By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
A grassroots mobiliser and strong supporter of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Mr Babatunde Adaba, has again demonstrated his commitment to education by distributing hundreds of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board forms to students across Gbonyin Aiyekire Local Government Area of the state, as part of sustained efforts to widen access to education at the grassroots level.
The intervention which aligns critically with the education, one of the key pillars of the six points agenda of the BAO-led administration seeks to build a productive learning environment and raise students who can compete favourably at national and global levels.
The event which took place during the annual end of the year gathering at Adaba’s country home in Agbado Ekiti, had in attendance, leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as stakeholders from all the towns in the local government area.
About 200 students benefited from the gesture, with the JAMB forms formally handed over through the Gbonyin Aiyekire Local Government APC Chairman, Hon Tokunbo Akinyeye, while Adaba charged ward chairmen to ensure transparency and proper delivery of the forms to the intended beneficiaries across the wards.
Explaining the motivation behind the initiative, Adaba said education remains the most reliable tool for empowerment and long term social advancement, especially for young people at the grassroots, adding that individuals have a responsibility to support government efforts within their capacity, particularly at a time when the Oyebanji administration continues to make deliberate investments aimed at repositioning the education sector in Ekiti State, a commitment he described as worthy of encouragement and appreciation.
He noted that education remains the strongest tool for empowerment and social advancement, particularly for young people from modest backgrounds.
Community leaders and party stalwarts who spoke at the event highlighted Adaba’s wide ranging humanitarian and developmental interventions within Gbonyin Aiyekire, noting his contributions to road grading and expansion, cash and food support for vulnerable residents, monthly stipends for the less privileged, financial assistance to small businesses, as well as consistent backing of party activities at the grassroots using personal resources.
They also commended him for donating one million naira to sustain the family business of the late former State Party Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotosho, in Agbado Ekiti, alongside his continuous material and logistical support for party programmes, gestures they said have strengthened unity and loyalty within the party structure.
The end of year gathering, which also featured the distribution of cash and material gifts to party members, gradually evolved into a moment of testimonies as community leaders and party faithful praised Adaba’s leadership style, generosity and people oriented approach, describing him as a rare individual whose commitment to service has earned him credibility and wide acceptance across Gbonyin Aiyekire and beyond.
In his remarks, Adaba expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for their continued support and recognition of his community development efforts, reaffirming his commitment to serving the people while stressing that a life without service to humanity lacks true meaning.
As the 2026 governorship election approaches, he urged party members to remain steadfast and intensify grassroots mobilisation in support of Governor Oyebanji, noting that the success of the administration represents collective progress for the people of Ekiti State.