APC RARING TO GO!

APC RARING TO GO!

...as INEC releases timeline for 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election Campaign.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has assured that it is raring to go, as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC announces the commencement of campaign timeline in Ekiti State. 

In accordance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the campaign period will begin on January 21, 2026, which marks 150 days before the polling day, and will conclude 24 hours before election day.

State Publicity Secretary of the ruling Party, Segun Dipe said being highly disciplined and focused, APC is committed to conducting a peaceful, issue-driven, and inclusive campaign "that will further showcase our vision and agenda for the development of Ekiti State."

As for the chances of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji who is the candidate of the party, Dipe expressed confidence in his re-election bid, citing his achievements and the support of Ekiti stakeholders. 

"Governor Oyebanji, who is known by all as BAO, is the most qualified, the most competent and the candidate to beat by all other the contestants, having been praised for his transparency, inclusivity, and commitment to development. 

The governor has retained his position in budget transparency for six consecutive quarters and has engaged with various stakeholders to address community needs.

"We urge all Oyebanji's supporters, APC stakeholders, and the people of Ekiti State to take note of the INEC announcement and participate duly in the democratic process by receiving the APC campaign train well, when it gets to them, Dipe said. 

‎Hon. Bimpe Adeleke Empowers Ward B Residents with Tools, Cash in Ijero-Ekiti.

‎Hon. Bimpe Adeleke Empowers Ward B Residents with Tools, Cash in Ijero-Ekiti.

‎...Empowerment Programme Aligns with Oyebanji’s People-Centred Agenda — Princess Agboola.

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‎Buoyed up with motivation towards improving livelihoods and promoting self-reliance, the SA on Women's Affairs, Ijero Local Government, Hon. Adebimpe Adeleke has rolled out an empowerment programme for residents of Ijero Ekiti Ward B, distributing work tools and cash to support small-scale businesses.

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‎Items given to beneficiaries at the programme included sewing machines, gas cylinders, grinding machines, frying pots, as well as cash gifts to help recipients start or expand their means of livelihood.

Addressing beneficiaries and party members at the event, Hon. Bimpe Adeleke, said empowering her people had always been a lifelong dream. 

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‎She explained that her motivation was to uplift the status of residents and bring positive change to their lives through practical support.

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‎According to her, the opportunity to serve was made possible through the leadership of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and the support of the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, which inspired her to give back to her immediate community.

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‎Hon. Adeleke noted that Governor Oyebanji had consistently encouraged those working with his administration to positively impact their communities, adding that the empowerment programme was in line with that vision.

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‎“Though I have done small empowerment programmes before, I decided to make this one bigger by providing tools that can genuinely help families meet their financial and economic needs,” she said. 

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‎ She assured that more beneficiaries would be captured in the next phase of the empowerment initiative.

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‎Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, commended Hon. Bimpe Adeleke for what she described as a laudable and people-oriented gesture.

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‎Princess Agboola said Hon. Bimpe had long nursed the ambition of putting smiles on the faces of the needy in her ward through empowerment initiatives, expressing gratitude that the vision had now become a reality. 

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‎She described the programme as a call to service for other political aides, urging them to emulate the gesture in line with the development agenda of Governor Oyebanji.

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‎She also advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items given to them to improve their standard of living.

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‎Also speaking, the SSA Governor's Office, Hon. Ebenezer Ajayi, described the empowerment as commendable, expressing confidence that Hon. Bimpe would do even more if entrusted with higher responsibilities. 

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‎He stressed that positive impact should not be delayed until one attains a higher office, but should begin wherever one finds oneself.

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‎Dignitaries at the programme included the Ijero Local Government Party Chairman, the Ward Party Chairman, party members and other stakeholders.

Agbeyewa Acquires Matna Foods Company Limited.

Agbeyewa Acquires Matna Foods Company Limited.                                                 ....Acquisition To Strengthen Cassava Value Chain, Food Security and Job Creation.

Agbeyewa Industries Limited, a leading agribusiness company and subsidiary of
Cavista Holdings, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Matna Foods
Company Limited, one of the oldest cassava starch processing companies in Nigeria.

The acquisition marks a significant strategic milestone for Agbeyewa as part of its
broader vision to integrate agricultural production, processing, and industrial utilization within Nigeria’s cassava value chain, linking large-scale cassava cultivation in Ekiti
State with industrial processing capacity in Ondo State.

This regional synergy is expected to unlock new efficiencies, expand local sourcing, and
stimulate economic activity for all players in the cassava value chain. The acquisition
also aligns strongly with the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen food security, reduce imports, and deepen agro-industrial value chains, particularly within the cassava ecosystem—one of Nigeria’s most strategic crops.

Agbeyewa, located in Ekiti State, has rapidly grown into a transformational agriculture
business, and operates the largest cassava farm in Nigeria. Guided by its four pillars of large-scale cultivation, aggregation, processing and agro-allied investment, the company has implemented an innovative in-grower/out-grower model and forged highimpact partnerships, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Ekiti State to cultivate 100,000 hectares of farmland over the next decade.

Chairman of Agbeyewa and Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, described the

acquisition as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s economic future:

“This is about building a resilient agricultural value chain that creates real impact. From
increased cassava offtake to expanded processing and industrial supply, this acquisition supports food security, import substitution, and—most importantly—creates jobs, jobs, and more jobs for Nigerians. We are investing to grow capacity, expand opportunities for farmers, and create sustainable employment across communities.”

Matna Foods, incorporated in 1998 and operational since 2002, has been at the
forefront of cassava processing in Nigeria for more than two decades. Located in Akure, Ondo State, the company is recognized for producing international-standard multi-use and food-grade cassava starch that meets rigorous regulatory and industrial specifications, earning a reputation for quality, resilience, and technical expertise.It was established by Chief (Dr) Joseph O. Sanusi (CON), a former Central Bank Governor, former CEO of one of Nigeria’s biggest banks and a well-respected leader in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Commenting on the transaction, Chief Sanusi said: “For some time, we have been deliberate about finding the right partners to take Matna Foods to its next phase of growth. We were not looking for just a buyer, but a partner with the scale, discipline, and long-term vision to grow the business sustainably. Agbeyewa stood out because of its
commitment to agriculture, its strong execution capacity, and its alignment with the original vision behind Matna. We are confident that this acquisition positions the company for renewed growth and greater impact.”

As part of the transition, Matna Foods remains fully operational and open for business, with plans underway to scale operations, modernize processes where required, and deepen engagement with farmers, suppliers, and corporate customers.

The acquisition is expected to boost demand for cassava from local farmers, particularly smallholder and out-grower farmers, by expanding processing capacity and guaranteeing more consistent offtake. This, in turn, will improve farmer incomes, reduce
post-harvest losses, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Ajoni LCDA to Launch Digital Skills Programme for Youths.

Ajoni LCDA to Launch Digital Skills Programme for Youths.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Executive Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ekiti State, Ambassador Prince Michael Ogungbemi, FCPA, has announced plans to flag off a Digital Skills Training Programme aimed at equipping youths with globally relevant competencies for the digital economy.

The programme, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, will be implemented in partnership with Skep Foundation, a United States–based non-governmental organisation known for its interventions in digital capacity building and youth empowerment.

Speaking on the initiative, Ogungbemi said the training was designed to prepare young people in the area for emerging opportunities in the fast-evolving global digital space, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved when youths are empowered with knowledge and relevant skills.

According to him, beneficiaries of the programme will receive intensive training in key areas including Data Analytics, Project Management, Digital Marketing, E-commerce, IT Support, IT Automation with Python, UX Design, Cyber Security, Advanced Data Analytics and Business Intelligence. Participants will also earn Google Certification upon successful completion of the programme.

“This initiative is about investing in the future of our youths. The greatest empowerment is the empowerment of the mind, and we are committed to ensuring that our young people are equipped to compete favourably anywhere in the world,” the chairman said.

He added that the partnership with Skep Foundation underscored his administration’s commitment to forward-thinking and globally connected leadership, noting that the programme would enhance employability, encourage innovation and promote economic self-reliance among participants.

Residents and stakeholders in the council area have described the initiative as timely and impactful, commending the chairman for prioritising youth development and positioning Ajoni LCDA as a growing hub for innovation and digital transformation.

The Digital Skills Training Programme is the latest in a series of youth-focused interventions under Ogungbemi’s leadership, reinforcing his vision of securing a sustainable, inclusive and future-ready Ajoni LCDA.

APC 2026 Primaries, kicking around mission impossible~ OSV.

APC 2026 Primaries, kicking around mission impossible~ OSV.

Politics in a layman's language is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of status or resources.

Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through freely elected representatives. 

From the above, what is central to both politics and democracy is the _political power_ to administer both the people and their resources.

Political power on its own means that an individual or group of people hold authority in a national or sub-national government. Or simply put, the process by which the sovereignty of the people are handed over by the people to elected indivial or group.

With the race for who takes the sole ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on the crescendo with the possibility of Governor Oyebanji taking the ticket in view of the overwhelming support of all the relevant people within and outside the State, as expected, there are a lot of fabricated kick-around to discredit this choice of the majority to no avail ranging from series of lies, fabrications, innuendos, etc ranging from clamouring for outright disqualification of BAO for no reason, cancellation of the yet to be carried out exercise, the repeat of Sarumi/Agbalajobi conumdrum, and lately revoking the Ambode scenario in Ekiti.

Defined, in the absence of no definite reason or strategy to challenge the incumbent administration of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji for the sole ticket ahead of the governorship primary election scheduled for the October 27, pulling Sarumi/Agbalajobi stunt or latetly the repeat of the Ambode scenario in Ekiti is not just  balderdash but a dead before arrival mission impossible.

Contrary to the expectation of these few having found their back on the wall with imminent defeat staring them in their faces, it is the opposite of Ambode imbroglio that we have in Ekiti.  Governor Oyebanji has succeeded to carry on an all inclusive governance that so far endeared him to virtually all strata of the State - be it the elite, the middle class or the average citizens of the State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu _GCFR_ as a thorough and shrewd democrat who believes in democratic leadership and the maxim of "there can not be a leader without follower" is aware that virtually all the political and apolitical leadership of Ekiti State is right behind the re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji come 2026 in preparation for his 2027 presidential election. 

Above is the reason why all the relevant and responsible stakeholders in the State including all the past governors, deputy governors, former national assembly members, all serving Senators and House of Representative members from the State, the entire 25 present serving House of assembly members, the State, LG and Ward EXCO of the All Progressive Congress (APC), all well-meaning Ekiti sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora etc clamouring for the sustainance of this steady development under a stable political atmosphere anchored on continuity of good governance of the present administration to further stimulate our economic development. 

Anybody contemplating otherwise is nothing but should be considered as the enemy of the good people of Ekiti State.

_Slow and steady they say wins the race, not the person who wants to climb the whole stairs in one stride_.

_OSV_

ADAMAWA PROGRESSIVE ELDERS COUNCIL ENDORSES PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU FOR 2027 RE-ELECTION.

ADAMAWA PROGRESSIVE ELDERS COUNCIL ENDORSES PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU FOR 2027 RE-ELECTION.

The Adamawa Progressive Elders Council has formally announced its endorsement of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for re-election in the 2027 general elections. The decision was the centerpiece of a high-level meeting held today at the Muna Hotel in Yola, bringing together the most influential figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State.

The Council, an APC support group established following the recommendations of the APC Reconciliation Committee, is dedicated to restoring unity and forging a formidable political front in the state. In a communique issued after the session, the group emphasized that its primary goal is to resolve all internal party disputes and ensure a resounding victory for President Tinubu and all APC candidates in the upcoming 2027 election cycle.

The high-powered gathering was attended by the Council’s leadership, including a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Governors, serving and former Ministers, and various legislative veterans. The meeting received a significant boost from a powerful goodwill message sent by the Leader of the Party in Adamawa State, delivered through the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha.

In addition to the presidential endorsement, the Council expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing the State’s Party Leader to a sensitive and vital national position, as well as for several other key appointments of Adamawa indigenes. To honor these appointments, the Council resolved to organize a Grand Rally and Reception for all federal appointees as a formal gesture of appreciation to the President.

To ensure the party’s message and the Council’s conflict-resolution efforts reach the grassroots, the meeting resolved to cascade its activities to the local government and ward levels. This initiative aims to identify and settle community-level disputes before they escalate. Furthermore, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to integrity by maintaining its policy that any member wishing to contest for elective office must resign from the Council to ensure the body remains an impartial arbiter.

To streamline its operations, the Council announced the establishment of four strategic committees:

Contact and Mobilization Committee: Chaired by Chief Joel Hammanjoda Madaki.

Conflict Resolution Committee: Chaired by Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN.

Finance and General Purpose Committee: Chaired by Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi.

Media and Publicity Committee: Chaired by Ahmad Sajoh, fnipr.

The communique concluded with a renewed pledge of absolute loyalty to the party leadership and a commitment to faithfully implement the newly designed operational timelines to secure the overall success of the APC in Adamawa State.

Signed:

Senator Abubakar Halilu Girei

Vice Chairman

Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi

Secretary

Hon. Fashua Orisunmibare Bags Best Councillor Award for Exemplary Leadership in Ondo State.

Hon. Fashua Orisunmibare Bags Best Councillor Award for Exemplary Leadership in Ondo State.

In a historic recognition that has not been achieved since 1999, Hon. Fashua Orisunmibare, the incumbent Councillor of Ijare Ward 1, Ifedore Local Government Area, has been honoured with the Best Councillor Award for his exceptional dedication, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the holistic development of his community.

The award, conferred by the Ijare National Students’ Union (INSU) – a distinguished body of student leaders both at home and abroad – celebrated Hon. Orisunmibare for his selfless service, innovative governance, and deep-rooted concern for his constituents. His leadership was lauded for promoting inclusivity, addressing community needs, and delivering impactful projects that have improved the welfare of residents, particularly during festive seasons.

According to his Media Aide, Eleko Johnson, “This is a historic milestone in Ijare Ward 1. True leadership is measured by service, selflessness, and commitment to the people. Hon. Fashua exemplifies this through his integrity, diligence, and vision. He believes, and I quote, ‘Leadership is not about position or privilege; it is about service, impact, and the legacy you leave in the lives of your people.’ This award is a testimony to a man who has continuously turned promises into tangible actions for his constituents.”

Since assuming office just six months ago, Hon. Fashua has implemented transformative projects that have uplifted the community, including:

●Empowerment programmes and free medical services for elderly residents.

●Donations of gift items to widows, demonstrating care for the vulnerable in the ward.

●Distribution of 5,000 notebooks to primary school pupils, supporting education and youth development.

●Provision of educational materials to selected primary and secondary schools.

●Construction of modern drainage systems and boreholes, improving sanitation and access to clean water.

Eleko added, “Ward 1 Ijare is entering a remarkable era of development. With Hon. Fashua’s commitment to listening and delivering on the people’s needs, 2026 promises to bring more tangible dividends of democracy. This is leadership in action, grounded in purpose and the welfare of the people.”

In his response, Hon. Fashua said, “I am deeply honoured by this recognition, but it also reminds me that to whom much is given, much is expected. My people should expect sustained, purposeful leadership, impactful governance, and continued community development. I remain committed to serving with integrity, vision, and compassion.”