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The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Friday joined prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), serving and former public office holders, and traditional rulers at the inauguration of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for a second term in office.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Ben Ogbemudia, Special Assistant on Media to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the NIS, ADC, Abuja. Ogbemudia said Shaibu was among the dignitaries who witnessed the ceremony at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, where Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, were sworn in for another four-year tenure. Blueprint reports
The inauguration marked a significant moment in the political history of Ekiti State, as Oyebanji became the first governor since the state was created in 1996 to win re-election and serve two consecutive terms.
Oyebanji secured a fresh mandate in the June 20, 2026 governorship election, in which he polled 319,224 votes, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission. His re-election paved the way for the continuation of his administration’s development agenda and a renewed commitment to addressing the needs of residents across the state.
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Adekanye Ogunmoye, administered the oaths of office to the governor and his deputy at the ceremony, which attracted political leaders and other stakeholders from across the country.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led the federal delegation to the event. Other prominent attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Usman Ododo of Kogi and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara were also among those present to witness the inauguration.
The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, attended alongside former Ekiti governors Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni. Their presence brought together political figures with different experiences in the state’s governance and political development.
Traditional rulers also featured prominently at the ceremony, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe. Their attendance reflected the involvement of traditional institutions in significant public events and the broader affairs of the state.
Oyebanji outlines second-term priorities
In his inaugural address, Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate, describing the opportunity as a responsibility to work harder and deliver more for the state.
He pledged that his second term would focus on translating government investments and infrastructure projects into measurable improvements in the lives of residents, with particular attention to economic opportunities, job creation, agriculture, electricity, skills development and industrial growth.
The governor stressed that the success of his administration would not be determined solely by the number of projects completed, but by the extent to which such investments improve livelihoods, strengthen businesses and provide greater economic security for households.
He also identified the need to ensure that infrastructure serves practical economic purposes. Better roads, for instance, are expected to improve movement between communities and markets, helping farmers transport produce and enabling artisans, traders and other small business owners to expand their activities.
Oyebanji’s emphasis on economic productivity builds on his administration’s stated intention to consolidate existing development programmes while pursuing new interventions capable of attracting investment and supporting sustainable business growth.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, which commenced commercial flight operations in late 2025, has also been identified by the state government as an important asset for improving trade, tourism, commerce and agricultural exports.
Other priorities outlined for the second term include improvements in healthcare, education, water supply and human capital development, alongside continued investment in roads and other public infrastructure.
The governor has maintained that public spending must produce tangible benefits for citizens, particularly households facing the pressures of rising living costs and the challenges of sustaining businesses and livelihoods.
Continuity and expectations
Oyebanji’s inauguration begins another four-year period in which his administration will be expected to consolidate ongoing projects, address outstanding development challenges and demonstrate the impact of its policies across the state’s communities.
His renewed mandate also places emphasis on cooperation among government institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, the private sector and residents in pursuing the state’s development objectives.
For the APC, the gathering provided an opportunity for party leaders and elected officials to assemble in support of one of their governors as he began a second term. The attendance of Shaibu, alongside other national figures, also highlighted the presence of the NIS chief at a major political event involving the ruling party’s leadership.
As Oyebanji begins his new tenure, attention will turn to how the administration translates its stated priorities into improved public services, expanded economic opportunities and better living conditions for the people of Ekiti State.
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