20/10/2024
CHRONICLES OF ACTIVITIES MARKING GOVERNOR OYEBANJIโS SECOND ANNIVERSARY
As Ekiti State commemorates the second anniversary of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanjiโs administration, the state is witnessing an era defined by infrastructural advancement, economic rejuvenation, and a leadership that places people at the heart of governance. Within just two years, Governor Oyebanji has carved a niche for himself as a reformer, taking deliberate strides to fulfill the promises that have propelled Ekiti onto the path of sustainable development.
The commemorative activities marking what I term "historic" anniversary have not only been a celebration of Governor Oyebanjiโs accomplishments but have also shown his commitment to laying a firm foundation for socio-economic transformation in the state. The week-long celebrations have reflected the Governorโs focus on critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, energy, and public service reform, affirming his administrationโs relentless pursuit of excellence.
Activities marking Governor Oyebanjiโs 2 years of shared and all-inclusive growth began last Saturday (12th October, 2024) with the distribution of โฆ3.5 million in cheques to retired state and local government workers. This act is emblematic of the Governorโs focus on welfare, particularly for senior citizens, a demographic often sidelined. Ensuring pensioners receive their benefits reinforces the notion that governance must be inclusive, catering to every segment of society without any segregation.
On Monday, the Public Service Forum and award of excellence ceremony were held, as cheques were distributed to civil servants who have performed excellently well in the course of carrying out their duties. Also, a special Senior Citizensโ engagement was held, giving senior citizens a platform to interact directly with the Governor.
Tuesday saw Governor Oyebanji breaking ground for a state-of-the-art Indoor Sports Complex at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion. This project, when completed, will no doubt enhance sports development in the state, encouraging youth participation in athletics and boosting the stateโs visibility in national sporting competitions. Later that day, a command performance was held at Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, further celebrating the cultural diversity and achievements of the Governor in the space of 2 years.
Perhaps the most impactful day was Wednesday, with the commissioning of key infrastructure and power projects. The State of the State Address laid out Governor Oyebanjiโs giant strides in the last two years and his vision for sustained progress in the state, while the commissioning of 500KVA transformers, Sino trucks, and Dino bins was symbolic of the administrationโs efforts to tackle the stateโs pressing challenges head-on, especially in the area of energy and waste management, which are essential for creating a cleaner, more efficient environment for Ekiti residents.
Thursdayโs events focused on two fundamental aspects of development; healthcare and power. By laying the foundation for an 80-bed hospital wing at EKSUTH and commissioning a 32KV line from Aramoko to Ijero and another one from Ilawe to Igbara-Odo, the Governor demonstrated his understanding of the symbiotic relationship between health/good infrastructure and economic growth. Improved healthcare facilities lead to a healthier population, while stable electricity is essential for economic activities to thrive.
The weekโs celebrations took a slight turn on Friday, 18th October, with a special Jumat Service held at the Central Mosque, Oja Oba, Ado-Ekiti. During the service, prayers were offered for the success and progress of Governor Oyebanjiโs administration, as well as for the continuous development of Ekiti State. Later in the day, the State Banquet at Adetiloye Hall brought together key stakeholders, government officials, and dignitaries from across the state, celebrating the Governorโs accomplishments over the past two years. The banquet was a moment of reflection on the achievements and a forward-looking acknowledgment of the administrationโs ambitions going forward.
A POLITICAL UNIFIER AND PRUDENT MANAGER OF EKITI MEAGRE RESOURCES
Yesterday (Saturday) was a day that truly marked Governor Oyebanjiโs recognition of the contributions of past administrations in Ekiti journey of growth. The commissioning of several key projects not only reflected the administrationโs achievements but also demonstrated Oyebanjiโs role as a political unifier.
One of the most significant projects commissioned yesterday was the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) Building, commissioned by former Governor Segun Oni. Governor Oyebanjiโs decision to have Oni commission the project is symbolic, as Oni initiated the project during his tenure. It reflects Oyebanjiโs view that projects started by previous administrations are state properties and deserve completion, regardless of political affiliation. This speaks to Oyebanjiโs frugal and prudent approach, ensuring that the stateโs resources are not wasted on abandoned projects. Meanwhile, preceding the commissioning of the LGSC building, The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ekiti State Chapter, embarked on a "Thank You" rally to the Government House, showing deep appreciation for Governor Oyebanji's exemplary leadership qualities. They also recognized his positive impact on local government service and the workforce, which has significantly improved productivity and service delivery in the last two years of his administration. They also passed a vote of confidence on the Governor, assuring him of their support for his second term bid.
Similarly, the remodeled Otunba Niyi Adebayo Presidential Lodge was commissioned by Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the first executive governor of Ekiti State. The renovation of the Lodge isnt just to provide a decent and Grade-A apartment for high-class visitors to stay but also reflects the Governorโs respect for past leadership and his recognition of the need to maintain historical landmarks for future generations.
In another demonstration of his political inclusivity, Governor Oyebanji invited former Governor Ayodele Fayose to commission the Faglo Road, which Fayose had initially awarded during his administration. This gesture once again reaffirms Oyebanjiโs belief that governance transcends party lines and that the contributions of past administrations should be celebrated. The Governorโs message is clear: Ekiti resources are for the people, and projects that benefit the state must not be neglected, no matter who initiated them. In the same vein, the Surulere electrification project was also commissioned.
Today (Sunday) marked the pinnacle of the second-anniversary celebrations, beginning with the commissioning of Odo Ado-Agric Olope-Moferere Road, a crucial artery for local commerce and daily transit, inaugurated at the Agric Olope Market. Also, the commissioning of the Third Extension G.R.A Road (Phase One), however, carried special significance, as it was opened by former Governor Kayode Fayemi. The road, conceptualized during Fayemiโs administration, further reveals Oyebanjiโs effort to completing legacy projects and ensuring that they serve the state as intended. Following the projects commissioning, a grand Thanksgiving Service was held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti. The service was a moment for Governor Oyebanji and Ekiti residents to reflect on the blessings and progress achieved under his leadership over the past two years. The day ended with a reception at Adetiloye Hall, where Ekiti people gathered to celebrate the Governorโs achievements and anticipate the future impact of his administrationโs ongoing projects.
Meanwhile, by tomorrow (Monday), focus will be shifted to improving connectivity and providing empowerment opportunities for Ekiti residents. The day will begin with the commissioning of the Ilawe-Ikogosi Link Road, which significantly enhances travel between these two key areas, further integrating rural communities into the stateโs broader economic landscape. This will be followed by the WAOH Empowerment Programme, a pet-project of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, where women and youths will be provided with the tools and training necessary to improve their livelihoods. This program exemplifies Governor Oyebanjiโs commitment to human capital development and his administrationโs focus on creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in Ekiti.
The second-anniversary celebrations will come to a close on Tuesday with a series of significant projects that reflect Governor Oyebanjiโs long-term vision for sustainable development in Ekiti. The day will begin with the commissioning of newly constructed studentsโ hostels at the School of Nursing, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), further demonstrating the Governorโs commitment to improving educational infrastructure and student welfare. This will be followed by the groundbreaking of the Ado-Ekiti New Town Housing Project, a major initiative aimed at providing affordable housing for the stateโs growing population. The housing project, located along EKSU Road, Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti, marks a bold step towards addressing housing shortages and providing modern, affordable accommodations for Ekiti residents. Later in the day, the Governor will also commission the Ikole Township Road, enhancing the infrastructure of the region and providing much-needed ease of transportation for the local population. The celebrations will therefore be concluded with the commissioning of the 33KV line from Iluomoba via Ijesa Isu to Ikole, a critical infrastructure project that will improve power supply across these areas, further boosting economic activity and quality of life for residents.
What stands out about Governor Biodun Oyebanjiโs administration so far is not just the projects but the manner in which they have been executed. The Governor has a reputation for following through on his promises, as seen in the completion of critical infrastructure projects, from roads to electrification, among others. His approach shows a deep sense of accountability and transparency, qualities that are increasingly rare in Nigerian politics.
By bridging political divides and ensuring that state resources are utilized wisely, Governor Oyebanji sets a powerful example of leadership. His commitment to recognizing and completing the work of his predecessors, regardless of party lines, not only highlights his inclusive approach but also speaks to his dedication to good governance, accountability, and the welfare of the people of Ekiti.
This combination of prudence, integrity, and inclusivity marks Governor Oyebanji as a leader who is not just focused on immediate gains but on the long-term prosperity of Ekiti State. His administration ensures that stateโs resources are used effectively and that the state's development agenda remains a priority, without allowing political differences to hinder progress.
WHAT'S NEXT?
As Governor Oyebanjiโs administration enters its third year, the roadmap for the state's future is clear.
The projects commissioned and the policies enacted over the past two years lay the foundation for sustained growth and development. From healthcare to infrastructure, from youth development to energy solutions, the Governor has set the tone for what effective governance should look like in Nigeria.
His administrationโs achievements are a reminder that when leadership is backed by integrity and vision, progress is inevitable.
Written by: Fรฉmi รsan
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