BAO Administration: Touching Every Corner, Changing Every Life

BAO Administration: Touching Every Corner, Changing Every Life.

...As Ekiti kete Drum Support Continuity Till 2030.

The administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has emerged as a symbol of visionary leadership, purposeful development, and people-centered governance across Ekiti State. From the remote rural communities to the bustling heart of Ado Ekiti, BAO’s impactful touch is evident, changing lives, restoring hope, and setting new standards in responsive governance.

One of the administration’s most celebrated milestones is the reconnection of 21 long-neglected communities to the national electricity grid. Communities such as Ijan, Ilumoba, Aisegba, Agbado, Imesi, Odo, Isinbode, Egbe, Iro Ayeteju, and Omuo in Aiyekire and Ekiti East LGAs, many of whom endured over a decade of total blackout, now enjoy steady electricity. This was made possible through the installation of over 100 kilometers of electrical conductors and poles and the rehabilitation of 40 transformer substations. More than just power, this restoration brought with it renewed economic activities, social revival, and a rekindling of communal hope.

In his commitment to infrastructure development, Governor Oyebanji is on a mission to connect every part of Ekiti through resilient and enduring road networks. Over 22 major road projects have been completed or are ongoing including:

● Ikole Township Road

● GRA Third Extension Dualization

● Omisanjana Sije Ajebamidele Road

● Ilawe Erijiyan Road

● Igbara Odo Ikogosi Road

● Ado Ilawe Road

● Igede Ilawe Road

● Itapaji Ijelu Omuo Road

● Ado Iworoko Ifaki Dualization

● Ekiti Ring Road Project

● Iloro Ijunrin Road

● Ikere Igbara Odo Road

● Moferere Agric Olope Odo Ado Road

● And several more under the RAAMP rural access scheme.

Particularly, the Ekiti Ring Road Phase One, which connects Iworoko to the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Airport, is unlocking New City expansion and decongesting Ado Ekiti — a major stride in the state’s urban renewal plan.

In the health sector, BAO’s administration has made governance a vehicle for human dignity. Key interventions include:

● Renovation and equipping of general hospitals

● Establishment of adapted classrooms in special schools

● Creation of a Government Therapy Centre for children with disabilities

● Renovation of the Dialysis Centre at EKSUTH and installation of a mammogram machine

● Recruitment of 500 new health professionals

● Distribution of assistive devices including 50 wheelchairs, 100 white canes, 10 CP chairs, and 10 crutches

● Enrollment of 3.6 million residents in the Ulerawa Health Insurance Scheme

In the education sector, BAO recognizes that the path to a prosperous Ekiti lies in the empowerment of its youth. As a result, his administration:

● Paid WAEC fees for over 50,000 students (2023 to 2025)

● Sponsored thousands of students for NABTEB and JAMB exams

● Employed hundreds of new teachers at both primary and secondary levels

● Continues targeted recruitment to close existing manpower gaps

These efforts ease financial burdens on parents and invest directly in the next generation of leaders.

Governor Oyebanji’s bond with the civil service and the broader workforce remains unbreakable. His administration has ensured:

● Timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities

● Expanded employment across healthcare, education, and empowerment sectors

● Implementation of youth and women-focused skill acquisition initiatives

His humility and lifestyle reflect his character as a servant-leader. While others mark birthdays with extravagance, BAO celebrates in silence, directing birthday gifts to special schools and dedicating his spare time to worship and grassroots engagement rather than elitist pageantry.

Governor Oyebanji is not just building roads and schools. He is building people. His inclusive, peaceful, and progressive leadership is healing communities, opening new possibilities, and preparing Ekiti for global relevance.

To mention just a few of Governor Oyebanji’s impactful projects would be to understate his far-reaching transformation agenda. His touch across all sectors politically, economically, and socially has triggered an overwhelming show of support for his continuity in office. Ekiti Kete have spoken loud and clear. Continuity is the goal.

This is not politics as usual. This is purpose in action.

Together Let BAO Finish What He Started

Together Let’s March On With BAO Till 2030.

Together Let Ekiti Kete Rise Higher.

Olamide Akinwumi, writes from Ado-Ekiti

Atayero Urges Oyebanji to Leverage AI for Economic Growth, Sponsors 100 Residents for Training.

Atayero Urges Oyebanji to Leverage AI for Economic Growth, Sponsors 100 Residents for Training.

The Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, His Royal Highness, M’oba Olusegun Aderemi, has called on the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic tool for economic transformation in the state.

The traditional ruler made the call on Wednesday during the closing ceremony of a free, three-day AI training programme sponsored by him for over 100 residents of Aramoko at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Centre located at Glory Model Schools, Aramoko-Ekiti.

Speaking with journalists at the event, Aderemi, who also doubles as the Nigerian Regional President of the Occupational Safety and Health Association, said the state must move in tandem with global trends, stressing that AI holds the key to unlocking numerous economic potentials in Ekiti.

“Artificial Intelligence is the new goldmine. It can increase revenue, boost productivity, and improve governance if fully harnessed. I urge Governor Oyebanji to integrate AI into the state’s developmental blueprint,” he said.

According to him, the youth cannot afford to remain ignorant of the emerging wave of digital innovation. “Any youth who doesn't understand AI is already behind. The usefulness of AI is endless; it is the path to financial independence and economic empowerment,” the monarch said.

Aderemi, in a surprising twist, also linked recent killings in Benue State to a lack of proactive intelligence. He argued that such attacks could be mitigated through the deployment of AI-powered surveillance technologies like drones.

“I attribute the Benue massacre to low intelligence. With full intelligence powered by AI, potential threats can be identified and neutralised before they escalate. We only react after attacks, and that has to change,” he declared.

The event, which attracted a number of dignitaries, also witnessed the presentation of certificates to outstanding participants. The training covered areas such as cybersecurity, digital marketing, machine learning, and prompt engineering.

Mr. Adefisoye Adesola Diligent, President of the Nigerian Entrepreneurship Youth Initiative and lead trainer at the programme, said the goal was to equip Aramoko youths with globally relevant digital skills.

“They have been taught how to control AI through prompt engineering, how to protect themselves online, and how to market their businesses globally using digital tools,” he explained.

Some of the participants who spoke to newsmen expressed gratitude to the monarch and organisers for the rare opportunity.

Joseph Fajuyigbe described the programme as “life-changing,” noting that he now feels more confident navigating the tech space, while Esther Olaniyi said the training was an eye-opener and that the certificate earned would give her an edge in the job market.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were dignitaries including Mr. Ayodele Adeyanju, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Digital Economy; Mr. Ayodele Akande, Technical Assistant on Digital Communication to the Governor; Mr. Bamidele Jegede, State Director of Admin and Supplies; and Mr. Ogunbiyi Ahmed, a digital marketing facilitator.

Other guests included Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Professor Mojisola Oyaregua, former Provost of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti; Pastor Gabriel Olaniyan, Proprietor of Glory Model Schools; Pastor Fatuade; Prophet James Omitade; Mrs. Olubunmi Laniyan; Mrs. Mercy Adebayo; and Prince Pedro Adebayo.

Outstanding among the participants.

They all commended M’oba Aderemi for his steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

The Atayero used the occasion to appeal to indigenes of Aramoko both home and abroad to contribute meaningfully to the town’s progress. “Development is not the duty of government alone. We all have a role to play,” he said.

Below are the pictures of the event:

The participants which cut across Ekiti and Osun States.

Outstanding among the participants.

Ekiti Advances in $22m USDA-Funded Cocoa Rejuvenation Programme.

Ekiti Advances in $22m USDA-Funded Cocoa Rejuvenation Programme.

Ekiti State continues to benefit from the $22 million Cocoa Rejuvenation Programme funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), having been actively involved in the initiative since 2023.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, stated in Ado-Ekiti that the programme, implemented through the USDA-funded TRACE Project, has already seen significant groundwork in Ekiti, including the profiling, grouping, and extensive training of cocoa farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices.

According to him, staff of the Ministry have also undergone several trainings and capacity-building sessions to ensure effective delivery of the project’s goals.

The latest phase of the programme, which commenced this week, involves the free distribution of 1,794 hybrid cocoa seedlings—including improved clones such as NT1, RV2, TC8, RV23, NT2, RV22, and RV1—to selected farmers in the state. 

Further distributions are scheduled for Ise and Omuo Ekiti, where trained farmers will also receive high-yield hybrid cocoa seedlings and tree seedlings at no cost, as part of efforts to enhance productivity and boost sustainable cocoa farming in the state.

A seed tracker system was deployed during the exercise to ensure transparency, monitor growth, and track performance.

Boluwade emphasized that the TRACE Project is in line with the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration’s 10-year strategic plan to reposition Ekiti as one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states by 2034. He added that the ongoing support for farmers, including the supply of hybrid and grafted seedlings, will continue through 2027, reinforcing the state’s commitment to agricultural transformation.

Ekiti Creative Artists Forum declare support for Oyebanji’s re- election.

Ekiti Creative Artists Forum declare support for Oyebanji’s re- election.

….as Prof Adubiaro urges Voters to update their PVCs.

As the race for the 2026 Gubernatorial election gathers momentum, the Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof.  Habibat Adubiaro has called on eligible voters in the state to update their Permanent Voter Cards at the appropriate INEC designated centres. 

Prof Adubiaro spoke in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital on Thursday, just as another prominent group- Ekiti Creative Artists Forum, visited the Governor’s Office to formally endorse Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office. 

Members of the Forum, which has about 16 associations, including the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Movie Makers Association, Society of Nigerian Artists, traditional Musician Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, PMAN amongst others, said they were moved by the Governor’s excellent performance for their decision. 

Prof Adubiaro who welcomed them on behalf of the Governor said their show of solidarity was another attestation to the multi-faceted impact of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji  administration across various sectors which has significantly improved the socio-economic and infrastructural growth of the State.

The Secretary to the State Government urged residents whose polling units are far from where they reside to update their PVCs during the next INEC registration exercise to enable them vote and ensure the victory of Governor Oyebanji in the election scheduled for June 20, 2026. 

The SSG said: "I want to use this opportunity to enjoin all of us here to collect our PVCs. There is no other way to appreciate Governor Oyebanji than to collect your PVCs, because we know some people have relocated from the areas they registered as voters, so let's go and get our voters cards, so that we will go to the poll at once and vote for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to come back for another four years,"

She urged them to remain firm and continue to propagate the gospel of BAO across the nooks and crannies of the state to enjoy more deliverables as encapsulated under the Shared Prosperity mantra. 

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Inter-Party Affairs, High Chief Jide Awe said Yoruba traditional culture is well rooted in Ekiti, and commended members of various groups and associations under the umbrella of Ekiti Creative Artists Forum for the endorsement.

Chief Awe who maintained that Governor Oyebanji had fulfilled all the promises made to Ekiti people, assured that he will not disappoint them in the next dispensation.

Earlier, the representatives of the various groups under the forum, Chief Ojo Olowojolu, Associate Professor Mike Adeloye, Mr Gbenga Apadidun, Chief Ayodele Ilesanmi had commended the various achievements recorded by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in their Arts, Culture and Creative Economy sector as well as other critical sectors which they noted are evident for all to see.

They promised their total support for the Governor, adding that they will canvass more votes towards ensuring its victory in next year’s Gubernatorial election.

The Commissioner for Arts and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasak Ojo Bakare who led the team to the Governor’s office on behalf of the State Creative Artists hailed the artists for the endorsement.

Venite University Holds Second Matriculation, Charges Fresh Students on Excellence, Leadership.

Venite University Holds Second Matriculation, Charges Fresh Students on Excellence, Leadership.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, on Wednesday, hosted its second matriculation ceremony, formally welcoming over 250 newly admitted students into its various academic programmes for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The colourful event, held at the university auditorium, marked a significant milestone in the lives of the students and reinforced the institution’s growing stature within Nigeria’s private education sector.

The ceremony was graced by a host of dignitaries, including traditional rulers, top government functionaries, academics, and community leaders, who witnessed the administration of the matriculation oath by the Registrar, Dr Ezekiel A. Agbaje. The oath-taking signified the official induction of the students into the university community.

Notable among the traditional rulers in attendance were the Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti, Oba Oluwafemi Olugbesoye; the Oluroye of Iroko-Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ekundayo; the Alararomi of Araromi-Ekiti, Oba Babatunde; and the Olujurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola. Their presence underscored the synergy between traditional institutions and educational development in Ekiti State.

Representing the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Her Excellency Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, at the event was the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Peju Babafemi. She conveyed the First Lady’s goodwill message, describing Venite University as a “rising star” in Nigeria’s private education landscape and reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting youth development through education.

In his keynote address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kelvin A. Aduloju, urged the students to embrace a life of excellence, discipline, and innovation throughout their academic journey.

“We are building a new generation of leaders and thinkers,” he said. “Let your time at Venite University be marked by innovation, scholarship, and moral uprightness.”

Several scholars and guests delivered goodwill messages, advising the students to focus on academic excellence, integrity, and purposeful leadership. These included Prof Joyce Olufunke Ogunsanmi of Ekiti State University; Dr F.A. Bello and Dr O.I. Bamikole of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI); Dr S.K. Ekundayo of Federal University Oye-Ekiti; and Prof Haastrup Ekundayo of EKSU.

Also present were the JAMB Coordinator, Mr Olukayode S. Dada; the JAMB Head of Matriculation, Mr Ishola Ganiyu Babaita; and a member of the university’s Governing Council and CEO of Value Ingredient Ltd, Prince Dr Olabode Adetoyi.

Development advocates including Hon Fola Richie-Adewusi and Hon Modupe Bakare, Chairperson of Irewolede LCDA, also inspired the freshers with words of encouragement, urging them to be goal-driven and socially responsible.

The spiritual segment of the event featured prayers and blessings led by Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) Tunde Abdullahi, Regional Pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 25, alongside other ministers. They committed the new academic session into God’s hands.

Speaking on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mrs Olufunmilola I. Nwanguma charged the students to take ownership of their academic and personal development, describing them as future ambassadors of the university’s legacy.

The university founders, Hon Dr (Mrs) Vincent Kolawole, received special recognition for their vision and relentless dedication to building a world-class university in Iloro-Ekiti.

Director of Pre-Degree and Outreach Programmes, Professor Michael S. Omirin, assured parents and guardians of the university’s continued commitment to holistic student development in both academics and character.

As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and renewed purpose. With the successful conduct of its second matriculation, Venite University continues its steady rise as a centre of academic excellence, leadership, and innovation for Ekiti State, Nigeria, and beyond.

https://veniteuniversity.edu.ng/2025/06/20/2024-2025-matriculation-venite-university-matriculates-nearly-270-students-at-second-ceremony/

Foundation Rallies Support for BAO/ MCA Second Term Bid.

Foundation Rallies Support for BAO/ MCA Second Term Bid.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

A political support group, Adeboyejo Oluseun Foundation Support Group, has thrown its weight behind the re-election bid of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, ahead of the 2026 governorship race.

The convener of the group and Director of the Foundation, Hon. Adeboyejo Oluseun, a seasoned politician and grassroots mobiliser from Emure-Ekiti, said the move was part of a broader strategy to galvanize massive grassroots support for the continuity of what he described as “a people-oriented government.”

Speaking with newsmen on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, the group noted that the call for a second term for the BAO/MCA ticket was based on the achievements recorded by the current administration, especially in areas of infrastructural development, youth empowerment, agricultural intervention, and rural development across the 16 local government areas of the state.

“The day is fast approaching. We believe it is a joint responsibility of all lovers of good governance to stand with our Omoluabi Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the dependable Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye. Their performance speaks for itself,” the statement read.

According to the Foundation, it is deploying both human and material resources to ensure that the message of continuity is rooted deeply among the people at the grassroots, especially in Emure Local Government, where Hon. Adeboyejo is said to have consistently championed community development initiatives.

“Governor Oyebanji has redefined governance in Ekiti. His humility, accessibility, and results-driven leadership have endeared him to the people. From road projects to health interventions, and from education reforms to women inclusion in governance, the governor has shown he deserves a second term,” the statement added.

Hon. Adeboyejo, while addressing supporters in Emure-Ekiti, also commended the Deputy Governor, Chief Afuye, describing her as a stabilizing force and a loyal partner in progress whose contributions often go unnoticed but are crucial to the state’s development.

The Foundation pledged to continue mobilizing, sensitizing, and organizing support rallies across the state, expressing optimism that the re-election of the BAO/MCA team would secure more prosperity, peace, and progress for the people of Ekiti.

“We see a glorious vision behind this mission,” Adeboyejo declared.

Ekiti 2026: Tricycles, Okada riders endorse Gov. Oyebanji for second term.

Ekiti 2026: Tricycles, Okada riders endorse Gov. Oyebanji for second term.

…torrents of endorsements ‘ll spur Gov. to do more, says Ekiti SSG.

Members of the Ekiti State Association of Tricycles and Okada Riders have joined the league of Ekiti residents who have publicly registered their unflinching support for the second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 election, hinging their support on the visible result of the Governor’s developmental strides in the state. 

Speaking on behalf of the association at the Governor’s office on Wednesday, after a massive road walk, the Chairman of Tricycles drivers, Mr Alabi Tolulope; and Okada riders, Mr Kunle Asaolu, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to the welfare of the residents of the state especially the transporters, adding that since he became Governor, there had been relative peace among the transport unions and all the associations in the state.

Speaking while moving a motion for the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji to contest 2026 gubernatorial election, which was supported through a roaring voice vote by members of the association who came in their large numbers from the 16 local government areas of the state, Mr Asaolu further commended the Governor for being a promise keeper by delivering on all his campaign promises to the people.

Asaolu also used the opportunity to assure the Governor that members of the association were solidly behind him and would work hard to ensure that he is returned to the Government House come 2026.

Responding on behalf of the Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro thanked members of the association for their unwavering support for the Governor and his administration as she appealed to them to ensure they are solidly armed with their voter cards in preparation for the election as that is the only instrument they could use to realize their dream for the Governor.

Prof. Adubiaro, who affirmed that endorsements of the Governor from various quarters have invariable spurred him to increase his spate of development for the state added that the state will continue to witness great and viable transformative leadership throughout the administration of Governor Oyebanji.

She highlighted the achievements of the Governor to include infrastructural development, regular payment of salary to enhance the welfare of workers, improvement in the education and health sectors as well as boosting agriculture and food security through farm clusters and other measures among others.

Also at the event were the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Kolawole Akobiewe; Special Advisers to the Governor on Political and Inter-party Affairs, Chief Jide Awe; Gender, Empowerment and Mobilization, Mrs Kemi Olaleye; Special Adviser on Higher Education, Prof Akeem Azeez; and Director-General, Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso among others.