ADETUNMBI ‘LL DELIVER AS SWDC BOSS, SAYS OYEBANJI

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has attested to the pedigree, capacity and competence of Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, to succeed as the pioneer Chairman of the newly established South West Development Commission (SWDC).

Oyebanji hailed the confirmation of Senator Adetunmbi and other members of Board of the Commission by the Senate, saying it marks a new dawn in the quest for a new lease of life by the people of South West geo-political zone .

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji specifically thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of the Ifaki-Ekiti born Senator Adetunmbi as chairman of the SWDC board, adding that his confirmation is a call to duty to take the development of South West to a higher pedestal and deepen its status as a pacesetter for other regions in the country. 

Governor Oyebanji also congratulated Mr Deji Ajijola, another Ekiti State indigene on his confirmation as a member of the SWDC Board. 

The Governor urged Adetunmbi to justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who graciously nominated him for the position and to also make Ekiti proud in the task ahead of him, as he had done in previous assignments. 

The Ekiti Governor said the latest assignment affords Adetunmbi another opportunity to make a difference in public service having excelled in long-term and adhoc roles he had the privilege to hold.

Describing the new SWDC chair as a competent servant of the people, Oyebanji said he is endowed with requisite experience both in public and private sectors to hit the ground running at his new duty post.

Oyebanji urged the two-time lawmaker for Ekiti North Senatorial District to discharge his duties as the SWDC with every sense of responsibility, fear of God and unquenchable thirst to make a difference during his tenure of office.

He said: "Senator Adetunmbi is bringing quality, pedigree and competence into this new office and I have no doubt that he will succeed. 

"He should be at the vanguard of speeding up development in the South West in areas of agricultural and industrial development, power and water supply, job creation and youth empowerment, road and transport networks thus consolidating South West as the pacesetter in Nigeria."

EKZ: Oyebanji Pays Over N1.45 Billion Compensation to land owners

... Says Project‘ll Deliver 14,000 Jobs* 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday presented over 1,450,000,000 Billion naira cheques as compensation to 195 indigenes of Ijan, Awo, and Araromi Ekiti, whose land were acquired for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project.

The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is a strategic economic initiative aimed at creating an innovation driven ecosystem and a business incubation platform for knowledge-based enterprises in the state.

Speaking while presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries at a brief event held at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti, the Governor said the EKZ is projected to deliver over 14,000 jobs, particularly for the youth. This, according to him, is a clear step toward tackling unemployment and building a sustainable future for future generations.

Explaining the potentials of the Knowledge Zone and describing it as a catalyst for development, Governor Oyebanji said “As a State celebrated for its intellectual capital, we have chosen to leverage this unique strength to drive inclusive economic growth and create a vibrant hub for innovation and service-driven industries.

Emphasizing that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone does not stand alone, the Governor explained that his administration has put in place critical supporting infrastructure to ensure its viability and long-term success which include the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ekiti Ring Road Project, among others.

He further explained that the State Government has also engaged Green Engagement Limited as Consultant to ensure a just and transparent process in implementing the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Project Affected Persons.

While expressing his profound appreciation to the Federal Government under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an enabling environment for the project and the African Development Bank for not only funding the project but for their consistent technical support to the Project Implementation Unit, Governor Oyebanji affirmed that beyond financial compensation, his administration remains committed to providing additional support measures to vulnerable persons which include capacity development in oil palm agro-production, vocational skills training, social services, and post-compensation monitoring to ensure a more holistic and sustainable resettlement process.

Governor Oyebanji also addressed public misconceptions regarding the financing of the project, clarifying that although the Federal Government guaranteed an $80 million loan on behalf of the state, the funds were not disbursed directly to the state government.

“The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), oversees the procurement process and pays contractors directly. The state government neither receives nor handles the loan funds,” he emphasized.

Speaking further, he said : “As a State celebrated for its intellectual capital, we have chosen to leverage this unique strength to drive inclusive economic growth and create a vibrant hub for innovation and service-driven industries. The EKZ is projected to deliver over 14,000 jobs, particularly for our youth, a clear step toward tackling unemployment and building a sustainable future for generations to come. 

“As a show of appreciation and in line with our promise of justice and transparency, I am pleased to announce that the total compensation package initially assessed at ₦1,118,852,813.00, has now been reviewed to reflect current economic realities and stands at N1,450,000,000.00, which is being disbursed today” 

In her remarks, the Director General, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), and EKZ Project Cordinator, Ms Lolade Olutola expressed government’s commitment to ensuring that the future of Ekiti state is built on its strength of knowledge, creativity and resilience.

The EKDIPA boss also affirmed that the shared value of fairness, transparency and inclusion of the administration is not being left out in the compensation process, adding that the event reflected on the commitment of the administration to ensure that no one is left behind in Governor Oyebanji’s developmental agenda.

She used the opportunity to express her profound gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for ensuring that the welfare of residents is paramount in his heart as well as Africa Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance for their unflinching support towards the success of the project.

Also in his goodwill message, the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Aladesuyi Adebanji, who expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor for fulfilling his promise and for prioritizing the welfare of the citizens, described the EKZ project as a complete solution to the problem in the country intellectually, technically and all round development.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Bankole Ojo thanked the Governor and assured him of their continued support for the implementation of the project.

The event was graced by the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola, among others.

Oyebanji Reaffirms commitment to ensuring Ekiti remains Top Business- Friendly State

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that will attract investors and drive economic growth in the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Monday in his office in Ado Ekiti during the second quarter report of Ease of Doing Business Council (EoDB), said his administration is focused on removing every barrier to doing business in the state by implementing policies that would enhance ease of access for investors in the state

Identifying power and road infrastructure as two major barriers to business and acknowledging their critical role in attracting investors, the Governor assured that his government is working tirelessly to address these challenges with various efforts aimed at improving electricity supply and upgrading road networks across the state.

Stressing the importance of stable electricity in reducing the operational cost associated with the use of diesel by businesses , the Governor said government must prioritize efforts to ensure a steady and reliable power supply to ease the burden on entrepreneurs, enabling their business to thrive and achieve profitability.

Governor Oyebanji assured investors that his government remains committed to simplifying all processes related to starting and running businesses in the state, streamline bureaucratic procedure to encourage more investment, foster innovation, and create an enabling environment for enterprise of all sizes to flourish.

The Ease of Doing Business Council meeting, which was chaired by the Governor, was attended by members of the council, representatives of some MDAs.

Amandla Institute to Host High-Level Conference of Leaders to Mark ECOWAS at 50 in Abuja

As part of activities commemorating the golden jubilee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Amandla Institute is convening a landmark High-Level Reflection Conference of Leaders on June 24–25, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The closed-door gathering will bring together some of the most influential figures in the history of the regional bloc to critically examine its journey over the past five decades and chart a course for its future.

Among the distinguished participants are General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), former Nigerian Head of State and a founding father of ECOWAS; Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, the first President of the ECOWAS Commission; Dr. Abass Bundu, third Executive Secretary of the ECOWAS Secretariat; Dr. Omar Touray, current President of the ECOWAS Commission; and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Co-Founder of the Amandla Institute and former Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Also participating are prominent former ECOWAS officials, parliamentarians, jurists, and political leaders from across West Africa.

Themed “ECOWAS at 50: A High-Level Reflection Conference of Leaders,” the two-day event will provide an opportunity for deep introspection on the milestones, challenges, and prospects of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.

 At the heart of the conference is an urgent conversation on the current state and future of ECOWAS, particularly in light of the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger , and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which poses a critical challenge to regional unity.

Speakers and panellists will engage in a series of thematic sessions covering the origins and evolution of ECOWAS, economic integration efforts, peace and security interventions, the role of regional institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice, and the changing geopolitical landscape affecting West Africa.  

The Amandla Institute is a pan-African, independent think tank and policy research organisation dedicated to advancing governance, security, and development across Africa. Co-founded by Dr. Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, it fosters dialogue and strategic solutions to regional challenges, including peacebuilding and strengthening democracy.

Aregbesola’s Lagos Loyalists Switch Allegiance, Back New Power Blocs

Insiders say many supporters of former minister Rauf Aregbesola in Lagos State have switched camps, particularly in his political base of Alimosho.

They are now aligning with two emerging leaders in the area , Bisi Yusuf and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

Yusuf, the pioneer Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Government Area, is a former two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly from Alimosho Constituency 1.

Orelope-Adefulire, a former Deputy Governor and Commissioner in Lagos, also served as the Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals.

Both had operated for years under Aregbesola’s political umbrella — until recently. They are now backed by higher-ups to take control of things in Alimosho,” said one party source familiar with the development.

Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State, was once the undisputed political godfather of Alimosho and other key areas in Lagos.His influence stemmed from his years as Lagos State Commissioner for Works and his well-known closeness to President Bola Tinubu.

He retained Tinubu’s backing throughout his tenure as Osun Governor from 2010 to 2018, further consolidating his grip on Lagos politics by securing political appointments and opportunities for his loyalists.

“Even after things soured between him and Tinubu while he was serving as a Minister, he still managed to maintain some control based on his pedigree and past network,” another source added.

However, his eventual exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) — triggered by political fallout in Osun and failed reconciliation moves — dried up the resources and access he needed to sustain his political structure, both in Alimosho and beyond.

“Once Tinubu loyalists began actively sidelining Aregbesola’s men across Lagos, it became clear that those who didn’t align with the new order would be left behind,” said another insider in the Alimosho political circuit.

The breaking point reportedly came during the APC local government primary election held on Saturday, May 10. Party insiders say the exercise was designed to dismantle Aregbesola’s remaining influence, as none of his loyalists secured re-election tickets, nor were fresh aspirants among them able to emerge as flag bearers.

“To save their political careers, many of them started switching camps. Some had already begun making moves before the primaries, but the outcome made the need more urgent — especially for those still hesitant,” the source explained.