David Williams
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the people of Ekiti State and other Nigerians for their support and goodwill during his second-term inauguration on Friday, October 16.
Oyebanji, in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, said the show of solidarity and goodwill at the inauguration had humbled him, assuring residents that his administration would consolidate on its first-term achievements.
He particularly commended Tinubu for his support for the state, noting that the Federal Government’s economic policies had increased the resources available to state governments for infrastructure and other development projects.
“We owe Mr President a huge debt of gratitude for his love and support for Ekiti State. The impact of his policies and the resources made available to subnational governments have contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by our administration,” he said.
The governor also thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima for representing Tinubu and presiding over the inauguration, describing his presence as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to Ekiti’s development.
He noted that the vice president’s attendance marked his third visit to the state in 2026, adding that his previous visits had enabled him to witness some of the development strides recorded by the administration.
Oyebanji extended his appreciation to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda; and members of the party’s National Working Committee for their support.
He also acknowledged the presence of the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; and governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto and Umar Namadi of Jigawa states.
The governors of Osun and Kaduna states, who were represented by their deputies, were equally appreciated.
The governor expressed gratitude to former Ekiti governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi, as well as former First Lady of the state, Bisi Fayemi, for their presence and support.
Other national leaders acknowledged included former Ogun State Governor, Segun Osoba; former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande; former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; former APC National Vice Chairman, Pius Akinyelure; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wole Olanipekun; and former Ekiti Deputy Governor, Modupe Adelabu.
He also recognised the contributions of Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dayo Adeyeye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the National and State Assemblies; and other serving and former public office holders.
Oyebanji further thanked the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Emir of Borgu, Muhammed Sani Haliru Dantoro; and other traditional rulers for honouring the state with their presence.
He commended the judiciary, particularly the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, who administered the oaths of office and allegiance, as well as retired Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, for their support.
The governor also acknowledged the cooperation of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, chaired by the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, with special appreciation to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, and other traditional institutions for their sustained support for his administration.
He attributed the peaceful conduct of the inauguration activities, which spanned one week, to the collaboration of security agencies and thanked heads of institutions, financial institutions, labour unions, professional associations, trade groups, market leaders, transport operators and the media for their contributions.
The governor also appreciated the goodwill messages from governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Wole Oluyede; Allied Peoples Movement, Joseph Anifowose; and Social Democratic Party, Isaac Alade.
He said the inauguration marked the beginning of another phase of service to Ekiti people, pledging to build on the achievements of his first term through policies and programmes aimed at promoting shared prosperity, inclusive development and improved living standards.
“Together, we shall continue to work towards shared prosperity for all Ekiti citizens and make our dear state the number-one destination of choice for those seeking a place to live, work, invest and relax,” he said.
Oyebanji concluded by reiterating his appreciation to Tinubu for his support and goodwill towards the state, praying for the continued peace and prosperity of Ekiti and Nigeria.
