ALLEGED COLLECTION OF ARTWORKS: MR. ABEJIDE’S MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS.

ALLEGED COLLECTION OF ARTWORKS: MR. ABEJIDE’S MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS.

The attention of the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has been drawn to a recent publication by Sahara Reporters, containing allegations credited to Mr. Abejide, an Ekiti-based artist, concerning the alleged collection of his artworks by the former First Lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

The Ministry considers it necessary to set the record straight by stating the verified facts of the matter.

The art exhibition in question was generously sponsored by Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and was held at Adetiloye Hall, Ado-Ekiti, from 14th to 17th October, 2020. 

On 16th October, 2020, Erelu Fayemi visited the exhibition venue, where she awarded monetary gifts to ten (10) artists whose works were adjudged outstanding.

During the visit, Erelu Fayemi expressed interest in two artworks by Mr. Abejide and requested that he bring the works to her office after the conclusion of the exhibition for the purpose of purchase. 

No artwork was collected from Mr. Abejide at the venue, nor was any negotiation made with Mr Abejide for his works. The exhibition formally ended in the evening of 17th October, 2020. 

Contrary to expectations, Mr. Abejide neither delivered the artworks to the former First Lady’s office nor handed them over to any designated official or representative. Instead, he left the artworks unattended in the exhibition hall and vacated the venue without notifying anyone or making further contact.

At no point did Erelu Bisi Fayemi purchase or take possession of any artwork belonging to Mr. Abejide.

 While an intention to purchase was clearly expressed, the necessary follow-up actions—delivery of the artworks and negotiation of prices—were never undertaken by the artist. Indeed, Mr. Abejide did not negotiate or communicate the prices of the artworks to anyone.

When questioned regarding his recent claims however, Mr. Abejide reportedly stated that he merely assumed that staff of the former First Lady would return to the exhibition venue days later to collect the artworks.

 The Ministry finds this assumption unfounded and illogical, as no prior communication, authorization, or arrangement was made to that effect.

It is therefore misleading and unjustifiable for Mr. Abejide, six years after the event, to attribute blame to the former First Lady for circumstances arising from his own inaction. The allegations, as published, are a clear misrepresentation of facts. The Ministry considers them malicious and a calculated attempt to unfairly malign the person and office of Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who is a great lover and supporter of Arts.

It is very troubling that Sahara Reporters could  publish these allegations without due verification, thereby giving currency to an unfounded narrative against the former First Lady.

While urging Sahara Reporters to uphold the principles of responsible journalism by not always being too quick to besmirch people's reputation and by going further to correct the record in line with the facts stated above, the Ministry urges members of the public to disregard the false narrative and rely on the verified facts as hereby presented.

Reduction in prices of food commodities in Ekiti, testament to Oyebanji's impactful interventions - Agric commissioner.

Reduction in prices of food commodities in Ekiti, testament to Oyebanji's impactful interventions - Agric commissioner.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, has attributed the reduction in prices of food commodities in the state to Governor Biodun Oyebanji's impactful interventions in the agric sector. 

Boluwade said that the state is making tangible progress towards food security and that the state government's interventions are beginning to stabilise markets and reduction of food prices. 

The commissioner stated this, on Tuesday, in Ado-Ekiti, during the interactive S'etigbo multicast, anchored by the Bureau of Community Communications. 

According to him, "A lot has happened and we have data to support some of the impacts. The market is also getting a positive response and we have been having the slowest prices in food items for the past three or four months. This shows that our productivity is also increasing, food items are available and very well secured." 

He revealed that the state government has cleared over 5,000 hectares of land to support local farmers including subsidy of essential agricultural products adding that these efforts are geared towards transforming the agricultural sector from a primarily subsistence model to an export-driven industry.

He explained that in recognition of the state’s progress, the Federal Government has designated Ekiti as an agro-processing zone, a move that promises to further boost the local economy. 

The commissioner emphasised that the partnership between the state government and higher institutions in the state is aimed at fostering research and innovation in agriculture, creating job opportunities for young people by clearing thousands of hectares of land for farming and facilitating a sustainable job market for youth in the state.

The Agric commissioner said that the state is actively encouraging young people to venture into agriculture, with specific investments in poultry farming adding that it has already resulted in the establishment of nine poultry centers across the state, with plans to expand to two more.

Why Cavista Holdings’ Investment in Matna Foods Matters for Nigeria’s Cassava Economy.

Why Cavista Holdings’ Investment in Matna Foods Matters for Nigeria’s Cassava Economy.

The recent acquisition of Matna Foods Company Limited by Agbeyewa Industries Limited, an agribusiness subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, represents a strategic intervention in Nigeria’s cassava value chain—one that goes beyond ownership change to address long-standing structural gaps in production, processing, and industrial utilization.

Cassava is one of Nigeria’s most abundant and strategic crops, yet the sector has historically suffered from weak integration between farming and processing, leading to inefficiencies, post-harvest losses, and limited value capture for farmers. 

Cavista Holdings’ investment in Matna Foods is designed to help close this gap by linking large-scale cassava cultivation with established industrial processing capacity, creating a more resilient and efficient value chain.

Through Agbeyewa, which operates Nigeria’s largest cassava farm, Cavista Holdings has built a strong production base and an innovative in-grower/out-grower scheme that brings thousands of farmers into a reliable, well-organised supply network.

Matna Foods brings over two decades of processing experience and technical expertise in producing international-standard cassava starch for food and industrial use. Together, they form an integrated platform capable of stabilising supply, expanding processing capacity and reducing reliance on imports.

Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, said the investment reflects its long-term approach to value creation:

“Cavista Holdings has a strong history of identifying under-utilised or distressed assets and repositioning them for sustainable growth. The iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, (which was transformed from an abandoned resort into the best holiday resort in Nigeria) is proof of our ability.  Our investment in Matna Foods follows this same discipline strengthening capacity, improving efficiency, and creating jobs, jobs, jobs. 

This is how we build businesses that deliver real economic impact while supporting food security and industrial development.”

Beyond processing, the acquisition is expected to have a direct impact on farmers by increasing cassava offtake, providing more predictable demand, and strengthening rural livelihoods, especially for smallholder and out-grower farmers across the Southwest.

Importantly, Matna Foods remains fully operational and open for business, with plans underway to scale capacity, modernise operations where required, and deepen engagement with farmers, suppliers, and industrial customers.

For Cavista Holdings, the transaction reinforces a consistent investment thesis: that well-structured capital, strong execution, and long-term vision can unlock value in critical sectors—and that business, when done right, remains a force for good.

About Cavista Holdings

Guided by the belief that business is a force for good, Cavista Holdings is a global investment and holding company committed to creating value and transforming lives through strategic investments.

Operating across four continents, our portfolio of companies delivers innovative products and services in key sectors including Agriculture, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality and Technology.

For more information, please visit www.cavistaholdings.com or contact Uchenna Ibemere at uibemere@cavistaholdings.com

Agbeyewa Farms Hosts MATNA Foods Leadership on Strategic Farm Tour.

Agbeyewa Farms Hosts MATNA Foods Leadership on Strategic Farm Tour.

Agbeyewa Farms hosted the leadership and technical team of MATNA Foods on a familiarisation tour following Agbeyewa’s recent acquisition of the cassava processing company, as part of post-acquisition integration efforts.

Welcomed by VP Operations Anthonia Attoh and management, MD Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso described the acquisition as a strategic step toward building a fully integrated cassava value chain, assuring consistent feedstock for MATNA and enabling expanded processing capacity.

GM Agronomy Mr. Babatunde Akinsinde noted Agbeyewa’s over 7,000 hectares across Ipao, Gede and Iyemero, with plans to scale to 10,000 hectares and beyond. The team toured farm sites and the mechanisation workshop, where Head of Engineering Mr. Christopher Suberu showcased Agbeyewa’s operational equipment.

MATNA Team Lead Mr. Tosin Ojuko commended the engagement, affirming confidence in Agbeyewa’s capacity to guarantee uninterrupted cassava supply.

The visit ended with strategic discussions on operational alignment, marking another milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s cassava value chain.

#AgbeyewaFarms #MATNAFoods #CassavaValueChain #Agribusiness #FoodSecurity NigeriaAgriculture

Oyebanji receives DG Law School, urges stakeholders involvement in infrastructure development.

Oyebanji receives DG Law School, urges stakeholders involvement in infrastructure development.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured the management of the Nigerian Law School of his administration’s commitment to effective collaboration in its effort to strengthen infrastructure development in its campuses.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Monday while receiving the management of the Nigerian Law School, led by its Director General, Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote, stressed the need for strategic collaboration between the institution and various stakeholders including State Governments, private sector players and alumni associations of the institution to drive development.

The Governor expressed the state’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the appointment an illustrious Ekiti daughter to such an exalted position, urged Dr Odusote to leverage on the various stakeholders in the drive to reposition the institution for improved service delivery and better infrastructure across its campuses nationwide.

He commended the Director General for exhibiting the Ekiti virtues of competence, integrity and character, urging her to bring all that to bear in her service to the institution and drive development that will leave a lasting legacy. 

Governor Oyebanji assured the management of the institution of the state government’s continued support for the new management.

“I have no doubt in my mind that it is the Ekiti virtues of competence, integrity, character and diligence that has taken you this far. I have listened to you and one thing i can assure you is that we are in this together. We are ready to collaborate with you and we’ll do everything humanly possible to ensure that you succeed and live a lasting legacy. 

“The Law School is so critical to national development because the quality of lawyers you turn out have a direct impact on the tone of law and order in the country and the administration of justice itself.

“And I'm talking to my colleagues, to the other governors, to see if we can collaboratively do something about the law school and we will do that. I also want to suggest that in addition to what we can do, the Law School should also leverage on collaboration with the private sector. You know, you have a lot of product all over the country and they are doing well. 

“I think there should be a structure to collaborate with the private sector to see if they can, as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility, take on some of these projects, and they can brand it in their own colour. You also have to look into your alumni association. It's a great resource, because I have a lot of friends that are lawyers and that are going great, and they went through this school and if you don’t ask them for help, they will not come to you. So there must be a structure to pull your best resources together and ensure that they give back to the law school. He stated.

Earlier, the Director-General, Dr Odusote thanked Governor Oyebanji for his encouragement and support and for the exciting manner the state celebrated her her appointment as DG of the Nigerian Law School. She and assured that she will do all within her best not to disappoint her well-wishers.

Dr Odusote, who described her visit to the Governor as “ Home Coming”,  called for increased collaboration with stakeholders to promote institutional growth, improve staff and student welfare, and advance human capital development within the Nigerian Law School.

She hinted on her desire to hold a retreat for staff of the institution as part of efforts to reflect and improve on teaching quality.

Present at the meeting were the Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Attorney General and Commissioners for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN; Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; Special Adviser, Legal Matters, Mr Niyi Idowu and Director General, Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso.

Ekiti approves three new hospitals to expand healthcare access.

Ekiti approves three new hospitals to expand healthcare access.

By Abiodun Nejo

The Ekiti State Government has said the recent approval for the construction and equipping of three new general hospitals across parts of the state is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare delivery.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, who identified the benefiting communities as Awo Ekiti, Ikogosi Ekiti, and Ipao Ekiti, reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to sustaining the strengthening of the health sector.

Filani spoke on Saturday at Ipao Ekiti in the Ajoni Local Council Development Area while inspecting the site of the proposed general hospital ahead of the commencement of construction of the secondary healthcare facility.

According to the commissioner, “The hospital was strategically located, considering the large-scale agro-processing activities in Ipao-Ekiti and its neighbouring communities.

“You will recall that the state government recently approved the establishment of three new general hospitals in Awo, Ikogosi and Ipao-Ekiti, as part of efforts to strengthen the health sector and ensure adequate healthcare delivery for residents.

“The initiative is also aimed at positioning the state’s health system as a model of excellence in the country.

“The administration has been constructing or reconstructing and equipping healthcare facilities across the state to enhance citizens’ access to quality healthcare delivery.”

In his remarks, a community leader and Chairman of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide, commended the Oyebanji administration for its projects in the past three years, particularly those focused on improving the health and well-being of residents.

The Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Mr Michael Ogungbemi, also praised the governor for locating the health facility in the community, describing it as “a timely and well-deserved project that will serve Ipao-Ekiti and the entire north-eastern part of the state”.

Similarly, the Obanla of Ipao Ekiti, Oba Williams Ehinmodupin, assured the government of the community’s support and urged residents to continue backing the Oyebanji-led administration to attract more development projects.

Filani had earlier expressed the government’s readiness to expand access to quality healthcare services, particularly for women and children.

Speaking during the final interview for prospective National Health Fellows, a Federal Government initiative aimed at improving service delivery, the commissioner said the state would sustain the gains recorded in the health sector in the New Year.

He also assured that the government would prioritise the completion of ongoing healthcare infrastructure projects across the state

Oyebanji’s youths development agenda ignites hope for greater Ekiti.

Oyebanji’s youths development agenda ignites hope for greater Ekiti.                             By Rasaq Ibrahim

_Youth development has taken a centre stage in Ekiti with the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji implementing strategic and multifaceted strategies to empower young people and unlock their potentials to the fullest, writes Rasaq Ibrahim…._

Without any modicum of doubt, Youths are the solid foundation of both positive and negative picture of any society. The future of any society is inextricably link to the development and empowerment of its young people. Their energies, inventiveness, character and orientation define pace of development of a nation.

As the drivers of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and social change, thr youth possess the potential to transform their communities and shape the course of history. Through their creative talents and innovative minds, a nation makes giant strides in economic development.

On the contrary, the countries which fail to realize the importance of the youth lag behind in every aspects of life.Any nation that denies its youth necessary enabling environment to participate in the process of nation- building merely does so at its own perils.

It is in the reality of this that Governor Biodun Oyebanji have made concerted efforts in galvanizing well synchronized and integrated approaches in putting  in place youth development structures with a very high propensity to be a catalyst for development in Ekiti state.

In a nation where only few public officials achieve a level of impact that resonates deeply with lives of citizens, particularly the youth, Oyebanji has emerged as an inspiring example of hope, innovation, and responsiveness in governance.

The governor doesn’t hide his glowing passion and unquenchable love for youth development.This propelled him to make youth development and job creation a critical pillar in his administration policy thrust.

His avowed commitment to excellence and dedication to the welfare of young people has earned Oyebanji a reputation as a champion of youth development and a beacon of hope for Ekiti State.

For many, Ekiti State is on the cusp of a youth development revolution. When he assumed office on October 2022 through the people’s mandate, the governor did something that was very enigmatic. He removed Sport section from the Ministry of Youth and made it an independent Commission. This lofty action makes the Ministry of Youth to be fully independent to superintend over the youth affairs.

The governor was circumspect of the Nigerian factors that are  capable of thwarting his vision. To make his actions fecund, Oyebanji appointed a competent  Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adesola Adedayo, to man the post and drive his vision in this thematic area of  focus.

Unarguably, the present government has succeeded in ramping up  democratic gains for youths, because Adedayo has strong networks across youth groups in  the country. This he had leveraged on to ignites a future of opportunities for the youths by introducing several initiatives aimed at empowering young people and unlocking their potential.

At the forefront of this agenda is the “Youth Let’s Talk With BAO” programme, a periodic engagement initiative that provides a platform for robust dialogue between the governor and Ekiti youths. This innovative approach has enabled Oyebanji to connect with young people, understand their challenges, and develop tailored solutions to address them. The program has been hailed as a game-changer, providing young people with a voice and a sense of belonging.

At the maiden edition of the programme in 2023, Governor Oyebanji promised to make youth fulcrum of his government in terms of job creation, empowerment, governance and political appointments. All these have started coming to manifestations by way of dividends and recognition being savoured by youth.

The second edition of this interactive engagement was held on July 3, 2024. The initiative will soon be replicated across all 16 local governments, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) to really expand the scope to the grassroots.

Job creation is another critical area of focus for the Oyebanji administration. To date, over 20,000 jobs have been created for Ekiti youths,including 4,000 employed into the civil service and 1,000 engaged in commercial farming. The Adire Ekiti Hub, a  brainchild of the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, had trained as well as empowered about 1,000 in the making of the Adire local fabrics.

The state government had also through  partnerships with banks secured soft loans for  thousands of  graduates to drive his vision in Medium and Small Scale Business Enterprises to stop dependence on white collar jobs, among other lofty initiatives being devised to halt redundancy within their ranks.

The government also created a data bank for all unemployed youth, so that the government can be adequately guided on how to get them fixed based on available opportunities and in line with their potentials.

The establishment of a Youth Resource/ Job Centre has also provided a one-stop-shop for the youths to access resources, and job opportunities. This initiative has not only provided job opportunities but also equipped young  people with the skills and training needed to succeed in the workforce.

In addition, the Oyebanji administration has expanded bursary and scholarship schemes, increasing the bursary award by 100% and disbursing scholarships to Ekiti indigenes at the Nigerian Law School. This commitment to education has ensured that young people from Ekiti State have access to quality education, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

Strategic partnerships have also been forged with various organizations in the country to  empower youths in areas such as Adire making, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. These collaborations have not only provided young people with valuable skills and training but also enabled them to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

For instance, the partnership with the Industrial Training Fund has enabled over 2,000 youths to benefit from the Supa Artisan Programme, gaining valuable skills and enhancing their employability.

The Oyebanji administration has also prioritized the welfare and well-being of young people. The establishment of a Youth Parliament has provided a platform for young people to engage in leadership training, education, and civic activities. This initiative has not only empowered young people but also ensured that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has also made giant strides in enhancing social responsibilities, particularly among youth. One notable project is the construction of 90 units of toilet facilities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Emure Ekiti, aimed at improving infrastructure and hygiene conditions for youth corps members ¹.

The government has also initiated a consultative engagement with higher institutions in Ekiti to address student needs and curb violent conduct. Furthermore, the government has provided financial empowerment to youth engaging in leather shoe making, promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Other initiatives include the Ekiti Broiler Production Scheme, empowering youth in bee-keeping, and a partnership with WEMA BANK to train 100,000 youth and students in MSMEs. The Ministry has also established a forum for security/youth engagement, fostering unity and promoting mutual understanding between security agencies and youth.

In addition, the Ekiti Youth Parliament has been strengthened through a training program, providing leadership knowledge, education, and enhanced public speaking skills for youth parliamentarians. Governor Oyebanji has promised adequate funding for youth-friendly policies, offering hope for a better future.

Governor Oyebanji’s youth development agenda is more than just a series of initiatives but rather  a vision for a better future, one that is built on the principles inclusivity, opportunity, and growth. His

commitment to youth development is a testament to his administration’s focus on creating a brighter future for Ekiti State.