Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji has bagged an award in recognition of his developmental strides in the state in the last one and half years in office.
The National Council of Muslim Youth Organization (NACOMYI) Ekiti State chapter gave the award to the governor in Ado-Ekiti while marking the 2024 Hijrah and second edition of the Hon Ibrahim Olanrewaju Empowerment Programme.
The former Osun state governor, Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and Barrister Tajudeen Oluyole Ahmed were also presented with different awards for their contribution to the growth of Islam.
The NACOMYO coordinator in Ekiti state Alhaji Mudasiru Oladele Yusuf said the award was bestowed on the governor for his purposeful leadership style that has brought a new lease of life to the people of the state.
Yusuf lauded Oyebanji for his inclusivity transparency and accountability which he said have accounted for the growing profile of the state among the comity of states.
The NACOMYO coordinator, however, called on the Governor to declare the first day of Hijrah a public holiday in the state to further give the Muslims a sense of belonging.
He said: “With utmost sense of humility, I respectfully request our Governor to consider declaring the first day of Hijrah a public holiday for Muslims in our state, in celebration of the Islamic New Year.
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“This gesture has been extended to Muslims in certain Southwestern states, and we kindly request that Ekiti State also grant us this privilege. We would be deeply grateful if our request is favourably considered”, he added.
Governor Oyebanji who thanked the Islamic body for the award, said he was humbled by the fact that the efforts of his administration are having the desired impact on the lives of the people of the state.
He lauded the NACOMYO and the entire Muslim community in the state for the support given to his administration and promised to continue to give Muslims pride of place under his administration.
He promised that Muslims would enjoy Hajj sponsorship under his administration to further reaffirm his love for the Muslims in the state.