Residents of Ekiti state have given the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji a pass mark in all sectors of the economy, saying the state is better off in the last three years.
The residents lauded the administration for its impactful initiatives in education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, job creation, and human capital development.
They spoke at the weekend during a media tour and on-the-spot assessment of projects completed by the Oyebanji administration in the last three years, by journalists in the state.
A community leader in Ikole-Ekiti, Chief Samuel Awotayo, said that the governor had surpassed the expectations of Ekiti people, noting that Oyebanji has brought unprecedented socio-economic growth and development to the state.
He added that the governor, within three years, has overwhelmingly convinced the people that a greater Ekiti is achievable through massive investment in critical infrastructures, the health sector, education, and agriculture.
Chief Awotayo said that the result of the laudable performance of Oyebanji was evident as all nooks and crannies of the state have been positively touched with his transformation agenda and inclusive governance approach.
A resident of Igbemo Ekiti, Gboyega Ojo, said that the completion of the Iworoko-Are-Afao-Ado-Ekiti Ring Road has improved commercial activities for his community, known for rice production.
According to Ojo, as far as the residents of Iworoko, Afao, Are, and Igbemo are concerned, the ring road stands out as one of the most visible achievements under the first phase of the Ekiti Ring Road project.
Other residents confirmed that the route, which connects Iworoko through Are, Afao, Araromi Obo, the Ekiti Cargo Airport, and terminates at Aso Ayegunle on Ijan Road, has already begun to boost commerce, attract visitors, and ease movement across communities.
Speaking on the renovation of the General Hospital Ilupeju, a resident of the area, Mrs Ajoke Aderemi, said people now have access to better medical care because of the new medical facilities and medical officers posted to the facility.
“I delivered my two children in a private hospital, but the one on my back was delivered here in this hospital. We thank the government for improving this place and making pregnant women get free health care,” she said.
A parent, Mr Olusegun Ajayi, who spoke with journalists at Egbeoba High School, Ikole, said, “Before, the buildings in this school were dilapidated. Parents preferred private schools, but today, the facilities have improved, and enrolment has increased because many parents have withdrawn their children from private schools.”
In Aisegba Community Grammar School in Aisegba-Ekiti, Mr Oluwadare Aderibigbe described the school project as a major relief for both teachers and students, saying, “Seven years ago, these buildings were eyesores, but now everywhere is okay. The provision of boreholes has also improved health and hygiene.”
He also called on the state government to construct perimeter fencing for enhanced security, saying this would further boost the security architecture of the Citadel of Learning.
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Youths also praised the governor for his Agricultural initiatives, like the Erifun Livestock project and training youths in modern poultry management, Renewed Hope Farms that dotted across the three geopolitical zones.
Ayomide Oluwale, a livestock farmer, said the project has taught participants how to manage feeds, lighting, and production cycles for up to 3,000 birds per pen.
He appealed for solar street lights and more pens to reduce security risks and expand youth participation.
At the Renewed Hope Farm at Eporo-Ekiti, Emure Local Government, established in partnership with YSJ Farm Settlement, Farm Manager, Solomon Adediran, described it as one of the best farm projects in the state, saying, “Last year, participants were trained and the government cleared 201 hectares for YSJ.
“We now have 126 participants grouped into six teams. The government provides bulldozers, seeds, fertilisers, and chemicals free of charge. We planted maize this year, and in two to three weeks, we will harvest. Offtakers are ready to buy, and participants will earn after selling.”
A participant, Seyi Olootu, commended the empowerment programme, noting that the inclusion of women has made his administration the government of all.
“We are being empowered and trained for free. We want to appreciate the Governor for this opportunity. Women must be inclusive in governance, and he has tried in that aspect”, he added.