Inclusive governance is strengthened when citizens are heard, respected and given meaningful opportunities to shape development priorities. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji has reaffirmed his commitment to listening to Ekiti people, describing them as his “benevolent employers” during a 2027 Budget Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti South Senatorial District in Igbara-Odo. The engagement provided an opportunity for communities to present priorities around roads, electricity, healthcare, education, security and economic support. The Governor also reiterated plans to strengthen rural connectivity, expand support for traders and artisans, and sustain inclusive recruitment and human capital development, while assuring stakeholders that their inputs would continue to guide the state’s development agenda.

Inclusive planning and targeted investment remain central to building a more productive and resilient economy. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji has outlined plans to focus his second-term projects on boosting commerce, productivity and sustainable business growth during a 2027 Budget Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti North Senatorial District in Ifaki-Ekiti. He said investments in roads, electricity, healthcare and water would be guided by community priorities and their potential to create economic value. The Governor also called for sustained public participation in governance and urged APC stakeholders to intensify mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, while reaffirming his commitment to deploying limited resources to projects that deliver measurable benefits for Ekiti communities.

Leadership is strengthened by relationships built on mutual respect, solidarity and shared commitment to development. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji joined Vice President Kashim Shettima @KashimSM, fellow governors and other dignitaries in Ilorin for the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin. The visit also featured the inauguration of the Kwara State Garment Factory and the Kwara Revenue Service House. The engagements reflected Governor Oyebanji’s continuing emphasis on bridge building, intergovernmental cooperation and constructive relationships with leaders across the country.

Preparations for Ekiti State’s 30th anniversary are gathering momentum as the state looks ahead to commemorating three decades of its creation. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji, shortly after resuming official duties, met with the Chairman of the anniversary committee, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi, and Co-Chairman, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, to review and finalise key details for the celebration. Created on October 1, 1996, Ekiti State will mark its 30th anniversary with a series of activities designed to celebrate its journey, achievements and aspirations for the future.

Culture becomes even more meaningful when it preserves heritage while creating opportunities for economic growth and shared prosperity. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji joined the people of Ado Ekiti at the 2026 Udiroko Festival, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning major cultural festivals across the state as platforms for tourism, enterprise and wealth creation. The Governor also urged Ekiti people to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing ongoing federal interventions in key road projects and stressing the importance of sustained collaboration between the state and federal governments in advancing Ekiti’s development.

Strong political institutions are sustained by unity, inclusion and effective grassroots organisation. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji has charged leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State to remain united as the party prepares for its ward, local government and state congresses in September. An eight-member committee, chaired by Chief Alaba Abejide, was also constituted to oversee preparations for the congresses. The Governor said a peaceful, transparent and inclusive congress would strengthen the party ahead of forthcoming elections, while urging members to sustain grassroots mobilisation and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Proper monitoring and supervision are essential to ensuring that public infrastructure projects meet the required standards and deliver lasting value. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji during the week inspected ongoing work at the Adekunle Fajuyi Park and the Ekiti State High Court building in Ado Ekiti, engaging directly with contractors and reviewing progress on the two projects. The inspections form part of the Governor’s hands-on approach to project delivery, complementing the monitoring work of relevant MDAs and reinforcing his administration’s emphasis on quality, accountability and timely execution.

Effective development partnerships must recognise the distinct priorities and realities of individual states. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji called for stronger collaboration between the World Bank and subnational governments during a meeting with the delegation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, led by its Task Team Leader, Mr Shinsaku Nomura, in Ado Ekiti. The Governor reaffirmed Ekiti State’s readiness to support the successful implementation of AGILE and deepen partnerships that advance education, youth development and the overall wellbeing of the people.

Supporting exceptional talent requires investing in both present achievement and future potential. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji has awarded a full scholarship to 14-year-old Damilola Adeolu, who won two gold medals at the World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China. The scholarship will cover her education through secondary school and university, alongside monthly welfare support and learning materials. The Governor also announced cash rewards of ₦2 million each for Damilola and her school, and ₦1 million for her coach, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to helping Ekiti youths develop their talents and compete successfully on the global stage.

The safety and security of every community remain fundamental to sustainable development and the wellbeing of the people. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji has directed the establishment of additional military formations in the Eda Oniyo axis and the speedy completion of the divisional police station under construction in the community. He gave the directives while receiving a delegation from Eda Oniyo led by the traditional ruler, Oba Julius Awolola. The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting border communities and strengthening Ekiti’s security architecture, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the creation of state police as an important step towards addressing the country’s security challenges.

Honouring distinguished service strengthens institutional memory and inspires future generations to contribute meaningfully to the development of society. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji commissioned the Ayodele Fayose Lodge within the Government House Complex in Ado Ekiti, in recognition of the former Governor’s contributions to the state. He also announced plans to name future legacy projects after Aare Afe Babalola, Chief Wole Olanipekun and, posthumously, General Sani Abacha, who created Ekiti State in 1996. The Governor said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to appreciating leaders during their lifetime, preserving their legacies and promoting continuity, unity and respect across political divides.

Honouring the service of past leaders strengthens institutional memory and reinforces continuity in governance. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji did a unique one on Friday. He invited the immediate past Governor of the State, Dr Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi to Ado Ekiti to perform the official commissioning of the Kayode Fayemi Lodge, one of the newly constructed legacy projects named after former governors in recognition of their contributions to the development of Ekiti State. Governor Oyebanji explained that the project is also part of the infrastructure required to attract investment, support business growth and advance the state’s 30-year development plan.

Strategic party leadership requires effective mobilisation, coordination and a clear commitment to collective success. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji joined other senior leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja for the inauguration of the 276-member APC National Campaign Council for the Osun State governorship election. The council, chaired by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, is responsible for mobilising support ahead of the August 15 election. Coming shortly after the APC’s electoral victory in Ekiti State, the inauguration further reflects Governor Oyebanji’s growing role in the party’s preparations for the Osun election and the 2027 general elections.

Strong partnerships among leaders create opportunities to exchange ideas and advance development across states. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji attended the graduation and passing-out parade of 1,500 newly recruited Sokoto State Marshals and Community Corps, held as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu. He also commissioned the Arkilla–Gidan Fulani–Gidan Dare Road project. The engagements reflected Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to bridge building, intergovernmental cooperation and constructive relationships that support security, infrastructure and sustainable development.

Leadership is strengthened by relationships built on respect, empathy and constructive engagement across different divides. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji joined other eminent Nigerian leaders and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osogbo, Osun State, for the final prayers in honour of the late Alhaja Sidikatu Abake Basiru, mother of the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru. While in Osogbo, the Governor also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke. The engagements reflected Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to fostering goodwill, strengthening relationships and promoting mutual respect across political and institutional lines.

Strong institutions thrive when excellence is sustained through continuity and effective leadership. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji has approved the retention of the governing councils of all Ekiti State-owned tertiary institutions for another term, citing their outstanding performance in strengthening institutional governance and advancing higher education across the state. The decision reflects the administration’s commitment to continuity, stability and sustained progress in the education sector, while reaffirming Governor Oyebanji’s resolve to keep supporting policies and leadership structures that continue to deliver positive outcomes for the benefit of Ekiti people.

Respect for those who have served before is a prolonged quality of purposeful leadership. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji paid a courtesy visit to former Governor Segun Oni at his residence in Ifaki Ekiti, where both leaders held warm and fruitful discussions on the continued development and progress of Ekiti State. The visit reflects Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to building bridges across political and generational divides, fostering unity and drawing on the wisdom and experience of leaders in advancing the collective interest of Ekiti State.

Enduring relationships built on respect, mentorship and shared purpose usually shape the course of leadership. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji paid a courtesy visit to elder statesman, Chief Deji Fasuan, at his residence in Ado Ekiti. Chief Fasuan chaired the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, while the Governor, then a young lecturer, served as Secretary to the committee. The visit reflected a longstanding father and son relationship that has endured over the years. It also provided another opportunity for both leaders to reflect on Ekiti’s journey and exchange views on issues affecting the state and the nation.

Collaboration among leaders provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen governance through shared experiences. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji joined his colleagues at the meeting of first-term APC governors held at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The meeting brought together governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss issues of governance, policy implementation and strategies for delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people.

Strong institutions are built on mutual respect, shared values and enduring partnerships. Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji received the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at the Government House, Ado Ekiti, during a congratulatory visit following the Governor’s re-election in the June 20 governorship election. The revered monarch offered prayers for a peaceful, successful and impactful second term, described Governor Oyebanji as an Omoluabi leader, and commended his respect for and support of the traditional institution. He also reaffirmed his goodwill towards the administration and promised to return with a delegation of traditional rulers on a formal congratulatory visit.