Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said projects to be executed during his second term will be deliberately targeted at boosting commerce, increasing productivity and stimulating sustainable business growth across the state.

Oyebanji stated this on Wednesday during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti North Senatorial District in Ifaki-Ekiti, held as part of consultations for the state’s 2027 budget.

The governor said his administration would focus on projects capable of adding value to the local economy, improving living standards and creating an environment where artisans, entrepreneurs and businesses could thrive.

He said limited government resources must be invested in projects that would generate tangible economic benefits for the people.

«“In our second term, whatever we are going to do must add value, because resources are limited. There must be value addition. We must catalyse productivity and ensure our people are productive. It is only when there is value that artisans like welders and auto mechanics can thrive and become prosperous,” Oyebanji said.»

Oyebanji seeks stronger support for Tinubu in 2027

The governor also said Ekiti State would take President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid seriously, calling on residents to reciprocate the Federal Government’s support for the state.

Oyebanji urged Ekiti voters to improve on the votes recorded for Tinubu in the previous presidential election.

According to him, the state has benefited from federal appointments and infrastructure interventions under the Tinubu administration.

“We must show appreciation. It will not be enough to repeat previous figures. We must do more in the next election,” he said.

Roads, electricity, water top priorities

Oyebanji disclosed that collaboration between the Ekiti State Government and the Federal Government had facilitated the award of major road projects, including the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole Road and Ado-Aramoko-Ita-Ore Road.

He said other critical roads across the state would receive attention subsequently.

The governor also said government investments in electricity, water supply, healthcare and road infrastructure would be strategically deployed to improve economic activities and the welfare of residents.

On electricity, Oyebanji said his administration had expanded access to some communities but noted that existing legal provisions had limited the state’s role largely to power generation without distribution authority.

He reaffirmed his commitment to participatory governance, saying the views of communities would continue to influence government project priorities.

“Governance is about the people. We are what we are today because of you. You gave us your mandate, and we must continue to seek your counsel in delivering good governance,” the governor said.

Over 300 nurses, 1,500 health assistants recruited

Giving an update on the health sector, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, disclosed that more than 300 nurses and 1,500 health assistants had been recruited by the state government in the last four years.

Filani added that several primary and secondary healthcare facilities had also been upgraded.

He further disclosed that three new general hospitals had been approved for Ipao, Ikogosi and Awo-Ekiti.

Ekiti constructs over 500 boreholes

The Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Bolaji Aluko, said the government had constructed more than 500 boreholes across Ekiti State.

According to him, another 110 boreholes had been proposed to ensure more equitable access to potable water across the state.

Monarchs demand more infrastructure

Traditional rulers and community representatives from Ekiti North Senatorial District commended the Oyebanji administration for ongoing development projects but called for increased attention to infrastructure and security in the 2027 budget.

The Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Femi Aribisala, appealed to the government to urgently address road, water and electricity challenges in Ikole Local Government.

He said poor road access and inadequate electricity supply were hindering economic activities and limiting the growth of businesses in the area.

Similarly, representatives of Moba Local Government, the Obaleo of Erinmope, Oba Sunday Aniyi, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, and the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, called for greater investment in roads, electricity, water supply and security.

The stakeholders also pledged continued support for Oyebanji’s administration as he begins his second term on October 16, 2026.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; political leaders and representatives of various community groups.