…project ‘ll create 100,000 jobs, Oyebanji assures

The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for sustaining and promoting the spirit behind the concept of Ekiti Knowledge Zone(EKZ), saying the project has a good prognosis of becoming a viable Nigeria’s hub of Innovations, research and skill development in the future.

The President described Ekiti as the home of scholars and posited that the EKZ, as a state government propelled investment, is capable of radicalising the potentials of talented Nigerians and serve as a launchpad for their relevance at the global stage.

The President spoke on Tuesday, during the turning of the sod for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone located at Ago Araromi in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said education remained the most viable inheritance of Ekiti people and commended Governor Oyebanji for demonstrating visionary leadership in governing the State through strategic alliances with critical stakeholders.

Describing the EKZ project as a masterpiece, the President said it was in alignment with Singaporean vision that any economy can be unlocked through education and technological innovation, assuring Governor Oyebanji and the entire citizens of the federal Government’s support to make the project thrive.

“Under President Tinubu’s administration, we are gradually moving from dependency to sustainability and self sufficiency. We are determined to encourage research, innovation and technological development to create jobs for our teeming youths.

“We are focused about this and I thank Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his leadership and initiative”.

Also speaking at the event , Governor Oyebanji revealed that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone was conceptualised to unlock the hidden potentials of Ekiti citizens and make the state the frontliner in skill, innovation, research and human capital development worldwide.

The governor said Ekiti has been known to be intellectual hub and for having the highest number of Professors in the country, who deserves serious attention in the area of innovation.

He added that the project commenced August 12, 2013 under Governor Kayode Fayemi-led government, with the intention to build the potentials of Ekiti citizens.

Oyebanji stated that he decided to sustain the EKZ in demonstration of the continuity agenda of his government as well as making significant investment in technology, industrial development, healthcare , research, science and innovation, and many other pivotal areas of the economy that would make Ekiti epicentre of development .

“This project is part of the 30 years Development Plan of this administration in its efforts to unlock the economic potentials of our state. And we are happy that we had been able to raise $80 million financial capital through the federal government and African Development Bank. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and AfDB for approving the deal.

“You could all remember that that the EKZ was designated as a Free Trade Zone by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. This EKZ is not only going to be the giant of innovation in Africa, but it represents a world class economic ecosystem that will serve as a catalyst for industrial development, innovation, job creation, opportunities for technology driven industries and skill acquisition platform.

“I am glad to inform you that the first phase when fully completed, over 20,000 jobs will be created in line with the local contents policy of our administration, while the entire phases is to generate about 100,000 jobs covering areas like research, science, technology, industry and education development”.

The Chief Executive Officer of CCECC, the contractor handling the project, Eric Shem, applauded the federal, state and African Development Bank for their partnership, saying their lofty contributions demonstrated how committed they are to the development of the human capital in the country.

Shem said the programme will change the future of the country by attracting investments and build the human capital, assuring that the project will be completed in record time to create employment opportunities and to meet other demands.

High profile figures at the ceremony were: the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, former Governor Segun Oni, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Hon Ibrahim Masari, the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, commissioners, Special Advisers, political and community leaders, among others.

Residents of Ado West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have benefited from a palliative distribution programme organized by the council chairman, Hon. Adebolu Aladesanmi, as part of efforts to support vulnerable households and low-income earners in the area.

The programme, held at the Local Government Registry, Isato, provided food items and other essential materials to elderly residents, vulnerable families and other beneficiaries across the council area.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Aladesanmi said the initiative was aimed at providing relief to residents and demonstrating the council’s commitment to people-oriented governance.

He noted that the large turnout recorded at the programme was made possible through the support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and announced that beneficiaries of the Owo Arugbo scheme would receive two months’ payments in addition to the distributed food items.

According to him, selected residents from various wards also benefited from the palliative materials.

“This is our way of showing that we see you, we hear you, and we are committed to prioritizing your welfare,” he said, pledging to sustain the initiative throughout his second term in office.

The chairman also called on residents to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election.

Also speaking, the Ekiti State APC Chairman, Hon. Sola Eleshin, commended Hon. Aladesanmi for reviving and sustaining the Owo Arugbo scheme, describing him as a visionary leader committed to the welfare of the people.

Hon. Eleshin urged residents not to stay away from the polls on election day, stressing that every vote would count in determining the outcome of the election.

He disclosed that Ado Local Government has about 89,000 registered voters and challenged residents to deliver at least 85,000 votes for the APC, noting that as the state capital, Ado should set the pace for other local government areas.

The APC chairman described the party as a platform open to all and encouraged members and supporters to intensify grassroots campaigns ahead of the election.

In his remarks, Ado APC Chairman, Hon. Mike Akinleye, urged residents to continue praying for Governor Oyebanji and to ensure they vote for the right candidate during the election.

He also advised voters to contact party agents if they encounter any difficulties while casting their votes.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Hon. Chief Bosun Osaloni, appealed to residents to support the APC at the polls, saying such support would strengthen ongoing development efforts by the government and the Ado West LCDA administration.

He assured beneficiaries that the palliative distribution would be inclusive and reach people across the council area.

Some of the beneficiaries who received the food items expressed appreciation to the council leadership for the gesture and appealed for the continuation of the welfare programme to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

Three passengers have been confirmed dead following the derailment of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) on Monday.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa.

According to the NRC, emergency response teams and relevant authorities were immediately deployed to the scene to provide assistance to affected passengers and manage the situation.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirms that an incident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) occurred today. Emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently at the scene attending to the situation and providing necessary assistance,” the statement said.

The corporation added that it is closely monitoring developments and would provide further details as more information becomes available.

The latest accident comes less than a month after the NRC temporarily suspended operations on the Warri–Itakpe corridor to carry out critical safety and operational assessments. The agency had said the move was necessary to ensure improved safety, reliability, and service delivery on the route.

The Warri–Itakpe rail line has witnessed previous derailment incidents. In November 2025, a train on the same route derailed in Agbor, Delta State, an incident the NRC attributed to vandalism. Two suspects were later arrested in connection with the case.

Similarly, in August 2025, a passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed shortly after departing the nation’s capital, causing panic among passengers.

Following a series of derailments across the country’s rail network, the Senate in November 2025 resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the recurring incidents, assess the state of rail infrastructure, and examine the quality of materials used in the sector.

Investigations into Monday’s derailment are ongoing.