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Tag: Ekiti

  • Ekiti govt pledges support for rainstorm victims

    Ekiti govt pledges support for rainstorm victims

    A severe rainstorm has left a trail of destruction in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State and some neighbouring communities, with properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

    The rainstorm, which lasted for two hours on Saturday, caused widespread damage to residential buildings, public institutions, commercial structures and electrical facilities.

    Electrical poles and telecommunications masts were pulled down by the stormy downpour, while roofs were blown off, leaving hundreds of people homeless.

    The areas worst hit were Oke-Ori Omi, Odo Are, Bank Road, Fajuyi Area, Okesa, Oke-ila, Odo Ado and Isato-Oke, among others.

    Speaking during the assessment of the damage yesterday, Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the destruction as “monumental and worrisome.”

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, sympathised with the victims and pledged government’s support, to rebuild their damaged structures.

    “You can see that the destruction was massive. There is no way it won’t be a financial burden on those that were affected. Though we are happy that no life was lost, this is a major thing for us.

    Read Also: Ekiti varsity don seeks better funding for education

    “We have always been advocating that our people should do turnaround maintenance on their buildings before the start of rainy season. The government also encourages tree planting around residential buildings to serve as wind breakers. These are the best ways to prevent some of these occurrences.

    “We really sympathise with those affected. Like we have said earlier, we won’t abandon them. We are with them. The government will surely intervene and give the support required to rebuild these damaged structures,” he said.

    The governor directed Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EK-SEMA) to conduct a thorough evaluation and enumeration exercise of those affected in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

    He appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the rainstorm incident, lamenting that thousands across the 16 local governments had become homeless, while some had lost their means of livelihood.

  • Ekiti varsity don seeks better funding for education

    Ekiti varsity don seeks better funding for education

    A Professor of Educational Education at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), Edith Olofunmilola Olorunsola, has called on the Federal Government to increase the budgetary allocation for education.

    Prof. Olorunsola lamented that N3.52 trillion allocated to the education sector, which represents seven per cent of the 2025 total budget, falls below the 26 per cent benchmark recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

    She noted that most of the challenges affecting the education sector, especially in the area of funding and infrastructures would be tackled, if  education received the UNESCO’s recommended 26 percent of the nation’s annual budget.

    Prof. Olorunsola made this call on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti while delivering the 89th inaugural lecture of EKSU entitled: “Revitalisation of Nigerian Universities: A Fulcrum For Workers’ Job Satisfaction and Performance”.

    She also called on governments and private sectors at all levels to increase financial support to ensure adequate infrastructure and research funding in the universities to effectively achieve the goals and objectives of university education.

    Read Also: Wike hails Okowa, Delta Governor over defection to APC

    The university don also urged all levels of government to periodically review the salaries and performance-based bonuses of lecturers to attract and retain top talents.

    This, she said, would help to reduce the rate of brain-drain syndrome paralysing effective and efficient service delivery in the university system.

    Her words: “This revitalisation cannot be done by the government alone, but it has to be a joint responsibility of the government at all levels, the NGOs, the alumni associations, philanthropists, through endowment, and collaboration with other international organisations.

    “It is, therefore, crucial for the government to prioritise education in her national budget to meet UNESCO’s recommendation of 26% for developing nations to meet the needs of education and the workers.

    “Governments and private stakeholders should increase financial support to ensure adequate infrastructure and research funding are put in place in the universities to effectively achieve the goals and objectives of university education in Nigeria.

    “Periodic salary reviews, performance-based bonuses should be implemented to attract and retain top talents. This will help to reduce the rate of brain-drain syndrome, which has paralysed effective service delivery in the university system.”

    She equally urged the university to invest in ultra-modern classrooms, research laboratories, technology-imbued offices and technological resources to create a conducive work environment for  its workers.

    Speaking with reporters after delivering her inaugural lecture, she expressed her delight at the successful outing of the programme, saying it was a fulfilment of her career.

    “I feel so fulfilled and elated today. It has been a great day in my life and in my history that I delivered this inaugural lecture. It’s a fulfillment of my career and I give all the glory to God, my maker, who has made it possible,” she added.

    In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ayodele hailed Prof. Olorunsola for making the institution proud, describing her presentation as a “successfully delivered inaugural lecture”.

  • FG orders probe into alleged N5.2m extortion by NSCDC officers in Ekiti

    FG orders probe into alleged N5.2m extortion by NSCDC officers in Ekiti

    The federal government has launched an investigation into the alleged extortion of ₦5.2 million by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) from a group of youths in Ekiti State.

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directed the probe, according to a statement released by his media aide, Alao Babatunde.

    The officers were accused in a viral social media post of extorting the money from young men travelling from Ado-Ekiti to Akure, Ondo State.

    Read Also: NSCDC arrests man with gun in Bokkos church premises

    Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured the public that any officer found guilty would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

    “We will not tolerate any form of misconduct from our security agencies. 

    “We are building a paramilitary that is disciplined, professional and serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all sense of diginity and patriotism. 

    “On this case, we will see that justice is upheld and ensure that security personnel serve with forthrightness,” the Minister said. 

  • Ekiti APC leaders endorse Tinubu, Oyebanji for re-election 

    Ekiti APC leaders endorse Tinubu, Oyebanji for re-election 

    Leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) have unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for a second term in office, citing their exemplary leadership qualities and impactful policies as reason for their endorsement. 

    The endorsement, which was passed at a special Caucus meeting of the chapter of APC at Iyin Ekiti, was attended by the first civilian Governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and the immediate past Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, as well as Oyebanji. 

    Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; Ekiti Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye, former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu; serving and former  members of the National and State Assembly, Party Chieftains, Among others. 

    Speaking while moving the endorsement motion, which was ratified through a very loud voice vote, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), commended President Tinubu for his decisive economic reforms that have revitalized the country’s economy as well as his comprehensive security strategies that have addressed the root cause of insecurity in the country within one and half years in office. 

    He said for these reasons and several other positive outcomes, the President deserved to be supported for re-election in order to sustain the gains and ensure their long term effect.

    Describing the President’s reforms as “transformational”, with profound impact on the socio-economic landscape, Senator Adaramodu said “I, on behalf of the National Assembly Caucus and as a true progressive member of our great party, APC, I move that we in Ekiti APC, want to adopt continuity, starting from our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that comes 2027, we are moving that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should continue as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that the Renew Hope Agenda shall continually be renewed”.

    Addressing concerns over high-profile political alignments outside the APC, the Senator  insisted the party remains unshaken. “We are not worried. What do you expect politicians to do other than play politics? Whether through lies or propaganda, they have to try something.”

    While moving the motion for the endorsement  of Governor Oyebanji for re- election, the Speaker Aribasoye said the Governor had  demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities characterised by his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Ekiti people and all round development of the state.

    The Speaker praised the Governor for making the party highly acceptable to the people through his sterling performance, people-oriented policies and programs as well as consistently prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the citizens, thereby fostering trust and unity across the state.

    The Speaker said: “I, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, rise to move a motion of utmost importance concerning the leadership of our great party, APC under the leadership of our dear Governor Biodun Oyebanji who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities characterised by integrity, dedication and deep commitment to the welfare and development of Ekiti and that his sterling performance has resulted in remarkable infrastructure development, enhance security, improved healthcare, education outcomes and the overall social economic growth of the state, I therefore move that this distinguished caucus of our great party APC, in Ekiti pass a vote of confidence in Governor Oyebanji, affirming our unwavering support for his leadership and vision for Ekiti. 

    “Furthermore I move that this caucus endorse Governor Oyebanji to contest the forth coming 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State”

    Read Also: Keep supporting Tinubu, Fubara tells Rivers

    Fayemi said: “Generally speaking, I think we have a lot to thank God for and we must thank our Governor, everywhere we turn to its BAO, our leader and I do exchange notes regularly, when i was coming back to the country yesterday morning, I travelled with somebody from the Senate from London and he said thank you very much for the Governor. 

    “He said I went to Ekiti for Senator Bamidele’s conferment of honourary degree, you need to extend Ekiti magic to the rest of the country to help us. This is all due to the way our Governor has conducted himself and how he conveyed his sense of humility and service to the party both at the national and the state levels, and that is why we are all gathered here to happily work together with him to accomplish the task of greater development for the people”.

    Responding, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to leaders of the party for their belief in his leadership acumen and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and for creating a conducive environment that has allowed states to thrive through bold national policies and reforms.

  • Ekiti lawmaker seeks revival of Omoluabi values

    Ekiti lawmaker seeks revival of Omoluabi values

    A lawmaker representing Ado Constituency 1 in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayodeji Adegbite, has called for a statewide campaign to revive Omoluabi values and ethos.

    Adegbite said the Yoruba value system embodies integrity, honesty, and respect for elders.

    According to him, the re-awakening of the Omoluabi values is necessary to combat the rising wave of anti-social behaviour among youths in the state.

    Hon Adegbite made the call while moving a motion on the need to revitalise and promote the concept of Omoluabi among children and youths in Ekiti State.

    Hon Adegbite’s motion was seconded by Hon Temitope Longe, representing Oye Constituency 1, who described the Omoluabi value system as a concept that embodies the best of Yoruba culture and tradition.

    Adegbite lamented that the erosion of these values has led to various negative effects, including cybercrime, internet fraud, cultism, drug abuse, and money rituals.

    “We need to take the bull by the horns and embark on a statewide sensitisation and campaign programme to promote Omoluabi values,” Hon Adegbite said. “This will help to guide our youths towards the paths of integrity, excellence, and responsible citizenship.”

    Read Also: Okanlomo Omoluabi John Olukayode Fayemi at 60

    Adegbite urged the Ministry of Education, Information, and Value Orientation to take the lead in organising the campaign, which he believes will help to safeguard Ekiti’s cultural values and protect the future of its youths.

    He equally admonished his colleagues in the Assembly to rise against the menace by safeguarding the cultural values and protecting the future of the youths through the revitalization of the moral compass in our society and guiding the next generation towards the paths of integrity, excellence, and responsible citizenship.

  • Ekiti engages facility manager for agro-cargo airport

    Ekiti engages facility manager for agro-cargo airport

    Ekiti State Government has engaged the services of a renowned Airport Facility Manager, AAC Management Ltd, for the management and operation of Ekiti International Cargo Airport, ahead of the beginning of commercial flight operations.

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji said this yesterday while receiving top officials of the AAC Management Ltd, led by the Managing Director, Christophe Penninck, in his office in Ado-Ekiti.

    He restated the commitment of the state government to ensure operations of the new airport meet best international standards in terms of facilities, safety and management, in order to make it attractive for local and international air travels.

    The governor said his administration had deliberately taken aviation as major catalyst for growth and development in a bid to actualise the shared prosperity agenda of his government.

    He said his administration was of the opinion that aviation would make a significance impact on the economy of Ekiti State, Southwest and Nigeria, adding that the state had done well to attract one of the  best hands in Nigeria to manage facilities at the airport and bring it to international standard.

    Oyebanji hailed the managing director of the facility management company for the guidance he had provided for the state, which, according to him, had assisted the state to achieve certification with ease.

    Government, he said, was not unmindful of the teething challenges in the smooth operation of the airport.

    He, however, said such challenges were being handled, including getting Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to place the airport on the national grid, as well as partnering a private institution to link the airport with its Independent Power Plant (IPP).

    The governor said he was excited to have the airport as a hub for Hajj and Christian pilgrimage operations, noting that the state was making efforts to ensure the Instrument Landing System (ILS) was installed at the airport before the end of the year, for effective night operations.

    Read Also: Ekiti flags-off 15km Ido-Ipere-Iludun road project

    On the airport road, Oyebanji said Federal Government had already awarded contract of the road and that the contractor would soon begin work.

    He disclosed that the ring road linking the airport road would be completed by June.

     “For us as a government, we are desirous of doing well, we are desirous of attracting investors and tourists to the state. So, creating access through transportation is key. The conception of the airport during the last administration was a deliberate action aimed at making it a game changer to reposition transportation system in the state.

    “We believe access to Ekiti State is key to our shared prosperity agenda. We don’t want an airport in name but one that meets all conditionality for 24 hours access. This is why whatever it’s going to cost us, we are going to put an ILS in place because for the airport to be competitive, we must put in that place, standard facilities that every airline will want to land there.

    “We will build the traffic, we’ve done our own traffic studies. As at today, we have close to seven higher institutions in the state. We can also have passengers from parts of Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ondo states. We are deliberate about our action and we know that very soon the airport will fulfil its potentials,” he said.

    Penninck said the airport had the potential for rapid growth, as the state was aggressively attracting investors and industrialists, who would invariably need the services of the airport.

    Penninck, who disclosed that the airport was already generating revenue for the state, stressed the need to motivate interested airlines to the airport.

    He said he was desirous of ensuring that the airport made profit for the state as well as develop ability to run itself.

  • Ekiti flags-off construction of 15km Ido-Ipere-Iludun road

    Ekiti flags-off construction of 15km Ido-Ipere-Iludun road

    Ekiti state government has flagged off the construction of the 15.10km Ido-Ipere-Iludun road project under the Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ido-Ekiti, the Special Adviser and Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. John Ekundayo said the road would create access to farmsteads and stimulate economic growth in the state.

    Ekundayo, who appreciated Governor Oyebanji for extending his developmental strides to the area tasked residents of Ido-Osi and Ilejemeje local government areas to take ownership of the project for the overall development of the state.

    He said: “We want to appreciate the governor for hearing the cry of people in these communities in Ido-Osi and Ilejemeje LGAs. With all the communities doing farming, it will open up the access roads for agriculture and businesses to grow. It will promote commercial activities and communal development in this environment.

    “I want to say to the communities that they should work with the contractor and they should take ownership. That is what the governor has been saying to take ownership of this road. It is for the good of this environment and they they should not dump refuse in the gutters.”

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: Fayose, govt clash over alleged destruction of posters, billboards

    The Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti and Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, commended the governor for approving the construction of the road after many years of neglect by previous administrations.

    He said: “It’s a thing of joy because this road has been here for many years unconstructed, unmaintained and abandoned. We are happy that our governor has commissioned this road for construction. You will see the effects on the farmers. We have been starved of good roads for years. Many of the farmers will come to this zone and now that the road is been constructed, food production is going to skyrocket.”

    The event attracted well-meaning sons and daughters of Ido-Ekiti and Ekiti State in general, traditional rulers including; Oba James Olufemi, Omiyale, the Onipere of Ipere-Ekiti, Oba J. K. Akinola, Owa of Iludu-Ekiti; Oba Joshua Oluwagboyega Ogunibiyi, Onijaro of Ijaro, among other eminent personalities.

  • Police detain officer accused of stabbing civilian in Ekiti

    Police detain officer accused of stabbing civilian in Ekiti

    The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a police officer accused of stabbing a civilian in Ise-Ekiti following a dispute involving the officer’s girlfriend and the victim’s son.

    The incident sparked public outrage after a viral video surfaced showing the victim’s daughter accusing the officer—allegedly an orderly to a local government chairman—of attacking her father at their residence.

    According to her account, the conflict began when her younger brother had a disagreement with a female classmate, who later reported the matter to her boyfriend, the officer in question.

    She alleged that two officers later arrived at their home under the pretext of making an arrest, which quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.

    Confirming the development, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abutu Sunday, said in a statement issued on Friday that the officer has been arrested and the case is under investigation.

    “The Ekiti State Police Command has noticed a video circulating on social media where a young girl (name unknown) was complaining that her father was stabbed on his palm by a policeman serving in Ise-Ekiti due to an argument that ensued between her brother and the policeman’s girlfriend,” the statement read.

    Read Also: Police, NSA Office rescue 17 kidnap-victims

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to take over the case for a full investigation.

    “Meanwhile, the officer in question has been taken into custody for investigation and other necessary actions,” Sunday stated.

    The command urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the matter would be handled with fairness and justice.

    “The command is calling on everyone, especially the family members of the victim, to be calm, as nothing short of justice will be delivered in this case as soon as possible,” he said.

  • Ekiti cargo Airport targets 24-hour flight operation

    Ekiti cargo Airport targets 24-hour flight operation

    Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji has stated that efforts are in place to ensure the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport runs 24-hour operation to make the route competitive.

    The Governor also expressed delight the economy of the state has recorded significant improvement in the past two-and-a-half years, promising to do more to ensure a more sustainable development of the state and better living standard for the people.

    Oyebanji, who stated these on Monday night during the March edition of his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor”, said his government intends to make the Ekiti Airport a major hub as well as a major driver of the economy, attracting more investors to the state and boosting the economic capacities of the citizens.

    He explained his administration has entered into discussions with three major airlines in the country to commence commercial flights at the airport, facilitate air travel, tourism development, more investment and transportation of cargoes and export of farm produce to local and international destinations.

    While expressing optimism at least two of the airlines would operate flights to and from the airport, Oyebanji said his administration also hopes to make the route competitive by working hard to install Instrument Landing System (ILS) that will enable the operation of 24-hour flights in the airport.

    The Governor said: “The issue is to make the route profitable and competitive for airlines and if the route is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of what we are doing is to make it an airport of choice and by next year, they will be able to run Hajj and (Christian) pilgrimage.

    “To make it an airport of choice, we must put a structure that guarantees 24-hour landing. There is what we call Instrument Landing System (ILS) which enables night operations and also enables planes to land in extreme weather. ILS as at today will cost close to N4.6 billion but we are determined to get it done.

    “We are determined that before the end of this year, we will install ILS at the Ado Airport. If we are able to do that, it will be the second airport in Southwest after Lagos Airport that has such a facility so that aircraft can land at night. We are also talking to a vendor that will provide a hangar for airport services, so it’s a whole gamut of transaction that is going on.”

    The Governor also disclosed that a cargo shed is being constructed at the airport to serve as storage facility for farm produce and cash crops. He commended the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for facilitating its inclusion in the budget.

    The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was given approval for non-scheduled flight operation for six months last December. Governor Oyebanji who said expressed optimism that the airport would be one of the most competitive by the time it commences commercial operations.

    Speaking further, Oyebanji identified some indices of economic growth witnessed under his administration to include springing up of more businesses in the state made possible by an enabling environment for them to flourish, improved internally generated revenue and receipts from the Federation Account, as well as adequate protection of lives and property.

    The Governor, who disclosed  Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has moved from about N600 million monthly to over N2 billion monthly, attributed the feat partly to the fact that more residents are now encouraged to pay their taxes, having seen evidence of the government’s effective utilisation of proceeds of the taxes in every part of the state.

    He explained that his administration has not restricted development strides to only Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, as it is being speculated in some quarters, noting that virtually all parts of the state including the rural areas have been touched.

    Read Also: Ekiti urges women to embrace livestock farming

     He also expressed readiness to keep on working for the people of the state  till his last day in office, stressing that he wont be distracted by on going politicking.  

    Speaking on the state of the treasury, Oyebanji said what the State Government and local governments receive monthly are not hidden as they are published by the office of the Accountant General noting that they vary from one month to the other.

    He emphasised his administration does not tamper with the local government funds as the State House of Assembly has an enabling law with established the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) with the monies for the councils coming directly into the account from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    While noting that he does not get involved in how the funds are shared, the Governor pointed out that he only monitors the projects the council chairmen execute with the funds to ensure that they are in line with the needs of the people and they such projects are satisfactory.

  • Ekiti urges women to embrace livestock farming

    Ekiti urges women to embrace livestock farming

    Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has urged women to embrace livestock farming, to tackle poverty and enhance food security.

    The L-PRES State Coordinator, Olayinka Adedipe, promised that the World Bank assisted project would connect them with avalanche of opportunities within the livestock value chain to improve their livelihoods.

    Read Also: Brazilian firm bringing multi-million dollar investments  to livestock sector

    He spoke in Ado-Ekiti during a one-day sensitisation programme for female livestock farmers with the theme: “Promoting And Encouraging Women In Livestock Sub-Sector”, in commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.

    Adedipe, represented by the state L-PRES Extension Officer, Mrs Olubunmi Ajayi, said the role of women in the project could not be overemphasised, stressing the need to include them as critical stakeholders in achieving L-PRES objectives.