You’ve impacted our lives, Ekiti economy positively — Residents commend Oyebanji

Residents of Ekiti State have showered praises on Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his developmental projects and programmes, which they say have been evenly distributed across all sectors of the economy and the three senatorial districts of the state.

The residents, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune at the weekend during a media tour of ongoing projects, noted that in almost three years in office, Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated genuine passion for the state’s development in line with his strategic six-pillar shared prosperity agenda.

Some of the projects inspected included the newly constructed 17-km ring road along Iworoko–Are–Afao–Ado-Ekiti; the cargo international airport; newly renovated and equipped general hospitals across the state; renovated schools; the ongoing asphalt laying of the Igirigiri–Ado LGA Secretariat Road; farm clusters and settlements; the 21.5-km Ikere–Ilawe Road; the 19.8-km Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki Federal Road; the 19.2-km Ikere–Igbara Odo Road; and the newly built and equipped Ikere Model College, among others.

A 53-year-old resident, Mrs Idowu Adejoke, said the new ring road has significantly improved the lives and livelihoods of people in the four communities of Iworoko, Are, Afao, and Ado-Ekiti through which the road passes.

She explained that the road has opened up the area for economic activities, with more people erecting structures and businesses along the corridor.

According to her:
“If you knew this place about three or four years ago, it was like a bush or forest. People used to tell us we were buying land in the bush. But with this road, it’s a total turnaround. Being close to Ekiti State University, more students are staying here, and others are building hostels to rent out. Even my small business now has more customers than before, and I am grateful to Governor Oyebanji for this great job.”

Similarly, Tosin Egunjobi, a block industry owner, said his business has witnessed tremendous growth since the construction of the ring road, as more people now patronise him.

“Before now, we made blocks from just three bags of cement daily, but now we produce between ten and twelve bags because demand has increased due to the development in the area. Land value is also rising, with people buying plots for housing, industrial, and other purposes—and we are the ones supplying them. Governor Oyebanji has done well because his work is reflecting in our lives and businesses. That is what matters most, and we will support him for a second term in 2026,” the 38-year-old said.

A motorist plying the Ikere–Ilawe Road, Abiodun Oketuyi, said the road has eased the movement of goods, especially farm produce, to markets.

He added that the road has made it easier to connect the university community to other parts of the state, particularly Ilawe en route Ondo State.

“This is what we call development—when good roads link our communities, opening them up for social and economic growth. Farmers can now take their produce to the market without hindrance. I appreciate our amiable governor for a job well done. We suffered on this road for years, but now there is relief. He has done well, and we want him to continue,” Oketuyi said.

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Also, the principal of Ileowuro High School, Agbado-Ekiti, Mr Abel Adu, said the renovation of classrooms and the provision of modern educational equipment have boosted school enrolment.

He explained that poor infrastructure had previously caused a decline in student numbers, but the facelift under Oyebanji’s administration has improved standards and restored confidence in public schools.

“Before now, we had dilapidated structures everywhere, which discouraged parents from enrolling their children. But with the newly renovated and equipped facilities, students now learn in a conducive environment with modern laboratories and equipment. People now prefer this government school to private schools. We even have a 5kva solar system, laptops for students, and other facilities, courtesy of the government,” Adu said.

A 30-year-old resident, Sunday Dabi, expressed appreciation to the Oyebanji administration for making healthcare affordable and accessible.

Dabi, who had just enrolled his pregnant wife at the General Hospital, Ijan-Ekiti for antenatal care, said he was impressed by the level of equipment at the facility.

He noted that pregnant women and children under five now enjoy free healthcare services, which he described as highly commendable.

Dr Emmanuel Bassey, a medical personnel at the hospital, also commended the governor for the deliberate renovation and equipping of hospitals across the state.

According to him, the improvements have restored residents’ confidence in government-owned health institutions, with many now preferring them to private hospitals.

“It’s not only about structures and equipment—the government also prioritises our welfare. This motivates us to give our best to Ekiti people,” Dr Bassey said.

At one of the farm centres in Eporo-Ekiti, Emure Local Government Area, a young farmer, Monday Agbekoni, said the state’s agricultural initiatives have changed his perception of the sector.

He noted that the establishment of farm clusters and settlements has improved his livelihood while promoting food security in the state.

“We have been given a lifeline by the administration of Governor Oyebanji, using agriculture to change our lives and transform the state. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this laudable programme—it is really helping us,” Agbekoni said.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE