Gov. Oyebanji boosts small-scale businesses, gives Ekiti traders N100,000 each.

Gov. Oyebanji boosts small-scale businesses, gives Ekiti traders N100,000 each.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has distributed N100,000 each to selected roadside petty traders in Ado-Ekiti as part of efforts to boost small-scale businesses and improve livelihoods across the state.

The cash support was disbursed to beneficiaries operating opposite At-Waheed School along Irewolede Estate, Ado-Ekiti, through the Bureau of Community Communications.

Speaking during the distribution on Friday, the Director-General of the Bureau, Mary Omotosho, said the initiative was designed to revive micro and small-scale enterprises and bridge the financial gaps affecting traders at the grassroots.

She noted that the empowerment programme reflects the governor’s commitment to economic growth and his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.

Omotosho urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously to expand their businesses and increase their earnings, adding that the intervention would further strengthen grassroots engagement.

Since assuming office, Oyebanji has rolled out various empowerment initiatives targeted at small-scale entrepreneurs in a bid to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state.

Some of the beneficiaries, who expressed gratitude to the governor, commended his leadership style and dedication to good governance, stating that the financial support would help stabilise and grow their businesses.

EKSU INDUCTS 51 MEDICAL DOCTORS AT THE 2024/2025 MBBS SET INDUCTION CEREMONY.

EKSU INDUCTS 51 MEDICAL DOCTORS AT THE 2024/2025 MBBS SET INDUCTION CEREMONY.

It was another exciting moment in Ekiti State University, as the 6th Induction and Oath Taking Ceremony of the 2024/2025 MBBS set where 51 newly qualified Medical Doctors were formally inducted by the  Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria(MDCN). 

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, praised the inductees for their discipline and resilience, describing the induction as a “moment of joy earned through struggle.” His words:

“Today, you are not only graduates but ambassadors of the College of Medicine. He

 charged them to uphold professionalism, remain connected to the institution, and aspire beyond your MBBS degree. 

He also highlighted government support for medical training in the institution, including 750 medical beds space hostel provided by the Ekiti State Government, 100 additional bed spaces contributed by the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Akande Oladimeji Ajayi, and hostels donated by Senate Leader, Michael Bamidele.

The Vice Chancellor noted further that, this feat stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the authorities of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti to professional training and ethical standards. These young doctors have demonstrated resilience and exceptional competence and he congratulate them as they step into a noble and demanding profession. 

The Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. A. O. Ajayi, noted that, the graduates’ journey “was long and demanding, with many initially admitted into other departments in 2017 before transferring to medicine.”

He commended their perseverance despite disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and industrial actions, urging  them to maintain high professional standards.

Delivering the induction lecture, Professor Abiodun Olugbenga Adewuya, a renowned mental health scholar, emphasized professional identity, ethics, and moral courage. He said,  “Being a doctor goes beyond technical skills as empathy, patient autonomy, ethical decision-making, and personal wellbeing are critical. 

Protect your mental health, seek mentorship, and practice with integrity,” he advised and concluded with a pledged of  ₦500,000 to reward the overall best graduating student of the college. 

Prof. Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, represented by the Head of Medical Registration Unit also overseeing the inspectorate unit of MDCN guided the graduates on registration, provisional licensing, and housemanship rules, stressing supervision, referrals, and adherence to regulations. The graduates took the Declaration of Venice, a modified Hippocratic Oath, affirming their commitment to ethical medical practice, and were formally presented as newly qualified Doctors.

In her speech, the Valedictorian, Miss Irusota Edewede Agatha who emerged as the overall best graduating student,  earning four distinctions described the ceremony as an honour and humbling moment. Thanking God, mniversity management, lecturers, clinical instructors, and her family for their support, she noted:  “Our training went beyond academics. Compassion, resilience and service are core values we will carry into our profession”.

The ceremony, which marked the official entry of the inductees into the medical profession, brought together, parents, families, medical professionals and dignitaries, including royal fathers, senators, and representatives of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria took place at the university main auditorium  on Wednesday, 11th February 2026

𝗘𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝘁 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗶'𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲.

𝗘𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗶 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝘁 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗶'𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲.

....𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙛𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙨.

Following consistent  agitations and collective demand by the community, the Ekiti State Government, has ratified  the request of Imesi Ekiti, in Ayekire Local Council to re-absorb and recognize  Ogbekunrin/ Ajabari Ruling House as one of the royal dynasties in the town.

 

With this unanimous decision, Imesi Ekiti now  has three ruling Houses well established in  accordance with history and the culture, customs and traditions of the town.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the approval on Friday in Ado Ekiti, while interfacing with the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti,Oba Olatunji Olatunde and other princes from the three royal dynasties from the town. 

Addressing the issue she described as purely traditional and administrative  in nature, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, was enthused about the decision and pressed further  to ascertain the reason behind the request.

She warned that government would not tolerate any action that could mar the image of the present administration and stated that information given that guided the approval of such request were deemed to have been accurate and precise.

"Governor Biodun Oyebanji did not have special interest in any Chieftaincy matter, rather than to ensure that peace reigns supreme across towns and villages in Ekiti and prevent actions that could promote imposition of candidates.

"What we are after is that, the rule of law should be  strictly followed in installation of Chiefs and Kings.

"We believe this request which was based on your collective demand will correct long years of agitations and injustice suffered by one of your own".

Mrs  Afuye called on the newly incorporated Ruling House to be patient and follow the order of alignment in rotation of the Throne, saying that government would not tolerate action that could promote crisis among the ruling Houses.

Describing the matter as very sensitive in nature, but could help stabilise the town if well managed, the  Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mr Olaiya  Atibiioke, said that the three Ruling Houses would be required to do a Court's affidavit to avert future Crisis.

Atibioke stated that giving the matter the requisite  legal strength remains expedient to avert any future backlash.

Laying foundation to justify the propriety of the request, the Onimesi  of Imesi Ekiti,Oba Olatunji Olatunde thanked government for accepting the process for the good people of Imesi Ekiti.

The monarch  said that the process was initiated by his predecessor, Oba Adeyeye Oladimeji, adding that they were only consolidating on that foundation.

Oba Olatunde emphasized that the step was based on the unanimous decision of all natives of Imesi Ekiti, especially the ruling Houses, saying that the approval was long overdue. 

While corroborating the claim, High Chief Kayode Adebayo , from Omilodi Ruling House, said that the family family aligned with the step to re-absorb Ogbekunrin/Ajabari Ruling House as the third royal dynasty in Imesi Ekiti.

He said that such decision was made to prevent injustice, promote peace and ensure mutual respect among the three ruling Houses.

Also, the Head of the Newly incorporated Ruling House, Chief Rawa Adejuwon, said their family was part of the three Ruling Houses in Imesi Ekiti but the name was expunged during a war.

Adejuwon stated that lack of adequate information and education when the Morgan constitution was being  gazetted in 1957, also added to their sufferings and long years of exclusion .

Chief Adejuwon explained that seven Kings had been installed in their family before the war that nearly wiped off almost all the princes in their family. 

Appreciating the the Government, the Chairman, Ayekire Council of Traditional Rulers, represented by Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, said that the process had marked a new beginning in Imesi Ekiti and promised the continued support of the traditional council.

DOUBLE HONOURS: PRINCE AYORINDE EJIOYE CONGRATULATES GOV. OYEBANJI, HAILS LEADERSHIP AND NEW TELEGRAPH AWARDS AS TRIUMPH FOR EKITI YOUTH.

DOUBLE HONOURS: PRINCE AYORINDE EJIOYE CONGRATULATES GOV. OYEBANJI, HAILS LEADERSHIP AND NEW TELEGRAPH AWARDS AS TRIUMPH FOR EKITI YOUTH.

Following the back-to-back recognition of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, by Leadership Newspaper and New Telegraph Newspaper, Prince Ayorinde Ejioye has described the awards as a "well-deserved validation of a leadership style rooted in empathy, vision, and measurable impact."

In a congratulatory message released on Friday, Prince Ejioye noted that the Governor’s emergence as Governor of the Year (2025) and Governor of the Year in Infrastructure is not merely a political milestone but a beacon of hope for the younger generation in Ekiti and Nigeria at large. He remarked that Governor Oyebanji has proven that governance is not about noise, but about the intentional transformation of lives, serving as a living blueprint of what a role model in public service should look like, accessible, result-oriented, and deeply committed to the future.

Prince Ejioye highlighted that the Governor’s "Six-Pillar Development Agenda" has moved beyond policy papers into tangible opportunities for young people. He specifically pointed to several landmark initiatives, including the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), which is positioning the state as a digital hub for outsourcing and tech-driven employment, and the Innovation Grant Facility (IGF), which provides the necessary financial cushion for young entrepreneurs and tech innovators. He also lauded the administration's aggressive push for youth participation in the agricultural value chain and the deliberate appointment of young, vibrant minds into key decision-making positions.

Furthermore, Ejioye praised Governor Oyebanji for his humility and political sagacity, particularly his consistent acknowledgment of the fatherly role and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that Oyebanji’s ability to align Ekiti’s development with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda has ensured that the state remains at the forefront of national progress, especially through massive road projects and strategic power interventions.

Concluding his message, Prince Ejioye remarked that the recent string of awards, ranging from Silverbird and Vanguard to Leadership and New Telegraph, is a clear signal that the people of Ekiti have a "performer-in-chief" at the helm. He urged the youth to remain steadfast in their support of the administration, noting that the shared prosperity promised by Governor Oyebanji is already a visible reality. He maintained that as the youth of Ekiti, they stand firmly with a Governor who sees them not just as the future, but as active partners of today.

HON. KUNLE IBRAHIM OLAREWAJU CONGRATULATES HIS EXCELLECY, GOV. BIODUN OYEBANJI ON HIS WELL-DESERVED AWARD AS GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR BY LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER.

HON. KUNLE IBRAHIM OLAREWAJU CONGRATULATES HIS EXCELLECY, GOV. BIODUN OYEBANJI ON HIS WELL-DESERVED AWARD AS GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR BY LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER.

A prominent APC chieftain and Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Hon. Kunle Ibrahim Olarewaju  congratulates His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his well-deserved recognition as Governor of the Year by Leadership Newspaper.

 This distinguished honour is a resounding endorsement of your purposeful, people-centred and inclusive leadership philosophy.

This recognition is based on the bold policy direction and impactful projects that your administration has pursued since taking office. Your commitment to restoring peace and security, rebuilding critical infrastructure, expanding access to quality education, strengthening healthcare delivery, and driving economic recovery through fiscal discipline and social inclusion has repositioned Ekit State on the path of sustainable development. Your focus on governance reforms, youth empowerment, and infrastructural renewal is equally commendable and continues to yield measurable dividends for the people.

Congratulations once again, 

Your Excellency, Governor. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji 

IBO media Team

AGAIN, NEW TELEGRAPH NEWSPAPER HONOURS GOVERNOR OYEBANJI.

AGAIN, NEW TELEGRAPH NEWSPAPER HONOURS GOVERNOR OYEBANJI.

Barely 24 hours after he received the Leadership Newspaper’s Governor of the Year ( 2025) award, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will today receive the New Telegraph Newspaper’s Governor of the Year Award (Infrastructure), in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the area of infrastructure development. 

The ceremony  will take place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. 

The organisers, in a letter of nomination, said Governor Oyebanji is being recognised for his administration’s huge investment in road and power infrastructure as well as his inclusive governing style, which have impacted positively on the State and its people.

Today’s award is the second the esteemed newspaper organisation would be presenting to Governor Oyebanji, who was the Newspaper’s Governor of the Year ( 2024) in good governance and community development. 

Upon assuming office in October 16, 2022, Governor Oyebanji had commenced a diligent implementation of his six- pillar development agenda, drawn from the 30 years Ekiti State Development plan (2020-2050), with a clear focus  on delivering shared prosperity for Ekiti people. 

This has resulted in major transformation and significant growth in key sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, digital economy and tourism development among others. 

The remarkable transformation in the state under Governor Oyebanji continues to attract recognition from leading organizations and development institutions. 

Prior to today’s award, Governor Oyebanji had earlier received the Silverbird Man of the Year Award (2024); Vanguard Newspaper’s Good Governance Award (2024), Daily Independent Newspaper’s Governor of the Year Award (2023), The EDGE Award for Most Outstanding Leadership (2024) and Energy Governor of the Year (2024) by the Energy Times. 

Under his leadership, Ekiti State has recorded notable social and economic milestones. The state ranked No 1 in the BudgIT State Fiscal Transparency League for five consecutive quarters: (Q2, Q3, Q4 2024 and Q1, Q2 2025). It  also ranked second lowest among the 36 states on Out of School Children in Nigeria. Ekiti was also rated by Enough - is- Enough (EiE) as the state with the lowest Media reported killing for Q2 2025, reinforcing its status as the safest and most peaceful state in the country. 

Additionally, Ekiti State has, within the period, recorded a remarkable upgrade of his road and power infrastructure. It also recorded significant reduction in neonatal mortality by 57 percent from  42 per 1000 in 2019 to 18 per 1000 in 2024; a reduction in infant mortality by 53 percent from 57 per 1000 in 2010 to 27 per 1000 in 2024; reduction in under five mortality by 54 percent from 95 per 1000 in 2019 to 44 per 1000 in 2024.

 Governor Oyebanji continues to prioritise policies, programmes and projects that impact positively on the wellbeing and welfare of Ekiti people. 

Agbeyewa Farms Donates Motorcycles to Ekiti Agriculture Ministry to Boost Field Operations.

Agbeyewa Farms Donates Motorcycles to Ekiti Agriculture Ministry to Boost Field Operations.

Agbeyewa Farms has donated two operational motorcycles to the Farm Settlement Directorate of the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in a move aimed at strengthening public–private collaboration and improving agricultural field operations across rural communities.

The motorcycles were formally presented at the company’s Ikole operations during a brief handover ceremony attended by representatives of the Ministry and led by the SSA to the Governor of Ekiti on Farm Settlement Temitope Adewole. The gesture is part of Agbeyewa Farms’ ongoing efforts to support institutional capacity and enhance grassroots agricultural monitoring within the state.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Community Engagement at Agbeyewa Farms, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, said the donation followed a recent working visit by ministry officials to the farm estate. He noted that the company identified mobility challenges affecting field operations and secured immediate approval from its leadership to provide support.

“This is a token of support to ease your daily duties and strengthen your engagement with farming communities,” Lawal said, emphasizing the company’s belief that sustainable agricultural growth depends on strong collaboration between private investors and public institutions.

Receiving the motorcycles on behalf of the Ministry, Mr. Adewole described the donation as both unexpected and timely. He stated that the additional mobility would significantly enhance field coordination, extension service delivery, and productivity across farm settlements.

He commended Agbeyewa Farms for what he described as a proactive and consistent approach to partnership, noting that the company has distinguished itself among investors through contributions to employment generation, rural development, and agricultural expansion in Ekiti State.

Officials of the Ministry further noted that partnerships with responsible private-sector stakeholders align with the Ekiti State Government’s broader strategy to accelerate food security, strengthen farmer support systems, and promote agribusiness growth. Improved mobility for field officers, they added, will enhance monitoring activities and deepen engagement with local producers.

The initiative underscores Agbeyewa Farms’ corporate vision of integrating large-scale commercial agriculture with community-focused development, reinforcing its role as a key partner in advancing sustainable agricultural growth and economic development in Ekiti State.