Residents across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State have commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his developmental and life-impacting projects across the state.
A cross-section of the residents, who spoke with reporters, declared their support for the governor ahead of the June 20 governorship election. They explained that projects spanning roads, hospitals, and other infrastructural interventions have not only made life more comfortable but also boosted economic activities in their communities.
They spoke at the weekend during a tour of projects across the state by media personalities, reporters, and some popular thespians in the country.
During the tour, the team visited the Ekiti Agro-allied Cargo Airport; the 1.2km Okeyinmi-Ijigbo Flyover Bridge, BOVAS-Spotless Road, Ajebamidele-Omisanjana Road, Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Ido-Ipere Road, Ise-Agbado Road; Igbemo-Ikoyi-Isaba-Ikole Road, and Ikole-Ara-Isinbode Road, among others.
Other major projects inspected included the Skill Acquisition Centre for Persons with Disabilities, the Adire Hub, the Broiler Hub Technical Centre, the 18km Ring Road Phase 1, Omisanjana–Ben Folarin–Aso Road, and the near-completion 80-bedded hospital complex located within the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital.
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Also visited were the newly renovated and equipped general hospitals in Ilupeju, Ayede, Iye, Ifaki, and Okemesi, as well as Ikogosi Warm Springs, a globally recognised tourist site.
A 52-year-old farmer in Igbemo, Ibukun Egunjobi, commended the construction of the Ikole–Isaba–Ikoyi–Igbemo road by the Oyebanji-led administration, noting that it has opened up the communities to the rest of the state and beyond.
He explained that many residents, predominantly farmers who previously faced difficulties transporting their produce to markets, are now benefiting from the completion of the 19.8-kilometre road.
Speaking in the company of other farmers, Egunjobi said,“If you know what we were facing in these areas before, you will pity us. Everywhere was thick forest, and we couldn’t take our products to the market or nearby towns.
“But with this construction, I can tell you that we are getting more of our produce to the markets, and we are happy with this development. We are grateful to the government and will reciprocate by voting for Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term.”
A motorcyclist, Rafiu Jamiu, said the construction of the road has significantly improved socio-economic life in the area, commending the government for addressing the people’s needs.
“I am happy about this road because of the impact on my business. I now have more people to transport, especially from the farms. That is what we expect from our leaders: projects that meet the needs of the people.
“Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated rare commitment to improving lives by executing projects that directly impact ordinary citizens. His second term is assured, and we will mobilise for him,” he said.
The Onisin of Isinbode-Ekiti, Oba Akinyemi Adesoji, described the Ikole–Ara–Isinbode road as a landmark project, noting that it has significantly improved connectivity for the community.
Lamenting the challenges residents and travelers previously faced due to poor road infrastructure, the traditional ruler said the Oyebanji administration had been the most beneficial to his domain in recent years.
Oba Adesoji said, “Before now, people from Otun-Ekiti, Oye, Ikole, and other areas could not access our main market because of the bad road. But since Governor Oyebanji constructed this road, there has been a surge in human traffic, and you know what that means for the local economy. That is the power of good road connectivity.
“Also, our hospital has been renovated and equipped for our people. In the past, residents had to travel long distances to access quality healthcare, but that is no longer the case.”
At the Skill Acquisition Centre for Persons with Disabilities, beneficiaries also praised the governor, noting that prior to the current administration, many of them depended on charity due to unemployment and lack of vocational skills.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Femi Ogunsakin said, “The governor made it clear that people with disabilities should not be reduced to begging, collecting rice, beans, or wheat without a sustainable future. He emphasised that we must be taught how to ‘catch fish.
“That is the essence of this training. In the last two years, about 130 persons with disabilities have been trained in five vocational areas, including tailoring, catering and hotel management, shoemaking, hairdressing, and cosmetology.
“While undergoing training, the government also pays us a monthly stipend of ₦25,000, which supports us like a salary.”
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