Oyebanji awards Ekiti-born Spelling Bee World Champion Damilola Adeolu, full scholarship.

Oyebanji awards Ekiti-born Spelling Bee World Champion Damilola Adeolu, full scholarship.

…Gifts Damilola, school, coach N5m. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has awarded a full scholarship to 14-year old Damilola Adeolu, the SSS1 student who won two gold medals at the World Spelling Bee championship  held in Shanghai, China recently. 

Damilola, a student of St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, had represented Africa at the world championship, having earlier emerged winner of the National and African Spelling Bee Championships earlier in the year. 

Governor Oyebanji hailed the youngster for her amazing and brilliant performances at the national, Africa and world Spelling Bee Competitions, when he received her, her parents, Rev and Mrs Adeolu, her coach and her school proprietor, Elder Lawrence Oluwafemi at the Governor’s office, Ado Ekiti on Monday. 

Aside the scholarship, Governor Oyebanji also awarded monthly allowances for Damilola’s upkeep and learning facilities, stressing that the State Government would show a greater level of interest in her future much more than the joy of the laurels she has won. 

Governor Oyebanji described  Damilola’s feat as a proud moment for Ekiti, Nigeria and Africa in general, noting that her giant strides would go a long way to inspire other students to dare to be among the best. 

He also reiterated the commitment of his administration to supporting Ekiti youths to compete favorable with their counterparts in any part of the world and providing platforms for them to exhibit their God- given talents. 

The Governor said, “You have made us extremely proud. You have conquered the world, but you need to conquer the future. The future is ahead of you.

To sustain that future, the Governor announced that the state government will underwrite all of Damilola’s educational bills from SS2 through secondary school and university. 

He added that the scholarship will be "all-embracing" and will also cover monthly welfare support and provision of learning materials such as books, computers and other needs.

“I have just discussed with the Commissioner for Education. From now till she finishes secondary school, government will pay. When she gets to university, we will sit down and work that out with you,” the Governor stressed.

The Governor also

Promised to facilitate Damilola’s meeting with the Minister of  Education, and office of the Wife of the President, stressing that her exploits should be celebrated  beyond state level. 

To celebrate the achievement, the Governor announced cash rewards of N2 million for Damilola, N2 million for her school, and N1 million for her coach.

Speaking with Journalists shortly after the event, the Proprietor of the school, Mr Lawrence Oluwafemi highlighted how Damilola emerged as world champion saying she first conquered Nigeria and later represented Nigeria at the African championship where she also emerged first.  He thanked the Ekiti State Governor for sponsoring their trip to Shanghai, China to represent Africa, noting that without the support, the journey would not have been possible.

The Proprietor added that Damilola is not the only star student. “We have a lot of them. She and other students will also be going back to Beijing next year to represent Ekiti, Nigeria, and Africa. “And we are coming back as champions.” He added.

Also speaking with Journalists, Damilola described her experience as "amazing and "wonderful" It was a wonderful experience and I felt very happy and proud of herself when she became one of the gold award medalists.

Damilola thanked the state Governor, Mr Oyebanji for the support she received and promised to continue to do the state proud. She however used the opportunity to encourage other young people to keep on believing and be proud of themselves stating that someday, they will eventually win and make the state and the country proud.

Also at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Education, Dr Bimpe Aderiye, Special Adviser on tertiary education, Prof. Akeem Azeez and Special Adviser, Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.

Youth Development: Ekiti to commence renovation of NYSC orientation camp.

Youth Development: Ekiti to commence renovation of NYSC orientation camp.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has given approval for a  comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the NYSC Orientation Camp in the state, even as he restated his administration’s unalloyed commitment to youth development. 

Governor Oyebanji disclosed this  during a meeting with the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Ige Adeola ,  in his office on Tuesday, where the state of the camp facilities were discussed. 

Governor Oyebanji noted that the renovation became necessary to ensure that the camp, which serves as the first point of contact for over 6,000 Ekiti Corps Members annually, reflects his administration’s commitment to youth development, excellence and hospitality.

The Governor also promised to solicit support of some eminent citizens of the State to sponsor some projects within the camp. This, he said, will compliment efforts of the State Government and ensure that the orientation camp is comprehensively renovated within a reasonably short period. 

The planned renovation may necessitate the deployment of the next batch of of corp members in October to any of the neighbouring states in order to allow for full concentration on the renovation work at the camp.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development and pledged continued support for NYSC operations in Ekiti State. 

The Governor also commended Corps Members for their contributions to Health, Education and Community Development across the state.

The State Director of NYSC, Mr Ige Adeola had earlier appealed to Governor Oyebanji for urgent intervention in the upgrade of facilities at the Orientation Camp and the State Secretariat as he presented a 3-phase implementation strategy to address the long-standing challenges facing the scheme in the state.

The Director used the opportunity to commend the Governor for his consistent support, particularly the approval of meal subsidies for Corps Members and previous interventions on camp toiletries. He expressed optimism that with the Governor’s intervention, the welfare of Corps Members in Ekiti will be greatly improved. 

Mr Ige hoped that the Corps Members would continue to make significant contributions to Ekiti State in the areas of Health, Education, and Community Development.

Also present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Adedayo Gold and Special Adviser, Media, Mr Olayinka Oyebode.

EKSCOTECH Holds 2025/2026 SIWES Orientation, Charges Students on Professionalism and Excellence.

EKSCOTECH Holds 2025/2026 SIWES Orientation, Charges Students on Professionalism and Excellence.

Students of the Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti, have been charged to take full advantage of the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) as a platform for acquiring practical skills, professional values and industry experience that will prepare them for successful careers.

The charge was given during the 2025/2026 SIWES Orientation Programme held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Hon. Wumi Ogunlola Hall of the Polytechnic.

Declaring the programme open, the Rector, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, appreciated the unwavering support of the Polytechnic's Principal Officers towards the steady growth and development of the institution. He also expressed gratitude to the team from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Ondo and Ekiti Zonal Office, for honouring the invitation to enlighten the students.

The Rector commended the Director of SIWES, Dr. Bosede Makanjuola, and her team for successfully putting the orientation programme together. He assured the students of a rewarding industrial attachment experience and encouraged them to pay rapt attention to every session, noting that the knowledge gained would serve as a guide throughout the exercise.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of SIWES, Dr. Bosede Makanjuola, warmly welcomed the Rector, Principal Officers, representatives of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Deans, Heads of Departments, Departmental Supervisors, members of staff and students to the orientation programme.

She explained that the orientation was organised to acquaint students with the objectives, expectations, rules and procedures of the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). According to her, the scheme is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience, thereby equipping students with the knowledge, skills and professional values required in their various fields of study.

Dr. Makanjuola encouraged all participating students to maximise the opportunity by remaining attentive throughout the programme, adding that the knowledge acquired would contribute significantly to their future careers. She also appreciated the Polytechnic Management, the Industrial Training Fund, guest speakers and everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.

The first orientation lecture focused on the introduction, history and objectives of the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of the programme in preparing students for the world of work.

The second session centred on the technical aspects of SIWES, where participants were taken through the proper completion of SIWES documentation, including the SIWES Form, Form 8 and the Log Book. Students were also systematically guided on their responsibilities, the procedures involved in the exercise and the regulations governing the programme from commencement to completion.

The orientation featured two seminar presentations that comprehensively explained the activities of SIWES and the specific roles expected of students at every stage of the scheme. Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions, with facilitators providing detailed and practical responses to their enquiries.

Other Principal Officers in attendance included the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Modupe Ogunrinde; the Deputy Rector (Administration), Mrs. Iyabo Oladapo; the Registrar, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel Ayodeji; and the Bursar, Mr. Olaniyi Dada.

The highlight of the programme was the interactive engagement between the facilitators and students, while the Registrar delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the guest speakers, management and all participants for contributing to the success of the orientation programme.

EKITI ECONOMY AND THE PROPOSED ONE TRILLION DOLLAR NIGERIAN ECONOMY BY 2030 (Part 1 and 2).

EKITI ECONOMY AND THE PROPOSED ONE TRILLION DOLLAR NIGERIAN ECONOMY BY 2030 (Part 1 and 2).

By Olufemi Ajayi (Alama)

The Federal Government's vision of transforming Nigeria into a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030 is undoubtedly ambitious. Across the country, opinions remain divided on whether this target is realistic. However, history has shown that ambitious goals can be achieved when they are driven by sound ideas, clear policies, committed leadership, and disciplined implementation.

Considering the ongoing infrastructure development and economic reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the vision of a one trillion-dollar economy is attainable if the current momentum is sustained. Such an economy must, however, be built on production rather than consumption. It requires reliable electricity, affordable energy, efficient transportation networks, modern rail systems, quality roads, improved security, access to finance, and policies that encourage investment and industrial growth.

My primary concern in this series, however, is Ekiti State—its preparedness, the actions required of government, and the responsibilities of its citizens if we are to position ourselves to benefit from the prosperity that such a national economic transformation promises.

The reality is that Ekiti's economy has not yet evolved into a productive economy. For decades, the state has been widely regarded as a civil service state because economic activities outside government employment have remained relatively limited. Agricultural production, which should be one of our greatest strengths, has not reached the scale required to meet the food needs of our growing population, generate significant export earnings, or provide government with the revenue necessary for accelerated development.

This reality calls for an urgent economic transition—from a predominantly civil service-driven economy to a vibrant production-based economy. Fortunately, Ekiti possesses enormous comparative advantages. We have vast fertile agricultural land, favourable climatic conditions, hardworking and educated people, and a strategic location within the South-West. These resources provide a solid foundation for economic transformation.

The challenge before us is not the absence of potential but our ability to organise these abundant resources through careful planning, strategic investments, modern technology, value addition, and strong public-private partnerships. By building on what we already have and expanding production across agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, livestock, tourism, and knowledge-based industries, Ekiti can become one of the leading contributors to Nigeria's emerging trillion-dollar economy.

In Part 2, I will discuss the specific sectors that should drive Ekiti's economic transformation and the practical steps required to make the state a major production hub within Nigeria, so that the piece will not be too long in one.

 *PART 2*

 *EKITI ECONOMY AND THE PROPOSED ONE TRILLION-DOLLAR NIGERIAN ECONOMY* *BY 2030 (Part 2)* 

* 

In Part 1 of this series, I emphasized that a one trillion-dollar economy must be built on production rather than consumption. I concluded by stressing that Ekiti State, as a sub-national entity, must strategically position itself and its people to participate actively in the emerging economy if we are to achieve sustainable prosperity.

Ekiti is richly endowed with vast arable land, extensive forests, favourable climatic conditions, and hardworking people. These natural advantages give our state enormous potential in both crop and livestock production. History has shown that most of the world's advanced economies achieved industrialisation only after successfully carrying out agricultural revolutions, followed by value addition and manufacturing.

This article explores practical steps that Ekiti State can take to achieve an agricultural revolution that will ultimately lead to industrial development. Success will require a strong partnership between government and the private sector, with citizens playing active roles as investors, entrepreneurs, and producers.

Government must deliberately take the lead by creating policies that encourage Ekiti indigenes and other investors to establish businesses within the state. One of the greatest challenges confronting our economy today is inadequate access to long-term investment finance.

Every month, government allocations and internally generated revenue are paid into commercial banks operating in Ekiti. These funds are used to pay salaries, contractors, and service providers who in turn receives them into their bank accounts. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of these deposits are eventually deployed by the banks to finance businesses and industries in other states because there are relatively few large-scale investment proposals from within Ekiti.

This trend can be reversed. The Ekiti State Government should establish investment guarantee schemes or partner with development finance institutions to provide guarantees for credible investors willing to establish productive enterprises in the state. Agriculture and agro-industrial projects require substantial capital, affordable financing, and patient investment if they are to succeed.

Since agriculture remains the backbone of Ekiti's economy and the primary source of raw materials for industries, it is appropriate to begin our economic transformation strategy with this sector. Other important sectors—including tourism, the knowledge economy, manufacturing, and the creative and entertainment industries—will be discussed in subsequent parts of this series.

1. Agricultural Production

Agriculture has two broad components: crop production and livestock production. For clarity, I shall examine them separately and demonstrate how each can contribute significantly to the economic transformation of our state.

A. Livestock Production

I strongly recommend the establishment of a separate Ministry of Livestock Production and Development in Ekiti State. Such a ministry would provide the policy focus, coordination, and institutional support required to unlock the enormous opportunities within the livestock sector.

The ministry should oversee the development of poultry production, cattle and goat farming, sheep production, fish farming, snail farming, piggery, dairy development, and other livestock enterprises capable of creating employment, improving food security, and generating export earnings.

 *Developing the Poultry Value Chain* 

The poultry industry offers one of the fastest routes to industrial-scale agricultural development. I propose that the government, in partnership with private investors, should establish Poultry Development Towns in each of Ekiti's three senatorial districts.

Each Poultry Development Town should include:

- About 60 modern poultry houses for layers and broilers production for leases to potential poultry farmers.

- A standard feed mill.

- A central borehole and reliable water supply.

- Chicken processing and packaging facilities.

- Cold storage facilities.

- Warehouses.

- Staff hostels.

- Veterinary and extension services.

- Training centres.

- Recreation and administrative facilities.

Property developers should be encouraged to invest in these agricultural estates, just as they currently invest in residential housing estates.

The poultry value chain begins with large-scale maize production, since maize is the principal ingredient in poultry feed. Increased maize production will support the establishment of feed mills, which in turn will stimulate commercial poultry production. Higher poultry output will justify investments in chicken processing plants, packaging industries, refrigerated transportation, and cold-room facilities in major markets across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and other commercial centres.

Ekiti's Cargo Airport provides a unique opportunity to transport fresh and processed poultry products efficiently to markets across Nigeria and for export to other African countries.

The same value-chain approach should be adopted for goat and cattle production, dairy farming, fish farming, snail farming, and other livestock enterprises. Large-scale production, supported by affordable financing from development banks and private investors, will encourage processing industries and create thousands of jobs along the value chain. Special levies on poultry products(Eggs, Broilers and others) will make massive revenue earnings for government.

Finally, marketing and logistics must form an integral part of every agricultural investment. Raw materials, semi-processed goods, and finished products should be strategically positioned for distribution throughout Nigeria and export to African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By leveraging this continental market, Ekiti producers can expand beyond local demand and become competitive regional exporters.

A deliberate commitment to developing integrated agricultural value chains will not only transform Ekiti's economy but also position the state as a major contributor to Nigeria's journey toward a one trillion-dollar economy.

 In part 3, I will discuss the Crop production part of Agricultural production and other important sectors— including tourism, the knowledge economy, manufacturing, and the creative and entertainment industries.

 Olufemi Ajayi (Alama),

 An Agricultural Economist writes from Ijesa-Isu Ekiti, Nigeria.

Oyebanji Orders more Military Formation at Eda Oniyo.

Oyebanji Orders more Military Formation at Eda Oniyo.

…Thanks President Tinubu for State Police Creation.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has directed the establishment of additional military formations in Eda Oniyo axis, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state as part of measures to strengthen security, safeguard lives and properties as well as prevent future security breaches in the border community.

The Governor also ordered the speedy completion of the Divisional police Station currently under construction in Eda Oniyo, stressing that the facility is critical to further strengthen the security architecture of the community. 

Governor Oyebanji gave these directives on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Eda Oniyo community led by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, HRM Oba Julius Awolola, on a thank you visit to his office. He said his administration remains committed to protecting every part of the state and that no community would be abandoned to criminal elements.

While acknowledging that Eda Oniyo had experienced slow development over the years as a result of prolonged legal dispute over the headquarters of the local government, the Governor assured them that the state government would focus on transforming Eda Oniyo into a community befitting its status as a local government headquarters. 

The Governor also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the creation of state police, describing it as a bold and timely initiative capable of addressing the country’s security challenges.   

Governor Oyebanji also disclosed that a combine team of soldiers and police and other security outfits regularly patrol the border town to ward off criminals crossing from neighbouring states to Ekiti. 

The Governor said “This government is here to protect and serve you and the only way we can serve you better is by your cooperation. I have listened to your request, the construction of the police station is ongoing and I will ensure the speedy completion, then Gen. Ogunana this is important, I want a military base at Eda Oniyo, it is extremely important, whatever is going to cost us, bring it to me I will approve it.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the traditional ruler, Oba Julius Awolola, the President of the Eda Oniyo progressive Union, Dr Rufus Ojo, said the purpose of their visit was to express the community’s profound appreciation to the Governor for his interventions throughout the recent security ordeal.

While commending the Governor for his wisdom in handling the security challenges and providing adequate medical care for the rescued victims, the IPU President appealed to the state government to utilise the vast expanse of land in the area for agricultural projects, stressing that such initiative would improve security as well as enhance the social and economic wellbeing of residents.

Also at the meeting were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Secreatry to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd ), Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, members of the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union and relatives of the kidnapped victims who recently regained freedom.

EKSCOTECH Community Commits New Month to God as Rector Declares Divine Strength for Staff, Students.

EKSCOTECH Community Commits New Month to God as Rector Declares Divine Strength for Staff, Students.

The Rector, Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, has charged members of staff and students of the institution to place their trust in God, assuring them that divine backing remains the key to accomplishing every worthwhile vision.

Dr. Olubamise gave the charge during the August edition of the institution's monthly prayer meeting, which brought together the Polytechnic community in an atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving and fervent intercession.

Drawing his exhortation from Zechariah 4:6–9, the Rector emphasized that human strength alone is insufficient to accomplish God's purpose, stressing that every good work succeeds through the power and support of God.

According to him, the passage serves as a reminder that God is always committed to seeing His children complete every assignment He has entrusted into their hands, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.

In a prophetic session of prayers, Dr. Olubamise declared God's blessings upon members of staff and students, praying that the Almighty would strengthen their hands to successfully complete every good endeavour they had begun.

He further expressed confidence that, with God's unfailing support, the institution would continue to record greater achievements in its quest for academic excellence, innovation and overall development.

The monthly prayer programme featured soul-lifting praise and worship sessions, as well as fervent prayers anchored on the Word of God, with participants committing the affairs of the Polytechnic, its leadership, staff, students and the new month into God's hands.

The well-attended gathering had in attendance other Principal Officers of the institution, including the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Modupe Ogunrinde; the Deputy Rector (Administration), Mrs. Iyabo Oladapo; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Ayodeji; the Bursar, Mr. Olaniyi Dada; and the Polytechnic Librarian, Mr. Femi Folorunso.

Also present were Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments, Directors, academic staff, non-teaching staff and other members of the Polytechnic community, all of whom joined in prayers for continued peace, progress and divine guidance for EKSCOTECH.

EKITI TO HONOUR ABACHA, AFE BABALOLA, OLANIPEKUN WITH LEGACY PROJECTS, SAYS OYEBANJI AT FAYOSE LODGE INAUGURATION.

EKITI TO HONOUR ABACHA, AFE BABALOLA, OLANIPEKUN WITH LEGACY PROJECTS, SAYS OYEBANJI AT FAYOSE LODGE INAUGURATION.

...Fayose hails Oyebanji's exemplary leadership.

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has unfolded plans by his administration to honour more eminent Ekiti leaders including the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) with legacy projects.

 

The Governor who disclosed this on Monday during the official commissioning of the Ayodele Fayose Lodge, an edifice built within the Government House Complex in Ado Ekiti and named after former Governor  Ayodele Fayose, also disclosed that the same honour would be extended posthumously to the late former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, who created Ekiti State on October 1st, 1996.

Oyebanji also used the occasion to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing former Governor Fayose as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), noting that the appointment has increased the number of prominent Ekiti citizens occupying prestigious positions at the federal level, adding that it was also a demonstration of the President’s love the State.

 

Expressing his gratitude to the President Tinubu for his support for the State, Oyebanji said no President has treated Ekiti State the way President Tinubu has done since the creation of the state some 29 years ago in terms of availability of more funds to the state from the federation account, execution of critical projects across the state and the huge number citizens holding important federal appointments.

 

 

Still basking in the euphoria of his recent historic back-to-back re-election, Oyebanji urged the people of the State to deliver more than double of the 319,224 votes he garnered during the last governorship election for Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election in appreciation of the love and magnanimity Ekiti has so far enjoyed under his Presidency.

 

Commending former Governor Fayose for his statesmanship and service to Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji said the former governor was reaping the same gesture he extended to other prominent Ekiti citizens whom he named key projects after during his two terms as Governor of the State, adding that the construction of the Ayodele Fayose Lodge was just a token of appreciation for his sacrifices for the people of the State.

He pointed out that while Fayose named projects after the late former Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmi Olayinka; former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye; former Minister in the old Western Region, Chief Oduola Osuntokun and  Nigeria’s first female University graduate,  Lady Deborah Jibowu, he (Fayose) did not name any project after himself while in office.

 

Oyebanji said he was fulfilled that Fayose was being honoured in his lifetime with the edifice not at his funeral. He disclosed further that Chief Segun Oni is the next former governor to be immortalised with the naming of another edifice within the precincts of the Ekiti Government House after which the honour would be extended to other distinguished patriots of the State.

 

He said: "What we are doing today is to appreciate you for your service to our state, to let you know that we appreciate you, to let you know that we will continue to build on the blocks of courage and development which you laid. I am grateful to God that we are not saying this at your funeral; I am grateful to God that you are here to commission this project that has been named after you.

 

"And like I said on Friday when we unveiled Governor Kayode Fayemi Lodge, the next lodge will be named after Governor Segun Oni. After we are done with our former governors, we will name some legacy projects after illustrious sons of Ekiti and those to be honoured include Aare Afe Babalola, Chief Wole Olanipekun and the late General Sani Abacha who created Ekiti State.

 

"Before the end of our second tenure, we will find a befitting legacy project that will be named after General Sani Abacha because, for us in Ekiti, this state wouldn't have been without him creating it."

 

In his remarks shortly before commissioning the project, Fayose expressed gratitude to Oyebanji for his leadership qualities of unifying different political camps in the state and giving respect to all his predecessors irrespective of the political parties they belong to.

The former Governor said he had no regret supporting President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji, despite not being a member of the ruling APC.

Fayose who was accompanied to the event by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) the Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2022 election, Chief Bisi Kolawole and other PDP leaders, said Oyebanji has been writing a positive history with his friendly and accommodating gestures which has united all tendemcies and made the State to be peaceful.

 

He said Oyebanji has shown wisdom and exemplary statesmanship with his leadership style and inclusive programmes and policies unlike what the state experienced when prominent politicians across parties including former governors were at daggers drawn with the attendant tension and acrimony.

 

While noting that there is always a payback time for everything anybody does in life, Fayose said Oyebanji has so far succeeded in providing the right leadership because of the backing he enjoys from all former governors and political leaders cutting across various sides of the divides.

 

Fayose advised Oyebanji to carry out more stomach infrastructure for the ordinary citizens to give them a sense of belonging and also to ensure better welfare package for former governors whom he said had served the state meritoriously.

 

The former governor who promised to use his new position as the Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency to ensure that many rural communities in Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria in general are illuminated, promised an unflinching support for Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential poll.

Earlier, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti who also doubles as Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, ObaAdejimi Adu Alagbado; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe; former PDP governorship candidate, Chief Bisi Kolawole and the Anglican Bishop of  Ekiti Diocese, the Rt. Rev'd Olusola Ajayi commended Oyebanji's statesmanship and Fayose's record of performance which brought about the honour done to him.