ekiti people,” Adaramodu stated.

The lawmaker further charged his constituents to reflect deeply on the essence of Christmas by embodying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the virtues of love, sacrifice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.

“As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us draw inspiration from His example by showing genuine love to one another, living in unity, and extending support to those around us,” he added.

Senator Adaramodu also expressed profound appreciation to the people of Ekiti South for their steadfast loyalty, continuous support, and prayers, assuring them of his commitment to accessible, responsive, and people-focused representation.

“I am sincerely grateful for your support and prayers. I assure you of my continued dedication to serving you diligently and standing firmly with you in advancing your welfare and collective progress,” he said.

Community leaders and beneficiaries lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that such interventions not only provide immediate relief but also strengthen the bond between elected representatives and the people, while reinforcing the enduring values of empathy, service, and responsive leadership at the grassroots.

HON. EBENEZER BOLUWADE GIFTS FOOD ITEMS AND CASH TO A THOUSAND ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF EMURE EKITI FOR AN AWESOME YULETIDE.

HON. EBENEZER BOLUWADE GIFTS FOOD ITEMS AND CASH TO A THOUSAND ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF EMURE EKITI FOR AN AWESOME YULETIDE.

Just yesterday, 22nd December, at the Emure Ekiti Town Hall, cash gifts and food items were generously donated to a thousand elderly persons aged 65 years and above.

The beneficiaries were drawn from aged residents who trooped to the venue following a massive town-wide announcement made several days ahead of the programme.

Some of the food items distributed included beans, rice, and vegetable oil, alongside cash gifts.

The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, in his characteristic benevolence, has consistently gifted cash and other forms of support across all seasons to hundreds of randomly selected individuals within the community.

This latest round of giving was specifically aimed at ensuring that the aged in the community enjoy an awesome and fulfilling yuletide season.

Gracing the occasion were notable personalities including Hon. Joseph Adu, Pastor Miracle Kolade, Hon. Kehinde Boluwade, and Hon. Ayo Boluwade.

The Royal Father of the day was HRM Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, the Elemure of Emure Ekiti.

The opening prayer was said by Hon. Joseph Adu, who fervently prayed that the Lord bless the giver abundantly and grant divine security and long life to all the beneficiaries.

In his opening speech, the Royal Father, Oba Ajiboye (Ajigbotulu I), commended the Honourable Commissioner for his unwavering commitment to giving back to his community. He also oriented the audience by stating that “what is on display today is love and not hunger.”

He referenced the massive provisions currently being used by a federal lawmaker to empower his people at this period, stressing the urgent need for the community to have a representative at the federal level who would help lift the people out of their present condition. According to him, Emure Ekiti is long overdue for such representation, and he urged everyone to unite toward achieving this common goal.

The Rex further emphasized that he is the royal father of all political parties present in the community. He likened the situation to a father whose children practice different professions, saying: Can an engineer inject drugs? Can a doctor construct a building?

Therefore, he stressed that all political parties are needed, as long as they continue to bring development and goodies to the town.

The event was marked by a deep sense of awe, joy, and satisfaction, visibly written on the faces of the beneficiaries, as they prayed wholeheartedly for Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, who made the programme possible for the well-being and happiness of his people.

Oyebanji gifts special schools N21 million, food items to mark 58th birthday.

Oyebanji gifts special schools N21 million, food items to mark 58th birthday.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday gifted  three State Special Schools and two centres for children with disabilities a total sum of N21 million and assorted food items in commemoration of  his 58th birthday. 

The Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, made the presentation on behalf of the Governor at a brief event attended by some children and staffs of the schools at Oshuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti. 

The event was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Includion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, members of the state executive council and principals of the schools. 

As announced by the First Lady, the State Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro- Ekiti; State Special school for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti and Special School for children with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, Ido-Ekiti got N5 million naira each in addition to assorted food items and drinks. The State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre , Ado Ekiti got N5million naira also while the State Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities received one million naira. 

Governor Oyebanji had in the past three years marked his birthdays with cash and gift donation to the special schools, while also barring friends and well wishers from organising any birthday party or gifts in his honour. Instead, he had always requested that money meant for such gifts and parties should be sent as donations to the schools in addition to whatever he would send to them.

Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, in a brief remarks at the event, urged well meaning Nigerians to also make it a habit to reach out to the less privileged in order to make them live a much better life .

She commended the support of stakeholders to the administration of her husband, which according to her, had assisted him in delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State.

Dr Oyebanji also commended the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government, which according to her, is driving visible development and progress across key sectors of the state’s economy. 

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, lauded Governor Oyebanji for his visionary and compassionate leadership, and for his special interest and love for children with disabilities.

The apparently elated children of the special schools and centres sang, danced and prayed for the Governor, whom they described as their father and number champion.