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  • BAO-mania: How Oyebanji reset Ekiti politics(in celebration of governor’s 2nd anniversary)

    BAO-mania: How Oyebanji reset Ekiti politics(in celebration of governor’s 2nd anniversary)

    Fourteen years ago on 31 October, 2010 shortly after the Apeal Court, Ilorin, ruled in the Fayemi Vs. Oni election case, and I was reflecting on the way forward for my Ekiti state, I wrote as follows on these pages in the article ‘Ekiti: Beyond Politics’:

    “As William Shakespeare wrote in Julius Caesar, “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.”

    You would think  the Bard of Avon had Ekiti in mind when he penned those memorable words as they fit us so uncannily, looking like a clarion call to every Ekiti, young and old, to take our destiny in our hands and blow off  the shibboleths that have stuck to us like  ‘amutorunwa spots’.

    The time is not now to ask how we got here. Rather, it is a time for total reconciliation: first, with our God, and then amongst ourselves, Ekitis. 

    The appropriate questions for us now are: what is the way forward? How do we rediscover, hold , cherish and nourish again, those pristine and immaculate Ekiti cultural traits which have served generations of Ekiti so splendidly? How do we get back that bonhomie, that espirit de corps that total strangers saw in us and thought we were all born of one mother?

    How do we begin to re- discover those economic traits that galvanized and enabled the poorest of our fathers to see his children and wards through college; how do we begin to seriously contend with the multi-faceted problems that today confront all of us, Ekitis, but especially our youth, educated  thousands of them, who are paving the streets of Abuja, Lagos and Ado-Ekiti in search of non-existent jobs? How do we take Ekiti back into the main economic artery of our nation? How do we get our respectability and honour back?

    Where do we go from here?”

    These are the questions, though  unknown to him, I imagine that governor Biodun  Oyebanji have, these  two years, been  answering with aplomb; and in ways that have greatly endeared him to Ekitis across board.

    It is my intention in this article, to examine what factors assisted him in breaking what can be described as ‘the circle of crises’, not only in our politics, but in everything pertaining to the state; a crises so all -encompassing we had a one- day governor, recorded, unlike any other Nigerian state, an inchoate impeachment and  witnessed series of politically motivated assassinations. 

    I shall try to unearth how the governor  birthed a  paradigm shift from Ekiti’s atavistic politics of many decades.

    Come 16 October, 2024 Ekiti state will go agog for governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji whose nickname, BAO, and the way the people rhapsodise it,  reminds one of the old ACB advert: ‘ACB, e dey for every corner’.

    BAO is everywhere on the lips of literally every Ekiti, man or woman, young and old – thanks to an Omoluabi governor who, within two years, has done everythig to re- set the state’s highly divisive politics; an achievement so compelling two of his predecessors, from other political parties, namely, Governors Ayo Fayose (PDP) and Segun Oni (SDP)  have already endorsed him ahead of the state’s next governorship election which is not due until 2026 – a complete rarity in a state where politics used to be played on the basis of ‘bo ba o pa, bo ba, o bu lese’ – that is, extremely dangerous politics.

    As if in confirmation of the above, and to show that notice is being taken of this ‘BAO phenomenon’, even beyond Ekiti state, the management of Marketing Edge, Nigeria’s leading Marketing and Advertising Magazine,      foreshadowed this article when, this past week, it named him winner of its 2024 ‘Most Outstanding Governor of the Year in the Inclusive Leadership and Grassroots Development category.

    According to the magazine, “Gov. Oyebanji was unanimously voted winner of the coveted category after painstakingly evaluating his approach to governance, development and leadership, alongside other Nigerian governors. The award, the magazine further noted, was in recognition, and celebration, of his not only impacting the people of the state with laudable projects and policies, but for also using his exalted position to redefine governance by promoting peace, and uniting leaders, in the state irrespective of their political and social background”.

    Within two years, governor Oyebanji has  demonstrated the truism in Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s categorical assertion that the ‘raison detre’ of government, qua government, is the welfare and happiness of the governed.

    His two years has reduced bile, and enemity, from within the people, especially from amongst politicians who, before now saw politics only as a slugfest, thus ensuring that Ekiti was always in the news for the wrong reasons.

    Truth be told, politics in the state had not always been that terrible or dangerous.

    While that is not to suggest that there were no fierce inter, and intra – party contestations,  especially during the UPN vs NPN days, politics in Ekiti was a lot more friendly as elders, the likes of Chiefs Babatola, Akerele, Akomolafe, Dr N.F Aina, Professor Banji Akintoye, Chief S.K Babalola and other leaders of the UPN, and their counterparts in the NPN, ensured that.

    Things, however, changed rapidly for the worse from around 2003 for two main reasons.

    Read Also: Oyebanji: Ongoing oddity?

    One of these can loosely be described as ‘sibling rivalry’, while the other, and much more virulent one, was the intrusion of busybodies from outside the state, spearheaded by none other than then President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose  one consuming ambition was to undo, and supplant, Awo’s esteemed position in Yoruba land. This past week, former Oyo state governor, Oba rashidi  Ladoja, whose illegal impeachment the former President engineered, gave a no holds- barred interview on President Obasanjo’s involvement in Oyo state politics; a near replica of what he did in Ekiti.

    Regarding what I describe loosely as sibling rivalry, it was a question of a good intention turned awry.

    E -11, a socio – cultural group from which a slew of Ekiti state governors subsequently emerged, was an

    ensemble of highly regarded, and well educated young Ekiti professionals who had started out intending to positively impact the state’s politics, and economic development. That was until there was a collision of ambitions.  The group thus floundered very badly, and its members headed into the two major political parties, and ferociously fought one another. E.11 was a group which, had the members remained ‘ad idem’, would have taken Ekiti to great heights.

    It was a missed opportunity.

    That fluid situation was what, together with external intervention, dominated the brigandage that engulfed the State House of Assembly when the two parties had equal number of members.

    President Obasanjo’s role in Ekiti politics, for instance, was completely deleterious.Together with Bode George, a PDP chieftain, and OBJ’s armour bearer, when they were not rubbishing PDP’s primary election results, picking the 3rd placed contestant as candidate instead of the first, they were scheming governor Fayose’s impeachment which would later turn out inchoate. All these eventuated in massive instability in the state. There were, for instance, cases of politicians within the same political party who, for years, did not exchange greetings. I should know because I intervened in one or two of such. Things were that bad.

    The above was  the state of affairs in Ekiti politics during the very contentious primaries that saw Oyebanji emerge as APC candidate for the 2022 election – contentious only because of the fallacious story which claimed that the incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, was determined to impose him on the other candidates.

    I remember interviewing Dr Fayemi on this and subsequently reported my findings on this column.

    What then are the factors that informed governor Oyebanji’s decision to attempt a paradigm shift to the debilitating situation?

    Oyebanji has been a long-term observer/participant in the affairs of the state, and there can be no doubt, he must have many times belly- ached over the state of permanent crisis, and its negative consequences on the state’s economic development.

    He had probably wished he could be part of the solution.

    With his, probably, unanticipated election  as  governor, he had probably thanked God for the opportunity to try bring peace to this very unique state amongst Nigerian states. For those who may not know, Ekiti state is the only mono- lingual state in this country. We speak the same language just as we eat the same iyan (pounded yam)- LOL.

    What personal factors then played a role in achieving his ambition.

    I’d like to summise that the following must have helped:

    UPBRINGING

    The highly perceptive Yoruba have this saying: ile lati nko eso rode’,meaning that good upbringing underpins good manners.

    Therefore,

    without a scintilla of doubt, governor Oyebanji has  a solid home training to thank for all he has been able to do.

    This is sure to be an  upbringing rooted in very strict discipline,  respect, not just for elders, but for everybody he may interact with, just as loving your neighbour which Jesus Christ taught us, must have been a key part of it. I also feel certain that his loving parents must  have schooled him in the essence of contentment.

    How do I know these?

    Governor Oyebanji demonstrates them in his interactions with people, no matter how lowly they are, in spite of his high office. I have not, for instance, once seen him angry, or raise his voice and I didn’t know him yesterday.

    Concerning contentment, my WhatsApp chat with him on 30 June, 2021, regarding why I think he should contest the state’s 2022 governorship election, and his reply, about which I once reported on these pages, show not only an inner contentment, but his implicit confidence in God as his Guardian. Not in him any hint of unrestrained ambition

    Work Experience,  Knowledge of Ekiti State & Tutelage Under Two  Governors.

    As a young man, Chief Deji Fasuan had tapped Oyebanji as Secretary to the Committee For The Creation of Ekiti state. That was, however, only the beginning of his always being in vantage positions to know the state probably far more than his peers.

    In the course of his service in the state, he was privileged to have worked with two of the most consequential Ekiti state governors, namely, governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi.

    He also served in the following positions:

    As special Assistant  (Parliamentary affairs) to governor  Adebayo to whom he later served as Chief of staff.

    He was Commisnerfor integration and inter-governmental affairs;  Head,  office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery (OTSD); Commissioner for Budget, and Economic Planning; and, later as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    Apart from  the leadership and managerial lqualities these positions require, to be effective, he must have many times seen the governors he worked with seriously agonise over the terrible state of Ekiti politics,  just as he must have seen how all these were not helping  development in a state that has offered him so much.

    He must have decided, therefore,  to attempt to use his lofty office to change the direction of politics in the state.

    The one other  factor which must have heavily facilitated his efforts must be the critical role being played by his wife, the First Lady, a humble, respectful and solid University Professor off whom,

    he must, have bounced everything  to get the most honest advice, at every stage of the business at hand.   

    Her greatest contribution towards achieving the goal has, however, been how, energetically, she has ensured the empowerment of women, widows and the youth in the state, an agenda which has ensured the success of the governor’s programmes and acceptance across the length and breath of the state.

    Thanks to her efforts, governor Oyebanji’s government enjoys the pride of place as about Nigeria’s most gender friendly administration. This is because the government has been relentless in “investing in the well-being of women, advocating for better policies and programes that target widows, youths and women, with the goal of fostering economic independence and reducing poverty level across the state”, as  Her Excellency Olayemi Oyebanji, a University Professor, once perspicaciously put it”, adding that in “Ekiti state today, we have a Deputy Governor who is a woman, just as the SSG, the Head of Service, the Accountant General and Auditor General are women. There are six women in the House of Assembly, 33 councilors who are women, 15  Vice Chairmen of LGs and   seven  that are chairmen”.

    The governor’s modus operandi was simple. He started off by jettisoning partisan politics and extended a genuine hand of friendship to all his predecessors from other political parties. He showed them a level of respect that was absent even between  governors who were of the same party. For instance, governor Ayo Fayose once told me that he values nothing more than respect, and that he fought his successor, governor Oni, the way he did because he extended none to him. Opposition party members also came to accept and respect governor Oyebanji when they saw how he was treating their leaders with respect and decorum.

    By acknowledging, and respecting past governors from other parties, governor Oyebanji killed more than two birds with one stone as the decibel of state wide political antagonism became significantly reduced; meaning that  the simple act of respecting his predecessors, acted  like a magnet in enhancing his acceptance by the teeming members of other political parties as well as the citizenry in general.

    The governor also turned attention to the welfare of the people, ensuring that nobody is left behind. He made sure that  workers, as well as the long – suffering pensioners, women and the youth are all appropriately factored into governance.

    Concluding, there can be no better reset of politics, anywhere, at all, than these because once the people are happy, fringe politicians, capable of fouling the air, would have nobody to recruit into their asinine mala fide.

    As the governor begins his 3rd year in office this week, I wish him well, and pray that the good lord will keep him and his family and continue to give him the enablement to  positively impact our lives in ekiti state.

  • Oyebanji: Ongoing oddity?

    Oyebanji: Ongoing oddity?

    • Audacity of an exemplary leader

    “IF there is no passage for vehicle, then I will go on motorcycle, I must get to these farmers to see what they are doing … (sic)” – Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), 1st October 2024.

    • By John Moyo Ekundayo

    WE had earlier toured farmlands in Oke – Ako, Gede and Iyemero where the governor was undaunted, passing through a stream, walking along bush paths where vehicles could not access, and at a point, the heavens apparently revolted and poured down its contents with no umbrella on sight! Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) was not backing out of his determination to meet and address the young ecstatic farmers, mostly women. Significantly, the Independence Day, October 1st, 2024, touring of other farm clusters in Emure (Eporo), Ikere, and Aramoko brought out a seeming oddity unbecoming of a governor in the context of Nigeria. This writer was part of the governor’s team for the tour.

    It was on record that there was a heavy downpour before reaching Aramoko on that Independence Day. The entourage got to a point where some whispered to the hearing of some of us that the ‘road’ ahead was impassable! Yours sincerely moved over to the side of Mr. Governor to seemingly persuade him from undertaking his purported mission. Alas, he was undeterred! He calmly but candidly retorted: “If there is no passage for a vehicle, then I will go on a motorcycle, I must get to these farmers to see what they are doing … (sic)” Then, I gave up and the team had no choice but to follow. Nothing short of exhibiting courageous and exemplary leadership. Eventually, he reached the excited and elated farmers, albeit, on a motorcycle, okada! What a Governor!! This is the audacity of the spirit of the man in the saddle in Ekiti. Once Oyebanji is inspired and convinced of an idea, initiative, or intervention, he goes for it without batting an eyelid!!!

     Oyebanji: On–going occupation?

    “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.” – Henry J. Kaiser

    Any curious observer traversing the nooks and crannies of Ekiti cannot but see the handiwork of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) starting from road infrastructure such as Ikere – Igbara Odo; Ikole – Ara – Isinbode; Ado – Iworoko – Ifaki Dualization; Ikere – Ise – Emure; Ikere -Igbara Odo, etc. Many of these roads were strategically conceived to link Ekiti via alternative routes to Ondo and Osun States, and link Ekiti North Senatorial District from the State Capital located in Ekiti Central. There are electricity connections to communities that had no light for a period spanning a decade. In addition, our dams – Egbe and Ero – are now connected to the power grid. In addition, boreholes are in place in rural communities in Ekiti. Added to this list are on – going renovation of our General Hospitals and empowering primary health centres in up to 177 Wards with a sum of N4 million each to enhance service delivery. There is (Ulera wa) free health care accessible to Ekitikete. It is remarkable that both public primary schools and secondary schools are getting the touch of renovation and upgrade, some provided with internet services and laptops.

    In addition, nano, micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) have been periodically empowered; the same goes for peasant farmers. Worthy to mention is the joy of pensioners as never before in Ekiti. There was a day when the governor committed up to one billion naira to settle the backlog of the gratuities of pensioners who had been suffering for some time. The Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), which the essayist oversees, conducted programme/project monitoring inspections periodically and could attest to the veracity of this write-up.

    What else can one say than to echo the weight words of Henry Kaiser, an American, renowned in his days, for shipbuilding and philanthropic gestures. He saliently and succinctly stated: “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.” The import of this statement is that people could decipher your measure of success through a distinctive display of your innate and imbibed skills, talents, gifts, strengths, and feats; you as an individual may need not to exert energy in pointing it out to discerning people.

    On the 16th October – Wednesday of this week, to be precise – the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) will mark two years in the saddle. This writer was among the expectant crowd that gathered at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti on Sunday, 16th October, 2022 to witness his inauguration as the State’s helmsman.

    Yes, it was on Sunday! The Day of the Lord!! It was seemingly odd conducting the inauguration on Sunday. I struggled with this in my mind to the point I asked the then Governor-Elect, Oyebanji, prior to his inauguration. He retorted by saying it was in compliance with the Constitution. Oyebanji, characteristic of his moral mien, an Omoluabi par excellence, and for those who followed him closely in his involvement in public office spanning more than 12 years, is one that is not won’t and wired to be found on the wrong side of the law.

    Read Also: Tinubu administration ‘ll reverse growing unemployment rate — Shettima

    At the inauguration, this essayist witnessed an apparent aberration or abnormality from a known pattern of inauguration! It was the beginning of a seeming oddity in the history of inauguration in Nigeria. What really depicted oddity in the inauguration? It was the open anointing with olive oil of a Governor after being sworn in. On the first day in office, it could be saliently and succinctly stated, without mincing words, that God’s hands were, and are still, on Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).

    Any wonder this anointed man has been making peace with virtually all, including most vitriolic political opponents which is unique in the history of politics, not only in Ekiti, but in Nigeria! Will it be too much to ascribe the popular scripture normally associated with men of God that says: “touch not my anointed” to BAO? This is left to be seen in the coming days as Ekiti warms up in preparation for the June 2026 gubernatorial election.

     Ekiti: Doing more with less …?

    Going down memory lane, this essayist, in trying to raise the curiosity of Ekitikete, on 15th October 2023, specifically on the eve of Oyebanji’s 1st anniversary, wrote under the banner: Ekiti: Trajectory to titillating transformation? Excerpt from the write-up contains inter alia:

    “We also know that expectations of the people keep increasing on a daily basis, so we must be able to navigate all these curves and deliver on the promises we have made to our people. And we can only deliver this by doing more with less, by prioritizing issues that will give happiness to the greatest number of our people; and by reducing wastes in governance; …”

    Interestingly and inquisitively, I wonder anytime I scan through the FAAC allocation of the States in Nigeria. How can Ekiti stand in comparison to a state like Akwa Ibom, Delta, or Rivers collecting virtually up to 4 to 5 times the monthly allocation of Ekiti? However, with the audacious step of Oyebanji in re-orienting and re-ordering the budget, in the spirit of doing more with less, the percentage of capital expenditure has scaled up to 44 while recurrent expenditure went down to 56. This is another oddity in the history of budgeting in Ekiti. It can be deduced from this that Oyebanji indeed is on the trajectory of keeping Ekiti working together in the delivery of more people-oriented programmes and projects spanning the 6 Strategic Actionable Pillars of the incumbent administration. The 6 Strategic Pillars of his administration are: (1) Youth Development and Job Creation; (2) Agriculture and Rural Development; (3) Human Capital Development; (4) Infrastructure and Industrialization; (5) Arts, Culture and Tourism; and (6) Governance.

    Moreover, prior to the inauguration of Oyebanji as the governor, mostly all arterial link roads entering and exiting Ekiti via Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ondo were seemingly impassable. It would be a good refreshing memory for readers that BAO (as referred to by his admirers and adherents) took this up with aplomb, shuttling between Ado Ekiti and Abuja; engaging federal agencies and Ekiti National Assembly (NASS) members. This initiative, though criticized by some people, paid off! Today, construction work is on-going on Ado – Ikere – Iju Itaogbolu – Akure Road; Kogi Boundary – Omuo – Ifaki – Ado and Ilu – Omoba – Ijan – ABUAD Ado Roads are already awarded awaiting contractors’ mobilization to site. Ekitikete are hopeful that with their sons, notably Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate, in the NASS, funds will be available, as and when due for these projects. Ekiti has never had it so good; it could only be better with BAO in the saddle, in the spirit of continuity till 2030!

     Conclusion

    It is noteworthy that the incumbent administration in Ekiti is poised and positioned to surpass expectations of Ekitikete in the coming years even as BAO declared the focus of his administration in 2025.

    He had earlier muted his vision in 2025 to the members of the State’s Executive Council (EXCO). He emphatically expressed, without mincing words, that his administration will focus on agribusiness and welfare come 2025; in the trajectory of ensuring “shared prosperity”, whilst on – going infrastructural development such as the Ajilosun – Okeyinmi Overhead Bridge, Ring Road (Phase 1), Ikere – Igbara Odo Road, etc. will be completed. The Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD) will be involved in tracking delivery across the 6 Strategic Actionable Pillars.

    Concluding this write up, it is cheering mentioning that Ekiti is the first sub – national or state in Nigeria possessing a Project DASHBOARD (aka Strategic Pillar Monitoring System). This is part of the 2nd anniversary feat of the BAO administration. The Ekiti DASHBOARD is an initiative of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD).

    Henceforth, government agencies’ delivery will be tracked. Moreover, the DASHBOARD has a feedback mechanism for Ekitikete to have their say in governance. It is a new day in Ekiti. It can only get better! It will, eventually, get better, as we all conscientiously, collaboratively and cooperatively join hands with BAO to keep Ekiti working together towards “shared prosperity”. Ajuse ooo!

    •Engr. (Dr.) Ekundayo, is the Special Adviser/Director General on Transformation and Service Delivery, to the Ekiti State Governor. He writes from Ado Ekiti. He can be reached via: +2348030598267 (Whatsapp) or email address: jekundayo@ekitistate.gov.net.

  • Don’t make enemies over politics, Oyebanji cautions Ekiti citizens

    Don’t make enemies over politics, Oyebanji cautions Ekiti citizens

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged residents to avoid engaging in conflicts over politics, stressing that political competition should not turn citizens into adversaries.

    He emphasised that elections and leadership contests are not reasons for enmity among the people.

    Governor Oyebanji also announced that his administration is working on creating alternative routes for motorists on state roads to improve inter-state transportation.

    He also revealed plans to cultivate over 5,000 hectares of land for farming in the 2025 season, aimed at reducing food scarcity and curbing the rising prices of food commodities in the state.

    Oyebanji stated these on Thursday, during a Citizens’ Engagement/Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders, held in Aramoko and Ilawe Ekiti for Ekiti Central and South Senatorial Districts respectively, in preparation for the 2025 budget of Ekiti State.

    The well-attended event was graced by critical stakeholders like traditional rulers, politicians, public servants, Local Government Chairmen, youth groups, market men and women, drivers, religious leaders, and people living with disabilities, among others.

    Harping on the imperative of eschewing politics of bitterness, Oyebanji said: “Let me beg all of you as party people, don’t allow politics to divide us as Ekiti people.

    “Don’t let us create enemies for ourselves. Ekiti is one, I believe this and we should all believe it. Let us wait for the right time. At the appropriate time, we will know exactly who is on the ground.”

    In 2025, Oyebanji said his government will focus on agriculture, infrastructure, arts and culture, tourism, job creation, entertainment industry, security and payment of salaries to workers to expand the scope of shared prosperity plans.

    He said the fact that the demands made by communities last year were being accorded utmost attention by the government signalled that the stakeholders’ meeting is not a mere jamboree, but a pragmatic approach to governance.

    “I thank God that since I came on board, I stay connected with our people, which is part of what we are doing today. Though we are in government, but we may not know all our problems, so this interaction is necessary. When we wanted votes, we came to you. Nothing should stop us from coming to interact with you”.

    He said the state government has not been able to reconstruct or undertake palliative work on some federal roads, because such money won’t be refunded. He however promised to synergise with federal lawmakers to ensure that those roads are captured in the 2025 budget.

    Read Also: Oyebanji advocates mandatory leadership training for public officials

    “I assure you that the Ado-Ijan road has been captured in the 2024 budget, and soon the contractor will be mobilised to the site. But it remains that of Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road. All these will be done, but the federal government can only do one federal road this year.

    “We are going to create alternative roads by making sure that some state roads that can serve as better alternatives are made motorable. If you are going to Ibadan or Akure, we have provided alternative roads. Let our people continue to use these roads until the situation improves”, Oyebanji said.

    At the event, all the representatives of the communities articulated and submitted their demands, while applauding Governor Oyebanji for the interactions and commended the government for implementation of the demands contained in the 2023 and 2024 budgets.

  • Oyebanji advocates mandatory leadership training for public officials

    Oyebanji advocates mandatory leadership training for public officials

    Ekiti state governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, has emphasised the need for deliberate leadership training to tackle Nigeria’s leadership recruitment issues.

    Oyebanji made this statement during the 11th annual public lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, held at the church’s headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, yesterday.

    The lecture, titled “Leadership in Nigeria and Its Impact on the Next Generation,” focused on the importance of grooming future leaders.

    He said: “There is no doubt that a major problem with leadership recruitment in Nigeria is that, people, sometimes, just find themselves in leadership positions without the right aptitude and attitude.

    “For long, Nigerians continue to gramble with leadership selection through try by error system. We sometimes look for folk heroes or messiahs: at another time, we select leaders on the basis of geopolitics and ethno-religious considerations.

    He lamented that there are those who become leaders by default or by circumstances of privileged predigree and not because of personal merits. 

    “Yet, the best of leaders is those who have been trained, tested and exposed to the nitty-gritty of leadership in addition to their innate ability.

    “I subscribe to the augment that people should, of necessity, go through intentional leadership training before they can lead at some certain levels in the society.

    “We all need to be well exposed to the call of leadership and how to manage a mass audience of people with differing characteristic, needs and tendencies. Leadership is such a serious thing that being certified should be one of the requirements to hold certain strategic positions in the society”, he said.

    Oyebanji continued: Evidence abounds that technical skill on jobs are not enough for people to lead competently: there is the need for real and special training in the art and science of leadership for people to succeed today.

    He posited that leadership training must be part of the basic everyday skills that every citizen should possess. leadership training must be as important as basic education for literacy and numeracy.

    “As a nation we should have embedded curriculum that teaches leadership skills and principles, both as practical skills and indoctrinated values, adding that if we want to change a people, teach them what you want them to change to”, he said.

    In her lecture, the chairman of chair centre, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, called for intentional and impactful leadership, particularly in relation to Nigeria’s youth.

    Highlighting that youth represent approximately 70% of the nation’s population, she stressed the importance of recognizing their contributions and addressing the misconceptions and stereotypes they face.

    Awosika lamented the increasing exodus of productive youths seeking opportunities abroad, calling for leaders to adopt selfless and modern approaches that can earn global recognition.

    “Leadership is not just about today; it’s about the next generation,” she said.

    Awosika emphasized that the decisions made today will shape Nigeria’s future, urging leaders to nurture talent and establish systems that foster sustainable development.

    She warned of the consequences of poor leadership and corruption, attributing Nigeria’s current struggles to decisions driven by self-interest.

    Awosika challenged leaders at all levels to create an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive without the hindrance of systemic failures and corruption.

    Drawing on her own experience of building businesses grounded in Christian values, she encouraged the audience to embody authentic leadership rooted in integrity.

    Read Also: Oyebanji: When integrity is sine qua non

    Awosika’s speech underscored the need for systemic change, calling for a unified effort to rebuild Nigeria’s foundational structures. “We cannot hide from the problems we are creating,” she said, urging Nigerians to reflect on their roles in sustaining or disrupting the nation’s future.

    Earlier, the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Pastor Sam Aboyeji said that the programme was predicated on the fact that the success or failure of any institution or organization is determined by the strength of its leadership and the governance system in operation.

    He said: “Historically, Christianity has played a significant role in shaping societies and continues to impact nation-building efforts by fostering unity and moral integrity. One of the twenty-two Tenets of Faith which we believe in, preach and teach, and are committed to is civil government.”

    He added: “We opine that as responsible citizens of this great nation Nigeria, we have a duty and an obligation to partner with government at all levels, as well as other patriotic stakeholders in building our dear nation.”

  • Oyebanji to chair Foursquare Church’s annual lecture

    Oyebanji to chair Foursquare Church’s annual lecture

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji will today chair the 11th annual public lecture of Foursquare Gospel Church.

    The lecture with the topic: “Leadership in Nigeria and its impact on the next generation”, will hold at Foursquare Church national headquarters, Yaba, Lagos by 11am.

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    The Founder/CEO, The Chair Centre, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, is guest speaker at the lecture.

  • Oyebanji splashes N47.8m gift on best teachers

    Oyebanji splashes N47.8m gift on best teachers

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Saturday presented  N47.8m as gifts to the best teachers during this year’s Teachers’ Day celebrations in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    At the event with the theme: ‘Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for  Education”, Mrs Modupe Folayemi of Saint Francis’ Primary School, Igbara Odo, and Mr. Odunayo Oriloye of Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi Ekiti, received a whopping sum of N6 million each, as the best teachers in primary and secondary schools respectively.

    Two teachers got the sum of N3 million each as first runners up, four received a sum of N1.5 million each as second runners up, while 26 teachers were rewarded with N200,000 each as a consolation prize.

    The venue of the event was turned into a carnival, as teachers across educational cadres, adorned in Aso Ebi, electrified the arena in celebration of the annual event and praised the Governor for what they described as his teacher-friendly policies.

    Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, said his government has ensured expeditious and timely payment of salaries, deductions, and approval of multimillion naira worth of housing and vehicle loans to motivate the teachers and shore up their outputs.

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    The governor, who described the teachers as the fortress of the education sector, promised to provide all the necessary incentives that could propel and buoy Ekiti’s rating in educational advancement of the country.

    Miffed by reported cases of examination malfeasance in the system, the Governor warned that his government would not tolerate examination malpractices under any guise, promising to wield the big stick against promoters of such sordid action in the state.

    “I want to sternly warn school managers at all levels that the government has zero tolerance for examination malpractice and investigations are ongoing to look into some of the allegations of connivance in the promotion of examination malpractice in some schools which led to the seizure of SSCE certificate examination.

    “I haven’t sent any school manager to impress me with bogus results to prove anything to me. We are not in phony competition to earn fake glory that is cancerous to the future of our young ones.

    “Ekiti has a great name as a land of scholarship, learning, and integrity, we will not tolerate any unwholesome and unethical practice from any school or staff that could tarnish this glorious reputation,” Oyebanji stated.

  • Oyebanji splashes N47.8m gift on best teachers

    Oyebanji splashes N47.8m gift on best teachers

    Ekiti Governor  Biodun Oyebanji has presented  N47.8m as gifts to the best teachers during this year’s Teachers’ Day celebrations in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital. 

    At the event with the theme: ‘Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a new social contract for  education”, Mrs Modupe Folayemi of Saint Francis’ Primary school, Igbara Odo and Mr. Odunayo Oriloye of Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi Ekiti, received N6 million each as the best teachers in  primary and secondary schools respectively. 

    Two teachers got N3 million each as first runners up, four received N1.5m each as second  runners up while  26 teachers were rewarded with N200,000 each as consolation prize.

    The venue of the event was turned into a carnival, as teachers across educational cadres, adorned in Aso Ebi, electrified the arena in celebration of the annual event and praised the Governor for what they described as his teacher-friendly  policies.

    Speaking at the event, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said his government has ensured expeditious and timely payment of salaries, deductions, and approval of multimillion naira worth of housing and vehicle loans to motivate the teachers and shore up their outputs. 

    The Governor, who described the teachers as the fortress of the education sector, promised to provide all the necessary incentives that could propel and buoy Ekiti’s rating in educational advancement of the country.

    Miffed by reported cases of examination malfeasance in the system, the Governor warned that his government would not tolerate examination malpractices under any guise, promising to wield the big stick against promoters of such sordid action in the state. 

    “I want to sternly warn school managers at all levels that government has zero tolerance for examination malpractice and investigations are  ongoing to look into some of the allegations of connivance in the promotion of examination malpractice in some schools which led to seizure of SSCE certificate examination.

    “I haven’t sent any school manager to impress me with bogus result to prove anything to me. We are not in phony competition to earn fake glory that is cancerous to the future of our young ones. 

    “Ekiti  has a great name as a land of scholarship, learning and integrity, we will not tolerate any unwholesome and unethical practice from ant school or staff that could tarnish this glorious reputation”, Oyebanji stated.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers(NUT), Ekiti State,  Com. Daodu Bamidele, announced that all the teachers are appreciative of the governor’s positively impactful  educational policies and pronounced that  they are solidly backing his reelection in 2026.

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    Daodu commended Oyebanji for his positive contributions to strengthen the sector, urging  the government to initiate policies that will checkmate brain- drain in education and retain the best brains within the system.

    To accomplish the foregoing, he sought immediate implementation of 65 years retirement for teachers, as obtainable in some states of the federation to give his colleagues job security and relevance in the scheme  of things. 

    “All the teachers in our dear state  are appreciative of what the Governor has done. He has paid some of the arrears owed by the past administration and also initiated new ones. For the 2026 governorship election, we want to say that we are solidly behind him”, he said. 

    In his submission, his counterpart in Academic Staff Union of Secondary School( ASUSS), Com Sola Adigun, advocated that the secondary school teachers should be given the leeway to ascend grade level 17 for better career progression.

  • Oyebanji has improved Ekiti Women’s fortune, says wife

    Oyebanji has improved Ekiti Women’s fortune, says wife

    Dr Olayemi Oyebanji has lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what she described as his transformative, impactful and women- oriented programmes and policies in the first two years of his administration. 

    These, she said, were done through various interventions and empowerment as well as appointments of women into key government positions. 

    Dr Oyebanji, during the grand-finale of her local government tour and meetings with  women in Ekiti West and Ado Local Government areas on Friday, said Governor Oyebanji has brought a remarkable improvement in the fortunes of women in the state. 

    Oyebanji, who addressed the crowd of women at the two venues, gave a graphical details of how the Governor’s policies and programmes have significantly improved the economic and social standing of women across the state. She maintained that the BAO administration’s focus on women and youth empowerment are key components of the Governor’s broader developmental agenda.

    The First Lady stated the Governor’s commitment to women’s empowerment has made the state the most gender-friendly in Nigeria, stressing that Ekiti can boast of the highest female representation in government across the country, thereby positioning the state as a leader in gender inclusiveness.

    Describing the sterling achievements and female representation in government of the Governor as unprecedented in the annals of the history of the state, Dr Oyebanji reaffirmed that the policy has set the state apart as a beacon of hope for gender equality in the country. She added that the the state has witnessed tremendous numbers of transformative programs aimed at enhancing the financial independence of women and providing them with the tools to thrive in today’s challenging environment. 

    Expressing pride in her husband’s government achievement in the last two years, the First Lady pointed out that the Governor’s success in promoting gender equality is proof that effective governance and sustainable development is a key factor that drives acceptability by the people.

    While expressing her deepest gratitude to the women for their support for her husband’s administration in the last two years, Dr Oyebanji assured them that she will continue to invest in the well-being of women, advocate for better policies and programes that target widows, youths and women, with the goal of fostering economic independence and reducing poverty level across the state.

    She urged the women to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the administration, noting that Ekiti is now a better place for women to thrive, succeed and lead.

    “I have been to all the 16 local governments in the last two weeks. this is the 16th one, and in fairness what I have received most are accolades from the women, appreciation galore, that within the space of 2 years of Biodun Abayomi led-administration, the lives of women have been tremendously touched. I also listened to gaps, areas where they still want us to make impact. 

    “From the feedback I got from the women in the course of this tour, I discovered that some of the empowerment programmes and  projects that should get to the grassroots at times in some local government are hijacked mid-way. That’s one thing that seems to cut across all the local government. For instance, If I want to empower 20 widows per local government, I discovered that many of the widows are not the real indigent widows that I’m targeting. So, with this, I will go back to the drawing board, I will review and see that the empowerment programme better the lives for our woman in Ekiti.

    “Not that Ekiti is ranked amongst the first, Ekiti is actually the number one. The Secretary to the State Government and Deputy Speaker who happen to be women are not here, they are in a conference in Abuja where Ekiti is being honored as a state in Nigeria that gives room to Women Inclusion in political offices. 

    “Ekiti state is the first state in Nigeria. For instance, in Ekiti state we have a deputy Governor who is a woman, the SSG, the Head of Service, Accountant General, Auditor General, six women in the House of Assembly. We have 33 councilors that are women, we have 15 women that are Vice Chairmen and we have seven women that are chairmen. I can continue counting. Ekiti is ranked number 1, other state will follow. 

    “So, Ekiti state is doing fine in terms of giving women space, giving women opportunity to participate in governance, that’s what Governor Biodun Oyebanji has done.” The Fisrt Lady asserted.

    deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye praised the Governor for his numerous interventions aimed at empowering women economically, socially, and politically.

    According to her the Governor has demonstrated that women’s inclusion in governance and decision-making is not only a priority but a fundamental part of the state’s development strategy. 

    Reaffirming her commitment to supporting the Governor’s vision for a more equitable and prosperous Ekiti, the Deputy Governor expressed confidence that Governor Oyebanji’s policies would continue to open doors for women, ensuring they are well-represented in every sector of the society.

  • Ekiti government is gender sensitive, says Oyebanji

    Ekiti government is gender sensitive, says Oyebanji

    Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, said the Biodun Oyebanji administration has the highest number of elected and appointed female officials among the 36 states, thereby making the administration the most women- friendly in the country.

    Speaking against the backdrop of the spiraling inflation crisis in the country, Dr. Oyebanji, predicted economic boom for Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying efforts were being made to redirect the economy to the right path to benefit the masses.

    The First Lady spoke on Tuesday in Oye and Ikole Local Government  Areas, during a courtesy visit to female groups in the councils to appreciate them for their support for Governor Oyebanji.

    At the event in Ikole Ekiti, the rank of the opposition People’s Democratic Party further depleted, as members, led by the ex-Chairman of Ikole Local Government, Mrs Abiola Kayode, defected to the All Progressives Congress to back Oyebanji’s progressive governance.

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    Addressing the women at the carnival-like ceremony, Dr. Oyebanji thanked them for standing firm behind her husband in the last two years, saying this has helped in smoothening politics and raise the bar of governance in Ekiti.

    She said the steady progress being enjoyed under Oyebanji’s leadership was accomplished because the governor earned the trust and loyalty of the citizens, expressing joy that Ekiti has the highest number of elected and appointed female politicians under his hubby.

    Dr. Oyebanji  saluted her predecessor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, for setting the high pace for women’s recognition in Ekiti politics, saying the tally had risen under the current administration, thereby giving the womenfolk more recognition and respect in the scheme of things.

    Applauding the Federal Government for its support, Mrs Oyebanji, said the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, had empowered  women  farmers in the state besides other empowerment programmes the federal government was devising to buffer the effect of economic crunch on the citizens.

    Dr Oyebanji disclosed  that the Office of the President’s wife donated a whopping sum of N50 million to each state of the federation to empower women for rapid economic recovery, revealing that  Ekiti benefited from the gesture.

    “Meeting people, especially women is part of progressive culture. Governor  Oyebanji is a good product, even Vice President Kashim Shettima attested to this. He is passionate about Ekiti and you can see all he has done in terms of development.

    “My office has Adire Ekiti that has trained over 400 people across two senatorial districts on how to produce Adire local fabric. The next set of 200 participants are due to resume training soon. We have special programme that have benefitted thousands of vulnerable people  like widows and orphans. I am not doing these for you to praise me, but to add values to your lives and whatever I do is to support my husband.

    “Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a  compassionate and  God- fearing leader, because he is homegrown. He is very passionate about the people. I urge you to continue to stand firm by this man you know very well”, she said .

    Speaking about political appointments for female, Dr. Oyebanji, said: “The Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service are women and Accountant General are women. We currently havesix female lawmakers in  the state House of Assembly, seven female local government Chairmen, 33 female Councillors and many women were appointed as Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants and Permanent secretaries.

    “Let me assure you that the tally will continue to increase, it won’t come down, because you have a governor who is passionate about female gender”.

    Speaking copiously about the six-point agenda of  Oyebanji’s government, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, maintained that her principal has fulfilled his electioneering promises to the people in firm alignment with his policy thrust.

    Tracing the trajectory of politics in Ekiti under progressive governments, Mrs Afuye, commended Mrs Fayemi for fighting for the implementation of 35% political appointments for female in the state, saying the current First Lady is sustaining the tempo and even surpassing the past records.

    She expressed confidence that Ikole and Oye local governments are populated by progressive politicians, who will not betray the cause and will rev up the pedal of support to ensure that Oyebanji returns in 2026 to complete his lofty developmental agenda.

    “Governor Oyebanji has just spent two years in office and he has done this much, let us support him for a second term to be able to turn things around completely. He has touched the six pillars all round . He is constructing roads, employing people, paying salary, reinforcing security, promoting education, agriculture and many others.

    “I want to appeal to political appointees to make themselves accessible to the people and share the gains they are getting across, because the governor can’t do it alone. Let us support our people and make them happy the way Governor Oyebanji planned it”.

    Applauding Ekiti citizens across the State for their solid backing for the governor, the Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, described the government of Oyebanji as women friendly, particularly in the allotment of elective and appointive  political positions.

    Predicting the 2026 poll, the former State APC Chairman, said: “The Governor  has done his own campaign by his performance. He has done creditably well. Begin to support and pray for him that he should remain steadfast with this progressive path he is toeing”.

    A woman leader and former Commissioner in Ekiti State, Mrs Ronke Okunsanya, urged the women to solidly stand behind the Governor’s reelection bid and prevent the PDP from poaching the party’s ranks ahead of 2026 poll.

    Politicians  at the event are: Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Special Adviser to the governor on Empowerment, Mrs Kemi Olaleye, Special Adviser on Governance, Barr. Odunayo Ayeni, a top rated female politicians,  Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, former commissioners, women leaders, traders, young women  politicians, among others.

  • Oyebanji pledges support for journalists in Ekiti

    Oyebanji pledges support for journalists in Ekiti

    Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji has pledged his administration’s unwavering support to journalists and other media practitioners operating in the state in the discharge of their duties.

    Oyebanji who underscored the role of the media to the development of the nation’s democracy, re-affirmed his commitment to continue to provide a more conducive atmosphere for journalists to exercise their professional mandate with fear of intimidation and harrasment.

    He spoke on in Ado-Ekiti,the state capital during the annual public lecture/award ceremony organized by Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ekiti state.

    The governor saluted the journalists in the state, especially, the correspondent chapel for their role in the development of the state, saying that they have been dispassionately putting his government on toes in the last twenty three months for better service delivery to the people of Ekiti.

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    At the event, the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde; former state secretary of PDP, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun; the Chief Executive Officer of Cavista Holdings Limited, Mr. John Olajide who Alhaji Dauda Lawal represented were honoured.

    Other honourees include the Ekiti state Commissioner for Youths, Gold Adedayo, the Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe; and the Social Democratic Party  Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Prince Adebayo Adewole.

     Oyebanji represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, the governor said that his administration since inception in 2022 has invested in key sectors of the economy including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture and industrialization.