Gov. Oyebanji sworn in for second term in office, pledges to create opportunities for people

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, were sworn in on Friday for a second term in office by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye.

Mrs Afuye took the oath of office at 1.25 p.m., while Mr Oyebanji took the oath at about 1.35 p.m., before the latter inspected the guard of honour at 1.45 p.m.

The governor and his deputy were re-elected in the 20 June off-cycle governorship election in the state under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his inaugural speech, Mr Oyebanji pledged to create more opportunities, saying that growth must reach beyond Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, into towns, villages and farm settlements.

He promised to create greater room for women entrepreneurs, traders, artisans, people with disabilities and young people whose abilities exceed the opportunities available to them.

“Our hills, springs, landscapes, history and creative traditions are resources we can develop thoughtfully. When visitors come, farmers supply food, artisans sell their work, drivers provide transport, hotels receive guests and young people find employment.

“We must make it easier for visitors to travel, stay and experience the richness of our Land. Every part of Ekiti has something to contribute. Our task is to help more of that potential flourish.

“And we will continue to attend to the everyday duties on which public confidence rests: schools where children learn, clinics where patients receive care, safe communities, prompt payment of workers and pensioners, and careful stewardship of public money,” he said.

Speaking on the 2027 presidential election, Mr Oyebanji appealed to the people to make voting for President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, their priority, saying Ekiti has never been this good under any previous government.

“As you all know, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, will be seeking re-election on the platform of the APC. This election is even more crucial to our State’s future. We need them not only to win, but to win BIG in Ekiti.

“Our State has never had it so good under any presidential authority in terms of project execution and federal interventions. As at now, two major roads that are at the centre of national traffic to Ekiti, Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado-Ekiti Road and the Ado-Ijan-Ilumooba- Ijesa-Isu-Ikole Road have been awarded, and contractors are on site, while Akure-Ado is ongoing.

“This is in addition to other projects and interventions in the State by the Federal Government and the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON.

“All these projects are critical to our economic progress, but their eventual completion is tied to their re-election.”

President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony, urged Mr Oyebanji to make service to Ekiti people his priority in the next four years.

He said the louder the applause, the greater the obligation it announces.

“Today marks the beginning of another long season of service in which every decision made and every night spent will be joined by its impact on the people.

“The next four years demand a generosity of spirit that enables this victory, and a greater willingness to place Ekiti above the current of the moment.

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“Your Excellencies, you have earned this honour through an uncommon virtue,

service to one’s people is, without doubt, the noblest duty public life offers.

“The honour of holding public office acquires a deeper meaning when those who face entrustment out of the power examine our record and choose us again.

“Your first term has displayed composure, respect for institutions, and a refusal to mistake public office for personal grandeur. Your approach has given Ekiti a government attentive to the daily concerns of its people.

“Distinguished Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, the support our party and administration have received across the federation is rooted in an understanding of the necessity of the reforms undertaken to secure Nigeria’s economic survival,” the president said.

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRasaq AbdulRahman; former Governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande; and former Ogun State Governor, Segun Osoba.

Others included former Ondo State Governor, Segun Mimiko; Governor of Anambra, Charles Soludo; Governor of Niger, Umar Bago; Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dele Alake; and senators and Members of the House of Representatives.

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the chairman and members of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers were also present.