Ekiti Governor’s Aide, Adetoun Agboola, to Keynote 2026 AISEN Teachers Conference

The Association of International School Educators of Nigeria (AISEN) has announced Princess Adetoun Funmilayo Agboola, the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, as the keynote speaker for its upcoming 2026 Teachers Conference. The event, themed "Advancing Inclusive Education in Our Schools," is scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026, at Chrisland School, Opebi-Ikeja, Lagos, starting at 10:00 AM.

Agboola, a seasoned educator and policy leader, brings over 20 years of experience to the podium. Her career has spanned classroom practice, curriculum development, and senior leadership roles, most notably at Greensprings School in Lagos. She is also the founder of Plumcare Educational Services, an organization dedicated to helping families and institutions build robust support systems for learners with disabilities. 

In her current role within the Ekiti State Government, Agboola has been a driving force behind initiatives aimed at enhancing the visibility and opportunities for persons with disabilities, ensuring that equity remains a cornerstone of state policy.

An alumna of the University of Ibadan, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education, Agboola is currently pursuing a PhD in her field. Her expertise is further backed by international certifications in public policy, educational leadership, speech and language support, and inclusive teaching practices. The AISEN leadership expressed high expectations for the session, noting that Agboola’s unique blend of practical classroom insight and high-level policy experience will offer invaluable perspectives to the teaching community as they work to make Nigerian learning environments more accessible and equitable.

EKITI SET TO MAKE HISTORY WITH GOVERNOR OYEBANJI’S RE-ELECTION, SAYS EX-GOV SEGUN ONI

EKITI SET TO MAKE HISTORY WITH GOVERNOR OYEBANJI’S RE-ELECTION, SAYS EX-GOV SEGUN ONI

..Oyebanji rallies support for Tinubu in Ido/Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje LGAs

 

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr Segun Oni has said that Ekiti people are set to make history with the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in the June 20 governorship election.

Oni who spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Ido/Osi Local Government area on Tuesday, said Governor Oyebanji will emerge as the first Ekiti State Governor to be re-elected back-to-back, judging by the massive support he enjoys from the Ekiti voters, the youth, the elderly, the elite and people in the grassroots.

The former Governor, who together with his wife, Mrs Olukemi Oni, joined Governor Oyebanji on the campaign tour of Ilejemeje, Mob and Ido.Osi Local Government areas of the state, said it was symbolic for all former governors in the state to support an incumbent Governor seeking a re-election, adding that the support for Oyebanji should be total for the targeted 500,000 votes to be met.

 

Oni spoke just as the Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence that the achievements recorded by his administration in three and a half years would pave the way for him and his party to secure a second term in office.

 

The Governor said he and his party are working to get an unprecedented poll tally of 500,000 votes in the June 20 governorship election as a dress rehearsal for a massive presidential election result in favour of President Bola Tinubu in the state.

 

 

 

Aside securing minimum 500,000 votes, Governor Oyebanji said he and his party are also targeting a clean sweep of available votes in all the 177 wards, a feat that has not been achieved in the past governorship polls.

 

At Iye Ekiti, Otun-Ekiti and Ido Ekiti in Ilejemeje, Moba and Ido/Osi Local Government areas respectively, Governor Oyebanji said the electorate in Ekiti State have an opportunity to reward a performing governor with a back-to-back victory for the first time for the good works in all the key sectors to continue for the benefit of the people.

 

The Governor urged his supporters and members of his party to be peaceful, orderly and not to be provoked into any fight or violence on election day to make the victory sweeter and positively memorable.

 

Oyebanji took a swipe at individuals he referred to as "detractors on social media who don't know their wards" promising to teach them some lessons with massive victory at the governorship election and silence them permanently.

 

He said: "On June 20, we have an opportunity once and for all to do what has not been done in our state before. Since the creation of this state 29 years ago, no governor has done it back-to-back but we are going to do it with your support and based on what we have done so far.

 

"In the last three years and seven months, we have served you diligently and there are many good things to show for our stewardship. Since we came in, civil servants have not gone on strike, teachers have not gone on strike, doctors have not gone on strike, local government staff have not gone on sttike”

He told the enthusiastic crowd that his administration has touched all communities hrough life-changing policies, projects, and empowerment programmes.

 

The Governor urged the people to turn out en masse and vote APC to victory in both Ekiti and Osun States "to make a statement that President Tinubu is popular and loved in his home base ahead of the presidential poll scheduled for January.

 

"After the Ekiti election, the next is Osun is the general election in which the President will stand for election. We must use the two elections (in Ekiti and Osun) to make a statement that President Tinubu is popular in his home base. I have told our traditional rulers to support us and support the President.

 

"By God's grace,we are winning 177 wards because 16-0 is no longer a record because former Governor Ayodele Fayose had done it before, but our target now is victory in all the 177 wards," Oyebanji said.

 

At the rally in Ido Ekiti, key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Chairman in Usi Ward, Mr Dada Kolawole defected to the APC and were admitted into the fold.

 

Governor Oyebanji who said former Governor Segun Oni’s campaign for him at ido/Osi had a great significant for his re-election bid, adding that with the support of the former Governor he is sure of 100 percent votes from the local government. "Our leader, His Excellency Engr Segun Oni has spoken. I don’t have to campaign in ido/Osi again, so, I concur with and adopted all the submissions he has made”,

 

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji reiterated that the June 20 poll in Ekiti "has implications for the 2027 presidential election" saying "everyone of us must go out and vote for APC because we are aiming at 177-0 and that means that we must win in all 177 wards with no less than 500,000 votes. And then in January 2027, we shall increase the figure for our president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Stakeholders in Ido/Osi Local Government led by the APC National Ex Officio officer, Hon Bunmi Oriniowo hailed the Governor for the reconstruction of Ado-Ifaki Highway, rehabilitation and equipment of the General Hospital in Ifaki Ekiti, construction of Ido-Ipere Road, community health centres and rehabilitation of public schools.

 

The State APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, charged the electorate to keep the party in power to enjoy more benefits in another four years under Oyebanji. He urged them to be on a lookout for the broom logo on the ballot paper assuring that the Governor would not disappoint if re-elected on June 20.

 

The APC boss said Oyebanji's election in 2022 has positively rubbed off on the development of the state making case for the governor's re-election. He charged eligible voters to come out massively and keep the APC in power.

 

The Governor met with traditional rulers in all the three local government areas visited and received royal blessings from them before proceeding to the campaign rallies. The monarchs praised the Governor for what he has done for their communities.

 

The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; former Governor, Chief Segun Oni; the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Director General of the Biodun Oyebanji Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Deputy Director General (Ekiti North), Chief Kemisola Olaleye; Secretary of the Campaign Council/Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, among others.

My sterling Performance Shows I'm a Promise Keeper, Oyebanji tells ikole, Oye LG Voters

My sterling Performance Shows I'm a Promise Keeper, Oyebanji tells ikole, Oye LG Voters 

.....Gov deserves second term, says ex-deputy gov, others

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, declared that his sterling performance in the areas of infrastructure development, human capital development, agriculture, peace building and prudent management of resources, are clear evidence of his fidelity to electioneering promises, making him worthy of being entrusted with the people’s mandate for a second term in office. 

Governor Oyebanji , who preached against bloodshed and violence in the impending governorship election, said he has fulfilled the social contracts he signed with the citizens in 2022, which amplified his propensity to make promises and fulfil them.

Oyebanji spoke in Oye and Ikole Ekiti, on Monday at the commencement of his re-election campaign across the 16 local government areas of the state ahead of the June 20 governorship poll. 

Brimming with love and solidarity, the venues of the campaign in the two local governments were full to capacity, as residents trooped out enthusiastically, singing songs that express their willingness to vote for the governor for a second term.

Scores of opposition members defected to the ruling APC at the political events.  

The campaign officially kicked off last week Monday in Ado Ekiti, with a mega rally attended by six governors, led by the Chairman, APC Governors' Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and the National Chairman of the party , Prof Nentawe Yilwadta. 

In his message to his supporters, who adorned in Ankara, bearing the governor's portrait, Oyebanji, described the coming election as a "war of votes"and not that of "guns and cutlasses", branding other contestants as eligible sons of the state, who can vie for the governorship seat. 

Specifically, Oyebanji said Ikole Local Government has no reason not to reward his generosity of spirit with bountiful votes, being the council with highest number of representatives in the State Executive Council and considering the impact of the administration in the area. 

"When we came to you in 2022, we promised you infrastructure, we have delivered, we promised you road, we have delivered. We promised you electricity, we delivered,even in health facilities and schools, we have delivered. We promised financial support for market women, we have delivered . 

"Above all, we promised security, we have delivered. You knew what we had in terms of security in this councils four years ago. With the help of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state government, we have overcome this challenge. Ekiti is now rated as the most peaceful state in Nigeria. 

"Most especially, you all knew how Itapaji- irele- ipao-Oke Ako corridor was in terms of security. We have been able to restore peace. If we have a government that is doing well, is it not good for it to continue? 

"Most advanced countries of the world were built by continuity of government and alignment of vision. What echoes round in Ekiti today is that, BAO solution is working. If you say we have done well, then let the good works continue .

"Already, we have won this election. But it goes beyond winning. Let all those who have PVCs come out and vote for APC on election day. Go home and activate your unit canvassers. Let us preach the gospel of BAO to our people .

"We want to give the opposition 16-0 by winning in all the 16 local governments and we want to win all the 177 wards. Winning 177 wards is a record that has never been broken before. We want to set this record in this election". 

Oyebanji stated that Ekiti can't afford to be complacent in this governorship election, because of the 2027 presidential election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying other geopolitical zones are expecting the turnout of votes from the Southwest in the election. “ So, we must meet our target of 500,000 votes in June 20 and increase it to 700,000 for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in January 2027.”, he added. 

Exuding confidence that Oyebanji will triumph with high tally of votes across the 16 local governments, the State Chairman of APC, Barr. Sola Elesin, was elated that the governor has not disappointed in the area of performance , peace building, humility and prudent management of resources. 

"What we recorded then in 2022 was little above 200,000, our target now is 500,000. Please, let us work hard to achieve this on June 20. We can only achieve it if we troop out massively unit by unit on election day and vote for APC. The second term will be better than this first term, we assure you".

Speaking for the Ikole Council, the first civilian Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Paul Alabi, assured that the council will turn in the highest number of votes in the impending poll to demonstrate support for the governor, urging the electorate not to waste their votes on the opposition. 

Alabi, a respected community leader and politician, added that the stakeholders, including teachers, traditional council, traders, Okada Riders, widows, youths, community and religious groups, are solidly behind the governor, owing to his stupendous generosity, in terms of appointments and infrastructural facelift. 

A youth leader, Mr. Semiu Jimoh, said Oye Local Government will vote for the governor to appreciate the renovation of General hospitals, construction of Itapa-Omu-Ijelu road, human capital development through youth in agriculture, renovation of schools as many others he initiated in the council.

According to the timetable released by the Campaign Council, the local government tour will end on May 13th.

Ekiti 2026: Ikogosi community lifts Oyebanji’s campaign with N25 million ….holds solidarity rally for Governor’s re-election

Ekiti 2026: Ikogosi community lifts Oyebanji’s campaign with N25 million 

….holds solidarity rally for Governor’s re-election

Ahead of the commencement of his campaign tour of the local government areas, slated for Monday, the people of Ikogosi Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s hometown, on Saturday held a solidarity rally where a donation of N25 million was made to his campaign council. 

Residents of the community including members of Onikogosi - in- Council, senior citizens, youths, drivers unions, market women and chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stormed the town square, venue of the rally adorned in branded T-shirts and caps, dancing and singing praises of the Governor. 

Speaking while presenting the cheque to the Director General of the BAO Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, the President, Ikogosi Progressive Union (IPU), Chief Olusola Agbaje said the community deemed it fit to support the re-election bid of the Governor because of the remarkable impact of his administration in the past three and a half years.

Chief Agbaje said the Ikogosi community is particularly happy with the Governor for restoring power supply to the town after about 15 years in darkness . In addition, he said the community has also experienced massive infrastructure upgrade which has boosted social and economic activities in the town.

The N25 million donation, according to the IPU President, will show the entire world that Governor Oyebanji enjoys massive home support as well as a show of appreciation for all the good works the Governor has done in the community with the assurance that all Ikogosi voters will cast their votes for him on June 20, and repeat same for the President come January 2027. 

He further praised the Governor for giving governance a human face in Ekiti as well as changing the face of the town thereby making his administration leave a lasting legacy and impact on the town.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the planning committee, Engr. Tayo Olajubu , described Governor Oyebanji as a committed leader who is devoted to the welfare and wellbeing of the people as well as the progress of the state in general.

Olajubu said individuals and groups within ikogosi joyfully participated in the rally and are armed with their PVC to re- elect Governor Oyebaji on June 20. 

Addressing the gathering, the Director General of the Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi thanked the Ikogosi people for demonstrating their love for their son. He urged them also mobilize support across the length and breadth of the Ekiti West Local Government area, so as to record a remarkably huge number of votes for the Governor in his local government.

Senator Fasuyi said he was impressed by the community’s donation, assuring them of more dividends of good governance in Governor Oyebanji’s second term in office.  

In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo commended Ikogosi community for their show of love saying that the donation has shown the world that the Governor enjoys a broad-based profile of support especially from his people, adding that the Governor is not just good and popular outside but also parades an amazing home support.

The Chief of Staff said the party was encouraged and energized by the community’s level of support and assured that the election was already a walkover.

Other dignitaries at the event include the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Bejide, Commissioner for Local Government, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, Special Advise on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; Director General, Bureau of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Omotoso, and chairman, Ekameta LCDA, Dr Leye Adeniji among others.

This is your government, let’s do it again, Oyebanji tells Ekiti workers on May Day

This is your government, let’s do it again, Oyebanji tells Ekiti workers on May Day

… seeks support for June 20 re-election bid, President Tinubu’s re-election 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has disclosed that his administration has made a huge investment in workers welfare and human capital development in the last three and a half years, urging them to support him for a second term in office. 

The Governor also said it actualised pact with workers in terms of capacity development, prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuity as well as remittances of deductions, said his administration has also recruited 9,788 workers into the public service as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery, within the period. 

Governor Oyebanji made this known on Friday while addressing workers at the 2026 international Workers Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti. He hailed Ekiti workers for their sundry contributions to the growth and development of the state, and commended their demonstrated commitment to the implementation of government policies and programmes which has been instrumental to the laudable achievements by his administration.

The Governor hinted that his government has prioritized workers’ welfare through prompt and regular payments of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuity, stressing that all outstanding promotions arrears have been cleared up to 2025 with sustained financial backing.

Providing a breakdown of employment under his administration, Governor Oyebanji explained that thousands of workers have been recruited across key sector, including education, health, civil service and local government administration to address manpower gaps and enhance service delivery. 

The Governor further disclosed that tens of thousands of workers have benefited from promotion, conversion and career advancements, describing the development as part of deliberate efforts to boost morale and ensure professionalism within the public service.

On wage policies, the Governor said the state was among the first to implement N70,000 minimum wage and ensure salary parity across different cadres, particularly in health sector, adding that his administration also invested in workers’ welfare through housing and car loan schemes, performance-based rewards and continuous payment of pension arrears inherited from previous administrations while maintaining monthly gratuity payment to retirees.

While congratulating the workers on the occasion of the 2026 May Day celebration, the Governor assured them that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare through sustained investment in prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, improved working conditions, capacity development and policies aimed at enhancing productivity and overall wellbeing across public service.

He also disclosed to the cheering workers at the event his plans to seek a re-election on June 20, urging them to vote for him so that the state can sustain and surpass the current level of development as well as a better enhanced welfare of workers and the citizens. 

“This is your government, let us do it again. I stand before you today to promise to continue to act in your best interest. I understand your pains and I am well positioned to relieve them as l have always done”, the Governor stated even as he also urged the workers to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term come January 2027.

Oyebanji said : “Let me therefore express my profound appreciation to you all, for the sacrifices and contributions you have made to the success of this administration. We would not have gone this far without your dedication and commitment to the effective implementation of policies and programmes of the administration. I am also very grateful for the public expression of support by yesterday’s solidarity visit to my office.

“It is for this reason; we have remained committed to the welfare of our workers through prompt and regular payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities.

“A total of N30,767,408,156.34 and N5,899,736,536.08 have been paid as pensions and gratuities of Local Government pensioners. At the State level, a sum of N31,623,022,512.145 has been paid as pensions for retired State workers, while over N10 billion were paid to defray gratuity arrears between October 2022 to March 2026. This is in addition to a monthly payment of N100million each to both State and Local Government retirees for gratuities. Our N20,000 (twenty thousand Naira) increase of pensions across board was just a gesture to meet the immediate needs at the time. I have requested for a broad overview of our pensions as it stands today.

“In our human capital development drive, we have recruited 4,253 teachers across SUBEB, Teaching Service Commission and the Ministry of Education, this is aside the 1,217 non-teaching staff employed to support our educational system. We kick-started our first fully digital education schools at Government College Ado-Ekiti which I believe the teachers are proud to celebrate the successes therein. Similarly, 1,461 workers have been employed into the Civil Service, while another 972 were recruited into the Local Government Service Commission”. The Governor asserted.

In her welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi paid a glowing tribute to hardworking Ekiti workers whose commitment, professionalism and resilience continues to keep the machinery of government running efficiently adding that the state's public service remains the backbone of policy formulation and effective implementation across all the ministries, departments and agencies.

Expressing pride over the numerous development goals achieved over the years, Dr Olomojobi maintained that Ekiti state was ranked, first in PSL-01 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index in the year 2023 as the trend continued with Ekiti being ranked first in fiscal transparency. 

Speaking on the theme of 2026 workers day, Security, Poverty - Bane of Decent Work the Head of Service, who stressed the need for government to be intentional about workers welfare to focus on perennial issues that influences work and workers explained that security of lives and properties remains central to Ekiti state.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of NLC, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, his TUC counterpart, Comrade Omotola Farotimi explained that the International Workers Day was not a day of jamboree but a day to acknowledge the collective spirit of workers, their unity of purpose, sacrifices and their contributions to the creation of wealth and infrastructural developments of the society in all ramifications as well as the agitations, the struggles, victories and unrelenting battles for workers emancipation, freedom and good governance.

The labour leaders called on the three tiers of government to collaborate with sustainable policy guide and renewed architectural rejig to combat insecurity and debilitating poverty ravaging the polity stressing that insecurity and poverty are critical factors to the psychological stability, mental alertness and stable emotional intelligence or workers to perform optimally in their various work places.

They highlighted some of the achievements under Governor Oyebanji to include prompt payment of salaries, and pensions, clearing of arrears such as leave bonuses, third party deductions and other emoluments that weighed down families for years thereby restoring dignity to the workforce. According to them, the Governor has also granted free health services to the elderly, children, 0-5 years and pregnant women at the primary healthcare as well as payment of 6Billion Naira gratuity to both state and local government workers between 2024 to date and increase in subvention to all subvented institutions in the state among numerous others.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Abibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, members of the State Executive Council, among others

Ekiti Workers Stage “Thank You Walk” for Oyebanji …Reaffirm support for Governor’s re-election

Ekiti Workers Stage “Thank You Walk” for Oyebanji 

…Reaffirm support for Governor’s re-election

... I Shall Respond to Detractors on June 20th, says Oyebanji

 

Workers in Ekiti State have assured Governor Biodun Oyebanji of their readiness to mobilise more than 500,000 votes for him in the June 20 governorship election as a demonstration of their appreciation for his administration’s worker-friendly policies and improved welfare for workers in the State.

The workers, in their thousands, staged a “thank you walk” to the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday as part of activities marking this year’s May Day celebration, drawing participation from civil servants across various MDAs, and workers in all affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Speaking at the Governor’s Office, where the walk terminated, the NLC Chairman in Ekiti State, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, described Governor Oyebanji as a worker-friendly leader who has consistently demonstrated genuine commitment to the welfare of workers. He said the administration’s prompt payment of salaries, deductions, pensions, and gratuity alongside other labour-friendly reforms, has restored confidence in the public service.

The NLC Chairman further stated that that Ekiti workers got a good deal during the minimum wage negotiations courtesy of the Governor, in addition to other interventions on behalf of the workforce. For these reasons, he said workers in the State have resolved to mobilize themselves and their family members to ensure that the Governor secured over 500,000 votes in the June 20 gubernatorial election .

He maintained that the decision was a collective one aimed at expressing their gratitude for the administration’s consistent responsiveness to workers’ needs and its commitment to improving their welfare.

Comrade Kolapo maintained that the era of workers staying indoors to monitor elections over the radio was over; stressing that Ekiti workers will moblise their families and friends to vote massively for Governor Oyebanji, adding that the Governor had restored confidence in governance through his consistent engagement with workers and visible commitment to their welfare as well as in the areas of infrastructure and human capital development.

According to the NLC Chairman “workers now feel directly involved in the democratic process because of the administration’s responsiveness, transparency, and people-oriented policies geared towards workers’ welfare. We have chose to repay the governor with our votes.”

 

Addressing the workers, Governor Oyebanji expressed his profound appreciation for the overwhelming show of support from the workers, describing it as unprecedented in the history of the state.

He described the workers’ gesture as a strong motivation to do more for the people of the State, noting that the gesture reflects the growing trust between government and the workforce, which he said remains a key pillar of his administration’s development agenda.

The Governor, however, urged the workers to direct their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for states to meet their obligations to workers and the citizens.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to sustaining policies that improve welfare of workers, Governor Oyebanji said whatever he has done for the workers was within their right, as well as part of his duties as the Governor. He added that his administration intends to do much more for them in terms of welfare.

 

He thanked the workers for their demonstrated support for his administration, and for their commitment towards his re-election for a second term.

The Governor noted that elections are not won on social media or by political noise, but by tangible achievements that directly impact on the lives of the people, stressing that he remained focused on delivering results that will speak for themselves when the time comes.

 

Oyebanji said he had chosen to concentrate efforts on delivering quality service to the people, while ignoring social media distractions, adding that the June 20 governorship election result would be his response to distractors and social media noisemakers.

 

The Governor said “let me start by expressing my gratitude and appreciation to all of you for coming out this morning, I am humbled and this is extremely emotional for me because this is the first time this will happen in this state.

 

“My charge to you this morning is that, all those achievements you have listed, the credit after God, goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he is the one that has enabled us and provided us with the resources. Through his bold reforms and I am happy that your caps are bearing “workers voice for President Tinubu”

 

“Let me also use this medium to appeal to all the contestants in the forthcoming election, to play by the rule. As far as we are concerned in my party, we have pledged before God and the people that our campaign will be issue-based and that is why you will not see me respond to all the shenanigans on the social media because is not necessary, we are going to respond once and for all and that will be June 20. For all the wailers on the social media, June 20 is our response". 

 

Also In her remarks, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi expressed appreciation on behalf of workers to the Governor for his worker-friendly programmes and policies which have improved the living condition of workers across board.

 

Dr Olomojobi said the workers decided to turn out in large numbers to say thank you to the Governor for his three and a half years of remarkable progress, prosperity and compassionate leadership which has resulted in pay parity, minimum wage, regular payment of salary, payment of leave bonuses as well as promotion arrears which have since been cleared.

 

Dressed in white t-shirts and caps, the workers marched from the terminal, at New Garage to the Governor’s office at Oke Bareke, distributing leaflets that detailed the Governor’s key achievements.

Ekiti former Governors re- affirm support for Oyebanji's re- election

Ekiti former Governors re- affirm support for Oyebanji's re- election 

All former governors of Ekiti State, have, again reiterated their support for the re- election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in force, citing the Governor’s demonstrated capacity and all - round development of the state for their stand. 

The former governors: Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Chief Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi, said the June 20 governorship election is going to be a referendum and not a fierce contest giving Oyebanji’s excellent record of performance in the past three and a half years. 

Branding Oyebanji as representing what they christened "Ekiti Agenda", the former governors who spoke at the flag off of re- election campaign in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, urged the electorate to massively vote for him and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye in the impending poll for the good works being initiated by their administration to continue unhalted.

At the well attended event, the Governors of Imo State and Chairman, APC Governors' Forum, Hope Uzodinma, his counterparts in Kaduna, Uba Sani, Kogi, Usman Ododo, Edo, Monday Okpebholo, Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori and Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, were all present to solidarise with one of their own.

In the same fashion, the National Working Committee of the party, led by its Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, National Secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola and other national leaders, were in hand to lend support to the second term ambition of the governor.

Going by the way they spoke in turns, it was a consensual agreement among the former governors that Governor Oyebanji has surpassed the expectations of Ekiti people in terms of delivery, peace building and entrenchment of politics of unification, rather than that of bitterness and division. 

Former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who described himself as the "John the Baptist" of the Oyebanji's election in 2022, said Ouebanji is "a child of destiny", expressing gratitude to Ekiti people for their groundswell of support for his government.

Reminiscing on how Oyebanji emerged, Fayemi regaled the public with how his candidacy was vehemently opposed in 2022, disclosing that those who were aggrieved then are now his ardent campaigners and supporters due to his capability and humility . 

"I am happy that he has not disappointed me, he has not disappointed the state, the country and our great party. That is why we have all the governors and former governors here supporting him and asking the electorate to reelect him. 

"We know that this election has been won, but please, don't take anything for granted, let us go home and campaign. This is going to be a campaign of issues, campaign of record, campaign of performance, it is not going to be campaign of recrimination and violence", Fayemi clarified. 

Speaking pointedly, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, said he decided to back Governor Oyebanji in running the affairs of the state smoothly, because he represents what he aptly called 'Ekiti Agenda".

Fayose, the leader of the People's Democratic Party in Ekiti State, averred that by political standing and affiliation, he ought to be the face of opposition, but decided to defer his anti-government posture until Governor Oyebanji wins reelection in 2026.

Fayose warned those having opposing views to play by the rules and stop acting as if they were out and desperate to destroy the house from the rooftop. 

"I am supposed to be the face of opposition in Ekiti State, but I have to do what I called Ekiti agenda. I am first Ekiti before becoming the governor. With the way this governor has united all of us together, I see him as representing Ekiti agenda and I have to support him.

"I will begin my opposition after he wins reelection. But for this coming election, we are standing and supporting him", Fayose said.

Waxing philosophical, the first executive Governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, said he was proud to have mentored Governor Oyebanji in art of leadership, saying he deserves being supported by all the citizens.

"Ekiti people, if your child is doing well, one can't but be happy. Governor Oyebanji has done well. He has made all of us happy. Let us all come out on June 20 and cast our votes for him. 

"We are happy with what we have seen in the last three and half years. Let this good performance continue".

Lauding the governor for his impressive performance, former Governor Segun Oni, was emphatic that the aggregate of the opinion polls across the strata of Ekiti pointed to the fact that they wanted the governor back, which he said was earned through the governor's hardwork and humility. 

"Just take a look at what all the speakers have said, this is: Governor Oyebanji must come back again. Let us go back home and mobilise in all our units, wards and local governments to realise this. It is a done deal. All Ekiti people are behind him.

"For the first time, let us elect a governor with a minimum of 500,000 votes in Ekiti. This has not happended before, but let us achieve it this time. God will be with us", former governor Oni stated. 

In his short speech, Oyebanji who told the cheering crowd that he has fulfilled the social contract he signed with the people in 2022, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for exhibiting special interest for the development of the state and its people .

Oyebanji said: "We were here in 2022 to sign a contract with you. We thank God that we have been able to fulfil all these contracts. But all these were made possible because President Tinubu takes special interest in this state.

"In the 29 years of Ekiti creation, no President has been fair to Ekiti like President Tinubu. He reconstructed Ado-Akure road, Ado-Ifaki road and the notorious Ado-Aramoko road had been awarded for reconstruction among other projects.

"The way to repay him is to come out on June 20 and test the microphone by giving us here in Ekiti a minimum of 500,000 votes, so that the good jobs we are doing can continue".

CAMPAIGN FlAG OFF: GOV OYEBANJI EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO PRESIDENT TINUBU, APC LEADERS, EKITI PEOPLE

CAMPAIGN FlAG OFF: GOV OYEBANJI EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO PRESIDENT TINUBU, APC LEADERS, EKITI PEOPLE

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of the State for their steadfast love and commitment to his re-election as demonstrated by their unprecedented large turn-out during the official flag off of campaign for his second term bid on Monday.

 

A huge crowd of party faithful, national officers of the party, prominent leaders, supporters and residents had converged on the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, while hundreds thronged various other locations in the state capital for the flag off campaign rally and other associated activities.

 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, said, he was humbled by the avalanche of love and encomium showered on him as well as the vote of confidence passed on him and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye to run for a second term of office.

 

While thanking God for a hitch-free event, Governor Oyebanji also thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said has continued to show tremendous support for him, his administration and Ekiti State in general, thereby enhancing the spate of development and growth in the State.

The Governor took particular note of the demonstrated love and support of APC leaders and members who, he said, made voluntary contributions in their respective local government areas towards the organization of the event. He said the gesture of the party leaders and members was not only encouraging, but a reflection of their commitment the Ekiti agenda.

 

The Governor said: “Monday’s flag off of our re-election campaign was not only remarkable, it was a historic moment for our dear state, and we thank God Almighty for the hugely successful event that was devoid of any hitch.

“Our profound gratitude goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the state which has become evident in the all-round development being enjoyed in Ekiti, and to the National Chairman of our party- the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatds, as well as all the national and zonal officers for their unalloyed support and presence at the rally.

 

“Special appreciation goes Kaduna State Governor/ Chairman National Campaign Council, Senator Uba Sani; Imo State Governor/Chairman, Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo; Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago; and the Chairman, Ekiti State Governorship Election Campaign Council/ Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

“My debt of gratitude also goes to all our esteemed leaders including all former Governors: Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr Segun Oni, Chief Ayodele Fayose and Dr Kayode Fayemi; as well as APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr Isaac kekemeke; all former Deputy Governors, serving and former members of the National Assembly; serving and former members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

 

“My profound thanks to our revered traditional rulers in the state traditional rulers council for their support for the administration. Special thanks to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, who received the APC leaders in his palace, together with the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, HRM Oba Adebayo Adewole; Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, HRM Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; Ologotun of Ogotun - Ekiti, HRM Oba Adebayo Adesanmi. “

 The Governor also expressed deep appreciation to over 380 groups and associations that had, in the last one year, endorsed him and his deputy for a second term in office. He also lauded the State Traditional Rulers Council, the labour and trade unions, religious organizations, Ekiti youths and students organisations, market women, leadership of the informal sector and citizens of the state for their sundry support.

You’re a Worthy Ambassador of Academia, Oyebanji Hails SSG, Prof. Adubiaro at Inaugural Lecture

You’re a Worthy Ambassador of Academia, Oyebanji Hails SSG, Prof. Adubiaro at Inaugural Lecture 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has described the Secretary to Ekiti State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, as a good ambassador of the academic community in government, commending her intellectual depth and commitment to excellent service delivery as a public servant. 

The Governor made the remarks on Tuesday at 23rd inaugural lecture of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, delivered by Prof. Adubiaro. 

 

Governor Oyebanji, who noted that Prof. Adubiaro’s academic journey reflects an unwavering dedication to academic research, teaching and knowledge dissemination, said her achievements have brought pride to the state government and the academic community. He added that her ability to combine academic brilliance with effective governance underscores her exceptional capacity.

While congratulating the lecturer on the milestone, Governor Oyebanji urged scholars and public office holders to emulate her example by bridging the gap between theory and practice, stressing the need to deploy academic knowledge in driving policy formulation and sustainable development.

The Governor said: “Llet me congratulate Prof. Adubiaro for the feat, I know this is the zenith of the academic profession. Let me thank you for being a partner in progress, thank you for your support. You are a good ambassador of this university, you are a good ambassador of the Muslim faith and you are a good ambassador of women, you combine everything and I must congratulate you and this university”.

In her lecture titled: “From Biodiversity to Biovalue, Compositional, Nutritional and Oleochemical Insights into some Underutilized Plant Resources, Prof Adubiaro, emphasized the importance of consuming a balanced variety of plant and animal-based diets, noting that such nutritional diversity, not only helps meets basic dietary needs but also helps protect the body against degenerative and aged related diseases.

She maintained that proper nutrition remains a key pillar of human and long-term wellbeing

Prof Adubiaro noted that the global food shortage currently being experienced in different parts of the world is neither a case of supernatural forces nor beyond solution. Rather, she described it as a challenge that can be addressed with deliberate and collective action. She therefore called on all stakeholders to collaborate in promoting food sufficiency and safety, stressing that sustainable development is achievable only when people are conscious of what they consume.

Expressing her gratitude to Governor Oyebanji and other dignitaries for their support, Prof. Adubiaro said she remained committed to advancing knowledge and contributing meaningfully to society through both academic and public service.

Also at the inaugural lecture were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Bolaji Olagbaju; Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo; members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, among others.

Former Presidential Aide Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju Picks Up APC Form for Ekiti North Constituency 2, Vows to Mobilize for Gov. Oyebanji’s Re-election

Former Presidential Aide Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju Picks Up APC Form for Ekiti North Constituency 2, Vows to Mobilize for Gov. Oyebanji’s Re-election

 In a move that has significantly heightened the political stakes in Ekiti North, Hon. brahim Kunle Olarewaju has officially declared his intention to return to the Green Chamber by picking up his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2 seat.

The entry of Olarewaju, a veteran legislator and legal practitioner, brings a formidable weight to the race for the constituency, which comprises Ido-Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas. Having previously served the constituency in the 9th National Assembly, his return to the fray is seen by many as a bid to consolidate on his previous legislative achievements and provide the high-octane representation that the district requires at the federal level.

Reinforcing his candidacy is his most recent high-level national service as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives). During his tenure in the Presidency, Olarewaju was the critical link between the Executive and the Legislature, a role that granted him deep insights into the "Renewed Hope" agenda and the inner workings of federal policy-making. Political analysts suggest that this presidential pedigree gives him a unique advantage, as he possesses the technical expertise and the political capital to attract federal projects back to Ekiti North.

The formalization of his bid took place at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, where he obtained the 2026 nomination documents for a total sum of ₦10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira). The purchase has been widely interpreted as a clear signal of his readiness to hit the ground running for the upcoming party primaries.

While championing his legislative ambition, Olarewaju has also taken a definitive stand on the state’s political future, pledging to lead a massive mobilization effort for the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO). He expressed total confidence in the Governor’s transformative leadership and vowed that his political machinery across Ido-Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje would be fully activated to ensure a landslide victory for the Governor in the June 20 Gubernatorial election.

By aligning his federal experience with a grassroots commitment to the "Gov. BAO" continuity project, the former presidential aide is positioning himself as a bridge-builder who will ensure that the interests of Ekiti North Constituency 2 are firmly protected both in Ado-Ekiti and Abuja.

Adamawa Elders Outraged: ISWAP Massacre at Football Match Claims 29 Lives

The Adamawa Progressive Elders Council has issued a blistering condemnation following a "barbaric" terrorist attack on Sabon Gari village, where at least 29 civilians were slaughtered during a local football match.

The massacre, attributed to fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), occurred on Sunday, April 26, in the Guyaku District of Gombi Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the insurgents descended on the venue, opening fire on spectators and players before embarking on a spree of looting and arson.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Council’s leader, Brig-Gen MB Marwa (rtd), expressed profound shock over the brutality of the assault, describing it as a "senseless act of violence" and a "direct affront to the peace and security of our beloved state." The Council noted that the timing of the attack, targeting a community gathering for sport, was a calculated attempt to shatter the social fabric and burgeoning peace in the region.

While mourning the dead, the Elders Council praised the proactive stance taken by the state leadership. They specifically commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his immediate visit to the bloodied community and his pledge to provide both justice for the perpetrators and "succor" for the survivors. The Council also extended sympathies to the Traditional Ruler of Gombi, HRM Aggrey Bechour-Ali, acknowledging his role in maintaining communal stability in the wake of the trauma.

The statement, signed by Ahmad I. Sajoh, Head of Media and Publicity, concluded with an urgent appeal to the residents of Adamawa State. The Council urged citizens to remain hyper-vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further incursions, stressing that the community must remain united in the face of such adversity.

As of Tuesday evening, security forces have reportedly intensified patrols in the Gombi axis to track the fleeing insurgents and reassure the grieving community of Sabon Gari of their continued safety.

Publicise President Tinubu’s achievements, Oyebanji urges APC Southwest leaders

Publicise President Tinubu’s achievements, Oyebanji urges APC Southwest leaders

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide necessary publicity for all the programmes and policies of President Bola Tinubu that have improved the living conditions of the people, especially his economic reforms, infrastructure development and efforts being made to stabilize the country.

Governor Oyebanji said hyping the achievements of the President at every opportunity by leaders of the party will provide the needed enlightenment for the people, especially at the grassroots. This, he said, will make the people value the government’s programmes and policies and further endear the President to Nigerians.

The Governor, who spoke when he received the APC Zonal executives led by the Zonal Chairman/National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Dr Isaac Kekemeke in his office on Tuesday, said it is apparent Nigerians attach more seriousness to whatever they hear from their leaders than from other sources.

He stressed the need to activate the party’s structure at all levels to serve as information desk for members and the populace informing them of various laudable programmes and projects of the administration.

The Governor, who described the six months he spent in office before the inauguration of President Tinubu in 2023 as “very tough period”, said the President’s decision to immediately free resources to the sub-national as a way of improving and rescuing the economy from collapse, turned the situation around, making him to achieve more for the state I terms of infrastructure development.

“The story is the same across the states. President Tinubu’s programmes and policies have impacted positively on the people and while the opposition element would do everything to rubbish the gains of the reforms, leaders should counter them with verifiable facts”.

Citing Ekiti State as an example, the Governor said out of the six federal roads in Ekiti State, two have been fixed, work had commenced on one and two have been been awarded. He also revealed that the state has been linked to the new rail line project of the federal government.

He also said that his administration had not collected any loan to finance infrastructure projects in the last three and a half years, explaining that he has been able to properly utilize receipts from the federal allocation and state’s IGR to finance all projects. This, according to him , was made possible by President Tinubu, hence the need to support him for a second term in office.

 “So, if a state as small as Ekiti has this kind of federal government presence, then you can imagine what will happen to other big states in the country. Please, we have every cause to be proud of the achievements of our party and the only way we can get this done is through you, because you are the closest to the people at the grassroots level. What are we talking about is that at every ward meeting, two or three minutes should be devoted to explaining to party members what the government has done.

“Our party is on a rescue mission, generally, through the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are all ambassadors of the President in our respective zones and states and I will use this opportunity to appeal to our party leaders from this zone to make explaining the achievements of the President’s administrations to everybody paramount. And because you are credible leaders, people will listen to you more than those in government.

Earlier, the National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Dr Isaac Kekemeke who commended Governor Oyebanji for the successful outing at the official flag off of his re-election campaign, described him as an emerging party and national leader based on his pedigree of humility and astute leadership quality and by positioning himself as a unifying force.

He said they were in the state for their first executive meeting after their inauguration last month.

While reiterating their unalloyed support for all APC governors in the South-west, Dr Kekemeke, stressed that the zonal leadership intends to strengthen the party’s structure in the region.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI'S RE-ELECTION ALREADY WON, SAYS APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN YILWATDA, GOVERNORS

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI'S RE-ELECTION ALREADY WON, SAYS APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN YILWATDA, GOVERNORS

 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence that the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji is a done deal on the strength of his record of performance and the massive support he enjoys from the people of the state.

 

The APC National Chairman emphasized that the national leadership of the party is proud of what Governor Oyebanji has done and achieved in three and a half years in office and would give him an unflinching support to win another term in office for the benefit of Ekiti people and for continuity of good governance being enjoyed in the state.

 

Prof Yilwatda, who spoke at the Ekiti State APC/BAO Governorship Campaign Flag-Off that was attended by a mammoth crowd at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Monday, said other political parties and their governorship candidates are no match for the ruling party and Governor Oyebanji who are poised to record an unprecedented victory at the election scheduled for June 20.

 

The National Chairman's confidence of victory for Governor Oyebanji was also echoed by the Progressives Governors' Forum (PGF), a body of governors elected on the platform of the party led by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma and the National Campaign Council led by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

 

All former Ekiti State governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Chief Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi also threw their weight behind the re-election of Governor Oyebanji urging the people of the state to massively cast their votes for him and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye for the good works to continue.

 

Apparently impressed by the track record of Governor Oyebanji, the APC National Chairman, Prof Yilwatda requested Governor Oyebanji , also known as BAO to come out and "take a bow" before the people of Ekiti State on each sector where he had made impact on governance, turning around the fortunes of the state and serving as a unifier and rallying point for all people in the state irrespective of their ethnic, cultural, religious and political affiliations.

 

Prof Yilwatda said: "For bringing all the people of the state together, I want you Mr Governor to take a bow. For bringing people of different ethnic groups in Ekiti like Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Ebira, Urhobo and other ethnic nationalities and ensuring unity in your state, please take a bow.

 

"For building roads, bridges, hospitals, health centres, schools and other major infrastructures across the state, take a bow. In fact, BAO (Oyebanji) supports agriculture and his support for agriculture makes it more easy for Ekiti people to be pounding yam and eating pounded yam and this has guaranteed food security, take a bow.

 

"Ekiti is one of the most secure states in Nigeria. BAO works very hard to ensure security of lives and property, take a bow. On behalf of the National Working Committee and APC members nationwide, we stand with you today to say that this election is already won because all other parties na so-so yeye, all other candidates na so-so yeye.

 

"Prepare pounded yam for your swearing-in because the election is already won. Ekiti people on election day, wear your canvass (trainers), wear your jeans go out and vote for BAO."

 

Speaking for the governors, the Chairman of APC Governors' Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, said the fact that the then fragmented Ekiti is now solidly united, was suffice for Oyebanji to be reelected, assuring that the governor won't disappoint in terms of delivery and display of humility.

 

"If you vote for Governor Oyebanji, you have voted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is addressing the crises of food insecurity, infrastructure deficit, unemployment, insecurity and others. Vote for him, he won't let you down".

 

In his address, Kaduna State Governor and Chairman, APC National Campaign Committee for Ekiti election, Senator Uba Sani, was upbeat that the party will triumph in the governorship poll on the strength of Oyebanji's exhilarating performance and acceptability across the board.

 

Sani described Ekiti as a state of high intellectual hub and integrity, who requires being governed by people with cognitive power and high mental ability to be able to sail the ship to a safe shore, assuring that the coming election is not going to be personality clashes.

 

The Kaduna governor said he was proud to fraternise with Oyebanji and loudly campaign for his reelection, having constructed over 350 kilometres of roads across the 16 local governments, while embarking on series of human-friendly programmes to build the enormous resources available to Ekiti .

 

The APC governor, who described the Oyebanji as one of the best governors in the country, said he was happy at Oyebanji’s record of achievements especialy the remodeling of all the primary healthcare centres and public schools in the state, thereby making lives more rewarding for the people.

 

"This is the time to move forward, not to move backward. Vote for continuity, vote for prosperity, vote for stability and development. Let your vote resonate round the country. We will engage every community, every individual, listen to them and mobilise for victory".

 

In hi speech, Oyebanji who told the cheering crowd that he has fulfilled the social contract he signed with the people in 2022, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for exhibiting special interest for the development of the state and its people .

 

In his short speech, Oyebanji said: "We were here in 2022 to sign a contract with you. We thank God that we have been able to fulfil all these contracts. But all these were made possible because President Tinubu takes special interest in this state.

 

"In the 29 years of Ekiti creation, no President has been fair to Ekiti like President Tinubu. He reconstructed Ado-Akure road, Ado-Ifaki road and the notorious Ado-Aramoko road had been awarded for reconstruction among other projects.

 

"The way to repay him is to come out on June 20 and test the microphone by giving us here in Ekiti a minimum of 500,000 votes, so that the good jobs we are doing can continue".

 

The Chairman of the 2026 Ekiti Campaign Council and the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said Oyebanji has been able to make remarkable difference in the lives of the people, because he perfectly understands the language of development.

 

Bamidele, who aptly branded Oyebanji as a round peg in a round hole, assured Ekiti populace that the election will be based on constructive and intellectual engagements, not the the one that will be replete with hate speeches and morbid politicking. 

 

"We have been able to progress as a people because we have a governor who understands the language of development. A round peg, in a round hole. We are proud of him. He is a unifier. A humble leader who can make us better if given the opportunity".

 

Other dignitaries at the event were: Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, National Vice Chairman of the APC, Southwest, Isaac Kekemeke, Director General, Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, former Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ayo Fayose, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Hon Femi Bamisile, Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Hon Oyetunde Ojo, members of the National and State Assemblies and other high profile APC members.