By Samuel Sunday
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other prominent political leaders on Friday witnessed the inauguration of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for a second term, as the governor pledged to deepen development and improve the living standards of residents.
President Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who congratulated Oyebanji and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, on their re-election.
Shettima described the renewed mandate as a vote of confidence that comes with greater responsibility, noting that it reflects the people’s assessment of the administration’s first term.
The Vice-President urged the governor to consolidate his achievements through inclusive governance, fairness, reconciliation and respect for democratic institutions.
He also called on Nigerians to support the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, acknowledging the challenges associated with the policies while expressing confidence that they would create opportunities for growth and enhance efficient use of public resources.
In his inaugural address, Governor Oyebanji thanked God and the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate, promising that his second term would be more practical, inclusive and focused on delivering measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
He identified infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, electricity, tourism and job creation as key priorities of his administration.
Oyebanji promised to improve roads and public facilities, link education and vocational training to practical skills and job opportunities, and strengthen agricultural production through farm clusters, processing facilities and improved access to finance and markets.
He also pledged to pursue sustainable solutions to the state’s electricity challenges, support business development and the technology sector, and ensure continued attention to the welfare of workers and pensioners.
The governor assured the people of his commitment to accountability, promising to listen to public concerns and address shortcomings in his administration, while creating more opportunities for young people, women and persons with disabilities.
The ceremony, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, other governors, former Ekiti governors Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose, traditional rulers and other political leaders.
The oath of office was administered to Governor Oyebanji and his deputy by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye.
Speaking at the event, Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, described the inauguration as a historic moment, noting that Oyebanji’s return for a second consecutive term marked a significant milestone in the state’s political history.
