Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed appreciation to residents of the state for what he described as their steadfast love and commitment demonstrated by the large turnout at the official flag-off of his re-election campaign on Monday.
The campaign launch, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, drew a large crowd of party faithful, national officers of the All Progressives Congress, APC, party leaders, and residents. Hundreds of others gathered at various locations across the state capital for the rally and related activities.
Governor Oyebanji said he was humbled by the avalanche of love and encomium” shown to him and the vote of confidence passed on him and his deputy, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye, to seek a second term in office.
The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called continued support for his administration and for Ekiti State, which he said has contributed to the pace of development and growth in the state.
Oyebanji also commended APC leaders and members across the state for making voluntary contributions in their respective local government areas toward the organization of the event. He described their gesture as encouraging and reflective of their commitment to the Ekiti agenda.
“Monday’s flag-off of our re-election campaign was not only remarkable, it was a historic moment for our dear state, and we thank God Almighty for the hugely successful event that was devoid of any hitch,” the governor said in the statement.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and to the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatds, as well as national and zonal officers of the party for their support and presence at the rally.
Oyebanji extended appreciation to Kaduna State Governor and Chairman of the National Campaign Council, Senator Uba Sani; Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago; and the Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Election Campaign Council and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The governor also acknowledged former governors of the state — Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr. Segun Oni, Chief Ayodele Fayose, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi — as well as APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Dr. Isaac Kekemeke; former deputy governors; and serving and former members of the National Assembly and the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
He thanked the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers for its support, with special mention of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, who received APC leaders in his palace alongside the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole; the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; and the Ologotun of Ogotun-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adesanmi.
Oyebanji further expressed appreciation to more than 380 groups and associations that have endorsed him and his deputy for a second term in the past year. He also commended labour and trade unions, religious organizations, youth and student bodies, market women, leaders of the informal sector, and citizens of the state for their support.
