Governor Oyebanji, Others to Receive EKSU Alumni Award

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and other distinguished personalities are set to be honored with the prestigious Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Award. The award ceremony, scheduled for March 31, 2025, will also feature an annual lecture and networking event.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, the Chairman of the EKSU Alumni Association, Ekiti Chapter, Pastor Adetunji Aribasoye, highlighted the significance of the program. He stated that the event would serve as an avenue for alumni members within and outside Nigeria to reconnect, network, and engage in discussions on critical issues.

The annual lecture, titled “Navigating the Harsh Economic Downturn: Interrogating the Interplay of Food Security and Insecurity in Agricultural Processes and Citizens”, will be delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, EKSU, Prof. Olawumi Fapohunda. Additionally, the EKSU Alumni Association Global President, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye, will present a keynote address on “Engaging the Alumni Community for Civic Engagement: Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education, Political Engagement, and Community Security for Shared Prosperity.”

Among the notable awardees are Governor Oyebanji and his wife, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye, and the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade. These individuals are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to the university, alumni association, and society at large.

Aribasoye urged all members to actively participate in the event as a testament to their commitment to advancing the values and vision of EKSU. He also highlighted the association's achievements since its inauguration in September 2023, including significant membership growth, financial gains exceeding N11 million, and the planned construction of chalets at the Alumni Village.

In his address, Aribasoye called on the federal government to implement an effective monitoring and evaluation system for agricultural investments. He commended the Ekiti State government, EKSU, and the alumni body for their active participation in agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting food security.

“The federal government is investing significantly in agriculture, with substantial funding already in place for farmers. I am aware that the first batch of 2,000 tractors has been brought into the country for free distribution to farmers through the National Agricultural Development Fund. However, there is a need for a robust monitoring system to ensure that these resources reach genuine farmers,” he emphasized.

On food security initiatives, he noted that EKSU had allocated 10 hectares of land to the alumni association for farming, with government support for land clearing. Additionally, 5,000 hectares were allocated to support a partnership between the state government and an agricultural firm, allowing students to gain hands-on farming experience.

“The initiative empowers agriculture students with access to land, farming inputs, and guaranteed produce purchase after harvest. The university is also integrating modern technology into agricultural processes, further strengthening food security across the state,” Aribasoye stated.

The event is expected to bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and alumni members committed to the growth and development of EKSU and the agricultural sector in Nigeria.