Oyebanji For Second Term 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday hailed the state Assembly for playing a  very crucial role in the growth and development recorded so far even as he signed six bills into law at a special plenary session commemorating the second anniversary of the Assembly. 

The new laws designed to strengthen health care delivery, promote local participation in economic activities and deepen growth and development include: the Ekiti State Quality of Healthcare Bill, 2025; Ekiti State Water Resources, Sanitation and Hygiene Sector law, 2025; Ekiti State Local Content (2nd Amendment) Law, 2025;  

Others are the Ekiti State Statistical (First Amendment) Law, 2025; Ekiti State Senior Secondary School Board Law, 2025; and Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission Pension and Loans Board (First Amendment) Law, 2025.

A major highlight of the special plenary session which was witnessed by many frontline leaders, traditional rulers and heads of institutions was a vote of confidence passed on the Governor by the Assembly for his exemplary leadership and endorsing the renewal of his social contract with the people till 2030. 

Speaking after signing the bills into law at the open plenary session, held at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the significance of each of the new laws, which according to him, were aimed at providing and improving data management for evidence-based planning, educational governance, staff welfare, local content in procurement, improved water and sanitation, and enhanced healthcare quality.

Commending the lawmakers for their unwavering  cooperation and commitment to the Ekiti project since the inception of the administration, describing them as partners in progress, the Governor noted that their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in advancing his administration’s developmental agenda.

Governor Oyebanji, who also lauded the Assembly for its dedication to the growth and well-being of the state, said the legislature’s focus on enacting laws that address critical issues such as healthcare, water management and local content, demonstrates their unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of the state and the prosperity of its people.

The Governor stated further  that the success achieved thus far are testament to what can be accomplished when there is alignment of vision between the executive and the legislative arms of government, urging the Assembly members to sustain the synergy, which according to him is vital to building a state that meets the aspiration of its citizens.

While assuring the lawmakers of his administration’s continued collaboration, respect and support,  Governor Oyebanji said that the shared vision of transforming Ekiti State into a model of good governance would remain the guiding principle of their partnership.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank members of the House of Assembly for being responsible and responsive, I can’t thank you enough for your commitment to the development of Ekiti State, with the new bills sign now, that will bring the total number of bills singed to 30 in two years, no assembly has done that in the history of the state and it speaks to your resilient, commitment, and it also speaks to the fact that you want the best for your constituents.

“I am extremely grateful to you for the unity of purpose, thank you for aligning yourself with the vision of the party, and thank you also for being a partner in progress, for your patience”, the Governor said.

In his welcome address, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, who expressed the appreciation of the 7th Assembly to the Executive Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering support, counsel, and collaboration with the legislative arm, said the synergy have been instrumental to the remarkable milestone it has achieved under his visionary leadership which helped to attain national recognition for the integration of information and communication technology in governance.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye reflected on the legislative achievements of the assembly in the last two years to include enactment of laws that stimulate socio-economic transformation, exercise diligent oversight to ensure accountability in governance as well as deepen constituent engagement bringing about deliberate synergy with their constituents.

The Speaker also affirmed that the Assembly demonstrated extraordinary legislative commitment passing 24 bills into law which almost doubled the previous Assembly’s output in a comparable timeframe as well as 63 resolutions on matters ranging from youth unemployment to environmental conservation.

He added that the laws, which addressed critical areas of data management for evidence-based planning, educational governance, staff welfare, local content in procurement, improved water and sanitation, and enhanced healthcare quality reflected their commitment to an integrated legislative framework that safeguards the well-being of Ekiti people.

While also thanking Ekiti people for entrusting them with the mandate to legislate, oversight, and represent them, the Speaker hinted that the assembly had gone digital with installation of a digital voting system on the floor of the House, as well as launching an in-house broadcasting platform that live-streams plenary sessions and committee hearings to all parts of the state.

In the same vein, the House of Assembly members moved the motion for the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji to continue his administration beyond 2026 to renew his social contract with the people of Ekiti State.

Speaking while moving the motion for the endorsement, which was ratified through a thunderous voice vote by the constituents, Hon. Jacob Adeyemi Awoniyi representing Moba constituency 2, who said Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated exemplary leadership and delivered transformative policies that have positively impacted the lives of Ekiti residents, emphasized that the Governor’s achievements in critical areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare are clear evidence of his commitment to the state’s progress.

Also present 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, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Acting Chief Judge, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, members of the House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, and Constituent across the state, among others.

…Commend House of Reps deputy speaker, Kalu for his  legislative imprints

By Paul Effiong, Abuja

Former Local Government chairmen across party lines in Abia State have declared their support for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government, pledging to work for his reelection in 2027.

Operating under the aegis of South East Forum of Former Local Government Chairmen, the former helmsmen declared their support during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on Tuesday at Umuahia, Abia State capital.

Recall that that the Deputy Speaker who represents Bende Federal Constituency of the State also served as the local government chairman of his Bende local government area 22 years ago. 

Led by the former chairman of Umunneochi Local Government of Abia State, Dr. Frank Osita, the former chairmen said that are ready to mobilize support across the state for the President. 

They also commended the Deputy Speaker for his achievements at the legislature and for setting up the Renewed Hope Partners ,RHP, meant to showcase the legacies of the President.

Speaking on their behalf, Osita said: “It is my great pleasure to present your former colleagues to you. We have come to identify with you. We have come under the umbrella of south east forum of former local government chairmen, a strategic platform designed to unite former grassroots leaders from the region. With you here is just the Abia State Chapter.

“Recognizing the crucial role we play as local government chairmen and continue to play in community mobilization in governance and development at grassroots level, this forum seeks to harness our collective experiences, influence and network for greater good of the region. 

“At the heart of our mission is a renewed commitment to align the Southeast with the opportunities embedded in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“We aim to do this through meaningful engagement and partnership with the Renewed Hope Partners, a platform championed by you, our leader, the Deputy Speaker. 

“This forum serves not just as a rallying point but as a think tank to drive inclusive development, policy alignment and grassroot advocacy, ensuring that the region is not left behind in the national development conversation. We have come to be of use to you. We are from the grassroots, we have the structure and the idea you came up with to assist Mr. President is a very laudable one. We assure you that we will go to every nook and cranny of our various communities to assist in bringing our people and selling this idea that you’ve conceived for the interest of not just Abia State but Nigeria as a whole”.

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker commended the chairmen of the Forum for their vision in setting up the forum and their support for President Tinubu. 

He said that as former local government chairmen, they possess a great wealth of experience in public service, encouraging them take the forum seriously.

“Today, we have something Nigerians are going to emulate, the Forum of former Local Government Chairmen. If that’s not a great idea I wonder what is. Its greatness is found in the fact that we will understand each other better, having walked on same path.

“We will not be afraid to help each other, one for all, all for one. Twenty two years ago I was a local government chairman. You know me better. I was attending meetings with you. 

“Some of us have served local government, states and then federal. So in terms of wealth of experience, we are older. Age and experience have something it brings and one of those things is the ability to remember that power is transient. So when you’re in charge, be careful. Treat people with mutual respect because you will meet them soon out there.

“I’m happy that you’ve agreed to come together under one umbrella. Your wealth of experience cannot be wasted. 

“Experience begets knowledge. I came out from the grassroots. I’m a believer in grassroots and I’m returning to the grassroots. Who are the grassroots  without the chairmen? You control the grassroots.

“Take this forum seriously. We are going to do it for the whole of the South East to increase vote for Mr. President.

From Ibrahim Goronyo, Sokoto 

A significant blow to the Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, in Sokoto State has come as many prominent supporters of the party, led by Alhaji Chika Sarkin Gishiri, Chairman of the Sokoto State Traders Associations defected to the All Progressives Congress ,APC. 

The defection took place yesterday at the residence of Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the APC leader in Sokoto State.

A statement made by Bashar Abubakar, the spokesman of the Association during  their reception said , ” We have the desire to move the state forward as the reason for our decision to join the APC”. 

The defectors assured the APC leadership of their commitment to working towards the development of Sokoto State. 

According to Sarkin Gishiri, this mass defection is a significant setback for the PDP in Sokoto, as influential members of the business community have now joined the ruling APC.

Sarkin Gishiri reaffirmed his unflinching support to the current administration of the people-friendly and prolific Gov Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for more tangible developmental strides to be massively recorded in the State. 

He appreciated the continued support being received from Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko since time immemorial, which he attributed to the successes of his myriad of business activities. 

He later declared his total and unalloyed support to APC in the state as well as all the other leaders of the traders in the State.

Earlier in his speech, the former Chairman of the State Traders Association and the current chairman of Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Ladan Almustapha, told the Senator that all the leadership of Sokoto State Traders Associations have now agreed to join the crusade towards making the politically and economically more formidable.

He commended Sen. Wamakko for his sterling leadership qualities, especially when he was the State Governor, opining those noble virtues were what further reinforced their trust and confidence in the man of the people.

Almustapha extolled the retinue of projects executed by the Ahmad Aliyu-led administration in the state within just two years in office. 

In his response, the APC leader in the state, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, expressed gratitude and happiness for the welcome development even as he promised the defectors that they would be equally treated. 

He said as leaders, there is no reason not to carry all the traders along, saying now that they have agreed to work together with the current administration in the state, the government will soon come to the immediate rescue of the entire Traders in the state by completing the ongoing renovation of the burnt Sokoto Central Market.

The former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator assured the traders that the state government is planning to provide huge support by giving them financial assistance to boost their businesses and bolster the socio-economic growth of the state. 

Sen. Wamakko said that every trustworthy person in the state would testify that Sokoto is being transformed positively under the administration of the consummate Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto. 

He further assured that the current lingering water issues in the state will decisively be addressed, even as he assured that there will be a spike in the capacity of the State Water Board, the supply of potable water as well as its quality.

He challenged the traders for their inactions when the main water pipes were being removed by the PDP-led administration a few years back, which resulted in all the water shortages being experienced in the state. 

He, however, assured them that more developmental strides would be witnessed under the leadership of Gov. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto for the Sokoto State to be at par with its contemporaries or even surpass them.

The epochal ceremony was witnessed by many leaders of the state traders associations, notably, Alhaji Bello Bulaki, Alhaji Ibrahim Achida, Alhaji Nasiru Tukur Faru and Alh. Almustapha Ghani Mainiyyo.

Others who were part of the history-making were Alhaji Malami Zamau, Alhaji Falalu Ibrahim Maitakalma, Alhaji Ibrahim Ba ta yima Lamba, Alh. Sanusi Kware, Alhaji Sirajo Ibrahim Maitakalmi, and Alhaji Almu Abdu Maidala, among several others.