The newly sworn in Governor of Ekiti, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has rolled out six- point agenda to further bring economic prosperity and good governance to the people of the state.
Oyebanji, shortly after he was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Ekiti, Justice John Adeyeye, said that his six points developmental agenda would focus on youths’ development and jobs creation.
Others are: human capital development, Agriculture and rural development and infrastructure, industrialisation, arts, culture and tourism as well as good governance.
The governor said that his vision for the state was for it to be a land of prosperity, opportunity, peace, progress and a land which transformed people and for communities to reap the fruits of their labour in dignity, good health and safety.
Oyebanji said the six-point agenda was carefully selected based on his experience in the public and private sectors, coupled with the yearnings of the masses to improve the status of the state.
He said for the vision to be actualised, there was need to focus on a roadmap to get there, urging the people to be partners in progress.
Oyebanji said that creating employment and income-generating opportunities for residents of the state would be a critical component of his administration’s agenda.
“We have identified some of the drivers, markets and industries that create these opportunities within the system and intend to nurture them and give them the enabling structures and support required to deliver the jobs we need,” he said.
The governor promised that his administration would ensure that all eligible students have access to free and qualitative basic education up to the Senior Secondary School (SS3), with curricula that prepare them adequately for further learning or the job market.
He also promised to further develop the agriculture sector by attracting more investment in agri-business to deepen the processing capacity of both the staple and cash crops, which would not only provide food security, but help the country to grow its non-oil exports.
“We have a responsibility to support our farmers with facilitated adequate financing, value chain support, access to markets, skills and technology to increase productivity within the sector.
“Giving practitioners the ability to provide food for the state and for exports, while creating the much-needed jobs and opportunities.
“Priority will be given to strategic crops, including cassava, rice, cocoa, cashew, maize, yam and vegetables.
“Accelerating the development of key infrastructure that is critical to our economic development will have a vast impact on our progress.
“Power and transportation are two key priority sectors that will improve our competitiveness and generate positive economic and social impact.
“We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that we boost these underdeveloped core sectors,” he said.
Oyebanji said that his administration’s modus operandi would be the establishment of numerous platforms for widespread participation, interaction and inclusiveness of all stakeholders in actualising the set goals.
“We intend to ensure robust dialogue and uncensored expression and consultations across the length and breadth of the state, thereby ensuring the interest and participation of all in the welfare of Ekiti Kete.
“We assure the people that we will hear you and truly see you. Our outlook is a government of the people, for the people and by the people through active involvement.
“On this platform, I hereby pledge my accessibility to you all,” he said.
The governor thanked his predecessors in the state, especially the immediate past Gov. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, for laying the solid legacies on which the new administration would stand upon.
“Though, the Fayemis are leaving behind very huge shoes for me and Olayemi to fill, we are confident that with their supports, we will assuredly grow into them.
“I am enthusiastically counting on the generosity of spirit of the Adebayos, Fayemis, Fayoses and other past leaders, to continue in the service of our homeland by constantly affording us their enormous goodwill, expertise, and experience,” he said.
In his remarks, Bola Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress party (APC), urged the people of the state to continue to vote for the party, especially during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Tinubu expressed optimism that the legacies left behind the past administration of Gov. Fayemi would be sustained by the new administration of Governor Oyebanji.
He urged the people, particularly APC members in the state, to guide their Permanent Voter Cards jealously and ensure that they vote for APC for continuity and good governance to continue to flourish in the state.
Present at the event were Governors of Kebbi, Jigawa, Edo, Lagos, Ondo, Plateau, former Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti and the Deputy Governor of Ogun.
The major highlight of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance on the Deputy Governor Mrs Monisade Afuye and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who were later sworn in to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.
Colourful parade was also mounted by members of the Nigeria Police Force, Ekiti State Command to add colour and glamour to the occasion.
Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated the newly sworn-in Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, describing his assumption into office as blessing for the people of the State.
He also congratulated the new Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, and urged the people of Ekiti State to support the new governor and his deputy for continuous growth and development of the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Oyebanji and Afuye’s landslide victory during the June 18 governorship election and their swearing-in as Ekiti State Governor and Deputy Governor as a testament to the good work the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government has done in the State.
Sanwo-Olu, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, along with the Presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and some other State Governors at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, urged Governor Oyebanji to continue the good work of his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The Lagos State governor also applauded ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi for his commitment and selfless service to Ekiti State and her people, saying that Fayemi did his best to transform and develop the Fountain of Knowledge State during his tenure.
He said the people of Ekiti and South-West, as well as Nigerians, will continue to remember the contributions of Fayemi to governance and politics as the Governor of Ekiti and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
“I congratulate Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye on their swearing-in as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Ekiti State following their victory in the June 18 gubernatorial election in the State. I also rejoice with their families, friends, associates, APC members, and the people of Ekiti State on today’s swearing-in ceremony.
“Governor Oyebanji is the right choice by the people of Ekiti State. I have no doubt that based on his antecedents and experience in the private and public sectors; he will not disappoint the people of Ekiti State, who elected him as their governor.
“As an active participant in Ekiti State politics and governance, having served with two former governors, I believe Governor Oyebanji will continue the people-oriented programmes and good governance of his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who served passionately and delivered dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State in different sectors.”
“Without any iota of doubt, Governor Fayemi has set a good template of good governance for his successor. I will urge Governor Oyebanji to follow the path of good governance set by Dr. Fayemi.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also applauded Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, for being a worthy and supportive partner to Governor Fayemi during their tenure in office.
