Oyebanji Inaugurates Ekiti Dashboard to Track Projects, Efficiency…restates commitment to transparency, accountability

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday commissioned a Strategic Pillar Monitoring System (SPMS), tagged Ekiti Dashboard to enhance efficiency by providing seamless and real-time monitoring of government programmes and projects to ensure value for money.

Speaking while commissioning the dash board at a brief event held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service.

While maintaining that the success of any administration depends on its ability to efficiently monitor and evaluate implementation of projects, the Governor explained that the innovation platform would further enable his administration to identify challenges promptly, allocate resources effectively, improve service delivery, and ensure timely completion of critical projects aligned with his six pillars of development.

He commended the office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), led by Dr John Ekundayo, for the innovation in project monitoring and evaluation. 

 Describing the initiative as a game changer that will further empower citizens to actively participate by providing them tools to monitor and evaluate performances, the Governor said the platform would also help track progress and monitor the execution of projects from inception to completion. This is in addition to enhancing transparency by providing citizens access to real time information on government projects thereby fostering trust and collaboration between government and the people. 

According to the Governor, the initiative will also improve decision making process through the use of data driven insight as well as promote accountability.

“It gives me a great pleasure to be here today to commission into use the strategic pillar monitoring system dashboard, an ict infrastructure developed to ensure seamless and real time monitoring of programmes and projects of government.

“This dashboard is a cutting edge tool designed to provide real time information on status, progress and impact of all government projects in Ekiti State and I am pleased to inform you that this innovative system is the first of its kind in Nigeria and it represents our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service”, the Governor asserted.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Special Adviser, Office of Tranformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Dr John Ekundayo, who expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to transparency and accountability, said the initiative is to track the progress of projetcs across the state as encapsulated in the six pillars of the administration.

While explaining that the Ekiti Dashboard represents the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to transparency, efficiency, and result driven governance by harnessing the power of data, cutting edge technology in the approach to project management, Dr Ekudayo charged all stakeholders to utilize the tool to drive positive change and populate the state Dashboard by sharing the link.

Also present at the event were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, members of the state executive council and heads of MDAs.

Stockbrokers hail Oyebanji’s fiscal policy, development agenda

….as Gov says state ‘ll collaborate with CIS to deepen growth

 

 

The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has hailed Ekiti State Government’s fiscal policy, saying it is instrumental to the pace of development in the state, in addition to making the state attractive to investors.

The President of the institute, Mr Oluropo Dada, stated this during a courtesy visit by members of the Governing Council of CIS to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in his office in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

Dada cited the recent rating of Ekiti State as the first (among 36 states) in the Q4 2024 States Fiscal Transparency ranking by BudgIT, among other milestones recorded by the government as indication of the state’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic growth, using the administration’s six development pillars as roadmap.

He said the CIS would be willing to enter into strategic partnership with the state government in some critical areas in order to further enhance economic growth and development as well as financial empowerment of the people.

The CIS President said the Institute, as part of efforts to support the government’s economic plan, is ready to organize regular financial literacy programmes for all categories of government workers focusing on finance, securities and investment opportunities for public servants, emphasizing the importance of making money as well as sustaining the tempo of financial breakthrough at any point in time.

He also hinted on the planned introduction of securities and investments related programmes in the two state owned universities in Ekiti as well as a plan to introduce no fewer than 1,000 Ekiti undergraduates to the CIS qualifying examinations, as a way of equipping them with the required skills and certification that would make them key players in the investment world.

Governor Oyebanji who thanked the CIS council members for the meeting said his administration would collaborate with the Institute and leverage on its financial expertise to drive strategic reforms for economic growth of the state and residents.

 

Governor Oyebanji said Ekiti State has been able to earn investors’ confidence based on the fiscal policy of his administration which is anchored on accountability and transparency.

 

The Governor charged the Institute on the need to organize and create opportunity for financial literacy and inclusion in order to ensure sustainable financial growth of the citizenry. He wondered why people retire from public office and get into penury almost immediately, hinging it on lack of financial intelligence.

 

He stressed the need for people at both state and national levels to understand the importance of stockbroking, calling for more advocacy in that direction.

 

“Just as the CIS President said, when it comes to issue of transparency, accountability, and reforms, we’ve done so well. We come from the tradition of a reform-minded people. I used to tell people that when it comes to PhD per capita, Ekiti is the number one in the country. So, our education should count in terms of planning and wealth creation, otherwise it is useless.

 

“We were just been rated as number one when it comes to fiscal transparency ranking in the country. And since we came to office, we hover between number one and number two, and that speaks to the fidelity of commitment to accountability and transparency in the state”, he said , adding that the state government is set to collaborate with the Institute on a number of areas.

 

Governor Oyebanji said Ekiti State is a good place to invest. According to him, “Our airport is undergoing certification presently and by July or thereabout, we hope to get the approval for commercial flights operation at the airport. We pride ourselves as one of the few airports with the best runway in the country, 3.2 kilometers runway and we are in the process of procuring an ILS that enables night flights and that also enable planes to land at extreme weather, that process is on.

 

“We are a small state but we have big ideas, and we believe also that because we are knowledgeable and educated, education should count for something. People cannot be educated and poor you know but that is our story. Our six pillars is to change that narrative and ensure that we make our people productive, while believing strongly that the pathway to prosperity is productivity”, the Governor said.

Also at the meeting were Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo; commissioners for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode; Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola; Special Adviser (Media), Mr Yinka Oyebode; Director General, EKDIPA, Mrs Lolade Olutona and Group Managing Director of Fountain Holdings, Mr Adetunji Tolani.

Ekiti North Rallies Behind Governor Oyebanji, Joining the Chorus for Continuity

In a well-charged atmosphere that defied even the threat of rain, Ekiti North left nothing untouched in registering their full support for the continuity of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO). Today, the Ekiti North Senatorial District boldly joined Ekiti South and Central in endorsing Governor Oyebanji for a second term during a vibrant event in Ido-Ekiti.

Among the frontline politicians who mobilized in great numbers were the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Chief Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye, Special Adviser on Gender Empowerment and Mobilization, who stood out in her yellow uniform and led the Oye Local Government delegates. Alongside her was Hon. Adeyeye Mobolaji Johnson, energetically distributing BAO-customised face caps to everyone.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi stood tall, his proclamation of endorsement echoed by a multitude of supporters by his side. The musicians couldn’t stop praising Hon. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole, who arrived with a sea of his followers waving banners. In a corner, Hon. Ajibola Muyiwa Olabode and Hon. Reuben Awoyemi were busy organizing their Oye supporters, ensuring everything was in order.

The Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, tried to slip in quietly, but his Ikole supporters had other plans ­– before long, he was seen dancing away joyfully with his people. Hon. Odunayo Ayeni (Special Adviser Governance), popularly known as OmoAdura, was on stage showing off his dance moves, his happiness at the endorsement plain for all to see. Dr. John Ekundayo, or Baba OTSD as many call him, was right there in the crowd, quietly observing the whole activity strategically.

Despite recently burying her father, the ever-beautiful Hon. Bunmi Orinowo was present and involved in today’s activities. Baba Agbeyo and Baba Alaba Abejide, both elders, showed their excitement on the dance floor while still coordinating things with impressive energy. Baba Alaba Bejide captivated the gathering with his brilliantly written speech, while Mrs. Mary Oso, the Director General of Community Communication, anchored the event flawlessly.

Many leaders graced the occasion, but these mentioned stood out, deeply involved in the excitement and planning of the day.  

Today’s outing in Ido-Ekiti was more than an endorsement; it was a powerful display of unity and commitment, showing that Ekiti North stands firmly behind Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Adesoji Gabriel AngelGabby 

S.A New Media

UTME: Ekiti Governor commends JAMB, assures people with disabilities of more support as over 30 write exam

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has commended the Joint Admissions And Matriculation Board(JAMB) for providing candidates with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Governor hailed the Board’s Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for coming up with the Jamb Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) an inclusive education platform, that has been affording physically challenged candidates access to tertiary institutions to pursue their careers.

Speaking at the Ekiti State University( EKSU) Ado- Ekiti, centre for the special candidates participating in this year’s UTME conducted by JOEG, the Governor.represented by his

Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, expressed the state government’s readiness to continue to support the education of People With Disabilities(PwDs) in the state.

The Special Adviser revealed government efforts in the promotion of the education of People With Disabilities (PWDs) saying that the State University is now in the process of establishing the department of special education.

She added that the initiative will provide access and opportunity for higher education for graduates of the Special Schools in their catchment areas.

” The current administration of Biodun Oyebanji is happy with what JAMB is doing and his government will continue to support our special students just like we have been doing in the past and I can assure you that no one irrespective of their conditions will be left behind when it comes to education.”

Ekiti Police rescue abducted victims in Ekiti

The Ekiti State Police Command has rescued two victims abducted along Igbara-Odo/Ikere-Ekiti road by some suspected kidnappers.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu.

The statement reads, “The Ekiti State Police Command Rapid Response Squad(RRS), in a joint operation with the Non-State Security Actors, rescued two victims who were kidnapped along Igbara-Odo/Ikere-Ekiti road on 26th April, 2025 at about 19:30hrs by some suspected kidnappers.

“Investigations revealed that the victims were on their way from Igbara-Odo to Ikere-Ekiti when one of their vehicle tyres got punctured. While they were trying to fix the tyre, some unknown gunmen appeared from the bush, threatened them with guns and whisked them away to an unknown destination.

“Upon receipt of the information, the Command mobilized its operatives into the forest along that axis for their possible rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators. The operations eventually paid off as the Operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel which forced them to escape with gunshots injuries, leaving the victims behind. Effort is ongoing to ensure the arrest of these miscreants and other criminal elements in the State.

“The rescued victims were immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention and subsequently reunited with their family members.

“While the Command will continue to prioritize the maximum safety of the residents of the State, members of the public are implored to be vigilant, security conscious and ensure they support and collaborate with the Police and other security agencies in the fight against crimes and criminality”.

International Honour for Ekiti as Ajoni LCDA Chairman, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, Shortlisted for "African Community Heroes' Award" in UK

In what is a boost to grassroots leadership recognition, the Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ekiti State Ambassador Prince Michael Ogungbemi, fcpa, has been shortlisted for the prestigious "African Community Heroes' Award" in the United Kingdom.

A statement from the Chairman's office described the honour, conferred by the Global Skills Hub, United Kingdom, under the Africa Heroes' Project, as a fitting tribute to Prince Ogungbemi’s transformative strides in grassroots development and community leadership.

The announcement was contained in a letter dated March 16, 2025, and signed by the organisation’s Country Director, Dr Honey Olawale, who hailed Ogungbemi’s remarkable contributions to grassroots governance and his outstanding leadership impact in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.

Ahead of the award presentation, the Chairman had participated in a virtual leadership training session held on April 26, 2025, alongside other honourees from across Africa, during which the chairman expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the honour to the resilient and supportive people of Ajoni LCDA.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance, championing initiatives that empower citizens and sustaining the momentum of community transformation.

Prince Ogungbemi, in his remarks, also saluted Ekiti State Governor Mr. Biodun Oyebanji and former Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi for the opportunity and support that enabled him to exhibit his leadership abilities and intellectual capacity.

The organisers of the programme noted that the award is aimed at celebrating Africa’s true heroes while alive, adding that national and international media platforms are being mobilized to cover the historic event.

Highlighting his achievements, the Global Skills Hub stated that the honour was in special recognition of Prince Ogungbemi’s integrity in public service, professional impact in local governance, grassroots engagement and contributions to sustainable development.

Arch. Tope Ogunleye (RST) Sympathises with Ado-Ekiti Residents Over Rainstorm Havoc, Commends Governor Oyebanji’s Swift Intervention

The Special Adviser on Bureau of Special Projects to the Ekiti State Governor, Arch. Tope Ogunleye (RST), has expressed heartfelt sympathy to the residents of Ado-Ekiti, particularly those affected by the devastating rainstorm that struck the state capital yesterday.

Arch. Ogunleye conveyed deep concern for families, homeowners, and business owners whose properties were damaged and livelihoods were affected by the rain storm, which impacted numerous private and public buildings as well as critical facilities across Ado-Ekiti and her surroundings. He, however, expressed gratitude that—fortunately—no lives were lost in all the incidents.

In his statement, Arch. Ogunleye commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his prompt and compassionate response to the disaster. "I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his swift intervention and unwavering commitment to the welfare of our people during this difficult time. The Governor's immediate directive to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to victims demonstrates strong and responsive leadership," he noted.

Governor Oyebanji, in an earlier statement, had sympathized with the affected residents and business owners, assuring the public that the government would do everything necessary to support the victims. He urged citizens to remain calm as government agencies evaluate damages and coordinate relief efforts, declaring, “We are in it together.” The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in delivering timely succour and support to the affected communities.

Arch. Ogunleye further assured the people of Ado-Ekiti that the intervention of Governor Oyebanji would not only continue but expand to ensure that no affected resident or business owner is left unattended. He applauded the ongoing efforts to provide relief and called on the people of Ado-Ekiti , and Ekiti State in general, to continue supporting the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration. He stressed that the government’s compassionate response and people-oriented approach are clear demonstrations of responsible and visionary leadership in Ekiti State.

In these trying times, Arch. Ogunleye urged all residents to remain resilient and united, and to support each other as the state capital recovers from the effects of the rainstorm. He encouraged the people to have unwavering confidence in the government’s capacity to overcome challenges and to deliver lasting progress for all.

"With Governor Oyebanji's steadfast leadership and the collective support of all stakeholders," Arch. Ogunleye concluded, "we will rebuild stronger and ensure a safer, more prosperous Ekiti for everyone." He concluded

WE ARE WITH YOU, OYEBANJI ASSURES EKITI PEOPLE AFTER HEAVY RAINSTORM

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has sympathised with the people of the state over the havoc wreaked by rainstorm in some parts of the state on Saturday.

The storm affected many private and public buildings as well as facilities across the state. However, no life was lost.

Moved by the development, the Governor has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately commence an assessment of properties that were affected with a view to assisting the victims.

While assuring the people of the state that they would not be left alone at this critical period, Governor Oyebanji urges the people of the state to remain calm and go about their daily activities without any fear, while Government takes inventory of the damaged properties and facilities with a view to responding appropriately.

“We are in it together”, the Governor assures the people in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday evening.

“The Biodun Oyebanji administration is committed to the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the state and will not leave any stone unturned in providing timely succor to the victims of the rainstorm”, the statement added.

Oyebanji flags off Aerial Mapping of Ekiti to enhance land administration

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday launched a ground-breaking 3D drone aerial mapping of the state in a bid to enhance land administration, boost investment, and establish a comprehensive geospatial database to support development projects in the state.

 

Speaking while flagging-off the exercise at a brief ceremony held at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the exercise was designed to implement a comprehensive land administration solution that will enhance government’s planning capacity and improve service delivery to residents of the state.

 

The Governor described the exercise as a game changer for the state’s development. Highlighting the transformative potential of the project, Governor Oyebanji said the exercise would streamline land management, promote transparency, ensure security of property ownership, enhance urban planning as well as position the state as a hub for investors.

 

He explained further that the aerial mapping would also put an end to the persistent issues of fraudulent land transactions, curb menace of land grabbing, provide accurate land records and eliminate loopholes that have been exploited for land grabbing and other irregularities, thereby making the state more attractive for both local and foreign investors.

 

Oyebanji who while expressing optimism on the transformative potential of the exercise for the state’s economy, said: “By the time we finish what we are doing, it is going to open the window for investment into Ekiti State, the era of people selling one land to ten people will stop, the era of land grabbing will stop.

 

 

“An investor does not have to go to the office of Surveyor- General to sit with them because at a press of a button, you can locate every land and all houses in the state. So, it is a revolution and I am happy it is happening today”. the Governor asserted.

 

Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey and e-GIS, Prof James Olaleye, said the exercise is the beginning of modernisation of land administration system in Ekiti through the use of cutting-edge geospatial technologies to improved land administration, infrastructure planning and management, secure land tenures, eliminate blind search for land, and boost internally generated revenue of the state.

 

While commending Governor Oyebanji for his visionary leadership, especially in leveraging on innovation and technology to drive development in the state, Prof Olaleye said that the aerial photographic mission would fly at low altitude to capture every inch of the state’s landmass.

 

He added that the project is expected touch every nook and corners of the state would last for one month.

 

The Contractor handling the project, Surveyor Olajugba Oluropo, commended the state government’s forward thinking approach in setting a new standard for land administration in the state. Oluropo who took the Governor and state officials present through a displayed mapping board as well as the aircraft’s facilities, assured the Governor of timely delivery and world-class execution of the project.

 

The aircraft took off for the commencement of the mapping exercise shortly after the brief ceremony.

 

Also at the event were Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council, Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers/ Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, HRM Oba Ilori Faboro; and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III.