Ekiti Strengthens Women-Focused Policies as Three-Day NFWP Scale-Up Stakeholders’ Engagement Concludes. ‎

‎Ekiti Strengthens Women-Focused Policies as Three-Day NFWP Scale-Up Stakeholders’ Engagement Concludes.

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‎Ekiti State has concluded a three-day strategic stakeholders’ engagement on the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), reaffirming the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration to deepening women’s economic empowerment at the grassroots. 

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‎The final leg of the engagement, which was held in Aiyekire Loca Government Area and Gbonyin Local Council Development Area brought together traditional leaders, government officials and key community stakeholders to mobilise women for participation in the World Bank–supported initiative.

The concluding meetings were held at Ode-Ekiti for Aiyekire Local Government Area and Aisegba-Ekiti for Gbonyin Local Council Development Area, marking the end of a series that earlier took place in Efon and Moba Local Government Areas.

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‎Addressing stakeholders, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, explained that Efon, Moba and Aiyekire/Gbonyin Local Government Areas were designated pilot locations for the programme in Ekiti State. 

‎She said the engagement was designed to ensure that women at the grassroots fully understand the initiative and key into it.

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‎According to her, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration recognizes women’s empowerment as a key strategy for sustainable development .

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‎She urged the women residing in the Local Government Area that to take advantage of the NFWP and be members of Women Affinity Groups ( WAGs) to enhance their business and improve their economic conditions. 

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‎Taking participants through the operational framework of the programme, the Ekiti State Coordinator of NFWP-SU, Mrs Oluwatoyin Familoni, assured stakeholders that the initiative is real, transparent and impactful. 

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‎She called on traditional rulers, women leaders and community representatives to mobilise eligible women to participate in the programme. 

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‎Mrs Familoni explained that the programme is targeted at women aged 18 years and above who are engaged in businesses no matter how small. 

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‎Beneficiaries are expected to form Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) of 20 to 25 members well known to one another.

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‎She added that the women would engage in group savings, after which they will be supported with funds.

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‎Also speaking, Mrs Opeoluwa Asoro, representing the Ogun State Project Coordinator, described the NFWP-SU as a collaborative effort between the Federal Government, state governments and the World Bank aimed at strengthening women’s financial capacity and business sustainability.

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‎She noted that the programme also provides women with training for the required skills set for business success. 

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‎The Director-General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Olawunmi Famuyiwa, said the NFWP-SU is one of several people-centred empowerment initiatives being implemented by the Oyebanji administration, urging stakeholders to ensure the programme achieves its intended impact.

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‎In a goodwill message, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Dr Eunice Fasanmi, expressed a firm confidence in the NFWP that it would boost the economy of the grassroots and help the women in their businesses. 

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‎She emphasised that the initiative is non-political and inclusive.

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‎Traditional institutions also pledged their support. Speaking on behalf of the Olode of Ode-Ekiti, Olori Idowu Aderiye attested to the authenticity and economic potential of the programme, calling on stakeholders to enlighten and mobilise women in their respective domains to participate.

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‎Similarly, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, commended the State Government and the World Bank for the programme and urged the Ayekire/ Gbonyin women to key into the initiative.

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‎The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi, urged stakeholders representing various towns to also take the responsibility of sensitising the people on the benefits of the NFWP. 

‎Dignitaries present at the engagements included the Senior Technical Adviser to the Project in Ekiti, Dr Mrs. Oyefunke Koleowo; Director, Widows, Orphans and the Hopeless (WAOH) Project, Dr Mrs. Oluwakemi Dairo; representatives of traditional rulers’ wives in Aiyekire LG; Olori Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti; community leaders and women stakeholders.

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‎The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up is designed to institutionalise Women Affinity Groups(WAGs) and expand economic opportunities for unbanked women, with the goal of improving household income, reducing poverty and strengthening community-based economic development across Ekiti State.

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FROM MEASURABLE PROGRESS TO SUSTAINED LEADERSHIP: OLUWATUYI OLUWAGBENGA EARNS SECOND-TERM ENDORSEMENT.

FROM MEASURABLE PROGRESS TO SUSTAINED LEADERSHIP: OLUWATUYI OLUWAGBENGA EARNS SECOND-TERM ENDORSEMENT.

By: Asubiojo G. O

An African aphorism holds that “one very good term deserves another.” This timeless wisdom resonated profoundly yesterday among political stakeholders, leaders, and gladiators within Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Igede-Ekiti, as extensive consultations and evaluations were conducted to determine the most suitable individual for the revered and grassroots-centric position of Local Government Chairman.

The process involved a rigorous assessment of aspirants, carefully examining records of past achievements, moral standing, humane disposition, vision, creativity, innovation, analytical capacity, objectivity, and native intelligence—qualities essential for effectively steering the third tier of governance.

After a thorough and critical appraisal, the Endorsement Committee, acting in alignment with the widely acclaimed leadership direction and primary endorsement of His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji Abayomi (BAO)—a governance model now serving as a reference point within the South-West and beyond—unanimously found Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga (popularly known as CHENCO) eminently qualified for continuity in office.

The committee’s decision was anchored on the chairman’s visible and measurable achievements across critical sectors, including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environmental Management, Primary Health Care delivery, and Public Works, both within the Local Government Secretariat and across constituent towns. His proactive administrative leadership and management acumen were adjudged exceptional.

Equally noteworthy is his deep-rooted community engagement, particularly his interventions in the lives of orphans, the elderly, students, and the underprivileged, alongside his commendable participation in Ekifestival and the recently concluded Trade Fair. His sustained collaboration with the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Traditional Council further underscores his inclusive and culturally respectful governance style.

Collectively, these achievements added significant weight to his endorsement for a second term, positioning him as a dependable partner in advancing the second-term developmental vision of Governor Oyebanji Abayomi BAO, fondly referred to as “The Jinx Breaker.”

Remarkably, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga’s emergence as chairman for a second time marks an unrivalled milestone in the political history of the Local Government. According to views expressed during various interviews, this feat is attributed to divine grace, his positive performance record, and the unprecedented autonomy and institutional freedom accorded the Local Government system under Governor BAO’s leadership.

The endorsement of Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga is therefore not merely a political decision, but a reaffirmation of trust—one poised to usher in another era of measurable progress, anchored on sustained, people-centered leadership.

EKITI GOVT RAISES BIOSECURITY ALARM IN POULTRY SECTOR.

EKITI GOVT RAISES BIOSECURITY ALARM IN POULTRY SECTOR.

The Ekiti State Government has raised an urgent biosecurity alarm to poultry farmers and industry stakeholders, warning that poor hygiene practices and uncontrolled movement of birds could expose the State’s poultry sector to devastating disease outbreaks.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, in a statement issued on Thursday, urged poultry farmers across the State to strictly observe standard biosecurity and farm hygiene measures, noting that the post-yuletide period is usually characterised by increased movement of poultry and poultry products as farmers rush to restock empty pens.

He cautioned that such farm-to-farm movement often facilitates the rapid transmission of infectious poultry diseases, thereby threatening farmers’ investments and the overall sustainability of the poultry industry in the State.

Boluwade advised farmers to procure day-old chicks and other poultry birds only from reputable and verifiable sources, warning against the sharing of farm equipment and the admission of unauthorised visitors into poultry farms.

He further urged poultry owners to promptly report any signs of ill health or unusual mortality in their flocks to the nearest Veterinary Office in their respective Local Government Areas or seek immediate veterinary intervention to curb the spread of diseases.

The Commissioner also reminded the general public that the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of poultry products into Nigeria remains in force, stressing that Ekiti State is not exempted from the policy. He encouraged residents to support the local economy by patronising locally produced and healthy poultry products.

Boluwade reaffirmed the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to protecting the poultry value chain, ensuring food security, safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods and promoting public health across the State.

Shaping the Future of Agriculture: FUOYE Students Visit Africa’s Largest Cassava Farm.

Shaping the Future of Agriculture: FUOYE Students Visit Africa’s Largest Cassava Farm.

Agbeyewa Farms demonstrated its commitment to youth development and sustainable agriculture on January 19, 2026, by hosting 400-level Agricultural Engineering students from the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) at its Ipao Farm in Ekiti State. Led by Professor Alabadan, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, the students were welcomed by MD/CEO Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso and senior management to witness large-scale mechanized farming operations firsthand. 

The MD/CEO who addressed  emphasized Agbeyewa’s focus on investing in young talent through the NYSC scheme and noting that their impressive growth over the last three years stems from strategic investments in technology and people.

He also detailed the vision of Chairman Mr. Niyi John Olajide which centers on driving economic empowerment and job creation through the cassava value chain. 

The students were taken on a tour, observing innovative practices designed for efficiency and sustainability, and received vital practical exposure to agricultural engineering principles from the Agbeyewa team.

#CassavaRevolution #YouthInAgric #CavistaHoldings #MechanizedFarming #FutureEngineers

Stakeholders Rally Support for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Moba.

Stakeholders Rally Support for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Moba.

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‎The ongoing stakeholders’ engagement on the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) has been held in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State for day two. The NFWP-SU is a World Bank assisted project aimed at enhancing women's economic development. The event held in Otun-Ekiti was well attended by  traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, artisans, market women , civil society organisations, government officials, among others to deepen awareness and mobilise support for the programme. 

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‎The three-day strategic meeting, which kicked off in Efon, focused on institutionalising Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and other platforms aimed at enhancing women’s economic empowerment and improving access to opportunities for unbanked women.

Speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, appreciated the traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their support, describing the programme as highly beneficial for the women, families and the local economy. 

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‎She noted that Moba is one of the three pilot local government areas selected for the programme in the State.

‎Mrs Babafemi expressed the unflinching commitment of the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to women's empowerment as encapsulated in its Human Capital Development Pillar of its Governance Agenda. She said Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) consist of Women aged 18 years and above who are engaged in subsistence level economic activities and resident in the communities within implementing LGAs.

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‎The Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, alongside the Senior Technical Adviser on the Project in Ekiti, Dr Oyefunke Koleowo, further sensitised participants on the operational details of the programme, encouraging women in Moba to take full advantage of the impactful programme.

‎Representing the Ekiti State First Lady, the Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy to the Wife of the Governor, Dr Eunice Fasanmi, reiterated that the programme is  apolitical and would contribute immensely to grassroots development.

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‎She encouraged the women in Moba to come together through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) of their choices following the programme guidelines .

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‎Earlier, the Ekiti State Project Coordinator, Mrs Oluwatoyin Familoni, thanked Governor Oyebanji for championing  women-focused empowerment initiatives in the state. 

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‎She explained that the NFWP-SU is being implemented in the three senatorial districts of the State in Efon, Moba, and Ayekire/Gbonyin LGAs.

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‎Mrs Familoni remarked that traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders had been adequately consulted on the benefits of the programme.

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‎According to her, the World Bank-supported initiative aims to strengthen women economically so they can better support their families and contribute meaningfully to society.

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‎She called on Moba Local Government to intensify mobilisation efforts to ensure that a large number of women enlist as WAGs' members and actively participate in the programme.

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‎Also speaking, Mrs Opeoluwa Asoro, representing the Ogun State Project Coordinator, said the proven impact and productivity of the programme motivated many states in Nigeria to key into the initiative. 

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‎In their remarks, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Moba, Hon. Mrs Bola Solanke and Hon. Sunday Awoniyi, expressed confidence that the programme would enhance the financial stability of families in the area.

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‎The Director-General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Olawunmi Famuyiwa, reiterated that the state government has continued to roll out life-changing initiatives for the people, urging citizens to take advantage of them.

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‎She also advised parents to encourage their children to learn vocational skills and crafts for economic independence.

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‎Also speaking on the initiative, the Executive Chairman of Moba Local Government, Hon. Bamidele Fadugba, pledged to mobilise all necessary structures to ensure that qualified women across the local government fully benefit from the programme.

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‎Representing the Oore of Otun, the Olosan of Osan Ekiti, Oba Bamidele Jimoh, advised women to engage in profitable ventures, no matter how small, and to remain committed to their affinity groups to maximise the benefits.

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‎On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi, said the state government has committed significant resources to the project, describing it as a rare opportunity for women’s financial empowerment. 

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‎She urged women to justify  the efforts of the state government and the World Bank on the programme. 

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‎Dignitaries at the meeting included the Director of the WAOH Project, Dr Oluwakemi Dairo; Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Adesola Adedayo; Commissioner for Regional Development, Dr Makanjuola Abdulkareem, the Onigogo of Igogo Ekiti, Oba (Barr.) Sunday Adewunmi ,  the Onirare of Irare-Ekiti, Oba Olukayode Olubowale, Chairman of Ero LCDA, Hon. Mrs Felicia Ibiloye, among others.

EKITI GOVT TO ALLOCATE 50 HECTARES OF LAND TO EKSPOLY FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

EKITI GOVT TO ALLOCATE 50 HECTARES OF LAND TO EKSPOLY FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

…Pledges Strong Partnership, Increased Support for Polytechnic’s Mechanization Unit.

The Ekiti State Government has assured Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, of the allocation of 50 hectares of land for agricultural purposes, as part of efforts to strengthen food security, practical agricultural education, and institutional collaboration within the state.

The assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, during a courtesy visit by the management of the Polytechnic to his office to submit an expression letter of interest on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Sunday Osinkolu Ajeigbe, was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Rector, Dr. E. A. Ajayi, who led a delegation of senior officers of the institution.

Receiving the delegation, Mr. Boluwade expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with Ekiti State Polytechnic, describing the institution as a critical stakeholder and a “baby” of the Ministry of Agriculture. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to policies that support collaboration between educational institutions and the agricultural sector.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is ready to work closely with Ekiti State Polytechnic. We recognize the institution as a strategic partner in achieving our food security goals, and we will continue to support initiatives that align with the state’s agricultural development agenda,” the Commissioner said.

Mr. Boluwade disclosed that the proposed allocation of 50 hectares of land would enable the Polytechnic to expand its agricultural activities, enhance practical training, and contribute meaningfully to agricultural production in the state.

Earlier, the Rector, through his representative, Dr. Ajayi, had sought the intervention and support of the Ministry of Agriculture in strengthening the Polytechnic’s agricultural programmes and commercial farming initiatives. He explained that the institution is working towards becoming an agricultural hub and food bank for Ekiti State, leveraging its academic expertise, farm structures, and mechanization capacity.

According to him, the establishment of a large-scale agricultural commercial farm would provide hands-on learning opportunities for students, support research and innovation, and promote sustainable agricultural practices, while also contributing to food availability and economic growth in the state.

“The Polytechnic is committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice. With the support of the Ministry, we aim to equip our students with practical, market-relevant agricultural skills and also contribute to the state’s food sufficiency drive,” Dr. Ajayi stated.

In his response, the Commissioner further promised that the Ministry would engage the Polytechnic’s Mechanization Unit more actively in 2026, noting that its expertise would be valuable in advancing mechanized farming and improving agricultural productivity across the state.

He commended the management of the Polytechnic for its vision and proactive engagement, assuring them of continued collaboration and institutional support.

Members of the Polytechnic delegation included the Head of Department, Agricultural Technology, Dr. M. A. Akinsuyi; Head of Mechanization Unit, Dr. Olayemi Olaosebikan; ASUP Chairman, Dr. T. A. Dada; Deputy Director, EKSPOLY Farm, Dr. C. A. Fayose; and the Polytechnic PRO, Mr. Martins Olowoyo.

Synergy key to industrial harmony, academic excellence – EKSU VC.

Synergy key to industrial harmony, academic excellence – EKSU VC.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has said that effective synergy among critical stakeholders remains essential for sustaining industrial harmony and promoting academic excellence in the university system.

Ayodele made this known while delivering the keynote address at a retreat organised by the university management in collaboration with staff union executives, held at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ekiti State.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that EKSU’s academic reputation and sustainable future could only be strengthened through collaboration, dialogue and mutual understanding among stakeholders.

According to him, proactive engagement, inclusive planning and integrity in upholding agreements are vital to maintaining a peaceful academic environment, adding that continuous investment in staff welfare and professional development would further enhance institutional harmony and reinforce EKSU’s status as one of the leading state universities in Nigeria.

He explained that the two-day retreat was organised to strengthen institutional harmony, improve industrial relations and promote sustainable academic and administrative excellence within the university.

The retreat featured keynote and technical sessions, interactive discussions and roundtable engagements focusing on conflict management, proactive communication and shared ownership of institutional goals.

Resource persons at the retreat, including Dr. Abdussubur Salaam, Prof. Anthonia Adenike Adeniji and Dr. Dele Ashiru, stressed in their various presentations that early conflict resolution, transparent communication and collective responsibility were critical strategies for preventing industrial disputes.

Participants at the retreat also resolved to sustain continuous dialogue, promote trust and transparency, adopt effective grievance-handling mechanisms and work collaboratively to maintain a peaceful and productive work environment in the university.

The statement was signed by the Deputy Registrar and Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun, who noted that the university management remained committed to fostering a culture of dialogue, mutual respect and institutional stability, in line with EKSU’s vision of excellence in teaching, research and community service.