5 Jun 2026
As Governor Oyebanji Hails Lawmakers' Vision, Teamwork
...One-Day Speaker Emerges After EKHA Quiz Competition Triumph
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has unveiled its new digital legislative chamber as part of its digital transformation drive.
This was one of the activities marking the third anniversary of the House, which has been adjudged by the Presidency as the best State Assembly in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in Nigeria.
At the special plenary Thursday marking the anniversary, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, noted in his remarks that the numerous innovations introduced by the 7th Ekiti Assembly have improved efficiency, deepened transparency, and broadened citizen participation.
It was an occasion to launch the novel legislative App of the Assembly with special features that ensures recording of processes and proceedings in real-time, effects corrections or amendments as required, complemented with voting pads and microphones, among others smart features.
"The EKHA App was built by IT professionals, some of whom are newly recruited staff of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Commission. The app brings the work of this House closer to the people, enabling citizens to follow proceedings, access bills, and engage with their representatives in real time.
"This milestone is further complemented by the establishment of EKHA TV, the deployment of a digital voting system, the strengthening of our Hansard and records management, and the expansion of digital communication platforms."
The Speaker also noted that the House has diligently performed its lawmaking duties and oversight functions with focus, dedication, and utmost commitment to the progress of the state, adding that more than 33 laws have been passed in the last three years.
The laws passed in the last one year include the Ekiti State Statistical (First Amendment) Law, 2025; Ekiti State Senior Secondary School Board Law, 2025; Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission Pension and Loans Board (First Amendment) Law, 2025; Ekiti State Local Content (Second Amendment) Law, 2025; Ekiti State Water Resources, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector Law, 2025; Ekiti State Quality of Healthcare Law, 2025; Ekiti State Electoral (First Amendment) Law, 2025; and the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (Fourth Amendment) Law, 2025, among others.
Others are the Ekiti State Supplementary Appropriation Law, 2025; Ekiti State Appropriation Law, 2026; Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2026; Ekiti State Local Government Administration (First Amendment) Law, 2026; and the Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero Law, 2026.
"Each law addresses real challenges, strengthens institutions, and expands opportunities. Beyond legislation, we have adopted 69 resolutions influencing policy in security, youth development, healthcare, education, agriculture, the environment, workers' welfare, roads, and community development," he said.
He further noted that the Forum of Spouses of Lawmakers in the state has played complementary roles in empowering constituents.
He explained that staff welfare has improved significantly under the 7th Assembly through regular promotions, training and retraining programmes, implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), and access to loans, adding that an additional ?100 million has been approved by the Governor to strengthen the car and housing loan scheme for staff.
Earlier, the Speaker led other lawmakers to the office of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his assent to two important bills: the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2026, which seeks to establish legislative departments at the local government level, and the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, aimed at protecting the core values of the people of Ekiti State.
At the signing ceremony, Governor Oyebanji described the Speaker and members of the Assembly as visionary team players, noting that the House has performed excellently in the discharge of its legislative responsibilities.
At the special plenary session, the representative of the Governor and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, congratulated the 7th Assembly on the renovation and digitisation of the legislative chamber.
He commended the lawmakers for being partners in the administration's Shared Prosperity agenda, adding that the three arms of government would continue to maintain strong synergy in achieving the vision and mission of the administration.
Meanwhile, the winner of the maiden edition of the Legislative Arm Annual Quiz Competition, Master Yusuf Qazeem Oluwafemi, a student of Government College, Ado-Ekiti, representing Ado Constituency I, became a one-day Speaker during the special plenary session.
Presiding over the House for ten minutes, he appreciated the Assembly for the opportunity given to him to experience what he described as a once-in-a-lifetime event. He noted that his emergence as the winner of the competition and his opportunity to preside over the House provided an avenue to appreciate the Assembly's contributions to the development of the state.
While delivering his remarks, Master Oluwafemi made three requests; he appealed to the Assembly to always keep its doors open to all citizens, continue speaking for the voiceless, and secure the future for the next generation, whom he described as the leaders of tomorrow.
In their goodwill messages, the representative of former Speakers, Rt. Hon. Tope Ademiluyi, and the representative of former Clerks of the House, Mr. Tola Esan, commended the cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
They also appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing an enabling environment for the lawmakers to thrive.
The former Clerk further stated that the 7th Assembly has consistently demonstrated commitment to staff welfare, the successful execution of government projects, and the sustenance of a smooth democratic process in service to the people of Ekiti State.
Other stakeholders who delivered goodwill messages included the Head of Service, Dr. Folake Olomojobi; His Royal Majesty, the Owa of Odo-Ayedun Ekiti; and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Sola Eleshin who all commended the transparent bureaucracy and the contributions of the 7th Assembly to the development of the state.
Speaking on behalf of lawmakers from the three senatorial districts were Hon. Babatunde Oke (Ekiti South), Rt. Hon. Akeem Jamiu (Ekiti Central), and Hon. Babatunde Fawekun (Ekiti North) who described the Assembly's three-year journey as responsible, responsive, and impactful.
The lawmakers pledged to redouble their efforts in the remaining year of the Assembly's tenure and also appreciated the Speaker for his exemplary leadership over the last 36 months of impactful legislative service.
Signed:
Olasunkanmi Ekundayo, ANIPR
Director of Information Services, EKHA
