Ekiti gov pledges to boost commerce, productivity

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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday said projects to be executed during his second term would be targeted at boosting commerce, enhancing productivity and stimulating sustainable business growth.

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Oyebanji said the projects would deepen value addition and position the state’s economy on a higher growth trajectory.

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The governor, who will be inaugurated for a second term on October 16, also said Ekiti would intensify mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the aim of increasing his votes in the state.

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Oyebanji spoke in Ifaki Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti North Senatorial District as part of consultations for the 2027 budget.

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The governor reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance, saying the consultative approach adopted by his administration would be strengthened during his second term to deepen public participation and promote unity across the state.

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He said government investments would be channelled into critical sectors, including healthcare, electricity, road infrastructure and water supply, to improve living standards and drive economic productivity.

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Oyebanji said, “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.”

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On participatory governance, he said, “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.”

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Oyebanji also commended traditional rulers for their support, particularly in intelligence gathering, which he said had contributed to improved security in the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant.

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On the 2027 presidential election, the governor said, “We must show appreciation. It will not be enough to repeat previous figures. We must do more in the next election.”

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He also commended Tinubu for federal appointments and infrastructure interventions in Ekiti, saying collaboration between the state and Federal Government had facilitated the award of major road projects, including the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole and Ado-Aramoko-Ita-Ore roads.

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He assured residents that other critical roads would receive attention subsequently.

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In their remarks, traditional rulers and community representatives from Ekiti North Senatorial District commended Oyebanji for ongoing development projects and highlighted priority areas for the 2027 budget, including roads, electricity, water, healthcare and security.

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The Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Femi Aribisala, who spoke on behalf of Ikole Local Government Area, appealed to the government to accelerate interventions in roads, water and electricity.

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The Obaleo of Erinmope, Oba Sunday Aniyi; the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; and the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, who spoke on behalf of Moba, Ido/Osi and Oye local government areas respectively, called for greater attention to roads, electricity, security and water supply to improve residents’ welfare.

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Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; political leaders; and representatives of various community groups.

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