Oyebanji’s Strides Showcasing Ekiti As Model of Impact Governance
Ekiti State is generally peaceful and devoid of the rancour that usually follows the election of a new Governor, which is mainly a backlash of campaign issues.
This recently elicited a commendation from the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who hailed the peaceful transition in Ekiti devoid of the predecessor-successor crisis of confidence common in many states in Nigeria.
This could be attributed to the Solomonic wisdom of Governor Oyebanji who chose to carry everybody along in the day-to-day administration of the state including all former governors irrespective of their political parties, members of the ruling party, members of the opposition parties and even those who are completely apolitical, recognizing them as very important stakeholders in the Ekiti project.
Following his election as the Governor of Ekiti State, Oyebanji embarked on a wide consultation by visiting important stakeholders in the Ekiti State project. This is in line with his campaign promise of carrying Ekiti people along in his efforts to develop the state which he is fulfilling as a man of honour who walks his talk.
During the campaign, Oyebanji made many realistic promises, many of which he started to fulfill immediately he assumed duty. Today, the Governor is generally seen by the people as a promise keeper.
The present government has increased the joy of the masses through unprecedented efforts in the area of road construction as some hitherto forgotten roads have received attention, particularly in Ado, the state capital.
The government embarked on massive repair, construction and reconstruction of roads in the state as a way of ensuring economic development.
Another measure taken by government to ensure smooth transportation in Ekiti state is to embark on massive de-silting of waterways and drainages in the state.
The ongoing work is causing excitement among the populace who see the effort as one of the permanent solutions to flooding in the state and to aid free flow of traffic.
Some of the roads undergoing construction, reconstruction and repair include Sije-Omisanjana-Ajebamidele road, repair work on Ekiti State University road around Ayemi Garage, Iluomoba-Ikole road, where there was hitherto, a dangerous gully.
Government is also facilitating free flow of traffic in Ado-Ekiti by embarking on the construction of a road that would link Odo-Ado with Ado-Afao road. The road would link Ado-Ijan road with Ado-Afao road around Omoloju Event Centre.
Other roads that have witnessed government touch under the BAO administration are Idofin-Odo Ado, Oke Ila-Okeyinmi, Agric-Olope-Mathew-Odo Ado, Oke Bola-Union Baptist, Awedele road, NTA-GRA Extension, as well as NTA-Ilawe Road and the asphalt overlay of all major roads within the state capital.
BAO has also extended his hand of progressive development to Ilawe-Ikere road, Ilawe-Igede, Efon-Ipole road as well as Itapa-Omu-Ijelu road.
Work is also ongoing at Spare Parts Market on Federal Polytechnic road in Ado-Ekiti. Apart from the fact that this would reduce congestion on major roads in the state capital, it would bring down the prices of motor spare parts.
Another advantage is that the sale of fake spare parts would be reduced to the barest minimum. The Spare Parts Market would also be a money spinner for government, as collection of revenue from dealers in the market would be very easy for the government.
This project, was initiated by the Segun Oni administration with subsequent administrations not doing anything about it but Governor Oyebanji is determined to ensure the completion of the project.
The BAO administration is working silently without much noise to turn the economy of Ekiti State around. There has been aggressive revenue generation drive without putting unnecessary pressure on the people. This has shot up the monthly revenue to an appreciable mark in the state.
The BAO administration has made all these achievements despite the paucity of funds in government coffers. There are indications that the government would embark on more meaningful developmental projects as more money comes into its coffers in months to come.
All these efforts have put Ekiti State on a sound footing and the implementation of the six pillars agenda has brought smiles to the faces of the people. It can only get better in years to come as the Governor keeps his eyes on the ball to score more goals of development and transformation for the benefit of the people of the state.
Signed
Chief Ibukun Adejoro
President
Comrade Femi Olofinbiyi
Secretary
Ekiti Movement for Peace and Good Governance