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Tag: Ekiti

  • Ekiti tops fiscal transparency ranking for second quarter

    Ekiti tops fiscal transparency ranking for second quarter

    Ekiti State has once again emerged as Nigeria’s most fiscally transparent state, clinching top spot with a perfect 100% score in the States Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) Q2 2025 report released by BudgIT.

    According to the report, Ekiti scored maximum points across all fiscal transparency benchmarks, including budget approval, quarterly Budget Implementation Reports, 2023 audited financial statements, Accountant-General’s reports, e-procurement portal, and state website data accessibility.

    Reacting to the report, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, described the feat as another validation of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.

    Olatunbosun recalled that Ekiti had also recorded a perfect 100% score in Q1 2025, and ranked first in Q2 and Q3 of 2024, making it the only state with such consistent top-tier performance.

    He attributed the huge success to the governor’s emphasis on fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability, and open governance.

    Olatunbosun noted that the dedication of Governor Oyebanji’s administration has brought about remarkable change and development in the State, assuring that the government would continue to be transparent and accountable while rapidly developing the State and making life more meaningful for the people.

    He said, “The focus is to involve individuals, groups, and other stakeholders, actively seeking feedback, addressing concerns, and making decisions that reflect stakeholders’ interests.

    “We will continue to keep citizens informed, empowered, and engaged. Trust in government starts with transparency, and this government will never lose sight of that.”

    Olatunbosun therefore solicited the continued support of all stakeholders in the task of developing the State, stressing that “an inclusive governance like in Ekiti has given opportunity to everybody to contribute and make suggestions on their needs.”

    “The present administration is actively involving all members of society, especially those from marginalized or underrepresented groups, in decision-making processes and governance structures with emphasis on the creation of transparent, impartial, and accountable systems that allow diverse voices to participate, share power, and contribute to policies and actions that affect their lives, leading to more equitable, effective, and sustainable outcomes for everyone. It is your right to take advantage of the situation to better your lot,” he advised

  • Ekiti monarch cries out over alleged plot to destabilise community

    Ekiti monarch cries out over alleged plot to destabilise community

    The Regent of Ijesha Isu-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Omobolaji Adeniyi, has raised the alarm over alleged moves by some individuals to disrupt the peace of the town through subversive activities.

    Addressing reporters yesterday, the Regent accused a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan and his associates of plotting to cause unrest in the community.

    The Regent condemned a recent radio announcement, which claimed that High Chief Olusegun Akiti, the Eleje of Ijesha Isu, had been suspended, describing it as false and malicious.

    She said: “We want to address some issues that have been going on in this town for some time now. Sometime last week there was a radio announcement that high Chief Olusegun Akiti, the Eleje of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti, was being suspended indefinitely by some set of people.

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    “I am here to inform everyone that such development never happened. There was no suspension whatsoever. If there will be any suspension, some procedures have to be followed. Such processes and procedures never took place, which includes setting up an investigative committee to look at the issues warranting such action in part of our community.

    “ Part of the procedure also included interrogating the person accused for the sake of fair hearing, but nothing like that took place. It is very disturbing for us to hear that Chief Akiti has been suspended through a radio broadcast. If such were to happen, the entire Obanla-In-Council seated here would be in the know.

    “It will be their joint decision and we can’t just wake up and say we will suspend a high chief for that matter. I am appealing to Nigerians and indigenes of Ijesa Isu Ekiti in particular to please disregard the purported suspension.

    “There have been some knotty issues going on in the community even before I was installed as the regent of this town, that was before the death of my late father. At first, I never thought it would degenerate into this level.”

    According to her, the security operatives both at the community and the state level have been informed and they are on top of the situation.

    “It is my prayer that there will be no violence that arises from this incident.

    “My appeal to the state government is that they should intervene. Every chieftaincy has a procedure. If any town wants to be independent, there are steps to be taken for that town to be granted autonomy.

    Contacted, ex-Speaker Aribisogan denied involvement in any plot to cause unrest, dismissing the allegations as a cheap blackmail concocted to malign his hard-earned integrity.

    He insisted that his concern had always been for the unity and progress of the town, saying: “It’s unfortunate that my name is being dragged into matters that have nothing to do with me.

    “I have no reason to foment trouble in my own community. Those making these claims are only trying to divert attention from the real issues.”

    “To the best of my knowledge, there have been no such processes and no notification to the Obanla-In-Council. I am appealing to the government to ensure the set of people trying to disrupt the peace, harmony and peaceful coexistence of this town are called to order. “

    Reacting to his purported suspension, Chief Akiti described the announcement as a fabrication.

    He noted that he was properly installed and issued a letter of appointment as Eleje of Ipole Ileje in Ijesha Isu, saying he could not be illegally removed by a few individuals acting outside the law.

    “I remain committed to the peaceful co-existence of the community and urge residents to go about their normal activities. Any act of harassment or intimidation by miscreants should be reported to the authorities,” he said

  • Ekiti monarch empowers 250 with cash, farming input

    Ekiti monarch empowers 250 with cash, farming input

    Eleje of Ipole-Ileje Ekiti, Kajola Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, Chief Olusegun Akiti, has  empowered 250 farmers with cash and farming input to boost agricultural productivity.

    The monarch gave each beneficiary N10,000 with cassava stems, seedlings, tools, and agro-chemicals during the annual Olusuise Yam Festival.

    Akiti said the gesture was part of his commitment to empower rural farmers and promote self-reliance.

    He noted that agriculture is the backbone of the community’s economy and must be strengthened to tackle food scarcity and unemployment.

    According to him, the empowerment initiative was carefully designed to reach grassroots farmers who often struggle with limited resources to expand their farms and increase yield.

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    He added that the project aligns with the Governor Oyebanji’s government efforts to reposition the agriculture sector as a major driver of development and catalyst for prosperity.

    The traditional ruler noted that farmers are key to the socio-economic prosperity of the community, stressing that the survival of traditional festivals such as Olusuise Yam Festival depends largely on bountiful harvests.

    “When farmers prosper, the community prospers. This programme is to encourage you and to ensure Ipole-Ileje remains a food basket,” he said.

    Chief Akiti assured the community that the empowerment would be sustained annually, promising to expand the scope in future editions to accommodate more farmers and other sectors of the local economy.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr Olowolagba Idowu expressed joy over the  gesture, describing it as timely in the face of the rising costs of farming inputs.

    He said that the support would reduce financial burden on smallholder farmers and encourage more people to venture into agriculture.

    Another beneficiary, Mr. David Ajayi, said the tools and chemicals provided would improve yield and prevent losses to pests and diseases.

  • Ekiti approves N7.3bn for rehabilitation of Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon road

    Ekiti approves N7.3bn for rehabilitation of Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon road

    The Ekiti state government has approved contracts worth billions of naira across key sectors, including the rehabilitation of the Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon Alaaye road at a cost of N7.3bn.

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

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

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

    According to Olatunbosun, the council also approved N3.86 billion for the construction of aviation staff quarters within the perimeter of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti. 

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

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: My aspiration not worth blood of any person – Oyebanji

    Olatunbosun noted that approval was also given for N418.9m for procurement of seven Toyota Hummer buses and one Prado SUV to support Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture programme across the 16 local governments and 22 LCDAs.

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

    He further said that N638.3m was also voted for the furnishing and equipping of dormitories for participants of the BBYA scheme, as well as N70m to recapitalize the Fountain Agricultural Marketing Agency (FAMA) for the procurement of agrochemicals to support farmers.

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

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

    He stated that the approval reflect the Governor oyebanji-led administration’s commitment to invest in infrastructures, agriculture, and youth empowerment as critical pillars of growth.

  • Ekiti 2026: My aspiration not worth blood of any person – Oyebanji

    Ekiti 2026: My aspiration not worth blood of any person – Oyebanji

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to residents of the state to shun violence and maintain peace as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election. 

    Oyebanji said that no ambition is worth the shedding of blood, warning that his administration would not tolerate any breakdown of law and order.

    The governor in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday aired on radio and television stations in the state, assured citizens that his government remains committed to protecting lives and property before, during, and after the elections.

    He expressed concern over recent cases of violence allegedly orchestrated by some political actors, noting that such incidents threaten the peace that Ekiti has enjoyed under his watch. 

    Oyebanji noted that security agencies had been fully briefed to prevent political thuggery and ensure Ekiti’s reputation as one of the Nigeria’s most peaceful states is preserved.

    He warned individuals he described as “fifth columnists” against exploiting infrastructural challenges to incite unrest, urging political leaders across parties to rein in their supporters.

    “It should never be heard that members of my party or those sympathetic to us are involved in acts capable of instigating violence. 

    “My aspiration is not worth the precious blood of any Ekiti person. No one is allowed to bully, intimidate or coerce another person. Every Ekiti citizen has a right to freely move around and peacefully canvass for votes,” the Governor said.

    While acknowledging that political tension often rises during electioneering, Oyebanji reminded residents that Ekiti had previously set a benchmark for peaceful elections in Nigeria. 

    He said his administration deliberately ran an inclusive government by bringing opposition voices on board in order to promote peace and development.

    He, therefore urged citizens to go about their legitimate activities without fear, assuring them that security operatives will decisively deal with any attempt to destabilize the state. 

    “The seed of our ambition should not be nurtured with the blood of our followers. The peace of Ekiti is far more important than individual aspirations,” he said. 

  • I’m on rescue, restoration mission in Ekiti – Olawumi

    I’m on rescue, restoration mission in Ekiti – Olawumi

    A female governorship aspirant in the October 27, 2025 shadow election of the ruling All Progressives Congress  (APC) in Ekiti State, Hon. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi, has pledged to restore the pride of the state if she emerges as the party’s flag bearer.

    She lamented that governance in the state is dying and the entire system in comatose, stating her vision for the state is anchored on a people centeref plan christened 3 RRR  (Rescue, Rebuild, and Restore) Agenda.

    The human rights activist-turned-politician spoke this at the weekend in Abuja during an interactive session with newsmen. 

    According to her: “I’m aspiring to become the Governor of Ekiti state because of my firm belief that is rooted in the deep love for our people. And my conviction that Ekiti State deserves better. 

    “Over the years, we have had successive administrations dominated by career politicians who somehow have failed to harness the full potentials of our human and natural resources in the state. This has left our youth disempowered, our economy underdeveloped, and our people struggling unnecessarily under the hardship that has been brought about to the state because of the intentional weaponisation of poverty in the state.”

    To actualise these dreams, she said her agenda will focus on economic diversification and job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship, and sustainable investments.

    She also said prime attention will be accorded to educational renaissance in order to restore Ekiti’s legacy as Nigeria’s Fountain of Knowledge.

    Lamenting the deplorable state of the education sector, Olawumi noted: “We know that Ekiti State has been the fountain of knowledge in Nigeria, but over the years, we are not proud. At a time, they even changed it from fountain of knowledge to Ile-iyi, Ile-Ileye, because they could not sustain that being the fountain of knowledge because the education sector deteriorated. To the extent that in the last WAEC and NECO examinations, you see the rating in the southwest, Ekiti came last. So we are going to have the educational sector revived”

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    On healthcare, Olawumi promised to ensure holistic reform of the sector that will guarantee dispensation of accessible and affordable healthcare for the people of the state. 

    “There is going to be a holistic reformation to make healthcare delivery affordable and accessible to our people. You see a lot of deaths in the state, which are avoidable, but because we don’t have the facilities, the equipment required, you see people just dying. These we shall address squarely.”

    The governorship hopeful then said her administration will ensure transparency and accountable governance, with the sole aim of ensuring that public funds work for the people by blocking leakages in governance.

  • ‘Ekiti has record of spending on airport’ 

    ‘Ekiti has record of spending on airport’ 

    Ekiti State Government has dismissed claims by an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Mr. Kayode Ojo, that he donated a fire service station worth N80 million to Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport project.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described the claim as untrue, misleading and mischievously designed for self-glorification.

    Oyebode spoke in Ado-Ekiti at the 2025 Press Week and Annual Public Lecture of the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    He urged reporters to scrutinise claims made by political office seekers and separate the truth from falsehood before going ahead to publish or broadcast as news.

    Oyebode said the state government had a record of total spending on the airport project, adding that there was no record of any donation of a fire station by Ojo, engineer.

    “I can say categorically here that the claim by Ojo on that fire station is incorrect, false and misleading. Available records at the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Technical Adviser on Airport Project show that the claim is false.

    “The only individual who made personal contributions to the airport project is our revered leader and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN). Despite that the elder statesman didn’t want his donations to be made public; Governor Biodun Oyebanji had at different forums acknowledged Aare Babalola’s contributions.

    “The records of project and spending at the airport are very clear. The project has remained a product of the state government’s vision to grow our agro-economy and open Ekiti to the world.

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    “The claim by Engr Ojo is baseless and there is no record of such contribution either by the former administration or the incumbent government. And if indeed Engr Ojo made such a contribution, let him come forward with evidence of the contribution, including the receipt and the name of the person that received the donation on behalf of the government.

    “What I do know and confirm from the Office of the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd), is that the fire station was completed at the airport in  July last year, fully paid for by the government.’’

    Oyebode also challenged Ojo and other aspirants in the governorship race to present tangible records of their contributions to Ekiti’s growth and development prior to their aspiration. He urged them to toe the path of honour by making claims they can substantiate and make their campaign issue-based.

    “Many of those jostling for the governorship seat today have not contributed meaningfully to the development of their local communities, let alone the state. It is not enough to make unsubstantiated claims during electioneering; the people deserve to see real evidence of service and contribution.

    “At this critical period as the state moves closer to the governorship election, we appeal to journalists to always fact-check politicians’ claims before publication,” Oyebode said.

  • Actor Odunlade Adekola buries father in Ekiti

    Actor Odunlade Adekola buries father in Ekiti

    Actor Odunlade Adekola bid a final farewell to his father, Pastor N.A. Adekola, in a grand burial ceremony held in Otun Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    The cleric passed away in July at the age of 84.

    The funeral activities began with a Service of Songs on August 18 at Christ Apostolic Church in Abeokuta, followed by a wake-keeping service and lying-in-state in Otun Ekiti.

    The interment took place on Thursday, August 21, and was attended by several Nollywood stars, including Ibrahim Chatta, Muyiwa Ademola, Eniola Ajao, and Ireti Osayemi.

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    The ceremony was well-attended, with fans and colleagues paying their last respects to the late cleric.

    Odunlade Adekola had announced his father’s passing on Instagram in July and has since received condolences from fans and industry colleagues.

  • Ekiti urges students to maximise govt’s initiatives to build brighter future

    Ekiti urges students to maximise govt’s initiatives to build brighter future

    The Ekiti State Government has urged students in the state to properly utilize the numerous initiatives provided to them by the State Government to build a bright future for themselves.

    Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the opening of the Safe Space Holiday Empowerment Bootcamp for public secondary school students in Ekiti state, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye said the bootcamp was aimed at empowering the girl child through vocational skills, character building, and networking.

    Aderiye who represented by represented by the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Michael Omolayo commended the leadership of the Adolescents Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project for bringing up initiatives that benefit the girl child.

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    She reiterated the Governor Oyebanji-led administration’s commitment towards creating a conducive environment in ensuring that girl child education thrive in the state.

    She said: “This bootcamp is the idea of his Excellency, to bring about an enriching experience for the girl child and these enriching experiences cover vocational skills, character development and to grant them the opportunity that they cannot just learn in a classroom setting.

    “This is the second edition, we had the first edition in 2024 but this one is an expanded edition because we are having two batches for it. It’s like a coaching experience, exposing the girls to challenges ahead with the spirit that they can overcome them”, she added.

    The State AGILE Project Coordinator, Mrs Yewande Adesua, said that the purpose of the bootcamp was to accommodate students from different schools to build friendship, networks and interact freely without being intimidated.

    She explained that the bootcamp would expose the students to various skills, including Basic Signs Language, Digital Skills, and Empowerment Skills like Adire making and decorations.

    “This is organised for girls across public secondary schools in Ekiti State where we are holding safe space sessions across some of our public secondary schools.

    “The purpose of this is to bring our girls together, selected from different schools so that they can network and make friends, establish standing friendship that can last a lifetime because there’s a saying that your network will determine your net worth.

    “This bootcamp is an avenue for our girls to be vulnerable without feeling bad about themselves, this will enable them to have courage and confidence in themselves.

  • Ekiti to host International Theatre Festival

    Ekiti to host International Theatre Festival

    Ekiti State Government has announced its plan to host the International Theatre Festival from August 20 to 25 at Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ado-Ekiti.

    The Festival Director and former Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, said this yesterday at a news briefing in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said the festival would feature competitive performances by the 16 local governments, showcasing their theatrical talents, with the top four earning prizes and awards.

    He added that it would also feature three command performances celebrating Nigeria’s historical figures, including Sir Ladi Kwali and Chief Moshood Abiola.

    According to him, ‘’the festival aims to promote Ekiti State’s cultural heritage, drive economic growth and leverage the soft power of the arts to build the state’s reputation as a hub for creativity and talent.

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    Ojo-Bakare said the festival was expected to generate N2billion for the state, engaging over 10,000 employees and attracting around 200,000 participants from across the world.

    He said: “The festival will begin on August 20 and end on the 25th. On August 20, artists, tourists and stakeholders will arrive in Ekiti State. All the activities will hold inside this hall at Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, except on August 24 when all of us will be going to Ikogosi. The activities of August 24 are devoted to Ikoogosi Resort.

    “The content of the festival is designed in a way that Ekiti State is mapped into the traditional 16 local governments. Each of the councils will bring a theatrical performance. So, the 16 local governments are competing and we will choose the best four for prizes and awards.

    “Bringing this festival into Ekiti is part of our efforts to mainstream creative arts into the economy of Ekiti State. We are hosting this festival because art is soft power in international and national diplomacy. I can proudly say Ekiti State today enjoys a good image nationally and internationally.

    “In public relations, in image making and building, the creative art is very powerful. It’s an image maker and through this festival, we are also contributing to the making of the global image of our dear state.”