The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that his government deliberately adopted unique Rural Development Policy to unlock the potentials of all towns and ensure that none of the 140 communities in the State suffer neglect.
This came as former Governor Kayode Fayemi commended Governor Oyebanji for his stunning performance in the last two years, describing him as a pride to the progressive fold.
The governor spoke on Saturday, at the 32nd edition of Isan Day ceremonies and launching of N250 million development fund, held in Isan Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area of the State.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said his love for community development spurred the even distribution of projects he spearheaded across the three Senatorial districts to ensure that no town suffer unwarranted neglect.
For his development strategies to spiral and garner expected traction and acceptability, Oyebanji appealed to the communities to promote the concept of self -development, by aggressively pursuing projects that could complement government’s efforts.
“These also reflected in the quantum of intra and inter-town road infrastructures, opening of access rural roads to boost agriculture, establishment of cluster farming in Ipao and Emure axis, engagements with towns to help build their potentials in arts and culture, and many others”, the governor stated
Underscoring the kernel of peace to sustainable development , the governor posited that Isan Ekiti has no alternative to peace and unity, being the host community to public institutions of interest across the country.
“Don’t forget that your town is a host to a fledging Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti and The Nigerian Army College. Under this context, we expect that the town must unite to promote and maintain the peace you have always enjoyed, so that more dividends of democracy can be extended to your doorsteps under the current government”.
Saluting the town for sustaining the ceremony to promote self development concept being encouraged by his administration, Oyebanji, said he had demonstrated uncommon passion for the growth of Arts, Culture and Tourism, as thematic areas of policy thrust of his administration.
Oyebanji reiterated support for the occasion of this nature geared towards celebrating the unity and cultural richness of their people, as well as mapping out strategies for development, describing this as veritable avenue to support the government in its peace- building initiatives.
Emphasizing the imperative of peace and unity to development, former Governor Kayode Fayemi, urged his kinsmen to continue to support Oyebanji’s government to attract more development to Isan Ekiti and the state at large.
“Our governor has done well in the last two years, though I am not saying he has done everything. Whoever says he hasn’t done anything must have his eyes examined medically. No governor can do everything, is a gradual and steady process.
“The governor has surprised us by his contributions to development through series of projects. If there are areas yet to be touched, I know he must have been told and he will do the right thing to touch those places at the appropriate time”, he said.
In his submission, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, appreciated Governor Oyebanji and all the sons and daughters of the town for their invincible passion to peace and unity of the community,
Particularly, Oba Adejuwon applauded the governor for donating a transformer to the town for improved electricity generation .
Oba Adejuwon, appealed to his subjects to rededicate themselves to unity and peace that can bolster the existing partnership with the government to ramp up the development being witnessed in the kingdom.
“Governor Biodun Oyebanji also donated a building and utility vehicle to our Command School. He also donated fund for us to be able to fence our palace. So, we are solidly behind his second term bid, so that he can complete his good and positively impactful projects”, the monarch said.
Present at the occasion are: Former First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a House of Representatives member representing Ekiti North Constituency 1, Hon. Akin Rotimi, Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata(SAN), politicians, community leaders, among others.