Hope James
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has assured the people of the state that his administration is committed to keeping their promises, while appealing to the people to exercise patience.
Oyebanji stated this today during the 2023 inter-religious thanksgiving service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti, which marks the first working day of the year.
He also urged them to embrace peace and unity, stating that doing so would move the state and Nation forward.
His words, “I believe strongly that as a people, if we are united, if we love one another and if we are patient with each other, things will be well. And I have strong belief in God that 2023 will be a year of abundant blessing for Ekiti, as a people and as a state. We are irrevocably committed to our promises to the people, but I must appeal to the people for patience, we are not up to 100 days in office and people want all the problems to have been solved. One thing we have been able to do is to show you capacity that we are here to serve you.” He said.
Citing the harmony displayed by the Christians and Muslim choristers as well as clerics at the service, Governor Oyebanji said it was obvious the state and country can achieve much more through unity and love.
“I don’t know if anybody noticed the fact that when the Muslim choir was ministering in songs, it was the Christian instrumentalists that beat the drums. And when the Muslim choristers was about mounting the stage, they were also dancing to the Christian music. This shows that if we love one another and are united in our purpose, our state and indeed our country can achieve a lot.”
He also thanked labour unions in the state for their maturity and understanding with the government, stating that he is irrevocably committed to resolving all issues relating to labour in the State.
The Governor thereby called on staff of the State-owned University and the Teaching Hospital not to regard industrial action as a veritable tool for settling labour matters, stressing that strikes or resorting to blackmail would not resolve any matter but would only aggravate them.
While noting that 2023 is a defining year for the country with the presidential election slated for February, Oyebanji urged all Ekiti residents to vote massively for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC Flagbearer to enable him record resounding victory, stressing that the former Lagos State Governor is the one ordained by God to lead the country.
“I am extremely grateful for your maturity, the NLC, JNC, TUC, NULGE, NUT, all the workers in Ekiti state, I am extremely grateful. And I plead with the unions in EKSU and ESUTH to emulate this. It’s not that they don’t have issues, they have issues too, but they understand where we are and they know that we are committed, and that government needs time to resolve the issues.
“Threats of strikes will not solve any problem. But we recognize the fact that there are issues, we promised that we are going to deal with these issues. You have to demonstrate love for Ekiti people because we have to satisfy government workers and those who are not. Government must take care of everyone. We are going to be open to you, we have made commitment that we are going to look at the issues, but if they down tool and go on strike, it’s not going to resolve the problem. I believe we can resolve some of the issues and reach some compromise through constructive engagement.
“I’m confident in God that the prayers of our spiritual leaders, and with God all will be well with the state. I have no doubt in the ability of the God we are serving to reverse our situation; I know God will pass through Ekiti.”
In attendance was the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, Wife of Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, and other dignitaries.