BY LAW IBITOYE
Leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the South West have commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his giant strides in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, and social investment.
The delegation, led by the NUJ Vice Chairman (Zone B), Comrade Ronke Afebioye Samo, toured some of the ongoing and completed projects of the Oyebanji administration across three local government areas – Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ado-Ekiti, and Ikere-Ekiti.
Among the projects inspected were the 17.8-kilometre ring road linking Iworoko to the Cargo Airport, the ongoing renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, the construction of an overhead bridge from Oke-Iyinmi to Fayose Market, Ekiti state international center for Arts, Culture and creative Economy, the Model Secondary School in Ikere-Ekiti, and the Renewed Hope Farm Settlement along BOUESTI–Igbara Odo Road.
Speaking after the inspection, Comrade Samo described the projects as people-oriented and impactful, noting that they align with the governor’s six-point development agenda.
“The tour has given us firsthand information about the level of work being done by the governor. I give him a pass mark. The 17.8km ring road with solar-powered streetlights, with toe-gate will not only open up the communities between Iworoko and Ijan-Ekiti but also provide farmers easier access to markets, thereby boosting food production, and improve the internally generated revenue for the state, she said.
On the renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Samo observed that the upgrade would significantly improve the physical and mental wellbeing of residents and put the facility at par with international stadia when completed.
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Content Creation, Mr. Akintunde Taiwo, who also accompanied the team, explained that the overhead bridge at Oke-Iyinmi/Ejigbo was designed to ease traffic congestion, enhance the aesthetics of the state capital, and stimulate economic activities.
The NUJ team also visited the Renewed Hope Farm Dormitory in Ikere-Ekiti, an agricultural hub equipped with a hall, hostel, solar power, borehole ,modern facilities, and adequate security. The site, replicated in nine other locations across the state, is part of the governor’s drive to make Ekiti a food basket of the nation and create jobs for youths.
According to officials managing the project, the government provides cleared and ploughed land to interested young farmers, purchases their harvest, and stores the produce in silos—an initiative that strengthens food security while empowering citizens.
Comrade Samo, who was joined by NUJ chairmen and secretaries from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states for the quarterly meeting in Ekiti, lauded Governor Oyebanji’s achievements in education, health, road construction, human capital development, and social welfare.
“Governor Oyebanji has transformed Ekiti and placed the state on the world map through impactful projects and policies. While no leader is perfect, he deserves commendation. I urge residents to support his administration and also draw his attention to areas that still require government intervention,” she said.
As part of the activities of the visit, the South West NUJ leadership also organised the BAO Football Competition among journalists in the zone. The final match, held on Tuesday at the Ball & Ball Pitch, Adehun, Ado-Ekiti, saw the Ekiti NUJ team defeat their Ondo counterparts 4–2 to lift the trophy
