The Ekiti State Executive Council, at its Sixth Meeting for the year 2026 held on Tuesday, 18th August, 2026, at the Executive Council Chamber, New Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, considered and approved a number of policy initiatives and strategic projects aimed at strengthening governance, improving institutional capacity, accelerating infrastructure development, and promoting sustainable socio-economic growth across the State.
The following are key decisions taken by Council:
1. APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PRINCE BAMIDELE OLANREWAJU ONI AS THE NEW OWA OF OKE-AKO EKITI
The Ekiti State Executive Council approved the appointment of Prince Bamidele Olanrewaju Oni as the new Owa of Oke-Ako Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area, bringing to an end a prolonged vacancy in the traditional stool dating back to 2000.
The Owa of Oke-Ako Ekiti is a recognised chieftaincy governed by a Chieftaincy Declaration produced by the Oyewole Chieftaincy Review Commission, which provides for two Ruling Houses namely, Aofin and Okediosan, to rotate the stool.
Council noted that the immediate past Owa hailed from the Okediosan Ruling House, making the Aofin Ruling House next in line to produce the occupant of the stool.
The Aofin Ruling House comprises three stocks, Oke-Aofin, Odo-Aofin and Afata. Council was informed that following about 25 years of litigation concerning the entitlement of the three stocks to present candidates for the stool, the Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on December 19, 2025, affirmed that every male member of the three stocks was entitled to contest for the chieftaincy.
Following the judgment, stakeholders entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to promote equity and preserve communal harmony. Under the arrangement, the Oke-Aofin stock, which had never produced the Owa, was to present candidates for the current vacancy, while the Odo-Aofin stock would have the opportunity to present candidates at the next turn of the Aofin Ruling House.
The process was conducted with due regard for tradition including the Ifa divination exercise and the rule of law, culminating in the emergence of Prince Bamidele Olanrewaju Oni as the unanimous choice of the four participating kingmakers and his subsequent declaration as the Owa-elect of Oke-Ako Ekiti.
Born on March 2, 1974, Prince Bamidele Olanrewaju Oni holds a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration and Management from the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti.
The State Executive Council also authorized the publication of the Legal Notice of his appointment in the Ekiti State Government Gazette.
The appointment is expected to restore the traditional institution of Oke-Ako Ekiti after more than two decades without a substantive occupant and provide a new platform for unity, stability and development in the community.
2. APPROVAL FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RE-DESIGNATION OF REGISTERED BUILDERS CADRE
The State Executive Council approved the implementation of the re-designation of the Registered Builders (Building Officer) Cadre to the Builders Cadre in the State Public Service, in line with a nationally approved policy aimed at ensuring uniformity in the structure and nomenclature of professional cadres across the country.
The approval was given at the Council’s meeting following consideration of a memorandum presented by the State Head of Service.
The decision was premised on the approval by the National Council on Establishments (NCE), at its 35th meeting, for the re-designation of the Registered Builders (Building Officer) Cadre to the Builders Cadre, which was subsequently conveyed for implementation by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation through Circular No. HCSF/EPO/EIR/CND/S.100/26 dated October 8, 2012.
The implementation of the re-designation is intended to ensure uniformity in the Schemes of Service applicable to professional cadres in the public service and bring the nomenclature and career structure of Builders in Ekiti State in line with those operating in other States of the Federation.
Under the approved structure, the cadre provides for a progressive career path from Builder II at Grade Level 08 to Director at Grade Level 16, which is currently the terminal grade level applicable to the cadre in the State.
Accordingly, the existing nomenclatures will be aligned as follows: Building Officer II becomes Builder II (GL 08); Building Officer I becomes Builder I (GL 09); Senior Building Officer becomes Senior Builder (GL 10); Principal Building Officer becomes Principal Builder (GL 12); Assistant Chief Building Officer becomes Chief Builder (GL 13); Chief Building Officer becomes Assistant Director (GL 14); Assistant Director (Building) becomes Deputy Director (GL 15); while Deputy Director (Federal)/Director (State) becomes Director (GL 16).
The implementation is aimed at professionalising the cadre, providing a clearer career progression structure for affected officers, enhancing their motivation and improving their effectiveness in the discharge of their responsibilities. It will also enable officers in the cadre to enjoy the same professional nomenclature and career progression opportunities as their counterparts across the Federation.
The decision is expected to further strengthen professionalism, career development and institutional capacity within the building and construction-related services of the Ekiti State Public Service.
3. APPROVAL OF ₦145,087,240.00 FOR THE OVERHAULING AND EXTENSION OF EKITI STATE ENTERPRISE BROADBAND NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS MDAs
The Ekiti State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦145,087,240.00 (One Hundred and Forty-Five Million, Eighty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty Naira) for the overhauling and extension of the State Enterprise Broadband Network Infrastructure across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen e-governance and improve the efficiency of service delivery across the State.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing fast and reliable internet connectivity across MDAs by restoring and extending the State’s Enterprise Broadband Network Infrastructure to cover all relevant government offices. The network will interconnect MDAs through 96-core, single-mode, full-duplex fibre optic cables to provide improved internet and intranet services, facilitate faster communication and enhance the flow of information across government.
Council noted that the State’s broadband network had earlier been upgraded to 700Mbps upload/download capacity to improve internet access and accelerate government operations. However, the existing infrastructure has become under-utilised due to the obsolescence of some active and passive network devices, while others are damaged beyond repair or have reached their end-of-life. The need to connect newly constructed buildings within the State Secretariat to the Enterprise Broadband Network has also necessitated the comprehensive overhaul and extension of the infrastructure.
Following a technical assessment and survey of the network infrastructure, Trends Energy and Infotech Solutions Limited, which previously handled the restoration and reactivation of the network between the Governor’s Office and existing MDAs in the State Secretariat, was recommended to undertake the project.
The decision is expected to significantly strengthen the State’s digital infrastructure, improve inter-agency communication, enhance access to government information systems and further advance the Administration’s e-governance agenda for faster, more efficient and technology-driven public service delivery.
4. APPROVAL OF ₦194,666,414.78 FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF TRANSFORMERS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES AT THE 80-BED MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING, EKSUTH
The Ekiti State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦194,666,414.78 (One Hundred and Ninety-Four Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Fourteen Naira, Seventy-Eight Kobo) for the supply and installation of transformers and other electrical accessories at the 80-bed multipurpose building of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, to facilitate its effective occupation and use.
Construction of the 80-bed multipurpose building has reached an advanced stage, necessitating the extension of electricity supply and provision of dedicated transformers and associated electrical infrastructure to ensure adequate, reliable and uninterrupted power supply for the facility.
The approval covers the supply and installation of the required transformers and accessories, with a one-month completion period, to be executed through direct labour by the Ekiti State Electricity Board, to support the timely completion, occupation and commencement of operations at the facility.
5. APPROVAL OF ₦121,451,629.50 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SOLAR STREETLIGHTS AT KEY GOVERNMENT FACILITIES IN ADO-EKITI
The Ekiti State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦121,451,629.50 (One Hundred and Twenty-One Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-Nine Naira, Fifty Kobo) for the installation of solar-powered streetlights at the Governor’s Lodge, Presidential Lodge, Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka Women Development Centre and the entrance to the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.
The approval is aimed at enhancing security, safety and visibility around the public facilities by addressing inadequate illumination around the identified government buildings during evening and night-time hours.
The Ekiti State Electricity Board (EKSEB) recommended the installation of solar-powered streetlights as perimeter lighting in the affected areas to provide a reliable and climate-friendly lighting solution for the facilities, as well as enhance the aesthetics of the Government House environment.
The State Executive Council consequently approved the execution of the project by the Ekiti State Electricity Board through Direct Labour at the vetted sum of ₦121,451,629.50, with a three-month completion period.
6. APPROVAL OF ₦142,690,760.30 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SUMP FOR THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED 80-BED HOSPITAL COMPLEX AT EKSUTH
The Ekiti State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦142,690,760.30 (One Hundred and Forty-Two Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty Naira, Thirty Kobo) for the construction of a sump to provide reliable and sustainable water supply to the newly constructed 80-bed hospital complex at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti.
The approval became necessary because the topography of the site limits the effectiveness of the existing pumping system in supplying adequate water to the new hospital complex and other surrounding buildings within the institution.
Following an assessment of the water supply requirements, the Ekiti State Water Corporation (EKSWC) recommended the construction of a sump to improve water storage and distribution to the facility. The project is to be executed by the Corporation through Direct Labour.
The State Executive Council consequently approved the execution of the project by the Ekiti State Water Corporation through Direct Labour at the sum of ₦142,690,760.30, with a three-month completion period.
The project is expected to provide the necessary water infrastructure to support the effective operation of the 80-bed hospital complex and enhance reliable water supply within the facility.
7. APPROVAL OF ₦3,005,598,300.00 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HIGH COURT OFFICE COMPLEX, ADO-EKITI
The Ekiti State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦3,005,598,300.00 (Three Billion, Five Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Three Hundred Naira) for the construction of a new High Court Office Complex at the Ekiti State High Court of Justice premises, Ado-Ekiti.
The approval was necessitated by the inadequacy of the existing office accommodation and court infrastructure of the High Court to meet current operational demands, particularly following the recent appointment of five additional High Court Judges, which has increased the need for more courtrooms, Judges’ chambers and supporting office facilities.
The new complex is intended to provide a conducive and functional working environment for judicial officers, court staff and legal practitioners, while improving the overall administration of justice and access to judicial services in the State.
Messrs. Axial Nigeria Limited, a company currently handling a project at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), was engaged through the Direct Procurement method in accordance with the relevant provisions of the State Public Procurement Law, with an 18-month completion period.
The project is expected to significantly improve the working environment and operational capacity of the Ekiti State Judiciary, while strengthening the infrastructure required for the efficient and effective administration of justice in the State.
8. ADOPTION OF REPORT ON EKITI STATE FIBRE OPTIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND APPROVAL OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENHANCED STATEWIDE CONNECTIVITY
…..Targets additional 160 kilometres of fibre optic deployment by the end of 2026
The Ekiti State Executive Council adopted the report of the EXCO Committee on Fibre Infrastructure and approved its recommendations aimed at accelerating the deployment, coordination and effective utilisation of fibre optic infrastructure across the State, including connectivity to higher institutions and other critical public facilities.
The Committee, constituted by the Governor at the Council’s meeting of 13th July, 2026, was mandated to develop strategies for the deployment of fibre infrastructure across the State and ensure that Ekiti takes full advantage of the Business-Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP)/SABER framework, particularly the Disbursement-Linked Indicator (DLI) relating to increased fibre deployment.
The Committee established that Ekiti State had a baseline fibre deployment of approximately 331.7 kilometres in 2022, with no additional deployment recorded between 2023 and 2025, while about 105.96 kilometres was deployed in 2026. Based on the applicable SABER target, the State requires an estimated additional 160 kilometres of fibre optic deployment by the end of 2026 to meet the required benchmark and position the State to access the associated performance-based disbursement.
The Council also noted the opportunities presented by the Federal Government’s Project BRIDGE initiative, which seeks to expand the country’s fibre optic backbone and improve broadband connectivity nationwide, and agreed that Ekiti State should be strategically positioned to participate in and benefit from the initiative.
The Committee reviewed existing fibre infrastructure plans and proposals, including those relating to backbone and metropolitan fibre deployment, and recommended the consolidation of the various plans into a single strategic framework to guide future deployment to government facilities, higher institutions, Local Government Area headquarters and other priority locations.
Council further noted the need to determine the operational status of existing government-related fibre networks, including education and other connected networks, to ensure that existing infrastructure is effectively utilised and maintained.
Accordingly, the State Executive Council adopted the Committee’s recommendations and approved the need for the State to position itself to participate fully in the Federal Government’s Project BRIDGE initiative; engage or re-engage a competent consultant/service provider to facilitate the deployment of an additional 160 kilometres of metro/backbone fibre optic infrastructure by the end of 2026; and undertake a comprehensive assessment of the operational status of existing government-related fibre optic infrastructure.
The implementation of the recommendations is to be driven and coordinated by the EXCO Committee on Fibre Infrastructure, in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The decision is expected to strengthen Ekiti State’s digital backbone, improve broadband connectivity, support e-governance and digital transformation, enhance connectivity to higher institutions and public facilities, and position the State to maximise opportunities available under the SABER/BERAP framework and the Federal Government’s Project BRIDGE initiative.
9. APPROVAL FOR EMPLOYMENT OF 30 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF 5% EMPLOYMENT QUOTA
The Ekiti State Executive Council approved the employment of 30 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into the State Public Service, with the beneficiaries to be deployed across relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Council further directed that the provision of the Ekiti State Disability Law prescribing a 5% reservation of employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities must, henceforth, be strictly adhered to in all employment exercises into the State Civil Service.
The decision is aimed at promoting equal opportunities, inclusive governance and equitable access to employment for Persons with Disabilities, while ensuring that they are fully integrated into the State’s public service and development process.
The approval further underscores the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji Administration to inclusivity, social justice and the welfare and empowerment of all citizens, particularly Persons with Disabilities, in line with its people-centred governance agenda.
Signed
Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun
Honourable Commissioner for Information
19th August, 2026
Last modified: August 19, 2026