OYEBANJI HAILS EKITI'S REMARKABLE STRIDES 30 YEARS AFTER STATE CREATION.

OYEBANJI HAILS EKITI'S REMARKABLE STRIDES 30 YEARS AFTER STATE CREATION.

...Pays Tributes to state creation heroes, former governors.

...Says Ekiti will become Nigeria's Tech Hub in another 30 years.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has hailed the remarkable strides and progress the State has made 30 years after it was created by the administration of the late former military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

Oyebanji in a statewide broadcast to commemorate  the 30th anniversary of the State,  said although the state encountered many challenges and unpleasant experiences within the period, its people has reasons to celebrate the three-decade milestone because of the  remarkable progress recorded in all indices of development.

The Governor noted that despite being among the last set of states to be created in the country  and receiving one of the lowest allocations from the Federation Account, "Ekiti leads its contemporary and many before it, including far richer states, in critical matrices of human development."

Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996 by the late Gen. Abacha, during a broadcast to mark the nation's 36th independence anniversary alongside Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Zamfara States which took the number of states in Nigeria from 30 to 36.

The feat was achieved after years of epic struggle by eminent citizens of the state among whom were traditional rulers, legal luminaries, politicians, senior bureaucrats, captains of industry and community leaders under the aegis of a body known as Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State.

Speaking during the broadcast, Oyebanji pointed out that many people did not give Ekiti a chance of being created as a state as it stood against "more formidable contenders from the Southwest geopolitical zone”, but the Governor ascribed glory to God for making the creation of the state possible against all odds.

According to him, the creation of the State 30 years ago and 120 years after the Kiriji War completed an epic struggle of independence started by Ekiti forbears in the liberation war of 1877 to 1893. He congratulated all Ekiti sons and daughters and all peoples from other parts of the world who have made Ekiti their home on the occasion of the 30th anniversary. 

The Governor paid tributes to members of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State led by their Chairman, Chief Oladeji Fasuan; legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola; Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; other monarchs whom he described as “incubators of the state creation struggle” and lauded the patriotic sacrifices of heroes and heroines of the struggle who had joined their ancestors.

Oyebanji said it was heartwarming that as the then Secretary of the Committee for Ekiti State Creation, through the grace of God and the benevolence of Ekiti people, he is now in the saddle as Governor of the State, as the state turns thirty.  describing the experience as "very humbling."

He equally paid glowing tributes to all his predecessors in office: Col. Inua Bawa, Navy Capt. Atanda Yusuf, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayo Fayose, Chief Segun Oni, Dr Kayode Fayemi and leaders who served during interregnums like Chief Friday Aderemi, Brig.-Gen. Tunji Olurin, Hon Tope Ademiluyi, Hon Tunji Odeyemi, all former Deputy Governors and all former heads of legislature and judiciary.

Oyebanji restated the commitment of his administration to the ideals of the founding fathers that inspired the creation of the state stressing that "the vision of the founding fathers was to have a State where Ekiti people can utilize their God given natural and human resources in the most efficient, effective and inclusive manner, for the prosperity of our people."

He pointed out that the state's founding fathers envisioned "an industrialized Ekiti, where private sector capital is at the centre of the economic nervous system  of the state and where enterprise and productivity are the pillars of prosperity."

While unveiling the theme of the anniversary ‘Ekiti at 30; Celebrating the Past and Creating the Future,’ the governor disclosed that his administration has decided to use the 30th anniversary as the Launchpad for a 30-year Transformation Agenda.

The agenda, according to him, will make Ekiti a leading Centre of Agricultural Production and Agro-Processing, Innovation and Tech Development, Quality and functional Education, Research and Skills Development, Tourism, Culture and Creative Economy and Youth Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development. 

To achieve the vision, the Governor said a conversation with Ekiti Youths on  October 7, 2026 at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic  and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti, will be staged with the intent to achieve three important things: to remember with gratitude, to assess the present with honesty, and to approach the future with confidence and determination.

He said: "Our agenda is therefore to work aggressively to ensure that the socio-economic infrastructures we have built in these thirty years lead to real economic growth that produces quality employment, crystallize productivity, support enterprise and enhance quality of life. 

"For example, the ongoing  multi-billion naira Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project is a technological park and economic ecosystem to support the innovative and creative ingenuity of our young population. 

"It is our dream that in another three decades, the tag of Ekiti as a ‘civil service’ state will have yielded to Ekiti as a Tech Hub in Nigeria’ and a major commercial centre for international trade and commerce. 

"This is our promise, and we are resolutely committed to it.  The Special Agric Processing Zone (SAPZ) will also take off soon. These two projects, upon completion, will transform the economic outlook of the State and drive our government’s Shared Prosperity Agenda."

The Governor urged the people of the state to troop out en masse during the January 16, 2027 presidential election and use their votes to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in appreciation of his benevolence, support, and favour Ekiti has enjoyed under his presidency since 2023.

OJUAWO FELICITATES NIGERIANS AT 66, CONGRATULATES EKITI ON 30 YEARS OF STATEHOOD.

OJUAWO FELICITATES NIGERIANS AT 66, CONGRATULATES EKITI ON 30 YEARS OF STATEHOOD.

...Calls for Renewed Patriotism, Unity and Collective Commitment to Development.

The Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Hon. (AVM Rtd.) Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, has felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of the nation's 66th Independence Anniversary and congratulated the government and people of Ekiti State on the 30th anniversary of the creation of the State. In a goodwill message marking the twin celebrations, Hon. Ojuawo described the occasion as a moment for sober reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to the ideals of nation-building.

Hon. Ojuawo urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in promoting peace, unity, patriotism and peaceful coexistence, stressing that building a stronger and more prosperous nation is a collective responsibility. “Independence is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of our collective responsibility to build the Nigeria we desire for ourselves and generations yet unborn,” he said, while calling for continued support for initiatives that strengthen economic opportunities, human capital development, security, education and inclusive growth across the country.

Congratulating Ekiti State on three decades of statehood, Hon. Ojuawo described the 30th anniversary as a significant milestone in the history and development of the State. He paid tribute to the founding fathers, past leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, workers, youths, women and other citizens whose contributions have helped shape Ekiti over the past 30 years.

According to him, the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate Ekiti’s achievements but also to reflect on the work that remains to be done. “Thirty years of Ekiti State is a story of resilience, intellectual strength, culture, enterprise and an enduring commitment to excellence. We must preserve these values while preparing the State for the opportunities of the next generation,” he stated.

Hon. Ojuawo further reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation and people-oriented legislative service for the people of Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, pledging to continue supporting initiatives that advance the welfare and development of his constituents. He called on Ekiti people to continue working together across political, religious and geographical lines, noting that unity remains essential to achieving sustainable development.

“As Nigeria celebrates 66 and Ekiti marks 30, let us turn the celebrations into a renewed commitment to service, unity and development. Our best years can still be ahead of us if we work together and put the interests of our people first.” Hon. Ojuawo wished Nigerians at home and in the diaspora a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and congratulated the people of Ekiti State on 30 years of statehood, praying that God continues to bless Nigeria and Ekiti State.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

EKITI AT 30: WHEN PROVIDENCE PREPARED BAO.

EKITI AT 30: WHEN PROVIDENCE PREPARED BAO.

30 years.

Three decades ago, a prayer became a State.

On October 1st, 1996, the map of Nigeria was redrawn and the heart of a people finally got a home. Ekiti - Land of Honour, Fountain of Knowledge, a people bound by one hill, one language, one pride - became a state after years of tears, lobbying, and unyielding agitation.

We remember them today - our Kabiyesis who prayed, our mothers who marched, our students, our elders, our heroes like late Major-General Adeyinka Adebayo and a host of other selfless champions who said: _Ekiti must stand alone._

They won. But who would keep the dream?

That is where the story of Providence comes in.

For in that historic agitation room in the 90s, among the giants strategizing for Ekiti's creation, sat a young, humble, brilliant man taking notes.

Not as a governor's son. Not as a big man. But as a devoted Secretary - organizing files, drafting position papers, running errands for the creation cause.

His name: *Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.*

God was in that room. He was preparing a future leader.

BAO didn't just read about Ekiti's creation in a book - he lived it. He smelled the struggle. He heard the arguments. He understood the _why_ behind Ekiti.

So 30 years later, when destiny called him to lead the very state he helped create, he didn't need a tutorial. He was home.

This is why Ekiti is at peace with itself today.

*Governor Oyebanji is not ruling Ekiti; he is fulfilling a life calling.*

Look around you:

He has healed the land with uncommon humility - bringing all former governors, friends and foes, to one table for Ekiti. That is the unity our founders dreamed of.

He has restored dignity to the worker, hope to the youth, honour to our Obas, and power to our farmers.

His mantra is simple and powerful: Continuity, Shared Prosperity, Inclusive Governance. No abandoned project. No vengeance. No noise. Just quiet, steady, people-focused results.

From Ado to Ikere, from Ikole to Efon, from Ise to Oye - roads are opening, businesses are returning, our knowledge pride is being restored, and our children can believe again.

At 30, Ekiti is no longer just a dream. It is a movement.

And leading that movement is a man Providence groomed for such a time as this.

History made BAO the Secretary of the Creation Committee, so that history could make him the Governor of the Created State.

What a divine script.

As we roll the drums for Ekiti at 30, let us celebrate our past, cherish our present, and trust this prepared hand to lead us into a glorious future.

Happy Birthday, Ekiti Kete!

The journey of 30 years has just begun - and with BAO, the best is yet to come.

Otunba Kayode Fasae

Honourable Commissioner

Ministry of Weath Creation and Employment

Ado Ekiti

Renewed Vigour, Renewed Mandate: BAO 2.0 Set For Second Term Of Service.

Ekiti Kete, welcome to the historic month of BAO!

Renewed Vigour, Renewed Mandate: BAO 2.0 Set For Second Term Of Service.

By Mary Oso-Omotoso

History will be made in Ado-Ekiti on October 16, 2026, when Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) mounts the podium for a second oath of office.

For a state created in 1996 and known for its unpredictable political tides for 30 years, it will be a first. No incumbent governor in Ekiti State has ever won re-election to serve two consecutive terms. That long-standing jinx was broken on June 21 when Biodun Oyebanji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, swept the polls in a victory that was as emphatic as it was historic.

Announcing the result at the State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the Returning Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, declared that Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who scored 40,533 votes. 

It was a clean sweep. The governor won in all 16 local government areas of the state and 177 wards ,a feat that political analysts have described as a unanimous vote of confidence. The figures, however, only tell half the story. The real story of Oyebanji’s first term has been inclusivity. 

In four years, the soft-spoken but strategic governor has run what many call a government without borders. His administration deliberately blurred party lines, brought former opponents and critical stakeholders into the development conversation and insisted that Ekiti’s progress must be bigger than partisan divides. 

From the cabinet to the boards and commissions, he opened the space for youths, women and persons living with disabilities in a manner not previously seen. 

Traditional rulers, artisans, market women, labour unions, students, farmers and the Ekiti diaspora have all had a seat at the table. 

Projects, too, have been spread with equity, from roads linking farmsteads to markets in the rural areas to urban renewal in Ado-Ekiti. No community has been tagged as opposition and no local government left to wonder whether it belongs.

That Omoluabi character shaped his acceptance speech: “There are no winners or losers today; there is only one united Ekiti determined to continue its journey of upward mobility,” Oyebanji said, noting that securing 85 per cent of the valid votes cast was a humbling vote of confidence. 

“From our urban centres to our most remote communities, you have spoken with one thunderous voice for continuous development, stability and a future of endless opportunities.” BAO had echoed shortly after his mandate was renewed 

As preparations heighten for the inauguration at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, the signal from the Government House is clear. The second term will not be a restart but a consolidation of his six-pillar agenda. 

The focus will be deeper penetration of governance to every household, more jobs for youths through industrial clusters and the knowledge economy, more support for agriculture, stronger human capital development and infrastructure that connects people to prosperity.

In every indication, Ekitikete took a historic decision in June. On October 16, their governor will take a historic oath to repay that trust with renewed vigour and renewed service.

 Mary Oso Omotosho is the DG, Office of Community Communications.

#BAOtoBAO

#October16

Iyalojas Endorse Senator Fasuyi for Second Term, Praise Community Projects in Ekiti North.

Iyalojas Endorse Senator Fasuyi for Second Term, Praise Community Projects in Ekiti North.

Market leaders (Iyalojas) across Ekiti North Senatorial District have pledged their full support for Senator Cyril Fasuyi’s second-term bid, citing his impactful constituency interventions.

​The endorsement came during the district’s Iyalojas meeting in Ikole-Ekiti, where grassroots community leaders reviewed Senator Fasuyi’s tenure. 

Speaking at the event, Chief (Mrs) Olaleye Kemisola Christiana commended the lawmaker for addressing core local needs, including agricultural empowerment programs, support for widows and vulnerable citizens, solar lighting, borehole installations, electrical transformers, and job placement opportunities.

​The market women emphasized that these initiatives in water, power, and livelihood support directly boost local commerce and rural development across the district's five local government areas: Ikole, Oye, Ido-Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje. 

Reaffirming their commitment to open dialogue, the Iyalojas pledged to maintain strong ties with the lawmaker to ensure market communities remain central to his legislative agenda.

GOV. OYEBANJI, OLUYEDE LEAD MEGA RALLY FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION.

GOV. OYEBANJI, OLUYEDE LEAD MEGA RALLY FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION.

….declare President Tinubu Sole Presidential Candidate in Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the recently concluded election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, on Tuesday intensified mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the  January 2027 presidential election.

At a mega rally and endorsement walk which also marked the formal unveiling of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARMA), founded by the PDP governorship candidate, held at the Fajuyi pavilion, Ado Ekiti, the two leaders urged Ekiti people to mobilize support for the President, citing the gains of his economic polices, among other factors. 

The rally which attracted thousands of Oluyede’s supporters, political leaders, stakeholders and party chieftains from across the 16 local government areas of the state, was preceded by a walk Oluyede and his supporters from Ajilosun area of the state capital to the Fajuyi Pavilion. 

Addressing the ecstatic crowd of supporters at the rally, Governor Oyebanji, said that the gathering was a demonstration of the ability of Ekiti people to rise above partisan differences and unite when issues concerning the development and progress of the state were at stake. 

He added that re-electing President Tinubu is vital to sustaining stability and attracting further development to Ekiti State.

Describing President Tinubu as the only President who had demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of the state, the Governor cited various interventions of the Federal Government in the last four years. He urged the people to reciprocate by voting massively for the President in the 2027 presidential election.

While explaining that Ekiti has over one million registered voters, the Governor expressed confidence that the state could deliver as many as 900,000 votes for the President in the 2027 presidential election, particularly with the President emerging as the sole presidential candidate being supported across the state.

Governor Oyebanji also expressed his appreciation to Dr Oluyede for prioritizing Ekiti development above partisan politics by supporting President Tinubu. He said their shared love for the development, peace and progress of the state remained the bond that united him and oluyede beyond political difference.

Explaining why re-electing the President is crucial to Ekiti development agenda, the Governor said “Ekiti will be 30 years in 2 days, what is happening today speaks to the aspiration of our founding fathers of the state, I was the secretary of that committee and in all our meetings, our fathers will say, we desire Ekiti where all of us will be one and nothing will divide us.

“ Let me explain to you why returning Asiwaju is so critical to us in Ekiti, Asiwaju’s victory is very important to us because in our 30 years of history, there is no President that has been so good to us like this President. In less than four years of his administration, we were able to complete Ado – Ifaki road, Ado Akure road has been completed, work is currently going on on Itaore-Aramoko-Ado road and Ado Ijan Ilumoba road.

“Dr Oluyede has said that we will give the President 900,000 votes and with what I am seeing here today and with what you can do, we should be able to give Asiwaju 900,000 votes because we only have two parties in this state, APC and PDP and we have all made up our mind that we are going to vote for Asiwaju”.

Earlier in his remarks, the PDP Chieftain and convener of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA), Dr Wole Oluyede, who explained that he remained a PDP member said his decision to work with Oyebanji in delivering landslide victory for President Tinubu is in the overall best interest of Ekiti State.

Acknowledging the leadership of Governor Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oluyede said their commitment to the peace, stability and development of the state had provided a basis for the people across political divides to come together in the interest of the state.

He said his group would embark on an aggressive grassroots mobilization across the state, including house-to-house campaigns with a target of securing 90 percent of the votes in Ekiti for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

He also pledged to work with the Governor in mobilizing support across the state, saying he was prepared to contribute to efforts that would deliver a landslide victory for the President.

Also in their remarks, a former Deputy Chairman of the PDP in the South-West, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, PDP Chieftans, Mrs Olayemi Adesoro and Chief Johnson Adekunle expressed support for the collaboration, citing Governor Oyebanji's inclusive governance and sterling performance for their decision.

ADO EKITI FLOOD: OYEBANJI SYMPATHISES WITH VICTIMS' FAMILIES.

ADO EKITI FLOOD: OYEBANJI SYMPATHISES WITH VICTIMS' FAMILIES.

...CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS AGAINST FLOODING.

EkIti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has sympathised with the families of the victims of the recent flooding that occurred at various sites in the state capital, Ado EkIti  with a call for  concerted efforts  at  curbing the menace of flooding in the state.

Oyebanji expressed deep sadness at the unfortunate incident which led to the loss of  lives of  some residents of the state capital assuring that government would buckle efforts in addressing the ecological challenges bedevilling the state.

According to the Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye  whose office  overseas  disaster management  in the state paid an on-site visit to the  various scenes of the incidents and  addressed the people  on behalf  the Governor  in Ado EkIti, the state capital.

Speaking at the sites  of the incidents, Ayemi, Adebayo road and Elemi, Afao  road, all in the state capital, Oyebanji noted that government had  taken serious  efforts at tackling water surge in the state by purchasing various earthmoving equipment which had been instrumental to a significant reduction in flooding across  the state in the past few years .

The  Governor who hinted that  he was deeply worried by the unfortunate incident  called on  residents  across the state to  embrace safety regulations and take precautionary  measures  by jettisoning  the conservative methods of wastes disposal that cause blockage of waterways by making use of the facilities provided by government  for their wastes disposal.

" I want to be sincere with you,  l am deeply worried by these unfortunate incidents.  Immediately this administration came on board, various dredging machines were procured to address  incessant flooding occurrences  across the state. This effort  has significantly reduced cases of flooding for the past few years."

"Also in response to NIMET"s  forecast  projecting the state as one of Nigeria's states prone to flooding in 2026, various dredging works,  advocacies and media interventions were undertaken by government to  stop the menace and also sensitize the public on the need to embrace the proper way of wastes disposal."

The Governor also warned residents to stop taking  undue risks that could endanger their lives  by crossing flooded bridges during  heavy rainfallls stressing that undermining heavy water traffic during rainfall could be disastrous.

"Government agencies  have  been moved to site to commence the re-dredging of the waterways. Flooding is both national and global issue.  So, our people should exercise patience and allow  floods to subside during heavy rainfall. This government is not happy with this situation and measures shall be taken to prevent the reoccurrence of this ugly development in the future."

While explaining that  the state had a topography of special concern due to the mountainous and hilly nature of the environment, he appealed to the federal government  and developmental partners to  upscale their ecological interventions in the state .

The  General Manager of the State Emergency Management Board (SEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu expressed the readiness  of government to take immediate reparation actions in the aftermath of the flood by rebuilding bridges and connecting communities that had been hitherto cut off by the flood.