FIC REPORT (EKITI STATE) – The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Governor Oyebanji’s re-election as an affirmation of public confidence and democratic accountability.
The President who was represented by the Nigerian Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima said this at the Swearing-in Ceremony of the Ekiti State Governor’s second term in office at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, 16th October, 2026.
Shettima said that second mandate carried greater responsibility because it reflected the electorate’s assessment of a government’s performance during its first term.
Shettima commended Oyebanji’s leadership approach, particularly his respect for institutions, willingness to listen and commitment to equitable governance.
He urged the governor to use the renewed mandate to deepen development, strengthen public service delivery and address the everyday concerns of residents.
The Vice President also acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, noting that the Federal Government’s reforms should ultimately translate into expanded opportunities, improved livelihoods and more effective use of public resources.
He congratulated the governor and the people of Ekiti State, expressing the hope that the next four years would bring further progress.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, have been sworn in for a second term, with the governor pledging to prioritise improved living standards, economic opportunities and effective public service delivery over the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of another tenure for the administration following the governor’s re-election.
In his inaugural address, Oyebanji said the success of his second term would be measured by the extent to which government policies and investments translated into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
The governor acknowledged the economic pressures facing households, including the rising costs of food, transportation, education and other essential needs, stressing that government policies must produce practical benefits for citizens.
He emphasized the need of farmers of good roads to transport their produce to markets, youths demanded opportunities to turn education into employment, entrepreneurs who required a conducive business environment, while families needing accessible healthcare, quality education and safer communities.
Oyebanji pledged to consolidate existing achievements while addressing outstanding challenges, insisting that public trust must be sustained through accountability, responsiveness and consistent performance.
Outlining his agenda for the next four years, the governor identified electricity, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and job creation as critical areas requiring sustained attention.
He said his administration would pursue more reliable electricity to support industrialization and small businesses, while working with the Federal Government on ongoing transmission projects and exploring viable options to improve power supply within the state.
On agriculture, Oyebanji promised to strengthen farm clusters and expand opportunities in food processing, storage, packaging and transportation to improve farmers’ earnings and create jobs.
He highlighted the livestock processing hub under development along the Uruku Road as part of efforts to stimulate economic activities and retain more value from agricultural production within Ekiti.
The governor also pledged to strengthen the connection between education and employment through technical training, practical skills development and enterprise opportunities, citing the technology zone under construction as part of his administration’s economic vision.
In healthcare, he said investments in newborn care, nursing facilities and hospital capacity would continue, with emphasis on ensuring that patients had access to essential medicines, competent medical personnel and compassionate care.
He added that road development, water infrastructure, tourism and security would remain important to economic growth, stressing that farmers, traders and other residents must be able to work and travel safely.
Oyebanji called on public servants to demonstrate greater commitment to their responsibilities, noting that promptness, courtesy and fairness were essential to effective governance.
He observed that unnecessary delays in government offices could cause hardship for pensioners awaiting payments, entrepreneurs seeking official decisions and families requiring public services.
He also urged the business community to invest confidently, educational institutions to respond to society’s changing needs and communities to protect public facilities.
The governor pledged to remain accessible, welcome honest counsel and work across political and social divides, promising to strengthen areas where his administration had performed well and correct shortcomings where necessary.
He maintained that the ultimate measure of governance was its impact on households, businesses and communities.
Oyebanji also appealed to Ekiti residents to support President Tinubu and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.
He reiterated that continued cooperation between the state and Federal Government would help sustain ongoing projects and interventions, particularly in road infrastructure and other areas critical to Ekiti’s economic development.
Oyebanji cited federal road projects connecting Ekiti with other parts of the country, including the Akure-Ado-Ekiti Road, as important to improving transportation, trade and investment.
He urged residents to participate actively in the electoral process, expressing confidence that political stability and cooperation would support the state’s development objectives.
Oyebanji also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, APC National Chairman Professor Netawale Yilwatda, governors, party leaders, lawmakers and other stakeholders for their support.
He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour unions, market women, artisans, pensioners, community associations, persons with disabilities and Ekiti indigenes in the diaspora.
The governor gave special recognition to his wife, Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, for her support, alongside his children and other family members. He described his deputy, Afuye, as a dependable partner in service.
He also appreciated his opponents in the governorship election, including Dr Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, Isaac Alade of the Social Democratic Party and Joseph Akinyede of the Action Peoples Party, expressing hope for continued cooperation in the interest of the state.
The inauguration attracted Vice President Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, serving and former governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other prominent political stakeholders from across the country.
Those in attendance included Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State; former Ekiti governors Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose; former Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko; and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Others included Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, former Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye and members of the legislature, alongside other dignitaries.
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, administered the oaths of office to the governor and his deputy, formally ushering them into their second four-year tenure.
The ceremony also featured a colourful parade led by CSP Mustapha Musa under the leadership of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael.
The inauguration marks the beginning of another four years for the Oyebanji administration, with high expectations for improved living standards, stronger economic activity and more visible benefits from government policies and projects.
Omotola Oluyemisi
AD (I&PR)
17/10/2026.
