CHILDREN’S DAY 2026: OLUWATUYI CELEBRATES IILG CHILDREN, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION AND FUTURE LEADERSHIP.

CHILDREN’S DAY 2026: OLUWATUYI CELEBRATES IILG CHILDREN, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION AND FUTURE LEADERSHIP.                                           By Ola Asubiojo 

The atmosphere at the historic premises of Ekiti Baptist High School on Wednesday radiated with colour, excitement, inspiration, and resounding hope as the people of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government gathered in grand style to celebrate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.

The memorable and remarkably organized event attracted pupils and students from both public and private primary and secondary schools across the Local Government, alongside members of the National Youth Service Corps, political leaders, distinguished civil servants, education stakeholders, community leaders, and respected personalities from different walks of life, all assembled to give the celebration a landmark and unforgettable reference point in the history of the Local Government.

The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, popularly known as CHENCO, arrived the venue amidst loud cheers, admiration, and heartfelt ovation from the children and guests who described his presence as a reflection of purposeful leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the growth of the younger generation.

In his charismatic, statesmanlike, and emotionally inspiring address, Honourable Oluwatuyi described children as the priceless treasures, future architects, and shining pillars upon which the greatness of Nigeria rests. 

He noted that Children’s Day remains a sacred opportunity to encourage, mentor, celebrate, and invest meaningfully in the lives of future leaders whose dreams and aspirations will shape the destiny of society.

Speaking passionately on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Future Now For Every Child" 

The he Chairman described the theme as timely, visionary, and deeply significant in the collective quest to build a more progressive and educationally advanced society.

According to him, the theme strongly emphasizes the urgent need to provide every Nigerian child with unrestricted access to quality education, moral guidance, modern learning tools, technological exposure, and the enabling environment necessary for academic excellence and leadership development.

Honourable Oluwatuyi further commended the visionary leadership and educational advancement policies of the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, popularly called BAO, for his unrelenting commitment towards ensuring that every child in the state enjoys qualitative and globally competitive education capable of preparing them for future greatness.

The Chairman proudly disclosed that his administration in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government has fully aligned with the progressive educational vision and people-oriented policies of the Ekiti State Government. 

He assured the gathering that his administration would continue to prioritize the educational advancement and moral development of children through strategic support systems, financial assistance, mentorship programmes, ethical orientation, and youth empowerment initiatives designed to make students excel in their various academic and professional pursuits.

He passionately charged the children to remain disciplined, focused, morally upright, hardworking, and prayerful, stressing that greatness can only emerge through dedication, perseverance, integrity, and obedience to positive values.

The colourful celebration was further enriched by goodwill messages from notable personalities and dignitaries present at the occasion, including the Leader of the IILG Legislative House, Honourable Yemisi Olagunji, and Miss Aladesua Elizabeth, the Deputy Leader of the 7th Children Parliament of Ekiti State, who both applauded the administration of Honourable Oluwatuyi for sustaining policies and programmes that continue to place the welfare and future of children at the centre of governance.

The event became even more glamorous and electrifying as participating schools entertained the audience with breathtaking match past processions, cultural dance displays, rhythmic choreography, educational performances, and artistic presentations that reflected the creativity, intelligence, discipline, and talents embedded in the younger generation, with mater Christi Girl's High School Igede and Ekiti Baptist High School Igede emerged first and second in this year's match past, prosperous school came third, cash prizes were presented to participating schools as a gesture of encouragement and enhance future commitment active participation in the event.

In a touching and symbolic moment that captured the admiration and affection the children have for the Chairman, Honourable Oluwatuyi was beautifully decorated with colourful flower vessels, rosettes, and ceremonial adornments by the participating pupils and students amidst jubilation and celebration.

The gathering eventually transformed into a festival of unity, joy, laughter, hope, and collective aspiration for a brighter future, as dignitaries and spectators applauded the exceptional organization, peaceful atmosphere, and outstanding success recorded throughout the programme.

Indeed, the 2026 Children’s Day celebration in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government will remain an awesome, inspiring, and extraordinarily memorable event in the annals of the Local Government — a celebration that not only honoured children but also rekindled the collective responsibility of society towards nurturing future leaders capable of taking Nigeria to enviable heights of greatness, peace, and sustainable development.

OJUAWO APPRECIATES CHIEF OLANIPEKUN FOR INVESTMENT IN THE HEALTH SECTOR.

OJUAWO APPRECIATES CHIEF OLANIPEKUN FOR INVESTMENT IN THE HEALTH SECTOR.

The Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, has expressed profound appreciation to Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, for the donation of the New Cruse Mother and Child Maternity Complex in Ikere-Ekiti.

In a statement released through his media office, Hon. Ojuawo described the renowned legal luminary’s gesture as a remarkable investment in the health sector and a significant contribution to humanity. He noted that the maternity complex would greatly enhance maternal and child healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and improve antenatal and postnatal care for nursing mothers across the community.

Hon. Ojuawo further commended Chief Olanipekun’s consistent commitment to institutional development and nation-building, describing the donation of the ultra-modern maternity complex to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, as a testament to his enduring passion for community development and public welfare.

The federal lawmaker also praised Chief Olanipekun for his longstanding goodwill, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the growth and development of Ekiti State and Nigeria at large. He stated that beyond his outstanding achievements in the legal profession, Chief Olanipekun has continually distinguished himself as a philanthropist and community builder whose interventions in education, healthcare, and human capital development have positively impacted countless lives. Hon. Ojuawo prayed that God would continue to strengthen and reward him for his selfless service to humanity.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

FIRST LADY, SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU ON A ONE-DAY WORKING VISIT TO EKITI.

FIRST LADY, SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU ON A ONE-DAY WORKING VISIT TO EKITI.

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will be in Ekiti State, on Saturday, May 30, 2026 on a one-day working visit.

Senator Tinubu will be accompanied on the visit by some state First Ladies and top officials and will be received by Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, as well as top state officials.

During the visit, Senator Tinubu is billed to commission a newly built ICT Centre at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, which was facilitated by her Renewed Hope Initiative. She will also hold a meeting with Ekiti Obas under the aegis of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Council.

The First Lady will also flag off the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Campaign Rally for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

Senator Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has carried out no fewer than 16 different interventions (including material and financial empowerment programmes) in Ekiti State between 2023 till date, targeting women, youths, students, farmers, vulnerable households, small scale businesses and People With Disabilities (PWDs).

Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi  Oyebanji says adequate arrangements have been made to make the visit of the First Lady to the State a memorable one.

Oyebanji Commissions 35-Bed Mother and Child Maternity Complex Built by Olanipekun.

Oyebanji Commissions 35-Bed Mother and Child Maternity Complex Built by Olanipekun.

....Oyebanji, Aiyedatiwa, Akande, Ooni hail Olanipekun at mother and child maternity complex commissioning.

Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday commissioned a 35-Bed state-of-the-art Mother and Child Maternity Complex donated by a former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), describing the gesture as a remarkable contribution to health care delivery in the state and to humanity. 

The facility, built within the State Specialist Hospital, Ikere Ekiti, was officially donated to the state government is expected to significantly boost maternal and child healthcare delivery in the state and compliment efforts of the state government at improving access to quality healthcare service for residents.

Dignitaries at the commissioning included, Ekiti Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr Segun Oni, former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, members of the national assembly and state executive council among others. 

Governor Oyebanji, who commended Chief Olanipekun for his unwavering commitment to the development of Ekiti State, noted that the donation reflects the senior lawyer’s deep love for his roots and passion for improving the quality of life of the people. 

He added that  the gesture is a shining example of selfless service and a philanthropic gesture that should inspire other well-meaning indigenes to contribute meaningfully to the overall development and progress of the state, maintaining that government alone cannot provide all the needed services to the people.

Describing the donation as a landmark intervention in the health sector capable of leaving a lasting legacy in maternal and child health care delivery, the Governor assured that his government would continue to provide enabling environment for partnerships that complement his government’s shared prosperity agenda.

“Baba Akande said success is only meaningful when it positively impacts others, I can’t agree less with that and on the strength of that, I stand here to represent Ekiti people to once again say thank you to Chief Wole Olanipekun for not forgetting us here, Kabiyesi Ogoga refers to you as an illustrious son of Ikere Ekiti, yes, but you belong to humanity because all over the state and the country, we have your footprint. My prayer is that the good Lord will continue to bless you sir, I am so grateful for partnership in developing this state.

“Let me rest on that to call on every other Ekiti indigenes whom God has blessed to listen to what Chief Olanipekun said in his remarks that we cannot develop Ekiti without coming home. Please let's come home, our people need help, God has blessed us so that we can help others”, the Governor asserted.

Also in his remarks, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the event as a celebration of extraordinary generosity by Chief Wole Olanipekun, noting that the gesture represents philanthropy at its best and a truly life-saving intervention for the people.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the donation of the state-of-the-art facility reflects the kind of civic responsibility and private sector involvement Nigeria needs, stressing that national development would be faster and more impactful when individuals compliment government efforts in building critical infrastructure.

Also speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mohammed Ali Pate, commended the donor for his contribution to the development of mankind especially on the issue of women and children, who, according to him, remain at the core of every tribal society and the whole of mankind.

The Minister, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, also expressed the heartfelt appreciation of his Ministry as well as the Federal government led by President Bola Tinubu to Chief Wole Olanipekun for his extraordinary generosity which remind everyone of the powerful impact individuals and organizations can make when they choose to invest in the health and future of their communities. 

He maintained that Chief Olanipekun remains a philanthropist of note who has criss-cross the Nigeria space endowing numerous scholarships, donated many educational and health facilities, as well as instituted empowerment and initiatives in his various acts of community development.

Speaking shortly after inaugurating the facility,  a former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande,  said Chief Olanipekun belongs to the class of men whose greatness is measured by their titles, wealth and accomplishments as well as those whose greatness is measured by the lives they touch and the communities they uplift.

Akande described the former NBA President as a man who is deeply committed to the welfare of his people and community as a highest expression of patriotism which is a corollary of not only his brilliance as a lawyer but also the depth of his conviction about service for Nigerian progress, community development and human responsibility. 

“That is why today's event is important, patriotism is not merely about political positions or public acclaim, it is about responsibility to humanity, It is about remembering where one comes from, It is about understanding that success becomes meaningful only when it improves the lives of others. Chief Olanipekun has demonstrated this repeatedly. He stated.

Also in his remarks, the Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi used the occasion to pray fervently for Chief Olanipekun for building an enduring legacy that will outlive his lifetime as he also described the facility as world class health facility capable of addressing the health needs of mothers and children in the society.

In his address, Chief Olanipekun expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment that encourages private participation in governance and development of the state. He noted that he was motivated to contribute more meaningfully because of the governor’s inclusive leadership style and openness to partnership that advance the wellbeing of the people.

He  explained that the decision to donate the state-of-the-art mother and child maternity complex to the state government was driven by the urgent need to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths and improve access to quality healthcare service, especially vulnerable mothers and newborns in the state.

EKSCOTECH Rector Optimistic of NBTE Accreditation for 15 New, Existing Programmes.

EKSCOTECH Rector Optimistic of NBTE Accreditation for 15 New, Existing Programmes. 

...Lauds Council Chairman Dr. ‘Femi Thomas for Support.

The Rector, Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti (EKSCOTECH), Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, has expressed strong optimism that the Institution will secure full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for all programmes recently presented for verification and re-accreditation.

Dr. Olubamise gave the assurance following the just-concluded resource verification and accreditation visit by a high-powered NBTE team to the Polytechnic. He noted that the Institution’s level of preparedness, quality of facilities, and caliber of staff place EKSCOTECH in good stead to receive favourable consideration from the regulatory body.

“The accreditation exercise is critical to our consolidation as a full-fledged Polytechnic. From what the NBTE team saw — our equipment, manpower, e-library, and physical structures — we are confident of a positive outcome across all programmes presented,” the Rector stated.

 

As part of efforts to sensitize admission seekers and parents, the Rector listed the 15 National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes the NBTE team assessed during the visit, noting that prospective students can now look forward to enrolling in the following courses once accreditation is confirmed: 

1. ND Science Laboratory Technology

2. ND Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology

3. ND Biomedical Engineering Technology 

4. ND Computer Engineering Technology

5. ND Accountancy

6. ND Business Administration and Management

7. ND Family Health Technology

8. ND Medical Store Technology

9. ND Dispensing Opticianry

10. HND Cybersecurity and Data Protection

11. HND Artificial Intelligence

12. HND Software and Web Development

13. HND Dental Surgery Technology

14. HND Dental Therapy Technology

15. HND Community Health Technology

The programmes comprise brand-new courses and existing ones due for re-accreditation.

Dr. Olubamise emphasized that while EKSCOTECH already mobilizes graduates of some accredited programmes for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, successful accreditation of the new and existing programmes presented will enable the Polytechnic to mobilize students for NYSC in more programmes. He added that accreditation would also position EKSCOTECH for listing by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for student admission and access to Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) interventions.

The Rector also specially appreciated the Chairman, EKSCOTECH Governing Council, Dr. ‘Femi Thomas, for his unwavering commitment and strategic interventions towards the success of the accreditation exercise.

“On behalf of Management, staff, and students, I sincerely thank our Governing Council Chairman, Dr. ‘Femi Thomas, for his numerous efforts, guidance, and moral support. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring we met all NBTE requirements ahead of the team’s visit,” Dr. Olubamise said.

The NBTE team, led by Prof. Sahidu Halidu with Dr. John Onyebuchi, Director, NBTE Southwest Zonal Office, had conducted a comprehensive review of the Polytechnic’s academic resources, including laboratories, e-library facilities, staffing, student quality, and academic regulations.

EID EL-KABIR: EKSU VC FELICITATES MUSLIM UMMAH.

EID EL-KABIR: EKSU VC FELICITATES MUSLIM UMMAH.

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele has felicitated Muslims community in the Institution and Ekiti State at large on the occasion of this year's Eid el Kabir celebration.

In his message, the Vice Chancellor called on all Muslim in the Institution and other members of the university community to embrace the enduring virtues of sacrifice, peace, tolerance, morality and unwavering devotion to the progress of humanity .

According to him, the holy celebration remains another divine opportunity for staff  to rekindle the spirit of unity, selflessness and collective responsibility toward building a more peaceful, progressive and prosperous EKSU.

The Vice Chancellor  prayed that, may Allah accept the prayers and sacrifices offered during this celebration   and bless every home with peace and everlasting joy.

VENITE UNIVERSITY, ILORO-EKITI STRENGTHENS SECURITY COLLABORATION WITH ILORO-EKITI DEVELOPMENT UNION.

VENITE UNIVERSITY, ILORO-EKITI STRENGTHENS SECURITY COLLABORATION WITH ILORO-EKITI DEVELOPMENT UNION.

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, has reaffirmed its commitment to a safe and secure learning environment through a strategic engagement with the Iloro Ekiti Development Union and the proposed Iloro Ekiti Vigilante Corps initiative. 

The delegation, led by the Chairman, Hon. Gabriel Ogunfolajimi, alongside the Union's Treasurer, Mrs. Oloowokere, and members Mr. Ilesanmi Abiola and Mr. Omoniyi Ojo, visited the University to discuss collaborative measures aimed at strengthening security within the community and the institution.

Receiving the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charity Aremu was joined by the Registrar, Director of Strategy, Advancement and Partnership, Security Consultant, Chief Security Officer, and members of the University's Security Committee. The Vice-Chancellor commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with government efforts to promote community policing and enhance grassroots security. She noted that security remains a shared responsibility and expressed the University's readiness to work closely with community stakeholders to ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents of Iloro-Ekiti.

As part of the proposed collaboration, the University nominated three representatives to join the newly constituted 12-member security committee to facilitate intelligence sharing and regular security updates. The initiative, which is expected to commence in June 2026, will also involve financial support from key stakeholders and the University. 

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Registrar described the partnership as a commendable example of town-and-gown cooperation that will benefit both the University and the host community, while expressing appreciation to the Union for its commitment and assuring them of the institution's continued support towards a mutually beneficial relationship.