Ojuawo commiserates with Chief Mrs Afuye over her mother's demise.

Ojuawo commiserates with Chief Mrs Afuye over her mother's demise.

Hon (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, the Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, over the passing of her mother, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye.

In his condolence message, Hon Ojuawo acknowledged that Mama has lived a fulfilling life and deserves eternal rest, and he prayed for her to rest well. He also appreciated God for her life and legacy as a queen, noting that she was an exemplary model of motherhood, instilling values and culture in her family, especially in the way she raised her children. Hon Ojuawo further consoled the Deputy Governor, saying she will miss her mother’s wise counsel and encouragement, and prayed that God will grant her the strength to bear the loss. 

Additionally, he commiserated with the entire Adegboye family, the Ogoga of Ikere, Ogoga in Council, and the good people of Ikere Ekiti, praying that God will grant Olori Esther Adegboye eternal rest.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

EKITI GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES 50% SUBSIDY ON TRACTORIZATION FOR FARMERS.

EKITI GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES 50% SUBSIDY ON TRACTORIZATION FOR FARMERS.

Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced 50% subsidy by the State Government on ploughing, harrowing and ridging of farmland for farmers in the State towards this year's farming season.

A statement by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti noted that farmers in the State will pay a sum of N40,000 to plough one hectare of land instead of N80,000 normal market rate this planting season ;N30,000 naira for harrowing per hectare instead of N60,000 and N30,000 naira for ridging per hectare instead of N60,000

Boluwade however gave terms and conditions to be met by farmers interested in the subsidized tractorization programme which include : the scheme only covers farmers cultivating between 1 to 5 hectares of land, confirmation by the Ministry's engineers that the farm lands are situable for tractorization and that payment of 50% expected from the farmers will only be done after confirmation that the land is suitable for tractorization. 

He stressed that mechanization service providers  have 48 hours to mobilize to the site after the payment has been made.

The Commissioner urged Interested farmers in Ekiti South Senatorial District to call 0706-468-7989 or 0803-487-9106 adding that those in Ekiti Central District are to contact 0806-8497008 or 0806-232-5044 while farmers in Ekiti North are expected to call 0803-565-6550 or 0803-489-2651.

Ekiti airport capable of opening state's economy to the world - Senate Leader.

Ekiti airport capable of opening state's economy to the world - Senate Leader.

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has affirmed that the construction of the Ekiti Agro- Allied International Cargo Airport is a veritable project capable of opening up and selling the state's economy to the world.

Senator Bamidele, who confirmed this in Ado- Ekiti on Monday while flying back to Abuja after the stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter of Ekiti Central Senatorial District, stated that the airport will also complement other efforts of Governor Oyebanji in the drive to bring about remarkable development to the state.

The Senate Leader, who confessed that Governor Oyebanji has been able to reposition Ekiti state in a prominent point in the world map, added that the airport is one of the best in Nigeria for its cutting-edge technology, safety, and operational efficiency.

He commended former Governor Kayode Fayemi for starting the airport project and congratulated Governor Oyebanji for actualizing its completion and operationalization, adding that it speaks to the beauty of continuity. 

Senator Bamidele narrated  the testimony of the pilots that flew him to Ado Ekiti, who said they took the assignment with mixed feelings  but had to take it because it was a compulsory call of duty only to commend the state government on the state-of-the-art facilities at the airport including the quality air traffic control, tarmac and the run way, which they described as one of the best in the aviation world. 

Speaking further, Senator Bamidele also confirmed that Governor Oyebanji has assured him and the people of the state that arrangements are being made with commercial flights operators to commence commercial flights as soon as possible to enable residents of the state fly in and out of the state without the stress of boarding and landing in another state’s airport.

“I just want to give God the glory that we could fly into our own airport in Ekiti. This is history and it’s a very historical and strategic development for us. I flew in this morning to the admiration of the pilot that brought us and whose comment was very heartwarming as he said the airport runway and other facilities are favourably compared to airports in many parts of the world.

“The Pilots said when they were told last night that they were coming to Ekiti airport, they said it was duty call that they could not reject, they went to bed wandering what the landing was going to be like at this airport, but landing at this airport shows that quality of air traffic control and the state of the tarmac which they had to run met the world standard as the runway is comparable to the runway of any international airport around the world. So, for me as Ekiti born statesman and the leader of the Nigeria senate, hearing that kind of comment from pilots regarding our airport made my day.

“What the Governor told me this afternoon is that this airport will be able to operate private and commercial flights at night and this mean additional facilities and funding being provided to bring this airport to that standard. So far the day flights have been wonderful and I cannot also wait for the night flights.

“By and large, this airport represents the whole essence of continuity, it was a dream conceptualized and a dream commenced under one administration and actualized under another administration of Governor Oyebanji. This means that the economy of Ekiti is being further opened up and the potential mechanized farmers of Ekiti also looking forward to the possibility of being able to also ship out their farm produce out of this place as well as all those who will invest in agro-allied economy. The Senate Leader asserted.

Gov Oyebanji Condoles Deputy Over Mother's Death.

Gov Oyebanji Condoles Deputy Over Mother's Death.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has commiserated with the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye over the demise of her mother, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye.

Madam Adegboye died early Tuesday morning after a brief illness. She was aged 97 years old.

 

Governor Oyebanji described Madam Adegboye death as painful, but expressed joy that it was an end to a dignified era, considering the impactful life she lived and her positive influence on her Ikere Ekiti community. 

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, on Tuesday, Governor Oyebanji commiserated with the Deputy Governor, her siblings and the entire Adegboye Royal Dynasty over the passing of their matriarch. 

The Governor  described the late Madam Adegboye as a honest and resourceful community leader, who contributed immensely to the growth of Ikere Ekiti in the areas  of women mobilisation and empowerment.

Oyebanji said the good deeds of the deceased overtly reflected in the qualities of her children, whom he said are not only doing exceedingly well in their chosen careers, but always exhibit virtues of loyalty, honesty and reliability at their duty posts.

The Governor prayed God to repose the deceased's soul in His bosom and  grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

"On behalf of my family, the government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, her siblings and the entire Akayejo Ruling House of Ikere Ekiti on the passing  of this quintessential community leader.

"Evidently mama lived a good life and left legacies of selfless service, diligence and loyalty. I urge Her Excelkency, the deputy Governor and the entire family to be consoled by mama’s exemplary and impactful life . 

"History will continue to be kind to Mama for her contributions to women's mobilisation and emancipation in all respects. May God grant her eternal rest”, the statement added.

Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, this afternoon at her official residence within the Government House Complex, in Ado- Ekiti.

Fayemi Commends the Life and Legacy of Elder Statesman, Pa Edwin Clark.

Fayemi Commends the Life and Legacy of Elder Statesman, Pa Edwin Clark.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Elder Statesman Pa Edwin Clark.

In a statement issued today by the head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi described Pa Clark as a patriot and a towering figure in Nigerian history. 

“Pa Clark was a great statesman whose contributions to the development of our nation were immeasurable,” Fayemi stated. “His service to Nigeria spanned decades, from his early career in public service to his untiring commitment to national unity and development.”

The statement reads:

‘’It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape and true statesman.

“Pa Clark’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of service, courage, and commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria will endure forever.

‘’Pa Clark was not just a leader. He was a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria as a former senator, minister, and elder statesman. In all of these roles, he was pivotal in shaping our nation's political and socio-economic fabric. 

‘’His tenure as Federal Commissioner for Information and Culture during the military era showcased his dedication to national unity and ability to navigate complex challenges with wisdom and integrity.

‘’Pa Clark was a vocal advocate for justice, equity, and fairness. Particularly, he was a fearless voice for the Niger Delta and a staunch defender of the rights of marginalized communities. His contributions to the struggle for resource control and environmental justice remain indelible, and his leadership in the Niger Delta struggle will continue to inspire generations to come.

It is also noteworthy that Pa Clark passed away a few days after the death of his longtime friend, political associate and ideological companion, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. Their lives were deeply intertwined by a commitment to justice, equity, and the advancement of true federalism in Nigeria. Their passing has left a deep void in our socio-political fabric.

“On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest condolences to the Clark family, the people of the Niger Delta, and indeed all Nigerians.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Signed

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh

Head, Fayemi Media Office, Abuja

February 18, 2025

Ekiti Central leaders Endorse Oyebanji for second term.

Ekiti Central leaders Endorse Oyebanji for second term.

…Senator Bamidele, Ojudu, NASS Members, LG leaders hail Gov’s performance.

....Uniting Ekiti, Oyebanji's best scorecard, says senate leader. 

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and former deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu led other frontline leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, on Monday, to endorse Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party's sole candidate for the 2026 governorship poll in the state. 

The endorsement was passed, at a special senatorial meeting, organised by the APC leaders and stakeholders from Ekiti Central Senatorial District, held at the Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Capital. 

The endorsement motion, ratified through a thunderous voice vote, was moved and seconded by frontline leaders from the five local government area of the district. The leaders include Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a two-time commissioner, Mrs Ronke Okunsanya, serving House of Representatives' members, Hon. Biodun Omoleye and Sola Fatoba, a former Acting Governor in the state Rt Hon Tope Ademiluyi, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, and other party elders. 

Justifying the reasons for the endorsement in a resolution presented to the APC Acting State Chairman, Sola Elesin and via a letter transmitted to the Governor, by former Deputy Governor and Chairman, Ekiti Central APC Stakeholders, Prof Modupe Adelabu, the party restated that Oyebanji has been endorsed as the sole candidate for the next election slated for 2026.

For clarity, Adelabu said the action doesn't abridge the rights of other APC members to contest for the plum seat. What the endorsement means, according to her is that Oyebanji will get full and solid backing of all APC members in the senatorial district in the coming poll.  

Addressing the mammoth crowd of party supporters that thronged the venue of the political gathering, the Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the action taken by party members signposted that they value continuity of good governance for Ekiti's development to spiral.

The Senate Leader saluted all the past governors  of the State: Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr Segun Oni, Chief Ayodele Fayose and Dr Kayode Fayemi for their contributions to the development of the  state, stressing that the solid foundation they laid has helped the current governor to consolidate and fasttrack development of the state. 

"Today, we are unveiling in the open what we have been saying to ourselves under the closed doors that Ekiti has never had it so good. We are very lucky having Governor Biodun Oyebanji as our governor. What we are doing today is not a campaign, time for campaign is coming. All we are doing is to hold our regular APC senatorial meeting, this is symbolic and strategic to us. 

"The frontline and greatest achievement of Governor Oyebanji  is being able to unite everybody under one platform and umbrella. You may not understand what I meant by  Governor Oyebanji's unity magic.

"But if you follow the trajectory of our politics in Ekiti State, particularly what happened in 2003 between Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose, and what we witnessed between Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi in 2007, then you will understand Oyebanji's unity magic. All these leaders are now working together and all the achievements that Ekiti made under these past leaders are being consolidated under Governor Oyebanji. 

"Beyond uniting Ekiti and bringing down governance from the Olympian height of the past to the grassroots, you will understand that he has given government, governance and our party back to ordinary people. Oyebanji is working and Ekiti is progressing. We have never had it so good. 

"I thank the governor for uniting all of us and for taking Ekiti to the next level. We need continuity in Ekiti. If you go to Lagos before 1999 and you go there today, continuity has brought a new lease of life to that state, so the governor should continue with his good work till 2030". 

Bamidele appreciated the governor for his midas touches and enigmatic strides in the areas of infrastructures, agriculture, youth empowerment and other pivotal actions  taken to radicalise the economy, saying these have reverberated beyond the shores of the state.

In his submission, Senator Ojudu added that Oyebanji has done creditably well in unifying the party leaders and upscale development, especially focusing on human empowerment through Adire Ekiti Hub that has become the masterstroke policy turning around the lives of the citizens. 

"This is the first time since 2003 when everybody will sleep with two eyes closed without fear of being killed in Ekiti. The governor  is a unifier. No case of politically motivated killing under him. He has befriended his enemies and now having none. He is so humble and he must be elected for a second term and we will make sure he wins resoundingly". 

In his response, Governor Oyebanji, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC members for supporting him solidly to be able to take Ekiti to a mileage, in terms of development strides and for providing the platform to serve the people. 

Oyebanji, who is also from the district, promised to continue to serve dedicatedly and with every fibre in his body to mitigate the poverty index and address the infrastructure deficit in the state, while appealing to party members to embark on aggressive mobilisation and be fair to all members.  

"I am moved, very touched by this endorsement and I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. When you gave me the ticket, I told you that I will always hear your voices. In the last two years , I have served you with humility and commitment.

"Myself and the Deputy Governor accept this with all humility. But this doesn't preclude anyone who has governorship ambition on the platform of APC from showing interest. APC is a party that respects the right of every member to contest for any position of his choice. We are not afraid of competition. 

"This is history being made today in Ekiti. When INEC lifts ban on political campaigns, you will know that you have a good and acceptable governor".

Other high profile dignitaries at the event are: The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former Deputy Governor Modupe Adelabu, the House of Representatives member representing Ekiti Central Constituency 1, Hon Sola Fatoba, his colleague in constituency 2, Hon Biodun Omoleye, ex-House of Representatives member, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Wale Fapohunda(SAN), serving and former council chairmen and councillors, party leaders, politicians, among others.

It is recalled that a similar endorsement was made by the leaders of APC from the South senatorial district late last year.

EKSU VC Vows to Prioritize Staff Welfare.

EKSU VC Vows to Prioritize Staff Welfare.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Babatola Ayodele, has reaffirmed his commitment to making staff welfare his top priority.

Professor Ayodele made this pledge while receiving the management team of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Ado-Ekiti, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office. He noted that the university's Governing Council had approved the implementation of the new minimum wage, which his administration had already commenced through the payment of the January 2025 salary.

Professor Babatola Ayodele, EKSU VC Chancellor.

Additionally, he revealed that the university extended this initiative to retirees by disbursing gratuities amounting to approximately ₦200 million to 70 pensioners. He expressed his appreciation to the university’s Governing Council, led by Professor Akin Oyebode, for approving the implementation of the new minimum wage.

The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Visitor to the university, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his continuous assistance to EKSU. He further appreciated Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for voluntarily teaching students in the Department of Educational Management, a gesture that has significantly added value to the university.

Professor Ayodele commended the staff for their increased commitment and urged them not to relent, assuring them of his continued efforts to enhance their welfare. He also extended his gratitude to the union leaders for maintaining academic stability on campus.

Earlier, the General Manager of NTA, Alhaji Ishaq Ayo Akande, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for the warm reception and solicited a more robust partnership and patronage from the university.

In a statement signed and released by the Deputy Registrar/Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Bode Olofinmuagun, the university reiterated its commitment to staff welfare and fostering productive collaborations with stakeholders.