OYEBANJI: A FORWARD-LOOKING LEADER PRIORITISING DEVELOPMENT AND EKITI’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION.

OYEBANJI: A FORWARD-LOOKING LEADER PRIORITISING DEVELOPMENT AND EKITI’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION.

The resumption of official duties by Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, immediately after his two-week annual leave is another clear demonstration of the character of a forward-looking leader who understands that governance is a continuous responsibility and that development must remain at the heart of public administration.

Rather than returning from his leave to engage in mere ceremonial activities, Governor Oyebanji went straight to the field to inspect major ongoing projects across the State. For about four hours, the Governor personally assessed the progress of critical projects, interacted with contractors and supervising Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and sought assurances on quality, standards and timely completion.

This hands-on approach deserves commendation. Leadership is not only about making policies from the comfort of an office; it is also about going to the project sites, identifying challenges, demanding accountability and ensuring that public resources are translated into tangible infrastructure and improved quality of life for the people.

The projects inspected — including the newly acquired Ground Handling Equipment and Aviation Fuel Dump at the Ekiti Agro-Allied Airport, the ultra-modern 80-bed facility at EKSUTH, the reconstruction of the Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park and the new Ekiti State High Court Complex — represent investments with the potential to strengthen Ekiti's infrastructure, healthcare, aviation, tourism, justice system and broader economic prospects.

Governor Oyebanji's development philosophy goes beyond constructing physical infrastructure. These projects are components of a broader vision to position Ekiti State for sustainable economic transformation. A functional airport can stimulate investment, tourism and commerce. Modern healthcare infrastructure can improve human capital and attract professional expertise. Quality public spaces can enhance tourism and the urban environment, while a modern judicial complex can strengthen institutional efficiency and investor confidence.

This is why Governor Oyebanji deserves commendation for consistently placing development above political rhetoric. His approach demonstrates an understanding that the real measure of governance is the extent to which government projects and policies create opportunities, improve livelihoods and build a stronger foundation for future generations.

His re-election by the people of Ekiti State on June 20 is, therefore, not merely a political victory; it is also a vote of confidence in a development-oriented administration and its direction for the State. The forthcoming inauguration of his second term will provide another opportunity to consolidate the gains of the first administration and pursue even more ambitious programmes for Ekiti.

The people of Ekiti should expect a second term characterised by greater consolidation, accelerated infrastructure development, economic expansion, job creation, investment attraction and stronger institutional capacity.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has demonstrated that leadership is about vision, commitment, accountability and the courage to turn plans into reality. His immediate return to project inspection after his annual leave is another indication that he remains focused on the task of building an economically stronger, more prosperous and better-positioned Ekiti State.

As Ekiti enters another phase of its development journey, the State needs continuity, stability and purposeful leadership. Governor Oyebanji's record and renewed commitment provide a solid platform upon which the State can build.

"Ekiti's future is not merely about what we have today, but about what we are deliberately building for tomorrow. Governor Oyebanji's development agenda is pointing in that direction." Arch. Tope Ogunleye.

RST Media Team.

EKITI GUBER TRIBUNAL ADMITS OYEBANJI, OTHERS' PRE-HEARING REPORTS.

EKITI GUBER TRIBUNAL ADMITS OYEBANJI, OTHERS' PRE-HEARING REPORTS.

...Full hearing commences on Monday.

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti has admitted the pre-hearing reports as adopted by parties before it in the petition arising from the governorship election held on June 20, 2026 in Ekiti State.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi at the sitting held on Thursday said the three-member panel has taken the report as adopted by parties in the case to pave way for commencement of hearing on Monday, September 14.

The pre-hearing reports were filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Isaac Adebayo Alade;  who are the 1st and 2nd Petitioners and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Biodun Oyebanji who are the 1st and 2nd Respondents in the case with Petition Number EPT/EK/GOV/02/2026.

The Tribunal also received the pre-hearing reports filed by Action Alliance (AA) and its governorship candidate, Matthew Olu Omotoso; who are the 1st and 2nd Petitioners as well as INEC and Governor Oyebanji who are the 1st and 2nd Respondents in the case with Petition Number EPT/EK/GOV/03/2026.

The Thursday's sitting formally brought an end to pre-hearing formalities at the Tribunal with parties now expected to prepare for the full trial of the petition filed by both SDP and AA which scored 179 votes and 126 votes respectively at the June governorship poll.

The three-member jury which also includes Justice Justice Aminu Tukur and Justice Maurice Okediya also admitted the pre-hearing reports submitted by INEC and Governor Oyebanji through their legal teams.

Counsels to parties in the two petitions told the panel that they had read the pre-hearing reports exchanged among themselves and that the reports reflected all the issues they had all agreed on to drive the course of the proceedings before the Tribunal.

Counsel to SDP and AA in the two petitions, Paul Ayantoyinbo and counsel to INEC, Bunmi Ogunsakin, told the panel that they have been served with the pre-hearing reports which contain all issues agreed by parties in line with the Practice Direction.

Also, counsel to Oyebanji in the two petitions, Kabir Akingbolu, also told the panel that he has been served with the pre-hearing reports which reflect issues agreed by parties to allow for commencement of hearing.

Akingbolu, however, said the governor's legal team has filed issues for determination before the Tribunal which was dated September 7 with lawyers to other parties in the case admitting that they have been served.

INEC counsel Ogunsakin also told the Tribunal that she has filed a Motion on Notice also dated September which have been served on other parties in the petitions.

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Kutigi, who emphasized the readiness of the panel to give expeditious hearing to the petitions within the time allowed by law urged petitioners' counsel, Ayantoyinbo, to ensure that witnesses are brought to the Tribunal on Monday in order not to give room to any delay.

Justice Kutigi stressed that the petition had been filed in July with hearing commencing in September with the two months interval enough to assemble witnesses needed to facilitate hearing of the governorship case.

The Tribunal chief further told parties that all applications served will be addressed at the adoption of addresses by parties in the petition.

He subsequently adjourned the sitting of the Tribunal to 9.00am on Monday, September 14, for hearing of the petition in which the SDP and its governorship candidate are expected to open their case.

EKITI AT 30: STATE ANNOUNCES YOUTH ESSAY COMPETITION, OFFERS ₦1.5M TOP PRIZE.

EKITI AT 30: STATE ANNOUNCES YOUTH ESSAY COMPETITION, OFFERS ₦1.5M TOP PRIZE.

As part of activities to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State, the Ekiti State at 30 Anniversary Planning Committee has announced a youth essay competition designed to give young Ekiti people a platform to shape the conversation about the future of the State.

The competition, titled “Ekiti at 30: My Dream and Agenda for the Next Thirty Years,” invites young Ekiti people to envision the kind of State they want to see by 2056 and propose practical steps that government, communities, institutions, the private sector and citizens can take today to make that vision possible.

The essay competition is open to Ekiti indigenes aged 18 to 35, whether resident within or outside the State.

Participants are encouraged to explore issues including agriculture and food security; education and human-capital development; technology and innovation; entrepreneurship and job creation; arts, culture and tourism; infrastructure and urban development; healthcare and social protection; governance and civic responsibility; and environmental sustainability.

The Planning Committee said the competition is intended to move beyond the familiar diagnosis of Ekiti's challenges by encouraging young people to develop original, practical and measurable solutions for the State's long-term development.

According to the Committee, preference will be given to essays that clearly connect vision with implementation by addressing what should be done, who should do it, how it could be funded and what results should be expected.

The competition offers the following prizes:

● First Prize: ₦1,500,000, a laptop computer and certificate

● Second Prize: ₦1,000,000, a laptop computer and certificate

● Third Prize: ₦750,000, a laptop computer and certificate

● Seven other finalists: ₦100,000 each and a certificate of distinction

The winners will be announced and presented with their prizes at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit, scheduled for October 7, 2026, in Ado-Ekiti.

The Committee said the initiative is also aimed at identifying young writers, thinkers and policy innovators whose ideas can contribute to Ekiti's long-term development agenda.

The top ten essays will be edited and published in a commemorative publication, while the finalists will be invited to an Ekiti Youth Futures Forum scheduled for December. 

The strongest proposals emerging from the competition will also be compiled and presented to the State Government as a proposed “Youth Agenda for Ekiti 2056.”

According to the committee, entries, interested participants should visit www.ekitistate.gov.ng/ essay to submit their essay, while entries  will be accepted from September 11 to September 28, 2026.

𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗢𝘆𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗧'𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝟭𝟬𝟱𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟱𝟵 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀.

𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗢𝘆𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗧'𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝟭𝟬𝟱𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟱𝟵 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has again disbursed cash and materials worth  a whopping sum of N105 million to 159 rainstorm and flood victims, urging the residents to heed the warnings of the Nigeria Metrological Agency(NIMET), by clearing drainages and stop blocking the waterways that could stoke ravaging water flow . 

NIMET had in its 2026 well publicised  rain prediction handed down recently, captured Ekiti as one of the states likely to witness flooding as the raining season assumes its peak, which can lead to wanton destruction of property and death, if allowed to happen.

Besides cash, other relief materials  distributed were: roofing sheets, bags of cement, roofing nails, food items, planks  and other consumables .

Speaking during the distribution, on Thursday, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, bemoaned the upsurge of rainstorm and flooding occurrences in recent time, which he attributed to laxity and indiscretion on the parts of many of the property owners. 

The governor regretted how the people's property were being  destroyed , turning house owners to refuge seekers due to displacement suffered through ravaging flooding and rainstorm attacks, saying only collective efforts can halt these sordid scenarios and incidences. 

"In recent months, many of our communities have experienced the devastating effects of flooding and destructive rainstorms. Homes were destroyed, farmlands washed away, and families displaced. Behind every damaged roof and collapsed wall is a story of pain and hardship. 

"But today, again we are here to say: Government sees you. Government feels your pain. And Government is with you.This administration remains committed to the welfare and wellbeing of every Ekiti citizen. That is why, upon receiving reports from the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Governor  Oyebanji immediately approved this intervention to bring succour to those affected. 

"Let me appeal to all Ekiti people. Climate change is real. We must desist from building on waterways. We must clear our drainages and take early warning information from EKSEMA and NIMET seriously.

"Prevention is far better and cheaper than cure.On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I pray that God will restore all that has been lost and that our state will be spared from future disasters.It is now my honour and privilege",

Oyebanji revealed that his government from year 2022 to date, had assisted victims of rainstorms with a total sum of N460.8 million , while victims of fire disaster got assistance worth N184,6 million. 

The governor , who  commended EKSEMA for the swift assessment, verification and transparent process, applauded the  Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their collaborations and support for grassroots'  sensitisation and campaigns. 

Canvassing solid support for the anti-flooding campaigns of government to be successful, the General Manager, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Oludare Asaolu, said the government had expended huge amounts to help the  victims rebuild their losses since 2022 and to spearhead sensitisation programmes across the 16 councils on how to mitigate flooding and rainstorm attacks.

The SEMA Boss warned residents and developers against building on waterways and flood prone areas, promising that his agency will continue to monitor situations and take proactive actions that will reduce natural disasters in the state. 

"We have to be cautious of rainstorm and flooding. These can cause serious economic crisis to us. It is not about water disaster alone, we should be careful of fire in our homes. Many houses had got burnt due to electricity sparks. This is the more reason why you should off your lights while leaving home and correct all electrical faults to prevent fire surge that can destroy your property".

Hyping the fact that rainstorm and flooding effects could be devastating and cause economic and psychological crises to people, the  National Emergency Management Agency's head of operations in Ekiti and Ondo States, Mr Olanrewaju Kazim, said NIMET had predicted more torrential rainfall in the month of September, which he said makes it imperative for the people to take measures that could safeguard their property. 

Appreciating the government for the gestures on behalf of the beneficiaries, former Chairman of Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area, Hon Larne Omolase and Mr Peter Akomokafe, praised the government for the swift intervention, saying it will go a long way in helping them rebuild their losses and begin a new life. 

Dignitaries at the event included : member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle Okiemen, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Director General, Office of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso, DG, office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Mr. John Moyo Ekundayo, the Chairman, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Demola Bello, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, representatives of security chiefs, community leaders, among others.

𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗜 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡.

𝗘𝗞𝗜𝗧𝗜 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡.

Public and private schools in Ekiti will resume for the first term of the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.

Dr. Aderiye said the first term would run for 13 weeks, from Monday, September 14 to Friday, December 11, 2026.

She urged school administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to take note of the resumption date and ensure full compliance.

The commissioner stressed that academic activities would commence immediately to safeguard the integrity of the academic calendar.

Dr. Aderiye reiterated the state government’s commitment to quality service delivery in the education sector, assuring parents, teachers and other stakeholders of continued implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving teaching and learning.

She said the government would also continue to support initiatives designed to enhance the academic performance of students in both local and national examinations.

The commissioner further charged parents and guardians to adequately prepare their children and wards for resumption.

She also urged proprietors of private schools to ensure that their institutions were fully prepared to receive students for a smooth commencement of the new academic session.

HON. IDOWU ODEBUNMI HAILS GOVERNOR OYEBANJI OVER ONGOING REMODELLING OF EKITI ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, SALUTES HIS RESPECT FOR SEPARATION OF POWERS.

HON. IDOWU ODEBUNMI HAILS GOVERNOR OYEBANJI OVER ONGOING REMODELLING OF EKITI ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, SALUTES HIS RESPECT FOR SEPARATION OF POWERS.

The Honourable Member representing Oye Constituency II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi, popularly known as ID ALUTA, has commended the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for the ongoing remodelling of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Complex.

Hon. Odebunmi described the project as a significant investment in the legislative arm of government, noting that the remodelling is providing a more conducive and modern environment for legislative business while further enhancing the digitalisation of the Assembly.

Speaking after the House resumed from its recess, Hon. ID ALUTA particularly saluted Governor Oyebanji's leadership acumen and his commitment to the principle of separation of powers. He noted that the Governor's respect for the independence of the legislature and his non-interference in legislative affairs have continued to strengthen the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.

According to him, “The remodelling of the Assembly Complex is not just about infrastructure; it is about creating the right environment for effective legislation, quality representation and responsive governance. We appreciate Mr. Governor for recognising the importance of a functional legislature to the development of Ekiti State.”

Hon. Odebunmi also commended the Governor for the various developmental projects ongoing across the state, particularly initiatives targeted at empowering young people and securing a prosperous future for the Ekiti youth.

He said the administration's focus on youth development, infrastructure and human capital investment demonstrates a clear understanding that the future of Ekiti belongs to its young people.

The lawmaker further expressed confidence in the Governor's leadership, stating that Ekiti State is fortunate to have a leader who has demonstrated commitment to good governance, development and institutional respect.

He added that the people of Ekiti State have every reason to support the Governor's quest for a second term, describing Governor Oyebanji's re-election as an opportunity to consolidate on the achievements of the administration.

“Ekiti is lucky to have Governor Biodun Oyebanji. His second term will provide an opportunity to consolidate the gains already recorded and take our dear state to,” to greater heights. As legislators, we remains committed to supporting policies and programmes that will brings meaningful development to our people," he stated.

2027: Balarabe Akinwumi Promises Aponmu Community New Lease of Life After Years of Neglect.

2027: Balarabe Akinwumi Promises Aponmu Community New Lease of Life After Years of Neglect.

...As Community Members Seek Improved Infrastructure, Basic Amenities.

Hon. Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, has assured residents of Aponmu Community in Ward 1, Akure South Local Government Area, of his commitment to championing the development of the community if elected to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

Akinwumi gave the assurance on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during his ongoing ward-to-ward engagement across the constituency, when he visited the community as part of efforts to interact directly with residents, listen to their concerns and discuss issues affecting their development.

The visit attracted a large gathering of residents, community leaders, party members and supporters, who received the candidate and members of his campaign team.

The engagement provided an opportunity for residents to point out some of the challenges confronting the community, particularly the state of infrastructure and access to basic amenities.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Pastor Philip said Aponmu had experienced limited government intervention in terms of infrastructure over the years, noting that some of the major projects executed in the community dated back more than a decade.

According to him, the roads, hospital and street solar lighting provided during the administration of former Senator Patrick Ayo Akinyelure represented some of the major government interventions the community had witnessed in recent years.

He said the people were encouraged by the political activities of Akinyelure, who is also contesting the 2027 election under the ADC platform, as well as the emergence of Akinwumi as the party's candidate for the House of Representatives.

“Now that we have Hon. Akinwumi, who has been impacting lives even when he was not a political office holder, we believe that when he emerges, multiple and rapid development will come to our community”, he said.

Responding to the concerns raised by the community, Akinwumi said the visit was primarily an opportunity to listen to the people and understand their experiences, stressing that effective representation must begin with regular engagement with constituents. He assured the residents that their concerns would form part of his considerations as he seeks to represent the constituency at the federal level.

The candidate said communities such as Aponmu should not be left outside the development process, noting that elected representatives have a responsibility to identify the needs of their constituents and pursue appropriate interventions through legislative representation and collaboration with relevant government agencies.

He emphasised that representation in the National Assembly should go beyond political appearances, stressing the importance of maintaining regular contact with the people and ensuring that the concerns of communities are properly articulated at the appropriate levels of government.

The visit formed part of Akinwumi's ongoing grassroots engagements across the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The candidate has, in recent weeks, been undertaking ward-level engagements aimed at strengthening contact with party members, community leaders and residents across the constituency.