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Monday, May 12, 2025

FG moves to raise power supply in Ekiti, delivers equipment, accessories for 132KV power substations.

FG moves to raise power supply in Ekiti, delivers equipment, accessories for 132KV power substations.



The Federal Government has stepped up efforts at boosting electricity supply in Ekiti State with the delivery of equipment and supplies t and accessories for  two 132/33KV stations along with transmission lines to the State.



Receiving the equipment on behalf of Transmission Corporation of Nigeria (TCN) on Saturday at the Omisanjana 132/33Kv station in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko - accompanied by Ekiti TCN General Manager Engr. Victor Famoroti - said the substations will be installed in Ilupeju Ekiti and Ijesa Isu Ekiti to improve transmission of bulk power supply to the North and other senatorial districts of the state, with a switching station at Ikere.


While lauding the Federal Government and Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for fast-tracking the two substations projects, the Commissioner said the additional substations, which are aimed at revolutionizing Ekiti state power sector, will serve as 240MVA total addition (four new transforners of 60MVA each) to the 140MVA-3-transforrners Omisanjana substation in Ado-Ekiti. 

He added that the project will be completed before the end of the year.


According to Prof Aluko, “Those two stations will be like the Omisanjana station where we are standing right now. This project has been going on for almost three years and increasingly more of the equipment has come in. About four or five months ago, a set of trucks like this consignment  came in. They were delivered at Ijesa Isu, Ikere and Ilupeju, but this is the largest group that has come in now, 15 trucks of various kinds of equipment, poles, wires, transformers. 

“All of these things are in these trucks and containers, to be offloaded in the next few days.

“You know, this work takes a while, I'm sure it will still take about six months for full installation, you know, you do installation, poles installation, wiring,  you do testing, and so on. We are hopeful that by the end of this year, it will be ready, we've been waiting for three years, and so, we can still wait till the end of the year.”

While commending Governor Oyebanji for the installation of Independent Power Project (IPP) in the state as the only power generating station in the state, Prof. Aluko noted “Until we had our IPP in the state, we had no generation plant in the state, generation of power itself is a problem in the state, but we now have an IPP. 

“Aside of these IPP generation, we’ve been depending on the national grid lines. So Omisanjana is the only power station that admits 132 kV and radiates 33 kV. The two additional lines with all these equipment that we have will allow us to have two additional stations like Omisanjana in the state, so that 33 kV lines can radiate from more stations in the state and further boost electricity supply to more areas.

“This stations will bring quality electricity nearer to the people, one thing about electricity is that the farther it is from where it comes in to where it is consumed, the more it loses power potency. So, when you have more stations like this in more parts of the state, the electricity will get to more towns with greater power than just one that we have in Omisanjana going to all parts of the state. That's why this is extremely important to us.  

“Furthermore, it will increase the capacity of the grid lines in Ekiti state to accept more power so that there will be no excuses from maybe the national grid or from new generation plants that we do not have enough lines to accept the power that they are going to provide",  the Commissioner stated.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

One Good Term Deserved Another: The Oyebanji Transformation Story in Ekiti-State.

One Good Term Deserved Another: The Oyebanji Transformation Story in Ekiti-State.
By Idowu Ephraim Faleye.



When Governor Biodun Oyebanji sat down for Part 2 of his exclusive interview with TVC’s Journalists Hangout on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, it wasn’t just another political media outing. It was a heart-to-heart session, the kind that hits home and makes you pause to appreciate the journey of leadership. From his words, you could feel that this man wasn’t just holding office; he was living the experience—deeply, intentionally, and with genuine love for Ekiti State. It was more than soundbites—it was truth seasoned with passion and vision.

He began by reflecting on the past two and a half years, not with prideful chest-thumping, but with heartfelt humility. "The last two and a half years have been a profound learning curve," he said, and you could tell he meant it. He described it as a privilege—yes, a privilege—to serve and deeply connect with the people of Ekiti. He spoke of how the feedback from the people, their warmth, and their honest opinions were what kept his team going through thick and thin. It’s not every day you hear a politician say the people’s feedback “keeps us going.” That’s not just PR; that’s someone who is genuinely listening.

And he wasn’t just listening; he was acting. He spoke extensively about agriculture—not in vague, political terms, but with the clarity of a man who understands its potential and is already proving what can be achieved. “Agriculture is our lifeline in Ekiti,” he declared. You might think that’s just a slogan, but then he dropped the fact: agriculture contributes over 60% to Ekiti’s GDP. That’s huge. For a state like Ekiti, with its vast arable land and rich farming tradition, this should not come as a surprise, but what’s striking is how deliberately his administration has positioned agriculture to feed people, create wealth, and secure lives.

He wasn’t throwing money at agriculture the way governments have done in the past. No. He is redefining what agriculture means for young people. Imagine onboarding nearly 3,000 youths into six agric clusters, giving them not just land or cutlasses, but real tools, real training, and real access to markets. That’s not punishment; that’s building prosperity. “We’re proving that agriculture is no longer punishment but prosperity,” he said. And if you’ve seen what those youths are doing in those clusters, you’d know it’s true. They’re not just farming, they’re running agribusinesses, and they are proud of it.

In fact, what used to be hideouts for criminals in the forest are now green fields of crops. That line hit hard: “Criminal hideouts in our bushes are turning into green fields.” That’s not just a poetic statement; it’s a strategy. It’s how you reclaim your state from the claws of insecurity—by bringing life back to the land. And this reclamation is not just about farming; it’s about restoring safety and dignity to communities that had once been afraid of their own backyards.

Governor Oyebanji didn’t stop there. He took a moment to expose a very common plague in Nigerian governance—'political farmers.’ You know them: those who dress up as farmers only when there's government money to grab. But not in Ekiti anymore. He made it clear that their system now filters out these imposters through a structured cooperative model. Only real farmers are accessing interventions. “We now deal with real farmers, not ‘political farmers’ who hijack interventions.” That’s how you build trust in public policy.

The infrastructure push is another game-changer. Governor Oyebanji’s administration is leading the way on the RAAMP initiative, with 1000 kilometers of rural roads being constructed across the state. Imagine what that means for farmers in remote areas. Imagine the economic boom when those roads connect farmsteads to markets. That’s how you build an economy from the ground up—literally. “We’ve paid our dues,” he said, and indeed they have.

One example that stands out is the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki federal road. The state government spent N20 billion fixing this crucial federal road without a single reimbursement from Abuja. N20 billion! That’s not a pocket change. That money could have been used elsewhere, but they chose to do it because, in his words, “Ekiti lives matter.” That simple sentence sums up what leadership should be about—prioritizing people above politics. But he didn’t mince words about how unjust it is for federal roads to drain state resources. And he’s right. States shouldn’t be forced to choose between saving lives and staying solvent.

Then came the airport story. Some people thought it was just another white elephant project, but he made it clear: “Our airport isn’t accidental. It’s our handshake with the world.” And now that the airport has been registered as a cargo airport, it’s clear it was a strategic move to attract federal support. But beyond that, it positions Ekiti as a logistics hub, especially for agro-allied products and tourism. That’s how you think long-term. That’s how you draw investors in, not just with talks but with infrastructure that speaks volumes.

Speaking of investment, Governor Oyebanji proudly shared that Ekiti is now a preferred destination for foreign investment. With cassava processing zones being developed and partnerships with the African Development Bank (AFDB) in place, Ekiti’s agro-industrial future is glowing with promise. That’s no small feat. Investors don’t go where there’s uncertainty; they go where there’s structure, policy clarity, and strategic vision. And clearly, they see that in Ekiti.

But what makes all of this even more inspiring is knowing the man behind the mission didn’t just walk into power unprepared. He’s a seasoned public servant. Years of experience in different capacities—SA, SSA, Chief of Staff, Commissioner (twice), Head of Transformation, Secretary to the State Government—have prepared him for this moment. He didn’t stumble into leadership. “I trained for it,” he said. And that, right there, explains why things are working in Ekiti. He didn’t come to learn on the job. He came to apply what he already knew, and it’s paying off.

Of course, in politics, there will always be critics—constructive or otherwise. But he doesn’t get distracted. His focus remains the people of Ekiti. And when you have an 80% approval rating, you know you’re doing something right. “Constructive or ignorant, I take every criticism in stride,” he said. That’s maturity. That’s leadership.

What touched many viewers the most was when he spoke about unity. “Dr. Fayemi told me: Don’t inherit my enemies.” That’s such a powerful principle. Too often, Nigerian politics is about vendettas and grudges. But here is a man who chose unity over division. He didn’t just quote Fayemi; he acted on it. He reached out to former governors, including Engr. Segun Oni and others, valuing their mentorship. Because, as he rightly said, “Development thrives when politics is not war.” If only more politicians could think like this.

Now, if all these words from Governor Oyebanji don’t resonate with you, then maybe you haven’t been watching what’s happening in Ekiti State. This is not just governance; it’s transformation. This is what it looks like when a leader leads with sense, sincerity, and structure. When a leader sees beyond his time in office and starts laying the groundwork for generations to come. And make no mistake, Ekiti is changing before our very eyes.

But the work isn’t done. The path is still long, and the transformation is still unfolding. What Governor Biodun Oyebanji has started deserves to continue—not just for continuity’s sake, but because the foundation has been rightly laid, and the vision is clear. Ekiti cannot afford to go back to square one. Not now that young people are finding dignity in agriculture, not now that roads are reaching the remotest parts of the state, not now that real farmers are finally being empowered, not now that green fields are replacing criminal hideouts, and certainly not now that the world is beginning to see Ekiti as a place of promise.

So when the time comes again for Ekiti people to choose, it should not be a hard decision. Because when someone gives you peace, progress, and purpose—you don’t send him away. You don’t gamble with your future. You hold onto him and say, “One good time deserves another.”

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has earned not just our votes, but our trust, our respect, and our heartfelt gratitude. And come that moment, we must stand with him—because he has always stood with us.

Idowu Ephraim Faleye writes from Ado-Ekiti- 08132100608

Ekiti State Government Celebrates Cohort 3 Graduands From Handy Innovations Vocational Institute.

Ekiti State Government Celebrates Cohort 3 Graduands From Handy Innovations Vocational Institute.
…as Ekiti Youths express their deepest appreciation to Governor Oyebanji.


Ekiti Youths expressed their deepest appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for its visionary support and enabling environment for youth empowerment through skills acquisition.


The Office of the Special Assistant on Youth Development to Ekiti State Governor, Amb. Olu-Ajayi Maxwell, in collaboration with Handy Innovations Vocational Institute under the visionary leadership of its founder, Mrs. Rotarian Adeola Adesola Olafikun, successfully held the Cohort 3 Graduation Ceremony of its vocational training program.

The event, which took place today, Saturday, May 10, showcased the exceptional talents of the graduating students and marked the culmination of a three-month intensive vocational training program. Trainees, many of whom joined the program with little or no prior experience, expressed profound gratitude for the life-changing opportunity. From Fashion Design and Hairstyling to Catering and Culinary, Shoe Making, Makeup artistry and ICT; the graduates proudly demonstrated their newfound skills to an enthusiastic audience.


Several students shared stories of personal challenges during the course but credited their perseverance and the unwavering support of their instructors for their success. The atmosphere was electric with celebration, pride, and hope for the future.



Mrs. Rotarian Adeola Adesola Olafikun, visibly moved by the students’ growth, congratulated the graduates and expressed heartfelt appreciation to all supporters of the initiative. “I am proud of every one of you. You've not only acquired skills but also the confidence to innovate and create value in your communities,” she said. The best students in each sector would be equipped to be independent.



Amb. Olu-Ajayi Maxwell humbly appreciate the CEO for giving the opportunity for the young ones in the state to learn. "Thank you for supporting the mantra of Governor Oyebanji towards shared prosperity giving back to the youth community. Youth development and empowerment is key to economic freedom and Governor Oyebanji is very much interested in this. The graduands are no longer learners but innovators," he said.

He further noted that from Cohort 1 to Cohort 3, a total of 150 youths have been successfully trained through the initiative, with plans already underway for the commencement of Cohort 4.


The event was graced by notable dignitaries among which is the Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Congress, Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. Adedara Temitope Moses, who reaffirmed their commitment to youth empowerment in the state.



On behalf of all graduands, the Ekiti youth extended sincere appreciation to the Handy Innovation Foundation, His Excellency Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and investment in the future of young innovators in the state.

Friday, May 9, 2025

WHO’S AFRAID OF JUSTICE? A REJOINDER TO AKIN AKINSOLUGA’S CRITIQUE OF THE FUOYE VICE-CHANCELLOR.

WHO’S AFRAID OF JUSTICE? A REJOINDER TO AKIN AKINSOLUGA’S CRITIQUE OF THE FUOYE VICE-CHANCELLOR.



Akin Akinsoluga’s recent commentary on the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE reads more like a patchwork of speculation and unfounded assertions than a serious engagement with the facts. Rather than shedding light on the realities facing the institution, his remarks reveal more about his own biases and intentions. One must ask: what motivates such a flimsy and seemingly choreographed assault on a leader who is merely defending his integrity in the face of what appears to be a politically driven smear campaign? In the end, the central question remains: who, indeed, is afraid of justice?

Akinsoluga appears to insinuate that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, has no right to seek legal redress in defence against baseless allegations. Such a proposition is not only patently absurd but also strikes at the very heart of the principles of fairness and due process—cornerstones of any credible academic or administrative engagement. If, following thorough investigations by both the Nigerian Police and the University’s Governing Council—institutions of considerable repute—the Vice-Chancellor has been duly exonerated, then on what grounds should he be denied the right to take legal steps to protect his name and integrity? If Akinsoluga and his cohorts are truly confident in their claims, they should have no fear of judicial scrutiny or further investigation; indeed, they ought to embrace it as an avenue for truth and transparency.

It is increasingly evident that Akin and his politically aligned associates are seeking to conflate personal grievances with broader institutional concerns. The suggestion that Professor Fasina’s actions are somehow a response to a supposed “succession plan” orchestrated by clandestine political actors is a feeble attempt to divert attention from the substantive matters at stake. Engr. Kayode Ojo’s apparent discontent with Professor Fasina—rooted in a sense of political displacement—should not serve as a pretext for launching baseless assaults on the Vice-Chancellor’s character.

Moreover, it is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of allegations of impropriety and misconduct, particularly when directed at an individual who has spent years cultivating a distinguished career in service to the academic sector. To imply that Professor Fasina ought to remain mute in the face of such accusations is not only unreasonable—it is an implicit endorsement of injustice.

Furthermore, the opaque political undercurrents surrounding these allegations—particularly those linked to aspirations for professional ascendancy and financial advantage—must not be overlooked. The associations between Kayode Ojo and certain financial transactions within the University, including the award of contracts under questionable circumstances, justifiably prompt concerns regarding the true motivations behind the sustained assault on the Vice-Chancellor’s administration. Allegations of misconduct ought not to be weaponised for political expediency; instead, they must be scrutinised through the appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms.

It is equally vital to acknowledge the widespread support Professor Fasina commands from both the student body and members of staff—academic and non-academic alike. His proactive and pragmatic leadership has ensured uninterrupted academic calendars, sparing students the perennial setbacks caused by industrial actions—an accomplishment that eloquently attests to his unwavering dedication to academic excellence.

In conclusion, we must remain resolute in our commitment to truth and transparency, safeguarding our academic institutions from the corrosive influence of personal vendettas and political interference. It is incumbent upon every conscientious member of the university community to uphold a governance ethos rooted in integrity, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence—values that the Vice-Chancellor has consistently embodied.

We must not permit the murmurings of political intrigue to erode the moral fabric of our institution. Rather, we must anchor our efforts in the pursuit of justice and truth, for only through such steadfast commitment can FUOYE realise its full potential and flourish as a beacon of higher education.

Segun Ibijola.
A Concerned Oye-Ekiti Indigene

BudgIT ranks Ekiti first for fiscal transparency.

BudgIT ranks Ekiti first for fiscal transparency.



The Ekiti State Government has applauded the ranking of the State as first in Nigeria, in the Q4 2024 States Fiscal Transparency League Table by BudgIT Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BudgIT reports had recently scored Ekiti 100 out of 100 in its ratings and placed the state at the top of the fiscal transparency index in the country.

According to the foundation, the rating is based on budget approval, quarterly BIR, 2023 audited financial statements, Accountant-General’s Reports, E-Procurement Portal, and State Website Data Accessibility, among others.

Reacting in a statement on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, described the rating as a reflection of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to fiscal discipline and open governance.

He said the rating was a validation of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance under the current administration.

“This is not just a statistical victory. It’s an authentication of Governor Oyebanji’s upbringing, experience in governance, discipline, selflessness, and people-centred leadership, Ekiti people can be proud,” Olatunbosun said.

The Commissioner recalled that Ekiti was also ranked first in both Q2 and Q3 of 2024, and second in Q1, “thereby making it the only state with such consistent top-tier performance.

“In addition, Ekiti was listed as a ‘Progressive Performer’, a status awarded to only five states, and was one of just four states that attracted foreign direct investment in 2024.”

While assuring that the Oyebanji-led administration remained focused on institutional reforms and would not be distracted from its developmental mission, Olatunbosun reiterated that transparency is the cornerstone of the current administration’s governance philosophy.

”Community and stakeholder engagement constitute a major factor and strategy in formulating government policy and project implementation.

“The focus is to involve individuals, groups, and other stakeholders, actively seeking feedback, addressing concerns, and making decisions that reflect stakeholders’ interests.

“We will continue to keep citizens informed, empowered, and engaged. Trust in government starts with transparency, and this government will never lose sight of that.”

He, therefore, called for sustained support from all stakeholders and residents of Ekiti State.

The Commissioner also promised that residents would continue to experience the dividends of a compassionate, transparent, and transformational government.

EKITI TO OFFICIALLY FLAG OFF AGENCY BANKING PROGRAMME.

EKITI TO OFFICIALLY FLAG OFF AGENCY BANKING PROGRAMME.
….To Also Hold Public Private Dialogue platform engagement.



Ekiti State Government will officially flag of the Agency Banking programme on Tuesday 27th May, 2025 as part of efforts to create employment opportunities and empowerment of the people. 

The State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Kayode Fasae who made this known during an audience participatory simulcast in the State environs tagged “Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today”, said the State Government would also on 20th May, 2025 hold a Public Private Dialogue platform engagement to discuss actionable strategies to implement and active and robust Labour Market Information System (LMIS) for the State. 

Mr. Fasae explained that 200 trained and licensed people would be engaged as “Super Sole Agents” with each of them superintending over five licensed commission agents under the Agency Banking arrangement across the State to operate the system.

Fasae added that the State Government has entered into an agreement with three banks to drive the scheme, expressing confidence that the arrangement would apart from providing job opportunities, help businesses scale to a larger level, gives people easier access to digital services, boost socio-economic activities of the people and improve the standard of living of the people.    

Noting that the scheme is in tandem with both Governor Biodun Oyebanji Shared Prosperity vision and President Bola Tinubu agenda of ensuring that there is at least one financial institution in every ward in the country, the Commissioner reiterated Government’s commitment to rapid development of the State and improving the lot of the people.

Mr. Fasae said the Public Private Dialogue platform engagement was organized to strengthen public and private collaboration for an effective LMIS, identify the gaps in Labour Market data collection and utilization, enhance the use of the LMIS for organizational workforce planning and decision making, as well as to develop roadmap for LMIS implementation and sustainability.



He lamented that collaboration between the public and private stakeholders had hitherto been very limited, resulting in weak synergies and challenges in assessing impact at a holistic level, emphasizing that the ongoing efforts to develop skills and promote sustainable growth for decent employment opportunities are therefore priorities for both public and private stakeholders.


Stressing the need to establish a system that not only fosters active collaboration and synergy among key players in both sectors but also provides accurate and reliable data on the employment landscape in Ekiti State to drive effective employment and job creation initiative, Fasae assured that no stone would be left unturned towards changing the fortunes of the people for the better.

He solicited the continued support all stakeholders towards achieving the desired result.

IILG Begins Sale of CRIN Hybrid Cocoa Seedlings at Subsidised Rate.

IILG Begins Sale of CRIN Hybrid Cocoa Seedlings at Subsidised Rate.
By Asubiojo G.O



In a bold move to boost agricultural development and support the vision of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) on agriculture, the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government of Ekiti State has commenced the sale of CRIN hybrid TS Cocoa seedlings at a subsidised rate of ₦500.

The initiative, driven by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is part of ongoing efforts to actualise the agricultural transformation agenda of the local government chairman, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga (aka Chenco), whose vision continues to yield tangible results across the council area.

According to the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Adesanya Cornelius, over the past 18 months, the department has nurtured thousands of hybrid cocoa seedlings through a cross-breeding programme. “It’s a beehive of activity here as buyers troop in large numbers to access the seedlings. We are proud to contribute significantly to the state’s agricultural value chain,” he said.

He praised the chairman’s unwavering support, describing Hon. Oluwagbenga as a pragmatic leader whose financial and moral backing has empowered the department to exceed expectations. Mr. Adesanya, alongside the Deputy Director, Mrs. Adeyinka Bukola, lauded the chairman for believing in their vision and enabling innovation through strategic investment in agriculture.

Highlighting the benefits of the hybrid cocoa variety, Adesanya noted that once processed into edibles, cocoa contributes to mood improvement, cholesterol control, weight management, and offers protection against diseases such as cancer and heart conditions, due to its rich antioxidant properties.

The Head of Local Government Administration (HLA), Mrs. D.B. Akinbobola, also expressed delight at the development. “I am truly impressed with the chairman’s commitment to agriculture. With this level of investment and innovation, Irepodun/Ifelodun LG will soon become one of the leading producers of cocoa and other agricultural resources in Ekiti State,” she remarked.

Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Adeyinka Bukola, added that the health benefits of cocoa make it a strategic crop for both economic and public health impact. “Beyond income, cocoa holds medical relevance. When properly transformed, it plays a vital role in managing cholesterol and preventing life-threatening diseases.”

Also speaking, Mr. Cosmas Gbenga described the project as “awesomely marvelous and dynamic,” applauding the foresight and collaboration among key actors within the local government.

In a brief remark, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga reaffirmed his commitment to building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. “This is just the beginning. Our goal is to empower our farmers, increase local production, and enhance internally generated revenue across all tiers of government,” he stated.

The project not only aligns with the agricultural agenda of Governor Oyebanji but also positions Irepodun/Ifelodun LG as a rising hub for cocoa cultivation and agribusiness innovation in Ekiti State.