Oyebanji Congratulates Nigerians, Ekitikete on Independence, State Creation Anniversaries

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…Says Ekiti Has Witnessed Phenomenal Progress

By Ojo Ayodeji

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has congratulated Nigerians and the people of Ekiti State on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary and the 29th anniversary of Ekiti’s creation, declaring that the state has witnessed “phenomenal progress.”

In a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, aired across electronic media channels to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and the 29th anniversary of Ekiti State’s creation, the Governor reflected on the state’s journey since October 1, 1996. He noted that Ekiti had made notable achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, economy, and social development.

Oyebanji congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the national anniversary, expressing gratitude for the President’s support to Ekiti and rallying residents behind the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said had placed Nigeria’s economy “on a positive trajectory not seen in almost two decades.”

The Governor paid tribute to Ekiti patriots and distinguished citizens who championed the creation of the state, adding that while the journey is still ongoing, substantial progress has been made on all fronts.

He said: “I pay homage to every man and woman who was part of the Movement for the Creation of our State. I thank all the leaders before me who have had the privilege to lead Ekiti at one time or the other. Many thanks to our dogged civil and public servants for staying the course; just as I commend the resilience of our people for keeping the dream.

“With our collective effort, Ekiti has witnessed phenomenal progress in the last 29 years of her creation. We may not roll out the drum for elaborate celebrations, but we have every cause to thank God in the life of our dear State. My message to you today as we celebrate the 29th anniversary of our State, is that we thankfully reflect on the journey so far.”

Appealing for peace ahead of the 2026 governorship election, Oyebanji said: “Ekiti kete, another governorship electoral cycle is here already and interested persons and parties are already in campaign mood. This is how it should be in a democracy.

“I like to reiterate my earlier appeal to all political stakeholders in our State to remain peaceful as we enter into the electoral season. The political environment must remain peaceful, our contest must be for ideas and not for violence.”

The Governor, whose administration will clock three years in office in a few days, expressed delight at the achievements recorded across his six-pillar development agenda which he said has touched every community in Ekiti, stressing that the state has been on a “positive trajectory” under his leadership.

He disclosed that he would appear before the State House of Assembly on October 16 to give a full account of his stewardship as required by law, while calling for the continued support of Ekiti citizens at home and abroad.

Oyebanji also appreciated the National Assembly caucus led by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly under Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, the Judiciary led by the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye, as well as political, traditional and religious leaders, market men and women, artisans, professionals, farmers, labour unions, student bodies and other stakeholders for their unalloyed support for his administration.