Ekiti Knowledge Zone 'll Be Nigeria's Innovation, Job Creation Hub- President Tinubu.

Ekiti Knowledge Zone 'll Be Nigeria's Innovation, Job Creation Hub- President Tinubu.

...project 'll create 100,000 jobs, Oyebanji assures.

The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for sustaining and promoting the spirit behind the concept of Ekiti Knowledge Zone(EKZ), saying the project has a good prognosis of becoming a viable Nigeria's hub of Innovations, research and skill development in the future. 

The President described Ekiti as the home of scholars and posited that the EKZ, as a state government propelled investment, is capable of radicalising  the potentials of talented Nigerians and serve as a launchpad for their relevance at the global stage. 

The President spoke  on Tuesday, during the turning of the sod  for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone located at Ago Araromi in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said education remained the most viable  inheritance of Ekiti people and commended Governor Oyebanji for  demonstrating  visionary leadership in governing the State through strategic alliances with critical stakeholders. 

Describing the EKZ project as a masterpiece, the President said it  was  in alignment with Singaporean vision that any economy can be unlocked  through education and  technological innovation, assuring Governor Oyebanji and the entire  citizens of  the federal Government’s support to make the project thrive. 

"Under President Tinubu's administration, we are gradually  moving from dependency to sustainability and self sufficiency. We are determined to encourage research, innovation and technological development to create jobs for our teeming youths. 

"We are focused about this and I thank Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his leadership and initiative".

Also speaking at the event , Governor Oyebanji revealed that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone   was conceptualised to unlock the hidden potentials of Ekiti citizens and make the state the frontliner in skill, innovation, research and human capital  development worldwide. 

The governor said Ekiti has been known to be intellectual hub and for having the highest number of Professors in the country, who deserves serious attention in the area of innovation. 

He added  that the project commenced August 12, 2013 under Governor Kayode Fayemi-led government, with the intention to build the potentials of Ekiti citizens. 

Oyebanji stated that he decided to sustain the EKZ in demonstration of the continuity agenda of his government as well as making significant investment in technology, industrial development, healthcare , research, science and innovation, and many other pivotal areas of the economy that would make Ekiti epicentre of development . 

"This project is part of the 30 years Development Plan of this administration in its efforts to unlock the economic potentials of our state. And we are happy that we  had been able to raise $80 million financial capital  through the federal government and African Development Bank. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and AfDB  for approving the deal.

"You could all remember that that the EKZ was designated as a Free Trade Zone by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. This EKZ is not only going to be the giant of innovation in Africa, but it represents a world class economic ecosystem that will serve as a catalyst for industrial development, innovation, job creation, opportunities for technology driven industries and skill acquisition platform.

"I am glad to inform you that the first phase when fully  completed, over 20,000 jobs will be created in line with the local contents policy of our administration, while the entire phases is to generate about 100,000 jobs covering  areas like research, science, technology, industry and education development".

The Chief Executive Officer of CCECC, the contractor handling the project, Eric Shem, applauded the federal, state and African Development Bank for their partnership, saying their lofty contributions demonstrated how committed they are to the development of the human capital in the country. 

Shem said the programme will change the future of the country by attracting investments and build the human capital, assuring that the project will be completed in record time to create employment opportunities and to meet other demands. 

High profile figures at  the ceremony were: the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye,  Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker  of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, former Governor Segun Oni, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Hon Ibrahim Masari, the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, commissioners, Special Advisers, political and community leaders, among others.

APC TO INAUGURATE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL FOR EKITI STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION.

APC TO INAUGURATE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL FOR EKITI STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) will formally inaugurate its National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election as follows:

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Venue: Kashim Shettima Hall, Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Time: 12:00 Noon.

The National Campaign Council chaired by Governor Uba Sani has the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio as Co-Chairman, and Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele as Secretary.

The Council comprised of serving and former governors, principal officers of the National Assembly, and other eminent Party leaders is tasked with coordinating and driving the Party's campaign activities ahead of the Ekiti State Governorship Election.

To ensure effective planning and campaign coordination, various subcommittees have been constituted to lead the Party’s activities in key areas, including Election Planning and Management; Finance and Resource Mobilisation; Grassroots Engagement and Mobilisation; Logistics and Campaign Management; Protocol; Media and Publicity; Security; Women's Mobilisation; Youth Mobilisation; and Secretariat Functions.

The inauguration is an important part of activities to kick start mobilization across Ekiti State towards a victorious outing in the upcoming governorship election.

Signed:

Felix Morka, CON

National Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress

Ekiti farmers support Oyebanji’s re-election campaign with N5m, pledge 50,000 votes.

Ekiti farmers support Oyebanji’s re-election campaign with N5m, pledge 50,000 votes.

… As Gov discloses plan to boost security with 1,000 forest rangers.

Farmers in Ekiti State, under the aegis of All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) have donated a sum of five million naira to the re-election campaign of the state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, citing the need for continuity of his positive dosposition to agriculture developement as well as developments in other  critical sectors of the economy for their decision.

The farmers made the donation during an engagement with the Governor at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s office, Ado- Ekiti on Monday also assured the Governor that no fewer than fifty thousand farmers will vote to re- elect him in the June 20 election as a way of demonstrating their appreciation and backing for his administration.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the National Vice President (Youth) and the State Chairman of AFAN, Chief Tunde Adeyemi and Mr Sunday Adekogbon respectively, cited the Governor Oyebanji’s tractorization programme, subsidized farm inputs, rural roads rehabilitation and construction as well as empowerment programme as some of the reasons for supporting his re-election.

The farmers said the Oyebanji administration from inception has been treating farmers like kings, having prioritized agribusiness development which has repositioned  agriculture from subsistence level to an investment-driven venture.

“As stakeholders in the agricultural sector, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting your administration's vision. Together, we can strengthen food security, empower young people through agriculture, create employment opportunities, attract investment, and position Ekiti State as one of Nigeria's leading agricultural states.”

While describing the Governor as one of the most progressive subnational agricultural models in Nigeria through his deliberate policies, strategic investments, and consistent engagement with farmers, the farmers said Oyebanji has been able to turn the state into a reference point for agricultural development, food security advancement, and rural transformation. 

The farmers also expressed their appreciation for Governor Oyebanji’s aggressive rural road infrastructure with particular emphasis to the construction and rehabilitation of the Aba-Ibadan-Igbara-Odo Road and the Agamo-Ipere-Iludun Road which have provided direct access to farms and significantly eased movement of farm inputs, equipment, and harvested produce to and from the farms. 

Governor Oyebanji in his response, expressed deep appreciation for the farmers’ financial support for his re-election bid and assured them that his administration will not relent in its efforts to reposition the sector as a pathway to job and wealth creation.

“What is happening today is a bit shocking to me and I get emotional when things like this happen because ideally, it should be people like us that should be supporting you, but when farmers congregate together and donate money to a cause, it speaks volume and I really want to thanks and say God bless you. 

“Things like this impose a lot of responsibility on me to ensure that I continue to do those things that are pleasing to God and to you.” The Governor added.

Disclosing some of his plans and policies aimed at further boosting agriculture in the state, Governor Oyebanji said his administration was at the verge of employing 1,000 forest rangers in the drive to provide adequate and effective security for farmers to enable them function in secure environment as well as put a stop to threat of banditry and cattle grazing of farms.

He added that his government is executing a 1,000km rural road upgrades targeting farming communities in the drive to connect remote agricultural areas and help reduce post-harvest losses and boost grassroots economy.

Oyebanji also  commended President Bola Tinubu for providing necessary resources and infrastructure to boost food security and empower young farmers noting that the federal funding has been critical in scaling agribusiness, clearing lands, and attracting youths back to farming in Ekiti State.

“The rural roads that we are doing we've only done like 135 kilometres, we have awarded close to 400 kilometres, we are going to 1,000 kilometres. Before I came here we also had another approval from Islamic Development Bank for rural roads totalling over 600 kilometres, so by the time we do that we'll have done, upgraded and put asphalt on nearly all the farms roads in the state. 

“The other one we are doing that is very important to you is to secure the environment, and that is why we got the agro rangers, and very soon we are going to put on the field 1,000 forest rangers just to ensure, because you need to function in a secure environment and you realize that the rates of banditry, cattle grazing on farms has gone down a bit. He stated.

Also at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo among others.

Ekiti Muslim Leaders Pledge 150,000 Votes for Gov Oyebanji's Re-Election.

Ekiti Muslim Leaders Pledge 150,000 Votes for Gov Oyebanji's Re-Election.

…As Gov promises More impactful Second term.

Ahead of the June 20 Governorship election in Ekiti State, Muslim Leaders across the 16 local government areas  of the State have pledged to mobilize and deliver no fewer than 150,000 votes for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term, citing his inclusive style of governance, commitment to the welfare of citizens and for championing religious harmony in the state for their decision.

The Muslim leaders disclosed this on Sunday during an engagement with the Governor at the residence of the Chief Imam and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta States, Sheik (Dr) jamiu Kewulere Bello. 

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Bello, President Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji (Dr) Ahmed Bakare; members of the Supreme Council, Chief Imams from the 16 local government areas of the state, as well as representatives of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO). 

Speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, Sheik Bello commended Governor Oyebanji for carrying all segments of the state along in governance, describing him as a leader who has demonstrated fairness, humility and a genuine commitment to the development of Ekiti State without discrimination on religion or political affiliation.

The President-General noted that Governor Oyebanji’s outstanding performance in office is a reflection of his sound upbringing, vast experience and proper political tutelage. He described him as a well-prepared leader who understands the demands of governance, stressing that his impressive achievements across various sectors had earned him the confidence of the Muslim community. 

He assured the Governor of full support by Muslims to ensure he gets a second term in office. 

Also in his remarks, the President Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Bakare, said the Muslim community had never had it so good in the state. He noted that over 50 Muslims currently hold various positions in the current administration, describing the gesture as unprecedented in the history of the state and a clear reflection of fairness and inclusion.

Also in their separate remarks, the Chief Imams of Ansar -ur-deen in Ado Ekiti Sheik Abdulai Mutoib and the Coordinator of NACOMYO, Mudasiru Yusulf said the Muslim Community has already identified over 150,000 Muslims with valid voter cards and have already set up a machinery to track and ensure they vote for the Governor as a demonstration of their appreciation for the Governor’s inclusive governance style, people-oriented policies and programmes.

In his response, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the Muslim community for their prayers, loyalty and support for his administration. He said the purpose of his visit was not to canvass for votes, but to convey his appreciation to them and seek continued prayers for the success of his administration and the forthcoming election.

Governor Oyebanji said contrary to the belief that second term governors often underperform, he said he intends to deliver more impactful projects and programme across sectors  in his second term would deliver even more impactful projects and programmes. 

He urged the Muslim faithful to continue to support his administration’s efforts in building a more prosperous and united Ekiti State for the present and future generations, adding that his government remains committed to sustaining peace, religious harmony and inclusive governance.

“My coming here today is not to canvass for vote because I know you Will vote for me, I am here for three reasons: First,  is to come and thank you, second is to come and seek for your prayers, and the third is that I don’t want to take you for granted, I see all you are doing and I know you are ready for the election but that doesn’t not mean I should now take you for granted.

“From what the Alfa said that there is this fear, which is genuine, that most Governors when elected for second term will believe they are not contesting again and might not perform well, but whoever knows there is tomorrow will not do that. Second term is the most critical, it is better to serve once and leave than to mess up in the second term”, the Governor asserted.

Also present at the event were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioner for Regional Development and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Dr Kareem Makanjuola, Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof Akeem Azeez, Permanent Secretary, Governor’s Office, Mr Taju Adejumo, among others.

Hon. Akinwumi Urges Government to Intensify Efforts to Rescue Oyo Abductees, Prays for Safe Release.

Hon. Akinwumi Urges Government to Intensify Efforts to Rescue Oyo Abductees, Prays for Safe Release.

Hon. Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the 43 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Akinwumi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election representing Akure South/North Federal Constituency, made the appeal over the weekend during the Juvenile Harvest 2026 celebration at the Celestial Church of Christ, Ondo State Archdiocesan Headquarters, Agunloye Cathedral, Isikan, Akure.

It will be recalled that on May 15, 2026, armed bandits reportedly carried out coordinated attacks on three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 36 pupils and seven teachers.

Speaking at the event, Akinwumi urged both the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Oyo State Government to take decisive action to secure the victims' freedom.

He said, "Both the President Tinubu-led Federal Government and the Oyo State Government must step up their efforts and leave no stone unturned in rescuing the victims. They must rise to their responsibilities. Those children and their teachers cannot remain in captivity indefinitely. Governments, in collaboration with all security agencies, must intensify efforts to bring them back alive."

Akinwumi also used the occasion to offer prayers for the safe and speedy return of the abductees to their families.

APC WELCOMES VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA TO EKITI ON WORKING VISIT.

APC WELCOMES VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA TO EKITI ON WORKING VISIT.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State Chapter, warmly welcomes His Excellency, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, to Ekiti State on a one-day working visit on Tuesday, 9th June 2026.

The visit, undertaken on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, brings the signature of the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda directly to Ekiti, where it finds expression in Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s “Shared Prosperity” blueprint.

According to Segun Dipe, Publicity Secretary of the Party in the State, Vice President Shettima is expected to commission the 1.2-kilometre Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Flyover at Okeyinmi, a signature infrastructure project of the Oyebanji administration. He will also perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the sprawling Ekiti Knowledge Zone, in addition to inaugurating and commissioning other notable projects. These projects embody the convergence of “Renewed Hope” at the federal level and “Shared Prosperity” at the state level.

This will be the second visit to Ekiti by the Vice President since assuming office. During his first visit in May 2024, he inaugurated the Omisanjana–Deeper Life–Ajebandele Road and an MSME clinic, among other projects.

Dipe noted that the return of the Vice President to Ekiti underscores the Tinubu administration’s confidence in the direction of governance under Governor Oyebanji, and the growing alignment between federal priorities and state delivery.

Ekiti APC notes that the visit deepens federal-state collaboration on infrastructure and economic development, and reaffirms the administration’s resolve to work with the Federal Government, development agencies and the private sector to deliver prosperity for Ekiti people.

Beyond concrete and steel, this visit sends a clear political signal. The partnership between President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” and Governor Oyebanji’s “Shared Prosperity” is visible, verifiable, and delivering results. Ekiti people can see the difference in roads built, projects commissioned, pensions paid, and systems strengthened.

With the governorship election slated for June 20, 2026, and the presidential election for January 2027, the Vice President’s presence reinforces what voters already know: continuity works. The projects being inaugurated during this visit are assurances that tomorrow will be better under the same team. Ekiti APC is confident that the impact of this visit, and the track record it celebrates, will translate into overwhelming support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye, on June 20, and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. When service meets the ballot, the people choose progress.

Ekiti APC welcomes the Vice President and the entire federal delegation. We are confident that the projects being inaugurated and flagged off will expand opportunity, attract investment, and improve the quality of life for our people.

Signed:

Segun Dipe  

Publicity Secretary  

All Progressives Congress, APC  

Ekiti State

𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗠 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔 𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗜.

𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗠 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔 𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗜.

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, will be in Ekiti State, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 for a one-day working visit.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will lead top state officials to receive the Vice President on arrival at the Ekiti Agro Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado Ekiti.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima, who will be representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will perform ground breaking for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ). He will also commission the newly built Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) along old Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti.

The Vice President will also commission the newly constructed 1.2 kilometers Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Flyover at Okeyinmi, in Ado Ekiti, one of the legacy projects of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration. 

Tuesday’s visit will be Vice President Shettima’s second official visit to Ekiti State. It is recalled that the Vice President  had earlier in May 2024, paid a similar visit to the State where he inaugurated the Omisanjana- Deeper Life- Ajebandele Road and the MSMSE clinic in Ado -Ekiti, among other official activities. 

Governor Oyebanji says adequate arrangement have been made to make the visit of the Vice President to the State a memorable one.

Strategic collaboration with the Federal Government, other sub national governments, relevant institutions, local and international development agencies, as well as the private sector remains a strong point in the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration’s development agenda.