Youths, farmers, non-indigenes and politicians have set a target for the new governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji.
Governor Oyebanji swore an oath of office before a huge crowd, as he took over the reins of power from Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The event was well attended by residents.
Security officials had a hectic time controlling traffic on the road leading to the venue.
A youth leader, Tobi Conga, urged the new governor to support talented youths.
He said Dr. Fayemi supported the youth.
“We are here to celebrate with Oyebanji. His predecessor has done well. Fayemi developed talents and performed well. We want the new governor to do more so that we can celebrate more in Ekiti State,” Conga said
Non-indigenes trooped to the venue of the swearing-in in large numbers.
The Tarada State Coordinator for Non-Indigenes Coalition, Zoki Benjamin, said their expectations from Oyebanji were based on the promises he made during electioneering campaigns.
He said: “We have to join hands to make Ekiti State work. Our expectations are based on his promises during campaigns. He promised to empower us. He can empower us as farmers. We grow rice, pepper, tomatoes and maize.”
The President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ekiti State chapter, High Chief Alex Ndubuisi, urged Governor Oyebanji to support their businesses by purchasing materials used for road construction and other projects from them.
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“We expect him to do very well and carry our people along. The era of election is gone. He should now embrace everybody. He should carry the indigenes and non-Indigenes along. He should remember us,” Ndubuisi said.
The chairman of Okada riders, Kunle Esho, said the presence of the crowd was an indication of the love the people had for Oyebanji.
“Fayemi did well for Okada riders. You can see we do not have any problem here. We have promised Oyebanji that Ekiti will be peaceful. Oyebanji is a good man. We want him to support our members with motorcycles. Fayemi gave us 500 motorcycles and one bus. We know Oyebanji will do more than that,” he added.
A former lawmaker and ex-chairman of Ado Local Government, Tope Olanipekun, said Ekiti would begin to experience good things like in Lagos State.
He urged Oyebanji to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and focus on the agricultural sector.
The governor has said he has handed the state over to God for direction and guidance.
He spoke yesterday during a brief prayer session attended by his wife, Olayemi, family members and officials, including the Head of Service, Bamidele Agbede, at the Government House Chapel, Ado-Ekiti.
Oyebanji said he felt the need to kick start his first day at work with a short prayer session, committing the assignment into God’s able hand.
The governor, after the 30 minutes service, walked from the chapel to his office where he had his first meeting with members of the Ekiti State caucus of the National Assembly.
He also held meetings with the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, principal officers of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Funminiyi Afuye; as well as the Head of Service and some top government officials.