EKITI 2026: TINUBU'S WIFE RALLIES SUPPORT FOR OYEBANJI, FLAGS OFF APC WOMEN CAMPAIGN.

EKITI 2026: TINUBU'S WIFE RALLIES SUPPORT FOR OYEBANJI, FLAGS OFF APC WOMEN CAMPAIGN.

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the electorate to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Senator Tinubu said Governor Oyebanji deserves to be re-elected by the people of Ekiti State on the strength of what she described as "commendable and sterling performance and evidence of good governance." 

The First Lady who spoke on Saturday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Campaign Rally for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election which was witnessed by a mammoth crowd at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, stressed that Oyebanji has done enough to justify re-election because the fortune of the state has changed for better in over three years in governance.

The First Lady who said she was in Ekiti just to appreciate the people of the state for their support for the Governor and his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, also canvassed support for her husband, President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

She said: "We came here just to appreciate Ekiti Kete for the support given to BAO (Oyebanji) and his wife so far. I want to plead with you, help me vote for BAO in the coming governorship election in Ekiti and in 2027, vote for Mr President (Tinubu) because things are changing for better.

"You have seen more money given to the states for them to work more for the people. The states no longer owe salaries. In Ekiti Stete things are going on fine here and you governor is doing a good job and should be voted in for a second term in office. I am very grateful to you for your support sir fat. Pls continue to support him so he can do more.”

Senator Tinubu particularly appreciated APC women in Ekiti for trooping out in large numbers to welcome her saying she was impressed with the reception accorded her at every place visited during her one-day working visit to the Land of Honour.

A major highlight of the event was a symbolic presentation of cheques of N50,000 to 2,000 women to support small scale businesses. The First Lady said the Wife of the Governor will supervise the disbursement. 

Governor Oyebanji in his remarks pledged a tally of 700,000 votes from the people of Ekiti State for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election in appreciation of what he described as "unprecedented support the state had so far received from the President" which has positive changes the face of the state and bettered the standard of living of its people.

Earlier in the day, Senator Tinubu, who was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima and other national APC women top shots, was treated to an impressive reception at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport shortly after the presidential jet that conveyed her from Abuja touched down.

The First Lady also commissioned the newly built ICT Centre at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, which was facilitated by her Renewed Hope Initiative. She equally held a meeting with Ekiti Obas under the aegis of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Councila t Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti before attending the rally at the pavilion.

He also had a meeting with all Ekiti Obas at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti where they robbed minds on national issues.

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu Commissions ICT Centre at EKSU, Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Empowerment.

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu Commissions ICT Centre at EKSU, Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Empowerment.

Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT Experience Centre at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, describing the facility as a strategic investment in digital education, innovation and youth empowerment. 

The ICT centre, which was facilitated through her Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with Tetfund was part of efforts to expand access to technology and digital opportunities for young Nigerians.

Dignitaries at the event include, Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, his Ondo State Counterpart, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele among others.

Speaking while commissioning the ICT centre, Senator Tinubu said the facility would provide students and other beneficiaries with the skills and tools required to thrive in the digital economy and compete favorably in the global digital stage. 

Stressing the importance of equipping young people with relevant technological knowledge to enhance innovation, entrepreneurship and national development, the First Lady noted that the ICT Experience Centre represents another milestone in the Renewed Hope Initiative’s interventions aimed at empowering women, youths and students across the country. 

She expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a hub for learning, creativity and technological advancement within the university community and beyond.

"I'm really happy to be in Ekiti, this is part of the programme that the Tinubu administration is rendering in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative which I chair,  and Tetfund, we were able to give this center to you and I pray that more will come to the state. We have done a lot of work in Ekiti State though the office of the First Lady", the First Lady asserted.

Earlier in their separate remarks, the Chancellor of the University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Babatola Ayodele, expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady for facilitating the project. They described the centre as a valuable addition to the state’s educational infrastructure and a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development.

They maintained that the facility would significantly enhance digital learning, research and innovation and  pledged to make effective use of the centre in advancing academic excellence and technological development at the university.

First Lady arrives Ekiti on working visit.

First Lady arrives Ekiti on working visit.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu arrived Ado-Ekiti on Saturday for a one-day working visit to the State.

Senator Tinubu, who is also the National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative arrived at the Ekiti Airport at exactly 01.09pm in a white Air bus flight number  5N-FGY.

The first lady was received by the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, his Ondo State counterpart, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and members of the state executive council.

The First Lady was accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; some wives of state governors, as well as some top officials. 

Senator Tinubu was treated to a rich Ekiti culture by members of the State Performing Arts Company on arrival at the airport. 

Other Dignitaries on Senator Tinubu’s entourage include the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Wife of Deputy Senate President, Hajia Laila Barau, Wife of Chief of Staff, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila and wife of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hajia Aisha Tajuudeen Abbas among others.

Immediately after the airport protocol, the First Lady proceeded to the Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti where she was billed to commission an ICT Centre facilitated by her Renewed Hope Initiative.

EKITI SET TO RECEIVE FIRST LADY, SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU.

EKITI SET TO RECEIVE FIRST LADY, SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU.

All is set for the arrival of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State capital for a one-day working visit on Saturday. 

Senator Tinubu will be accompanied on the visit by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, 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 other top state officials.

While in the State, Senator Tinubu will commission the 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.

The First Lady, 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, who was at Ekiti Airport, EKSU Campus and the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion venue of the rally on Friday afternoon,  to access level of preparations, said she is optimistic that historic visit of the First Lady to the State would be a memorable one.

Ekiti State Pushes for Special Needs Inclusive Exams as Prof. Segun Aina Takes Helm at JAMB.

Ekiti State Pushes for Special Needs Inclusive Exams as Prof. Segun Aina Takes Helm at JAMB.

Following his historic appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the newly minted Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina, has been urged to champion a new era of inclusive testing for candidates with neurodiverse needs.

The call was made during the World Inclusion Conference held on May 29, 2026, where delegates celebrated the transition of leadership at the examination board. Speaking on Ekiti State’s groundbreaking strides in disability inclusion, the state's delegation, led by Princess Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, formally extended congratulations to Prof. Aina, expressing strong optimism that his administration will widen the path of accessibility for underserved students.

"Our appreciation goes to JAMB under the outgoing leadership of Prof. Is-haq Oloyede for pioneering the Equal Opportunity Exams for children with disabilities," Princess Agboola noted on behalf of the delegation. "As we welcome the incoming Registrar, Prof. Aina, we believe that children with neurodiversity will now be fully included in examination accommodations."

Prof. Segun Aina, a distinguished Professor of Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is stepping into the role at 39 years old, making him the youngest Registrar in the history of the examination board. He will succeeds Professor Oloyede, whose transformational ten-year tenure concludes at the end of July.

The Presidency has expressed immense confidence in Aina's capability to deploy his advanced expertise in digital infrastructure and examination systems to build on past achievements.

The appeal from Ekiti State highlights an urgent national demand: extending standard test accommodations, such as modified timeframes and specialized access arrangements, to accommodate neurodiverse conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

The challenge to JAMB's new leadership comes on the heels of major educational reforms within Ekiti State. Driven by intentional policy and an aggressive overhaul of its public special schools, the state has recorded a 30% increase in student performance across major national examinations, including WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.

"Inclusion without action is just a slogan. When a government decides that persons with disabilities matter, classrooms change and children dream bigger," Agboola emphasized.

With the incoming Registrar expected to fully assume duties ahead of the next academic cycle, secondary education stakeholders nationwide are watching closely to see how the young systems expert will leverage technology to create a more equitable testing environment for all Nigerian children.

EKSG, NiMet Team Up To Guide Farmers with Seasonal Climate Forecasts.

EKSG, NiMet Team Up To Guide Farmers with Seasonal Climate Forecasts.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, will next week Wednesday commence a three-day workshop for farmers, agricultural extension workers, and other stakeholders on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

Announcing the event on the live radio programme Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, said NiMet would at the forum unveil the Seasonal Climate Prediction for the year, providing forecasts on rainfall, temperature patterns, and the onset of rainy and dry seasons. 

He said the information will be detailed by local government and farmstead to help farmers plan crop cycles and manage risks from extreme weather events.

"The training will cascade through agricultural extension workers and farmer representatives to ensure communities across the state benefit,” the Commissioner stated

Boluwade noted that officials from the State Ministry of Environment, State Emergency Protection Agency, and Ado-Ekiti Airport will also attend in view of the strategic role weather plays in their operations.

Highlighting ongoing agricultural initiatives, the Commissioner said the state is distributing improved yam seeds developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) free of charge to farmers , targeting five million seedlings by the end of 2027.

 Boluwade said the government aims to make this variety the dominant yam in Ekiti due to its durability and high export demand adding that an agro-allied investor has pledged to establish a yam powder processing factory in the State to supply markets in Canada, the UAE, and Europe.

He said the State Government had embarked on an  aggressive land clearing and tactorization    programme for farmers at subsided rates and  was also selling highly subsided agrochemicals , inputs  as well as  cocoa and oil palm seedling to farmers  as part of efforts to improve crop  yield and profit margin of farmers in the State

Livestock production is also expanding under the Oyebanji administration through collaboration with the World Bank-assisted Livestock Production and Resilience Enhancement Scheme (L-PRES), according to the Commissioner.

He said once projects such as ultramodern abattoir in Ado Ekiti,  cattle markets in Omuo-Ekiti and Ado Ekiti, veterinary clinics in Ado-Ekiti, construction of 30,000 poultry pens each in Emure Ekiti, Igede Ekiti and Ikole Ekiti and broiler processing facilities in Ado-Ekiti initiated under the L-PRES programme are completed, “the state will become the undisputed leader in livestock production and processing in southwestern Nigeria.”

According to him,  waste from these facilities will be converted into biogas and fertilizer, further boosting sustainable agricultural practices.

Boluwade commended Governor Oyebanji for attracting agribusiness investment and expanding staple and cash crop production, noting that these efforts have strengthened food security, enhanced value chains, and created vital direct and indirect jobs for youths across the state.

INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF POWER PLAY IN IKOLE POLITICS.

INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF POWER PLAY IN IKOLE POLITICS.

The All Progressives Congress, APC primary elections have come and gone. The entire process was punctuated by interplays of intrigues, calculations, negotiations, power play, claims and counterclaims of victory, compromises, subtle and actual threats and sundry whims and caprices.

The Party in Ekiti State had a more robust process as most of the Candidates emerged through consensus arrangements while a few went by direct primaries as stipulated by the electoral law.

Interestingly, the primaries threw up the question of who had political influence and control more than the others in various political locations.

This write up is not intended to stir up any political hornest nest or smear the credibility of the results as announced by the Party with particular reference to the House of Representatives primary in Ikole/Oye, Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1.

It is meant to highlight the power play in Ikole Local Government Area.

I have watched and listened to how different individuals and groups have laid claims to the leadership and control of Ikole politics.

My position is an independent assessment of the situation. I don't belong to any group or follow anyone.

But, self proclamation, self adulation, veiled taunts and reactions got me to dig into the matter.

I read a piece written by one of the supporters of a contending group opposed to Abejide Political Dynasty. He said, "Leadership is not about age but about capacity, cognition, connection...." This, I think, was a veiled reference to Hon. Alaba Abejide who was assumed to have lost out of the power game.

I found this amusing considering the fact that the said contending group seemed to have orchestrated a carefully planned endorsement event to hoodwink party members to support their preferred aspirant, and with an intent, seemingly to disgrace Abejide. They gave themselves a pat on the back for a great job well executed.

On the other hand, less than 12 hours to the primary election and amidst the confusion engendered by the said endorsement, Abejide was said to have directed his supporters to vote for the other aspirant.

According to reports, Bimbo Daramola won in 7 Wards out of 11, that is Wards 2,3,6,7,9,11and 12 with the support of Abejide Political Dynasty, while Ward 10 was said to have been won by Bimbo before the process was disrupted and the result cancelled leaving only Wards 1,4,5 and 8.

The contention here and what interests me most is that, with the earlier endorsement and the threats that was said had followed, the incumbent Honourable should have won massively in Ikole.

Alas, the table turned as a result of the decision made by the Abejide's camp. The decision threw the contest to a stalemate. The outcome of the primary was inconclusive and had to be resolved at the national level.

The rest is history.

To me, this goes to show that the scale of political influence and control in Ikole tilts towards Abejide's group.

My opinion is that, regardless of whatever anyone thinks, whoever underrated or underestimates the political relevance of Abejide and his group in Ikole does so at his or her own peril.

My observation has been that age comes with so much requisite experience and indispensable contacts. These have played out in the case of Abejide. He has learned the ropes, paid his dues, and sacrificed so much for the growth and stability of the Progressive Party.

To him, it seems leadership is ultimately about sacrifice and discipline. This, I believe, has helped him to build up a network of formidable followers and connect deeply with the grassroots.

The criterion of primacy and greatness, and by extension, leadership, is not domination, authority or grandstanding but service.

Adewale Olaiya.