Diaspora Mobilisation: Ekiti State University Alumni Solidarity Group Commends Governor Oyebanji’s Exemplary Leadership in Ekiti State

Ezekiel Okpuzor

The Ekiti State University Alumni Solidarity Group has commended the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and outstanding contributions to the socio-economic development of the state. The group noted that his administration’s people-centered approach continues to foster growth, stability, and unity across Ekiti.

In a statement issued by the Director of Diaspora Mobilisation, Mr. Opeyemi Alebiosu, an IT Risk and Compliance Specialist, the group expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and grassroots development, describing his leadership as transformative, unifying, and purpose-driven.

1. Inclusive Political Leadership and Recognition

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s governance style exemplifies inclusive and collaborative leadership. His administration has successfully fostered unity by engaging past governors, political stakeholders, and esteemed elders of Ekiti State in shaping the state’s development agenda. This culture of consultation and respect for institutional memory has strengthened policy continuity and deepened public trust. His inclusive approach has not gone unnoticed,earning him both national and international acclaim, including the EDGE Award for Governor of the Year (Inclusive Leadership and Grassroots Development) and the Best Tourism Governor of 2024 by African Travel Quarterly (ATQ), in recognition of his visionary reforms in tourism policy, infrastructure, and participatory governance.

2. Economic Growth and Fiscal Management:

Under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership, Ekiti State has witnessed a remarkable surge in its internally-generated revenue, jumping from approximately ₦17.03 billion in 2022 to ₦29.82 billion in 2023, and monthly intake rising from around ₦650 million to over ₦2 billion. This achievement reflects more than just higher collections, it’s the product of a deliberate strategy of fiscal discipline, institutional reform (including the autonomy of the state revenue service and expanded tax networks), and growing public trust born of transparent, visible investment in infrastructure and services.

3. Agricultural Development and Food Security

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has transformed Ekiti’s agricultural landscape through a people-centered, innovation-driven approach. The Ekiti State Food Security Project, alongside the Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub and Ounje Ekiti retail outlets, has significantly improved food accessibility and affordability across the state. Through strategic partnerships, the government has enhanced value-chain efficiency from farm to market, ensuring fair prices for farmers and consumers alike. Complementing these efforts, the Bring Back the Youths into Agriculture initiative has re-engaged young people in modern, technology-enabled farming by providing access to land, mechanisation, and financial support. These interventions not only strengthen food security but also position agriculture as a viable engine for youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth in Ekiti State.

4. Energy and Power Development

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration is driving a transformative energy agenda to expand access to reliable and affordable power across Ekiti State. Through strategic partnerships and private-sector engagement, the government has issued licences to 14 independent power investors to boost generation and distribution capacity, with an ambitious plan to raise supply from about 25MW to 130MW. This initiative supports the state’s broader industrialization goals by strengthening electricity access for households, small businesses, and industrial zones. The administration is also aligning its energy roadmap with the Electricity Act 2023, enabling subnational participation in power regulation and paving the way for renewable energy adoption, rural electrification, and off-grid community power projects that promote inclusive growth and sustainable development across Ekiti.

5. Education and Youth Empowerment

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration continues to prioritize education and youth development through extensive school renovations, teacher training, and digital learning initiatives. The establishment of entrepreneurship and innovation centres is equipping young people with practical skills for self-employment and economic sustainability, while ongoing mentorship and vocational programs foster creativity, productivity, and inclusive growth across Ekiti State.

6. Tourism and Cultural Advancement

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has repositioned tourism as a key pillar of Ekiti State’s economic diversification and cultural identity. Through the establishment of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, the government has revitalized iconic destinations such as Ikogosi Warm Springs and the Abanijorin Rock of Wonders, enhancing infrastructure, accessibility, and visitor experience. Initiatives like the Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari have further promoted eco-tourism and community participation, attracting both local and international visitors. Complemented by cultural preservation programs and private-sector collaborations, these efforts are transforming Ekiti into a vibrant hub for heritage, adventure, and sustainable tourism development.

7. Welfare and Social Justice

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration continues to uphold the principles of compassion, fairness, and accountability in governance. Demonstrating a strong commitment to social equity, the government has cleared most outstanding pension and gratuity arrears, compensated landowners affected by development projects, and ensured timely subventions to ministries, agencies, and other Arms of Government. These measures reflect the administration’s people-centred approach, one that prioritizes dignity, inclusion, and social balance reinforcing Ekiti State’s reputation as a government that truly cares for its citizens and delivers justice through responsible leadership.

8. Infrastructure Development

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has made infrastructure renewal a cornerstone of Ekiti State’s development agenda. Massive road reconstruction and expansion projects are ongoing across all senatorial districts, improving mobility, trade, and access to essential services. Notably, the Ekiti Ring Road Project, which links Iworoko to the Ekiti State International Cargo Airport and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, stands as a transformative initiative to boost logistics, commerce, and industrial growth. Complemented by urban renewal, rural electrification, and bridge construction programs, these efforts are not only enhancing connectivity but also laying the groundwork for sustainable economic expansion and regional integration.

9. Transparency and Good Governance

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has become a model of transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance in Nigeria. Guided by integrity and collective wisdom, he has maintained an open-door policy that fosters collaboration with past governors, elder statesmen, and eminent leaders such as Aare Afe Babalola, Chief Deji Fasuan, and other distinguished stakeholders. This consultative approach has strengthened institutional trust and policy continuity across administrations. Under his leadership, Ekiti State has recorded commendable rankings in fiscal responsibility, budget transparency, and public sector reform, reflecting a culture of prudence and openness. Governor Oyebanji’s humility, peace-driven politics, and respect for shared leadership continue to unite Ekiti’s political class and inspire the confidence of its citizens in a truly people-focused and progressive government.

The group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s vision of a prosperous and united Ekiti State, urging all citizens, both at home and in the diaspora to continue investing in the state’s growth and sustainability. They emphasized that the Governor’s record of service, inclusion, and tangible results reflects a leadership deeply committed to the people’s welfare.

As Ekiti approaches another critical election, the group called on all indigenes to stand together, ensure continuity, and vote for Governor Oyebanji, so that the ongoing progress and development across the state can be sustained and expanded for future generations