Objective Impact of BAO’s Administration on Rapid Development of Ekiti State

By Johnson Ola Folarin (JOF)

The verifiable projects of Governor Oyebanji’s administration in Ekiti State have caused significant discomfort for those who seek to portray the state in a negative light. Their actions are driven not by genuine concern but by a desire to score cheap political points. Recently, various “on-the-spot” assessments by non-partisan, home-grown media practitioners and bloggers from across Nigeria were conducted. The current disparaging narrative by those engaging in bad politics with the state is connected to sponsored PR campaigns against the state by those desperate to tarnish its image.

Having realized their malicious intents in recent days didn’t fly and also the orchestrated narratives failed to massage their unhealthy expectations, they went back to plan more and you’ve been seeing and hearing them with many lies about the development of the State and allegation of financial impropriety that’s only a figment of their own imagination and premeditated primordial political rhetorics. They’re not stopping yet, they’re devising other means to further tarnish the state’s growing image. The good People of the State and those outside should always disregard their political chicaneries. The Governor of Ekiti State is resolute to keep developing the state and making it the pride of all.

Recall that these elements went as far as paying “skit and film makers” to pretend as visiting the poorly maintained federal road in Ekiti, so as to using it to spite the state. One individual stage-managed a theatrical performance, showing only his face and pretending to be struggling with the road conditions without revealing the exact location. Initially, people were misled by the sponsored video, but discerning individuals began to ask varying questions. It was noted that the individual wasn’t even in Ekiti during that period. Someone commented under his post on Instagram that he saw him in Ibadan shortly before he posted the video. He quickly deleted the video when being exposed but continued to push the same negative narrative whilst trying to do damage control.

Anyone making exaggerated claims should be told to check online and see the numerous verifiable projects that many well-meaning people have shared across the internet and may also choose to pay personal visit to those projects.

As good indigenous Ekiti People, we must continue to counter these individuals with the right narratives. While we know they’re playing politics, we need to defend the core values of Ekiti State. The state is progressing better than many of the states created alongside it in 1996. Despite receiving the smallest federal allocation, the pace of development in Ekiti has been massive, compared to other states.

Let’s take a look at some of the projects that individuals in Ekiti have been able to verify in recent days. Although this write-up won’t capture up to 10% of the projects due to space constraints, here are some notable achievements:

Governor Oyebanji’s Administration of Transparency and Accountability:

Governor Oyebanji runs a transparent and accountable government, with every kobo of the State tied to developmental projects and these had attracted the State—- honours and recognition from national and international stages.

Infrastructure and Performance:

In less than three years, the administration has:

1. Renovated and upgraded nine General Hospitals, 103 Primary Health Centres, and the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, with an ongoing construction of an 80-bed medical infrastructure to boost healthcare delivery in the state.
2. Paid billions of Naira in pension arrears while sustaining regular salary payments.
3. Executed state-funded roads across the three senatorial districts, in addition to complementary FG/World Bank-supported roads (RAAMP), for which the state has paid its counterpart funds.
4. Created the “Bring Back Youth into Agriculture” programme to engage youths in agriculture development and agribusiness. In partnership with YSJ Farms, the government has trained over 6,000 youths in agribusiness and constructed the Renewed Hope Dormitories in various farm centres, fully equipped with amenities and adequate security measures.

These are visible, verifiable projects— not propaganda.

Governor Oyebanji’s government is built on inclusiveness, stakeholder’s engagement, and participatory governance. The administration has held a series of town hall engagements to address the peculiar needs of communities by senatorial districts. The government’s policies obviously reflect equity, fairness, and competence, not favoritism.

The governor’s loyalty to Ekiti people, the APC, and the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unshaken. Governor Oyebanji has consistently aligned his policies with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. The governor is focused on strengthening the APC in Ekiti ahead of 2027.

The Bigger Picture:

The real story in Ekiti is development, stability, and good governance. While there are sponsored distractions, the people can see the state for the positive reasons, and that’s the solace. Governor Oyebanji will not be distracted—- he remains focused on delivering for the people.

The people of Ekiti know the truth—- they can see the roads, hospitals, schools, and power projects. No amount of propaganda can change the reality of progress under the purposeful government of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

About The Author