Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has called on residents of the state to rally behind President Bola Tinubu, urging sustained prayers and public support to enable the successful implementation of ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
Oyebanji made the appeal on Friday in Ado Ekiti during an inter-faith thanksgiving service held to mark the first working day of 2026.
He said the reform agenda of the Tinubu administration, though initially painful, was already delivering measurable gains and would ultimately “rescue Nigerians from those who have held the country by the jugular.”
According to the governor, recent macroeconomic indicators show that the most difficult phase of the reforms has passed. He cited relative currency stability, easing fuel prices and moderating inflation as early signs of recovery, stressing that the trajectory would strengthen with sustained policy consistency.
“When you have a leader who is prepared, sincere and means well for the people, the country will move forward,” Oyebanji said. “Some policies are tough at the beginning, but they are necessary. Now, the worst is over. The economy is rebounding, the naira has stabilised, fuel prices are coming down and inflation is receding. What we need to do is to encourage the President and continue to pray for him.”
He added that if such progress could be achieved in under three years, a full eight-year tenure would further consolidate the gains. “The President has demonstrated capacity, commitment and clarity of purpose. Ekiti must stand with him,” he said.
Turning to state politics, Oyebanji assured residents that governance and service delivery would not be compromised by electioneering activities ahead of the June 20 governorship election, in which he is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress.
He pledged to run a rule-based campaign and expressed confidence that his administration’s record over the past three years would earn him and his party another four-year mandate.
The governor also declared 2026 a year of “unlimited opportunities” for Ekiti, charging political office holders to act as faithful stewards and ensure prudent management of public resources so that the impact of government is felt across all communities.
In his Christian exhortation, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Revd Emmanuel Aribasoye, urged the governor to remain mindful of the covenant that brought him into office, cautioning against actions that could undermine his service-oriented reputation.
Similarly, the State Qareeb Missioner, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Afenifere, advised political leaders to avoid ingratitude and neglect of the vulnerable, reminding them of the transient nature of power and accountability before God.
Dignitaries at the service included Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye; First Lady Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Chief Judge, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye; and House of Representatives member Adeniyi Ojuawo, alongside traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders, civil servants and members of the public.