By Samuel Sunday
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reported the recruitment of about 6,000 teachers, delivery of over 800,000 free health services and payment of ₦36.6 billion in pensions to 10,093 pensioners as major achievements of his administration in the last four years.
Governor Oyebanji disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 State of the State Address delivered at the Ekiti State House of Assembly Complex, Ado-Ekiti, with the theme, “The Good Work Continues,” ahead of his second-term inauguration slated for Friday, October 16, 2026.
The address, which reviewed his stewardship since October 2022, covered key sectors including education, healthcare, security, agriculture, infrastructure, economic growth and workers’ welfare.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye; Wife of the Governor, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; traditional rulers, former Speakers, members of the National Assembly, representatives of other State Houses of Assembly and other dignitaries.
Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to Ekiti residents for their support and renewed mandate, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, accountability and sustainable development.
He disclosed that the state economy is currently estimated at ₦8.8 trillion, noting that the figure underscores the state’s economic potential and the need to expand investment, productivity and employment opportunities.
On security, the Governor highlighted the establishment of the Agro-Marshals Corps, deployment of 100 patrol vehicles and provision of surveillance equipment to strengthen security operations, protect lives and property, improve safety of farmers and create a conducive environment for businesses.
In the education sector, he said about 6,000 teachers were recruited, alongside scholarship support and digital skills training for youths to enhance learning outcomes and employability.
In healthcare, Oyebanji said his administration revitalised 177 Primary Healthcare Centres and delivered over 800,000 free health services across the state. He added that neonatal mortality declined from 42 to 18 deaths per 1,000 live births between 2020 and 2025.
On workers’ welfare, the Governor said his government paid ₦36.6 billion in pensions to 10,093 pensioners between October 2022 and August 2026.
He also listed agricultural support measures including subsidised land clearing and initiatives to encourage youth participation in farming, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of 161 kilometres of rural roads to support rural communities and ease evacuation of farm produce.
Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, said the Seventh Assembly passed 35 bills, adopted 69 resolutions and conducted 24 public hearings within the period under review. He noted that the Assembly deployed digital platforms to strengthen legislative processes and public engagement, while appealing for the provision of residential quarters for lawmakers.
Governor Oyebanji assured that his administration would continue to prioritise economic prosperity, infrastructure development, industrialisation, job creation and improved public service delivery in its second term.
He acknowledged the contributions of the legislature, judiciary, traditional rulers, security agencies, development partners and residents to the development of the state, and reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the development agenda as captured in the theme, “The Good Work Continues.”
