President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday urged the people of Ekiti State to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20 governorship election, saying the governor has earned another term through his performance and commitment to the state’s development.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the appeal during the inauguration of the Okeiyinmi-Ijigbo 1.2-kilometre flyover in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, describing Oyebanji as a leader whose administration has delivered tangible dividends of democracy across the state since assuming office in October 2022.
Tinubu said the governor’s record in infrastructure development, economic growth and governance had transformed Ekiti and positioned it among the leading states in the country, adding that the forthcoming election provides an opportunity for residents to reward good performance.
According to him, the flyover project stands as a testament to the governor’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and improving the quality of life of the people.
He noted that the project reflects the administration’s focus on addressing urban transportation challenges and driving development.
“In the 2023 presidential elections, President Bola Tinubu got 201,494 votes from Ekiti State. Ekiti State election result trended for over 24 hours (in favour of APC) before other states started following suit. Ekiti gave us 67 per cent of their total votes; no candidate got 25 per cent in Ekiti State besides the APC candidate.
“In Ekiti, we won all three senatorial seats and the six House of Representatives seats. Ekiti is a land of promise; it is a land of equity. Ekiti is the most educated state in the Nigerian federation. I believe you will reciprocate the landmark accomplishments of Governor BAO in the next couple of weeks.
“Most importantly, we are in an electoral season, and two weeks from now there will be an election here in Ekiti State. Omoluabi is on the ticket, BAO is on the ticket, and I urge you all to vote for him,” the President said.
Tinubu praised Oyebanji’s leadership style, describing him as an “Omoluabi” whose humility, inclusiveness and developmental approach have earned him widespread acceptance among the people.
He also attributed the growing pace of development in many states to increased fiscal resources available to sub-national governments, stressing that Ekiti has effectively utilised such opportunities to execute impactful projects and improve public infrastructure.
“I was a Governor for eight years and what accrued to my state in eight years, some states now get it in one year. States are able to execute landmark projects without borrowing a dime from financial institutions. We have to show gratitude, we have to openly commend the President for his transparency in ensuring that the states get what is due to them,” he said.
The President said the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Ekiti has demonstrated capacity for result-oriented governance through various projects and social intervention programmes that have positively impacted residents.
Beyond the flyover inauguration, Tinubu also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), a technology and innovation hub designed to position the state as a centre for digital development, research and skills acquisition.
Speaking on the EKZ project, the President described Ekiti as the home of scholars and said the initiative would provide a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement capable of attracting investments and creating opportunities for young people.
He commended Governor Oyebanji for sustaining the vision behind the project and for building strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating development in the state.
According to him, the knowledge zone has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s leading centres for innovation and research.
Earlier, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support to the state, noting that the progress recorded by his administration had been aided by the Federal Government’s policies and interventions.
The governor also commended the Ministry of Works and the contractors for delivering the flyover project, describing it as a major milestone in the state’s infrastructure renewal programme.
In recognition of the President’s support for Ekiti, he announced that the newly inaugurated bridge would be known as the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Flyover, Ado-Ekiti.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni, Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, and officials from the Presidency led by the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari; traditional rulers, political leaders and senior government officials.
In his remarks, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, commended the federal government’s economic reforms and urged continued efforts to address insecurity across the country
