Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has attributed the progress recorded by his administration to the economic reforms and intervention programmes introduced by President Bola Tinubu, saying the measures have significantly improved the financial capacity of states.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji said his administration faced serious financial challenges in its first six months in office, particularly in meeting salary obligations and funding development projects, before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
According to the governor, increased allocations and other federal interventions have provided states with greater fiscal flexibility, enabling his government to implement its development agenda and address critical infrastructure needs.
He noted that the administration has since completed the Ekiti airport project and shifted attention to road construction, while several federal road projects in the state have reduced pressure on the government from residents demanding improved transportation infrastructure.
Oyebanji specifically highlighted the reconstruction of the Ado-Akure Road and the recently approved concrete pavement project on the Ado-Itawure Road, describing both as major interventions made possible through the support of the Federal Government.
“I became Governor six months before the inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as president. In those six months, I had sleepless nights thinking about how to meet the wage bill and also implement the shared prosperity agenda,” he said.
“We have completed the airport now. Our focus is on roads. Thanks to the President, Ado-Akure Road is done. He has also awarded Ado-Itawure Road. The value of that contract is bigger than our budget for two years. If not for the president that cares, there is no way we could have done those roads.”
The governor added that improved federal allocations have enabled his administration to increase subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions threefold, while also meeting workers’ demands and maintaining industrial harmony across the state.
He further disclosed that his government has paid more than N85 billion in pensions and gratuities since assuming office in 2022, describing the payments as part of efforts to improve the welfare of retirees and public servants.
Oyebanji maintained that the growing support for his administration among residents stems largely from the performance of his government, which he said has been aided by the improved economic environment created by federal policies.
The governor also commended media organisations and journalists in the state for their professionalism and role in informing the public as well as holding government officials accountable.
Calling on Ekiti residents to support Tinubu’s bid for re-election, Oyebanji said the president’s reforms were aimed at addressing long-standing challenges facing the country and positioning Nigeria for sustainable growth.
“The president deserves commendations. It is not possible to make an omelette without breaking eggs. The progress and stability that he has brought to the economy and everything, it takes someone who has courage and confidence to do it,” he said.
“He is trying to fix things that have gone wrong in the last 30 years. Mr President deserves our support and understanding. I have sat with him many times and I can see that he has clarity of intention and how to put the country on the right footing.”
