Oyebanji: Second-Term Projects Will Boost Commerce, Productivity in Ekiti

…Traditional rulers, youths pledge continued support for administration

By Abidemi Omoyajowo 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said projects to be implemented during his second term will be deliberately designed to stimulate commerce, raise productivity and create an environment for sustainable business growth across the state.

Oyebanji, who stated this on Wednesday 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, said limited resources made it necessary for government projects to deliver tangible economic and social value.

The governor explained that his administration would focus investments on sectors capable of improving the productive capacity of residents, particularly healthcare, electricity, road infrastructure and water supply. 

According to him, improved infrastructure would strengthen businesses, support artisans and enhance economic activities across the state.

“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,” Oyebanji said, stressing that artisans and small businesses could only prosper in an environment where infrastructure and economic activities supported their operations.

Oyebanji also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to participatory governance, saying the views of residents and communities would continue to guide the prioritisation of projects under the 2027 Budget. 

He noted that government remained accountable to the people who gave it the mandate to govern.

“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,” he said.

On electricity, Oyebanji said his administration had continued efforts to extend power supply to communities but noted that existing legal arrangements had limited the extent to which states could intervene in the distribution aspect of electricity. He said government would continue to explore available opportunities to improve electricity supply and support economic activities.

The governor also disclosed that collaboration with the Federal Government had facilitated the award of major road projects, including the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole and Ado-Aramoko-Ita-Ore roads. He said other critical road infrastructure would receive attention as resources became available.

On the 2027 presidential election, Oyebanji also called for increased support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing federal appointments and infrastructure interventions involving Ekiti. 

He said the state should reciprocate what he described as the President’s support for Ekiti. 

The governor also urged stakeholders to sustain the peace and cooperation required for development, while commending traditional rulers for their contributions to security and intelligence gathering. 

Providing updates on healthcare, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the state had recruited more than 300 nurses and 1,500 health assistants within the last four years, while significant improvements had also been made to primary and secondary healthcare facilities. He disclosed that three new general hospitals had been approved for Ipao, Ikogosi and Awo-Ekiti.

The Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, said more than 500 boreholes had been constructed across the state, with an additional 110 proposed to improve access to potable water and promote more equitable distribution.

The stakeholders also presented their priorities for the 2027 Budget, with roads, electricity, water, healthcare and security featuring prominently. Traditional rulers and community representatives commended ongoing development efforts while requesting accelerated intervention in areas where infrastructure deficits remained a constraint to economic and social development.

Speaking for Ikole Local Government, the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Femi Aribisala, appealed for urgent intervention in roads, water and electricity, saying inadequate road access and poor power supply were affecting local economic activities. Representatives of Moba, Ido/Osi and Oye Local Governments, including the Obaleo of Erinmope, Oba Sunday Aniyi; Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; and Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, similarly called for greater attention to infrastructure, security and water supply.

The engagement was attended by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) 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.

The town-hall approach is also consistent with the state government's established practice of consulting communities during budget preparation, with previous engagements used to identify priorities such as roads, electricity, water, healthcare and security.