Governor Abiodun Oyebanji (BAO) and the Case for a Landmark Second Term in Ekiti State.

Governor Abiodun Oyebanji (BAO) and the Case for a Landmark Second Term in Ekiti State.                                                                            By Asubiojo G. O. & Information And Civic Orientation Department Team.

As Ekiti State approaches another defining democratic moment in June, the question before the people is not merely political—it is developmental, emotional, and generational. The candidacy of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji (BAO) represents continuity of pragmatic governance, visible infrastructural transformation, and people-centered leadership.

This analytical write-up presents structured professional, emotional, spiritual, and socio-political reasons why Governor Oyebanji merits a landmark and remarkable second term.

1. Administrative Pragmatism and Governance Stability:

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has been characterized by:

Policy continuity and institutional stability

Reduction of governance friction between executive, legislature, and grassroots leadership

Strategic engagement with federal institutions and development partners

Inclusive governance model involving stakeholders across political divides

Unlike experimental leadership, BAO’s governance style has demonstrated maturity, calm decisiveness, and administrative coherence, Ekiti’s civil service climate reflects improved coordination, predictable policy direction, and renewed morale.

 Stability in governance enhances investor confidence, institutional performance, and long-term development planning—areas in which Ekiti has shown measurable progress under his watch.

2. Infrastructure Development:

 Visible, Tangible, and Equitable

Infrastructure under BAO has not been theoretical—it is visible.

Strategic road construction and rehabilitation connecting rural communities

Urban renewal initiatives enhancing Ado-Ekiti’s commercial vibrancy

Upgraded public facilities and community infrastructure

Rural accessibility improvements supporting agricultural productivity;

Improved roads reduce post-harvest losses, stimulate commerce, and enhance transportation efficiency.

 This translates into measurable economic circulation and improved quality of life.

Citizens frequently commend the “visible reality” of projects—not promises, but completed structures.

3. Health Sector Strengthening

Healthcare reform has included:

Revitalization of primary healthcare centers

Improved medical equipment supply

Strengthening of maternal and child health services

Workforce motivation and structured health sector investment,

Functional primary healthcare reduces tertiary hospital congestion, lowers maternal mortality risks, and enhances public health resilience.

Residents often describe improved responsiveness and access to care, particularly in rural communities.

4. Education:

Protecting Ekiti’s Intellectual Identity

Ekiti State is historically known as the “Fountain of Knowledge.” Governor Oyebanji’s educational interventions reflect:

Support for public schools and learning infrastructure

Teacher engagement and workforce stability

Policies reinforcing Ekiti’s academic heritage

Strategic Insight:

Investment in education is long-term state capital formation. Sustaining educational reforms requires continuity—not disruption.

Parents and education stakeholders have acknowledged improvements in school environments and administrative responsiveness.

5. Economic Revitalization and Agricultural Support:

Ekiti’s economy thrives on agriculture, SMEs, and civil service activity. Under BAO:

Rural road accessibility enhances farm-to-market distribution

SME-friendly environment encourages local enterprise growth

Fiscal responsibility improves state credibility.

Predictable governance attracts economic confidence. Investors prefer policy continuity over abrupt leadership transitions.

Market women, artisans, and farmers have increasingly expressed appreciation for improved economic facilitation and market-friendly policies.

6. Workers’ Welfare and Civil Service Harmony:

One of the strongest pillars of BAO’s governance has been worker relations:

Improved engagement with civil servants

Pension and salary considerations handled with structured consistency

Industrial harmony with minimal labor disruption. 

A content workforce stabilizes governance architecture. Worker morale influences service delivery quality across ministries.

Civil servants frequently describe the administration as approachable and responsive.

7. Respect and Recognition of Traditional Institutions:

Ekiti’s traditional rulers remain custodians of heritage and community order. Governor Oyebanji’s administration has:

Strengthened engagement with royal institutions

Recognized traditional authority in governance dialogue

Encouraged cultural identity preservation

Sociopolitical Insight:

In states like Ekiti, development thrives where modern governance harmonizes with traditional structures.

8. Emotional and Lyrical Reflection:

There are moments in history when leadership feels less like administration and more like stewardship.

Governor Oyebanji’s leadership style evokes:

Calm reassurance in uncertain times

Pragmatic delivery without excessive political noise

Visible transformation that speaks louder than campaign rhetoric

The people of Ekiti often articulate a simple sentiment:

“Let continuity protect progress.”

9. Spiritual and Ethical Undertone:

Leadership anchored in humility, consultation, and inclusive dialogue aligns with spiritual values cherished by Ekiti citizens.

Continuity ensures:

Preservation of ethical governance culture

Strengthening of collective destiny

Consolidation of foundations already laid.

10. Political Logic for a Second Term:

From a purely analytical political perspective:

Disrupting developmental momentum risks project discontinuity

Policy learning curves are costly when restarted.

Second terms often consolidate first-term foundations into legacy achievements.

A landmark second term would allow:

Completion of infrastructure cycles

Expansion of healthcare and education reforms

Deepening of economic growth policies.

The case for Governor Abiodun Oyebanji’s second term rests not on emotional enthusiasm alone—but on measurable governance stability, visible infrastructure, healthcare strengthening, education reinforcement, economic facilitation, worker welfare, and cultural respect.

Ekiti stands at a crossroad between continuity and uncertainty.

A landmark second term for BAO represents:

Stability over experimentation

Completion over interruption

Consolidation over fragmentation

In governance, progress protected is progress multiplied.

 For r many indigenes of Ekiti State, the visible reality of transformation under BAO forms the foundation of their confidence in a remarkable second term.

Ekiti 2026: Omotosho Rallies Support for Oyebanji's Second Term in Ado-Ekiti APC Ward 9.

Ekiti 2026: Omotosho Rallies Support for Oyebanji's Second Term in Ado-Ekiti APC Ward 9.

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Hon.Mary Oso Omotosho, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ado-Ekiti Ward 9 to intensify efforts towards the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. 

Omotosho, who joined other party members for its weekly ward meeting, on Thursday, emphasised the urgent need for unity within the party ahead of the poll. 

While urging them to work unanimously for the governor's re-election, she noted that the task ahead requires shared vision, collective efforts and total commitment from every member of the party in Ado-Ekiti ward 9.

The DG tasked party leaders and members to close ranks and remain focused in re-electing Governor Oyebanji, stressing that a united Ado-Ekiti APC Ward 9 will deliver bloc votes during the election. 

She assured them of the governor's commitment to his shared prosperity mantra through impactful governance, exemplary leadership and more developmental milestones across the state.

Highlights of the meeting is the presentation of computer systems for data gathering in the ward by the DG, including the distribution of food items and cash gifts while she seized the opportunity to mark her birthday through the symbolic cutting of cake.

Responding, Chairman of Ado-Ekiti APC Ward 9, Alhaja Falilat Akorede appreciated the DG for the kind gesture and pledged to work assiduously towards ensuring victory of the party at the governorship election.

GOV OYEBANJI CHAIRS APC ASPIRANTS’ SCREENING COMMITTEE.

GOV OYEBANJI CHAIRS APC ASPIRANTS’ SCREENING COMMITTEE.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has been named the Chairman of Aspirants’ Screening Committee of the 2026 National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This follows his inauguration alongside other members of the committee at an inauguration ceremony held at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja on Wednesday. 

The 42-member Aspirants’ Screening Committee is saddled with the task of screening and verification of aspirants for all elective positions at the National Convention in accordance with the Constitution of the party, guidelines and applicable regulations.

Other members of the committee are Kogi State Governor , Usman Ododo (Co-Chairman); former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani (Vice Chairman); former Bauchi State Governor, Isah Yuguda (Secretary), former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu (Assistant Secretary).

Others include: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; Senator Gbenga Daniel; Senator Ben Ayade, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Sarafa Alli, Hon Adebayo Adelabu, Dr isa Muhammed, and Senator Uche Lilian  Ekwunife.

Other committees inaugurated at the colourful event, presided by the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, are the the Screening Appeal Committee , Election Committee, Venue Committee, Security Committee, Election Appeal Committee, Finance Committee, Media and Publicity Committee, Ceremonial, Programme and Event Committee, Delegates Accreditation Committee, Protocol Committee, Accommodation and Transportation Committee, Entertainment and Welfare Committee among others.

Venite University appoints Prof. Charity Aremu as New Vice-Chancellor in a race of 25-Candidates.

Venite University appoints Prof. Charity Aremu as New Vice-Chancellor in a race of  25-Candidates.

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, has appointed Professor Charity Aremu as its new Vice-Chancellor, selecting her from a competitive field of 25 candidates following a keenly contested interview and other selection processes.

Prof. Aremu, a Crop improvement and Sustainable Agriculture  scholar and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, takes the helm of an institution built on a clear and uncompromising mission to provide quality education that fosters total emancipation, training self-reliant graduates equipped not just to secure employment, but to create jobs and become employers of labour.

It is a vision she has lived, not merely inherited.

Prof. Charity Aremu’s academic journey began at the University of Ibadan, where she studied Agricultural Biology and graduated in 1992, winning the Royal Dutch Shell BP Award and Raymond Zard scholarship for Best Graduating student.

She later earned her MSc and PhD in Agricultural Biology and Plant Breeding and sustainable Agriculture, from the University of Ibadan and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 1994 and 2004 respectively. In her quest for knowledge, Prof. Aremu, earned a certificate in sustainable horticultural crop production from Wilo farms in California, USA.

In academics and administrative experience, Prof. Aremu, spent almost two decades at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, rising from Assistant Lecturer to full Professor in 2011, before joining Landmark university Omu-Aran, Kwara state in 2015. Across both institutions, she served as Head of Department, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, and recently served as Director, African  Agripreneurship Development Centre in addition to chairing committees of University Equipment, Quality Assurance, Appointments and Promotions, Student and Staff Disciplinary, Selection of Vice-Chancellor, University Strategic Planning,  Ethics and Code of Conduct and many more. She chaired the university academic board and Senate for several years. During her tenure as Landmark University Vice-Chancellor, the university became globally ranked by Times Higher Education ranking body. 

This trajectory aligns with Venite University vision – “to train and produce knowledgeable, creative and industrious manpower for the nation by  being a training ground for research and development that would attract global recognition and impact positively in the development of the society”.

In national and international academic world, Prof Aremu Charity served as external examiner to numerous universities within and outside Nigeria including university of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, North-West University, South Africa and many more. At the National Universities’ Commission (NUC), Prof Aremu was one of the  editors of the running CCMAS in Nigerian universities and a seasoned accreditation team member of the NUC. 

In research, Prof. Aremu Charity has published over one hundred (100) revered articles and book chapters mainly  in Scopus, Web of Science etc. No wonder her citation is over 2000 in google scholar and greater than 15  h-index in Scopus.  Prof Aremu is listed  in this 2026 Top 500 researchers in Nigeria by Scival. Her research focus speaks directly to the informed and liberated minds Venite University stands to produce.

She has also attracted significant research funding. Notable among her grants is one from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) for drought resistant maize development, and she co-led the Cassava Adding Value for Africa II project at her previous institutions. She was a team member on African Cassava Mosaic Virus research with technical paper presentation as Addis ababa in Ethiopia. 

The new Vice-Chancellor arrives with a blueprint of:

• bridging academia with industry by promoting certified skill acquisition in addition to students’ degrees, through innovations that defines pedagogy of learning,

• driving student enrolment and promoting good neighborliness amongst all,

•  building  students’ Tech-innovation hub to inspire and promote talent/potential  hunt,

• national and international academic partnerships/linkages,

•  curriculum reform in alignment with accrediting bodies’ standards,

•  grantsmanship culture, 

• aligning with ranking bodies’ checklists for global ranking in addition to espousing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) agenda.

 Above all, Prof Aremu will be espousing accountability and robust financial base for Venite University through innovations that promote holistic growth and development.

With her blend of academic distinction, administrative skill, and deep knowledge in research, Prof. Aremu steps into Venite leadership at a defining moment in the university’s growth. Her track record of institutional strengthening and global positioning signals a leadership style anchored in vision, discipline, and measurable impact. For Venite University, her appointment represents not just a change in leadership, but a strategic investment in a future shaped by excellence, innovation, and global relevance. Venite university heralds Prof Charity Aremu as the 2nd substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Read More 👇👇

https://veniteuniversity.edu.ng/2026/02/25/venite-university-finally-selected-prof-charity-aremu-as-new-vice-chancellor-in-a-race-of-25-candidates/

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Venite University, Iloro Ekiti

Community of dreamers, innovators and changemakers

Beacon of Service: Majority Leader Hon. Ibitoye Toluwalase Marks First Anniversary with Visible Gains in Ward 3.

Beacon of Service: Majority Leader Hon. Ibitoye Toluwalase Marks First Anniversary with Visible Gains in Ward 3.

The political landscape of Gbogi/Isinkan Ward 3 in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State was aglow with celebration as Hon. Ibitoye Toluwalase, the charismatic Majority Leader of the council and dedicated Councillor representing the ward, commemorated his first anniversary in office with a heartwarming display of gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to service.

Hon. Toluwalase, widely regarded as a beacon of hope and a grassroots-oriented leader with an unwavering passion for community development, has in just 12 months etched his name in the annals of selfless leadership through a series of impactful interventions that have touched lives and transformed the ward.

Among his standout achievements is the comprehensive grading of strategic roads across the ward, particularly in communities such as Aule and Oke Ogba. These interventions have not only eased mobility for residents but have also boosted economic activities, reduced travel time, and enhanced access to essential services in previously challenging terrains.

In a proactive move to safeguard public health and prevent flooding during the rainy season, the councillor facilitated the cleaning and de-silting of blocked culverts across key locations in the ward. This timely environmental sanitation effort has been praised for averting potential disasters and maintaining cleaner, safer neighbourhoods.

Demonstrating exemplary leadership and inclusivity, Hon. Toluwalase hosted an unprecedented gathering of all ward 3 leaders, and executives. The event fostered unity, dialogue, and collective planning, strengthening the fabric of grassroots governance in Gbogi/Isinkan.

His compassionate outreach extended beyond partisan lines during festive periods. Notably, he joined Muslim faithful in the ward to celebrate Eid Mubarak, distributing cash gifts and essential clothing items to many, a gesture that underscored his inclusive approach to community welfare and his respect for religious diversity.

Adding to his people-centered initiatives, he also organized the distribution of rice to all Ward 3 party members, providing essential support and relief to households amid economic challenges and reinforcing his commitment to the well-being of his political family and the broader community.

Perhaps one of the most celebrated projects under his tenure is the construction and commissioning of a standard borehole in a water-scarce section of the ward. This vital infrastructure has provided residents with reliable access to clean potable water, alleviating the hardships previously endured in sourcing water and contributing significantly to improved health and hygiene standards.

In a moment of deep introspection and renewed resolve, the ever-approachable councillor declared his determination to build on the foundation already laid.

“I am profoundly grateful to Almighty God and to the wonderful people of Ward 3 for the privilege of serving you these past twelve months. Every road graded, every culvert cleared, every borehole commissioned, every act of kindness extended — these are not mere projects; they are testimonies of our collective resolve to rise higher,” Hon. Ibitoye Toluwalase affirmed.

He added with firm conviction: “This is only the beginning. In the years ahead, I rededicate myself to doing even more for the development of humanity in our ward. We will expand opportunities for our youth, empower our women, prioritise quality education and healthcare, attract more infrastructure, and ensure no one is left behind. Ward 3 shall stand as a shining example of what dedicated, transparent, and compassionate leadership can achieve.”

Political observers and residents alike have described Hon. Toluwalase as a “rare gem” – diligent, approachable, visionary, and genuinely people-centred. His first year has been marked by action rather than rhetoric, earning him widespread acclaim as a leader who delivers on promises.

As he embarks on the next phase of his tenure, the Majority Leader reiterated his resolve to remain accessible, accountable, and relentless in pursuing the welfare of his constituents.

The anniversary celebration, characterised by prayers, goodwill messages, and community feasting, ended on a note of optimism, with many expressing confidence that greater accomplishments lie ahead under Hon. Ibitoye Toluwalase's stewardship.

RE: Suit Filed Against Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Others Over Alleged Non-Disclosure of Constituency Project Details.

RE: Suit Filed Against Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Others Over Alleged Non-Disclosure of Constituency Project Details.

The attention of the Office of the Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, has been drawn to media reports concerning a suit allegedly instituted at the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, by Mr Adekunle Esan, a former governorship aspirant.

Ordinarily, matters before a court of competent jurisdiction are sub judice, and we would refrain from public commentary. However, in order to prevent misinformation and unnecessary public anxiety, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications.

First, Senator Adaramodu remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible representation. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently provided periodic updates on legislative activities, sponsored bills, motions, constituency interventions, and empowerment initiatives within Ekiti South Senatorial District.

It is important to clarify that constituency projects are not funds personally allocated or disbursed to legislators. Rather, they are projects embedded in the national budget and executed by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in accordance with extant procurement laws and financial regulations of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As a lawmaker, Senator Adaramodu’s role is primarily legislative, law-making, oversight, and representation, not direct execution or management of public funds. The suggestion that funds are placed under the personal custody of legislators reflects a misunderstanding of how public finance administration operates at the federal level.

Regarding the Freedom of Information (FOI) requests referenced in the reports, the Office of the Senator holds the Freedom of Information framework in high regard. Any request properly served and falling within the statutory responsibilities of the office will be treated in accordance with the law and appropriate institutional procedure.

Nevertheless, since the matter is now before the Federal High Court, it would be improper to litigate it in the media. The Senator and other respondents will respond appropriately through their legal representatives and remain confident in the judicial process.

Senator Adaramodu’s record of service, spanning legislative debates, committee responsibilities, and constituency development initiatives, remains open to public scrutiny. His commitment to the growth, security, and development of Ekiti South is unwavering and demonstrable through tangible interventions across communities in the district.

We, therefore, urge the public to remain calm and allow the court to determine the issues raised in accordance with the law. The Office of the Senator will continue to focus on delivering quality representation to the people of Ekiti South Senatorial District.

Signed,

Adebayo Adesoji Adeokin

Media Aide to Senator Yemi Adaramodu

Hon. Oni Oluwatuyi Records Stellar First Year in Office: Empowers Over 300 Families, Sponsors 50 JAMB Forms, Delivers Key Infrastructure in Akure South Ward 2.

Hon. Oni Oluwatuyi Records Stellar First Year in Office: Empowers Over 300 Families, Sponsors 50 JAMB Forms, Delivers Key Infrastructure in Akure South Ward 2. 

By Johnson Eleko

In an impressive display of purposeful leadership, Hon. Oni Oluwatuyi, councillor representing Ward 2 (Gbogi/Isinkan 1) in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State and Deputy Leader of the legislative arm, has completed a remarkable first year in office packed with tangible people-oriented projects and interventions that have directly touched hundreds of lives.

All the major initiatives and achievements recorded so far — from large-scale empowerment programmes to educational sponsorships, religious inclusivity efforts, and critical infrastructure upgrades — were executed within this single year, underlining his reputation as a fast-acting, results-driven representative who wastes no time in delivering on his mandate.

Right from the early days in office, Hon. Oluwatuyi demonstrated inclusivity by empowering Muslim faithfuls in his constituency within his first month. This timely gesture set the tone for his commitment to supporting all segments of the community regardless of faith.

He further extended goodwill across religious lines by providing cash gifts to both Christian and Muslim faithfuls during the Easter and Ramadan festivities, fostering unity and providing relief during key religious periods.

One of the earliest and most celebrated moves was the sponsorship of 50 free JAMB forms for indigent yet brilliant students in his constituency. The beneficiaries, selected from prominent schools including CAC Grammar School, Army Comprehensive High School, St. Louis Grammar School and several others in Akure South, received the forms in February 2026. The intervention was widely praised by parents, teachers and community leaders as a strategic step to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in the face of rising economic hardship.

On the infrastructure front, the councillor facilitated the installation of a solar borehole at Danjuma, providing reliable and sustainable access to clean water for residents in that community. He also oversaw prompt grading of several inner-community roads badly in need of attention, including:

- Custom junction to Olugboyega layout, extended to powerline

- Eyin apata community 

- Ajebamidele to Enyo filling station 

- Tutugbua community 

- Ijalade and many more.

He additionally oversaw drainage construction from Olugbeya layout to Isinkan, a project that has permanently stopped devastating erosion and flooding for residents in the affected axis.

The high point of his first-year benevolence came during the 2025 Christmas season with the hugely successful “Meet Your Councillor” empowerment programme held at Isinkan car park. In that single event, Hon. Oluwatuyi extended support to over 300 families, including artisans, traders, students, elderly persons and widows. The distribution covered 240 bags of rice, generators, standing fans, clothing items for widows, cash gifts and scholarships awarded to indigent students in both primary and secondary public schools. The programme was designed not only to provide festive relief but also to equip constituents with productive tools and sustain their livelihoods.

These achievements were delivered through close collaboration with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the Executive Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, whose leadership the councillor has repeatedly acknowledged as critical to the success of grassroots governance.

Speaking at the empowerment event, Hon. Oluwafemi Fadairo, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Community Engagement (Central), described Hon. Oluwatuyi’s actions as “a commendable initiative” and hailed him as “a genuine lover of the people who carries the love for his constituents in his heart.” Fadairo stressed that despite the modest salary attached to the councillor’s office, Hon. Oluwatuyi has consistently demonstrated extraordinary generosity and commitment to meaningful empowerment.

Residents, party faithful and community stakeholders have described his first-year performance as exemplary grassroots leadership — one that focuses on real capacity building rather than symbolic gestures, while promoting inclusivity across faiths and addressing basic needs like water access.

Marking the one-year anniversary of his inauguration, Hon. Oni Oluwatuyi thanked the people of Ward 2 for their overwhelming support and prayers. “In just twelve months, we have sponsored JAMB forms to open doors for our youth, empowered over 300 families with food, cash, equipment and scholarships, provided religious support during Easter and Ramadan, installed a solar borehole at Danjuma for sustainable water, graded critical roads and constructed drainage to end erosion. These are not promises — they are results already delivered because service to our people is my top priority,” he said.

Looking to the future with renewed determination, the Deputy Leader pledged even greater impact in the remaining years of his tenure. “This first year is only the foundation we have laid together. I promise more development projects — expanded road rehabilitation, improved drainage systems across more communities, continued and increased youth empowerment through education and skills acquisition, sustained family support packages, more water infrastructure, and stronger advocacy for the overall progress of Ward 2. With God on our side, your continued backing, and the enabling environment provided by our Governor and Chairman, we will achieve far more and ensure every resident feels the real dividends of democracy.”

As Hon. Oni Oluwatuyi enters his second year in office, constituents of Gbogi/Isikan 1 remain hopeful and appreciative, viewing his swift, compassionate and result-oriented style as a refreshing model of local leadership that puts people first.