Ekiti Launches Women Empowerment Programme, Disburses N234.3m to 142 Groups.

Ekiti Launches Women Empowerment Programme, Disburses N234.3m to 142 Groups.

...Minister says initiative targets five million women nationwide.

....Oyebanji seeks expansion to all LGAs, urges beneficiaries to invest wisely.

The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank and the Ekiti State Government, has officially flagged off the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) in Ekiti State with the disbursement of over N234.3 million in Community Investment Funds to 142 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) in Efon Local Government Area.

The programme, designed to strengthen women's economic empowerment, financial inclusion and social development, is expected to benefit more than 25,000 women already enrolled in over 1,500 Women Affinity Groups across six participating local government areas in the state.

  

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the initiative as a key component of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at promoting inclusive development, poverty reduction, job creation and social protection.

She commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his leadership and commitment to women's empowerment, noting that the mobilisation of thousands of women into productive economic groups in Ekiti reflected the administration's dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

According to the Minister, women account for more than half of Nigeria's population and contribute significantly to agriculture and the informal economy, yet continue to face barriers in accessing finance, land, technology and markets.

"No economy can afford to exclude the majority of its productive force. That reality informed the Nigeria for Women Project and its Scale-Up Programme," she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the World Bank and participating states, is implementing the second phase of the programme with a target of reaching about five million women nationwide.

She disclosed that while the pilot phase economically empowered about 450,000 women, the scale-up phase seeks to deepen financial inclusion, strengthen enterprise development, build entrepreneurial skills and support community-based economic organisations through Women Affinity Groups.

The Minister noted that Ekiti had already recorded significant progress, with over 1,500 Women Affinity Groups bringing together more than 25,000 women actively engaged in productive economic activities.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, while addressing the gathering at the programme, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the World Bank and the Ministry of Women Affairs for bringing the initiative to the state.

The governor disclosed that Ekiti fulfilled the eligibility requirements for participation in the programme as far back as 2024 by paying a counterpart fund of N450 million.

He stressed that the programme should be extended to all local government areas of the state given its potential to transform businesses and improve household incomes.

The governor urged beneficiaries to deploy the funds strictly for business expansion and productive ventures rather than non-essential expenditures.

"When this money is invested properly, it will help businesses grow, create prosperity and improve the welfare of families.

That is the vision of President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to ensure Nigerian families live better and feed well," he stated.

Oyebanji assured the Minister of continued collaboration between the state government and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda and expand opportunities for women across Ekiti.

In her remarks, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, described the programme as a landmark intervention that aligns with the administration's commitment to women's development and community advancement.

She said the Women Affinity Groups provide safe platforms for women to save, access support, acquire skills and improve their economic conditions.

According to her, when women prosper economically, families become stronger, children receive better education and care, and communities become more peaceful and prosperous.

The First Lady noted that her own interventions through the Adire Ekiti Hub and the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope Support Foundation (WAOH) had empowered thousands of women through training, grants and business support.

She urged beneficiaries to utilise the Community Investment Funds responsibly and ensure that the resources translate into sustainable businesses and long-term economic growth.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, described the event as a significant milestone in the state's efforts to promote women's empowerment and grassroots development.

She explained that the World Bank-supported programme seeks to improve women's livelihoods through access to economic opportunities, productive resources, social capital and community-driven interventions.

Babafemi disclosed that over 25,000 women have been enrolled into more than 1,500 Women Affinity Groups, while 215 jobs have been created through the programme's implementation in Ekiti.

She announced that 142 Women Affinity Groups in Efon Local Government Area, having successfully met the programme's six-month operational requirement, would each receive N1.65 million under the Community Investment Fund.

Also speaking, the World Bank Task Team Leader and Senior Social Development Specialist, Mr Michael Ilesanmi, said the programme was designed in response to the multiple and complex barriers confronting women in Nigeria.

He explained that the Nigeria for Women Programme adopts a multidimensional approach that combines financial support, skills development, social empowerment and community mobilisation.

According to him, Women Affinity Groups serve as platforms through which women save collectively, access loans, receive training in business and financial literacy, strengthen leadership skills and build supportive social networks.

He noted that beyond economic empowerment, the groups also help women gain greater participation in household and community decision-making, reduce poverty and address social constraints that limit women's full participation in economic activities.

The Chairman of the Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Structure and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, said the programme aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty eradication, gender equality, quality education and decent work.

He described women as the backbone of families and communities, stressing that empowering them would generate positive multiplier effects for households and the wider economy.

Adebayo urged beneficiaries to remain committed to the ideals of cooperation, transparency and accountability while calling on men, particularly husbands, to support women participating in empowerment programmes.

In a goodwill message, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Bosede Adejugbe, described the Community Investment Fund as a strategic investment in women's enterprises, family welfare and community development.

She said Women Affinity Groups had helped women strengthen savings culture, improve access to finance, acquire entrepreneurial skills and build resilience against economic challenges.

Similarly, Chairman of Efon Local Government, Mr Afolabi Segun, lauded the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of women, families and communities, pledging the support of local governments towards its success.

The event featured testimonies from beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed through participation in Women Affinity Groups.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Wosilat Akande, said she used a loan obtained through her group to invest in farming, a venture that eventually enabled her to acquire personal farmland where she now cultivates maize and plantain.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Deborah Ategbero, said access to group loans helped her establish a thriving cowhide (ponmo) business, while Mrs Juliet Iyanuoluwa credited the programme for helping her expand her enterprise through savings and affordable credit.

The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up is currently being implemented in Efon, Moba, Gbonyin/Ayekire, Ado, Ijero and Oye local government areas, with plans for further expansion as more women groups qualify for support.

Ekiti poll: You Can't match Oyebanji, Fayose Tells opposition Candidates.

Ekiti poll: You Can't match Oyebanji, Fayose Tells opposition Candidates.

....says Tinubu's second term a done deal.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has told the opposition  candidates in the June 20 governorship poll in  the state to forget winning the election, saying Governor Biodun Oyebanji enjoys wider acceptability among the electorate to retain his seat for a second term.

On the impending 2027 presidential poll, Fayose predicted a landslide victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing opposition's inability to coalesce as a serious issue that will undo their chances and give the ruling party a leverage to retain power till 2031.

Fayose spoke Wednesday evening, while appearing on a political programme aired by nearly all radio stations operating in Ekiti State. 

The former governor, who revealed that  he will soon kick off a meeting with Ekiti electorate across the three senatorial districts, said the political step was conceptualised to further  reinforce support for the governor to be able to triumph in a landslide fashion in the governorship  election. 

Speaking about what endeared Governor Oyebanji to him, despite being the leader of opposition, Fayose said he was elated about the speedy completion of the Ekiti State international cargo airport by the governor and for initiating process for the building of a new flyover in the state capital to reduce traffic gridlock, among other landmark projects that had lifted the state to a higher pedestal.   

Fayose saluted Oyebanji for his humility and for pursuing unity with vigour, especially among the political gladiators and leaders, showering encomiums on former Governor Kayode Fayemi for bringing the governor to superintend over the state at this crucial time.

On the swirling rumour that he was being bankrolled by the state government to undermine the opposition, the former governor posited that he had governed the state twice and needed no pecuniary influence  to back the governor. He added that he was doing so in good conscience and based on past experiences. 

"Ekiti comes first before any political affiliation. We were first Ekitis before any political party. If you believe in me and you believe that  I  represent your interest, come out on June 20 and vote for the serving governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji to complete his second term. He is a gentleman and someone who has performed very well. 

"I am a member of the PDP and I remain so. We all knew the party we belong to. Whether we support him or not, Oyebanji will win and APC will be the greatest  beneficiary. I have built image in this state and I have my cult-like supporters. They should all vote for this governor.

"As I am supporting Governor Oyebanji, I am also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am not doing this for a fun. I have been his fan for a long time. He remains the most prominent and most beneficial leader in Yoruba race. All lovers of Yoruba should support this president.

"I am speaking from experience. I had defeated two incumbent governors  at different elections. In this coming Ekiti governorship  election, the runner up to Governor Oyebanji won't score up to 40,000 votes. I am a member of the PDP, I am not here to destroy our candidate. That is not my mission here. But I don't want to be a leader that will call a white black or blue. Governor Oyebanji has done well.

"Ekiti can now match any state in the West after 30 years of its creation. Governor Oyebanji  mounted this position with humility and respect. I am not ready to fight him. Was I able to sit with former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Kayode Fayemi and Segun Oni in the past? We were all fighting due to.politival differences. But today, we are one, because we have a governor who can unite us. Why can't I support a man that is uniting people, respecting them and performing well”, he added. 

On the 2027 presidential poll, Fayose predicted a landslide victory for President Tinubu on account of his scintillating performance and commitment to national service in the last three years, despite inheriting a grossly escalated insecurity and  debilitating economy from Muhammadu Buhari's administration. 

Substantiating his prediction, Fayose stated that the fragmentation of the opposition elements, particularly the former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, ex-Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and ex-Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso and inability to forge a united front, had given the ruling party an edge in the impending poll.  

Similarly, Fayose stated that the emerging cases of shoddy handling of the primaries in the opposition parties, had elicited ripples that may weaken them before the poll, except prompt actions are taken to handle such issues. 

The former governor said the Atiku propelled  African Democratic Party and the Nigeria Democratic Congress being championed by Obi shouldn't make any noise about rigging in 2027, saying their desperation for power had emasculated the opposition. 

"I have not come to Ekiti through road in the last few months. But today, I drove through Ibadan-Ilesa- Akure highway.  The President has nearly completed the highway up to Ilesa extension. This they did with concrete laying. I saw that section that he has done. Those who are on social media spewing negative narratives were only misinforming the masses.  

"Let me say this, if election is conducted today,President Tinubu will win with wide margin. He has done well, forget what you are seeing or reading on social media". 

On the issue of insecurity in Oyo State and the comment he made, blaming Governor Seyi Makinde over kidnapping of some teachers and students, Fayose insisted that he made such statement based on the fact that the governor is the Chief Security Officer of the State who should be alive to its responsibilities. 

Fayose condemned the spate of kidnapping and killings in the country, saying these matters could have long been  abated, if proper and swift actions were taken to suppress the insurgency when it started in 2005 and 2006 around Borno axis of the Northeastern area of the country.

Bemoaning the harrowing experiences of  internal sabotage of government's security efforts , Fayose said the people that were supplying ammunition,  food and other logistics to the criminals, live among the people and that this should stop in the interest of the nation. 

The former governor appealed to the Federal  government to establish a special court to try suspected  kidnappers in the country and ensure that anti- kidnapping law carries capital offence to suppress the situation. 

"When issue of insecurity happens, the Local Government Chairman will escalate such to the state governor. Has governor Seyi Makinde escalated the kidnapping to the President? No evidence of such. The President of America, Donald Trump recently told one of the Governors in America that if he needs his help, he shouldn't hesitate to call on him being the man in charge of America. 

"What we are saying here is about the security of lives and property. Nobody should politicise it. What we are getting on social media was not the right thing. You can't be politicising killings. It is wrong. governor Seyi Makinde should be the one to respond swiftly to the situation and if he needs help, then he will approach  the president for help. That was my position and on that I stand.

"I want to suggest that the Federal government set up a special court to try those arrested for kidnapping, because this pain and suffering of Nigerians are  becoming too much. Justice delay, is Justice deny".

RHI, WAOH Foundation empower 3,300 Ekiti Women at mega empowerment.

RHI, WAOH Foundation empower 3,300 Ekiti Women at mega empowerment.

…N100million cash grants, empowerment items distributed.

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and WAOH Support Foundation, initiated by the Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, on Wednesday empowered 3,300 Ekiti women with grants for small scale businesses and working tools.

The sum of  N50,000 cash grant was presented to 2,000 women, while another 1,300 women were supported with economic empowerment tools to strengthen women-led businesses and expand economic opportunities at the community level. 

Dr Oyebanji who presided over  the empowerment programme at a grand event termed “Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) empowerment of 2,000 petty traders and Ekiti First Lady’s Mega Empowerment” held at Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti, reiterated the commitment of President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji to supporting petty traders and improve family livelihoods of widows and the vulnerable people. 

The empowerment items and support distributed include deep freezers, generators, sewing machines, grinding machines, Hair-dressers’ kits, agricultural Inputs such as modern farm sprayers as well as direct cash grants.

According to the Governor’s wife, the initiative is a strategic effort is aimed at strengthening small-scale enterprises owned by women. and expanding grassroots economic opportunities to achieve inclusive wealth creation and poverty alleviation at all levels.

Dr Oyebanji expressed her profound appreciation to Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her numerous interventions in Ekiti State, particularly the commissioning of an ICT Centre at Ekiti State University (EKSU) and a ₦100 million empowerment grant for 2,000 women as well as the various supports the state had received from her initiatives since 2023.

“Today is another clear demonstration of our commitment to improving the lives of Ekiti people, especially our hard-working women, who remain the backbone of our homes, communities and economy. I sincerely appreciate our dear mother of the nation, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, for her consistent love and support for women across Nigeria, and particularly Ekiti State.

“Today, through her generosity, 2,000 Ekiti women will receive cash support of N50,000 to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods, we are deeply grateful for this noble gesture. In addition, precisely 1,300 beneficiaries, and most especially the widows, the vulnerable, will receive cash support. They will also receive various empowerment items on the platform of the WAOH Foundation, including freezers, grinding machines, sewing machines, dryers, hand basins, basins, big coolers, generators and farm implements”, She stated.

The Ekiti State First Lady also expressed her profound gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his people-oriented leadership which continues to attract opportunities and development to Ekiti State. She stated  that the Governor has pledged continued payment of the state’s counterpart funds to ensure that women in the remaining local government areas also benefit from this impactful Nigeria women project Scale-Up Community Investment Fund, jointly funded by World Bank and Ekiti State Government.

Speaking further, Dr Oyebanji used the opportunity to urge all Ekiti residents who are yet to collect their PVC to do so as well as encourage their family members, friends and neighbours to troupe out en-masse on June 20 and cast their votes for Governor Oyebanji as that is the only way they could reciprocate his good gestures to Ekiti people.

Governor Oyebanji, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, expressed his appreciation to Ekiti women, and commended them for their industry and vibrant contributions to grassroots development and the state's economic development. He said his administration has been able to record significant improvements in its health indices by reducing child mortality rate from 40 per 1,000 to 18 per 1,000.

He appealed to the resudenys tine sure they collect their PVCs and to use the appropriate finger during election so as to avoid voided votes.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Mosisade Afuye, Deputy Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; Commissioners for Women Affairs and Education, Mrs Peju Babafemi and Dr Bimpe Aderiye respectively; wives of Ogoga of Ikere and Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Eyesorun Ololade Adu Alagbado and Eyesorun Abosede Adejugbe, thanked the Nigeria first Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for all she does to reposition Ekiti women stressing the need for all residents to be adequately prepared for the June 20 election by collecting their voters cards and reciprocating the good works of Governor Oyebanji in the state.

VENITE UNIVERSITY HOLDS SEMINAR ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, URGES RESPONSIBLE USE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.

VENITE UNIVERSITY HOLDS SEMINAR ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, URGES RESPONSIBLE USE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.

The College of Agriculture, Computing, Engineering and Sciences of Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, organised a Seminar Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI), bringing together academics, industry experts, staff, and students to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapidly evolving technology.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the College, Professor Kehinde Agbele, urged students not to rely excessively on Artificial Intelligence for academic work but to remain intellectually self-sufficient while using AI where necessary. He also encouraged lecturers to scrutinise students' sources, ensure proper referencing and documentation, and called on organisations such as New Horizons Nigeria to collaborate with the University in developing and nurturing technology driven talents.

More Pictures of the event below👇👇

Read More 👇👇https://veniteuniversity.edu.ng/2026/06/03/venite-university-holds-seminar-on-artificial-intelligence-urges-responsible-use-of-emerging-technologies/

Okada, Tricycle riders Assure Oyebanji of massive votes on June 20.

Okada, Tricycle riders Assure Oyebanji of massive votes on June 20.

Commercial motorcyclists (Okada) and tricycle operators in Ekiti State have pledged their unflinching support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election, assuring him of massive votes in appreciation of what they described as his people-oriented policies and excellent working relationship with transport unions. 

The riders gave the assurance during an engagement with the Governor in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, where they commended the Governor for what they described as improved dialogue, better welfare consideration and efforts to stabilize the transport sector across the state. This , according to them have contributed to peace and stability in the state. 

Speaking on behalf of the Okada riders, the Chairman of the association, Mr Kunle Asaolu commended the  Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of transport workers, noting that the administration has consistently responded to the needs of their members across the state.

 He said the governor has demonstrated sincerity and reliability in governance by fulfilling promises made to members of the transport unions.

The Chairman added that the governor's exemplary leadership and inclusive governance have brought unity  and stability among transport workers, particularly through efforts aimed at reconciling previously divided groups within the sector. 

He assured the governor that they would reciprocate the good gestures by mobilizing massive support and votes for his re-election come June 20. 

Also speaking on behalf of the Tricycle riders Association, the Chairman, Mr Kunle Asaolu said there was virtually nothing the transport workers had requested that Governor Oyebanji had not addressed. 

According to him, the governor has remained faithful to his promises and has continued to prioritize the interests of transport operators in the state.

Mr Akinola Alabi praised the Governor for restoring harmony among transport unions through deliberate reconciliation efforts, stressing that the peace being currently enjoyed within the sector is a testament to the administration's commitment to inclusiveness. He pledged that members of the association would repay the governor's support with overwhelming votes whenever the opportunity arises.

In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to the transport workers for the confidence they reposed in him and his administration during the 2022 governorship election despite not knowing him closely at the time, said the trust placed in his government has yielded positive results, adding that the progress recorded in the state was made possible through the support and cooperation of the people.

Emphasizing the importance of the June 20 election, Governor Oyebanji said the date is crucial because it presents an opportunity for Ekiti people to ensure continuity of the developmental strides recorded by his administration. 

“It is also an opportunity to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Ekiti State”, Governor Oyebaniji said. He added  that no previous President had extended such goodwill to the state since its creation. 

The Governor therefore urged the transport workers to come out en masse and vote for the ruling party as a way of encouraging the President to do even more for the state.

“Three and a half years ago, we came to you and asked you to vote for us, you took a gamble, you did not know us but you voted for us and that gamble has paid off today and I must thank you also for maintaining peace with each other.

“For this peace to continue, June 20 is very important to us for two reasons, first, for all these good works you have mentioned can continue, secondly we have a President that has been so good to us in Ekiti state, Ekiti is 29 years old, there is no President that has been this good to us since creation of Ekiti state. So, a President that has been so good to us deserves to be encouraged and the only way to encourage him is by coming out on June 20 and cast your vote for his party”. The Governor asserted

Also present at the forum were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Director-General of the Campaign, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff to the Governor and secretary of the Campaign Council, Mr Niyi Adebayo, among others

Beyond One Day Working Visit: H.E. Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s Multi-Dimensional Impact in Ekiti - ₦1bn ICT Hub, ₦500m Endowment fund, and ₦100m Support for Petty Traders.

Beyond One Day Working Visit: H.E. Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s Multi-Dimensional Impact in Ekiti - ₦1bn ICT Hub, ₦500m Endowment fund, and ₦100m Support for Petty Traders.

The working visit of Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, to Ekiti State on May 31st, 2026, delivered far-reaching interventions across education, innovation, and grassroots economic empowerment.

A major highlight was the commissioning of a ₦1 billion ICT Experience Center at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, facilitated through RHI in partnership with TETFund. 

The multi-storey, fully equipped facility features a modern lecture theatre (100 capacity), office spaces, a common room, an eatery, advanced computer systems and digital workstations, as well as relaxation areas with bunk spaces serving as a mini-hostel for users and researchers. The Center is positioned to drive research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital capacity, including exposure to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Complementing this was the establishment of a ₦500 million endowment fund in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reward the best graduating male and female students of EKSU at every convocation.

In addition, the First Lady disbursed ₦100 million to 2,000 petty traders across the state. This support was not a one-off intervention but part of a sustained annual intervention under the Renewed Hope Initiative to uplift vulnerable entrepreneurs.

The significance of these initiatives was reflected in the caliber of high-profile dignitaries present at the event , including the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; wives of 17 State Governors; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; three former Ekiti First Ladies; the APC National Women Leader, and other distinguished personalities.

Indeed, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s visit to Ekiti State was not merely an event; it was a strategic investment in knowledge, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. From the ₦1 billion ICT Experience Centre to the ₦500 million endowment fund and the sustained ₦100 million empowerment of petty traders, a legacy has been firmly established, one that will continue to inspire generations and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development for years to come.

Your Performance Has Campaigned for you, Ekiti Drivers Tell Oyebanji.

Your Performance Has  Campaigned for you, Ekiti Drivers Tell Oyebanji.

Transport workers in Ekiti State under the aegis of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers of Nigeria (RTEAN) and National Association of Cooperative Transporters (NACT), have declared their support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re- election saying that his impressive performance in office remains his strongest campaign for the June 20 election.

The transport workers maintained that the Governor’s achievements in office, coupled with his positive disposition to transport workers has already done the campaigning for him, adding that his development projects and leadership style have earned him widespread support.

Speaking during a strategic engagement with the Governor in Ado Ekiti on Monday, the NURTW Chairman, Chief Omotayo Falope, said all road transport workers in the state are solidly behind the Governor and will mobilise aggressively for his re-election as a way of thanking the Governor . 

He described the Governor as “God sent”, stressing that his administration’s achievements are unprecedented. The Union leader also stated that the Governor has positively impacted every aspect of the state economy making business easy for them.

RTEAN State Chairman, Mr Sunday Adeola, explained that Governor Oyebanji's road infrastructure has eased the pains of road users as well as transport owners. 

He listed some of the roads to include Ado-Ekiti internal roads, Itawure-Okemesi road, Ara-Ikole-isinbode road, Ijelu-itapa-Omu road, Ikere-ilawe road ; Igbaraodo to Ikogosi road among others

Also speaking, NACT Chairman, Mr Kehinde Afolabi, commended Governor Oyebanji for reconciling all the transport workers unions in the state,  thereby restoring peace and stability within the unions through the appointment of the advisory council for union matters. 

He maintained that the initiative has enhanced harmony among the transport unions and pledged that members of the various transport unions would mobilize aggressively for the governor’s re-election as a way of appreciating him.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji appreciated and commended the transport unions for their support for his administration and for sustaining peace among their members across the state, noting that the level of harmony among the unions is unprecedented and has contributed immensely to the peaceful atmosphere and development being experienced in the state.

Describing the forthcoming election as important to the continued progress in the state, the Governor urged the transport unions to translate talk into action by mobilising massively for his re-election.

Oyebanji attributed the achievements of his administration to the support and ledership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding  that the spate of development being witnessed in the state was made possible by the backing of the Federal Government. He  urged the transport workers to thank the President by voting massively for his party. 

The Governor said “I am just here to thank you for the peace you have maintained in Ekiti, I am extremely grateful to all the three unions for your support, cooperation, understanding and patients with our administration. It is because of this peace that we were able to do everything we are doing, either prompt payment of salaries, construction of roads and hospitals, electricity, water, payment of pension and gratuity and many others.

“As I sat there listening to the Chairman mentioning the roads we have done, I can’t but thank God and also thank President Tinubu. You can see all the roads we are doing across the state and we just awarded some roads again. For this to continue and for us to fulfil all the promises made to you, you must return us back to office.

Also in his remarks, the Director-General of the Governor’s campaign, Council, Sen. Cyryl fasuyi urged the transport unions to mobilise massively for the Governor’s re-election, stressing that sustaining the peace, stability and development being witnessed in the state requires continuity in leadership.

While calling on the unions o ensure overwhelming support for the Governor across the state, Senator Cyril said the campaign target is to secure victory in all the 177 wards in the state.

Also present at the forum were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff to the Governor and secretary of the Campaign Council, Mr Niyi Adebayo, among others.