By Kayode Babatuyi
Jesus Christ was arrested and crucified in front of multitudes who were chanting, “kill him, nail him” but many of them do not even know his offense.
Two years ago, precisely during the “Justice for Mohbad” protest, I asked random protesters about who is Mohbad?. Unfortunately, majority of those I spoke with do not know him.
Just recently, two men were almost lynched in Benin, Edo State because another man accused them of taking his manhood. After the suspected men have been beaten to stupor, the alarmist was taken to a brothel, low and behold his German machine was intact in full capacity.
I painted these scenarios to justify the fact that many innocent people have suffered attack unjustly from those who acted ignorantly based on the wailing, negative narratives and rumors masterminded by few mischievous individuals with hidden agenda.
Recently, there was a wide range of criticism against Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State particularly on the poor state of some roads especially those linking the state to other Southwest states and many of the critics are already calling for the head of the governor.
The fact remains that these roads especially, Igede-Aramoko-Itawure, Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba-Ikare Aramoko- Ijero are terrible and needed urgent attention of both the state and federal government but such development shouldn’t be enough reason to condemn the Governor who has recorded appreciable success in other areas of the economy.
As much as it is important to hold government accountable and put leaders on their toes, it is also sacrosanct that such are done with utmost sincerity and considerations.
The name calling, attack and attempted humiliation of Governor Oyebanji based on the poor state of few federal roads was unnecessary considering the gains of his administration.
As much as road construction is important, it is just one out of many factors with which development can be measured.
If not for human nature, Governor Oyebanji deserves gratitude and not attitude.
What do I mean by human nature?
Human nature refers to the fundamental dispositions, traits, and characteristics that are common to all humans, encompassing ways of thinking, feeling, and acting
One of these traits is that, human beings forget good deeds in a hurry but are quick to remember every single error, even if it was committed inadvertently.
In 2022, former Governor Kayode Fayemi left office with about three months unpaid salaries, five months unpaid pension for state retirees, seven months unpaid pension for local government retirees and over forty billion Naira unpaid gratuity.
There are also outstanding leave bonuses, promotion arrears and few months subventions to subvented institutions like Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Bamisile Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology but today all of these have been defrayed by Oyebanji and the humongous forty eight billion Naira gratuity has been reduced to twenty six billion Naira.
In less than three years subventions to subvented institutions have been increased twice by almost fifty percent, hence concerned institutions could pay salaries and outstanding benefits of workers, thus putting an end to the incessant protest and industrial actions by in-house unions.
Institutions such as EKSUTH,EKSU, BSES, RADIO NIGERIA and some other government agencies have been connected to the Independent Power Plant with 24hrs power supply which has enhanced their services and productivity.
Ekiti is one of the few states implementing the new National minimum wage with an impressive table.
The completion of Ekiti Cargo Airport, Ado Ifaki road, block of offices at the secretariat , Bawa-faglo road, Ajebandele-omisanjana road, construction of 8o bed space at EKSUTH are gains that should be considered.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has made significant strides in the health sector, showcasing his commitment to improving healthcare delivery. Some notable achievements include but not limited to
Investment in Primary Healthcare;
investment of N814 million in 177 primary healthcare centers across the state, aimed at renovating facilities, procuring drugs and equipment, and enhancing overall healthcare services.
Renovation of Hospitals;
The governor has initiated the renovation of general hospitals and primary healthcare centers, ensuring that these facilities provide quality medical services to residents. He has also completed the renovation of some hospitals and recruited more doctors and health workers.
Ulerawa Health Insurance Program;
The governor’s flagship health insurance program, Ulerawa, has provided over 429,000 residents with access to healthcare services, with more than 700 surgeries fully funded by the government.
Salary Increase for Health Workers:
Oyebanji increased the salaries of doctors, approved consolidated salary and hundred percent hazard allowance for community health workers, boosting morale and attracting top talent to the state’s healthcare sector.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has also made significant strides in both education and agriculture and here are some of his notable initiatives:
Oyebanji allocated over N3.5 billion as counterpart funding for the 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects, aimed at improving learning environments and supporting public primary schools across Ekiti.He approved N200 million for car and housing loans for primary school teachers, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing teacher welfare, he initiated the “Bring Back the Youths in Agric” Program which aimed at empowering youths in agriculture, providing training and financial support. The program has shown remarkable success, with participants benefiting from N140 million in funding for their agricultural projects.
The governor has also attracted national presence to Ekiti having used his influence and goodwill to facilitate the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, a college of education in Ilawe Ekiti, an Army barrack in Ikere and appointment of some Ekiti indigenes into juicy positions among who are, Dayo Adeyeye, Lateef Ajijola, Eniola Ajayi, Wunmi Ogunlola just to mention but a few.
The governor has also done well in the area of tourism, revenue generation, grassroots development through the local governments and Local Council Development Area, security, women and youth empowerment among others.
The governor has also done some roads across various councils in the state.
As much as we hate the governor because he failed to fix Federal Roads we should also love him for channeling the Ekiti meagre resources in all these impactful programmes that I have mentioned.
Before you criticize Governor Oyebanji, have you thought of his gains in health, education, tourism, human capital development, security economy among others as mentioned above?
Have you thought of his breakthroughs in ensuring peace, inclusiveness, social welfare for aged people, widows and vulnerable groups?
Jack Handy said and I quote “Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes, if you compare notes with sincerity of purpose you will see that the outcry on the roads and the crocodile tears were unnecessary and mischievous.
Kayode Babatuyi, a journalist, media consultant writes from Ado Ekiti.
