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Tag: Biodun Oyebanji

  • Oyebanji preaches politics without bitterness

    Oyebanji preaches politics without bitterness

    • Omatseye X-rays democracy at OAU lecture

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has canvassed entrenchment of politics without bitterness, to ensure a more virile, stronger and lasting democracy that will deliver quality governance to Nigerians.

    As Ekiti State gears up for the conduct of governorship election in June and as Nigeria inches nearer to the general election in 2027, Oyebanji enjoined politicians not to turn elections into war, saying the winner-takes-all mentality should be discouraged.

    The governor made the remarks yesterday at the Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture, at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

    He said politics of inclusion being practised by his administration had added value to governance and engendered peace in Ekiti State as widely acknowledged.

    The OAU Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture chaired by Governor Oyebanji and also attended by his Osun State counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke, was delivered by the Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr Sam Omatseye, who graduated from the university with a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1985.

    Addressing the gathering in his capacity as the chairman of the lecture titled: ‘’How to Make a Democrat”, Governor Oyebanji used the forum to advocate a political culture that promotes consensus building, cooperation, inclusion, decent public conduct, willingness to play by the rules and magnanimity in electoral victories or losses.

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    Describing consensus building as strength and not weakness, the Ekiti governor further canvassed the need to always defuse public rhetoric with conciliatory and peaceable communication, as such will help reduce resort to violence and other anti-democratic practices.

    Admitting that democracy is a tough job anywhere in the world, as it is always characterised by plurality, contestations, group conspiracies, clash of interests and power struggle, Oyebanji said the capacity to manage differences remained the major challenge that many democratic nations continued to confront.

    Drawing from his experience as a player in the Ekiti political arena for about 30 years, Oyebanji advised stakeholders in democracy to play politics of inclusion which, he noted, was on full display in Ekiti, a development he said had continued to make the state peaceful under his leadership.

    Hailing the lecturer, Mr Omatseye, for the brilliant lecture, Oyebanji also praised his contribution to journalism, public discourse, social commentary, intellectual engagement and poetry, describing him as “a distinguished alumnus by all standard that every university will be proud to have.”

    Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole, lauded the faculty for organising the lecture, which he described as a platform that speaks to values of citizenship and scholarship.

    Omatseye stressed the need to make a distinction between a republic and a democracy, with many countries calling themselves democracies despite not practising its tenets and ethos.

    He said: “Countries often call themselves democracies. A republic installs an infrastructure of mediation between the people and state. Democracy is idealist; so there is no real democracy, including the United States.’’

    He described the opportunity to deliver the distinguished Alumni Lecture as a fulfilling privilege for him, which offered him an avenue to return to his alma mater to share his thoughts on issues of democracy and governance.

    Omatseye, who cited many historical and contemporary instances, submitted that many nations merely lay claim to the practice of democracy without an iota of respect for the tenets of democracy.

    He cited the recent American invasion of Venezuela, a sovereign country and the “abduction” of its President to the US.

    “If the United States is the number one democracy in the world, then by implication, it means its President should be the number one democrat in the entire world.’’

    He then wondered why and how the invasion of Venezuela and the abduction of its president align with democracy.

    Omatseye said democracy was more of an idealism.

    According to him, countries often call themselves democracies. A republic installs an infrastructure of mediation between the people and the state. Democracy pretends there is none.

    “Democracy is idealist. There is no real democracy, including the United States. All who operate in republics call themselves democrats. So, if democracy is aspirational, why should the democrat be perfect?

    “In our own case, it is because the democrat has always been half-born. To have a democrat in full, they must be allowed to grow with all their facts and beauties.’’

    Also in attendance at the lecture, which took place at Oduduwa Hall of OAU, were Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State; Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser Tertiary Education, Prof Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo; Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Director General, Office of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso- Omotoso and representatives of youth and students organisations from Ekiti State.

  • Oyebanji chairs OAU Arts Faculty’s alumni lecture today

    Oyebanji chairs OAU Arts Faculty’s alumni lecture today

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji will today chair the second Faculty of Arts distinguished alumni lecture for 2025/2026 academic sessions of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    The lecture, with the theme: How To Make A Democrat, will be delivered by the Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr. Sam Oritsetimenyin Omatseye, at the Oduduwa Hall of the university at 11 a.m.

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    The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Gbenga Fasiku, is the host.

    The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adebayo Bamiro, is the chief host.

  • APC Elders’ Forum hails Oyebanji

    APC Elders’ Forum hails Oyebanji

    Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum has extended New Year greetings to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his family; members of his executive council (exco) and aides; the leadership of APC at all levels; the state party chairman and members of the state executive committee, party stakeholders and members of APC; as well as indigenes and non-indigenes living in Ekiti State.

    A statement by Chairman, APC Elders’ Forum,

    Adebayo Oni, and Secretary, Babatunde Odetola, an engineer, said: ‘’We extend our New Year greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his family, as well as his ministers and aides, praying for a peaceful year and for the success of security measures put in place to end terrorism and insecurity in the country.

    ‘’As we step into the New Year, the Elders Forum prays it will usher in peace, stability and socio-economic progress for Ekiti State and the entire country.

    ‘’The forum appeals to elders, leaders and committed members of APC to mobilise other members and well-meaning citizens, who are desirous of joining our party, to participate in the ongoing APC e-registration across the wards. This exercise is vital to strengthening the party’s structure and deepening internal democracy.

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    ‘’The Elders’ Forum calls on prospective aspirants seeking elective positions, particularly ward councillorship and local government chairmanship positions, to conduct their political activities with maturity, peace and decorum.

    ‘’We urge them to eschew actions or utterances capable of generating acrimony, rancour, or division within the party.

    ‘’Ekiti State APC Elders’ Forum also lends its voice in support of the decision of party stakeholders to adopt the consensus approach in the selection of candidates for the forthcoming local government elections. The forum expresses satisfaction that elders at the ward and local government levels are being fully involved in the transparent process of recommending credible, competent and acceptable candidates to the party.

    ‘’We therefore appeal to elders entrusted with this responsibility to be forthright, fair and guided by the overall interest of the party and the state.

    ‘’The forum prays for the continued peaceful coexistence of residents of Ekiti State and hails Governor Oyebanji for the commendable work his administration is doing across the state. We pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will grant him wisdom, strength, good health and continued success in the task of governance.’’

  • Ekiti APC Elders’ Forum hails Oyebanji

    Ekiti APC Elders’ Forum hails Oyebanji

    A group, Ekiti APC Elders’ Forum, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on the inauguration of the first Agro-Allied and Commercial International Airport in Ado-Ekiti. 

    In a statement yesterday signed by the Chairman, Gabriel Oni and Secretary, Chief Odetola Babatunde, the body said:’’On behalf of Ekiti State APC Elders’ Forum, we congratulate Governor Oyebanji on the historic inauguration of the first Agro-Allied and Commercial International Airport in Ado-Ekiti.

    ‘’This landmark achievement stands as a shining testament to the power of continuity in governance, a principle that has become the backbone of Ekiti’s steady development.

    We proudly acknowledge and deeply appreciate the vision of former governors, Olusegun Oni, an engineer, who first conceived this noble idea, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, whose steadfast commitment as the continuity governor advanced the project significantly. Today, Your Excellency has demonstrated uncommon leadership by completing and delivering this monumental infrastructure to the people of Ekiti State and to Nigeria at large.

    ‘’We wish to place on record our profound appreciation to the Federal Government for its invaluable support throughout the course of this project. In particular, we extend our sincere gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose visionary leadership and encouragement played a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of this endeavour.

    ‘’Governor Oyebanji’s administration continues to win the admiration of citizens across the state and beyond, owing to its people-centred policies, visible development strides and his unwavering humility in leadership. From agricultural advancement to youth empowerment, from infrastructure to social welfare, Your Excellency has remained the cynosure of Ekiti people and a shining example of responsible governance across the nation.

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    ‘’As we approach the Christmas and New Year celebrations, we extend to Your Excellency warm compliments of the season. May this festive period bring you renewed strength, divine wisdom and greater accomplishments in service to our dear state.

    ‘’We also offer fervent prayers for your life, health and continued success. Ekiti State APC Elders’ Forum deeply appreciates the care, respect and regard Your Excellency has consistently shown toward our members.

    ‘’We pray that God Almighty grants you long life, abundant grace and the honour of attaining a fulfilled and elderly age in continued service to humanity.

    ‘’Once again, congratulations on this historic milestone for Ekiti State.’’

  • Oyebanji challenges commissioners

    Oyebanji challenges commissioners

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has urged the new commissioners and special advisers to justify their return to office through improved performance, commitment and loyalty.

    He warned that anyone who failed to measure up would lose relevance in the administration.

    Speaking yesterday during the swearing-in at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, the governor told the appointees that their positions must be matched with good results.

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    Oyebanji recalled that he inaugurated the executive council (exco) on August 8, 2023 but dissolved it in line with constitutional provisions and global practices, noting that the break offered room for evaluation and “necessary refuelling” for the tasks ahead.

    He said the last three years of working with the exco had produced progress in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, arts and culture, and socioeconomic development, but stressed that some members needed to “double up” to remain relevant in the new exco.

    He congratulated the commissioners, urging them to return to their ministries ready to hit the ground running and deliver on the administration’s six-pillar development agenda.

  • Recalled Ekiti commissioners take oath

    Recalled Ekiti commissioners take oath

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji will inaugurate the reappointed commissioners and special advisers today.

    A statement made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, said the ceremony would hold at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, by 4pm.

    The governor had last week forwarded a list of 18 former commissioners to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    The list includes Prof Bolaji Aluko, Taiwo Olatunbosun, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, Mr Ajobiewe Kolawole, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi, Karounwi Oladapo, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Mr Atibioke Olaiya, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Aluko, Mr Awe Olufemi.

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    Others are: Prof Patrick Tedela, Mr Seun Fakuade, Mr Adedayo Adesola, Dr Kareem  Akande, Prof Rasaki Bakare, Kayode Fasae and Femi Ajayi.

    Governor Oyebanji has appointed Mr Bunmi Talabi as a special adviser.

    Until the new appointment, Talabi was the senior special assistant to the governor on special projects.

    The special advisers that were affected by the executive council (exco) dissolution have also been recalled and will be inaugurated alongside the commissioners today.

    They include: Chief Jide Awe, Tope Ogunleye, Gbenga Agbeyo, Yemisi Ayokunle, Mr Gbenga Oloniyo, Mrs Oluremi Babington, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Olaleye, Abiola Olowokere, Mr Akinleye Sunday and Mr Ayeni Adeola,

  • How has Oyebanji administration fared in three years?

    How has Oyebanji administration fared in three years?

    Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the scorecard of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, based on the six-pillar agenda of the administration.

    On assuming office on October 16, 2022, Biodun Oyebanji unfolded a six-point agenda focusing on youth development and job creation, human capital development and infrastructure, industrialization, arts, culture and tourism, and good governance.

    Three years after, he is seeking a renewal of mandate. The poll, which takes place next year, would be a major event in the Fountain of Knowledge.

    The governor came to office with a lot of experience, having served as Senior Special Assistant and Chief of Staff under former Governor Niyi Adebayo, and commissioner and

    Secretary to the Government (SSG) under former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    The governor understood why and how the state was created, having joined the elders to demand for its creation by the military government. His blueprint still serves as a guide for effective leadership and delivery of dividends of democracy.

    Not only has Oyebanji built on the foundation laid by his four predecessors and sustained their legacies, he has also made new marks across the sectors. It is therefore, not surprising that the Big Four- Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, an engineer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose – are backing him for a second term.

    The governor has been able to keep the state together in unity and peace. Many prominent indigenes are returning home to contribute ideas because Oyebanji listens and appreciates their patriotism suggestions which also serve as feedback on government’s policies and programmes.

    Ahead of governorship primary, external forces collaborated with a tiny segment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti to paint the governor in a bad light through their campaign of calmuny. Facts were twisted, particularly in the media by desperate rivals trying to pull down.

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    But Ekiti people rose in defense of their humble and performing governor, who is fulfilling his campaign promises. When his colleague- governors joined him in commissioning many infrastructural projects across the states, their lips were permanently sealed.

    Oyebanji’s style is strange to the pompus rivals who are clearly estranged from the legitimate aspirations of the people. Not a noise maker, the governor’s impact is felt by the targetted grassroots people across 16 local governments.

    Job creation and income generation are the priorities of the administration. The government cannot do it alone.“We have identified some of the drivers, markets and industries that create these opportunities within the system and intend to nurture them and give them the enabling structures and support required to deliver the jobs we need,” he said.

    Ekiti is an agrarian state, which made a lot of contributions to internally generared revenue drive of the old Western Region in the days of Premier Obafemi Awolowo.

    Oyebanji promised to further develop the agricultural sector by attracting more investment in agribusiness. This is necessary to deepen the processing capacity of both the staple and cash crops. Through this, food security is achieved. Also, it boosts the country’s non- oil export.

    The governor, who reiterated his commitment to the sector, added:“We have a responsibility to support our farmers with facilitated adequate financing, value chain support, access to markets, skills and technology to increase productivity within the sector.”

    Oyebanji promised to support  small and medium enterprises to attract investment and foster a business-friendly environment. In his his New Year broadcast, he pointed out that agriculture and technology would drive economic development. He stressed: “We will continue to prioritize the sectors that drive economic development. Our efforts will ensure that Ekiti remains a hub of opportunities for everyone, especially our young people.

    “We are committed to shaping the future of our youths by investing in education and vocational training. The young people of Ekiti are our greatest resource, and we will continue to empower them to reach their fullest potentials.

    To ensure adequate healthcare delivery, the governor promised to make it more accessible, qualitative, affordable and sustainable. His also promised to focus on improved life expectancy and and zero-child and maternal mortality rates.

    Adultrated drug is a threat to the health sector and wellbeing. The governor vowed to curtail the menace of fake drug that could cause sudden death or health deterioration.

    During the distribution of equipment to Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and the commissioning of the Pharma-Grade Warehouse at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), he unfolded an agenda for the revatalisation of the sector. He said the new warehouse, built with the support of the Global Fund, would serve as the pillar of an effective and transparent drug management system. He said the Drug Management Agency would be equipped with the resources to operate at the highest professional standard.

    Oyebanji disclosed that the agency’s monthly revenue has been increased from N28 million to N75 million to foster effective and efficient operations.

    The governor noted that 750,000 people have benefited from a health scheme programme tagged: ‘Ulera Wa’ since it took off.

    Oyebanji said: “With this facility, Ekiti State now has the capacity to maintain an adequate supply of medicines and consumables, prevent frequent stock-outs, and effectively curb the circulation of fake and substandard drugs within our boarders. It represents not just an investment in infrastructure, but in the health security of our people.

    “The results speak for themselves. Before the establishment of the Drug Management Agency, only about 43 per cent of health facilities in the state had regular access to essential medicines. Today, that figure has risen to 89 per cent. Primary healthcare coverage now stands at 80 per cent, while both secondary and tertiary facilities have achieved 100 per cent coverage.”

    Education is the pride of Ekiti. Oyebanji has fulfilled the promise to hire and retain competent and experienced teachers.

    During the World Teachers Day, he announced the extension of the retirement age of teachers from 60 years to 65 years and service year  from 35 to 40 years. The governor also rewarded outstanding teachers with N46 million cash gift, granted an upward review of the allowance of science teachers and heads of department and paid the 2019 leave bonus arrears to motivate the teachers.

    No fewer than 5,000 teachers converged on the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, AdoEkiti, for the celebration. The governor reiterated his commitment to their welfare in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration. He said: “I have heard your yearnings with respect to the mandatory age for retirement and this has been approved as recommended but only for able and willing teachers.

    “On the issue of science teachers and heads of department allowances, I know that the Head of Service is doing the review of the allowances and I have instructed her to bring it by next week for approval.”

    Oyebanji described education as the most valuable investment that any government can bequeath on citizens. He therefore, promised to fund the sectir so that it can meet the demands of the 21st Century.

    Oyebanji received Ekiti-born teacher, Anifowose Oluwaseyi, who set a Guinness World record for organising the largest gathering of teachers in the world. He told him his administration is investing in reforms that would make education in the state globally competitive and responsive to modern realities.

    The governor unfolded plans to upgrade the teaching method, the curriculum and the entire learning environment to produce citizens, who can adapt to knowledge-driven economy. He said he intended to create an education ecosystem that focuses on both quality teaching and conducive learning environment.

    Oyebanji added: “If you look at the six pillars of our administration, you will see human capital development.

    “We try as much as possible to strike a balance between infrastructure and human development and we have been deliberate in ensuring that we create an ecosystem that strikes a balance between what you teach and how you teach it because we believe strongly that the future of education rests on those pillars.”

    While critics indulge in falsehood and attempt at image denting, objective observers have always given Oyebanji excellent marks in behavioural creativity and good governance. His counterpars, including Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Monday Okphobolo of Edo and Usman Ododo of Kogi marvelled as his giant strides without making noise.

    Ododo lauded him for “purposeful leadership and progressive governance” during the commissioning of the 21kilometre Ikere-Ilawe road and the renovated General Hospital, Ilawe-Ekitii.

    He said Oyebanji has prioritized local content and engaged indigenous contractors in the execution of developmental projects in the state.

    Ododo added: “When you have the best, why run out of the country to get contractors? I thank you most sincerely for proving your worth and ensuring this project was completed on time and within cost.”

     Ododo, who highlighted the significance of the Ikere-Ilawe road, said the project completed with drainage, culverts and asphalt pavement, symbolized a “bridge to opportunity, growth, and prosperity for Ekiti people.”

    He added: “Your administration’s strides in infrastructure, education, health and youth development, speak to your love for your people and your clear vision for Ekiti. Even if your opponent will not admit it in public, they will know your great performance.”

    Aiyedatiwa, who commissioned the Itawure(Efon-Alaaye)/Okemesi Road and the renovated General Hospital at Oke Agbona in Okemwzi-Ekiti, said Ekiti is fortunate to have Oyebanji as governor, urging the people to renew his mandate for a second term.

    Oyebanji thanked his party leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing a condusive atmosphere for the sub-national units to drive development at the grassroots. He said President Tinubu’s economic reforms “enabled states to deliver meaningful development projects without resorting to borrowing.”

  • Oyebanji names Omojola BOUESTI VC

    Oyebanji names Omojola BOUESTI VC

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Prof. Andrew Omojola as the Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).

    Omojola, a Professor of Animal Science with specialisation in Animal Products and Processing/Food Safety, is until the appointment, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

    His appointment as VC takes immediate effect.

    Prof. Omojola takes over from Prof. Olufemi Adeoluwa, whose tenure as Vice Chancellor ends on January 6, 2026.

    Prof. Omojola was born in Usi-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on August 14, 1962. He attended Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti for his secondary school education between 1976 and 1980.

    He later proceeded to the University of Ibadan in 1984 where he graduated with a Second Class (Upper Division) in Animal Science in 1988. He earned a Master of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan in 1991 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science from the same university in 1997.

    Prof Omojola started his lecturing career as a Lecturer II at the University of Ibadan in 1997, and rose through the ranks to the position of a Professor in 2011.

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    He served as Visiting Professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana between 2013 and 2019; External Examiner at the University of Calabar between 2012 and 2016; and at Osun State University, Osogbo between 2015 and 2018.

    Prof Omojola also served as Head, Animal Products and Processing Unit, Animal Science Department, University of Ibadan (2000-2023); Director, UI Teaching and Research Farm (2016-2018), Member University of Ibadan Senate (2011-date) and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, (2023-date). He has also served as Chairman, Committee of Dean, Heads of Departments and Directors.

    Governor Oyebanji, who is the Visitor to the university, urges the new Vice Chancellor to bring his wealth of experience as an academic and a seasoned administrator to bear in a bid to further reposition the university as a world-class institution of learning, even as he wishes him a successful tenure.

    The governor thanks the outgoing BOUESTI Vice Chancellor, Prof Adeoluwa, for his meritorious service to the university and wishes him success in his future endeavours.

  • Ekiti trains, supports 120 PWDs, with kits, cash, certificates

    Ekiti trains, supports 120 PWDs, with kits, cash, certificates

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has restated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and human capital development, especially for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), as the state graduated and empowered another batch of 60 trainees from the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre for Persons With Disabilities, Ado- Ekiti.

    Another set of 60 PWDs have also started the training and would be equipped with start-up kits, cash and Trade Test certificates from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, under the special programme which is costing the government a whopping N100 million.

    The event, themed “Celebrating Courage, Craft and Capability,” held on Tuesday at the Centre in Ado- Ekiti, marked the third phase of the state’s specialised training and empowerment programme designed to strengthen the economic independence of PWDs across the Ekiti State.

    Oyebanji, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said the initiative reflects his administration’s resolve to ensure that no citizen is left behind in its development agenda.

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    The governor noted that since assumption of office, the administration has made significant strides in addressing the needs of PWDs through deliberate policies and targeted programmes.

    He listed key achievements of the government in this regard to include the employment of 28 PWDs in the state civil service; free healthcare services for PWDs at primary health care centres; free education for children with disabilities from primary to secondary school level; compulsory free assessment for children with disabilities;

    free therapeutic services in the state’s special schools and designated centres; as well as the ongoing campaigns aimed at increasing public sensitivity to the rights and needs of PWDs.

    According to him, “Human capital development remains a major pillar of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration, and special attention is being given to the development of people living with disabilities. Every individual, regardless of circumstance, must have opportunities to thrive.”

    The governor congratulated the graduands and urged them to maximise the opportunity by investing in their skills and contributing meaningfully to their communities.

    He appreciated the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her “relentless effort” in advancing the welfare of PWDs in the State.

    The state Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, congratulated the trainees and their families, describing the programme as “unprecedented” in its structure and stakeholder involvement, thanking Governor Oyebanji for providing an enabling environment for such impactful initiatives.

    Chairman, Ekiti State Board for Disability Affairs, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, lauded the administration for renovating special schools across the state and equipping them with modern devices.

    According to him, only a governor “with a big heart” could invest so heavily in the well-being of special persons, considering the financial demands associated with disability support services.

    The Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, described the event as a celebration of resilience and progress, applauding the graduands for their commitment throughout the training period of six and nine months.

    Agboola commended the Governor for implementing the 2020 Disability Act, which she said marked a major step in recognising and protecting the rights of PWDs in Ekiti State.

    She stated that more than 100 businesses owned by PWDs had received grants support under the administration’s empowerment initiatives, while several others had received assistive devices and job placements.

    The Special Adviser added that the state is prioritising women with disabilities this year through a mental health support programme.

    She also said an empowerment scheme supported by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, would take place in two weeks.

    Agboola said of the 120 PWDs approved for training this year, 60 had completed their training, while another 60 are still on sessions, each expected to graduate with both certification, start up kits and cash support.

    She urged the beneficiaries to use their skills productively and reminded them of the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to support continuity of inclusive governance.

    Executive Secretary, Office of Disability Affairs, expressed delight over the successful completion of the vocational programme, noting that the trainees received free accommodation, meals, transport allowances, and practical attachment opportunities.

    This year’s cohort comprises 120 beneficiaries drawn from the 16 local government areas and 38 LCDAs after they had completed nine months of vocational training and a three-month industrial attachment in ICT, tailoring, stylists, shoemaking, catering, and business management, among others.

  • Ekiti govt reports gains from economic, agric initiatives

    Ekiti govt reports gains from economic, agric initiatives

    Ekiti State Government has said economic reforms and agricultural initiatives of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration are yielding positive results.

    Reacting to the recent inflation figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for October, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti said the state was on a path of economic stability and sustained improvement.

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    He attributed the high year-on-year inflation figures released by the NBS largely to legacy and historical factors that had placed Ekiti ‘’in this position for several years, emphasising that improvements often take time before they become fully visible in the annual data.’’

    Noting that the month-on-month inflation figures, which compared September to October 2025, actually showed genuine progress with Ekiti ranked fourth among states with the slowest month-on-month inflation, Olatunbosun said the development was an indication that the economic interventions of the current administration were beginning to yield positive results.