Adebayo Adenrele
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has said the construction of the newly inaugurated VIP chalet units named after former Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, is a facility and strategic investment aimed at attracting investors and reversing years of lost economic opportunities.
The Governor said the 10-unit Government Lodge, commissioned over the weekend within the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, is a critical component of his administration’s economic development strategy and not merely another government building.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Oyebanji explained that the project aligns with the Ekiti State 30-year Development Plan, particularly the second phase of his administration, which is focused on attracting investments, supporting businesses and creating an enabling environment for economic growth.
According to the Governor, one of the recurring concerns raised by prospective investors interested in Ekiti has been the lack of suitable accommodation for business executives and development partners who need to stay in the state for extended periods.
He disclosed that the challenge had cost the state several investment opportunities, as many visitors were compelled to return to their destinations on the same day due to the absence of quality lodging.
His words, “The next phase of this administration is to attract investors and investment into the state. We are committed to supporting small businesses, creating an atmosphere and ecosystem that will drive investment and ensuring that we provide a decent environment for investors.
“This is not just a building. It is part of the infrastructure required to drive shared prosperity. We are not a backwater state. Ekiti deserves the very best and investors who come here should have decent accommodation while they carry out their business.
“We have had investors asking whether there is a safe and comfortable place where they can stay for weeks or months while executing their projects.
“On many occasions, visitors had to fly into Ekiti and leave the same day because there was no decent accommodation. This facility answers that question.
“We are not a state of ingrates. Those who have served Ekiti faithfully deserve to be honoured. None of our former governors named public facilities after themselves while in office, so it is only fitting that subsequent administrations recognise their contributions”.
In his remarks, former Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji and the people of Ekiti for the honour, describing the gesture as thoughtful and inspiring.
Fayemi recalled rejecting a resolution by the State House of Assembly to name the Ekiti Civic Centre after him while he was in office, insisting then that such honours should be left to future administrations if they considered one’s service deserving.
The former governor also praised Oyebanji for sustaining continuity in governance through the completion of inherited projects and adherence to the state’s long-term development plan.
He expressed confidence that the Governor’s second term would deepen industrialisation, attract more investments and further transform Ekiti’s economy through strategic infrastructure and enterprise development.
“I politely declined that gesture then because I did not think it was proper for a serving public official to name public buildings after himself. Such recognition should come from those who believe one has served the state meritoriously.
“I commend Governor Oyebanji for not only honouring me but also extending the same recognition to other former governors.
“It is important to celebrate those who have contributed to the growth of our state because it inspires future generations to dedicate themselves to public service” Fayemi added.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, described the commissioning as a historic occasion and said the new edifice symbolises the growth and developmental strides of the Oyebanji administration.
She noted that naming the facility after Dr Fayemi reflected the government’s commitment to celebrating individuals who had rendered selfless service to the state, describing the project as a legacy founded on service, trust and enduring relationships.
