Land ownership is bankable asset in Ekiti - Gov. Oyebanji.

Land ownership is bankable asset in Ekiti - Gov. Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that owners of landed properties in the State enjoy appreciable turnover on their assets over time, promising an enabling environment for private investors to thrive in Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji stated this during a courtesy visit by Council members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) at the Governor's office, Ado Ekiti on Monday. He noted that with the level of investors visiting Ekiti State to invest in real estate, he envisioned the possibility of turning barren lands into bustling commercial hub in the nearest future.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser ( Media) to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, a major highlight of the visit by the NIESV leadership was the investiture of Governor Oyebanji as patron of the reputable professional body.

Governor Oyebanji, who spoke shortly after his investiture by the institution’s President and Chairman of Council, Dr Victor Alonge, expressed his appreciation to the Institution for the honour and promised to live up to the expectations and standards desired of a patron by collaborating with the institution to achieve its goals and objectives nationally and at the state level.

While assuring the institution of his administration's support and collaboration, the Governor commended the State’s team for their professionalism and for providing strong and quality leadership for its members as well as effective advice for government to drive its policies formulation.

“One area that we’ve been challenged is the issue of land administration in the state and we've embarked on a very ambitious massive land reforms in the state to ensure that we digitize the system and put everything on a cadastral and it's going on now with the help of Professor James Olaleye. I think by the time we finish, anybody that has land in the State, will have a bankable asset. It’s been tough, it's been capital intensive, but it's something we need to do because I believe strongly that land is one asset that if not carefully managed, you know, it can make or mar a people.

"One thing we have also done as a government and it's a policy that if we are going to take over your land, which is your asset, we have to compensate. We have not taken over any land asset in the state without paying compensation because I believe strongly that if I'm going to take your means of livelihood, I must provide an alternative for you to live, so you cannot say you are developing and you are impoverishing your people. So, as a policy of government, there's nothing we have done in this state when it comes to land acquisition, we pay compensation.” He said.

Earlier, the President of the institution, Dr Victor Alonge said Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji is a rising citadel of progress undergoing rapid development and transformation. This, according to him, has catapulted the Governor into a national relevance, made him a canvass for the artistry of good governance and a reference point in raising the bar of governance.

Alonge revealed that the NIESV Council approved the decoration of the Governor as its Patron in recognition of his giant developmental strides at showcasing developmental initiatives in areas such as massive infrastructural development, agriculture and food security; industrialization, security; welfare initiatives, functional education; provision of accessible and quality health care as well as initiating enduring policies that will stand the test of time and capable to outlive his administration.

He noted that Governor Oyebanji has made the State an investment destination stressing the need to continue to partner with government in Policy Formulation, Land Administration, Asset Management and Administration, Housing and Project Development and other related areas. He added that the Institution will continue to offer the State its professional services in the best global practices, upholding our Code of Professional Ethics in doing so.

"The high point of our visit today, is the formal investiture of Your Excellency as a Patron of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). This honour is in line with Article 7 (1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers which recognizes the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the grand patron and State Governors as patrons”, he stated.

2026 IWD: Stakeholders Highlight Women’s Role in Development, Rally Support for Oyebanji.

2026 IWD: Stakeholders Highlight Women’s Role in Development, Rally Support for Oyebanji.

Stakeholders in Ekiti State have called for increased support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji ahead of the June governorship election, as the Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, reaffirmed her commitment to women's empowerment at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.

The collaborative event between the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Office of the First Lady was held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti. It brought together women leaders, civil society organisations, government officials, and development partners to highlight the importance of gender equality and inclusive development.

Speaking at the programme, Dr Oyebanji emphasised that empowering women remains central to sustainable growth, noting that this year’s campaign slogan, “Give to Gain,” underscores the benefits of investing in women.

She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, describing it as a step towards prioritising women, children, and vulnerable groups.

The First Lady also highlighted ongoing initiatives by the state government under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, including partnerships with Development Agencies on programmes such as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up.

She added that her Office, through platforms like the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope Support Foundation, would continue to support women, children, and vulnerable groups across the state.

Dr Oyebanji further appealed to women to sustain their support for the current administration, especially as the State prepares for the governorship election.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, commended the First Lady for driving positive change among women and urged more support for Governor Oyebanji’s second-term bid.

Similarly, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, stressed the critical role of women in society and called for strategic voter mobilisation to ensure continuity in governance.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), expressed appreciation for the efforts of the First Lady and the Deputy Governor in advancing women-focused initiatives, pledging his Ministry's continued support.

In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, said the Oyebanji administration had prioritised women’s welfare through empowerment programmes, social protection, and various efforts to combat gender-based violence.

She noted that beneficiaries across the State received tools, financial support, and access to education through various interventions, while survivors of gender-based violence are being provided with medical, legal, and psychosocial support.

Also lending her voice, the Special Adviser on Gender Empowerment and Mobilisation, Chief (Mrs) Kemisola Olaleye, commended the First Lady for her dedication to women’s welfare and called on female political stakeholders to mobilise grassroots support for the Governor.

The keynote speaker at the event, Professor Kemi Ogundana from the Ekiti State University (EKSU), described the “Give to Gain” slogan as a call for collective action, stressing that investing in women leads to economic growth, improved health outcomes, and stronger communities.

She urged individuals, organisations, and policymakers to intensify efforts in mentorship, funding, and advocacy to advance gender equality.

Orisunmibare appointed Renewed Hope Ambassador for youth mobilisation.

Orisunmibare appointed Renewed Hope Ambassador for youth mobilisation.

By Johnson Eleko

The Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Ondo State, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, has appointed Hon. Fashua Orisunmibare as the Renewed Hope Ambassador for youth mobilisation in the Ondo Central Senatorial district.

The appointment, which was announced amid excitement, has been widely commended by stakeholders, who praised Olabimtan for prioritizing experience and competence in the selection process.

In his reaction, Hon. Fashua Orisunmibare expressed appreciation to the Coordinator for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as a call to greater service.

He pledged to support the mobilisation of youths in promoting the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also engaging young people at the grassroots.

Orisunmibare also thanked the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Ayedatiwa, for providing an enabling platform for youths to contribute to governance and development in the state.

He said, “I sincerely appreciate this opportunity and the belief in my capacity to serve. To whom much is given, much is expected. I will give my best to ensure effective youth mobilisation and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our state and the nation.”

Ijidale Halts Assembly Campaign, Urges Supporters to Focus Solely on Gov. Oyebanji’s Reelection.

Ijidale Halts Assembly Campaign, Urges Supporters to Focus Solely on Gov. Oyebanji’s Reelection.

Hon. Lekan Ijidale, the Director General of the Bureau of Local Content, has issued a definitive call to action for his supporters, urging them to immediately cease all campaign activities related to his potential bid for the Gbonyin/Ayekire House of Assembly seat. This appeal, directed at both online and offline Supporters, comes as a strategic move to align with current legal frameworks and the broader political priorities of the state.

Ijidale emphasized two primary reasons for this directive. First, he pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet lifted the ban on campaigning for House of Assembly elections, making any current promotional activities legally premature. Second, and more importantly, he stressed that the collective focus must remain squarely on the reelection of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. According to Ijidale, the success of the Governor’s administration is the paramount goal, and all political energy should be channeled toward ensuring his continued leadership.

In a firm stance to maintain order among his followers, supporters and Lovers, the Director General explicitly dissociated himself from anyone who continues to campaign in his name against these instructions. He highlighted that his current commitment is to the mandate given to him at the Bureau of Local Content. Ijidale reiterated that he will not allow any personal political ambitions to distract him from the confidence Mr. Governor has reposed in him or from his duty to deliver his absolute best in his current role. For  our people of Gbonyin/Ayekire, the message is clear: the priority is Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's second term bid.

Gov. Oyebanji holds Iftar for Muslims leaders, hails religious harmony in Ekiti.

Gov. Oyebanji holds Iftar for Muslims leaders, hails religious harmony in Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commended the Muslim community in the State for their unalloyed support for his administration as well as their demonstrated commitment to religious harmony and peaceful coexistence with adherents of other faiths.

The Governor said the support of the Muslims has been a major tonic driving development in the State, adding that peaceful coexistence among the citizens  remains a viable platform upon which real development is built.

The Governor, made these assertions on Monday during the Iftar (breaking of fast) he hosted for Muslim leaders across the 16 local government areas of the State at the Jibowu hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti on Monday.

Governor Oyebanji, who also called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noted that the various achievements of his administration was made possible because of the support he received from the President, stressing that President Tinubu has fulfilled all the promises he made to the State during the electioneering campaign in 2022.

While thanking the President for giving provisional approval for the construction of Itawure- Aramoko -Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the road is capable of improving the socio-economic development of the State as well as serve as impetus for electoral victory in the June 20 Governorship election and the January 2027 presidential election.

He added that the contractors handling the project have promised to move to site in the next two weeks.

Governor Oyebanji at the event, spoke glowingly about the excellent performance of the Muslims serving in his government, stressing that he would cede more appointive positions to members of the Muslim community if re-elected for a second term.

“There is no doubting the fact that the support from the Muslim community is unadulterated. I know you love us genuinely. I promise to continue to do more for you because all the Muslims in my government are doing creditably well from the Secretary to the State Government and that is the reason it is possible for us to be counting fifty-one of them.

“Every achievement in Ekiti is due to the support of President Tinubu, please, as you are praying for me, pray more for the President because when he came here for campaign, he made some promises. He has fulfilled all the promises he made, even the one I thought may be impossible before election, that Itawure – Aramoko- Ado road, I am glad to say that the contractor received provisional letter of award two weeks ago to commence work pending the ratification by Federal Executive Council. The contractor has promised to move to site immediately after the Ramadan to commence work.” He said.

Presenting the Iftar lecture, the Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Ado Ekiti, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulmutali,  called on Muslims to live their lives in the fear of God by doing what is right all the time, stressing that that is the only way they could receive heavenly reward.

The President-General, League of Imams and Alfas for South West, Edo and Delta states, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, who prayed for the State, the Governor and President Tinubu, hailed the two leaders for creating atmosphere of peace and shared prosperity.

Also present at the programme were former Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Muslims members of the state House of Assembly and Executive Council, representatives of Muslim community from the sixteen local government areas among others.

APC Campaign Council names Senator Cyril Fasuyi as Oyebanji’s Campaign Director General.

APC Campaign Council names Senator Cyril Fasuyi as Oyebanji’s Campaign Director General.

The Ekiti State 2026 Governorship Election Campaign Council has named the Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Senator Cyril Fasuyi as the Director-General of the re-election campaign of Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

The development was part of significant decisions reached at the inaugural meeting of the Campaign Council in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.

Briefing journalists shortly after the meeting, the Chairman of the Council who is also the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed that some of the decisions taken also included creation of positions for the various directorates that would be set up.

Senator Bamidele affirmed that members of the council unanimously agreed on the appointment of Senator Fasuyi as Campaign DG. The Senator had previously served in the same capacity during the 2022 governorship election campaign that produced Oyebanji.

The Senate Leader said it was the belief of the Council members that Senator Fasuyi will achieve better result than that of the 2022 election. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South in the National Assembly, according to Bamidele, will serve as the Deputy Director General for the campaign.

Other officials, according to the Council Chairman were Chief (Mrs) Kemi Olaleye, Chief Remi Oguntuase and Mr Kayode Babade as Assistant Directors-General for North, Central and South Senatorial Districts respectively.

The Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji was also appointed as the Coordinator of Women’s Mobilisation Team.

Senator Bamidele said, “We just finished the inaugural meeting of Campaign Council and very significant decisions were taken, including decisions relating to the various directorates that we need to set up. But suffice to say that we made six significant appointments today, which were finalized and those are the ones that we are announcing through you.

“We appointed the Director General for the campaign, who will see to the day-to-day running of the campaign and that's in person of the most distinguished Senator, Cyril Fasuyi who also was the one who directed the campaign four years ago. And it is a consensus of members, the general opinion of members of the campaign council that he did well and he could be entrusted with that position yet again.

“We also appointed a Deputy Director-General, who is distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu, from the Southern Senatorial District, as you know, I am from the Central Senatorial District and Senator Cyril is from the Northern Senatorial District.”

The State Governor and Candidate of the APC, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, was present at the meeting, which was also attended by a good number of the campaign council members.

OLUWATUYI FELICITATES MUSLIMS ON EID-EL-FITR, URGES PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN EKITI.

OLUWATUYI FELICITATES MUSLIMS ON EID-EL-FITR, URGES PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN EKITI.

By Asubiojo G. O

The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful in Igede, Awo Ekiti, and across the council area on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a goodwill message made available to the public, the Chairman described Ramadan as a sacred period of spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline, and unwavering devotion to Allah. He noted that the holy month provided an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their faith, cultivate patience, and embrace acts of charity and compassion.

Quoting from the Holy Qur'an, he reiterated that fasting was ordained to instill righteousness among believers, referencing the divine injunction which emphasizes the spiritual significance of the exercise in building piety and moral consciousness.

The Chairman further encouraged Muslims to sustain the virtues imbibed during Ramadan beyond the fasting period, stressing the importance of consistency in good deeds, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who emphasized " the most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if little".

He also called on the Muslim community and residents of the local government to continue offering prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of Ekiti State and Nigeria at large. The Chairman specifically urged support for the administration of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, noting that collective prayers and cooperation remain essential for the success of governance and sustainable development.

While commending the dedication and commitment of Local Government staff, he acknowledged their contributions to grassroots administration and encouraged them to remain steadfast in service delivery.

The Chairman further appealed to residents to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect, in line with the teachings of Islam, which promote harmony and compassion among humanity.

He concluded by urging well-to-do individuals to extend hands of generosity to the less privileged during the festive period, while praying that Allah accepts the sacrifices, prayers, and supplications of all faithful and grants them continued blessings and opportunities to witness many more celebrations in good health and prosperity.