Governor Oyebanji’s Three-Year Tenure: A Comprehensive Assessment by the Ekiti State APC Executive Council
Nearly three years into his tenure as the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has undergone a thorough evaluation by the State Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party under which he was elected in October 2022. This assessment involved a three-day intensive tour across the state’s three senatorial districts – Southern, Northern, and Central – providing the council with firsthand exposure to the tangible outcomes of the governor’s agenda. Their observations, captured in a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, paint a picture of significant progress across multiple sectors, solidifying the governor’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises and improving the lives of Ekiti residents.
The council’s itinerary encompassed a diverse range of project sites, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the administration’s focus. From agricultural farms showcasing the state’s renewed emphasis on agro-allied development to power substations underscoring efforts to enhance electricity supply, the tour provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing initiatives. Inspections of completed and ongoing road projects, a key component of the governor’s infrastructure development agenda, further highlighted the administration’s dedication to enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic activity. The council also visited hospitals and schools, reflecting the importance placed on human capital development through investments in healthcare and education. The inspection concluded with visits to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and the Ring Road Phase 1, showcasing the state’s ambitious infrastructural projects designed to boost its economic profile.
The assessment rendered by the APC State Executive Council is overwhelmingly positive, with the governor’s performance described as “creditable” and even exceeding expectations. Olusola Elesin, the APC State Chairman, lauded Governor Oyebanji’s “yeoman’s job,” emphasizing the noticeable impact of his initiatives on the lives of Ekiti citizens. This positive public perception, according to Elesin, has fueled a growing groundswell of support for the governor’s second term bid, a testament to the administration’s resonance with the electorate. The chairman highlighted the governor’s focus on crucial areas such as road infrastructure, poverty reduction, security enhancements, and the revitalization of underperforming state-owned enterprises as particularly commendable achievements. These efforts, he noted, have contributed significantly to improving the state’s overall socio-economic landscape.
The council specifically acknowledged the administration’s strategic investments in education, health, and the development of the agro-value chain. These targeted interventions are not only viewed as crucial for improving the well-being of Ekiti residents but also as catalysts for attracting investors, generating employment opportunities, and stimulating economic growth. This holistic approach to development, the council observed, is transforming the state’s economy and positioning it for sustainable progress. Furthermore, the strategic distribution of these projects across all 16 Local Government Areas and 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) demonstrates the governor’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach all corners of the state, aligning with his 6-pillar development model.
Beyond infrastructural and social sector development, the council also praised the administration’s efforts to create a more conducive business environment in Ekiti State. The improved Ease-of-Doing-Business rating, a direct result of these efforts, has attracted both local and foreign direct investments, injecting much-needed capital into the state’s economy. Moreover, the state’s recognition as the safest in Nigeria, coupled with its high ranking in financial prudence, further enhances its attractiveness to investors and contributes to overall stability. The ubiquitous nature of ongoing construction activities across the state, observed by the council members, became a recurring theme throughout their tour, symbolizing the administration’s ambitious drive to improve infrastructure and connectivity across all three senatorial districts.
Governor Oyebanji’s multifaceted approach to governance has been a defining characteristic of his tenure. His focus spans critical sectors including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic development, demonstrating a clear commitment to addressing the diverse needs of Ekiti residents. By prioritizing these areas, the governor aims to create a more prosperous and equitable society, offering improved opportunities for all citizens. The administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, coupled with its inclusive approach to development, reinforces the governor’s pledge to serve the best interests of the people of Ekiti State.
In conclusion, the Ekiti State APC Executive Council’s comprehensive assessment of Governor Oyebanji’s performance offers a positive outlook on his administration’s achievements over the past three years. From infrastructure development and improvements in education and healthcare to the revitalization of the agricultural sector and the creation of a business-friendly environment, the governor’s initiatives have yielded tangible results, positively impacting the lives of Ekiti residents and setting the stage for continued progress in the years to come. The council’s resounding endorsement of the governor’s performance serves as a strong testament to his commitment to delivering on his campaign promises and fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Ekiti State.
