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Tag: Ekiti

  • 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 reads: :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.

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    “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.”

  • Abductors of five Ekiti women demand N100m ransom

    Abductors of five Ekiti women demand N100m ransom

    Gunmen have abducted five women in Erinmope-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, and are demanding a ransom of N100million for their release.

    It was learnt that the incident occurred on Saturday evening when the assailants reportedly stormed the residence of the victims and whisked them away at gunpoint.

    Narrating the ordeal, Head of the family, Muhammad Saliu Okanlawon, known as Elebenla, said the gunmen arrived at their home around 7pm, shooting sporadically, while the male members of the household were away at the mosque.

    Okanlawon said those abducted were wives and children of his younger brother and son, identifying the five victims as Kehinde Mahmud, Adijat Hussein,  Hawawu Suleiman, Fatima, and another Fatima.

    He added that one of the victims was heavily pregnant, while another was a nursing mother.

    According to him, the family only realised what had happened after returning from the mosque to discover that five female members of the household were missing.

    He said security agencies were alerted and a team of the police, Civil Defence, Amotekun and other operatives mobilised to trail the abductors but could not apprehend them.

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    “The area commander also came around, but we later learnt that the kidnappers did not follow their usual route through Osin in Kwara State. We believe they mixed with people in the community to conceal their identities,” he said.

    Okanlawon said that the abductors had contacted the family once to demand a N100 million ransom and had since gone silent.

    He appealed to the state government to intervene, describing the situation as distressing, especially with a nine-month pregnant woman among the abductees.

    He noted that the incident was strange, as the family had lived peacefully in the community for over 70 years, despite originating from Kwara State, adding that raising such an amount for ransom was impossible.

    The family appealed to security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and secure their safe return.

  • Baby factory uncovered in Ekiti community

    Baby factory uncovered in Ekiti community

    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, stated this during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, where he highlighted breakthroughs recorded by the police across the state.

    Eribo said the baby factory was uncovered on January 24, this year, following a credible tip-off that a 43-year-old woman, identified as Oluwadare Onyechi, was running an illegal facility on Ise-Ekiti Road.

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

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    Eribo added that six children between two and nine years, 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 said the command arrested five suspects for armed robbery, 17 suspects for cattle rustling, and several others for burglary and related offences.

    He said 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.

  • Ekiti indigenes in Kwara seek relevance

    Ekiti indigenes in Kwara seek relevance

    Ekiti indigenes in Ekiti and Oke-Ero local government areas of Kwara State at the weekend pushed for fair, equitable and just representation in the 2027 National Assembly election.

    They claimed that for about 28 years, the two local governments had not been represented in the House of Representatives.

    The political exclusion, according to them, had denied their communities a voice at the federal level.

    The indigenes spoke in Osi, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state during a town hall meeting.

    The meeting drew leaders across political parties, traditional rulers, youths, women groups, government officials and members of the media.

    The gathering emphasised the need for the two local governments of Isin and Irepodun to concede the House of Representatives seat of Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Irepodun/Isin Federal Constituency to an Ekiti indigene.

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    The National President, Organisation of Kwara Ekiti Indigenes, Prof. James Omotosho, represented by his deputy, Chief Ayobola Samuel, said the agitation stemmed from a quest for justice and equitable development, rather than bitterness.

    “We are here out of love for our constituency and respect for democratic values. A society can only thrive when groups feel seen, heard and fairly treated,” he said.

    Omotosho said for about 28 years, the House of Representatives seat had been dominated by the Igbomina ethnic group, leaving Kwara Ekiti communities without an opportunity to present their candidate.

    Assistant National Vice President of the organisation, Prince Michael Ogunleye, said the meeting was intended to foster dialogue and reflection, rather than confrontation.

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Dr. Kehinde Bankole, described grassroots politics as an essential investment for development.

    “For over 20 years, this district has had little or no assistance from government. If you are not involved, decisions will always be taken without you,” Bankole said.

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant, Dr Idowu Audu, also supported the initiative, highlighting the importance of cross-party cooperation.

    “When we come together, regardless of party, we can achieve a lot,” said Mr. Femi Awe, Audu’s representative.

  • Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march

    Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march

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

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

    He said the planned march slated for tomorrow was aimed at 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 All Progressives Congress electronic registration exercise in the state, noted that youths constituted 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, saying 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 youths.

    The initiative, he said, had transformed rural communities into productive hubs, while youth farmers reportedly shared over N1billion as proceeds in December last year.

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

    He urged youths not to limit their political participation to social media activities, but should collect their Permanent Voter Cards and vote during the election, saying online support alone would not translate into electoral victory.

    He advised young people to be actively involved in the democratic process.

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

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

    Adedayo 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 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.

  • PDP to challenge exclusion from Ekiti governorship elections in court

    PDP to challenge exclusion from Ekiti governorship elections in court

    …says we submitted candidate’s name manually

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to challenge the exclusion of the particulars of its candidate from the provisional list of candidates for the Ekiti off-cycle governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The provisional list of candidates released by the commission on Monday revealed that the PDP candidate was excluded from the list by the commission.

    No official reason has been given by the commission for the exclusion, but it may not be unconnected with the current leadership crisis in the Party.

    But section 29(3) of the INEC guidelines for nomination of candidates for elections provides that the access code is to be made available only to the National Chairman and National Secretary of the parties, as contained in the INEC data.

    The section reads, “The National Chairman and National Secretary of political parties as contained in the Commission’s records shall be issued an access code for the electronic submission, withdrawal, and substitution of names and particulars of their candidates as elected at the political party primaries monitored by the Commission.”

    The guidelines also said that “where there are conflicting requests from the National Chairman and National Secretary of a political party, the access code shall be issued to the National Chairman of the party.”

    INEC also outlawed the manual submission of the names and particulars of its candidates for elections.

    The immediate past national chairman, Umar Damagun, who handed over affairs of the party to Tanimu Turaki, was in a position to obtain the access code from the commission before the expiration of his tenure and handed it over to the Turaki-led leadership.

    In a statement on Tuesday, National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the decision of the electoral umpire to exclude the name of its candidate was a further demonstration of the bias of the commission, saying the PDP would explore all legal means to get INEC to recognise its candidate.

    The statement reads, “The exclusion of the name and particulars of our candidate from the list of candidates for the 2026 Governorship Election in Ekiti State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet another confirmation of the biased disposition of the current leadership of the Commission towards the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “For the avoidance of doubt, INEC was duly notified of the conduct of our party’s governorship primaries. The Commission attended and monitored the exercise and subsequently issued reports confirming that the primaries complied with all extant laws and were democratically conducted.

    “Following this, INEC released the relevant nomination portal codes to our party, through which the official nomination forms were accessed, before they disingenuously blocked the code a few days before the submission date, causing us to resort to manual submission at their office (receipt of which was acknowledged).

    “Being fully aware of the grave and far-reaching consequences of excluding a validly nominated candidate from an election, INEC ought to have acted with caution and responsibility by including the name of Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, the duly nominated candidate of the PDP, in the published list of candidates.

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    “This would have been the safest and most lawful course of action for the Commission, had it acted without bias. There is no contrary submission before INEC disputing the validity of Dr. Oluyede’s nomination. There is also no court order restraining the Commission from recognising him as the PDP’s candidate. Indeed, INEC’s own monitoring report attests to the validity of the primaries and the nomination process.

    “Having failed to act appropriately, our party has immediately taken steps to approach the courts to compel INEC to do what it ought to have done in the first place.

    “While we undertake this long and tortuous legal route, we once again draw the attention of INEC to the expectations of Nigerians that the Commission must remain independent, impartial, and neutral in matters relating to political parties and the electoral process.

    “While we acknowledge the saying that he who pays the piper dictates the tune, the Commission must be conscious that the tune currently being dictated is dangerously high-pitched and will ultimately harm the piper. INEC must always act in defence of democracy, and never in antagonism to it.”

  • Ekiti: A focus on proven delivery

    Ekiti: A focus on proven delivery

    • By Tunrayo Alatise

    THE goal from day one for the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, aka BAO, has been to build a State that works for everyone, across all strata, from farmers to traders and artisans. In other words, that Oyebanji has been investing in the people, infrastructure, and in systems that promote fairness, innovation, sustainable growth and security has not come as a surprise. The progress the government has made so far is a reflection of what is possible when leadership meets genuine public interest.

    ​Since assuming office in 2022, BAO has initiated radical restructuring to improve the state’s economy. He has created new ministries, agencies, and boards to promote development across the state. As of August 2023, Ekiti State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has seen an upward trend, with revenue performance at 103% and a budgetary capital performance of 60.6%. Efforts to eliminate existing loopholes that impede revenue collection are ongoing.

    ​A total sum of N1.5 billion has been allocated for the expansion and rehabilitation of 177 primary healthcare centres to enhance healthcare delivery. Efforts also include improving electricity supply and constructing access roads to support industrial development. This includes connecting several towns and villages to the national grid and revitalizing ongoing road projects like Ado-Iworoko road, Ilawe-Igbara Odo road, Ilawe-Igede road, Ikole-Ara-Isinbode road, Ado township road, and more.

    ​The state government has recruited 2,000 teachers and initiated the construction of two Model Schools in Ikere and Ikole to improve access to education and raise the state’s ranking in public examinations. The old Civil Service Commission building has been reshaped and rehabilitated to house a new Customary Court of Appeal, for the overall purpose of facilitating the swift administration of justice. Efforts are also underway to connect the agricultural zone to the national grid to boost agriculture and create job opportunities for the youth, which will help curb joblessness and crime.

    ​In Ekiti, the commitment to development, prosperity, and the welfare of the people is a central focus of the administration. The administration has introduced mobile health initiatives and improved access to quality care in underserved areas. Reconstruction and expansion of major roads across all senatorial districts have eased movement, boosted commerce, and connected rural communities to urban centers in an environment of sustainable peace and security.

    Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership style has fostered unity, peace, and a sense of ownership among Ekiti citizens. His administration listens, learns, and leads with the people at the center of every decision. BAO has not been reckless with spending. This is confirmed by the consistent ranking of Ekiti State top in fiscal responsibility, budget transparency and civil service reforms. The governor has also strengthened some functional institutions, such as the ultra-modern Ministry of Works Complex at Ajilosun in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, which stands as a symbol of order and efficiency.

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    ​A critical examination of Ekiti state’s economy under Oyebanji reveals a strategic focus on key sectors. A review of economic activities in the state underscores the pivotal role of agriculture as a catalyst for development. The relationship between agricultural productivity and industrialization is clear, with the former serving as a foundation for the latter. Indeed, the approach recognizes the interconnectedness of economic development and the need for a holistic strategy that prioritizes agriculture as a driver of progress.

    ​The Oyebanji-led government has prioritized economic growth. He has also invested in infrastructure development, including road construction and renovation. Over 350 kilometers of roads have been covered, with 126 kilometers completed across all the sixteen local government areas. Add to this the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport project, which has made significant progress in Oyebanji’s time, with the Federal Government granting approval for commercial flight operations effective October 4, 2025. With its inauguration of commercial flights on December 10, 2025, the project is expected to boost the state’s economy, particularly in agribusiness, tourism, commerce, and medical tourism.

    ​Oyebanji’s administration has rehabilitated over 1,000 classrooms and constructed 30 new ones. The Smart School initiative at some Government Colleges is another notable project. Additionally, the Ekiti Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (E-YEEP) has provided grants, vocational training, and business support to thousands of young entrepreneurs.

    ​The administration has supported farmers with inputs, credit, mechanized tools, and guaranteed offtake markets. ​The Ilumoba-Ijesa-Isu to Ikole 33kV line is an example of efforts made at improving electricity supply, while 121 boreholes have been rehabilitated and 110 solar-powered water pumps installed for schools and health centers.

    ​The Ekiti State Food Security Project, including the Ile-Eye Aggregation Hub and Ounje Ekiti retail outlet, aims to solve post-harvest losses, inadequate storage, hoarding, and exploitation by middlemen. ​The ‘Bring Back the Youths in Agriculture’ initiative has provided training and funding for young farmers, while the Ekiti State Agricultural Farm powerhouse focuses on maize and cassava production.

    ​Ekiti State has made significant strides in enhancing security, with BAO’s administration implementing various measures to protect citizens. The state has been recognized as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, thanks to the governor’s proactive approach to addressing security challenges.

    Beyond physical infrastructure and sectoral reforms, Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the social contract, particularly with the state’s workforce and retirees. His administration has consistently prioritized the timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, settling substantial arrears inherited from previous eras. This commitment to fiscal stability and the welfare of civil servants – including the continuous implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) – has restored morale, earned the trust of labour unions, and reaffirmed the dignity of public service in Ekiti State.

    ​Furthermore, the administration is strategically positioning Ekiti for the 21st-century economy by investing heavily in the digital future. Initiatives like the ongoing Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project, complemented by the launch of the Ekiti Startup Garage, are designed to harness the state’s intellectual capital. These efforts aim to create a thriving hub for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, ultimately generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs and injecting new capital into the state’s economy by fostering a globally competitive digital workforce.

    Again, thanks to the governor’s deliberate investments in farming and allied activities. His strategic moves have also yielded impressive governance results, ranking 5th in Nigeria’s governance performance index with a score of 64.5%, according to the CIAPS Governance Performance Index (CGPI) report. These achievements are expected to create jobs and improve residents’ livelihoods.

    ​These are just a few of the achievements that demonstrate Oyebanji’s commitment to Ekiti State’s development and his vision for a prosperous future. Reflecting their impact, BAO has earned himself accolades and recognitions from various institutions and organizations for his outstanding leadership and development initiatives in the State.

    ​Oyebanji indeed deserves a second term in office. Since he has laid the credentials for good governance, he deserves the trust and confidence of the people. Having delivered on his promises, he should be given the opportunity to serve again.

    • Mrs. Alatise wrote from Ilawe, Ekiti State.
  • 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, 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 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

    HeThe 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.

  • Ekiti to create 26,000 jobs through knowledge zone project

    Ekiti to create 26,000 jobs through knowledge zone project

    The Ekiti state government has restated its commitment to create over 26,000 direct and indirect jobs and inject more than $14 million into the State’s economy annually through the ongoing Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop held at Ikogosi Resort, Ikogosi Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji said that the knowledge zone project is designed to position Ekiti to benefit from the fast-growing global digital and technological economy.

    Governor Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, described the engagement as a proactive platform for strategic collaboration, stressing that the programme will help build trust, promote innovation, and guarantee long-term success by harnessing diverse perspectives and preventing avoidable conflicts.

    He urged participants to actively engage in the workshop, emphasizing the need for each stakeholder, both individually and collectively, to understand and play their roles in achieving the project’s goals.

    He noted that every institution must align with the shared vision, especially as the world continues to advance rapidly, driven by data, artificial intelligence, cutting-edge research, and digital innovation.

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    “My government firmly believes that the prosperity of Ekiti State will be built on the strength of its people, on their talents, creativity, resilience, and intelligence. That is why this initiative was conceived as a hub where government, academia, innovators, and the private sector can work together to solve real problems, accelerate public-sector transformation, and create new economic opportunities for our young people,” he said.

    He added, “My vision for the State is one where many young Ekiti people can work for global companies without leaving their communities. We will continue to provide an enabling environment not only to make the Knowledge Zone a success, but to make the entire State a model of progress and achievement.”

    In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Dr. Moyo Ekundayo, emphasized the importance of developing problem-solving software and applications that genuinely add value to society, and urged relevant stakeholders to look beyond academic certificates and focus instead on how they can contribute meaningfully to societal development.

    Dr. Ekundayo also encouraged parents and guardians to allow their children and wards the freedom to pursue courses they are passionate about, noting that this would help ensure their long-term fulfilment and satisfaction.

    Also speaking, the Project Coordinator of EKZ, Ms. Lolade Olutola, noted that the workshop marked a significant milestone in positioning Ekiti as a premier destination for innovation, technology, research, enterprise development, and talent competitiveness.

    She explained that the engagement brought together a diverse network of stakeholders, including MDAs, higher education institutions, and cluster hubs, among others.

    She commended Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering support, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment inspires all stakeholders.

  • Plot to impose monarch sparks anger in Ekiti community

    Plot to impose monarch sparks anger in Ekiti community

    Crisis is brewing in Ijesa-Isu Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of  Ekiti State over alleged  plot to impose the monarch of the community.

    Residents alleged that the traditional procedures for choosing a new monarch was being influenced by ‘some political actors’, a development they said threatens the peace, unity, and cultural integrity of the town.

    The community members accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji, a former Deputy Governor, Chief Paul Olatunde Alabi, and the Chairman of Kajola Local Development Area, Ojo Ajayi of “attempting to influence the succession process.”

    Speaking on behalf of the community, Elder Omoyele Ajobiewe claimed the perceived political interference has heightened tensions and created fear among residents.

    According to him, some chiefs and kingmakers have allegedly come under pressure to endorse a particular candidate believed to have the backing of the some political figures.

    Ajobiewe alleged a plot to “manipulate or coerce” the kingmakers into signing a recommendation letter presenting a single preferred candidate as the only contender for the stool.

    He also accused a kingmaker of taking advantage of the ill health of the head of the kingmakers to coordinate meetings and secure signatures from elderly members, including some said to be bedridden.

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    “The very perception of interference alone is causing division, fear, and anxiety in our community. The revered Obanla stool has always been filled strictly through established customs and lineage rules without political influence. Any deviation threatens our unity and our heritage.”

    He warned that imposing a candidate could set a dangerous precedent for traditional institutions across Ekiti, undermine public confidence in both government and traditional systems, and lead to long-term communal crises.

    The community elder argued that the Obaship institution, being sacred and apolitical, must remain completely insulated from the fabrics of partisan politics in order to prevent instability and preserve cultural values.

    Calling for urgent intervention, Ajobiewe appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, traditional councils, civil society organisations, and custodians of justice to ensure that the kingmakers are allowed to perform their duties freely and without fear.

    He also urged government at all levels to investigate the concerns raised as well as reaffirm that due traditional process remains the sole legitimate means of selecting a new Obanla.

    “We make this appeal not out of hostility, but out of genuine fear that our peace may be disrupted. The Obanla stool is not a mere title; it represents our history, identity, and unity.

    “We appeal for protection of our heritage so that peace and dignity can continue to reign in Ijesa-Isu Ekiti.”

    Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, dismissed the allegations of political interference as baseless and completely at variance with the Governor Oyebanji’s respect for traditional institutions.

    Olatunbosun said that the administration remains committed to non-interference in chieftaincy matters, insisting that the governor has no preferred candidate and would not, under any circumstance, impose anyone on the community.