Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said his administration will focus its second-term development agenda on projects capable of expanding commerce, increasing productivity and promoting sustainable business growth across the state.
Oyebanji also declared that Ekiti would attach serious importance to the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, urging residents to reciprocate what he described as the Federal Government’s support for the state.
The governor made the remarks at a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti North Senatorial District in Ifaki-Ekiti, organised as part of consultations for the preparation of the 2027 state budget.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives and other stakeholders from the district, who pledged greater support for the Oyebanji administration as it begins its second term on October 16, 2026.
Speaking on his administration’s plans for the next four years, Oyebanji said the government would deepen its consultative governance model by ensuring that citizens remain actively involved in determining development priorities.
He said the approach would promote inclusiveness, strengthen unity among the people and ensure that government interventions respond to the actual needs of communities.
The governor disclosed that investments in the second term would be deliberately directed towards critical areas, including healthcare, electricity, road infrastructure and water supply.
According to him, the objective is to raise the standard of living while creating an environment that allows individuals, businesses and other productive sectors of the economy to thrive.
“In our second term, whatever we are going to do must add value, because resources are limited. There must be value addition. We must catalyse productivity and ensure our people are productive. It is only when there is value that artisans like welders and auto mechanics can thrive and become prosperous,” the governor said.
Addressing the issue of economic development, Oyebanji said his administration had taken steps to extend electricity access to some communities. He explained, however, that the state’s ability to make further progress in the sector had been affected by legal provisions that permit states to generate electricity without giving them corresponding authority over distribution.
He maintained that citizens’ contributions would continue to influence the selection and prioritisation of government projects, stressing that development planning must remain people-centred.
“Governance is about the people. We are what we are today because of you. You gave us your mandate, and we must continue to seek your counsel in delivering good governance,” Oyebanji added.
The governor also acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in supporting the administration, particularly through intelligence gathering, which he said had played an important part in strengthening security across Ekiti.
He nevertheless urged residents to remain alert and continue to provide relevant information to security authorities to sustain the prevailing security situation.
Turning to the 2027 presidential election, Oyebanji appealed to voters in Ekiti to demonstrate their appreciation for President Tinubu’s support for the state by increasing the number of votes recorded for him at the next election.
He pointed to federal appointments involving indigenes of Ekiti and various infrastructure projects as indications of the President’s attention to the state.
“We must show appreciation. It will not be enough to repeat previous figures. We must do more in the next election,” he said.
Oyebanji further disclosed that the state’s cooperation with the Federal Government had facilitated the award of major road projects, including the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole and Ado-Aramoko-Ita-Ore roads.
Giving an update on healthcare, the Commissioner for Health, Oyebanji Filani, disclosed that the state government had employed more than 300 nurses and 1,500 health assistants over the past four years.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, said more than 500 boreholes had been provided in different parts of the state, while another 110 boreholes were proposed as part of efforts to improve water distribution.
Traditional rulers and community representatives who spoke at the meeting commended the governor for what they described as development efforts across the state. They identified road infrastructure, electricity, water supply, healthcare and security as priority areas requiring further government intervention.
Speaking on behalf of Ikole Local Government, the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Femi Aribisala, called for urgent government action on roads, water supply and electricity in the area.
The traditional ruler also expressed concern over the poor electricity supply being experienced in the council area.
Representatives of Moba Local Government, including the Obaleo of Erinmope, Oba Sunday Aniyi; Ido/Osi Local Government, represented by the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; and Oye Local Government, represented by the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, similarly appealed for greater attention to roads, electricity, security and water supply in the 2027 budget.
They said improved investment in the identified sectors would contribute to the welfare and overall well-being of residents in their respective communities.
Among the dignitaries present at the Town Hall were the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; political leaders; and representatives of community groups across the senatorial district.
