The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that the strong partnership he established with nine members of the National Assembly from the state, is yielding the right dividends that are turning around the lives of the citizens.
Oyebanji said the synergy, which he branded as highly beneficial, was largely responsible for the upsurge in federal projects accruing to the state and massive appointments of Ekiti indigenes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
The governor spoke in Ikosu Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, on Saturday, during an empowerment programme, organised by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole, for the people of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.
Materials distributed include: hundreds of motorcycles, fridges, generating sets, dryers, roofing sheets, knapsack spraying machines, sowing machines, grinding machines, multimillion naira cash gifts to widows, traditional chiefs, among others.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, applauded the federal lawmakers for their loyalty to the electorate, and for establishing a synergy that is upscaling dividends, in terms of projects and human capital development.
Oyebanji eulogized Hon Kolawole for his generosity and sense of patronage, saying he has demonstrated commitment to human capital development as a pillar of his administration, with the quantum of materials distributed to the citizens.
The governor warned the people of Ekiti North Federal Constituency against selling the materials distributed to them at give away prices, saying this may stall the poverty reduction strides of government and those in positions of authorities .
Most importantly, the governor averred that his government has gone a mileage in achieving some of its policies and programmes through the peace, unity and security that have reigned supreme in Ekiti communities.
“You could attest to the fact that Governor Oyebanji has established a very strong and reliable partnership with the nine members of the National Assembly from our dear state and this accounted for the high level of federal presence that we are witnessing in Ekiti today.
“Through this partnership, Ekiti has experienced an increase in road infrastructures, establishment of University in Ekiti State, conversion of Specialist Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre and building of school hostels for medical students of the Ekiti State University.
“I plead with the beneficiaries, please, dont sell off these materials. Try and make good use of them. There is nothing to profit when you sell them. But if you use them for the purpose it is meant for, then, you will enjoy the the gains better”, Oyebanji counseled.
Oyebanji promised to increase the tempo of delivery in the areas of poverty reduction, employment generation, increased agriculture outputs and road infrastructures, rural development, enhanced security and expand the scope of economic opportunities for the youths.
In clear demonstration of generosity to uplift his constituents out of poverty, Hon. Kolawole distributed a sum of N15 million to over 300 widows and other vulnerable citizens in the three Local governments of Ido/Osi, Ilejemeje and Moba.
The lawmaker stressed the need for the federal lawmakers to be in one and invincible accord with Governor Oyebanji to complement the efforts being intensified to abate the indices of poverty and neglect in the state.
About the empowerment, Hon Kolawole, said the gesture was targeted at increasing the economic viability of his people and reduce poverty, so that democracy gains can percolate down to the grassroots.
The Acting Chairman, All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, Hon Sola Elesin, described the federal lawmaker as a pride to the party, especially his philanthropic gesture and sacrifices he was making to strengthen the party and reach out to the less privileged.
Elesin charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials to uplift themselves and the local economy, while assuring those who are yet to benefit to exercise patience, that their own time shall surely come.
High profile politicians at the event are: Member, House of Assembly, Hon. Abimbola Solanke, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon Jide Awe, Special Adviser on Human Capital Development, Hon Gbenga Agbeyo, ex-House of Assembly member, Hon Cecelia Dada,local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women groups, among others.