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Tag: Ekiti STATE

  • Ekiti debunks claim of N68m PHC allocation in 2026 budget

    Ekiti debunks claim of N68m PHC allocation in 2026 budget

    The Ekiti State Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media that only N68 million was allocated to primary health care (PHC) in the 2026 budget, describing the reports as false, misleading, and a misrepresentation of the state’s health financing structure.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Information Officer, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mr Wale Obelewaji, the government said more than N2 billion was earmarked for primary health care in the 2026 budget.

    It clarified that the N68 million figure being cited relates to a single capital line item and does not reflect the total allocation to primary health care or the health sector as a whole.

    According to the statement, the total allocation to the health sector in the 2026 budget stands at N19.65 billion, excluding investments in water, sanitation, and other social determinants of health captured under other ministries.

    The government explained that primary health care operates under a shared responsibility framework involving the local, state, and federal governments. While local councils manage day-to-day operations and maintenance, the state provides coordination, supervision, personnel support, and infrastructure through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

    Read Also: Ekiti council rejects imposition of chairmanship candidate

    It further disclosed that Ekiti State spent over N33.7 billion on health in 2025, with more than half of the amount invested in primary health care. This included health insurance payments, the renovation of 103 PHC centres, the procurement of medical commodities, and incentives for health workers under the World Bank-supported IMPACT Project.

    The government added that health sector spending in previous years stood at N16.8 billion in 2024, N8.7 billion in 2023, and N25.8 billion in 2022.

    It also outlined investments in human resources, disclosing that 250 health workers were recruited in 2025, with 150 deployed to PHC facilities, while 300 community health vanguards were engaged to track pregnant women and link them to health services.

    It added that approval was also secured for the replacement of over 1,500 health workers at an annual cost of N1.8 billion, most of whom would serve at the primary healthcare level.

    The government stressed that the claim of a N68m allocation to PHC does not reflect the reality on ground, urging the public to engage in health policy debates based on verified facts rather than misinformation.

  • Ekiti council rejects imposition of chairmanship candidate

    Ekiti council rejects imposition of chairmanship candidate

    ‘We need an urgent stakeholders’ meeting’

    Efon political leaders have rejected moves by Ekiti State Physical Planning Commissioner Karounwi Oladapo to impose a chairmanship candidate on the local government on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) without consultation with the stakeholders. 

    Expressing surprise at the attempted personalisation of power and influence, they urged Governor Biodun Oyebanji to pay attention to the brewing nomination crisis in Efon local government ahead of the council polls. 

    Karounwi, an APC stalwart, was said to have arranged for the controversial endorsement of an aspirant, Ifetade Ola, without consultation with other party leaders, including Chief Joseph Alake, stakeholders’ leader; Prof. Adio Folayan, former Agriculture commissioner, Elder Odunayo Ategbero, former local government chairman and commissioner, Victor Kolade, former special adviser,  Chief Joel Omoniyi, former council chairman, and Bode Adetunji, former council chairman.

    Also, other commiited party chieftains – Chief Bode Olayinka and Chief Dele Jeje, respected chieftains and community leaders; Olaitan Olayinka, a retired federal civil servant,  and Afolabi Ige, a lawyer and businessman, dissociated themselves from the imposition.

    A community leader, Ajiroba Patrick Ojo, who condemned the brewing hulaballoo, urged Oyebanji to call the commissioner to order.

    In a statement titled: ‘When men dare to play God,’ called for a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the political crisis.

    Ojo, former President of the umbrella township association, Efon Development League (EDL), said it is important to prevent chaos and instability in the lical government. 

    The statement read, “For over a week now, we have been following the activities of certain party men and women in the political land space of our local government. I have personally been reading with interest the several media posts of our dear Hon Commissioner, Mr Karounwi, his boastful assertions and his claim of been the singular authority to choose for Efon Alaaye, who and who represents us without any regard or consultation with the Efon traditional council, Efon Development League, Efon stakeholders and the majority of APC leaders. 

    “Having consulted widely and generally with several notable leaders and people of our kingdom, I, Ajiroba of Efon Alaaye, in my capacity, wish to advise Commissioner Karounwi to tread softly. 

    “This current attitude of his only tends to throw our dear community into chaos and instability. Not a single known and recognised political heavyweight in APC has supported any of his spurious claims. From Chief Alake, Chief Jeje, Chief Olayinka, Prof Adio Folayan, Chief Omoniyi, Elder Ategbero, Engineer Skiddo, Victor Kolade, Olaitan Olayinka, Afolabi Ige and several other party leaders and their followers, none has has shown any sign of support for this sole candidate of Hon. Karounwi. 

    “Their cold silence, the silence of the traditional council and the rest of us the good people of Efon Alaaye, show our discontent and disapproval for this arrogance and undemocratic attitude. 

    “The constant and irresponsible attitude of picking our third eleven to represent us should stop forthwith. We will forever remember that this same attitude of rebellion led Efon to loosing a Federal Government College during the Teacher Training College episode a few decades ago. 

    “My dear people of Efon, we would be calling a meeting of all Efon Alaaye stakeholders shortly. Our respect, love and support remains forever undiluted and strong for our Omoluabi Governor BAO. Those presently misrepresenting his government will surely be put to shame eventually.”

    But the commissioner fired back, saying that Ojo should let him be. 

    Oladapo said in a statement, “I read with rude shock about your outbursts and unnecessary defamation of my characters through your post to various Efon social media platforms. 

    “I am only taking your write-up and propose next move with philosophical calmness and understanding knowing fully that you are not a practicing politician.

    “With due respect Sir,  you are free to form your own opposition party without insulting or tarnishing my long built reputations in my party APC.

    “As one of the APC political leaders in Efon Alaaye Local Government and Ekiti State, I am entitled to play my role based on my party dictates.  I don’t think I have ever interfere in any areas of your own choosing careers. Let everybody maintain his or her own lane with respect for individuals.

    “Election time is still far and we have alot of opposition parties e.g. PDP, LP, AAC, etc. from where concerned citizens of Efon can showcase their own preferred candidates for LG elections without causing disharmony. Please, let me be sir.”

  • Police uncover baby factory in Ekiti, arrest suspects

    Police uncover baby factory in Ekiti, arrest suspects

    The Ekiti State Police Command has uncovered an illegal baby factory in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Council Area of Ekiti state, arresting five suspects and rescuing six children.

    The Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti, where he highlighted operational breakthroughs recorded by the police across the state.

    Eribo disclosed that the baby factory was uncovered on January 24, 2026, following a credible tip-off that a 43-year-old woman, identified as Oluwadare Onyechi, was running an illegal baby factory behind Inisa Hotel and Suites along Ise-Ekiti Road.

    The Police boss said that the operatives stormed the premises and arrested Onyechi alongside four accomplices: Onuoha Gloria (28), Victoria Linus (25), Ihegbogu Mercy (21), and a heavily pregnant woman, Emmanuel Esther (23).

    Eribo added that six children between the ages of two and nine, suspected to be held under bondage, were rescued from the premises.

    He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other accomplices connected to the illegal operation.

    The police commissioner also revealed the command arrested five suspects for armed robbery, 17 suspects for cattle rustling, and several others for burglary and related offences.

    He said that a total of 558 rustled cattle, seven stolen vehicles, 10 fabricated master keys, different vehicle plate numbers, and other items were recovered during various operations.

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    Eribo further disclosed that operatives arrested a notorious cattle rustler and kidnapping kingpin, Ibrahim Abubakar, who allegedly rustled cattle across Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states, with 255 cattle recovered from him.

    He said 16 other suspected cattle rustlers were also arrested in Isan-Ekiti with 303 cattle, while investigations revealed they were members of the same criminal network.

    Reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in the state, the police boss said all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    He commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their support, while urging residents to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.

  • Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    Youths in Ekiti State are planning a 10,000-man solidarity march in support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the 2027 general election and governorship election in the state.

    Commissioner for Youth Development, Adesola Gold Adedayo, disclosed this on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti while featuring on a current affairs programme aired by local radio stations.

    Adedayo said the planned march slated for Friday, January 23, 2026, was aimed at aggressively mobilising support for President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji in appreciation of their purposeful, youth -friendly and inclusive leadership.

    Adedayo, who also serves as the coordinator of the All Progressives Congress electronic registration exercise in the state, noted that youths constitute about 70 per cent of registered voters, according to figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    He described the youth population as a strategic electoral force capable of determining the outcome of elections, adding that Governor Oyebanji had earned their loyalty through deliberate investments in youth development.

    Adedayo said Governor Oyebanji’s policies in agriculture, particularly the establishment of farm settlements and dormitories for commercial farming, had provided employment and economic opportunities for young people.

    The initiative, he said, had transformed rural communities into productive hubs, while youth farmers reportedly shared over N1bn as proceeds in December last year.

    The commissioner cited empowerment programmes, support for persons living with disabilities, and the state’s free education policy as some of the interventions that had endeared the administration to the youth.

    Adedayo added that the policies had ensured that children from poor backgrounds were not forced out of school due to financial constraints.

    Adedayo urged youths not to limit their political participation to social media activities but to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and vote during the election, saying that online support alone would not translate into electoral victory, urging young people to be actively involved in the democratic process.

    He added that the 10,000-man march would serve as a veritable platform to demonstrate the youths’ readiness to support President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji’s re-election, whom he described as a lover and promoter of youth development.

    On governance, the Commissioner said that the achievements of the Oyebanji administration were evident in areas such as road infrastructure, agriculture, sports development, labour relations, security, arts and culture.

    Adedayo also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to repositioning the country on the path of economic recovery and prosperity.

    He said that the President’s policies and reforms had created opportunities for states, including Ekiti, to attract federal support and investments that would drive development at the sub-national level.

  • Ekiti community leaders call for unity, others

    Ekiti community leaders call for unity, others

    Obalu community  at Efon-Alaaye in Ekiti State was in high spirits at the weekend as businessman and socialite, Chief Oso Oladesu, celebrated his installation as the Aro of Obalu.

    The ceremony was witnessed by top indigenes, including Assistant Controller General Ishola Oladesu; Mrs. Alake Ologbenla; Omotayo  Femi, Genga, Taiwo and Kehinde, Adebayo and Nike.  Chief Oladesu was respledent in his blue Aso Oke, waving the horsetail to the crowd.

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    The event was presided over  by Owagboni Obaloja Pariola, assisted by his chiefs – Elemo Ilesanmi, Ayinja Elekolusi and Alake, Erungbua of Obalu Quarters, who called for peace and unity in the kingdom.

    The Elemo prayed for long life for the celebrator and peace for his domain at Iloja Steet.

    Chiefs, women and others danced within the palace.

    Guests donated towards the palace rehabilitation.

  • Ekiti 2026: PDP governorship candidate alleges APC plot over INEC omission

    Ekiti 2026: PDP governorship candidate alleges APC plot over INEC omission

    …blame your crisis not us, ruling party tells Oluyede

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is responsible for his exclusion from the provisional list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

    Speaking with journalists on Thursday at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, Oluyede described his omission as surprising, insisting that his emergence as the PDP candidate was duly monitored and supervised by INEC.

    The governorship aspirant explained that although legal suits were filed challenging the party’s primary election, INEC officials had deposed to affidavits in court confirming that he was the duly elected candidate of the party.

    “In actual fact, there have been suits against the election and INEC came to swear affidavit that I was the candidate of the party. I am not aware of any reason that should preclude me from the election,” he said.

    Oluyede maintained that there was no court injunction or order restraining him or the PDP from participating in the election, arguing that INEC does not have the constitutional power to determine who emerges as a party’s nominee.

    “As far as I know, there is no court injunction, there is no court order that should preclude me from the election. I don’t think INEC is in a position to determine who should be the nominee of a party. They haven’t been doing that before and I don’t know why this is happening,” he said.

    He disclosed that he had commenced consultations with party stakeholders and would also engage the electoral body formally to demand explanations for the action.

    Reassuring his supporters across the state, the PDP candidate urged them not to panic, expressing confidence that he would participate in the governorship poll and feature on the final ballot.

    “I want to reassure my supporters that I am going to be the next governor of Ekiti State, which means I am going to be on the next ballot. This is a normal process of elections. People will play games, but it is a game of futility that will not go anywhere,” he said.

    He warned against attempts to exclude candidates through what he described as political manoeuvres, noting that elections should be based on the will of the people.

    “My advice to those trying to preclude others from contesting is that it is not the right way. Elections are meant to give people the opportunity to choose their government. If you are confident in your performance or capacity to govern, then you should have the confidence to face the electorate,” Oluyede said.

    However, the Ekiti state Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe dismissed the allegations, describing the claim as baseless and a diversionary tactic aimed at covering internal crises within the PDP.

    Dipe said that APC had no control over INEC and could not interfere with its constitutional responsibilities, arguing that the PDP’s omission was a result of internal leadership crises and ongoing court cases within the opposition party.

    The APC Spokesman advised the PDP governorship  candidate to seek redress through legal means rather than making what it described as “wild allegations” against political opponents.

  • Ekiti Police arrest 3,490 suspects in 2025

    Ekiti Police arrest 3,490 suspects in 2025

    The Ekiti State Police Command has disclosed that it arrested a total of 3,490 suspects for various criminal offences across the state in 2025.

    The Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, made this known during an end-of-year parley with journalists in Ado-Ekiti.

    Eribo said that the arrests were part of the command’s sustained efforts to strengthen security through confidence-building patrols, raids on criminal hideouts, and stop-and-search operations.

    He noted that all the suspects were thoroughly investigated and prosecuted accordingly, stressing that the command’s breakthroughs and achievements contributed to the relative peace and improved safety enjoyed by residents of the state.

    The Commissioner said that crime rates in Ekiti State reduced significantly in 2025 compared to 2024, noting that murder cases dropped from 53 in 2024 to 37 in 2025, kidnapping cases reduced from 17 to 7, while rape cases declined from 41 to 31 within the period.

    He added that cultism cases fell from 12 in 2024 to 7 in 2025, house-breaking reduced from 82 to 65, armed robbery dropped from 18 to 7, defilement cases declined from 26 to 24, while attempted murder cases reduced from 26 in 2024 to 18 in 2025.

    The Commissioner also announced the promotion of some officers from the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). Those promoted include CSP Adeniran Akinwumi, CSP Ofanson Vincent, CSP Ogunleye Kehinde, and CSP Falade Sesan Reuben.

    Highlighting some of the command’s breakthroughs in 2025, Eribo said suspects identified as Adinoi Samuel, also known as Samuel Ebira, Tope Agbaje, and Godwin Anawo were arrested in Ado-Ekiti while allegedly planning attacks on banks in the state capital.

    He revealed that investigations showed Adinoi Samuel was involved in the armed robbery attack on First Bank, Ilasa-Ekiti, in 2012 and Wema Bank, Iyin-Ekiti, in 2020, adding that the suspect was among inmates who escaped during the jailbreak at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre on November 30, 2014.

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    Eribo further disclosed that a suspected kidnapper, Jeremiah Nwagh, was arrested on November 3, 2025, in Itapa-Ekiti, following credible intelligence.

    He said investigations revealed that the suspect acted as an informant to the kidnappers and aided the abduction of two workers at YSJ Farms, Oke-Ako-Ekiti, on October 23, 2025.

    The Police boss assured residents that the command would continue to improve its strategies to stay ahead of criminal elements, expressing optimism that security in 2026 would be better.

    “We shall remain proactive through visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, raids on criminal hideouts, and sustained stop-and-search operations,” he said.

  • Ekiti records drop in malaria prevalence

    Ekiti records drop in malaria prevalence

    Ekiti State has announced a significant reduction in malaria cases following the successful implementation of the World Bank–supported Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project.

     Speaking at the close-out ceremony of the two-year initiative executed by Solina Health in collaboration with the state government, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, described the project as a landmark stride in the state’s march toward malaria elimination.

    Filani, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mr. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, explained that the intervention greatly strengthened malaria prevention and testing, especially at the grassroots.

    He assured that the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration would fully sustain the gains of the project, noting that the state now has the capacity, personnel, and political will to drive malaria elimination efforts.

     He added that the project significantly improved care for pregnant women and expanded access to free malaria treatment across Ekiti communities.

     Project Director of Solina Health, Daniel Abraham, explained that the intervention was designed to reduce the malaria burden by improving service delivery.

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    expanding community engagement, and strengthening health systems.

     Abraham disclosed that the project covered all 16 LGAs, 177 wards, and 203 primary healthcare facilities across communities in the state.

     He highlighted that the achievements of the project include training 1,250 health workers, improving service delivery in over 200 facilities, and reaching more than 958,000 women, children, and community members with essential malaria interventions.

     Abraham noted that 958,022 residents were tested for malaria, 703,041 received Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT), while 182,281 children under five got timely treatment.

    The project also provided preventive therapy for 92,853 pregnant women and stabilized 686 severe malaria cases through pre-referral treatment.

     Also speaking, the Project Coordinator of the IMPACT initiative and Program Manager of the State Malaria Elimination Program, Folu Ekundare, affirmed that the Ministry of Health would seamlessly take over full implementation.

     He said that the capacity built over the project years, including training, testing, treatment, and supply chain experience, has positioned the state to sustain the gains.

  • Nine-year-old Ekiti author launches first book

    Nine-year-old Ekiti author launches first book

    A nine-year-old author, and daughter of the daughter of Senior Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor on Farm Settlement and Agriculture Adewole Temijopelo, has launched of her debut book titled, “The Struggles of a Girl”.

    The ceremony which took place at the Crest View International School, Lagos, attracted dignitaries including education stakeholders and literary enthusiasts to celebrate the emergence of a new voice in children’s literature.

    Temijopelo’s book tells the story of a young girl, Blessing, who overcome life’s challenges through  determination, kindness and resilience.

    Chairman of the occasion, Chief Abiodun Oniyitan, described the book as a timely reminder that success is rooted in perseverance, not background. 

    “The story of Blessing is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not define us, but rather our determination and resilience,” he said.

    The launch featured a series of book reviews by Adeife Abiodun Adeyemi, CEO of Ife’ctive Touch (Chapters 1–3); Coralita Yard, CEO of Kovana (Chapters 4–5); and Tony Joy, Founder of Durian Foundation (Chapters 6–10). 

    An inter-class debate added excitement to the ceremony, where Adekunle Jemima emerged Best Speaker and Amarachi Amechi finished as runner-up. 2nd Best Speaker. The winners received cash gifts from of Mrs. Ehirim & Family and Tony Joy.

    Several guests praised the confidence and eloquence displayed by the pupils, with Mr. Nnamdi Ehirim commending Jemima Adekunle for her outstanding performance.

    The official launching of the book was performed by a lawmaker representing Ado Ekiti constituency 1 in the Ekiti House of Assembly, Hon. Ayo Adegbite represented by Tayo Abolarinwa. 

    The Proprietress of Crest View school, Lagos,  Mrs. Adekunle, expressed pride in Temijopelo’s achievement, , noting that her accomplishment would inspire other pupils to pursue excellence.

    Among other notable dignitaries at the event were Otunba Bobakeye of Agura Kingdom, Mrs. Jude, Mrs. Esther O., Mrs. Mazogi Nwakugo (author’s grandparent), and several parents and educators.

  • JUST IN: Hoodlums raze Ekiti ADC Secretariat, disrupt excos’ inauguration

    JUST IN: Hoodlums raze Ekiti ADC Secretariat, disrupt excos’ inauguration

    There was tension in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, on Tuesday, after some suspected thugs set ablaze the Secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The attack in the early hours of the day razed the secretariat at Basiri Area of Ado-Ekiti and destroyed several valuables, including plastic chairs, canopies, sound system and office equipment.

    It was gathered that the burnt canopies and chairs had been rented for  the inauguration of party’s executives across wards, local government areas, and the state level, scheduled to hold later in the day.

    Several hours after the Secretariat was razed, the hoodlums regrouped in large numbers and stormed the venue of the planned affirmation ceremony, disrupting preparations and attacking party leaders and supporters.

    The attackers, who stormed the venue in a commando-like style, shot sporadically into the air, forcing several members of ADC, journalists as well as passers-by to scamper for safety. 

    In the ensuing chaos, several vehicles and motorcycle belonging to one of the journalists were extremely vandalised, while canopies and chairs arranged for  the programme were destroyed beyond repair. 

    Fifteen minutes after the hoodlums fled the scene, the ADC National Secretary, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, arrived at the venue amid tight security and proceeded with the inauguration of the newly affirmed executives.

    Speaking with journalists shortly after brief inauguration of  party executives, the Ex-Minister condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a shameful display of intolerance and a dangerous threat to democracy.

    Aregbesola said that it was regrettable that individuals who emerged through democratic process  could  resort to violence and intimidation to suppress opposition voices. 

    The former Osun Governor noted that the beauty of democracy lies in the freedom of association and participation in open political activities without fear or intimidation, saying the attack on ADC members in Ekiti signaled a descent into fascism.

    Aregbesola  also berated the  security agencies for failing to protect the ADC secretariat and its members, accusing them of dereliction of duty.

    Former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, also condemned the incident, describing it as an  act of political terrorism.

    He said the incident was  unfortunate and represented a dangerous assault on the democratic values and freedom of political association, lamenting that such acts of violence were creeping into Ekiti politics, a state once known for peace and tolerance.

    The former Deputy Governor criticised the security agencies for what he called a disappointing response to the attack, saying the police failed to act promptly despite early reports. 

    “What has happened today in Ekiti state is what we call political terrorism and it is quite unfortunate this is happening in our state. This is against the principle of democracy that we are all preaching.

    ” We have made reports to the police through the state party chairman and let me say that we are let down by the security agencies because more than two hours after we made reports on the midnight attack on our secretariat, we observed that they were not there to protect the property and the people”, he added.

    When contacted, Ekiti  Police Spokesman, SP Sunday Abutu confirmed the incident 

    He said the command was aware of the incident. The commissioner of Police CP, Joseph Eribo has directed full scale investigation in a bid to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book.