"We will continue to be friends" BAORESS to Social Democratic Party women.

"We will continue to be friends" BAORESS to Social Democratic Party women.

In what turns out to be a carnival-like atmosphere in Ise-Orun Local Government, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) women turned out in large numbers to receive the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, as she continues her Local Government Areas (LGAs) tour for Women engagement across the state.

The SDP women were led by Mrs. Nike Babatunde, the wife of the Social Democratic Party Honourable representing Ise/Orun at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Omotayo.

The First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, while acknowledging the presence of the SDP women, appreciated them for their support to the government and the Governor. She assured them that the government will continue to be a friend to all and sundry, irrespective of political divides, as the people are already feeling the dividends of democracy.

"We are here today to extend our hand of friendship and cooperation to all the women of Ise-Orun Local Government, regardless of their political affiliations," the First Lady stated. "This government is committed to leaving no one behind in our pursuit of the state's development and prosperity."

The SDP women's leader, Mrs. Nike Babatunde, expressed their unwavering support for the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) administration, stating that they have already witnessed the positive impact of the government's policies and programs in their communities.

"We are here today to reaffirm our support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his administration," Mrs. Babatunde said. "We have seen the progress and development happening in Ekiti State, and we are confident that the Governor will continue to deliver on his promises to the people."

The event was marked by a festive atmosphere, with the SDP and APC women singing and dancing, in support of the Governor and his wife. This unexpected show of unity and cooperation across party lines underscores the growing political maturity in Ekiti State, as leaders prioritize the interests of the people above partisan divides.

NANS Southwest Coordinator Aspirant, Comr. Owolewa Taiwo, Urges Nigerian Students to Stay Resilient on Independence Day.

NANS Southwest Coordinator Aspirant, Comr. Owolewa Taiwo, Urges Nigerian Students to Stay Resilient on Independence Day.

As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, Comr. Owolewa Taiwo, a candidate for NANS Southwest Coordinator, has called on Nigerian students across the nation to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence and to hold on to the hope of a better Nigeria. 

Comr. Owolewa Taiwo NANS Southwest Coordinator Aspirant.

In his message to commemorate the anniversary, Taiwo acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigeria's founding fathers, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello, who played key roles in securing the country's freedom on October 1, 1960. He urged students to draw inspiration from their legacy of courage and determination as they navigate the current challenges in the nation.

"Today, as we reflect on our journey as a nation, I encourage you not to lose faith in Nigeria's potential. Despite the trials we have faced, we are a resilient people, and Nigeria will rise again," Taiwo said.

The aspirant further highlighted the importance of prioritizing education and youth empowerment, stressing that these are critical to shaping a brighter future for the country. He urged students to maintain integrity, stay focused on their goals, and demand accountability from leaders.

"As your NANS Southwest Coordinator hopeful and an advocate for change, I pledge to agitate for your needs, amplify your voices, foster unity and inclusivity, and promote academic excellence," he added.

Comr. Owolewa Taiwo concluded his message with a rallying call for students to support one another and continue striving for success, underscoring that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of the youth.

"Together, we will shape Nigeria's future. God bless Nigeria, and God bless Nigerian students," he said.

Ekiti State Governor, Oyebanji, Bags Governor of the Year in Inclusive Political Leadership.

Ekiti State Governor, Oyebanji, Bags Governor of the Year in Inclusive Political Leadership.

.…as top brands, individuals win in 2024 EDGE Awards.

The Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has won the the Most Outstanding Governor of the Year (Inclusive Leadership and Grassroots Development) in the 2024 edition of EDGE Awards, organised by Marketing Edge Magazine, Nigeria’s leading Marketing Journal.

At the award held held at the Balmora Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Oyebanji was honoured for his developmental approach to governance, inclusive leadership and uplifting the standard of living in the state.

According to the organisers of the award, Governor Oyebanji, who is marking his second year in office this October, was  honoured for his giant development strides in infrastructure, good governance and promoting peace in the 28 year-old state.

“In two years, Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated capacity and redefined governance in Ekiti State. Through his inclusive governance approach, the governor has been able to involve all the stakeholders; the elites, traditional institutions, artisans, women and youths are all represented and carried along by the governor. Again, for the first time since 1999, Ekiti enjoys unbridled peace among the political class. Oyebanji’s endorsement and acceptability cut across party lines,”

Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Oyebanji, his Special Adviser, Media, Olayinka Oyebode said the award would spur Oyebanji to do more in the uplift of the people of Ekiti State.

He quoted governor Oyebanji as saying that any recognition or award bestowed on him while serving the people of Ekiti State, is dedicated to all the well meaning people of Ekiti State. To this end, the ‘Governor of the Year in Inclusive Political Leadership’ was dedicated by Oyebanji to the people of the state.

 

“To Governor Oyebanji, a passionate leader and committed democrat, political leadership is akin to service to humanity, hence, his determination to spend everyday in office towards developing the state and his people. Until the last minute, Mr. Governor was meant to come in person to receive this because it speaks to some of his core-values but some other pressing state matters sprang up that required his attention.”

Earlier in his welcome address at the colourful event, the Publisher and CEO of MARKETING EDGE, John Ajayi, had stated that the theme of the evening: "Celebrating Excellence Beyond Borders", given the relevance of the award towards boosting the morale of outstanding individuals and brand owners.

Ajayi highlighted the evening's significance, lauding the exceptional efforts of brands and personalities who continue to drive national growth and development. He went on to emphasize the importance of awards ceremonies in recognizing hard work and dedication, noting that such events serve as a powerful reminder of the rewards of perseverance.

"Tonight, we come together to honor the achievements of the most successful brands and individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also contributed immensely to the growth of the economy. These remarkable achievements inspire others to strive for excellence. Awards ceremonies like these celebrate the success of others and inspire those in attendance to continue aiming for greatness.”

Reflecting on the evolution of the awards, Ajayi noted that since its inception in 2013, the EDGE Awards has grown to be a significant industry event, fostering engagement and knowledge-sharing within Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications (IMC) ecosystem. He added that the awards now span industries beyond marketing and advertising, recognizing excellence in sectors such as Oil and Gas, ICT, Insurance, Health Care, and more.

The awards ceremony recognized outstanding achievements across  diverse categories and rewarded leading brands and individuals in corporate Nigeria.

2025 budget will focus on agriculture development- Gov Oyebanji.

2025 budget will focus on agriculture development-  Gov Oyebanji.

…..says Our target is to grow enough food to feed Ekiti people. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated his administration’s commitment to food security for residents of the state through various collaboration with investors in agribusiness and young farmers saying his target for 2025 is to record significant increase in production in the sector to feed the people.

Governor Oyebanji gave this indication while inspecting the Bring Youth Back into Agriculture Project farms in Oke Ako Ekiti, Iyemero Ekiti and Gede in the North senatorial Districts on Saturday. 

The Governor who was accompanied on the visit by some top government officials disclosed that the state’s budget for 2025 would focus more on agriculture, in an effort to ensure food sufficiency and make Ekiti the food basket of the country. 

While noting that his government’s deliberate investment in agriculture was already yielding the desired positive results, the Governor said his government in the last two years, had prioritized investment in agriculture, boost capacity of farmers and create a market for farm produce as part of efforts to enhance food production and tackle food insecurity.

Governor Oyebanji also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing necessary impetus for the state to thrive in agriculture and other sectors, promised that his administration will continue to provide economic opportunities for youths in the state and position them to be employers of labour. 

The Governor added that the State has also improved on its agricultural policies and guaranteed the needed infrastructure and support to drive the State’s agriculture development plans, adding that his administration was looking at ways to scale up food production and make the state self-reliant. 

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said the  2025 budget , aside focusing on agriculture and food security, would prioritize the welfare of citizens, saying his administration in the last two years had done a lot in infrastructure, stressing that he would de-risk the agricultural value chain by scaling up security, provide electricity and rehabilitate roads to farms. 

“I’m superbly excited on the outcome of agriculture strategy, few months ago, we flagged off this programme, ‘bring back our youths into agriculture’ and I believe strongly that the only way to prosperity is productivity and bring our youths back to work, government has to provide the platforms for them.

“We partnered  with our people and  YSJ, a private sector agric company to work out a strategy of bring back our youths to agric where government cleared land for them free of charge, subsidized inputs by fifty percent. I am just going round today to see the outcome of this efforts and I am happy that it has turned round this way. 

“What this has taught me is the fact that Ekiti youths are not lazy, Ekiti youths are productive, they can work and what they need is just the platform. I have always been saying it that Ekiti can rival with any states in the federation, but as a government, we need to provide the platform for people to exhibit their potentials and this is what we have done.

“Next year budget is going to focus on welfare and agriculture, we have done a lot with infrastructure, education and health, the time has come for us to feed our people and my target for next year is to grow enough food to feed Ekiti people.”

At Oke Ako Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji, while applauding the youths for their dexterity and commitment to success of the project, assured the people that his government had already concluded plans to commence rehabilitation of the road from Ayedun to Oke Ako with a pledge to also provide electricity to the town within a short time.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES EX- GENERAL SECRETARY YCE, KUNLE OLAJIDE ON 80TH BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES  EX- GENERAL SECRETARY YCE, KUNLE  OLAJIDE ON 80TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated former Secretary General of Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle Olajide, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

The Efon Alaaye born renowned medical practitioner turns 80 on Sunday, September 29th. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said Ekiti is very lucky to have a distinguished elder like Dr. Olajide as one of its illustrious sons who has contributed immensely to its development as well as the developement of the country. 

According to the Governor, Dr. Olajide has been a great blessing to humanity as a prominent medical practitioner, a politician, a statesman, a community leader, a selfless patriot and an advocate of good governance.

He noted that Dr. Olajide was a prominent leader in the old Ondo State where he offered himself to serve the people before Ekiti State was created,  adding that he has been a great blessing to his home state in different capacities.

Governor Oyebanji hailed Dr Olajide for his efforts during the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State in the areas of contacts, advocacy and being one of the rallying points before the struggle came into fruition on 1st October, 1996.

He added that Dr Olajide has also become a respected voice in the clamour for a better Nigeria and has never shied away from lending his voice to a more equitable and true federalism.

The Governor noted that he was not surprised that Dr Olajide later emerged as the chief scribe of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) because of his worth as a respected Yoruba leader who has a lot to offer for the benefit of his race.

He prayed God to grant Dr Olajide long life, sound health, fulfillment and more fruitful years to serve Ekiti State, the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate our respected leader on his eightieth birthday and pray that God will strengthen him and increase his joy as he continues to age gracefully.”, the Governor added.

Oyebanji Pays Respect to Departed Elemure, Warns Against Infighting.

Oyebanji Pays Respect to Departed Elemure, Warns Against Infighting.

In demonstration of his enormous respect for the traditional institution, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday, paid respect to the departed Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, who recently joined his ancestors after suffering undisclosed illness.

The monarch, who was a retired Police Commissioner and one of the Pelupelu Obas, the highest in the hierarchy of Ekiti traditional rulers, died on May 30, 2024, after reigning for 16 years.

Speaking in Emure Ekiti during the final outing service held in honour of the late monarch, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, urged the community to prioritise peace and eschew infighting that can exacerbate the insecurity being witnessed in the town during the selection process.

Oyebanji, who sympathised with the family and community, said they should take solace in the fact that the late monarch's reign ushered in unprecedented development into the community.

On the likelihood of emerging fierce battle to fill the vacant stool, Oyebanji warned that such should be prevented to avert internal crisis that can stoke disunity and rancour capable of destabilizing the town.

"There is nothing to gain under the atmosphere of crisis. I appeal to you to allow the will of God prevails in who fills the vacant stool. Only God can anoint a king that will make this town great for you.

"Oba Adebayo was a king who stood for peace and development. He was nice and honest. I want you to keep his legacies glowing and shining for the benefit of all of you", the governor counseled.

On the government's entourage were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, among other officials at the state and local government levels. 

In his submission, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti and Chairman, Ekiti State Council of  Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, described the departed monarch as a honest and dependable man, who lived a life of sacrifice for his people.

Oba Faboro urged the town to begin the process for the selection of a new monarch in earnest, saying they shouldn't place high premium on money, but honour and honesty in appointing a new monarch that will replace the deceased monarch.

"I was close to Kabiyesi during his lifetime. He was friendly and honest. In fact, his life was full of fulfilment from his background to his careers and his time as a king. This town witnessed tremendous development under his reign.

"The entire kings of Ekiti urged me to tell you that you shouldn't waste time in selecting a new monarch. You know that if you don't have a king, you may not develop as expected. But in selecting a new king, don't place priority on money, but look for a good, honest and honourable man. God will help you".

Speaking on behalf of the family, Prof Williams Adebayo, applauded the state government for its solidarity and love during the reign of Oba Adebayo, saying such gesture was still being demonstrated after the monarch's demise. 

Enthralled by the large number of the people at the spiritual event, the academic, said the mammoth crowd further substantiated the widespread impression that the late monarch served the town with honour and dignity .

In his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye, appealed to the town to form a united front against kidnappers and killers terrorising the people  along Emure-Eporo-Emure Ile road.

The Cleric urged the town to sustain the good legacies Oba Adebayo left behind, describing this as the best way to get the requisite consolation after losing such a priceless and distinguishable  monarch .

OYEBANJI COMMISERATES WITH AKWA IBOM GOV OVER WIFE’S DEATH.

OYEBANJI COMMISERATES WITH AKWA IBOM GOV OVER WIFE’S DEATH.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has commiserated with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his wife,  Mrs Patience Umo Eno.

The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Mrs Eno’s death as a monumental loss not only to Governor Eno’s immediate family, but to Akwa Ibom State and the  entire country.

Governor Oyebanji said he received the news of the demise of the Akwa Ibom First Lady with extreme shock and deep sorrow describing her loss as unfortunate and devastating. 

He said the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Ekiti State are with the government and people of Akwa Ibom State who are in a state of mourning on the transition of the state’s First Lady.

Governor Oyebanji said the absence of the Akwa Ibom Governor's wife will be sorely felt by children, women, physically challenged and the vulnerable segment of the population of her state whom she had so far touched during her husband's tenure.

He described Mrs Eno as a godly, compassionate, generous and virtuous woman and a devout Christian who served God and humanity to the best of her ability in her lifetime.

Governor Oyebanji urged Governor Eno to keep his faith steady and strong in God during this period of grief, noting that it is only the Almighty that can sustain the bereaved who is mourning the death of a loved one.

"On behalf of my wife, Olayemi, my family, the Government and the people of Ekiti State, we express our condolences on the passage of our dear Mrs Eno. May God grant the deceased eternal repose and give Governor Eno, his family the government and the people of Akwa Ibom the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.", the Governor added.