Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has pledged to consolidate the achievements of his first term and deliver greater development to residents as he begins his second four-year tenure.
Oyebanji made the pledge shortly after his inauguration at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, following his re-election, describing the fresh mandate as an opportunity to work harder and ensure that the benefits of good governance reach every household across the state.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; several state governors, traditional rulers and other prominent dignitaries.
The State Chief Judge, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, administered the oath of office to Oyebanji at 1:34 p.m., while his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, had earlier taken her oath at 1:29 p.m.
Oyebanji, who became the first Ekiti governor to secure re-election and be inaugurated for two consecutive terms, solicited the cooperation of citizens at home and in the diaspora to make the state a model of good governance.
In his inaugural address, the governor promised to remain accessible, welcome constructive criticism and work with people across political, religious and social divides to achieve shared prosperity.
He said his administration would build on areas where progress had been recorded, correct shortcomings and continue seeking practical solutions to the economic challenges facing residents.
The governor also expressed appreciation to former governors of the state for their contributions to its development and extended an olive branch to his opponents in the June 20 governorship election, including Dr Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, Mr Isaac Alade of the Social Democratic Party and Chief Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement.
Oyebanji attributed some of the achievements recorded during his first term in infrastructure, healthcare, education and human capital development to the support of President Tinubu.
He also called on Ekiti residents to support the re-election of Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the 2027 presidential election, describing the contest as crucial to the state’s future.
On economic development, the governor pledged to promote technology, innovation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence, while encouraging institutions and businesses to develop solutions to practical challenges and prepare young people for emerging opportunities.
He further promised to strengthen the connection between education, entrepreneurship and practical skills, citing the ongoing construction of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone as part of his administration’s vision to prepare young people for a changing economy.
The governor also emphasised the need to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs, traders, artisans, persons with disabilities and young people, noting that every part of the state had a role to play in its development.
Representing President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima congratulated Oyebanji and Afuye on their re-election, expressing confidence that the governor’s second term would deliver greater prosperity, stronger unity and improved governance.
Shettima described the inauguration as the beginning of a new phase of service and commended Ekiti residents for renewing the governor’s mandate based on his performance during his first term.
He assured the people that Oyebanji would not betray their trust, adding that the Federal Government remained committed to supporting the state’s development.
The Vice President also appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the Tinubu administration amid prevailing economic challenges, expressing optimism that ongoing reforms would yield greater economic benefits in the coming years.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, members of the National Assembly, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and other party leaders also attended.
Former Ekiti governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi were present, alongside former governors Bisi Akande of Osun State, Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State and Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; and other monarchs from within and outside the state.
Other attendees included Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, former Nigerian Bar Association President Wole Olanipekun, Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye and other government officials, business leaders and political stakeholders.
