Airport: Ekiti Pays N300m Compensation to 377 Land Owners.

Airport: Ekiti Pays N300m Compensation to 377 Land Owners.

…..Says airport ‘ll uplift Ekiti’s Agric, tourism viabilities.

….warns land owners against disturbing contractors on sites.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, paid a whopping sum of N300 million to 377 land owners , whose property were acquired for the construction of the Ekiti State Agro Allied Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti capital city.

Dispelling insinuation that the airport project was a misplaced priority, Oyebanji posited that the facility was intended to expand the state’s economy, open a new vista of economic opportunities, investments and bolster industrial drives.

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, while disbursing cheques to land owners from Ijan, Igbemo, Afao, Iworoko and others, whose lands and economic trees were acquired to give way for the construction of the Airport facility.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the event marks the third and last tranche of compensation payments to individuals and families affected by the land acquisition for the realisation of the ambitious Ekiti State Cargo Airport facility.

The governor, however, advised those whose lands were acquired in public interest and have not been compensated not to disturb contractors on sites, assuring that all their expectations shall be met to indemnify their losses.

He clarified further that the vision behind the airport was to build an airport that will not only improve the state’s connectivity to national and international markets, but would also serve as a gateway for agriculture, commerce, and tourism to fuel local businesses.

The governor assured that no effort will be dissipated to unravel the gains inherent in the facility for Ekiti people when fully berthed and operational, saying creating atmosphere of abundance remains the focus of his administration.

“The Ekiti State Cargo Airport Project was conceived not just as an infrastructural achievement, but as a critical pillar in our mission to drive economic diversification, stimulate local industry, and create new opportunities for the people of Ekiti.

“We have a vision of an airport that will not only improve the state’s connectivity to national and international markets but also serve as a gateway for agriculture, commerce, and tourism, fueling local business growth and attracting investments that will benefit our communities”.

Oyebanji saluted the farmers and landowners for their sacrifices, commitments and patience, saying the payment of compensation was geared towards appreciating their patriotism to a lofty and common cause.

“The claimants we are honouring here today have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the future of Ekiti, agreeing to adjust their lives for a greater good that will ultimately benefit every citizen of this state.

“To you, the landowners, I say: thank you for your patience and understanding.Today’s ceremony marks the disbursement of the third and final tranche of compensation to 377 claimants.

“Let this be a testament to our administration’s dedication to fulfilling its promises. We understand that the prompt and fair compensation of those affected is not only a legal obligation but a moral one. Our sacrifice and cooperation with this administration are deeply valued”, he said.

Oyebanji added that his government is focused on creating a propitious environment, where every Ekiti citizen can feel the positive impact of the airport facility, through increased business opportunities, job creation, and upward infrastructural improvements.

Addressing the claimants, the Special Adviser to the governo Geographic Information System, Lands and Survey, Prof. James Olaleye, said the compensation serves as indemnity against losses suffered by the land owners, which he said would help in putting a sooting balm on their pains.

“I hope those concerned will understand the genuine efforts of the present government to bring all their worries to past. I hereby assure all the claimants who are being owed compensations for other project sites, that very soon, all their dues will be settled.

“Let me urge our people to refrain from disturbing ongoing projects through threats of violence and other acts that may hinder the peace of the state”, he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the benefitting communities, Chief Ojo Awe and Mr. Olufemi Oso, commended the governor for being sympathetic to the plights of the land owners through expeditious payments of the pending compensation.

“On behalf of the nine communities that donated lands for the construction of the airport, we appreciate the governor. Though it was painful that we lost our property, but we thank God that the airport project is gradually coming to fruition and it will become a gain to all of us in the future”, he said.

"𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐃 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐧-𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐰𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭".

"𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐃 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐧-𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐰𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭".

Earlier on Wednesday, 30th October 2024, members of the Strategy Team from the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), led by the Special Adviser/Director General, Engr. (Dr.) John Moyo Ekundayo, conducted an on-site assessment of Agbeyewa Farms to evaluate the investment's intervention on agriculture in Ekiti State. This private sector initiative aims to boost local economic development and enhance the shared prosperity agenda of the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) administration.

In alignment with Ekiti State’s agricultural policy, which supports businesses already rooted in local communities, the team began its visit at a newly acquired 46.5-hectare proposed for a modern farm estate. This area is designated to become a comprehensive farming estate, comprising of an administrative office, processing facility, worship centre, school, bank, supermarket, amusement park, etc.

At Gede and Iyemero, the team observed approximately 500 hectares of cultivated land, mainly dedicated to cassava planting, some of which are still in the early stages.

Agbeyewa Farms employs a combination of mechanical, herbicidal, and manual methods, using standard pre-emergence herbicides to control weeds before planting.

Agbeyewa Farms collaborates with various offtakers, such as Promise Point, which operates along the same corridor, with buyers coming from as far as Bayelsa State, Edo State, etc. The combination of farms belonging to Agbeyewa Farms is the largest cassava plantation in southwest Nigeria. Focus is on high standard of land preparation, planting, production and processing.

The farms employ hundred of workers, paying them above minimum wage. Approximately 65% of the workforce comprises local residents. The Executive Director, who led the joint inspection, an Ekiti Indigene, emphasizes community involvement in order to meet the local content demand of the incumbent administration of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in Ekiti.

Highlight of the farms' inspection was the remarkable remark of one of the farms' managers. 

He commended the Ekiti State government’s agricultural template, emphasizing its potential for food security across Nigeria. The manager added that with additional support from the government—such as improved road access and expanded land-clearing initiatives—Agbeyewa Farms could further scale its cultivated hectares and impact.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launches Renewed Hope Initiative food outreach in Ekiti.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launches Renewed Hope Initiative food outreach in Ekiti.

…restates commitment to welfare of women, children, vulnerable.

Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairman of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach in Ekiti State, with distribution of food items to People with Disabilities, widows l, special schools and other vulnerable groups in the state. 

She also reaffirmed her commitment to uplifting women and vulnerable communities across the Country.

Speaking while performing the symbolic presentation of food items to the beneficiaries at a brief event held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Ground, Ado Ekiti, Senator Tinubu,  who was represented by the Wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman RHI, Hajiya Nana Shetima, said the event was a testament to her  determination  to improve living standard for women and vulnerable groups, adding that empowerment and food security are critical pillars in her agenda.

She said the initiative was part of a larger strategy spearheaded by her Office to tackle hunger and poverty among underserved population, which according to her aligns with the objectives of the President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-administration’s focus on improving the lives of all Nigerians.

Emphasizing the RHI food outreach commitment to alleviating the hardship faced by many Nigerians, particularly those impacted by the economic challenges, the First Lady said the outreach is not just about providing food items but about reinforcing her commitment to the well-being of women, children, and elderly who are disproportionately affected by poverty.

She explained that the initiative will distribute food staples, including rice, beans, spaghetti, garri among others to thousand of families in Ekiti State with plans to expand to other region in the coming months.

The RHI National Chairman maintained that the initiative remains an avenue to transform lives across the country through various programs in health, education, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment. 

“Today, as we launch the program in Ekiti State, we aim to reach all the geo-political zones and support citizens in need. Our hope is that this initiative will have a tangible impact on the lives of those we are here to support as we distribute these associated food items, we encourage the beneficiaries to utilize them for the well-being of their families. A healthy family forms the foundation of a striving society, which is ultimately our goal. The Renewed Hope Initiative remains committed to transforming lives through various programs in health, education, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment.”

“We are dedicated to supporting our citizens, particularly persons with disabilities, youth, women and children, so to help them build a better family life.” She added. 

Earlier in her welcome address, the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor and RHI State Coordinator, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, expressed her gratitude to the Wife of the President for the impactful gesture under the Renewed Hope Initiative food outreach programme.

Dr Oyebanji who described the gesture as a symbol of hope and assurance that the President remains committed to addressing the needs of Nigerians, said the initiative would bring relief to countless vulnerable people across the state.

She commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her determination through The Renewed Hope Initiative platform to make positive and tangible impacts in the lives of all Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Biodun Agboola who expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Wife of the President, said the initiative would alleviate the burden faced by the vulnerable.

While hailing the First Lady’s compassion and advocacy for the disadvantaged, Mr. Agboola maintained that the Governor Oyebanji led-administration has improved the fortunes of the people living with disabilities in the state with various programs aimed at improving their living standard.

The arrival of the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Shettima at the event was greeted with singing and dancing by different women groups and the State Performing Arts Company, who put up superlative performances reflecting different ethnic groupings in the country. 

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the State House of Assembly, State Executive Council, representatives of religious bodies; market women associations, and community leaders among others.

OYEBANJI HAILS GEN OLUYEDE’S APPOINTMENT AS Ag COAS.

OYEBANJI HAILS GEN OLUYEDE’S APPOINTMENT AS Ag COAS.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated Major- General Olufemi Oluyede on his appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Governor also thanked the President for finding the Ikere-Ekiti born General Oluyede worthy of the appointment.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said he has absolute confidence in General Oluyede’s ability to excel on the new assignment as he had done in previous assignments.

He described the acting COAS as a gallant officer with proven integrity and great accomplishments in his military career.

The Ekiti State Governor urged the new COAS to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to bear on the new assignment, especially at this critical period.

He also commiserated with Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently indisposed and wished him speedy recovery.

“Hearty congratulations to General Oluyede. The Government and good people of Ekiti State wish him God’s guidance in the new assignment. We also thank the President for finding him deserving of the elevation.”, he added.

OYEBANJI PRESENTS N375 BILLION BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR 2025.

OYEBANJI PRESENTS N375 BILLION BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR 2025.

...Gets lawmakers' applause for zero borrowing in 2024.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday presented a budget estimate of N375,790,077,618.15 for the 2025 fiscal year with special focus on food security, employment generation and wealth creation.

Presenting the Appropriation Bill before members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly at the Assembly Complex, Ado- Ekiti, Oyebanji explained that the budget estimate was prepared in line with global best practices to drive the Shared Prosperity agenda of his administration.

The Governor received a special applause from the state legislators led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, for executing the outgoing 2024 Budget without borrowing either internally or externally and recording a commendable budget performance for the year.

According to the 2025 budget estimate laid before the state parliament, N192,326,570,488.61 representing 51 per cent of the total amount budgeted was set aside for recurrent expenditure, while N183,463,507,129.54 representing 49 per cent of the estimate was earmarked as capital expenditure.

This was in contrast to the size of the Budget for the 2024 fiscal year of N150,575,481,915.00 out of which N88,952,583,682.410 was recurrent expenditure and N70,619,898,233.20 was capital expenditure.

Governor Oyebanji noted that the Recurrent Expenditure include Personnel Cost, Overhead Cost, Social Contributions and Benefits, Debt Service and Grants while Capital Expenditure relates to the cost of infrastructure and other developmental projects. 

The Governor explained that the preparation of the budget was equally in line with the inclusive governance policy of his administration after receiving inputs from all communities during the town hall meetings in the three senatorial districts of the state.

According to him, the 2025 budget estimate was carefully prepared to consolidate on the gains of the 2024 Budget by improving the agriculture sector to enhance food security, provide grants to business owners and boost micro, small and medium enterprises.

The Governor further assured that provision has been made in the 2025 Budget to accommodate the proposed new minimum wage, while attention would also be given to the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects embarked upon by his administration in different parts of the state. 

Aside thanking Ekiti people for their “overwhelming support “ for his administration, Governor Oyebanji also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the President’s “strong support “ for his administration. 

The Governor also listed some of the projects to be given top priority in the 2025 budget to include some road projects and water and sanitation projects. 

He said: "The proposed 2025 Budget will focus on food security, wealth creation and welfare of our people. It is important to reiterate that our Shared Prosperity agenda is hinged on six strategic pillars, which cut across all the sub-sectors of the economy.

"Our objective is to create sustainable prosperity and grow the economy by equipping our people with the requisite skills, creating jobs for our youths and women, and exposing them to information communication technology and expanding the range of opportunities available for everyone. 

"We are poised to sustain and create more conducive environment for investors and make Ekiti State the preferred destination to live, work, and invest.

"While we are making concerted effort to bridge the infrastructure deficit, we are also poised to create the enabling environment for investors in the State to increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

"Therefore, I wish to reiterate the commitment of our administration to provide basic and essential public infrastructure for sustainable economic growth. Accordingly, we shall focus on completing on-going infrastructural projects across the State in the coming year."

In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye, urged all members of the Assembly to suspend their proposed journeys in order to give full attention to urgent duties before them including the consideration of the Appropriation Bill.

The Speaker said the consideration of the Appropriation Bill provides  the legislators ample opportunity to align their fiscal decisions with the aspirations and welfare of the people they represent urging them to commit themselves to the task in the interest of the people.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye charged his colleagues to engage in the thorough scrutiny of the Budget proposal through the Standing Committees calling upon the Ministries, Department and Agencies to be ready to defend their proposals

He said: "We must ensure that every Naira allocated serves the interest of the people of Ekiti State and we must be champions of accountability and stewards of public trust. We must ensure that the Budget represents the aspirations of Ekiti people."

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr. Folake Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council, former Assembly members and traditional rulers led by the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe.

Market Ownership Crisis: Ekiti Govt Warns Against Violence in Kota, Isaya Communities.

Market Ownership Crisis: Ekiti Govt Warns Against Violence in Kota, Isaya Communities.

.…Orders proper demarcation to ascertain true owner.

The Ekiti State Government, has warned Isaya and Kota Ekiti communities in Ekiti East Local Government Area against allowing the raging disagreements over the ownership of a market facility in their border snowball into violence and bloodshed that can disrupt the existing peace in the towns.

The government posited that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji places high premium on peace and that crisis over boundary won’t be allowed to fester into anarchy in any of the communities in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, handed down the warning in Ado Ekiti, on Monday, while intervening in a crisis over the ownership of Igbo Olugba Market located between Isaya and Kota Ekiti.

The intervention was sequel to a petition written by Elekota of Kota Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Olukayode, claiming that the market built within the border area of the two towns is not owned by Isaya community as being claimed.

Speaking at the trouble-shooting parley, Mrs Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, described the two communities as good neighbours, who should allow the spirit of oneness to continue to guide their actions and footsteps without disruption.

The Deputy Governor stated that proper demarcation remains the best way to settle the matter, pointing out that the two communities should be ready to embrace the spirit of give and take in brokering truce on the matter.

“In the last two years, most of the activities of our Boundary Commission were centred around settling rifts between towns that were granted autonomy. It is just normal, it is not something that is strange, but we can manage it. The spirit of give and take must be applied to have peace in our communities. Nobody can have it all.

“Coming to the issue at hand, all the facilities that you built together were jointly owned before, but you are now separated by autonomy, I believe the new town should inherit the facility. But now that the market is within your border area, the Boundary Commission will visit the place to ascertain the right owner.

“The government of Biodun Oyebanji is incurably committed to ensuring peace in all our towns. Again, don’t allow this crisis to cause a wedge between your generations. You have been together before, allow the longstanding unity between you to remain strong”, she advised.

Addressing the gathering, Oba Olukayode noted that the market remains the property of Kota, stating that his town did not take over the existing structures in Omuo Ekiti after securing autonomy, saying all the markets and other facilities built together remain in Omuo -Obadore based on the agreement signed in 1976.

The monarch called for the intervention of Boundary Commission to undertake proper demarcation of the two communities to forestall the breakdown of law and order.

In his reaction, the Asaya of Isaya Ekiti, Oba Ajayi Elejogun, maintained that the land where the market was located is within the precinct of his territory, saying history and available documents solidly backed such claim.

Oba Elejogun welcomed the state government proposition that experts from the office of the Boundary Commission will be deployed in the area to conduct proper demarcation that will resolve the bedlam.

Ekiti Targets 200,000 as FG’s 10m Campaign Against Hypertension, Diabetes Kicks Off.

Ekiti Targets 200,000 as FG’s 10m Campaign Against Hypertension, Diabetes Kicks Off.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed readiness to tackle the exponential increase in the number of hypertension and diabetes patients in the State, saying this accounted for why the state keyed into the project 10 million campaign initiative by federal government to reduce the scourges.

Oyebanji lamented that over 70% of mortality being suffered by people between ages 30 and 70 were caused by the duo of hypertension and diabetes, which he said make them the most notorious killers of the Nigerian productive population.

The governor said these on Monday, while flagging off the federal government’s powered project 10m Campaign against hypertension and diabetes tagged: “know your number, control your number”, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the project 10m, is a national initiative by the forum of health commissioners in the country, to tackle increasing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes.

He said Ekiti was combining the ‘project 10 Million initiative’ with an innovative state intervention to rapidly increase demand for primary health care services in Ekiti State, that is key to achieving universal health coverage for the people.

Oyebanji posited that it was highly depressing and disturbing, that there is an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the country due to various factors including change in our lifestyle, saying 27% of deaths in the country are caused by non- communicable diseases.

The governor said: “There is a 70 percent chance of dying from hypertension and diabetes between the ages of 30 and 70 years in Nigeria. Despite this alarming statistics a lot of people are not aware of their status as far as these health conditions are concerned making them a silent threat to their health and wellbeing.

“We hope to conduct free screening for about 200,000 people in Ekiti State for hypertension and diabetes within the week long campaign in 161 screening centres across the state from Monday 28 October to Sunday 3″ November 2024 with a focus on adult from age 18 years”.

The governor stated that counseling will be organised for all participants on non-communicable diseases and newly diagnosed people will be linked to a hospital closest to them for care, saying there will also be opportunity for short term refill for known hypertension patients during the exercise.

Cataloguing his achievements in the health sector, Oyebanji disclosed that his government had through Ulera Wa, expanded free antenatal care services, free delivery and post-delivery care services for all pregnant women, free immunization services for all children, free treatment of all children under the age of five years, among others.

Oyebanji appealed to traditional leaders, religious organizations, market women, local government leaders, health workers, and civil society organizations , to support this intervention and ensure its success in their various jurisdictions.

In his submission, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, said the rationale behind the free screening was to checkmate the frightening and spiraling level of hypertension and diabetes across the country, Ekiti inclusive.

Filani revealed that statistics confirmed that about 27 percent of morbidity rate in the country was due to the scourges of hypertension and diabetes, which he said makes it imperative for the citizens to participate in the free health programme.

“Our mission in Ekiti State is to spread this campaign to as many people as possible, to know the number of victims and to be able to control it. With the Primary Healthcare programme, we are planning to ensure that children of less than five years have access to immunisation and pregnant women are made to have access to pregnancy kits and strong ante natal care to reduce in fact and maternal mortality rates”.

The Commissioner stated that the programme will be extended to palaces of traditional rulers , schools, market places and faith based institutions, where citizens can access without inhibition.