Ekiti Gov’s aide, Obababa, marks New Year with food distribution to less privileged.

Ekiti Gov’s aide, Obababa, marks New Year with food distribution to less privileged.

The Media Aide to the Ekiti State Governor, Oba Mathew, popularly known as Obababa, has marked the New Year by distributing foodstuffs to vulnerable residents in Ado-Ekiti.

The outreach, which targeted beggars and other indigent persons within the state capital, attracted large crowds, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what they described as the administration’s consistent concern for the welfare of the less privileged.

Speaking during the exercise, Obababa said the gesture was organised to spread the joy of the festive season and to complement the efforts of the Oyebanji-led administration in reaching people at the grassroots.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at easing the festive burden on households, particularly the elderly, women and vulnerable families, while ensuring that disadvantaged members of society could celebrate the season with dignity.

“Many people struggle to afford food at this time. Providing these food items is our own way of sharing joy, hope and support with them,” he said.

Obababa also commended Governor Oyebanji for his achievements in workers’ welfare, prompt payment of pensions, social intervention programmes and infrastructure development, noting that these milestones would continue to endear the governor to the people.

The beneficiaries, who received assorted food items, prayed for the success of the state government and applauded the governor’s aide for remembering them during the festive period.

#Obababa4BAO

#BAOContinuity

Oyebanji lists completed roads, airport take-off, power, health and agriculture gains in Ekiti.

Oyebanji lists completed roads, airport take-off, power, health and agriculture gains in Ekiti.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has highlighted major infrastructural, economic and social sector achievements recorded by his administration in the just concluded year, describing them as clear indicators of steady development across the state.

The governor said that in 2025, the state government completed several road projects, including Ikole-Ara-Isinbode, Ikere-Ilawe, Ikere-Igbara-Odo, Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki, the First Phase of the Ring Road, Igbara Odo-Ikogosi, Itapa-Omu-Ijelu, Ikere-Ise, Itawure-Okemesi, Ajabandele-Deeper-Life-Alasia-Omisanjana, Bovas-Spotless Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, Maryland Avenue, GRA, III Extension dualisation (Phase II), and many others.

He added that these were apart from other roads that were completed in 2024 such as De-Head - Faglo Basiri, Agric Olope, Ikole Township Roads, Moferere Street Road, Okeiyimin-Okeila Road, Erijiyan-Ilawe Link Road, and Ilawe-Ibuji Boundary rehabilitation.

Oyebanji also congratulated Ekiti people on the successful completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and the commencement of commercial flights about twenty days ago. He noted that with the airport now operating, the state is open to more economic growth through investment opportunity, tourism development and export potential.

On power infrastructure, the governor said that in the last year, the government connected more communities to electricity through the provision of transformers and the rehabilitation of existing facilities at Itamo, Idi Agba, Maryland Avenue, GRA 3rd Extension and Ibukunoluwa/Asungbowoola areas.

“More importantly, we have completed the extension of electricty from Eruku Kwara State to the Agric Processing Zone at Iyemero axis,” he said, adding that the connection of Okemesi and environs to the 33KV network from Ijebu-Jesa had also been completed.

He disclosed that the state is currently working in conjunction with Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN), in constructing 2 x 60 MVA transmission stations in Ikere-Ekiti, Ijesa-Isu and Ilupeju-Ekiti respectively, noting that compensation has been paid to affected persons on the Right of Ways to ensure timely delivery of the project.

Speaking on the health sector, Oyebanji said the administration’s commitment to the total overhauling of the health system has remained on course. He explained that more general hospital facilities in Ifaki, Ijan, Iye, Ilupeju, Okemesi, Ilawe, Otun, Efon and many others have been given comprehensive rehabilitation and re-equiping, while the 20 Basic Health Clinic selected for total rehabilitation across the state have also been completed and put into use.

The governor further revealed that the vision for the actualization of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone is already on track as infrastructural development has commenced, expressing hope that by this time next year, work would have reached an appreciable level in the first phase. He also said the Special Agric Processing Zone would take off very soon.

On youth empowerment and agriculture, Oyebanji said that about two weeks ago, N1.4billion was distributed as profit for the year to participating youths in the Bring-Back-the Youths-in Agriculture project, describing it as a significant micro-economic policy success for the state.

The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, saying, “More importantly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his special interest in our dear State and his fatherly support to us at all times.”

He added that he was specially grateful for the President’s approval for the immediate re-construction of the Itawure-Aramoko-Ado road, noting that the contractor has moved to site.

Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi Extends New Year Greetings to the People of Ajoni LCDA.

Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi Extends New Year Greetings to the People of Ajoni LCDA.

......Reaffirms Commitment to Progress and Good Governance.

Prince Michael Ogungbemi has extended warm New Year felicitations to the good people of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) as they step confidently into the New Year.

Describing the New Year as a symbol of fresh hope, renewed strength, and greater opportunities for collective progress, Prince Ogungbemi urged residents to remain hopeful, united, and steadfast in their belief in purposeful leadership and good governance.

He called on the people to continue to place their confidence in the progressive administration of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, reaffirming their collective resolve to mobilize massive support for the Governor’s second-term return in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.

According to Prince Ogungbemi, the Oyebanji-led administration will continue to prioritize transparent, people-oriented, and sustainable development policies and programmes that positively impact all citizens across Ekiti State.

“With your continued support, prayers, and cooperation, we shall consolidate on our achievements and work tirelessly to deliver more dividends of democracy to every community within Ajoni LCDA,” he stated.

Prince Ogungbemi concluded by praying for peace, good health, prosperity, and fulfillment in every household throughout the New Year.

“Happy New Year, and may God bless Ajoni LCDA, Ekiti State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

Ekiti 2026: Presidency Aide Olarewaju Forecasts 'Year of Destiny' as Quest for Historic Back-to-Back Governorship Victory Begins.

Ekiti 2026: Presidency Aide Olarewaju Forecasts 'Year of Destiny' as Quest for Historic Back-to-Back Governorship Victory Begins.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, has greeted the people of Ekiti State with a message of hope and political significance, declaring 2026 as a pivotal "Year of Fulfillment of Destiny" for the state and the progressive fold. In a New Year message addressed to his kinsmen and the political community, the presidential aide expressed confidence that the upcoming year would witness the breaking of long-standing political jinxes, specifically the realization of a consecutive eight-year tenure for a sitting governor, a feat yet to be achieved in the history of the "Land of Honour."

According to Hon. Olarewaju, the political landscape of Ekiti State serves as a critical barometer for national politics. He posited that the successful re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for a second term would serve as a precursor and a divine usher for the national success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He maintained that once Ekiti secures this historic continuity, it will provide the necessary momentum to deliver the national mandate and consolidate the "Renewed Hope" agenda at the center.

Addressing his primary constituency, Hon. Olarewaju placed a special emphasis on the people of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, which encompasses Moba, Ido-Osi, and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas. He urged the residents of these areas to remain steadfast and prepared to "restore the lost glory" of the constituency, promising that 2026 would usher in new tidings and transformative developments for the region.  

As the countdown to the June 2026 governorship election begins, the Senior Special Assistant called on all legitimate voters to ensure they are fully prepared for the democratic process. He specifically urged citizens to secure their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and encouraged all lovers of progress to mobilize in support of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, noting that the official campaign season is only a few weeks away.

Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju concluded his message by extending his warmest regards to every household in Ekiti State. He prayed that the year 2026 brings unparalleled peace, economic prosperity, and communal harmony to the state, wishing all Ekiti sons and daughters a fruitful and destiny-defining year ahead.

New Year Message: Hon. Bayo Ajayi Urges Ekiti People to Remain United and Support Progressive Leadership.

New Year Message: Hon. Bayo Ajayi Urges Ekiti People to Remain United and Support Progressive Leadership.

As the New Year begins, Hon. Bayo Ajayi, Member of the Ekiti State Board of Environmental Protection Agency, has extended warm New Year greetings to the good people of Ekiti State, offering prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity in the year ahead.

In his message, Hon. Ajayi directly addressed Ekiti people, urging them to embrace the New Year with hope, courage, and renewed commitment to unity and development. He prayed that the year would bring calm mornings, fulfilled aspirations, and divine guidance for families, communities, and the state at large.

The APC stalwart called on Ekiti people to continue their steadfast support for the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, describing his leadership as people-oriented, purposeful, and impactful. He also encouraged citizens to sustain their support for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he works to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and national development.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming governorship election slated for June 2026, Hon. Ajayi passionately encouraged Ekiti people to come out en masse to vote for the second-term bid of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, stressing that continuity remains key to consolidating the gains already recorded across critical sectors in the state.

He concluded by wishing the people of Ekiti a joyful, prosperous, and successful New Year, reaffirming his commitment to service and collective progress.

New Year Vibes: Hon. Oluwatuyi Inspires IILG Citizens with Message of Love, Vision, and Forgiveness.

New Year Vibes: Hon. Oluwatuyi Inspires IILG Citizens with Message of Love, Vision, and Forgiveness.

By Asubiojo G. O.

As the dawn of 2026 breaks with renewed hope and promise, the Chairman of Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government (IILG), Hon. Oluwagbenga Oluwatuyi, alongside his supportive and industrious wife, Hon. (Mrs.) Hellen Oluwatuyi, has extended warm and heartfelt New Year felicitations to the resilient and peace-loving people of Igede Ekiti, Awo Ekiti, and the hardworking staff of the Local Government.

Describing the New Year as a season of reflection, reconciliation, and responsible leadership, the IILG First Family called on citizens to embrace steadfast love, forgiveness, unity of purpose, and disciplined vision as enduring pillars for sustainable development and social harmony. They emphasized that true progress flourishes where compassion guides governance and vision is pursued with clarity, logic, and analytical precision.

The Chairman and his wife underscored the importance of strategic thinking and collective responsibility in navigating present-day socio-economic realities.

 They urged residents to continue supporting policies and programmes that promote inclusive growth, youth empowerment, community security, and peaceful coexistence, noting that the future greatness of IILG lies in a shared resolve where government and citizens work hand in hand toward excellence.

Hon. Oluwagbenga Oluwatuyi and Hon. (Mrs.) Hellen Oluwatuyi specially commended the staff of Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government for their unwavering dedication and selfless service in the past year. They charged them to raise the bar in 2026 through deeper cooperation, renewed commitment, punctuality, and professionalism, stressing that excellence must not only be sustained but surpassed.

“This year, our service delivery must be smarter, faster, more accountable, and more people-centred than ever before,” they noted.

Reaffirming the administration’s game-changing commitment to transparent governance, accountability, and people-oriented leadership, the Chairman and his pragmatic wife called on all stakeholders—traditional institutions, community leaders, youths, women, professionals, and civil servants—to renew their faith in collective action and work tirelessly toward a more prosperous and united IILG.

In keeping with their characteristic humility and pragmatic leadership style, the couple further implored the dynamic, consciously intelligent, and patriotic citizens of the Local Government to continue offering constructive advice, objective criticism, and timely guidance as tools for strengthening governance and deepening democracy.

They also appealed to the progressive and loving people of Igede Ekiti and Awo Ekiti to sustain their overwhelming support for the second-term aspiration of Governor Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), describing him as a kind-hearted, professionally inclined, and development-driven leader—a “Jinx Breaker” whose administration continues to deliver tangible dividends of democracy across Ekiti State. Citizens were urged to mobilize massive votes and collective support to ensure the continuity of good governance.

The humility-personified couple concluded by wishing the people of Igede Ekiti, Awo Ekiti, and the entire IILG a peaceful, productive, and glorious New Year 2026, praying that it ushers in greater unity, measurable progress, and shared prosperity for all.

Towards Inclusive Growth, Hon. Oluwatuyi presents 2026 ‘Budget of Hope’.

Towards Inclusive Growth, Hon. Oluwatuyi presents 2026 ‘Budget of Hope’.

By Asubiojo G.O

The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Araromi Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Ifedara LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, on Tuesday, 30th December, 2025, presented the Year 2026 budget proposal tagged “Budget of Hope” to the Honourable Members of the Legislative House.

Presenting the budget speech before the legislators, Oluwatuyi said the 2026 financial proposal was designed to restore confidence and hope in government through prompt interventions aimed at solving community problems, particularly in the area of capital projects.

According to him, the budget aligns with the six-point agenda of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, which include job creation, human capital development, agriculture and rural development, infrastructure and industrialisation, governance, as well as arts, culture and tourism.

Addressing the House, the chairman expressed appreciation to the people of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Araromi LCDA and Ifedara LCDA for the mandate given to his administration and other political office holders, assuring that the trust reposed in them would not be misused.

In compliance with the provisions of Section 9(4), Subsection 3 of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration Law of 1999 (as amended), Oluwatuyi presented the draft estimates for the three councils.

For Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, the budget proposal showed a recurrent expenditure of Two Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty-Seven Naira (N2,208,072,257.00) and a capital expenditure of One Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira (N1,446,437,775.00), bringing the total draft estimate to Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira (N2,776,437,775.00).

For Araromi LCDA, the recurrent expenditure was put at Three Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Naira (N382,232,995.00), while capital expenditure stood at Four Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven Naira (N446,257,000.00), amounting to a total draft estimate of Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, Four Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira (N776,490,000.00).

In Ifedara LCDA, the proposed recurrent expenditure was Three Hundred and Twenty-One Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira (N321,456,000.00), with capital expenditure estimated at Ninety-Five Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N95,200,000.00), bringing the total draft estimate to Four Hundred and Sixteen Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand Naira (N416,656,000.00).

Other figures presented included Nine Hundred and Twenty-One Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira (#921,356,000.00) and Four Hundred and Fifty-Six Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Seven Naira (#457,785,000.00).

The chairman explained that the major sources of revenue to finance the budget include Internally Generated Revenue, statutory allocation (10 per cent state IGR), excess crude, exchange gain, value added tax, augmentation and other miscellaneous sources.

Expected revenue projections showed Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira (N460,430,776.00) for Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Four Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N477,200,000.00) for Araromi LCDA and Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N400,000.00) for Ifedara LCDA.

Oluwatuyi noted that the 2026 budget projection was higher than that of 2025, attributing the increase to the administration’s desire to serve the people better. He also expressed concern over the declining internally generated revenue, stressing the need for aggressive policies to improve revenue generation across the councils.

He appealed to traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, Iyaloja and market leaders to cooperate with the administration, particularly in the area of internally generated revenue, while also calling on the legislators to give the budget an accelerated passage.

The chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, in consonance with the chairman of Ifedara LCDA, Hon. Lawrence Ogunsanya, and the chairman of Araromi LCDA, Chief Alade, jointly presented the 2026 financial estimates before the hallowed chamber of the council.

Speaking after the presentation, the chairman of Ifedara LCDA and Araromi LCDA affirmed that there was a solid working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, assuring that the budget would be executed to the letter when passed, while appealing for continued cooperation between both arms.

In her response, the Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Mrs Yemisi Olagunju, said the House would subject the budget to thorough vetting before approval, adding that the executive would be closely monitored to ensure strict adherence to the budget provisions.

The councillors also charged the executive to ensure full implementation of the budget, noting that its execution would be closely monitored in line with their constitutional responsibilities.

The budget subsequently passed its first reading, with members of the House unanimously assenting to its progression to the second reading.

Those present included the chairman of Araromi LCDA, Alade Adewale, Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, hon Lawrence Ogunsanya, the vice chairmen, secretaries, Heads Of Local Government Administration, political heavyweights and administrative echelon within the local governments.