Olayinka Oyebode: Celebrating a Media Icon’s Legacy of Excellence.

Olayinka Oyebode: Celebrating a Media Icon’s Legacy of Excellence.                                             By Olamide Akinwumi.

Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary and Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ekiti State, has been showered with accolades as he marks his birthday, with many highlighting his outstanding contributions to media and governance.

A media strategist of exceptional pedigree, Oyebode has remained a pillar of dedication and service, playing a crucial role in shaping public perception and ensuring the effective communication of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration’s policies and achievements.

Commending his unwavering commitment, Comrade Olamide Akinwumi described Oyebode as a man of excellence, professionalism, and integrity whose resounding dedication to the success of the Oyebanji-led government has been instrumental in strengthening governance in Ekiti State.

“With an exceptional sense of duty, he has shouldered the enormous responsibility of projecting the government’s vision with clarity and precision. His ability to navigate the ever-demanding world of media while upholding integrity is a testament to his outstanding leadership,” Akinwumi stated.

Beyond his strategic role in governance, Oyebode has earned admiration for his humility, diligence, and work ethic. His composure in handling the intricate demands of his office, Akinwumi noted, further cements his reputation as a leader of rare qualities.

“His hard work and commitment to duty are exemplary. He is not just a media strategist but a mentor, an inspiration, and a beacon of excellence. The love and admiration he commands among his peers are a testament to the lives he has impacted,” Akinwumi added.

As he celebrates another milestone, well-wishers have continued to pour in prayers for Oyebode. Many have wished him divine blessings, continued success, and protection from all harm, expressing hopes that his path will remain illuminated with favor and his legacy remembered for generations to come.

©️ Comr. Olamide Akinwumi

Ekiti Airport targets 24-hour flight operation, says Gov Oyebanji.

Ekiti Airport targets 24-hour flight operation, says Gov Oyebanji.

….Says Ekiti economy has improved significantly under his watch.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has revealed that efforts are in place to ensure the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport runs 24-hour operation, in a bid to make the route competitive.

The Governor also expressed delight that the economy of the state has recorded significant improvement in the past two-and-a-half years, promising to do more in order to ensure a more sustainable development of the state and better living standard for the people.

Governor Oyebanji who stated these on Monday night during the March edition of his monthly media chat, "Meet Your Governor", said his government intends to make the Ekiti Airport a major hub, as well as a major driver of the economy, attracting more investors to the state and boosting the economic capacities of the citizens.

He explained that his administration has entered into discussions with three major airlines in the country to commence commercial flights at the airport, facilitate air travel, tourism development, more investment and transportation of cargoes and export of farm produce to local and international destinations.

 

While expressing optimism that at least two of the airlines would operate flights to and from the airport, Oyebanji said his administration also hopes to make the route competitive by working hard to install Instrument Landing System (ILS) that will enable the operation of 24-hour flights in the airport.

 

The Governor said: "The issue is to make the route profitable and competitive for airlines and if the route is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of what we are doing is to make it an airport of choice and by next year, they will be able to run Hajj and (Christian) pilgrimage.

"To make it an airport of choice, we must put a structure that guarantees 24-hour landing. There is what we call Instrument Landing System (ILS) which enables night operations and also enables planes to land in extreme weather. ILS as at today will cost close to N4.6 billion but we are determined to get it done.

"We are determined that before the end of this year, we will install ILS at the Ado Airport. If we are able to do that, it will be the second airport in Southwest after Lagos Airport that has such a facility so that aircraft can land at night. We are also talking to a vendor that will provide a hangar for airport services, so it's a whole gamut of transaction that is going on."

The Governor also disclosed that a cargo shed is being constructed at the airport to serve as storage facility for farm produce and cash crops. He commended the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for facilitating its inclusion in the budget.

The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was given approval for non-scheduled flight operation for six months last December. Governor Oyebanji who said expressed optimism that the airport would be one of the most competitive by the time it commences commercial operations.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji identified some indices of economic growth witnessed under his administration to include springing up of more businesses in the state made possible by an enabling environment for them to flourish, improved internally generated revenue and receipts from the Federation Account, as well as adequate protection of lives and property.

The Governor who disclosed that the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have moved from about N600 million monthly to over N2 billion monthly, attributed the feat partly to the fact that more residents are now encouraged to pay their taxes, having seen evidence of the government’s effective utilization of proceeds of the taxes in every part of the state.

He explained that his administration has not restricted development strides to only Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, as it is being speculated in some quarters, noting that virtually all parts of the state including the rural areas have been touched. He also  expressed readiness to keep on working for the people of the state  till his last day in office, stressing that he wont be distracted by on going politicking.  

 

Speaking on the state of the treasury, Oyebanji said what the state government and local governments receive monthly are not hidden as they are published by the office of the Accountant General noting that they vary from one month to the other.

He emphasized that his administration does not tamper with the local government funds as the State House of Assembly has an enabling law with established the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) with the monies for the councils coming directly into the account from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

While noting that he does not get involved in how the funds are shared, the Governor pointed out that he only monitors the projects the council chairmen execute with the funds to ensure that they are in line with the needs of the people and they such projects are satisfactory.

Sallah: Ekiti Deputy Gov Seeks Strong Religious Ties Among Nigerians.

Sallah: Ekiti Deputy Gov Seeks Strong Religious Ties Among Nigerians.

...Distributes food palliative to Hausa Muslims.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has called on Nigerians to coalesce efforts with government to fortify the religious bonds that will guarantee the right of citizens to practice religions of his choice.

Mrs Afuye described religion extremism and intolerance as a destroyer of a nation, urging the Nigerian citizens to eschew such evil conduct to build a nation that will be cohesive, peaceful and crisis-free.

The Deputy Governor spoke in Ikere Ekiti, on Monday, while distributing food palliatives to members of Hausa Community to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr at Shasha Market, along Ado-Ikere highway.

A statement released by Mrs Afuye’s Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, revealed that scores of Hausa Muslims, benefited from the largesse distributed by the State’s number two citizen in the spirit of sallah.

In her message to the Muslims domiciled in the market, Mrs Afuye, represented by her Special Assistant on Special Duties, Prince Akinboye Adegboye, eulogised the ethnic nationals resident in Ekiti State, for their solid backing and cooperation with the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

She stated that the peace being savoured in Ekiti State could be predicated on the high level of existing tolerance and friendliness among all the leaders of religious bodies .

The Deputy Governor was upbeat that Governor Oyebanji as a lover and respecter of the rights of all religions, will continue to treat all practitioners as equal, saying no religion will be lorded over another or allow to take preeminence in the state.

“I am here to celebrate with you at this Sallah period to demonstrate our love for you. I bring greetings from Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who had during he Ramadan season showed that he held the Muslims in high regards by distributing food palliative and Cash gifts in mosques across the state.

“The governor even held Iftars with leaders of Muslim community in Ekiti, where all the ethnic nationalities were represented. He had assured you that such respect will be sustained, so that you can be relevant in the scheme of things.

“I want to charge you to continue to cooperate with us. Governor Oyebanji is for everybody, whether you are Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa or Fulani. We are one Nigeria and we must work together to make our nation great.

“I rejoice with you on this occasion and wish you long life to witness more of Ramadan season”.

The Sarkin, Hausa Community in Shasha market, Alhaji Musa Yaro, saluted Governor Oyebanji and the Deputy Governor for their detribalized postures, as reflected in their fraternities and smooth working relations with their members.

Yaro pledged that his members will continue to partner the government and other ethnic nationalities in the state to entrench peace and stability in the system.

The Special Assistant to the governor on Ethnic Matters(Hausa), Alhaji Hussain Bawa, appreciated the governor and pledged unalloyed support of Hausa Community to the administration of Governor Oyebanji

“We are pledging our loyalty to the government of our respectable and God-fearing Governor, Biodun Oyebanji. We are also joining others to say no vacancy in the Ekiti government house till 2030”.

Sliverbird Award: Why Oyebanji Deserves the Recognition.

Sliverbird Award: Why Oyebanji Deserves the Recognition.

 By Idowu Ephraim Faleye 

Criticism is essential in a democracy, ensuring leaders remain accountable. Recently, one Mr. Gbenga Ogedengbe’s article questioned Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s Silverbird Man of the Year award, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the recognition and scrutinizing his leadership. While scrutiny is important, it must be fair and rooted in facts. 

The Silverbird Group’s decision to honor Oyebanji was not arbitrary. In today’s digital world, media organizations rely on data, reports, and sentiment analysis to evaluate leaders. The award was given based on tangible achievements, not favoritism. The reality of Oyebanji’s governance tells a story of measurable progress, proactive leadership, and inclusive governance. These verifiable milestones affirm why Oyebanji was a worthy recipient. To dismiss this recognition as mere media bias is to ignore the governor’s measurable impact.

Security concerns were also raised, but crime is not exclusive to Ekiti—it is a universal challenge. No government can completely eliminate it, but proactive measures can mitigate its effects. Under Oyebanji, the state has strengthened community policing, deployed tech-driven surveillance, and reduced kidnapping incidents drastically within a year. While challenges remain, Ekiti is safer today than it was before. Critics who focus solely on isolated incidents fail to acknowledge the progress that has been made.

Another attack on Oyebanji is his accessibility. Ironically, past leaders were criticized for being distant, yet Oyebanji is now faulted for being too engaged. His leadership style fosters unity, ensuring that diverse voices are heard in governance. Monthly town halls, direct feedback channels with youth groups, and collaborations with civil society have led to initiatives like the Ekiti Digital Skills Program, which trains 10,000 youths in technology annually. Far from a weakness, this level of engagement strengthens governance.

Some critics operate under the illusion that leadership requires perfection. No leader, past or present, has ever governed without challenges. The focus should be on consistent progress, and Oyebanji’s administration has delivered on multiple fronts. From healthcare improvements, including the operationalization of 20 new primary healthcare centers, to efficient civil service reforms, his policies prioritize sustainable development over short-term gains. The Silverbird Award recognizes this trajectory, rewarding diligence and inspiring further excellence.

Ekiti’s growth under Oyebanji is a story of resilience, vision, and dedication. Those who nitpick imperfections should also acknowledge the strides made. Awards like this are not given to satisfy cynics but to motivate leaders to continue raising standards. Instead of tearing down progress, Ekiti people should unite to build on it. The recognition is well deserved, not just for the governor but for the entire state, which continues to move forward despite challenges.

OJUAWO HOSTS ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION EXERCISE FOR BAO IN ISE/ORUN.

OJUAWO HOSTS ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION EXERCISE FOR BAO IN ISE/ORUN.                                                                        .....as Chief Jide Awe Calls for unity among Stakeholders.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, hosted an environmental sanitation exercise in Ise/Orun Saturday. 

The event, tagged “Ise/Orun for BAO,” was attended by APC leaders and members from Ise/Orun, and across the state.

In his welcoming address, Hon Ojuawo thanked all the participants for the cleaning exercise. “I feel honoured with this crowd that came to identify with us in cleaning our environment. it is a great day for us in Ise/Orun to have brought leaders of our great party at the state level, Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Chairman and other stakeholders to participate in this environmental Sanitation exercise tagged “Ise /Orun for BAO. We are doing this exercise specially to support and appreciate His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his exemplary and uncommon leadership style that has brought unity to Ekiti. We in Ise/Orun appreciate BAO with this exercise that makes our environment clean and also showcase our unity for his second term bid.”

The APC Chairman in Ise/Orun, Hon Isaac Idowu thanked Hon Ojuawo for sponsoring the exercise and seized the opportunity to debunk rumours in certain quarters purporting Hon Ojuawo's Governorship ambition. 

'There is nothing like that in our local govt. It is a pure lie from pit of hell. We in Ise/Orun are solidly behind our workaholic governor and we are all committed to his second term in office come 2026.'

Also the Ekiti South Senatorial Chairman, Chief Akinbobola called for more support for BAO in Ise/Orun, saying the exercise and the turn-out was heart-warming. 

'The sanitation exercise shows you’re in the spirit of BAO second term in office, we must commend you all for this peaceful exercise', he remarked.

Chief Jide Awe, The Special adviser on Political and Inter-party Affairs who made a copious analogy on oneness of purpose to achieve results, called for unity in Ise/Orun saying 'in unity we stand and divided we fall'. He charged the stakeholders to be more united in the approach to party politics and avoid any action that can divide their rank. 

“I have seen unity here today and I want to see more of this henceforth, we will tell BAO that Ise/Orun is peaceful.”  

The event also featured the commissioning of a transformer donated by Hon. Ojuawo to Erinwa quarter, Ise Ekiti. 

Notable leaders in attendance included Hon. Kayode Babade, Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi, Hon. (Chief) Kemi Olaleye, Hon. Ropo Ogunbolude, Hon. Femi Ajayi, Hon. Kayode Fasae, Hon. Oluremi Ajayi Babington, Hon. Sqr ldr Olu Adamolekun, Hon Victor Adeniyi, Hon. Femi Babalola, Prof Isaac Adanlawo, Prof Phillip Adetiloye, Bar. Owoseni Ajayi, APC Chairmen in Ikere & Ekiti South West among others.

See more pictures from the event below:

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Akpabio at EKSU convocation, Highlights Education as Tool for Crime reduction.

Akpabio at EKSU convocation, Highlights Education as Tool for Crime reduction.

… As Gov Oyebanji Restates Commitment to Repositioning Education Sector.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to leveraging education as a transformative tool to address the challenges confronting the society. 

He stressed that the Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration’s huge investment in education has not only reshaped the future of the young people but has also served as a sustainable means of combating crime in the state.

The Senate President also directed members of the red chamber to ensure speedy appropriation for the construction of Ado- Ijan Ekiti road, along the new Ekiti Agro- Allied International Cargo Airport, stressing that improving road infrastructure in the state would further enhance access to the airport, boost economic activities, and facilitate movement of goods and services. 

This, he said, would further complement the state’s achievement in the areas of infrastructure, education, human capital development and security.

Senator Akpabio stated these on Saturday at the 29th convocation ceremony of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, where the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman, Federal Internal Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji and Chairman board of Nank of industry ( BOI), Dr Mansur Muhtar were awarded honourary doctorate degrees. 

 While commending the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for the well-deserved honour in recognition of his outstanding contributions to national development and his support for education and youth empowerment, the Senate President said the recognition serves as a testament to Senator Bamidele’s dedication and exemplary leadership which has significantly contributed to the development of the institution, Nigeria and international community. 

He also lauded Governor Oyebanji for his cordial relationship with members of the National Assembly, adding that the relationship has continue to yield positive results for the state and the country at large.

“To all the distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that are here, please stand so that people could see that the senators are here to celebrate their leader, the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamide and to the Senate Chairman of appropriation bill, I hereby direct that the road from the airport must be appropriated for and be done before my next visit. We cannot have the best brain here, best education facilities and not have the best roads.

“When you have a good product you do not need to hype it too much people will buy it anywhere, Ekiti people are good people, Ekiti people are the most educated. Whenever you open the door of education, you close the door of prison and I predict that in Nigerian prison today, no Ekiti child shall be there because you are educating them to know the right from the wrong and peace shall continue in Ekiti, nobody in Ekiti shall engage in banditry because you have given them quality education, the product they need to go through life”, the Senate President asserted.

Earlier in his address, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji said his government remained committed to repositioning education capable of driving development to empower youths with qualitative and functional education and create a brighter future for them as well as lay a solid foundation for a prosperous and sustainable state. 

The Governor maintained that his administration places a high premium on human capital development, noting that education remained the bedrock of any thriving society as well as critical pillar and Roadmap to Keeping Ekiti State Working.

He called on the Governing Council to allow creativity and innovation to drive progress in all sectors of the economy stressing the urgent need to embrace the spirit of inquiry and solutions to engender development and transform the standad of the institution and the state as a citadel of knowledge founded to drive global science and technological development.

The Governor observed that EKSU  has consistently produced graduates who are well-equipped to compete in the global arena which culminated in the University's recent acclamation of being ranked as the number one State University in Nigeria and securing the 12th position among over 270 Universities nationwide in the latest comprehensive ranking by Times Higher Education for 2025. 

He used the opportunity to congratulate the Senate leader, Dr Opeyemi Bamidele  and two other eminent Nigerians who are being awarded with the honorary Doctorate degrees in different fields for their remarkable contributions to the development of Nigeria saying he was very  proud to associate with their individual achievements.

According to the Governor, " The Leader of the Senate, Senator (Dr.) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele is no doubt, a worthy son of Ekiti who has distinguished himself, not only in Ekiti, but across the globe. He has made significant contributions to the development of education and invested in youth development through different initiatives. Just recently, the Bill for the Establishment of a University of Technology and Environmental Studies in Iyin-Ekiti, which he sponsored, was assented into law by the President.  This is another addition to his long time investment in education, youth development and other interventions. 

"This administration is committed to sustaining the ongoing investment in all our educational institutions by providing them with the necessary resources and support to excel. In furtherance of our support to institutions in the State, I recently approved the sum of N438,955,884.48 to enable the judiciary, legislature and the subvented institutions respond to the recent minimum wage increase. I hereby appeal to our workers to justify this huge investment in their welfare through improved productivity." The Governor stated.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the university council, Prof. Akin Oyebode expressed gratitude  to Governor Oyebanji who is the Visitor to the University, for his efforts at improving the quality of education generally at all levels in the state commending the notable feat attained in the education sector especially in Ekiti State University despite the harsh economic situation in the country. 

Prof. Oyebode assured the Governor that the Governing Council under his leadership will continue to work with the University Management to raise the bar of excellence in the University and register it as an adorable brand of global reckoning.

Delivering his address, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for counting him worthy for appointment as the 9th Vice Chancellor of the university, adding that the Governor’s support for the university has been unprecedented in the anal of education development in the state which have continued to impact meaningfully on the growth and development of the University.

He said he could not but connect the superlative achievements in the university to the historic upward review of monthly subvention to the institution which assisted in no small way to defray the outstanding salaries and accumulated allowances helping as morale booster to staff and also promote stable academic calendars of the institution.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele expressed their profound gratitude to the institution’s Governing Council for recognizing their contributions to the society, emphasizing that the honour would serve as a motivation to further dedicate themselves to the advancement of education and national development.

OYEBANJI FELICITATES MUSLIMS AT ED- EL- FITR.

OYEBANJI FELICITATES MUSLIMS AT ED- EL- FITR.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and in the country on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Governor, in his goodwill message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode,  on Sunday, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the completion of the 30-day fast, stressing the need to maintain the level of spirituality that characterized the Ramadan period all through the year. 

Governor Oyebanji, admonished Muslims to put the teachings of the holy month to good use in all undertakings, urging them and adherents of other religions to continue to live in love, peace, and harmony with one another as brothers and sisters.

While noting that Ramadan is a season of discipline and sacrifice, the Governor urged Muslims  to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with modesty, emphasizing the need to show love and care for the needy above any other form celebration. 

He stressed that prayers by the faithful are needed for the state and the country more than ever for God’s blessings and for greater level of peace and prosperity. 

Governor Oyebanji who commended Muslims in the state for their unflinching support for his administration through prayers, counsel, and active participation in governance, urged them not to relent in their sundry constructions to the religious harmony and peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the State.

He urged adherents of all religions in the state to join the government in promoting peace and orderliness which are necessary condition for sustainable growth and development, leading to shared prosperity for all. 

“On behalf of the Government, I congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the Eid-el- Fitri celebration, and pray that Almighty Allah will accept our prayers, grant all our heart desires and preserve our lives to witness many more celebrations.”, the Governor added.