EKSG, NiMet Team Up To Guide Farmers with Seasonal Climate Forecasts.

EKSG, NiMet Team Up To Guide Farmers with Seasonal Climate Forecasts.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, will next week Wednesday commence a three-day workshop for farmers, agricultural extension workers, and other stakeholders on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

Announcing the event on the live radio programme Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, said NiMet would at the forum unveil the Seasonal Climate Prediction for the year, providing forecasts on rainfall, temperature patterns, and the onset of rainy and dry seasons. 

He said the information will be detailed by local government and farmstead to help farmers plan crop cycles and manage risks from extreme weather events.

"The training will cascade through agricultural extension workers and farmer representatives to ensure communities across the state benefit,” the Commissioner stated

Boluwade noted that officials from the State Ministry of Environment, State Emergency Protection Agency, and Ado-Ekiti Airport will also attend in view of the strategic role weather plays in their operations.

Highlighting ongoing agricultural initiatives, the Commissioner said the state is distributing improved yam seeds developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) free of charge to farmers , targeting five million seedlings by the end of 2027.

 Boluwade said the government aims to make this variety the dominant yam in Ekiti due to its durability and high export demand adding that an agro-allied investor has pledged to establish a yam powder processing factory in the State to supply markets in Canada, the UAE, and Europe.

He said the State Government had embarked on an  aggressive land clearing and tactorization    programme for farmers at subsided rates and  was also selling highly subsided agrochemicals , inputs  as well as  cocoa and oil palm seedling to farmers  as part of efforts to improve crop  yield and profit margin of farmers in the State

Livestock production is also expanding under the Oyebanji administration through collaboration with the World Bank-assisted Livestock Production and Resilience Enhancement Scheme (L-PRES), according to the Commissioner.

He said once projects such as ultramodern abattoir in Ado Ekiti,  cattle markets in Omuo-Ekiti and Ado Ekiti, veterinary clinics in Ado-Ekiti, construction of 30,000 poultry pens each in Emure Ekiti, Igede Ekiti and Ikole Ekiti and broiler processing facilities in Ado-Ekiti initiated under the L-PRES programme are completed, “the state will become the undisputed leader in livestock production and processing in southwestern Nigeria.”

According to him,  waste from these facilities will be converted into biogas and fertilizer, further boosting sustainable agricultural practices.

Boluwade commended Governor Oyebanji for attracting agribusiness investment and expanding staple and cash crop production, noting that these efforts have strengthened food security, enhanced value chains, and created vital direct and indirect jobs for youths across the state.

INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF POWER PLAY IN IKOLE POLITICS.

INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF POWER PLAY IN IKOLE POLITICS.

The All Progressives Congress, APC primary elections have come and gone. The entire process was punctuated by interplays of intrigues, calculations, negotiations, power play, claims and counterclaims of victory, compromises, subtle and actual threats and sundry whims and caprices.

The Party in Ekiti State had a more robust process as most of the Candidates emerged through consensus arrangements while a few went by direct primaries as stipulated by the electoral law.

Interestingly, the primaries threw up the question of who had political influence and control more than the others in various political locations.

This write up is not intended to stir up any political hornest nest or smear the credibility of the results as announced by the Party with particular reference to the House of Representatives primary in Ikole/Oye, Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1.

It is meant to highlight the power play in Ikole Local Government Area.

I have watched and listened to how different individuals and groups have laid claims to the leadership and control of Ikole politics.

My position is an independent assessment of the situation. I don't belong to any group or follow anyone.

But, self proclamation, self adulation, veiled taunts and reactions got me to dig into the matter.

I read a piece written by one of the supporters of a contending group opposed to Abejide Political Dynasty. He said, "Leadership is not about age but about capacity, cognition, connection...." This, I think, was a veiled reference to Hon. Alaba Abejide who was assumed to have lost out of the power game.

I found this amusing considering the fact that the said contending group seemed to have orchestrated a carefully planned endorsement event to hoodwink party members to support their preferred aspirant, and with an intent, seemingly to disgrace Abejide. They gave themselves a pat on the back for a great job well executed.

On the other hand, less than 12 hours to the primary election and amidst the confusion engendered by the said endorsement, Abejide was said to have directed his supporters to vote for the other aspirant.

According to reports, Bimbo Daramola won in 7 Wards out of 11, that is Wards 2,3,6,7,9,11and 12 with the support of Abejide Political Dynasty, while Ward 10 was said to have been won by Bimbo before the process was disrupted and the result cancelled leaving only Wards 1,4,5 and 8.

The contention here and what interests me most is that, with the earlier endorsement and the threats that was said had followed, the incumbent Honourable should have won massively in Ikole.

Alas, the table turned as a result of the decision made by the Abejide's camp. The decision threw the contest to a stalemate. The outcome of the primary was inconclusive and had to be resolved at the national level.

The rest is history.

To me, this goes to show that the scale of political influence and control in Ikole tilts towards Abejide's group.

My opinion is that, regardless of whatever anyone thinks, whoever underrated or underestimates the political relevance of Abejide and his group in Ikole does so at his or her own peril.

My observation has been that age comes with so much requisite experience and indispensable contacts. These have played out in the case of Abejide. He has learned the ropes, paid his dues, and sacrificed so much for the growth and stability of the Progressive Party.

To him, it seems leadership is ultimately about sacrifice and discipline. This, I believe, has helped him to build up a network of formidable followers and connect deeply with the grassroots.

The criterion of primacy and greatness, and by extension, leadership, is not domination, authority or grandstanding but service.

Adewale Olaiya.

EKSCOTECH Gets N40M Boost as Rector Eyes Southern Campus Take-off, New Programmes.

EKSCOTECH Gets N40M Boost as Rector Eyes Southern Campus Take-off, New Programmes.

The Federal Ministry of Education has approved the sum of N40,007,000.00 for the Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti (EKSCOTECH) under the 2023 Needs Assessment Intervention Fund for Public Polytechnics, in a development described as a major boost to the Institution’s infrastructural expansion and academic growth.

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated May 22, 2026, with reference number FME/PE/SS.IM/C.46/1V/T/90, signed by Igwe, Amy K, Director, for the Honourable Minister of Education. The letter confirmed EKSCOTECH as one of the beneficiaries of the N8.33 billion intervention fund approved for public polytechnics across the country.

According to the approval letter, beneficiary institutions are expected to submit project proposals in 3D drawings to the Institutional Support and Partnership Division of the Federal Ministry of Education within three weeks, while project defence exercises are scheduled to hold between June 8 and June 12, 2026.

Reacting to the development, the Rector of EKSCOTECH, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, described the intervention as a huge boost to infrastructural development in the Institution and a strong indication of confidence in the Polytechnic’s expansion drive.

The Rector’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by the Institution’s Senior Public Relations Officer, Akintayo Olowojebutu.

Dr. Olubamise noted that the approval further strengthens the Polytechnic’s preparedness for the commencement of new academic programmes recently presented to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for accreditation.

He explained that the intervention fund would also accelerate construction activities and other developmental projects on the Institution’s newly acquired 118 hectares of land located along Aramoko Road, earmarked as the Southern Campus of EKSCOTECH.

According to him, priority attention would be given to projects specified by the Federal Ministry of Education, including the construction and equipping of workshops, laboratories and other learning facilities critical to technical education and skills development.

The Rector stated that the intervention aligns with the Institution’s vision of expanding access to quality technological education through the introduction of additional National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes.

While expressing appreciation to stakeholders, Dr. Olubamise commended the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, for his unwavering support towards the advancement of the Institution.

He also applauded the Dr. 'Femi Thomas-led Governing Council for what he described as strategic leadership and consistent interventions aimed at repositioning the Polytechnic for greater achievements.

The Rector further appreciated the commitment and support of the Institution’s Principal Officers, Deans, Heads of Departments, Union Leaders, members of the religious community, staff and students, noting that their collective contributions made the achievement possible.

Dr. Olubamise expressed optimism about the future of the Institution, assuring stakeholders that EKSCOTECH remains committed to becoming one of Nigeria’s leading hubs for technological innovation, technical education and manpower development.

Ekiti Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Child Development at 2026 Children’s Day Celebration.

Ekiti Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Child Development at 2026 Children’s Day Celebration.

The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive education, child protection and the overall wellbeing of children as stakeholders gathered at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, for the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and Ado Local Government. 

Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remained committed to protecting, empowering and creating opportunities for every child to realise their full potential.

She said this year’s theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” underscored the need to ensure that no child was denied access to quality education, healthcare and protection because of gender, disability or economic background.

The First Lady explained that the state government had continued to invest heavily in education, youth development, healthcare and social intervention programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of children. 

She added that through her Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope Support Foundation, vulnerable children and orphans across the state had continued to receive educational support and welfare assistance. 

According to her, the government would also sustain efforts against child abuse, trafficking, exploitation and all forms of violence against children.

Dr Oyebanji commended students who distinguished themselves academically, including outstanding candidates in WAEC, NECO and Primary School Leaving Certificate examinations, noting that the recognition was meant to encourage excellence among children in the state. 

She also applauded the emergence of Miss Oluwadamilola Ooreofe Adeolu as winner of the Africa Spelling Bee competition and the outstanding performance of Miss Daniella Owoeye in the recent JAMB examination, describing the achievements as evidence of the enormous potential of Ekiti children.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, said the state government, through the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs, had initiated several programmes to cushion the effects of the economic situation on children and families. 

She said measures had also been put in place to protect children against rape, trafficking, and other forms of abuse.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that many indigent children who were at risk of dropping out of school had been assisted with payment of school fees and provision of learning materials through humanitarian interventions coordinated by the First Lady. 

She appealed to parents and guardians to provide proper care and moral guidance for their children to enable them become responsible members of society.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, who was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Adeluyi Olusola, said the celebration provided another opportunity for stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to building a society where every child could thrive and attain greatness. 

She commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritising children’s welfare under the Human Capital Development agenda of his administration.

Mrs Babafemi noted that massive renovation projects were ongoing in schools across the three senatorial districts of the state to create a more conducive learning environment for pupils and students. 

She added that special attention was also being given to children living with disabilities, while qualified teachers had been recruited to strengthen the education sector.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr Bimpe Aderiye, disclosed that the state government had spent over N2.1 billion on the payment of WAEC fees for students in public secondary schools. 

She urged beneficiaries to justify the huge investment by performing excellently in their studies.

Dr Aderiye stated that all pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools in Ekiti State were currently enjoying government scholarship support, warning that no school had the right to impose illegal fees on students. 

She added that the government had also embarked on extensive rehabilitation projects in schools through the State Universal Basic Education Board, alongside other educational support programmes.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr Moyo Ekundayo, urged children to associate with people of good character, stressing that the kind of company they kept would determine the direction of their future. 

He advised them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to positive values capable of guaranteeing a brighter future.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of children in the state, Speaker of the 7th Ekiti State Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anthony Ategbero, called for greater inclusion of children in governance and decision-making processes. 

He described inclusion as a necessary strategy for national growth and urged governments at all levels to prioritise inclusive education and child protection policies.

Ategbero acknowledged the efforts of the Ekiti State Government in improving access to quality education, supporting vulnerable children and strengthening child protection initiatives, while also calling for more child-friendly legislation and sustained collaboration between the Children’s Parliament and the State House of Assembly.

Dignitaries present at the event included Princess Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion; Hon. Tayo Adeola, Commissioner for Trade and Investment; Hon. Bosun Osaloni, Chairman of Ado Local Government; Director-General, Civic Orientation, Mrs Olawunmi Famuyiwa; and Chairman of Ado West LCDA, Prince Adebolu Aladesanmi.

Highlights of the celebration included creative performances by pupils of Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti, as well as cultural displays by students of CAC Comprehensive High School, Ado-Ekiti.

Winner of the Continental Spelling Bee competition, Miss Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, received a cash prize of N500,000 from the First Lady. Governor Biodun Oyebanji also approved the sum of 31,600 dollars for the winner, her mother, coach and teachers to travel to China for a global competition.

At the symposium organised as part of the celebration, Adebisi Elizabeth of Corpus Christi College, Ilawe-Ekiti, emerged overall best participant, while John Jasper of Daglore Model College, Ikole-Ekiti, came second and Ale Oluwademilade of Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti, came third.

Awards were also presented to outstanding students, with Okewumi Oluwadarasibe Reigneth emerging as the best student in the 2025 WAEC examination, while Obimakinde Daniel Tanitoluwa won the award for the best student in NECO.

In the primary school march-past competition, St. John’s Anglican Nursery and Primary School came third, Ebenezer Baptist Primary School placed second, while Police Children School emerged overall winner. 

In the secondary school category, EKSU International School came third, Banji Akintoye Model College came second, while Command Secondary School, Isan-Ekiti, won the overall first position.

OYEBANJI MOURNS TRANSITION OF ALAWE, OBA ALABI.

OYEBANJI MOURNS TRANSITION OF ALAWE, OBA ALABI.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the transition of the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade 1.

The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, regretted that the state has lost a repository of knowledge, history, culture and a selfless servant of his people.

Oyebanji hailed the late Oba Alabi for presiding over a peaceful and prosperous reign that brought development to his immediate kingdom, his local government areas and the entire state at large.

He noted that the late Oba Alabi had a remarkable tenure as the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers between 2019 and 2021 during which he led the body with wisdom, grace and panache.

Oyebanji said the departed royal father contributed immensely to governance with his advice and also brought his experience as a former diplomat to beat in conflict management and resolution at grassroots level and state level.

The Governor further stated that the late Oba Alabi was a recognised national voice on various issues affecting the polity adding that the late monarch had an unique way of articulating his viewpoints at every given forum, a development that earned him respect from all and sundry.

He described the demise of the monarch as a monumental loss not only to the people of Ilawe Ekiti but to the entire state noting that a huge vacuum has been left behind by his joining of his ancestors.

The Governor prayed God to grant the family, brother monarchs, friends, associates, the people of Ilawe kingdom and the entire people of Ekiti State the fortitude to bear the great loss.

EKSU International College Emerges Third at Ekiti 2026 Children's Day March Past, Wins ₦100,000 Prize.

EKSU International College Emerges Third at Ekiti 2026 Children's Day March Past, Wins ₦100,000 Prize.

...First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Presents Cheque to Students.

Students of Ekiti State University International College, Afao-Ekiti, have made the institution proud by emerging third position at the Ekiti State 2026 Children’s Day March Past competition held on Wednesday, 27th May, 2026.

The impressive performance earned the college a cash prize of One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000), presented in the form of a cheque by the First Lady of Ekiti State, Olayemi Oyebanji, during the colourful Children’s Day celebration.

The students, dressed in their distinctive maroon and white uniforms, displayed discipline, coordination and school spirit throughout the parade, earning admiration from guests and spectators at the event.

The cheque, issued by Omiye Microfinance Bank Limited, Ilupeju-Ekiti, was received amid excitement and celebration by the students and school officials.

The achievement reflects the core values of excellence, discipline and character for which EKSU International College is known.

Located in Afao-Ekiti, the institution operates under the motto, “Character and Knowledge,” values which were clearly demonstrated through the students’ outstanding outing at the state event.

The Management of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, has congratulated the Principal, staff and students of the college on the feat, describing the performance as a proud moment for the entire university community.

The Management also appreciated the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her continued support for children and youth development, as well as her encouragement of academic and extracurricular excellence among students in the state.

EKSU International College, an initiative Ekiti State University was founded in May, 2021 and the college is committed to raising disciplined, morally upright and academically sound students in line with its guiding philosophy of Character and Knowledge.

CHILDREN’S DAY 2026: OLUWATUYI CELEBRATES IILG CHILDREN, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION AND FUTURE LEADERSHIP.

CHILDREN’S DAY 2026: OLUWATUYI CELEBRATES IILG CHILDREN, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION AND FUTURE LEADERSHIP.                                           By Ola Asubiojo 

The atmosphere at the historic premises of Ekiti Baptist High School on Wednesday radiated with colour, excitement, inspiration, and resounding hope as the people of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government gathered in grand style to celebrate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.

The memorable and remarkably organized event attracted pupils and students from both public and private primary and secondary schools across the Local Government, alongside members of the National Youth Service Corps, political leaders, distinguished civil servants, education stakeholders, community leaders, and respected personalities from different walks of life, all assembled to give the celebration a landmark and unforgettable reference point in the history of the Local Government.

The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, popularly known as CHENCO, arrived the venue amidst loud cheers, admiration, and heartfelt ovation from the children and guests who described his presence as a reflection of purposeful leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the growth of the younger generation.

In his charismatic, statesmanlike, and emotionally inspiring address, Honourable Oluwatuyi described children as the priceless treasures, future architects, and shining pillars upon which the greatness of Nigeria rests. 

He noted that Children’s Day remains a sacred opportunity to encourage, mentor, celebrate, and invest meaningfully in the lives of future leaders whose dreams and aspirations will shape the destiny of society.

Speaking passionately on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Future Now For Every Child" 

The he Chairman described the theme as timely, visionary, and deeply significant in the collective quest to build a more progressive and educationally advanced society.

According to him, the theme strongly emphasizes the urgent need to provide every Nigerian child with unrestricted access to quality education, moral guidance, modern learning tools, technological exposure, and the enabling environment necessary for academic excellence and leadership development.

Honourable Oluwatuyi further commended the visionary leadership and educational advancement policies of the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, popularly called BAO, for his unrelenting commitment towards ensuring that every child in the state enjoys qualitative and globally competitive education capable of preparing them for future greatness.

The Chairman proudly disclosed that his administration in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government has fully aligned with the progressive educational vision and people-oriented policies of the Ekiti State Government. 

He assured the gathering that his administration would continue to prioritize the educational advancement and moral development of children through strategic support systems, financial assistance, mentorship programmes, ethical orientation, and youth empowerment initiatives designed to make students excel in their various academic and professional pursuits.

He passionately charged the children to remain disciplined, focused, morally upright, hardworking, and prayerful, stressing that greatness can only emerge through dedication, perseverance, integrity, and obedience to positive values.

The colourful celebration was further enriched by goodwill messages from notable personalities and dignitaries present at the occasion, including the Leader of the IILG Legislative House, Honourable Yemisi Olagunji, and Miss Aladesua Elizabeth, the Deputy Leader of the 7th Children Parliament of Ekiti State, who both applauded the administration of Honourable Oluwatuyi for sustaining policies and programmes that continue to place the welfare and future of children at the centre of governance.

The event became even more glamorous and electrifying as participating schools entertained the audience with breathtaking match past processions, cultural dance displays, rhythmic choreography, educational performances, and artistic presentations that reflected the creativity, intelligence, discipline, and talents embedded in the younger generation, with mater Christi Girl's High School Igede and Ekiti Baptist High School Igede emerged first and second in this year's match past, prosperous school came third, cash prizes were presented to participating schools as a gesture of encouragement and enhance future commitment active participation in the event.

In a touching and symbolic moment that captured the admiration and affection the children have for the Chairman, Honourable Oluwatuyi was beautifully decorated with colourful flower vessels, rosettes, and ceremonial adornments by the participating pupils and students amidst jubilation and celebration.

The gathering eventually transformed into a festival of unity, joy, laughter, hope, and collective aspiration for a brighter future, as dignitaries and spectators applauded the exceptional organization, peaceful atmosphere, and outstanding success recorded throughout the programme.

Indeed, the 2026 Children’s Day celebration in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government will remain an awesome, inspiring, and extraordinarily memorable event in the annals of the Local Government — a celebration that not only honoured children but also rekindled the collective responsibility of society towards nurturing future leaders capable of taking Nigeria to enviable heights of greatness, peace, and sustainable development.