…Targets jobs, agriculture, power, education, healthcare

…Aiyedatiwa, Sanwo-Olu, Ododo, others attend inauguration

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has been sworn in for a second term, pledging to prioritise job creation, agriculture, electricity, education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth development over the next four years.

Oyebanji took the oath of office on Friday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, following his re-election, which made him the first governor to secure consecutive terms in the 30-year history of the state.

The inauguration attracted several dignitaries, including Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo; and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

In his inaugural address, Oyebanji acknowledged that despite the progress recorded during his first term, many residents were yet to feel the full impact of government policies and investments.

He said his second term would focus on translating public investments into improved living standards, reduced economic hardship and greater opportunities for residents.

The governor listed agriculture, industrialisation, reliable electricity, healthcare, education, tourism and security among the key sectors his administration would strengthen.

He said the government had recorded more than 60 per cent growth in internally generated revenue, maintained regular payment of salaries and pensions, and paid over 18 billion naira in outstanding gratuities and 73 billion naira in pensions.

Oyebanji also pledged to consolidate investments in road construction, the Ekiti State International Cargo Airport, electricity infrastructure and healthcare facilities.

On agriculture, he said his administration would expand farm clusters and encourage young people to embrace agricultural production as a viable business.

He added that the livestock processing hub under development along Uruku Road would create employment opportunities in processing, cold storage, transportation, packaging and sales.

The governor also promised to strengthen electricity infrastructure to support industries and businesses, while improving technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills.

He said healthcare, water supply, transport infrastructure and security would remain priorities, stressing that farmers, traders and other residents must be able to carry out their activities without fear.

Oyebanji further identified tourism, arts and culture as sectors capable of stimulating economic growth and creating jobs, while pledging greater support for women entrepreneurs, artisans, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The governor urged public servants to improve service delivery through promptness, courtesy and fairness, warning that unnecessary delays in government offices could worsen the difficulties faced by citizens.

He also called on the people of Ekiti State to support President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for re-election in 2027, arguing that continued APC leadership at the federal level was essential to sustaining development in the state.

Oyebanji cited federal road projects and other interventions as evidence of the benefits of cooperation between the state and federal governments.

He urged residents to vote for APC candidates in the presidential, National Assembly and state House of Assembly elections.

In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu described Oyebanji’s re-election as a reward for his performance in office, saying the renewed mandate placed a greater responsibility on the governor to deliver on his promises.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said a second term was earned through the judgement of voters who had experienced a leader’s administration.

He noted that the mandate would require greater accountability, adding that government decisions and public spending must be assessed by their impact on the people.

The President commended Oyebanji for what he described as his composure, respect for institutions and commitment to addressing the concerns of residents.

He also congratulated Deputy Governor Monisade Christianah Afuye, while commending traditional rulers, religious leaders, public servants and political stakeholders for contributing to peace and stability in the state.

Tinubu urged the governor and his deputy to place the interests of Ekiti State above political differences and remain attentive to the needs of the people.

He also defended the economic reforms undertaken by his administration, saying Nigerians’ patience amid economic difficulties must translate into improved opportunities, better living standards and more effective use of public resources.

Earlier, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described Oyebanji’s return for a second consecutive term as a historic achievement in Ekiti State.

Bamidele, who chairs the Ekiti State Campaign Council Committee, said the governor’s re-election reflected his ability to work across political divides and respond to the state’s social and political realities.

He commended successive administrations for contributing to Ekiti’s development, citing former governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi.

Bamidele said the state’s development, including the international cargo airport project, demonstrated the importance of continuity and cooperation among successive governments.

He urged the current administration to build on existing achievements and sustain efforts to improve the welfare of the people.