OYEBANJI MOURNS SEGUN AWOLOWO'S DEATH.

OYEBANJI MOURNS SEGUN AWOLOWO'S DEATH.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed condolences on the death of Mr Olusegun Awolowo, a grandson of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former CEO  of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described the death of Mr Awolowo as unfortunate and heart-rending.

Oyebanji said the death of the grandson of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was a monumental loss to the Awolowo family, Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole.

He described the deceased as a great asset to his fatherland, a man who shone brightly in all the roles he played during his public service, adding that the deceased spent a greater part of his public service  life promoting Nigeria's drive for investment and economic prosperity.

The Governor noted that the impact of the deceased would always be felt long after his departure as he used his lifetime to serve his fatherland with passion and fervour.

He specifically commiserated with the Awolowo family praying God to comfort the family during this period of grief.

Oyebanji prayed God to grant the immediate family, associates and admirers of the deceased the fortitude to bear the pain of his loss.

He urged them to be consoled by his legacy of integrity, service, patriotism and the good name he left behind.

2025 White Cane Day: Ekiti Govt Distributes Mobility Aids, Promises Better Inclusion for the Blind.

2025 White Cane Day: Ekiti Govt Distributes Mobility Aids, Promises Better Inclusion for the Blind.

The Ekiti State Blind Community have joined their counterparts world over to commemorate the 2025 International White Cane and Safety Day, using the occasion to push for deeper inclusion, stronger accountability within disability groups, and sustained government support.

The rally, themed “Vision Beyond Sight,” was held around the Fajuyi area of Ado-Ekiti and attracted members of the blind community, government officials, caregivers and disability advocates.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, said the annual White Cane Day remains a statutory and symbolic reminder of the rights, dignity and mobility needs of the blind. 

She assured that Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration would continue to stand firmly with persons with disabilities, noting that government will never fail to celebrate and support them. 

Princess Agboola congratulated members of the association who recently secured government employment and others who benefitted from economic empowerment schemes, describing the gesture as part of Governor Oyebanji’s broader commitment to social welfare.

She urged members of the association to uphold good conduct in public and to continue demonstrating virtues that “dispel stigma and earn public respect,” stressing that trust must exist on both sides.

“You must keep trusting Governor Oyebanji’s administration, because he has shown in clear terms that your welfare matters. In the same way, you must also earn the trust of government through responsible leadership and unity,” she said.

The Special Adviser also cautioned the leadership of the Blind Association in Ekiti to work harmoniously with the national body for effective coordination and transparency, emphasizing the need for internal cohesion to strengthen advocacy and ensure that the group is well managed, credible and responsive to members’ needs.

Reaffirming the administration’s inclusive policies, she described the blind community as proof that disability does not translate to inability, saying the members seated were shining examples of the fact that "there is ability in disability" as they are doing great in their various endeavours despite the challenges.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the planning committee, Mr. Gboyega Afolabi, commended the state government for its consistent interventions aimed at making life easier for the blind persons across Ekiti, noting that initiatives such as mobility support, job placements and economic grants championed by Governor Oyebanji have given many members renewed confidence.

A major highlight of the event was the distribution of free white canes to members whose mobility aids had worn out and to those who previously had none. The gesture, geared towards enhancing safety, independent movement and dignity in daily life.

Beneficiaries, of the state government's gestures, which include school fees, business grants, employment among others such as Mr. Ibrahim Olajide and Ms. Precious Agboola, expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for the numerous things he has been doing for persons living with disabilities, describing the support as life-changing.

EKITI REMAINS SAFE, SET TO SCALE UP SECURITY, OYEBANJI ASSURES RESIDENTS.

EKITI REMAINS SAFE, SET TO SCALE UP SECURITY, OYEBANJI ASSURES RESIDENTS.

…Gov meets Select Security Chiefs.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured residents that the State remains safe, peaceful and secured, stressing that his government has taken decisive steps to strengthen intelligence gathering, tighten surveillance across all borders and communities, as well as ensure that criminal elements find no space to operate anywhere within the State.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance in Ikogosi-Ekiti on Thursday, shortly after a meeting with some heads of security agencies in the State. He said his government would not relent in progressively scaling up security architecture in and around the State, adding that the meeting was part of his administration’s on-going efforts to keep the State secured against any potential threat and to improve inter-agency coordination and collaboration.

Explaining that the safety and wellbeing of residents was paramount to him, Governor Oyebanji said he had to cut short his leave to personally meet the security chiefs in view of current development in some parts of the country. He said further that all efforts are being put in place to ensure Ekiti does not serve as a refuge for criminals.

While commending the security agencies for their unity, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the State, the Governor appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that community participation remains vital to the success of security operations.

The Governor also commended the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for leaving no stone unturned in the bid to secure the country. 

“Well, we are elected to serve the people and though I’m on leave, but with what is happening around borders and neighbouring states, there is a need for me to cut short the leave, come back home and meet with our security chiefs and we just had a meeting where they briefed me on what they are doing, and I'm so grateful to them for being professional and for securing the State. So, I'm comfortable and I'm at peace with what they have told us.

“They have assured us that the State will be protected and whatever it takes to make them do that, we shall continue to offer them.

“As far as we are concerned, Ekiti State is peaceful and we are on track. Most of those issues cannot be discussed here. But we are on track and satisfied with the reports that we have received and they will go back also to scale up security around the state and I also appeal to our people to help us with intelligence. No matter how well intentioned they are, the quality of intelligence they get is extremely important. If you see something, say something”, the Governor urged the residents.

Also in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), commended the Governor for his proactive approach in addressing security concerns in the State. He said the Governor’s decision to cut short his leave in order to meet with the service chiefs demonstrated a high level of commitment to protecting the  lives and properties of people in the State.

General Ogundana said it was for proactive measures of this nature that Ekiti has earned the reputation of being the safest state in the country, adding that concerted efforts are being made to ensure that the state remains safe and secured.

𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐈 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄.

𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐈 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄.

Since Governor Biodun Oyebanji assumed office, the story of waste management in Ekiti State has taken a remarkable turn for the better. 

Incidents of waste-induced flooding and environmental hazards previously common in several parts of the state have now been reduced to the barest minimum.

This progress is not accidental; it is the product of deliberate investment, meticulous planning, and a clear policy direction under Governor Oyebanji’s environmental reform agenda.

At the forefront of this transformation is the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), which, backed by the Governor’s unwavering support, has intensified efforts to modernize and expand waste management infrastructure across the state.

So far, the agency has successfully fabricated and deployed 60 Dino bins, strategically positioned across the state capital to aid public waste disposal.

Building on this momentum, EKSWAMA recently received another major approval from Mr. Governor, this time, for the production of 2,000 wheeling and pedal waste bins to enhance house-to-house waste collection across communities.

This initiative not only deepens the ongoing door-to-door waste collection strategy but also strengthens the state's commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

Notably, this procurement cycle was completed within two to three months, a sharp contrast to previous periods when similar processes would take more than a year, another clear reflection of Governor Oyebanji’s governance efficiency and the elimination of unnecessary administrative bottlenecks.

Corporate organisations, banks, and private entities have already indicated interest as early off-takers.

In line with global best practices, every household in Ekiti State is now required to own at least one waste bin to support the state’s structured waste collection system.

The agency has expanded its operations beyond Ado-Ekiti to Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, with Oye LGA next in line.

Private waste management operators have also grown from just 2 to 10, actively complementing EKSWAMA’s efforts and creating new opportunities within the waste management value chain.

With these 2,000 new wheeling bins, Ekiti State is taking yet another significant step forward in its journey toward cleaner cities, safer communities, and a more environmentally responsible society.

#BAOatWork

#CleanEkiti

#EnvironmentalReform

Gov. Oyebanji Reiterates Commitment to Inclusivity as Ekiti Graduates 60 Persons With Disabilities, Empowers Beneficiaries.

Gov. Oyebanji Reiterates Commitment to Inclusivity as Ekiti Graduates 60 Persons With Disabilities, Empowers Beneficiaries.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has restated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and human capital development, especially for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), as the state graduated and empowered another batch of 60 trainees from the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre.

The event, themed “Celebrating Courage, Craft and Capability,”   held on Tuesday at the centre in Ado Ekiti, marked the third phase of the state’s specialised training and empowerment programme designed to strengthen the economic independence of PWDs across the state.

Representing the Governor, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said the initiative reflects Governor Oyebanji’s resolve to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the development agenda of the state. 

He noted that since assumption of office, the administration has made significant strides in addressing the needs of PWDs through deliberate policies and targeted programmes.

Adebayo listed key achievements to include, Successful employment of 28 PWDs into the state’s civil service; Free healthcare services for all PWDs at primary health care centres; Free education for children with disabilities from primary to secondary school levels; Compulsory free assessment for children with disabilities;

Free therapeutic services in special schools and designated centres; and Ongoing campaigns aimed at increasing public sensitivity to the rights and needs of PWDs.

“Human capital development remains a major pillar of this administration, and special attention is being given to the development of people living with disabilities. Every individual, regardless of circumstance, must have opportunities to thrive,” he said.

He congratulated the graduands and urged them to maximise the opportunity by investing in their skills and contributing meaningfully to their communities. 

He also appreciated the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her “relentless effort” in advancing the welfare of PWDs.

The state Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Folakemi Olomojobi, congratulated the trainees and their families, describing the programme as “unprecedented” in its structure and stakeholder involvement, thanking Governor Oyebanji for providing an enabling environment for such impactful initiatives.

On his part, the Chairman, Ekiti State Board for Disability Affairs, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, also lauded the administration for renovating special schools across the state and equipping them with modern devices.

According to him, only a governor “with a big heart” could invest so heavily in the wellbeing of special persons, considering the financial demands associated with disability support services.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, described the event as a celebration of resilience and progress, applauding the graduands for their commitment throughout the training period.

She commended the Governor for implementing the 2020 Disability Act, which she said marked a major step in recognising and protecting the rights of PWDs in Ekiti State.

Princess Agboola announced that more than 100 businesses owned by PWDs had received grant support under the administration’s empowerment initiatives, while several others had received assistive devices and job placements.

She added that the state was prioritising women with disabilities this year through a mental health support programme. 

She also revealed that an empowerment scheme supported by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, would take place in two weeks.

Princess Agboola disclosed that out of the 120 PWDs approved for training this year, 60 had completed their training, while another 60 are still on sessions, each expected to graduate with both certification, start up kits and cash support.

The SA to the Governor urged the beneficiaries to use their skills productively and reminded them of the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to support continuity of inclusive governance.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Office of Disability Affairs, expressed delight over the successful completion of the vocational programme, noting that the trainees received free accommodation, meals, transport allowances, and practical attachment opportunities.

He added that each graduand would receive a start-up kit tailored to their chosen trade, alongside a proficiency certificate from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, which qualifies them for possible employment in the civil service.

The Executive Secretary said over 70 PWDs had benefited from similar training in the past two years, attributing the success to Governor Oyebanji’s visionary leadership and Princess Agboola’s commitment to the inclusivity agenda.

The 2025 cohort comprises 120 beneficiaries drawn from all 16 Local Government Areas and 38 LCDAs after they had completed nine months of vocational training and a three-month industrial attachment in ICT, tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking, catering, and business management among others.

Oyebanji Reiterates Commitment to Inclusivity as Ekiti trains, supports 120 PWDs, with start- up kits, cash, certificates.

Oyebanji Reiterates Commitment to Inclusivity as Ekiti trains, supports 120 PWDs, with start- up kits, cash, certificates.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has restated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and human capital development, especially for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), as the state graduated and empowered another batch of 60 trainees from the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre for Persons With Disabilities, Ado- Ekiti. 

Another set of 60 PWDs have also commenced the training and would be equipped with start- up kits, cash and Trade Test certificates from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, under the special programme which is costing the government a whopping N100 million naira. 

The event, themed “Celebrating Courage, Craft and Capability,” held on Tuesday at the Centre in Ado- Ekiti, marked the third phase of the State’s specialised training and empowerment programme designed to strengthen the economic independence of PWDs across the Ekiti State. 

Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said the initiative reflects his administration’s resolve to ensure that no citizen is left behind in its development agenda. 

The Governor noted that since assumption of office, the administration has made significant strides in addressing the needs of PWDs through deliberate policies and targeted programmes.

He listed key achievements of the government in this regard to include, Successful employment of 28 PWDs into the state’s civil service; free healthcare services for all PWDs at primary health care centres; free education for children with disabilities from primary to secondary school level; compulsory free assessment for children with disabilities;

free therapeutic services in the state’s special schools and designated centres; as well as the ongoing campaigns aimed at increasing public sensitivity to the rights and needs of PWDs.

According to him, “Human capital development remains a major pillar of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration, and special attention is being given to the development of people living with disabilities. Every individual, regardless of circumstance, must have opportunities to thrive.”

The Governor congratulated the graduands and urged them to maximise the opportunity by investing in their skills and contributing meaningfully to their communities. 

He also appreciated the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her “relentless effort” in advancing the welfare of PWDs in the State. 

The state Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Folakemi Olomojobi, congratulated the trainees and their families, describing the programme as “unprecedented” in its structure and stakeholder involvement, thanking Governor Oyebanji for providing an enabling environment for such impactful initiatives.

On his part, the Chairman, Ekiti State Board for Disability Affairs, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, also lauded the administration for renovating special schools across the state and equipping them with modern devices.

According to him, only a governor “with a big heart” could invest so heavily in the wellbeing of special persons, considering the financial demands associated with disability support services.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, described the event as a celebration of resilience and progress, applauding the graduands for their commitment throughout the training period of six and nine months. 

Princess Agboola commended the Governor for implementing the 2020 Disability Act, which she said marked a major step in recognising and protecting the rights of PWDs in Ekiti State.

She stated that more than 100 businesses owned by PWDs had received grants support under the administration’s empowerment initiatives, while several others had received assistive devices and job placements.

The Special Adviser added that the State is prioritising women with disabilities this year through a mental health support programme. 

She also disclosed that an empowerment scheme supported by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, would take place in two weeks.

Speaking further, Princess Agboola disclosed that out of the 120 PWDs approved for training this year, 60 had completed their training, while another 60 are still on sessions, each expected to graduate with both certification, start up kits and cash support.

She urged the beneficiaries to use their skills productively and reminded them of the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to support continuity of inclusive governance.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Office of Disability Affairs, expressed delight over the successful completion of the vocational programme, noting that the trainees received free accommodation, meals, transport allowances, and practical attachment opportunities.

The 2025 cohort comprises 120 beneficiaries drawn from all 16 Local Government Areas and 38 LCDAs after they had completed nine months of vocational training and a three-month industrial attachment in ICT, tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking, catering, and business management among others.

Nigeria’s Democracy Has Lost the People’s Power — Ex-Commissioner Sajoh Warns.

Nigeria’s Democracy Has Lost the People’s Power — Ex-Commissioner Sajoh Warns.

Former Adamawa State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ahmad Sajoh, has raised alarm over what he described as the steady collapse of the pillars that should safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the nation is “conducting elections without real choices” and drifting further away from genuine democratic practice.

Dr. Sajoh made this assertion while delivering a keynote address at the 5th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards, organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine held in Abuja. 

The former commissioner said democracy in the country has been reduced to a hollow ritual, where the electorate merely “pretend to choose” during elections, despite the fact that candidates are often imposed through manipulated nomination processes.

“You just conduct elections and pretend that you are making a choice, but how did that choice come about?” he asked.

“Right from the nomination stage, nothing is free and fair. Some individuals decide who becomes a candidate. So, the concept of choice has been eliminated from our democracy.”

Dr Sajoh likened democracy to a bridge that requires guiding rails to ensure safe passage, identifying the constitution, political parties, judiciary, electoral umpire and mutual toleration as the rails that keep the system functional.

According to him, all these pillars have collapsed in Nigeria.

He argued that the 1999 Constitution is neither reflective of the will of the people nor structured to make democracy thrive.

To illustrate his point, the former commissioner referenced the practice of elected officials defecting from the parties that sponsored their elections without relinquishing the mandate.

“In the Second Republic, when Governor Abubakar Barde of Gongola State defected, he first stepped down because the mandate belonged to another party,” he recalled.

“But today, people take the mandate of Party A to Party B and we celebrate it as normal.”

The former commissioner also dismissed claims that Nigeria operates party-based democracy, saying no political party in the country is owned by its members.

“The parties are the most pathetic,” he lamented.

“A few deep pockets control them. Recently, a political party conducted ward, local government and state congresses. After completing the process, the entire list was taken to the governor’s office, and he simply removed some names and inserted others. Is that the kind of political party that can safeguard democracy?”

He said the voters have lost confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, arguing that laws and institutions are no longer strong enough to protect citizens’ rights or guarantee justice.

Dr. Sajoh condemned the ruling elite for deliberately deepening divisions, weaponising poverty, and glorifying greed and entitlement at the expense of collective progress.

According to him, leaders now promote natural differences; ethnicity, religion and regional identity; instead of the shared values that should unite Nigerians.

He warned that these actions, combined with what he called an “institutionalisation of transactional politics,” have weakened the moral fabric of society.

The speaker maintained that Nigerians’ shallow understanding of democracy contributes to the crisis, noting that democracy is not merely about voting, but about ensuring the welfare and dignity of citizens.

Despite Nigeria’s long stretch of uninterrupted civilian rule, he said the country has not attained true democratic dividends.

Recounting his community’s ordeal under insecurity, Dr Sajoh recalled how his hometown, Mubi, was once overrun by insurgents, forcing residents to flee into neighbouring countries.

He used the experience to emphasise how insecurity, worsened by political failures, continues to undermine national stability and development.

Dr Sajoh called for sincerity of purpose among leaders, particularly legislators, insisting that Nigeria must shift from a consumption-based to a production-driven economy to guarantee abundance.

He urged citizens to embrace moral rectitude and shun illegal means of acquiring wealth, arguing that the task of nation-building requires collective effort.

He also advised the older generation of leaders to mentor younger Nigerians and create opportunities for them to lead, warning that the country cannot progress without generational renewal.