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Tag: Oyebanji

  • Oyebanji: The rally of Ekiti State

    Oyebanji: The rally of Ekiti State

    An interesting recent news item in the recent past was the massive crowd that greeted Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) of Ekiti State’s declaration to run for a second term.

    A key element of the event was the governor’s endorsement across the dividing lines by members of other political parties, tendencies and factions. The key issue here is that, having shifted the perception of politics in the state and created what’s looking like a new base of hegemony, BAO has put himself in a pole position to sweep the electoral calculus. Therefore, anyone contesting against him has a mountain to climb.

    Read Also: We’ve spent N50bn on agribusiness in three years, says Oyebanji

    Politics is about determining the territory of perception. Oyebanji has clearly shifted the calculus by positioning himself as above partisan and sectional divides, emerging as “The Rally of Ekiti State.”

    In fairness to the facts, BAO has made a mark! He has become a towering figure focused on public service, leveraging exceptional leadership skills and an uncanny ability to build complex relationships. The question now is: what alternative can be offered that surpasses Oyebanji’s vision and leadership?

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

  • Oyebanji: we’ve spent N50b on agribusiness in three years

    Oyebanji: we’ve spent N50b on agribusiness in three years

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said his administration has spent over N50billion on agribusiness in the last three years.

    He said his vision was to turn Ekiti State into the food basket of the nation through a well-structured food supply system and mechanism that would ensure food security as well as improve access to cheap food commodities.

    The governor spoke during the inauguration of ‘Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet’ and ‘Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub’ in Ado-Ekiti.

    The ‘Ilu Eye Agregation Hub’, a registered company, buys food commodities from farmers in the state and stores, while the ‘Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet’ is to sell the food items to citizens at affordable prices.

    Governor Oyebanji reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure unbridled chains of distribution of major food items to the citizens all year round.

    He said the major concern of his administration was to fulfil the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on urgent need to grow the state out of hunger and poverty by ensuring all food items consumed in Ekiti were produced within the state.

    Read Also: We’ve spent N50bn on agribusiness in three years, says Oyebanji

    Oyebanji said the initiative was a strategic step towards addressing challenges in the agriculture sector, reducing adverse losses in effective food storage and inefficient market leakages.

    He added that the effort was part of the recommendation of the Ekiti State Food Security Committee, which was constituted to improve food supplies in the state.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, praised the governor for his efforts aimed at igniting development in the state, especially in the agriculture sector.

    He said the two projects being inaugurated signified the state’s journey to an affordable food system, as the initiative would encourage farmers ‘’who now have ready markets for their commodities.’’

    Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, also commended Governor Oyebanji for placing high premium on agriculture development.

  • Ekiti 2026: 130 groups endorse Oyebanji

    Ekiti 2026: 130 groups endorse Oyebanji

    • …say Southwest should take voter registration serious’

    Over 130 pan-Yoruba civil society and community-based groups in Lagos State yesterday vowed to mobilise for the re-election of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    The groups converged under the umbrella of the ‘Conference of Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movement (AYDM) to discuss the theme: ‘Election in Yorubaland: which way forward?

    Speakers focussed o democracy, good governance and the imperative of right choice.

    Journalist and rights activist Wale Adeoye spoke on ‘Southwest elections:the role of the common man.’

    Also, a pro-democracy crusader Popoola Ajayi spoke on ‘Democracy and good governance in Ekiti in the last two years.’

    The members of the coalition came from the six Southwest ststes, Kogi, Kwara and some parts of Delta and Edo states.

    The AYDM described Oyebanji as a beacon of hope, not just for Ekiti State, but for the entire Yoruba Nation and countrty at large.

    Adeoye described Oyebanji as a competent governor, who should be given a second term to complete his laudable projects

    He said: “He has made us proud in Yorubaland. He epitomises Omoluabi. He stands tall among his peers. His support for regional integration is remarkable. He has built milestones in education, road construction, public health, agriculture and transparency in governance.”

    Adeoye lamented that the people of Southwest have not accorded priority to voter registration, urging them to change their actitude.

    He said election should not be perceived as the exclusive affair of the party members, adding: “There is strength in the number of votes you have.”

    Ajayi, who urged massive support for Oyebanji, said the governor is serving Ekiti with patriotism, integrity and sense of responsibility.

    He praised him for his open door policy, stresing that the town hall meetings,  feedbacks, transparency, accountability, accessibility, cordial legislative/executive relations, women and youth engagement, and inclusive policies are worthy of condemnation.

    Ajayi also said that the prompt payment of workers salaries and pensions for retirees have restored dignity into the public service.

    Over 1000 people attended the event held in Lagos. In a communiqe, the Alliance said elections in any part of Yoruba indigenous territories is of critical importance to all residents in the old Western Region including states where Yoruba are indigenous.

    As part of its decisions after the two-day conference, the AYDM set up a South West Election Working Group, (EWOG) that would begin door-to-door campaign across Ekiti State once the electoral umpire blows the whistle for the campaign.

    ‘We adopt the Governor of Ekiti State to strengthen a uniform political outlook of the people that in the South West. It is in the strategic interest of a people with one history, one culture and one civilisation to have a uniform political aspiration. It strengthens regional integration and sustainable development,’ the AYDM said in the statement signed by its General Secretary Popoola Ajayi on behalf of the coalition.

    Read Also: We’ve spent N50bn on agribusiness in three years, says Oyebanji

    The AYDM said the platform has brought together the most potent socio-cultural and community-based groups across the Old Western Region to speak with one voice for a people with shared history, blood-bound relationship and common aspiration.

    “The adoption will help mobilise people who live in Ekiti and those who live outside Ekiti but register in Ekiti State to vote massively for Oyebanji in the next gubernatorial election,’ the AYDM said.

    The group stated that elections are also a critical definition of ancestral territories and that elections anywhere in the Old Western Region is like a cobweb in which no single thread can be pulled without affecting the whole network. It said the entire humanity in the old Western Region should show keen interest in any of the Yoruba States in the interest of prosperity and development in the region.

     The AYDM said the South West would be a better place with a unified development possible only when the region has a political party with a common agenda. AYDM said historically, the people in these territories have lived together for centuries, in time of war and in times of peace and that at a point in Nigerian history, the people were grouped into the old Western Region excluding Kwara and Kogi states amidst protests by people living in these territories;

    It noted that elections, political-economy, culture and values of the indigenous people in these territories are the same and therefore, the people should always at all times unite, present a common front that reflects their historical and blood bound relationship;

    The alliance said it would will mobilise, conscientise and educate the people in villages and towns; dwellers of the mountains, the plains and open fields, including seafarers and occupants of the seashores in order to ensure the emergence of credible, honest and dedicated leaders;

    That the AYDM is concerned about future elections bearing in mind that the people cannot continue to be cannon folders but should take active play active and decisive role in shaping their own future, realising that the next election in the South West is the Ekiti election.

    Other resolutions are as follows:

    “Ekiti State with a population of 4million is one of the least beneficiaries of Federal allocation being one of the states on the lowest rank in the ladder;

    “These limited resources have not deterred the State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji from deepening democracy and transforming the state excellently;

    “AYDM is impressed about the recurrent and capital projects embarked upon by the State Governor covering agriculture, tourism, education, wealth creation, road construction, job creation, youth empowerment, infrastructure and human liberty;

    “The administration of  Oyebanji has performed creditable well rating far above average. He should given limited available resources have been able to impact the lives of majority of the people of Ekiti State;

    He has opened up fresh vistas of hope, lifting the people from despair;

    “The AYDM will work and ensure massive, overwhelming and decisive victory for the Ekiti State governor in the forthcoming Governorship election;

    “YDM hereby instructs all it’s affiliate members across the South West to prepare for mass mobilisation for the second term of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji;

    “As soon as the ban on the 2027 Campaign is lifted, all affiliate members should begin house-to-house, door-to-to campaign to ensure victory for Mr Abiodun Oyebanji with a percentage   never before seen in Ekiti electoral history.

    “In the area of Education, EKSU currently even in the face of limited resources is at the 12th position in a total of 270 universities in Nigeria including public and private.

    “The tradition of transparency he has built is evident in the comprehensive ranking list published by Times Higher Education rating for 2025.The BudgIT also scored Ekiti State Government 100 out of 100 in its ratings.

    “Ekiti was also placed at the top of the fiscal transparency index in the country.The foundation said the rating is based on budget approval, quarterly BIR, 2023. Other considerations were the audited financial statements, Accountant-General’s Reports, E-Procurement Portal, and State Website Data Accessibility apart from many other forms of assessment.

    The AYDM is the largest coalition of Pan Yoruba groups made up of 130 coalition members drawn from community based, artisan and professional groups. There are 130 AYDM coalition members which includes but not limited to South West Professional, (SOWPROF); O’odua Peoples Congress, (OPC-New Era); Yoruba Communities in West Africa, (YOCWA), O’odua Peoples Congress, OPC (Reformed);Agbekoya; South West Farmers Forum,(SWFAF); United Itsekiri Peoples Congress, (UIPC); ANAMMACO, representing Okada all Riders in the South West; South West Students Coalition, (SWSC); O’odua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC); Yoruba Community Association in Northern Nigeria, (YOCANN); Ilaje Peoples Assembly; Igbimo Omo O’odua in Diaspora, Afenifere Progressive Youth Movement, (APYM), Egbe Ibile,  Yoruba Artisan and Traders Association, (YATA), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, (NATA), with some 5million registered members of mechanics established in 1953; Covenant Group, South West Professionals,(SOWPROF); Association of Yoruba Communities in West Africa (AYOCWA); Yoruba Artisan and Traders Association, (NATA); O’odua International Democratic Movement, (OIDEM); and O’odua Muslim-Christian Dialogue Group,(OIDEM).

  • We’ve spent N50bn on agribusiness in three years, says Oyebanji

    We’ve spent N50bn on agribusiness in three years, says Oyebanji

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, said his administration had expended over N50 billion in agribusiness in the last three years.

    Oyebanji said his vision is to turn Ekiti state into the food basket of the nation through a well-structured food supply system and mechanism that will ensure food security as well as improve access to cheap food commodities.

    The governor stated this during the official commissioning of ‘Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet’ and “Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub” in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital.

    The Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub, a registered company, buys food commodities from farmers in the state and stores them, while the “Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet” is to sell the food items to citizens at affordable prices.

    He reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure unbridled chains of distribution of major food items to the citizens of the state all year round.

    He added that the major concern of his administration is to fulfil the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the urgent need to grow the state out of hunger and poverty by ensuring that all food items consumed in Ekiti are produced within the state.

    The Governor said that the initiative is a strategic step towards addressing persistent challenges in the agriculture sector, reducing adverse losses in effective food storage and inefficient market leakages.

    He added that the effort is part of the recommendation of the Ekiti State Food Security Committee, which was constituted to improve food supplies in the State.

    Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said the hub had already taken delivery of 750 metric tons of white beans, 239.167 metric tons of rice paddy, 101.54 metric tons of maize and 1,716 bags of garri, all produced within Ekiti State and to be sold below market prices.

    “The initiative is aimed at strengthening the food supply system, ensuring food security, and improving access to affordable food for residents of Ekiti State. The establishment of Ilu Eye Agro-Trading and Aggregation Company Limited is a strategic step towards addressing persistent challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly post-harvest losses, inadequate food storage and inefficient market linkages.

    “This initiative is a direct outcome of the recommendation of the Ekiti State Food Security Committee, which was constituted under the leadership of Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Chairman and all members of the Food Security Committee for their diligence and professionalism in translating our vision into actionable outcomes. I’m also pleased to report that as of today, August 6, 2025, the Ilu Eye Aggregation Hubs have successfully aggregated the following food commodities from local producers and cooperatives within the state. They bought 715 metric tons of white beans, 239.167 metric tons of rice paddy, 101.54 metric tons of maize and 1,716 bags of garri, all produced within Ekiti.

    “This level of aggregation is a testament to the productive capacity of our farmers when supported with the right policies, infrastructure, and market assurance. It also marks a significant milestone in our efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and reposition agriculture as a viable economic pillar for the state,” he stated.

    Governor Oyebanji, however, noted that the retail outlet will service only households for their basic food intake at affordable prices.

    He emphasised that the intervention is structured to ensure equitable access as well as ensure strict control on the quantity of purchase per individual, zero tolerance for hoarding or diversion, and prevention of unbilled profit sharing as well as re-emergence of middlemen within the supply chain.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, had commended Governor Oyebanji for his efforts aimed at igniting development in the State, especially in the agriculture sector.

    He added that the two projects being commissioned signified the state’s journey to an affordable food system in the state, as the initiative will encourage farmers who now have ready markets for all their commodities.

    Boluwade, who is also the Chairman of the State’s Food Security Committee, affirmed that the initiative is not a palliative programme, but a programme structured to help prevent ridiculous price tags on food items that are produced during drought and peak season, as well as reduce or prevent activities of middlemen who usually extort farmers.

    Read Also: Oyebanji declares second term bid, lists achievements

    He disclosed that the State Government has also launched a commodity price dashboard to aggregate prices for major markets.

    Also, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, commended Governor Oyebanji for placing a high premium on agriculture development, which speaks to the Governor’s commitment to shared prosperity.

    He said he is confident that the initiative will put food on the tables of residents all year round and ensure that no Ekiti person goes hungry.

  • ‘Endorsements not a guarantee for Oyebanji’s re-election’

    ‘Endorsements not a guarantee for Oyebanji’s re-election’

    Former Ekiti State Commissioner for Water Resources and chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Segun Akinwumi, has said the endorsements by some former governors and elite will not guarantee re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji.

    Akinwumi, a three-time commissioner, was responding to the endorsements of the governor for a second term.

    He noted complexities and challenges in the political landscape, noting the endorsements did not come from the people.

    Read Also: 2027: Tinubu will have landslide victory, says SWAGA

    “The masses are disappointed and not happy with the administration. The so-called endorsements have been coming from former governors and their allies,” he said.

    According to him, huge allocations to the state come “with no benefits to the people under the administration”.

    Akinwumi believes the endorsements “cannot translate into second-term victory because the state still faces challenges with its roads and other critical infrastructure”.

    He said the work on the circular road in outer Ekiti city is not a major achievement, given poor roads in other cities.

    “Oyebanji cannot invite the President for project inauguration in three years despite huge allocations, but our former governors endorse him to continue another term,” he said.

  • Oyebanji declares second term bid, lists achievements

    Oyebanji declares second term bid, lists achievements

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has formally declared his intention to contest for a second term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Oyebanji made the declaration on Monday during a meeting with members of the Central Working Committee of the APC held at the party secretariat in Ado-Ekiti.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced June 20, 2026 for the governorship election in Ekiti.

    The governor cited the need to consolidate on the gains of his administration, continue delivering quality governance, the encouragement and overwhelming support he had received across the state.

    Oyebanji expressed his appreciation to the party leadership for the trust and confidence in his administration, maintaining that he has fulfilled all his campaign promises to the people of Ekiti.

    The governor while emphasising his commitment to the principles of internal democracy, noted that the APC in Ekiti remains “one big family.”

    He assured that his administration would continue to accord them the honour and recognition they deserve as elder statesmen and foundational pillars of the party.

    Read Also: Oyebanji declares interest to run again

    The governor assured the party leadership that his government would ensure that APC remains attractive to the people.

    He also said that any interested governorship aspirant within the party is free to contest for the party’s ticket.

    Oyebanji urged Ekiti citizens to obtain their Permanent Voters Card(PVC) ahead of the governorship election to be able to perform their civic rights.

    He also thanked the President Bola Tinubu for his support for Ekiti, saying the President’s economic policies has helped the state develop more rapidly.

    Earlier, the Chairman of APC in the state, Mr Sola Elesin commended Oyebanji for his leadership style, and commitment to the growth and development of the state and the party.

    Elesin described the governor as a unifying figure whose humility, accessibility, and performance in office had endeared him to party members, Ekiti leaders and the general public.

    He explained that the party remains stronger and united under Oyebanji’s leadership, adding that the peaceful atmosphere in the party was as a result of the governor’s inclusive approach and respect for party structure. (NAN)

  • Oyebanji declares interest to run again

    Oyebanji declares interest to run again

    • Governor says he has no caucus in Ekiti APC

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has formally declared his intention to seek a second term, following an overwhelming wave of public endorsement and political support across the state in recent times.

    Oyebanji, who made his intention known yesterday during a meeting with members of the Central Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the party secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, cited the need to consolidate on the gains of his first tenure and to continue delivering quality governance, as well as the encouragement and overwhelming support he had received across the state, which included traditional rulers, professional bodies, civil servants, artisans, youth groups, market women, drivers’ unions and political leaders across party lines.

    Expressing his appreciation to the party leadership for their trust and confidence in his administration and highlighting his administration’s achievements in less than three years in office, Governor Oyebanji said he had fulfilled his campaign promises to the party leadership and the people of Ekiti State.

    Emphasising his commitment to the principles of democracy and internal democracy within the party, he noted APC in Ekiti remained one big family, stressing that there was no division in the party.

    Read Also: Fayose, Oni, Adebayo, Aiyedatiwa, others endorse Tinubu, Oyebanji for second term

    The governor, who reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for former governors of the state, who he described as “the leaders of the party”, said their contributions to the growth and stability of the APC in Ekiti remained invaluable.

    He assured the people that his administration would continue to accord them the honour and recognition they deserved as elder statesmen and foundational pillars of the party.

    Oyebanji assured the party leadership that his government would ensure APC remained attractive to the people.

    He says any interested governorship aspirant within the party is free to contest for the party’s ticket.

    He urged the residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the June 2026 governorship election, to be able to vote and ensure their voices are heard.

    He thanked President Tinubu for his support to Ekiti State, noting that the President’s economic

    policies had helped the state develop rapidly.

    “Let me assure you that there is no crisis in the leadership of APC. Our topmost leader is former Governor Niyi Adebayo, followed by ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi. There is no crisis in the leadership,’’ Oyebanji said.

    The governor’s declaration was greeted with a thunderous applause by those in attendance at the meeting.

    The Chairman of APC in Ekiti State,  Sola Elesin, a lawyer, hailed Governor Oyebanji for his leadership style and commitment to the growth and development of the state and the party.

    He described the governor as a unifying figure, whose humility, accessibility and performance in office had endeared him to party members, Ekiti leaders and the public.

    Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; House of Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, among others.

  • 2026: Ekiti health workers declare support for Oyebanji’s re-election

    2026: Ekiti health workers declare support for Oyebanji’s re-election

    Health workers in Ekiti State, comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory personnel, community health officers and allied health professionals

    have declared their support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2026. 

    The health workers on Tuesday danced and sang as they staged endorsement walk to the Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. 

    Led by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the health workers endorsed the governor, citing his administration transformation in the health sector and overwhelming achievements in other sectors. 

    Filani said that the governor’s leadership through strategic policies and initiatives has been instrumental in shaping state’s healthcare system that have improved significantly the quality of healthcare delivery in the state. 

    He said, “Under your leadership, we have seen bold, people-centred policies that inspire confidence, motivate workers, and restore dignity to care delivery. From the timely implementation of hazard allowances and salary adjustments (CONMESS, CONHESS, and minimum wage), to landmark pay parity for doctors ahead of the Federal Government—Ekiti is setting a national example. 

    “Your Excellency has also cleared over a decade of unremitted pensions, ensuring security for retirees. With the recruitment of over 250 health workers, rehabilitation of 11 general hospitals, renovation of 103 PHCs, and staff quarters, investments in ICT, solar power, water supply, and establishment of 16 emergency operation centres across all LGAs, our systems are stronger and more resilient. 

    “The establishment of a pharmaceutical grade warehouse for storage of commodities and consumables The Ulerawa Scheme which guarantees and explicit and defined package of services for every resident of Ekiti, the major upgrades at EKSUTH, including a NICU, dialysis centre, and annual payment of medical residency training fund—are testament to visionary, inclusive governance.

    “We especially celebrate the upgrade of Ikole Specialist Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre—an outcome of strategic advocacy that will boost access and regional development.

    “Your Excellency, your legacy is not only in policies and projects—it is in lives saved, dignity restored, and hope renewed. On behalf of the health workforce, we say thank you. May your tenure continue to advance the health and prosperity of Ekiti people.”

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Ekiti State, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde moved the endorsement motion and seconded by the Chairman, Hospital’s Management Board, Austin Ibikunle.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: Fayose, Bamidele, others endorse Oyebanji’s re-election bid

    Responding, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro commended the health workers for standing behind the governor’s re-election bid. 

    She noted that the latest endorsement by the health workers is a testament of the governor’s unwavering commitment in providing dividends of democracy in line with his six-point agenda while assuring them of government’s commitment to support the health workforce. 

     “They compared what the governor is doing for them with what they have been receiving in the past and they see the difference in a big way. They will continue to enjoy what he has been doing for them. The governor is appreciating them of their visit and he will continue to do more”, she added. 

  • 2026: Ekiti Deputy Gov rallies women for Oyebanji’s second term bid

    2026: Ekiti Deputy Gov rallies women for Oyebanji’s second term bid

    Ahead of the June 20 governorship poll in Ekiti State, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains the best for the state to continue till 2030.

    She stated that the state can’t afford a trial and error governance, by electing a neophyte to govern the state at the expense of an experienced governor like Oyebanji, whom she said has been tested and trusted as an administrator. 

    Mrs Afuye spoke in Aramoko and Ado Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti West and Ado Local Governments at the conclusion of women mobilisation tour organised by the office of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji to rally support for her husband.

    Mrs Afuye assured the APC members that his boss, Biodun Oyebanji will serve more inclusively and beneficially, if given the second term in office.

    She saluted the APC members in Ekiti West and Ado Local Governments for their spirit of camaraderie and solid backing towards Governor Oyebanji and the First Lady, who are their son and daughter.

    “You have tested Governor Oyebanji and found him suitable as a Governor. He has done excellently well in the last three years. You know that if given a second term, he will do more. I want you to double your votes for him.

    “Our governor hails from Ekiti West and the First Lady is from Ado Ekiti. He is your son. I know you won’t let him down. As you won’t let him down, he too will not disappoint you, be rest assured about this.

    “What we need in Ekiti is someone with the experience and the fear of God to lead us. I know Governor Oyebanji possesses all these qualities”, she said.

    Making projection into the future, Mrs Afuye added that the government will continue to be gender sensitive, by allotting more lofty positions to women in politics and administration, saying the governor is counting heavily on them to clinch the ticket in the party’s primary.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, commended the governor for standing by women to rise politically and administratively saying only Ekiti has six members in the House of Assembly in the country.

    Prof Adubiaro assured that the government will elevate more women into exalted positions, if Governor Oyebanji is allowed to control the lever of power till 2030.

    The APC Women leader, Mrs Caroline Eegunlusi and the Chairperson, Ekiti APC Women Council, Mrs Ronke Okusanya, said Ekiti women have indisputably enjoyed the dividends of democracy under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership.

    They posited that the governor deserved being supported by womenfolk at the APC’s primary and the main election slated for 2026, urging them not to disappoint for posterity to judge them well as people who mean well for the state. 

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, urged the women and other party members to be steadfast in their support for the governor, who has served with passion and delivered the best for the state.

    Read Also: Makinde, Oyebanji ‘mourn a man of integrity’

    Awe said the massive turn out of women at the mobilisation tour, was a well amplified message that Ekiti is safe for Governor Oyebanji in the impending primary and governorship poll, urging them not to allow anybody to derail the ongoing process, they way it happended in 2014. 

    “The governorship primary comes up in September this year, please, stand with the governor. Let us allow the present level of development to continue. We can’t allow Ekiti to go back to Egypt, support the governor to win the party’s ticket in the interest of all of us”, Awe said.

    On the entourage are: Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, Hon Sola Elesin-led APC State Working Committee, Commissioners, Special Advisers, women groups, market women, women political office holders, among others.

  • Makinde, Oyebanji ‘mourn a man of integrity’

    Makinde, Oyebanji ‘mourn a man of integrity’

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed condolence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the death of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

    He also commiserated with the wife of the former president, Aisha, and his entire family, praying God to grant repose to his soul.

    Makinde in a statement yesterday described Buhari’s death as unexpected, noting, however, that the former president made his mark in serving the country.

    He prayed that God gives his family the fortitude to bear the loss, while also granting the ex-military head of state Aljanah Firdaus.

    Read Also: AU, ECOWAS mourn Buhari

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has expressed condolences over the death of former President Buhari.

    “We have lost a great leader. This is indeed a monumental loss to Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole,” declared Governor Oyebanji in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday.

    According to Governor Oyebanji, the late Buhari did not only serve the country meritoriously right from his youthful days as a military officer, he lived an exemplary life of selfless service to the country and led the nation at two periods- as a military head of state and two terms President and Commander-in-Chief, where he put in his best.

    He described the former President as a patriot, a man of integrity and a statesman, who earned his place in history as an anti-corruption champion, and through his sheer commitment to the oneness of the country as well as his dogged pursuit of her socio-economic development.

    Oyebanji said the late President had at different periods in his life made some sacrifices towards the greatness of the country. This, he said, had etched his name in gold.