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Oyebanji Seeks Better Collaboration with Benin-Owena River Basin Devt Authority
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) over its handling of development initiatives in the state, stressing that the state has not benefited from the authority despite numerous attempts to collaborate with it on some projects.
Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Monday during a meeting with the new management of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority led by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi in his office on Ado Ekiti, emphasized that the agency has not been fair to the state in it’s development drive.
Expressing his displeasure over what he described as lack of meaningful contribution from the authority to Ekiti development, the Governor emphasized that this had forced his administration to exclude the agency from its strategic development plan, stressing the need for a more effective and accountable approach moving forward.
Governor Oyebanji who Emphasized the importance of synergy between government agencies and stakeholders in driving sustainable development, urged the new leadership to ensure that their renewed commitment translates to meaningful actions and development in the state.
He also assured them that his administration would collaborate with the authority provided there is a visible shift in their operations and engagement.
“I need to refresh our memories about our experience with Benin-Owena, they have not been fair to us, we have gained nothing from them. We have crafted our development strategy without you in our plan because every attempt to collaborate with you has been frustrated.
We are investing massively in agriculture in the state and Benin-Owena has no contribution to it.
“However, I have read your speech, it shows that you want to do things differently but we have listened to beautiful speeches that didn’t translate to action, so for those project that are already in the budget concerning Ekiti State, whatever we can do to ensure that we fast track development, I am ready to do that”, the Governor asserted.
Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi, who commended the Governor for the remarkable progress in the state particularly in agriculture sector, said the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the new leadership to the Governor, assess on going collaboration with the state government as well as forge a strengthened pathway toward achieving the goal of the renewed hope agenda of President Boa Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of food security.
Unveiling the agency’s comprehensive development blue print aimed at boosting agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment in the state, the BORBDA CEO assured the Governor of a new dawn in the agency, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was intention and strategic with the appointment of right people into the board of the agency.
He listed various on-goin and proposed BORDA interventions across the state to include, flood contro projects in Ilupeju, Efon-Alaye, Ado-Ureje Road, Ikere-Ado/Osun Road as well as management of key dams in Apariko-Aisegba, Oye-Ayede, and Ado-Osin, among others.
Also present at the meeting were, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer and Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.
News
Aso Villa completely going off public electricity and generator for Solar power by March — PermSec
The shift is expected to significantly reduce government’s spending on electricity
• Aso Villa Abuja
The Aso Presidential Villa in Abuja will completely stop using electricity generated from the national grid by March 2026, as work on its solar power initiative reaches the final stage.
State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal to the Senate Committee on Special Duties at the National Assembly.
Fashedemi explained that installation of the Villa’s solar mini-grid was concluded late in 2025 and has been undergoing technical trials since December.
He expressed confidence that a full transition to the new power system would be achieved within the first quarter of the year, noting that the shift is expected to significantly reduce government’s spending on electricity.
To demonstrate the project’s effectiveness, the Permanent Secretary cited the State House Medical Centre, which switched to solar power in May 2025.
Since then, he said, the facility has operated almost entirely off-grid, without relying on generators and drawing only minimal supply from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
Meanwhile, the Federal Government had earmarked N10 billion in the 2025 budget for the “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” a move that triggered debate among Nigerians.
Critics argued that installing solar panels at the seat of power suggested a lack of confidence in efforts to stabilise the country’s electricity supply.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill proposes an additional N7 billion to complete the initiative.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has paid glowing tribute to a forest guard who lost his life in a confrontation with suspected kidnappers, describing him as a hero in the ongoing battle against banditry and insecurity.
The deceased, identified as Mr. Omotosho Olawuyi Samuel, was killed on Sunday, February 8, 2026, during a security operation in the bush around Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area, a border area near Kogi State.
According to reports, Samuel and a combined team of forest guards, local hunters, and vigilantes responded to intelligence about armed bandits in the vicinity and engaged them.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “devastating.” He commended Samuel’s bravery and patriotism, noting that the fallen guard made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the community.
“He is our hero, and we ask God to give succour to his family,” the governor said, while extending condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the wider security network.
To support the grieving family, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a N10 million financial assistance package as a token of the state government’s appreciation for Samuel’s service and sacrifice in the collective fight against kidnapping and banditry.
The gesture underscores the administration’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those on the front lines of security efforts in the state.
News
Governor Abiodun Lauds Dangote for Industrial, Economic Development of Ogun State
In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and for the provision of support, which had translated into six editions of the trade fair held consecutively in the last six years.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has lauded the roles played by the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), as a strategic partner in the industrial and economic development of the state through investments.
Governor Abiodun expressed the gratitude yesterday, during the flagged off ceremony for the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair with the theme, “Promoting Businesses Through Partnerships,” at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.
He said that the state government proudly recognises the Dangote Group as “a truly exemplary strategic partner in the collective pursuit of industrial advancement and sustainable economic development in the state.”
The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela.
In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and for the provision of support, which had translated into six editions of the trade fair held consecutively in the last six years.
Also, National President of NACCIMA, Dr Jani Ibrahim, represented by Dr Michael Olawale Cole, lauded the Ogun State Governor for his administration’s business-friendly policies, which have made the business environment conducive.
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