The All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate for Ekiti North Senatorial District, Otunba Oluwadare Owolabi, has promised to pursue people-focused policies aimed at economic empowerment and inclusive governance if elected in the 16 January 2027 senatorial election.

Otunba Owolabi, widely known as Ìràwò Òwúrò, spoke with journalists on Tuesday, outlining plans to expand economic opportunities for young people and women across the five local government areas that make up Ekiti North.

According to him, his proposed programmes will target small and medium-scale businesses as a pathway to reduce poverty in the district.

He said he intends to support initiatives capable of lifting at least 10,000 youths and women out of poverty annually by providing financial support, mentorship, and business opportunities.

“My representation will focus strongly on economic empowerment,” he said. “We want to ensure young people and women have access to opportunities that will help them grow sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.”

Beyond economic support, Otunba Owolabi said he would also pursue legislative reforms aimed at increasing the participation of young people and women in governance.

He revealed that one of the priority bills he plans to sponsor at the Senate will push for a policy that allocates at least 50 per cent of appointments in Ministries, Departments and Agencies at both federal and state levels to youths and women.

“Youths and women are always at the forefront of political participation, from ward councillors to the presidency,” he said. “Yet they often receive limited opportunities in governance. That imbalance must change.”

The APC candidate therefore urged voters across Ekiti North to support candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming elections, identified by the party’s broom symbol.

He assured constituents that his campaign centres on empowerment, stronger representation and policies that reflect the everyday realities of the people of Ekiti North.

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, on 5 March admitted 406 new students during its third matriculation ceremony, the largest intake since the institution began academic operations.

The milestone ceremony signalled a rapid rise in enrolment for the Ekiti-based private university and drew a large gathering of academics, industry leaders and community stakeholders.

Vice-Chancellors from several Nigerian universities attended the event, including those from Ekiti State University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Hillside University of Science and Technology, University of Offa, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education and Technology, and Landmark University. Members of the Governing Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders and political figures also filled the venue alongside parents and guardians.

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity O. Aremu, told the new students that their admission placed them at the centre of the university’s expanding academic vision.

“Our vision is to build a university that stands on honesty and innovation, anchored on the values of disciplina, notitia, industria, and ingenium,” she said.

She explained that the university now prioritises innovative teaching methods, stronger translational research, global academic partnerships and digital transformation across its programmes.

Prof. Aremu reminded the matriculants that their years at the university must go beyond lectures and examinations.

“Your journey here is not only about academic success. It is about developing character, creativity and the ability to solve real-world problems,” she said.

She also pointed to recent institutional milestones, including the approval of 48 academic programmes by the National Universities Commission and emerging partnerships with global technology companies such as Microsoft and Cisco.

According to her, the university continues to invest in research capacity and digital learning infrastructure, including modern laboratories and expanded e-library systems designed to support technology-driven education.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Olabisi Aina, congratulated the new students and described their admission as an opportunity to shape the institution’s identity as it grows.

“You are joining this university at a defining moment,” she said. “Carry the values of discipline, integrity and creativity wherever your academic journey takes you.”

Parents and guests at the ceremony praised the university’s learning environment and infrastructure, while representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, academics and community leaders delivered goodwill messages.

During the formal matriculation rite, the new students took the oath of allegiance to the institution, pledging to uphold its rules and values throughout their studies.

Traditional and religious leaders later offered prayers for the students, urging them to approach their academic work with discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.

With the admission of 406 students, Venite University records its highest intake yet, a sign of growing confidence in the institution as it expands its academic programmes and research profile within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, on 5 March 2026 inaugurated Professor Charity O. Aremu as its second substantive Vice-Chancellor, formally placing the crop improvement scholar at the helm of the institution for the next five years.

Professor. Charity Onye Aremu

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Olabisi I. Aina, who officiated the investiture, described the event as a defining moment for the university’s leadership and direction.

“The investiture of the Vice-Chancellor represents more than a ceremony. It is a statutory affirmation of leadership and commitment to the institution’s future,” Prof. Aina said.

She noted that the Governing Council reached its decision after what she described as a rigorous and transparent selection process, expressing confidence in Prof. Aremu’s academic pedigree and leadership experience to guide the university through its next phase of development. The council, she added, expects the new Vice-Chancellor to uphold institutional integrity, strengthen academic performance, and provide strategic leadership for sustained growth.

Prof. Aremu, a respected scholar in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture, earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Ibadan before obtaining a PhD in Plant Breeding and Sustainable Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Her research record includes more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and over 2,000 academic citations.

Before her appointment at Venite University, she served as Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University and held several senior academic roles at both Landmark University and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, including Head of Department, Dean, Director of the African Agripreneurship Development Centre, and Chair of the University Academic Board and Senate.

In her investiture address, Prof. Aremu set out an ambitious agenda for the university, stating that her administration would focus on building Venite into a globally recognised centre for research and development.

“Our vision is to build Venite University into a globally recognised institution in research and development, producing knowledgeable, creative and innovative graduates with positive impact on society,” she said.

She explained that the university would prioritise academic excellence, stronger research output, improved administrative processes and institutional development over the next five years. Her plan also includes expanding industry partnerships and equipping students with practical skills in areas such as cybersecurity, big data analytics and entrepreneurship.

The new Vice-Chancellor further outlined targets for increased student enrolment, infrastructure development, international collaborations and stronger global visibility for the institution.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Dipo Aina, represented at the ceremony by Dr. Adenike Kolawole, expressed confidence in her leadership capacity.

“With her leadership, Venite University will enter a new era of exponential growth, strengthened governance and transformative societal impact,” he said.

The inauguration signals a new phase for Venite University as the institution positions itself to expand its academic influence within Nigeria and strengthen its presence in global research networks.