Fagboyo Congratulates Adebayo on Reappointment as Ekiti Chief of Staff.

Fagboyo Congratulates Adebayo on Reappointment as Ekiti Chief of Staff.

An All Progressives Congress chieftain in Osi-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Pharm. Mrs Funmilayo Rachael Fagboyo, has congratulated Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo on his reappointment as Chief of Staff to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Fagboyo, in a congratulatory statement made available to journalists on Friday, described Adebayo's reappointment as a recognition of his dedication, competence, administrative experience and commitment to the success of the Oyebanji administration.

She said the decision to retain Adebayo in the strategic position reflected the confidence reposed in him by the governor and underscored the importance of continuity, loyalty and effective coordination in the implementation of government policies and programmes.

Pharm. Mrs Funmilayo Rachael Fagboyo.

The APC chieftain praised Adebayo's diligence, hard work, organisational ability and understanding of the demands of public service, noting that the office of the Chief of Staff required tact, discipline, discretion and a strong commitment to the governor's vision for the state.

According to her, Adebayo's reappointment provides an opportunity to strengthen the administrative machinery of government, improve coordination among government officials and ensure the effective implementation of policies aimed at advancing the development of Ekiti State.

Fagboyo expressed confidence that Adebayo would bring renewed energy and dedication to the responsibilities of his office, particularly in supporting the governor's determination to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people during his second term.

The APC chieftain further described the reappointment as a well-deserved recognition of Adebayo's service and commitment, expressing optimism that he would continue to discharge his responsibilities with professionalism, humility and a strong sense of duty.

She urged him to sustain his record of hard work and remain committed to the collective aspiration of the Oyebanji administration to build a more prosperous Ekiti State through inclusive governance, sustainable development and improved service delivery.

Fagboyo wished Adebayo a successful and productive tenure, expressing confidence that his continued service would contribute meaningfully to the effective administration of government and the realisation of the governor's vision for our dear State.

Fagboyo Congratulates Oyebanji, Afuye on Second-Term Inauguration.

Fagboyo Congratulates Oyebanji, Afuye on Second-Term Inauguration.

An All Progressives Congress chieftain in Osi-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Pharm. Mrs Funmilayo Rachael Fagboyo, has congratulated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, on their inauguration for a second term in office.

Fagboyo, in a statement made available to journalists on Friday shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the political history of Ekiti State and an opportunity to consolidate the achievements of the administration and accelerate the state's development.

Pharm. Mrs Funmilayo Rachael Fagboyo.

She said the governor's re-election reflected the confidence of the people in his administration and their desire for continuity, stability and sustainable development across the state.

She expressed confidence that the renewed mandate would enable the administration to build on its achievements, strengthen ongoing development initiatives, promote peace and unity, and create more opportunities for residents.

She urged the government to sustain its commitment to inclusive governance, transparency and sustainable development, while ensuring that the benefits of democracy reach every part of Ekiti State.

The APC chieftain reaffirmed her commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and pledged her continued support for the Oyebanji administration in its efforts to promote good governance and advance the socio-economic development of the state.

She wished Governor Oyebanji and his deputy a successful and impactful second term, expressing hope that their renewed mandate would translate into greater achievements, prosperity and an improved quality of life for the people of Ekiti State.

EKITI AT 30: TOPE ADEBAYO'S BLUEPRINT FOR LAND OF OPPORTUNITY.

EKITI AT 30: TOPE ADEBAYO'S BLUEPRINT FOR LAND OF OPPORTUNITY.

Raheem Akingbolu

From a modest home in Igbara-Odo to the boardrooms of several companies, lawyer and investor, Tope Adebayo tells Ekiti’s lawmakers that the state’s next 30 years will be shaped less by concrete and steel than by the opportunities it creates for its people, writes 

 

When Tope Adebayo addressed the Ekiti State House of Assembly during activities marking the state’s 30th anniversary, he resisted the temptation to dwell on projects, budgets and government achievements. Instead, he told the story of a young boy from Igbara-Odo whose journey, he argued, reflects the possibilities that still exist for thousands of young people across the state.

Born to parents who never had formal education, Adebayo’s beginnings were modest. His educational journey took him from Igbara-Odo to Ikere-Ekiti and later to Ado-Ekiti, where he studied law. From legal practice, he moved into business and investment, gradually building interests across sectors and establishing himself as an entrepreneur with a strong belief in human capital.

Today, nearly two decades in business have seen him venture into hospitality, oil and gas, technology, banking and insurance. He serves on the boards of seven companies, while the businesses he pioneered employ more than 200 people. Yet, he insists that his personal achievements are secondary to the lessons they offer about opportunity and social mobility.

That perspective shaped his contribution to the anniversary programme themed, “Ekiti at 30: Reflecting on Our Journey, Charting Our Future.” “My story is not really about me. It is a story of possibilities,” he told lawmakers. For him, development should be measured not only by what governments accomplish, but by how many people are equipped to improve their circumstances.

From there, he turned attention to what he considers Ekiti’s greatest asset. While development debates often centre on infrastructure, natural resources and government spending, Adebayo argued that the state’s real strength lies elsewhere. “The greatest resource of Ekiti is not beneath our soil. It is within our people,” he said, urging greater investment in talent, skills and education.

It is a conviction he has backed with action. Following the 2018 governorship election, where human capital development featured prominently in his campaign message, he sponsored young people to enrol at the technical school in Igbara-Odo. The intervention reportedly increased enrolment by more than 1,000 per cent and revived interest in vocational education within the community.

The initiative has since expanded through the Tope Adebayo Foundation, which provides scholarships and stipends for students. Beyond financial support, the programme seeks to elevate the status of technical education and demonstrate that vocational training can serve as a viable route to economic independence and personal advancement.

For Adebayo, vocational skills should never be viewed as an alternative for those unable to secure university admission. In his view, skilled artisans, technicians and craftsmen often become entrepreneurs and employers of labour. Such individuals contribute directly to local economies, create jobs and stimulate growth. As he put it, “Skills are not a consolation prize. Skills are economic capital.”

At the same time, he believes skills acquisition must be linked to opportunity. Training young people without creating pathways into employment or enterprise merely postpones the challenge. Software developers must be connected to technology markets, while technical graduates should find opportunities within construction, manufacturing and other productive sectors capable of absorbing their expertise.

That thinking extends to the wider knowledge economy. Long regarded as one of Nigeria’s most educated states, Ekiti has an opportunity to transform educational attainment into economic advantage. Adebayo pointed to initiatives such as the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, the Ekiti Start-Up Garage and the Innovation Enterprise Support Fund as platforms capable of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Agriculture also features prominently in his vision for the state. Although Ekiti possesses fertile land and a longstanding farming culture, he believes too much value disappears from the agricultural chain. The focus, he argued, should shift towards processing, packaging and marketing. His formula is simple: “Let us produce. Let us process. Let us package. Let us market. Let us export.”

Realising that ambition, however, requires a thriving private sector. Government has a critical role to play, but it cannot employ everyone. Investors, Adebayo noted, are attracted by predictable regulations, efficient approvals, reliable infrastructure and ease of doing business. Economic reforms become meaningful when businesses feel their impact and citizens see tangible outcomes.

While advocating further reforms, he acknowledged progress already made under the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the leadership of the House of Assembly. He also credited previous administrations for laying foundations upon which subsequent governments have built. Sustainable development, he argued, depends on continuity rather than constant policy reversals.

He then challenged lawmakers to imagine a different Ekiti, one where young people no longer feel compelled to leave in search of opportunities elsewhere. In that vision, farmers are linked to processing facilities, technology firms operate successfully from multiple towns, and economic growth spreads more evenly across communities throughout the state.

Drawing from his business experience, Adebayo stressed that lasting development depends on strong institutions. Successful organisations do not thrive because of one brilliant decision or individual. They endure because they create systems capable of outliving personalities. The same principle, he argued, should guide governance and development planning in Ekiti.

Ultimately, his message returned to the lesson embedded in his own journey. A boy raised by parents with no formal education became a lawyer, investor, board member and employer of labour. For Adebayo, the true test of Ekiti’s progress over the next three decades will not be how far a privileged few advance, but how many opportunities are created for others to do the same. Looking ahead to the state’s 60th anniversary, he hopes future generations will say of today’s leaders and citizens: “They did not merely inherit Ekiti. They strengthened it

OYEBANJI MAKES FIRST APPOINTMENT.

OYEBANJI MAKES FIRST APPOINTMENT.

…RE-APPOINTS SSG, COS, CPS.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reappointed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff (COS), Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; and Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Olayinka Oyebode, following his inauguration for a second term in office.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, were announced in a statement signed by Oyebode and made available to journalists on Friday.

The reappointments represent the governor's first official appointments since his inauguration for a second term, as he retains the three key officials in his administration.

The officials are expected to continue discharging their respective responsibilities in support of the administration's policies and programmes.

Model Veterinary Hospital to Boost Animal Healthcare in Ado-Ekiti.

Model Veterinary Hospital to Boost Animal Healthcare in Ado-Ekiti.

The Ekiti State Government is taking steps to improve animal healthcare and livestock production by constructing a newly built Model Veterinary Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

The project, supported by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) initiative in collaboration with the World Bank, is expected to provide modern veterinary services, including disease diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and laboratory investigations.

The hospital is also expected to help prevent animal diseases, improve livestock productivity, and support farmers and pet owners across the state.

When fully operational, the facility is expected to strengthen veterinary services, promote animal welfare, and contribute to food security and economic development in Ekiti State.

The project represents an important step towards modernising the state's livestock sector and improving access to quality animal healthcare.

MY FRESH MANDATE OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO DELIVER MORE FOR EKITI PEOPLE, SAYS OYEBANJI AT SECOND TERM INAUGURATION.

MY FRESH MANDATE OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO DELIVER MORE FOR EKITI PEOPLE, SAYS OYEBANJI AT SECOND TERM INAUGURATION.

...Tinubu, Akpabio, Ooni, Govs grace inauguration.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said the fresh mandate given to him by the people of the State has presented him an opportunity to work harder and deliver more for the people in the overall interest of the State.

Oyebanji said the progress recorded in the previous four years would be consolidated upon with vigour so that the impact of profitable governance and the progress so far recorded would count in every home across the state.

The Governor who made these remarks shortly after he was inaugurated for a new term of four years, solicited the support and cooperation of all citizens of the state within and outside the country for the State to become a model of governance.

Oyebanji, who became the first Governor to win a re-election back-to-back and inaugurated for two consecutive terms of office, was sworn into office at an impressive ceremony held Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti on Friday, witnessed  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by  the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.

The oath of allegiance and the oath of office were administered on the re-elected Governor by the State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye at 1.34pm with the First Lady, Prof Olayemi Oyebanji, observing the process. The re-elected Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, had earlier completed her swearing-in formalities at 1.29pm.

Shortly after taking the oath, Governor Oyebanji observed the Guard of Honour and Parade mounted by the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force by riding on the ceremonial police Land Rover acknowledging cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

In his inaugural speech, Oyebanji paid tributes to all former governors who had occupied the office before him commending them for their various contributions to the growth and development of the state. He extended his hands of fellowship to his co-contestants in the last governorship race: Dr. Wole Oluyede of People Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Dare Bejide of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Isaac Alade of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Chief Joseph Anifowose of Allied People’s Movement (APM).

While acknowledging the huge task ahead, Oyebanji promised to be accessible to the people, listen to them, welcome honest counsel and work with all Ekiti's across the various social and political divides for the state to reach its promised land and for the dream of shared prosperity to become reality.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for his demonstrated love for Ekiti State and support for his first term administration, a development, he said accounted for the landmark achievements he was able to record in critical areas such as infrastructure development, health care, education and human capital development, among others.

Oyebanji urged the people of the state to utilize the opportunity of the 2027 presidential election to renew the mandate of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for another term of four years saying "this election is even more crucial to the future of our State. We need them not only to win, but to win big in Ekiti."

He said: "To Ekiti sons and daughters across Nigeria and in the diaspora: keep bringing your knowledge, experience, investment and networks home. There is work here that your contribution can help accomplish.

"I know the task ahead is enormous, but it is now a familiar turf. With God’s guidance and you by our side, I know that we will not walk alone. Ekiti-Kete, we will do this together. Together with you, our dream of shared prosperity will be achieved.

"Ekiti Kete, this second mandate brings a greater responsibility to deliver. I know that public trust must be earned afresh every day. I will remain accessible. I will listen. I will welcome honest counsel and work with people across our political and social divides.

"Where we have done well, we will build further. Where we have fallen short, we will make corrections. Where our people still face hardship, we will keep seeking practical answers. Four years ago, we set out to keep Ekiti working. In the four years ahead, we must make sure that our work yield more for our people.

He promised the commitment of his administration to support technology, innovation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence while institutions and businesses will also be encouraged to solve real problems, develop useful products and prepare young people for emerging opportunities.

The Ekiti helmsman further pledged to use the opportunity of the second term to connect education more closely to enterprise, practical skills and the needs of a changing economy noting that this is the vision behind the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) where construction is currently ongoing.

He added that there is need to create greater room for women entrepreneurs, traders, artisans, people with disabilities and young people whose abilities exceed the opportunities available to them pointing out that "every part of Ekiti has something to contribute" which has imposed the task is to help more of that potential to flourish.

President Tinubu who spoke through Vice President Shettima, assured Ekiti people that Governor Oyebanji won't betray their trust expressing confidence that his second term will be far better than his first tenure in terms of  unification, governance and political delivery.

The President who described the inauguration as "beginning of a season of complementary service," congratulated the Governor and his Deputy on the resounding and unique political feat, saying it was a triumph of democratic capability over mediocrity.

He said: "You have earned the confidence  and trust of your people going by what you did in your first term . You have demonstrated your competence with the ways you  attended to the concerns of your people.

"To Ekiti people, we offer our heartfelt appreciation for the second opportunity you have given your governor.

"We are very optimistic that his second term shall be more prosperous. He promised you prosperity in his first term and he delivered, be rest assured that the second term shall be better."

Calling for patience with his administration in the face of the current economic crunch, President Tinubu clarified that his administration had succeeded in reshaping the economy and steering it beyond the curve of instability, assuring that the next few years shall remove the pains and be more rewarding for the citizens in terms of delivery of economic prosperity.

Governors who attended the inauguration include Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara); Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma (Imo); Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa (Ondo), Alhaji Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Mr Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Alhaji Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Alhaji Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Hon Umar Bago (Niger), Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun) represented by his Deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi; Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna) represented by his Deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) and other National Assembly members. The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda led other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to the ceremony.

Former Ekiti governors present included Chief Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Chief Segun Oni, Dr Kayode Fayemi. Former governors from other states present were Chief Bisi Akande (Osun), Chief Segun Osoba (Ogun) and Dr Segun Mimiko (Ondo).

Traditional rulers who graced the occasion included Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro; Ogoga of Ikere/Chairman, Ekiti Council of Obas, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and several Ekiti Obas.

Other dignitaries present were former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, and the First Lady of Osun State, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, ex-Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

Also present were: Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon Philip Shaibu; the NPA Chairman, Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Ekiti APC Chairman, Barr Sola Elesin, CEO of Cavista Holdings, Dr. John Olajide, Group Managing Director, Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel  Emefienim.

Agbeyewa Farms and Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort Reaffirm Commitment to Ekiti’s Economic Growth as Governor Oyebanji Begins Second Term.

Agbeyewa Farms and Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort Reaffirm Commitment to Ekiti’s Economic Growth as Governor Oyebanji Begins Second Term.

Agbeyewa Farms and Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort have congratulated Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his inauguration for a second term, reaffirming their commitment to job creation, agricultural development, tourism and economic growth in the state.

The two businesses are part of Cavista Holdings’ investment portfolio and represent its long-term commitment to developing commercially sustainable enterprises that create employment, support local businesses and contribute to Ekiti’s prosperity.

Agbeyewa Farms is building an integrated cassava value chain spanning cultivation, aggregation, processing and agro industrial development. Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, managed by Glocient Hospitality, is investing in the development of one of Nigeria’s distinctive natural attractions as a destination for leisure, tourism, conferences and events.

Together, the businesses are contributing to economic activity across agriculture and hospitality, with opportunities to support farmers, suppliers, tourism operators and communities across Ekiti State.

Chairman of Cavista Holdings (parent company of Glocient and Agbeyewa), Niyi John Olajide, articulated this commitment in October 2022 during the inaugural lecture organised to usher in Governor Oyebanji’s first administration. In his keynote address, titled “Winning the Future! New Thinking to Power the Prosperity of Ekiti State.” Olajide called for greater private sector investment, stronger use of Ekiti’s human capital and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He declared: “My mission in Ekiti State is to create jobs, more jobs and more jobs for the people.”

Four years later, that commitment continues to inform Cavista Holdings’ investments in the state through Agbeyewa Farms and Glocient Hospitality.

In Agbeyewa Farms we are developing an integrated cassava value chain to strengthen agricultural production, support processing and create commercial opportunities for farmers and other participants in the sector.

The investment is positioned to contribute to food security, industrial raw material supply, employment generation and the development of a stronger agro processing industry in Ekiti State.

In May 2024, the Ekiti State Government and Agbeyewa Farms signed a multi-billion naira Memorandum of Understanding for a proposed 100,000-hectare agricultural development programme over ten years. 

The agreement established a framework for collaboration to expand agricultural production, strengthen value chains and create employment opportunities. The programme reflects the potential of commercial agriculture to support rural livelihoods, develop local enterprise and contribute to the state’s long term economic ambitions.

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort: Developing Ekiti’s Tourism Potential: Through Glocient Hospitality, Cavista Holdings is investing in Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre as a leading destination for leisure, business events and tourism.

The resort’s unique natural springs, accommodation, conference facilities and recreational offerings attract visitors and create opportunities for hospitality professionals, local suppliers, transport operators, artisans and other businesses.

As tourism develops, the benefits can extend across the local economy through increased demand for goods and services, new employment opportunities and greater commercial activity around the destination.

Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort is therefore an important part of efforts to strengthen Ekiti’s tourism appeal and expand the contribution of hospitality to the state’s economy.

A Shared Commitment to Ekiti across its investments and operations, Cavista Holdings has employed more than 1,500 people, with a sizeable number living in Ekiti State. Its businesses continue to contribute to employment, skills development and economic participation through their activities in Ekiti and beyond.

As Governor Oyebanji begins his second term, Agbeyewa Farms and Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort (with the backing of Cavista Holdings) look forward to strengthening their engagement with the Ekiti State Government and contributing to further opportunities in agriculture, agro processing, hospitality and tourism.