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Tag: Ekiti State Government

  • Ekiti govt targets N8.8tr GDP for this year

    Ekiti govt targets N8.8tr GDP for this year

    Ekiti State Government has projected a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of N8.8 trillion for 2026 fiscal year, as it unveiled the breakdown of its N415.57billion Budget of Impactful Governance.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi, said this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti during a presentation of the 2026 budget analysis to government officials, financial experts and other stakeholders.

    He said the budget was designed to stimulate economic growth through strategic investments in agriculture, education, infrastructure, arts, tourism and the informal sector.

    He noted that the budget was prepared in line with 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the state’s 30-year Development Plan, saying the MTEF provided a guide for efficient resource allocation and completion of projects within a medium-term period.

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    Ajayi said the fiscal framework was based on macroeconomic projections with a spending ceiling of N570.05billion, adding that the government adopted a zero-based budgeting approach with emphasis on completing ongoing projects to drive economic growth.

    He said funding for the 2026 budget would come from federal allocation (30 per cent), grants from domestic and foreign development partners (29 per cent), Value Added Tax (19 per cent), state independent revenue (11 per cent) and loans (two per cent).

    Ajayi added that recurrent expenditure would be allocated to personnel costs (28 per cent), overheads (28 per cent), grants and subsidies (18 per cent) and debt servicing (0.2 per cent), among others.

    On capital expenditure, Ajayi said 72 per cent would be spent on economic services, 14 per cent on social services, 13 per cent on administrative services and one per cent on law and justice.

    He said capital spending, which aligned with the administration’s six pillars, would focus on infrastructure and industrial development (57 per cent), agriculture and rural development (22 per cent), governance (nine per cent), human capital development (nine per cent), youth development and job creation (two per cent), and arts, culture and tourism (one per cent).

    Ajayi reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s to fiscal accountability, transparency and sustainable growth, saying safety nets would be provided to cushion the impact of reforms on vulnerable groups.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, said the success of previous budgets under the administration was driven by inclusive governance, fiscal transparency and accountability.

    He hailed Governor Oyebanji for implementing people-oriented reforms and programmes aimed at accelerating development in the state.

  • Ekiti govt targets N8.8trn GDP for 2026

    Ekiti govt targets N8.8trn GDP for 2026

    Ekiti State Government has projected a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of N8.8 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year as it unveiled the breakdown of its N415.57bn Budget of Impactful Governance.

    The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi, stated this in Ado-Ekiti during a presentation of the 2026 budget analysis to government officials, financial experts, and other stakeholders.

    Ajayi said that the budget was designed to stimulate economic growth through strategic investments in agriculture, education, infrastructure, arts, tourism, and the informal sector.

    He noted that the budget was prepared in line with the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the state’s 30-year Development Plan, saying that the MTEF provided a guide for efficient resource allocation and completion of projects within a medium-term period.

    Ajayi explained that the fiscal framework was based on macroeconomic projections with a spending ceiling of ₦570.05bn, adding that the government adopted a zero-based budgeting approach with emphasis on completing ongoing projects to drive economic growth.

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    He said that funding for the 2026 budget would come from federal allocation (30 per cent), grants from domestic and foreign development partners (29 per cent), Value Added Tax (19 per cent), state independent revenue (11 per cent), and loans (two per cent).

    Ajayi added that recurrent expenditure would be allocated to personnel costs (28 per cent), overheads (28 per cent), grants and subsidies (18 per cent), and debt servicing (0.2 per cent), among others.

    On capital expenditure, Ajayi said that 72 per cent would be spent on economic services, 14 per cent on social services, 13 per cent on administrative services, and one per cent on law and justice.

    He disclosed that capital spending aligned with the administration’s six pillars would focus on infrastructure and industrial development (57 per cent), agriculture and rural development (22 per cent), governance (nine per cent), human capital development (nine per cent), youth development and job creation (two per cent), and arts, culture and tourism (one per cent).

    Ajayi reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Oyebanji administration to fiscal accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth, adding that safety nets would be provided to cushion the impact of reforms on vulnerable groups.

    In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, said the success of previous budgets under the administration was driven by inclusive governance, fiscal transparency, and accountability.

    He commended Governor Oyebanji for implementing people-oriented reforms and programmes aimed at accelerating development in the state.

  • Our interventions in agriculture yielding positive results — Ekiti govt

    Our interventions in agriculture yielding positive results — Ekiti govt

    The Ekiti State Government has said its ongoing interventions in the agricultural sector are beginning to yield measurable and positive results.

    The Special Adviser/Director-General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Dr. John Ekundayo said the impacts of government efforts are already visible  across markets in the state.

    He spoke during an assessment tour conducted by the Ekiti State Agriculture Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (AGRIC-MEAL) Team across key agricultural projects in the state.

    The team inspected facilities including the Renewed Hope Farm Dormitory, covering about 50 hectares of cassava and maize farmland in Ikere-Ekiti, the Erefun Farm Settlement, the state fish pond, and the Ounje Ekiti retail food outlet in Ado-Ekiti.

    Ekundayo who is the Chairman of Ekiti AGRIC-MEAL noted that initiatives such as expansion of cultivation areas, access to farm inputs and the operationalisation of programmes agricultural programmes are already enhancing productivity.

    These efforts, ge explained, have also contributed to improved  availability of staple foods in local markets, helping to cushion the impact of rising commodity prices.

    Ekundayo commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for making staple food items available to residents at highly discounted prices despite the harsh national economic climate.

    The Director General  added that  the government will now deepen efforts in production, processing, packaging, and marketing to drive further improvements in food sufficiency.

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    “The Ministry of Agriculture has been doing tremendous work. This is the third year of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, and for the first time, Ekiti now has a food price index. Prices of commodities have dropped significantly.

    “In August, Ekiti recorded the lowest food prices in the Southwest, and we intend to build on this”, Ekundayo said

    He explained that the tour was primarily aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and evaluation within the sector.

    He added that the review mission was part of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration’s broader strategy to measure progress and improve food availability in the state.

    “This tour is not just about monitoring, but about creating a platform for transparency and accountability so that stakeholders in and outside Ekiti can clearly see what is happening in the agric sector,” he said.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade who was represented the Permanent Secretary, Ebenezer Ojo, noted that Ekiti state is rapidly emerging as a model for agricultural development in Southwest.

    He expressed optimism that the state is on track to becoming Nigeria’s leading food provider, saying, “We have become a case study in the Southwest and are recognized nationally for our progress. Very soon, Ekiti will be regarded as the best food provider in Nigeria.”

  • Ekiti votes N7.3b to fix Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon Road

    Ekiti votes N7.3b to fix Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon Road

    Ekiti State Government has approved contracts worth billions of naira across key sectors, including rehabilitation of Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon Alaaye Road, at a cost of N7.3 billion.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said this in a statement issued yesterday at the end of the virtual State Executive Council meeting.

    He said the road project, awarded to Wals and Funs Nigeria Ltd and expected to be completed within 24 months, would involve clearing, earthworks, concrete drains, scarification, pavement and laying of asphalt.

    He said the road upgrade aligned with Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s infrastructural development agenda and was aimed at easing the hardship of residents, improving socio-economic activities and enhancing security along the route.

    Olatunbosun said the council also approved N3.86 billion for the building of aviation workers’ quarters within the perimeter of Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti.

    The projects awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited, include 40 residential units, car parks, external infrastructures and a waste management system within four months.

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    Olatunbosun noted that approval was also given for N418.9million for the procurement of seven Toyota Hummer buses and one Prado Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to support Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture programme across the 16 local governments and 22 local council development areas (LCDAs).

    The special adviser said N86.1million was also approved for the construction of six poultry pens with 2,000-bird capacity each across the three senatorial districts, while N299.9million was earmarked for Ekiti Broilers Production Scheme for Youth Empowerment.

    He said N638.3million was also voted for the furnishing and equipping of dormitories for participants of the BBYA scheme, as well as N70million to recapitalise Fountain Agricultural Marketing Agency (FAMA) for the procurement of agrochemicals to support farmers.

    Olatunbosun added that N358.3million was also approved for the first phase of Ekiti Fashion and Garment Training and Production Project.

    The initiative, according to him, would train 100 youths in garment making and later transition 50 graduates into factory work.

    He said the approval reflected Oyebanji administration’s commitment to invest in infrastructures, agriculture and youth empowerment as critical pillars of growth.

  • Ekiti govt, firm sign MoU on multi-million naira agro-forest investment

    Ekiti govt, firm sign MoU on multi-million naira agro-forest investment

    Ekiti State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ENSHET Heights Global for a 30-year partnership aimed at developing economic trees on a 100-hectare portion of the Ogbese Forest Reserve.

    The MoU was signed by the Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, on behalf of the state government and the Chairman of Enshet Heights Global Ltd, Mr. Oladapo Olasope.

    The agreement includes provisions for the joint harvesting of mature trees, issuance of necessary permits and dispute resolution through arbitration in Ado-Ekiti.

    The initiative, which is to be supervised at no cost by officials of Ekiti State Forestry Commission, mandates ENSHET Global to cultivate only approved species and prohibits the planting of Indian hemp or any unlawful crop.

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    According to the terms, the investment will run from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2055, subject to review every five years and renewable based on satisfactory performance.

    The MoU also says harvesting of mature trees will be carried out jointly upon the confirmation by an independent valuer and Ekiti Forestry Commission, who will issue the necessary permits.

    It was also agreed in the agreement that any attempt to remove trees without due process or percentage entitlement will be deemed a breach and sanctioned in line with the Ekiti State Forestry Laws.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the Managing Director/CEO of Enshet Heights Global Ltd., Dr. Tunmise Ayodele, said the project was designed to develop, finance, cultivate, regenerate, process and market cassava and its value-chain products, including cassava flour, starch, sorbitol and ethanol.

    Highlighting the benefits of the project, Ayodele said investment would create over 1,000 direct jobs for Ekiti citizens, boost the economy as well as attract foreign direct investment.

    He added that the initiative would be implemented alongside the

    planting of various exotic and indigenous tree species to support environmental sustainability.

  • Ekiti govt reaffirms commitment to good governance

    Ekiti govt reaffirms commitment to good governance

    Ekiti state government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the state’s public service delivery through effective and efficient governance, with a focus on improving the lives of its citizens.

    Special Adviser and Director General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr John Moyo Ekundayo spoke at the  Ekiti Performance, Assessment, and Improvement Workshop (EKPAIR 3.0), held at the Lady Deborah Jibowu Hall in Ado Ekiti.

    The workshop, attended by government officials, civil servants, and stakeholders, aimed to assess the state’s performance, identify the areas for improvement as well as develop workable strategies for sustainable growth and development.

    The workshop with the theme “Creating our Future through Collaboration also featured interactive sessions, and expert presentations on key areas as well as brainstorming exercises.

    Dr. Kundayo emphasised that Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration was committed to creating a state that is not only prosperous but also responsive, accountable and transparent.

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    The Special Adviser reiterated Oyebanji’s commitment to improving the quality of life for every Ekiti citizen, noting that the governor has already initiated various projects and policies aimed at enhancing the welfare of residents.

    He said that the administration is poised to continue on its path of transformation, prioritizing the needs of its citizens and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in governance.

    Ekundayo explained that the workshop was tailored to achieve great impacts in public service efficiency, transparency and accountability, digital transformation and citizen-centred governance.

    He said: “The Ekiti State Government, under the visionary and exemplary leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, remains committed to creating a state that is not only prosperous but also responsive, accountable, and transparent in its dealings with the public.

    “Transformation is not merely about building infrastructure or implementing new policies, it is about rethinking the way we do business, improving our processes, and ensuring that every initiative we undertake is in the service of the good people of Ekiti. It is about empowering our civil servants, boosting productivity, and creating an environment that fosters innovation and excellence in service delivery.

    “Our mandate is clear: to ensure that every government programme is executed efficiently, that there is constant monitoring and evaluation, and that we are delivering measurable results that align with the aspirations of Ekiti people.

    “Through workshops like today’s, we are strengthening our ability to assess and improve our performance across all sectors whilst building the capacity of civil servants. It is our belief that continuous improvement is essential to meeting the evolving needs of our citizens and keeping pace with global trends.”

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Monitoring and Evaluation, Adetunji Aribasoye emphasised the importance of transforming the public sector to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

    Aribasoye admonished the participants to utilize the gains of the workshop in driving transformation in their various ministries, departments, and agencies. 

  • Shun violence, division, Ekiti govt warns communities

    Shun violence, division, Ekiti govt warns communities

    Ekiti State Government has warned communities agitating for autonomy to refrain from stoking violence and division that could destabilise peace.

    Deputy Governor Mrs Monisade Afuye gave the warning yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, while mediating in a chieftaincy dispute in Araromi Ugbesi Ekiti, Ekiti East Local Government.

    Afuye said the intervention followed a petition written by the Okete family of Araromi Ugbesi, calling for its enlistment as a ruling house and agitating for the removal of Owa Eleshi of Araromi Ugbesi Ekiti, Oba Lawrence Adeyeye, accused of harassment and intimidation of their family members.

    She warned that henceforth any community or chiefdom seeking autonomy must do so with civility and under a peaceful atmosphere.

    Afuye directed all the Chiefs in the Okete family to reunite with the traditional ruler and start attending community meetings to restore peace.

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    “With you changing your name from Okete to Obalende, you have pulled out of Araromi Ugbesi and it will be difficult for you to get the declaration changed in your favour. You can’t be given autonomy when you are causing crisis.

    “I want you to sustain the rotation of Elenta chieftaincy within Okete family for peace to reign.

    “Go back and reunite with your traditional ruler, so that you can be one to pursue whatever agenda you have peacefully”, Afuye said.

    Speaking, the representative of the Okete family, Mr Dapo Adebayo, accused the traditional  ruler of charging some members of the family to court on trump- up charges and dealing unjustly with them.

    “It has got to a stage that the Oba no longer allows us to gather to celebrate marriages and other events. We are being treated like slaves in our own land.

    “All these must stop and we need the intervention of government to put an end to this maltreatment”, Adebayo said.

    For peace to reign, Adebayo requested the traditional ruler to accede to the request to change the family’s name from Okete to Obalende and replace the current Elenta chieftaincy holder, Chief Meshack Alonge, with their preferred candidate.

    Debunking the accusations in his defence, Oba Adeyeye, accused the family of polarising the community, by stoking the fire of acrimony over the installation of one Chief Alonge as the  Elenta of Ugbesi community.

    Oba Adeyeye, said the Okete family had been pushing for autonomy at different times before Justices Silas Oyewole and Jide Aladejana Panels of Inquiry, but failed  owing to the fact they had no history to support their case.

    “I am just pleading with them to allow peace to reign.

    “Governor Oyebanji stands for peace. Let it be known that the family doesn’t have eligibility to the royal stool, they are not part of the ruling house.

    “They are using this to foment trouble. I didn’t send any of them to jail. It was the police that charged them to court and they were found guilty and sentenced accordingly.

    “It wasn’t me that charged them to court as being alleged”, Oba Adeyeye said.

  • Promasidor signs pact with Ekiti

    Promasidor Nigeria Limited has signed a partnership agreement with Ekiti State Government to drive its backward integration initiative aimed at creating local source of raw materials for its dairy products through the state-owned Ikun Dairy Farm.

    The pact was sealed on behalf of the partners by the Ekiti State governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, and the Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Anders Einarsson, in Abuja, last month.

    This project will enable Promasidor utilise the potential of Ikun Dairy Farm in the making of milk and other products of nutritional value which help to enhance human growth.

    Commenting on the agreement, Fayemi stated that Ekiti State was delighted to collaborate with a major player in the fast-moving consumer goods sector that is deeply committed to the wellbeing of consumers through its array of quality products.

    The governor affirmed that the partnership would enhance the backward integration initiative of Promasidor, in compliance with federal government’s directives that companies should seek local source of raw materials for their products, thus ensuring local content development.

    Fayemi disclosed that Ikun Dairy Farm, established in 1980 with hundreds of fattened cows, could serve as a source of milk supply to produce evaporated milk and other nutritional products, create more employment opportunities and increased nutritional products.

    In his remark, Einarsson, who was highly elated with the progress made on backward integration, said Ikun Dairy Farm would in no small measure provide opportunities to enhance local milk production, an exciting opportunity for the company.

    He affirmed that as the maker of quality products such as Cowbell Milk, Loya Milk, Cowbell Chocolate, Miksi, Top Tea, Onga food seasoning, Sunvita Cereals, and others, local source of milk collection is paramount to ease less dependence on foreign raw materials.

    The Promasidor boss corroborated Fayemi’s view that the partnership would also lead to further employment and other viable source of livelihood for people in the state.

    He explained that Promasidor’s backward integration initiative would give the company an edge over others in the dairy market with the potential of the farm.

    Ikun Dairy Farm spans across 1,000 hectares of land area. Located in Ikun-Ekiti, in Moba Local Government Area, the farm was established in the early 1980s as an integrated agro-allied farm to boost the economy of the state.

  • Ekiti orders arrest of Herdsmen carrying weapons

    …Vows not to tolerate destruction of farm lands

    The Ekiti State government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of any herdsman caught with guns and other dangerous weapons, promising to visit the full weight of the law on suspects.

    The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, disclosed this on Thursday at a peace meeting held with representatives of herders and farmers at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti in the wake of alleged attacks on farmers in some communities by suspected herdsmen.

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    The meeting was attended by representatives of Fulani, Hausa, Ebira, Urhobo, Yoruba communities, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders and Ekiti Grazing and Enforcement Marshals (EGEM).

    Egbeyemi warned that it was unacceptable to the state government for herdsmen to be carrying AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons stressing that security agencies have been mobilized to arrest anyone
    of them caught with weapons.

    The deputy governor particularly warned the Sarkin Fulani in Ekiti State, Muhammad Abashe, that he would be held responsible should there be any further attacks on farmers on their farm lands.

    Egbeyemi said the state government would not tolerate a repeat of attack on Orin Farm Settlement in Ido/Osi Local Government Area last year in which a pregnant Tiv farmer was killed.

    He said: “We have given a marching order to security agencies to arrest herdsmen carrying weapons. As from now, the full wrath of the law will be visited on any herdsman caught with dangerous weapons.

    “Herdsmen going about with AK-47 rifles, what are they doing with such? Will they use AK-47 rifles on animals or human being? Tell your people that will not be tolerated in Ekiti land.

    “We are all Nigerians but somebody cannot come from his place of origin and destroy other people’s property and farm lands. We won’t tolerate that in Ekiti, go and tell your people back home.

    “We don’t want war in Ekiti State; we want peace in our land. I have listened to all parties but the most important thing for our government is peace so that everybody can prosper his legitimate business.”

    According to him, government was duty bound to protect law-abiding residents including settlers in the state who are engaged in legitimate businesses and would not allow killing of innocent people.

    He stressed that herdsmen are not allowed to graze their cattle on farm lands noting that such had led to massive loss of gains and affecting yield of farmers.

    Egbeyemi emphasized that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in Ekiti State would not cede any of its land to violent herdsmen as being insinuated by the opposition.

    The deputy governor, however, advised farmers not to take the law into their hands by killing cows of herdsmen urging them to report any attack or destruction of their farms to the appropriate authorities.

    Egbeyemi also warned herdsmen to steer clear of government reserves which he said are not meant for grazing noting that security would be beefed up there to arrest encroachers.

    The deputy governor further revealed that EGEM officers would be empowered with more vehicles, communication facilities and other logistics to boost their morale and prevent clashes between farmers
    and herders.

    Community leaders who spoke included Head of Ebira Community, Sadiku Ojo; Leader of Fulani-Ilorin Community in Ikere, Alhaji Sulaiman Ibrahim,  President of Urhobo Community, Mr. John Enaibe and a local farmer, Mr. Abiodun Kayode.

    Others were Princess Adenike Flourish, Secretary of Anti-Grazing Monitoring Committee; an EGEM officer, Mr. Aladelokun Ayodeji; a representative of Olojudo’s Palace in Ido-Ekiti, Mr. Adewumi Daramola and Mr. Gabriel Monday, a representative of Forest Guards.

  • Pupil Tax: Appeal court adjourns church case against Ekiti

    Pupil Tax: Appeal court adjourns church case against Ekiti

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday adjourned the suit between Incorporated Trustees of the Ekiti Diocese of Catholic Church and Ekiti State government on the imposition of education tax on pupils.

    The Catholic Church had on 22nd April 2016 approached the State High Court on the imposition of development levies on pupils and students of private schools by the state government.

    Dissatisfied with the judgment of the lower court which favoured the state government, the Catholic Mission approached the appellate court to appeal the judgment delivered on 13th October 2016.

    At the resume hearing of the case at the Ado-Ekiti Division of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, counsel to the Catholic Church, Chief Anthony Adeniyi told the panel expressed dismay with the filing of a motion for the amendment of government’s respondent brief.

    Adeniyi prayed the court to grant him adjournment to enable him study the fresh preliminary objection.

    The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kola Kolade, had earlier filed an application to amend the brief of the respondents.

    Presiding judge, Justice Olanrewaju Belgore, consequently adjourned the case till 16th October 2017 for definite hearing of the appeal.