Ojuawo launches 2026 Free JAMB initiative for Ekiti South youths.

Ojuawo launches 2026 Free JAMB initiative for Ekiti South youths.

In a bid to promote access to tertiary education and ease the financial burden on parents, the member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Hon. (AVM Rtd.) Adeniyi Rufus Ojuawo, has launched the 2026 edition of his Free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Form Initiative for students across the constituency.

The lawmaker, through his media office, said the initiative is part of his continued commitment to youth empowerment and educational development in Ekiti South, noting that the programme is targeted at assisting indigent but qualified students seeking admission into tertiary institutions.

According to the statement, prospective beneficiaries are to obtain the free JAMB forms at their respective local government offices through designated coordinators.

For Ikere Local Government, interested applicants are to contact Fatai on 07068362779, while Johnson on 08034476432 will coordinate the exercise in Ise/Orun Local Government. In Ekiti South West Local Government, applicants are to reach Oyinlola via 08034451667.

The statement further disclosed that all beneficiaries are required to collect, complete and return the forms to the Ojuawo Constituency Office in Ikere within one week for proper collation and processing.

Ojuawo reaffirmed his commitment to investing in education as a tool for sustainable development, stressing that empowering young people through access to education remains a top priority of his representation.

ARCHITECT TOPE 'SAFE OGUNLEYE: A STEADFAST PROGRESSIVE AND BUILDER OF EKITI FUTURE.

ARCHITECT TOPE 'SAFE OGUNLEYE: A STEADFAST PROGRESSIVE AND BUILDER OF EKITI FUTURE.

Progress is sustained not only by policies, but by committed individuals whose loyalty, service, and sacrifice give life to governance. In Ekiti State’s progressive political landscape, Architect Tope Safe Ogunleye stands out as one of such dependable figures—an illustrious son of Ado-Ekiti, a grassroots mobilizer, and a loyal party man whose dedication to the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains unwavering.

As Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on State Capital Development, Architect Ogunleye has brought uncommon passion and professionalism to the task of building a better Ekiti. His contributions toward the development of Ado-Ekiti and the state at large are evident in the steady implementation of people-oriented projects. Working closely with the Governor, he has played a vital role in translating vision into impactful action, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

Beyond the corridors of government, Architect Ogunleye has proven himself a reliable pillar within the APC. His loyalty to the party goes beyond words, as he has consistently shown concern for the welfare and unity of party faithful. Through encouragement, support, and strategic engagement, he continues to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure and promote cohesion among stakeholders.

At a time when the Ekiti APC is solidly united behind Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for a second term, the steadfast loyalty and dedication of leaders like Architect Tope Safe Ogunleye deserve recognition. His commitment exemplifies the ideals of progressive politics—continuity, stability, and people-centered governance.

Architect Ogunleye is a symbol of humility, loyalty, and selfless service. A professional of high standing and a dependable political asset, his contributions to the success of the Oyebanji administration and the growth of the APC will remain indelible in Ekiti’s political history.

He remains a proud son of Ado-Ekiti, a consistent advocate of progressive values, and a strong force behind the realization of Governor Oyebanji’s second-term aspiration.

Ijidale Commissions Markets, Boreholes, Empowers Women in Aiyekire, Gbonyin.

Ijidale Commissions Markets, Boreholes, Empowers Women in Aiyekire, Gbonyin.

‎The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Local Content, Hon. Lekan Ijidale, has commissioned a series of community-focused projects in Aiyekire Local Government Area and Gbonyin Local Council Development Area (LCDA), aimed at improving grassroots economic activities, access to clean water and social welfare.

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‎The projects, which were unveiled in Aba Ipole and Agbado, include the construction of modern open-stalls markets in both communities, solar-powered boreholes to provide potable water and targeted empowerment initiatives for vulnerable groups.

‎As part of the empowerment programme, 53 elderly women and widows received ₦50,000 each to support petty trading, while 10,000 exercise books were distributed to pupils across public primary schools in Aiyekire LGA and Gbonyin LCDA, to ease the burden on parents and promote learning.

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‎Speaking at the commissioning ceremonies, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Politics, Chief Jide Awe, commended Hon. Ijidale for what he described as thoughtful, people-centred leadership.

Chief Awe said the projects reflected the character of a responsible public officer who prioritises the welfare of his people and projects the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a positive light.

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‎"Lekan has once again demonstrated that politics should be about service. These interventions are not only touching lives directly but also strengthening the bond between the government and the people,” he said. 

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‎He appreciated the residents of the benefiting communities for their continued support for the APC and the Oyebanji administration.

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‎In his remarks, Hon. Lekan Ijidale said the projects were designed to enhance health, wellbeing and socio-economic development at the grassroots, stressing that all the interventions were personally funded.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for what he described as purposeful leadership and visible development across the state, particularly in Aiyekire and Gbonyin axis.

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‎Hon. Ijidale listed key government interventions in the area to include the renovation of Ile-Owuro High School, the restoration of electricity supply to Aiyekire and Gbonyin LCDAs through reconnection to the national grid after over 12 years of darkness, the ongoing Agbado-Ipole-Ise road project, as well as the renovation and upgrading of health centres.

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‎According to him, the developments have revived economic activities, improved security and restored hope among residents.

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‎“The community has stood by me and our party over the years. It is only right to give back by investing in projects that will uplift the people and further strengthen the presence of the APC, while also paving the way for Governor Oyebanji’s second term,” he said.

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‎He explained that the cash support given to widows and elderly women was targeted at empowering women who play critical roles in building stable families and sustaining local economies.

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‎Hon. Ijidale also thanked traditional rulers, party leaders and residents of Agbado-Ekiti and Aba Ìpole for their patience, prayers and encouragement, urging beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly and protect them for future generations.

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‎Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Tosin Ajisafe Aluko; Special Adviser on Rural Mobilisation, Mrs. Oluremi Ajayi; SA on Gender Empowerment and Mobilization, Mrs Kemi Olaleye, Ekiti APC Chairman, Hon. Shola Eleshin and Chairman of Aiyekire Local Government, Hon. Davies Adeyemo. 

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‎Others were the Chairman of Gbonyin LCDA, Mr Oluwadamilare Ajayi, the Owa Oro of Agbado, HRM Oba Samuel Adeshina; the Onise of Isinbode Ekiti; the Oniro of Iro Ekiti; Ateju of Ayeteju Ekiti; the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, the Ajagun of Ilu Omoba; community leaders, market women and party faithful.

POLITICS WITHOUT BITTERNESS WILL STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA, SAYS OYEBANJI.

POLITICS WITHOUT BITTERNESS WILL STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA, SAYS OYEBANJI.

…. As Sam O.matseye examines “democracy” at OAU lecture.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has canvassed entrenchment of politics without bitterness to ensure a more virile, stronger and lasting democracy that will deliver quality governance to Nigerians.

As Ekiti State gears up for the conduct of governorship election in June and as Nigeria inches nearer to the general elections in 2027, Oyebanji enjoined political actors not to turn elections to war, adding that winner-takes-all mentality should be discouraged.

The Governor made the remarks on Thursday at the Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife. He noted that politics of inclusion being practised by his administration has added value to governance and engendered peace in Ekiti State as widely acknowledged.

The OAU Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture chaired by Governor Oyebanji and also attended by his Osun State counterpart, Senator Ademola Adeleke was delivered by the Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr Sam Omatseye who graduated from the university with a bachelor's degree in History in 1985.

Addressing gathering in his capacity as the chairman of the lecture titled: "How to Make a Democrat", Governor Oyebanji used the forum to advocate a political culture that promotes consensus building, cooperation, inclusion, decent public conduct, willingness to play by the rules and magnanimity in both electoral victories or losses.

Describing consensus building as strength and not weakness, the Ekiti helmsman further canvassed the need to always defuse public rhetoric with conciliatory and peaceable communication as such will help reduce resort to violence and other anti-democratic practices.

While admitting that democracy is a tough job anywhere in the world as it is always characterized by plurality, contestations, group conspiracies, clash of interests and power struggle, Oyebanji said the capacity to manage differences remain the major challenge that many democratic nations continue to confront.

Drawing from his experience as a player in the Ekiti political arena for about 30 years, Oyebanji charged stakeholders in democracy to play politics of inclusion which, he noted, is on full display in the Ekiti, a de elopement he said has continued to make the state peaceful under his leadership. 

He said: "Election does not have to be war, and winners do not have to take all.

As a person who has been actively involved in the politics of Ekiti from 1997, passing through all the facets and the phases of its evolution, the singular lesson I have learnt is that raw power, politics of exclusion and political intolerance is a recipe for instability and rancour. 

"It is for this reason that I am persuaded by the principle of politics without bitterness. Upon my assumption of office as Governor, I deliberately chose to reach out to all the differing political tendencies in Ekiti both intra-party and inter-party through inclusion, respect and solidarity. 

"This approach was initially met with resistance and skepticism by majority of my party members but gradually, they became receptive. Today, I am glad to state that Ekiti which used to be notorious for troubling political crises some years ago, is, today, one of the most politically stable and monolithic in Nigeria.

"I believe we should be deliberate in building a political culture that is based on the character of our Omoluabi ethos. We cannot afford to promote extreme political point of views that create fractures and stalled development. This is more so, if one considers our current stage of socioeconomic and political development." 

Commending the lecturer, Mr Sam Omatseye, for the brilliant lecture, Oyebanji also hailed Omatseye's contribution to journalism, public discourse, social commentary, intellectual engagement and poetry describing him as "a

distinguished alumnus by all standard that every University would be proud to have."

Osun Governor Adeleke who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole, commended the faculty for organizing the lecture which he described as a platform that speaks to values of citizenship and scholarship.

He pledged the readiness of the Osun State government to always invest in education in general and also support tertiary education which he identified as the bedrock of the nation's manpower development.

Omatseye, in the lecture titled “How to make a Democrat”, stressed the need to make a distinction between a republic and a democracy with many countries calling themselves democracies despite not practising its tenets and ethos.

Omatseye said: "Countries often call themselves democracies. A republic installs an infrastructure of mediation between the people and state. Democracy is idealist; so there is no real democracy, including the United States.

He described the opportunity to deliver the distinguished Alumni Lecture as a fulfilling privilege for him which offered him an avenue return to his alma mater to share his thoughts on issues of democracy and governance.

Omatseye, who cited many historical and contemporary instances, submitted that many nations merely lay claim to the practice of democracy without an iota of respect for the tenets of democracy. 

He cited the recent American invasion of Venezuela, a sovereign country and the “abduction” of its president to the US. 

“If the United States is the number one democracy in the world, then by implication, it means its President should be the number one democrat in the entire World. He then wondered why and how the in invasion of Venezuela and the abduction of its president align with democracy. 

Omatseye concluded that democracy is more of an idealism. According to him, countries often call themselves democracies. A republic installs an infrastructure of mediation between the people and the state. Democracy pretends there is none. 

“Democracy is idealist. There is no real democracy, including the United States. All who operates in republics call themselves democrats. So, if democracy is aspirational why should the democrat be perfect? 

“In our own case, it is because the democrat has always been half-born. To have a democrat in full, they must be allowed to grow with all their witch facts and beauties . Too many ingr die ya made a democrat. The most important one is often not canvassed by scholars. It is called time”, he concluded.

In attendance at the lecture, which took place at the Oduduwa Hall of the OAU were the Osun State Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole; Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, Govermorship candidate of the APC Osun State; Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commisisoner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser Tertiary Education, Prof Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo; Special Adviser on Media and Startegy, Mr Yinka Oyebode and Director General office of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso- Omotoso and representatives of youth and students organisations from Ekiti State.

Emotional, Inspirational and Intelligent Investment in Futures, Unlocking Dreams.

Emotional, Inspirational and Intelligent Investment in Futures, Unlocking Dreams.

...Oluwatuyi Sponsors JAMB Forms for Qualified Students Across Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.

By: Asubiojo G. O

As part of his outstanding and consistently remarkable commitment to uplifting the less privileged—particularly in the critical sector of education—Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga (popularly known as CHENCO) has once again demonstrated purposeful leadership and compassionate governance.

Renowned for his educational interventions across Igede Ekiti and Awo Ekiti, Honourable Oluwatuyi has taken another bold, inspirational, and intellectually driven step by sponsoring fifty JAMB registration forms for exceptionally brilliant students within Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government who, despite excelling academically in a single sitting of WAEC or NECO, are constrained by financial challenges.

This initiative is deliberately targeted at students who have proven academic excellence but face economic barriers that could truncate their dreams of higher education. By easing this burden, Honourable Oluwatuyi is not merely paying fees—he is investing in destinies, unlocking possibilities, and rewriting futures.

Speaking on the motivation behind this laudable gesture, the Chairman , with logical reasoning emphasize.

 "no child should be denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial limitations, especially when such a child has demonstrated outstanding academic capability".

Honourable Oluwatuyi further charged the beneficiaries to justify this rare privilege by committing themselves wholeheartedly to academic excellence. He urged them to study diligently, read all prescribed JAMB texts, stay focused, avoid distractions, and strive for the highest possible scores, reminding them that opportunity meets preparation only when effort is sustained.

“This support is a bridge,” he noted, “but you must cross it with determination, discipline, and excellence."

One of the beneficiaries, master Akinola,was full of praises for the giant stride of the chairman, saying "This support has given me hope and the confidence to aim higher"

Indeed, this initiative stands as yet another testament to visionary leadership rooted in compassion, intelligence, and long-term impact. It reflects a deep understanding that the most sustainable investment any leader can make is in education—because when you educate a child, you empower a generation.

EKSG presents breakdown of 2026 budget, unveils major sectoral allocation.

EKSG presents breakdown of 2026 budget, unveils major sectoral allocation.

…as state’s GDP for 2026 is projected at N8.8trillion.

Ekiti State Government, on Wednesday, presented the analysis of the ₦415.572billion 2026 Budget of impactful Governance affirming a projection of 8.8trillion naira Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the year. 

Presenting the highlights of the budget to a cross section of government officials, financial experts and media representatives at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, the State’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi, stressed that the budget is expected to strengthen the State’s economy through key strategic interventions in the agriculture, arts, education, infrastructure and tourism and the informal sectors. He added that it signalled the administration's commitment to prudent fiscal management and  implementation of economic reforms essential for unlocking the potentials and opportunities of the economy. 

While noting that the budget was prepared in consonance with the 2026-2028 MTEF and 30 years Development plan, Ajayi explained that MTEF enables the Government to efficiently allocate available resources rationally towards the completion of projects within a medium-term period as it contains the key parameters and other macroeconomic projections driving the medium-term revenue and expenditure framework which were estimated based on emergent realities with a ceiling of ₦570,048,520,552.00 for the projected year.

He added that the fiscal document contains the blueprints to achieve the administration’s vision of Shared Prosperity by adopting zero-Based Budgeting approach and focuses essentially on the completion of all on-going projects to improve the economy.

The Commissioner disclosed that the revenue to finance the 2026 budget would be sourced from the state revenue estimate for the year including, the federal allocation, 30%, Value Added Tax (VAT) 19%, Grants from Domestic and Foreign Development partners 29%, State Independent revenue, 11%, and loan from domestic or foreign borrowing 2%.

While adding that the recurrent expenditure of the budget would be distributed into personnel cost (28%); overhead cost, 28%; grants and subsidy, 18%; debt servicing, 0.2% among others, the commissioner also highlighted the capital expenditure allocation by sector to include economic, 72%; administrative, 13%; social. 14% and law and justice, 1%. Ajayi also revealed that the capital expenditure based on the six pillars of the administration include governance, 9%; agriculture and rural development, 22%; arts, culture and tourism, 1%; youth development and job creation, 2%; human capital development, 9% and infrastructure and industrial development, 57%.

Ajayi reaffirmed the commitment of the Biodun Abayomi  Oyebanji administration’s  commitment to fiscal accountability and transparency to achieve fiscal sustainability and macro-fiscal objectives of government.

He said government remains committed to sustainable growth and development, aimed at improving the well-being of the people by providing safety nets to cushion the impact of any reform measures on the vulnerable segments of the population. 

He added  that through the Six Pillars, the present administration will sustain the philosophy of shared prosperity as well as ensure that all sectors of the economy would be addressed within the ambit of the available resources.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, commended Governor Oyebanji for providing the necessary impetus that has assisted the state at ensuring unbridled development to the state through various people-friendly reforms and programmes.

Adebayo said the success of the past budgets under the administration was hinged on the government’s policy of inclusivity through responsible and responsive governance, promotion of fiscal transparency and accountability essential to the shared prosperity agenda of government.

Top government officials at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Members of the State executive council, the body of permanent secretaries, traditional rulers, journalists, representatives of financial institutions among others.

A Call for Action: Hon. Ibrahim Condemns Erinmope Kidnappings.

A Call for Action: Hon. Ibrahim Condemns Erinmope Kidnappings.

Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters and former representative of the constituency, has condemned the recent abduction of five women in Erinmope-Ekiti, describing it as a "deeply distressing assault on humanity."

In a formal statement released to the public, Hon. Olanrewaju expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the Okanlawon family. He emphasized that the abduction of a nursing mother and a woman in the final stages of pregnancy is an attack on the very fabric of the community. "No family should have to endure the trauma of seeing their home invaded and loved ones spirited away into the wilderness," he stated, acknowledging the profound pain felt by Muhammad Saliu Okanlawon and his entire household.

Drawing from his experience as a leader who has served at both the grassroots of this constituency and the highest levels of federal legislative engagement, Hon. Olanrewaju viewed the incident with the utmost gravity. While commending the swift initial response of the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence, and the Amotekun Corps, he stressed the urgent need to intensify intelligence-gathering efforts. He specifically highlighted suspicions that the assailants may be mingling within the community to evade capture, calling for a sophisticated, community-policing approach to smoke them out.

Hon. Olanrewaju reaffirmed that the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji remain resolutely committed to the safety of every resident in Nigeria and Ekiti State respectively. He noted that the protection of lives and property remains the primary purpose of governance and will not be compromised.

Furthermore, he urged members of the community to remain vigilant and act as their brother’s keeper by coming forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of Kehinde, Adijat, Hawawu, and the two Fatimas. Offering a message of hope, he prayed for the strength of those in captivity and the divine protection of the expectant and nursing mothers. He vowed that the government would not remain silent while citizens are used as pawns for greed, standing in total solidarity with the people of Moba Local Government to ensure the victims are returned safely and that such "strange incidents" do not become a recurring nightmare in the state.