EAF Applauds Oyebanji’s People Focused Governance

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By Ojo Ayodeji

The Ekiti Advancement Frontier (EAF) has commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for what it described as a people focused and responsive governance model that has strengthened inclusiveness, community development and citizens’ welfare across the state.

In its assessment of the administration’s performance under the pillar of responsiveness, inclusiveness and welfarism, the group said Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated leadership through verifiable actions backed by clear data and measurable delivery.

EAF noted that the government has made significant progress in clearing outstanding pension and gratuity arrears owed state and local government retirees. According to the group, a total of ₦25,967,151,554.89 has been paid in state pensions, while ₦9,600,000,000 has been released for state gratuities. It added that local government pension payments now stand at ₦22,708,371,816.02, with ₦4,680,457,914.07 paid as local government gratuities.

The group stated that the administration has also cleared ₦1,140,943,594.38 arrears owed 2018 pensioners and successfully offset the backlog of gratuity arrears from 2013 to 2016 within three and a half years. It said these actions have restored dignity to thousands of elderly citizens and reinforced the governor’s earlier commitment to prioritising retirees.

EAF explained that the administration has sustained a responsive approach to community needs through continuous engagement with labour unions, traditional institutions and community stakeholders. It cited people centred projects across the state, including rural roads, irrigation facilities in Atikankan and parts of Ado Ekiti, solar installation in Iworoko, a new police station in Emure and the upgrade of health centres to general hospitals across Ekiti North, Central and South.

The group added that the government has also strengthened access to essential services such as water, schools and markets in various communities.

On governance structure, EAF said political appointments under Oyebanji follow due process and a bottom up model involving party leaders at ward and local government levels. It noted that appointments cut across gender, age, religion, political affiliation and geography, and that all appointments were ratified by the State House of Assembly, thereby deepening public trust.

The group further highlighted the administration’s social welfare and empowerment programmes targeted at youth, women and vulnerable groups. It listed the donation of commercial tricycles, sewing machines, seedlings and monetary support to over 50,000 beneficiaries across the 16 local government areas. It also referenced the construction of the Elderly People’s Resort and Wellness Centre in Ado Ekiti as part of efforts to improve the wellbeing of senior citizens.

EAF said the achievements align with the governor’s earlier declaration in 2022 that he would prioritise retirees and work to lift young people out of poverty, adding that the administration has continued to validate that promise.

According to the group, Ekiti is recording steady progress under a governance culture anchored on compassion, accountability and inclusiveness, and the gains being made must be sustained for the future of the state.