Nigerian Gazette

By Folorunso S. ALUKO In the rich theatre of Nigerian politics, endorsements are never accidental. They are not handouts. They are earned. They are the consequential echoes of tangible leadership, a vote of confidence from the people — and, in the case of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) of Ekiti State, they are the moral, political, and developmental validations of a governor whose stewardship is deeply rooted in performance, purpose, and providence. The narrative peddled by cynics that massive endorsements signify desperation or mask underperformance is not only intellectually lazy, but also politically mischievous. Across the globe, in every functioning democracy, endorsements are a time-honoured tradition — a political testimony of approval. From the working farmer in Irepodun to the seasoned academic in Ado-Ekiti, from the youths in Oye-Ekiti to the Women in Ikere, from civil servants to religious leaders, the chorus in Ekiti is clear: Governor Oyebanji is not on...

...says, "My party is dead, let young leaders take over"  Governor Biodun Oyebanji's people-oriented governance continues to earn admiration from unexpected quarters, as a notable chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Sunday Osanyintuyi, has thrown his weight behind the Governor’s recent empowerment initiative for young artisans. Mr. Osanyintuyi, who served as Director of New Media Committee for the PDP during the last governorship election, gave this surprising endorsement following Governor Oyebanji’s decision to sponsor the graduation (freedom) of 20 young apprentices across the state, a follow-up to the touching intervention for Master Idris Ajetomobi, a young barber from Ado Ekiti whose freedom was earlier paid for by the Governor. The selection of the 20 new beneficiaries, according to the Director General of the Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso Omotoso, will be done through artisan associations acro...

The Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, under the leadership of Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, has announced the flag-off of subsidized cocoa and oil palm seedlings for the 2025 planting season. The event, which is part of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s agricultural transformation drive, will hold on Thursday, May 2, 2025, at the Livestock Development Centre, Erifun, along Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado Ekiti. Time is 10:00am prompt. The initiative is aimed at supporting farmers with quality seedlings at reduced rates as the state steps up efforts to boost cocoa and oil palm production. Farmers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders are expected to attend the event. The Ministry has urged all participants to be punctual.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Digital Communication, Mr. Dotun Adegbulugbe, on Sunday, visited his political base at Ijesha-Isu Ward 7, Kajola LCDA, where he doled out cash gifts to 60 loyal party members. The atmosphere at the ward meeting was lively as members expressed joy and gratitude for the kind gesture. Speaking during the gathering, Mr. Adegbulugbe said the cash gifts were a token of appreciation for the members’ loyalty and continued support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration. “This is just a way of saying thank you for standing by our Governor and our party. Your loyalty has been consistent and loud, and it must be appreciated," Adegbulugbe told the cheering crowd. He also used the opportunity to address a critical concern affecting the community. Adegbulugbe promised to bring to the attention of the Honorable Commissioner for Works the deplorable condition of the road leadi...

..urges government, other stakeholders to intervene swiftly. An indigenous group in the State, Ekiti Reformers Organization of Nigeria (Eki Reformers) has expressed  sympathy with the people of Ado Ekiti following the recent heavy rains that wreaked havoc on the community, destroying properties and causing significant disruption. The group, in a statement signed by its President, Eki Asipa Ayodeji Adarabierin expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the affected individuals and families. "Our hearts go out to the people of Ado Ekiti particularly those who have been affected by this devastating weather. We stand in solidarity with them and pray for their swift recovery," he said. Ekiti Asipa Adarabierin who is also the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Revenue and Tax Matters to the Ekiti State Governor, expressed optimism that the Government would act quickly to mitigate the effects of the recent flood disaster, cons...

Buoyed by the exemplary leadership qualities and impactful policies they have displayed, the Ekiti State Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office. The endorsement, took place at a special Caucus meeting of the party held at Iyin Ekiti,  which was attended by former governors  Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi as well as the incumbent governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji amongst other leaders.  Those also in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, former Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; serving and former members of the National and State Assembly and Party Chieftains. Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), who moved the endorsement motion, commended President Tinubu for his decisive economic reforms that have revitalized the count...

...as FG warns 30 states, FCT of heavy rains, floods As the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) unveiled its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, Ekiti State was notably absent from the list of high-risk flood areas, a significant achievement for the state. The 2025 flood forecast highlighted 1,249 communities across Nigeria that are at risk of severe flooding, with 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) identified as most vulnerable.  However, Ekiti was not among those flagged, reflecting the state’s ongoing efforts in environmental management. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has focused on proactive flood prevention strategies over the years. The state has implemented significant infrastructure improvements, including spending heavily on dredging, clearing of drainage systems and the rehabilitation of erosion-prone areas in key communities such as Ado, Ikere, and Ijero.  These efforts are aligned with the broader focus on mitigating flood risk...