By Law Ibitoye
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to prioritise economic growth, job creation, agriculture, education, healthcare, industrialisation, electricity and infrastructure in his second term, assuring residents that his administration would consolidate its first-term achievements and expand development opportunities across the state.
Oyebanji, who made the pledge during his inauguration ceremony and his Deputy , Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, also expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate, particularly for the overwhelming support he received at the polls, where he secured about 85 per cent of the total votes cast .
The governor said his administration would focus on translating development policies into tangible improvements in the lives of residents, with particular attention to household welfare, business growth, employment opportunities and access to essential services.
He promised to strengthen the agricultural sector through improved processing and market access, link education with practical skills and employment opportunities, support small businesses, and expand empowerment opportunities for women and young people.
Oyebanji also identified electricity, industrialisation, healthcare, tourism and infrastructure as critical sectors requiring sustained investment, stressing that the benefits of governance must extend to communities across the state.
He called on public servants to embrace accountability, fairness and prompt service delivery, while urging investors, educational institutions, traditional rulers and community leaders to support his administration’s development agenda.
Reflecting on his first term, the governor expressed gratitude to God and the people of Ekiti State for the opportunity to serve for another four years, describing the renewed mandate as a responsibility to deliver more dividends of democracy.
He said the achievements recorded during his first tenure would provide a foundation for greater progress, assuring residents that his second term would be driven by practical policies aimed at improving living standards, strengthening the economy and creating opportunities for the people.
The governor also acknowledged the support of the electorate, thanking residents for their confidence in his leadership and assuring them that their votes would continue to guide his administration’s priorities.
Oyebanji further called on the people of Ekiti State to sustain their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging them to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election and support other APC candidates to strengthen the party’s capacity to deliver development at both state and national levels.
Earlier, President Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, congratulated Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, on their inauguration, urging the governor to consolidate his achievements through inclusive governance, economic growth and improved living standards.
Shettima described Oyebanji’s re-election as evidence of democratic accountability, noting that a second mandate came with greater responsibility because the electorate had assessed the governor’s performance before renewing their confidence in him.
He urged the governor to promote equity, reconciliation and cooperation across political divides, stressing that electoral victories must translate into effective governance and tangible benefits for the people.
The Vice-President also appealed to Nigerians to remain supportive of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, expressing optimism that the policies would strengthen the economy, create opportunities and ensure that public resources served the needs of citizens.
The senate leader. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele applauded the leadership style of Oyebanji which he said translated to numerous achievements in the state.
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, administered the oaths of office to Oyebanji and Afuye .
DIgnitaries at the inauguration include: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Former Ekiti state governors , Otunba Niyi ADEBAYO, Engr SEGUN Oni, Dr and Chief Mrs John Fayemi, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose, Chief Bisi Akande, several former governors, lawmakers, political leaders, traditional rulers and others
