By Hon. Babatunde Oke, Member, Ekiti State House of Assembly (Ikere I)
In April 2025, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, an Ekiti East native and childhood friend of Hon. Oluwole Lateef Akanle (Kongo), member for Ekiti East II, hosted a breakfast meeting with members of the 7th Ekiti State House of Assembly in Lagos. At that meeting, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, the Speaker whose visionary leadership has guided the Assembly, presented a clear digitalization strategy and sought First Bank’s support.
That presentation and the ensuing partnership set the stage for the Assembly’s digital transformation. Through First Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, and driven by the House leadership’s focused vision, the Hallowed Chamber was equipped to become a modern e-parliament.
A defining feature of the 7th Assembly has been its commitment to strengthening the institution rather than pursuing personal gain. In line with that principle, members decided not to pursue personal gifts from the Managing Director and prioritized a lasting legacy: a fully fledged digital legislature. This institutional-first stance ensured that resources and attention were directed toward systems that benefit the entire legislature and the people it serves.
The remodeling of the Assembly Complex, championed by the House leadership and supported by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s dedication to building a strong legislative institution, further reinforced the digital initiative and strengthened the partnership with First Bank.
We express our gratitude to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to legislative excellence, and to Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu and First Bank PLC for their partnership and support. Their contributions have been instrumental in positioning the Ekiti State House of Assembly among the most progressive state legislatures in Nigeria.
