- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Members of an Indigenous group, Ekiti Kete Coalition, North Carolina USA have thrown their weight behind the second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying that the re-election bid is gaining momentum, with several endorsements from key stakeholders, different groups and people from across different political parties in Ekiti State.
The President of the Group, Hon. Joseph Olugbamila in a statement made available to TopNews in Ado-Ekiti noted that the widespread endorsements, confirmed Oyebanji as the preferred candidate of the ruling, All progressives Congress APC and also a testament to the governor’s impactful leadership and the trust he’s built with his people, describing the stakeholders’ endorsement as a strong indication of his popularity within the party and the residents of the state.
‘’Demonstrating grassroots support is crucial in Nigerian politics, as it can influence party primaries and general elections, I want to believe that the plethora of support for the governor’s second term bid demonstrates his widespread popularity and trust among the people.
For the State APC caucus, the highest decision-making body of the party in the Ekiti, former Governors, including Niyi Adebayo, Engr. Segun Oni, Ayodele Fayose – a prominent opposition party leader and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, as well as the State caucus in the National Assembly led by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to have declared their support for the Governor has confirmed the Party Primaries will be a walk in the Park for Mr Oyebanji’’ he remarked.
Hon. Olugbamila said the present administration has made significant strides in Ekiti State, across various sectors saying that it became imperative to support the governor for a second term to build on the successes recorded so far.
According to him, ‘’you don’t change a winning team, and it will be another set back if new hand is employed, Oyebanji has set the template for New Ekiti, it is just the right and best thing to allow him to continue his good work, don’t forget that he was the secretary during the push for the creation of the state and I believe that gave him an edge.
So we should all support him and his team to continue the reconstruction and expansion of major roads across all senatorial districts, the “Bring Back Our Youth to Agriculture” initiative that has provided training and funding for young farmers, cultivating over 2,000 hectares of land with various crops.
The renovation of public schools, investment in teacher training, and introduction of digital learning tools, the revitalization of primary healthcare facilities, mobile health initiatives, and improved access to quality care in underserved areas.
Also the Secretary of the group, Hajia Opeyemi Oni expressed confidence that the Governor will secure a second term ticket, citing his excellent leadership, transformational governance, and remarkable achievements in Ekiti State’s development.
She commended BAO’s administration for promoting women’s inclusion and empowerment, with notable initiatives and policies supporting women’s rights and interests, with over 300 women holding various positions.
‘’The Oyebanji’s administration, is women-friendly and alluding to this fact, some notable positions are being occupied by women in Ekiti State, including Deputy Governor: Chief Monisade Afuye, the Secretary to the State Government: Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Six female lawmakers in the state assembly, Seven women hold chairperson positions in local governments, as well as 33 female Councillors and Supervisors.
Hajia Oni also praised Governor Oyebanji for his efforts at promoting the welfare of People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Ekiti State, Providing support and empowerment programs for PWDs, which has hitherto enhanced their quality of life.
She said that Governor Oyebanji has also done well in the area of security, thanks to improved security architecture and community engagement, Economic Growth and the Ekiti Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (E-YEEP) of the present government that has provided grants, vocational training, and business support to thousands of young entrepreneurs.
“Governor Oyebanji has done an excellent job in his first term, and we believe he deserves a second term to continue his good work. His leadership has brought unity and stability to Ekiti State, and we are confident that he will continue to drive the state’s development agenda,” said the secretary.
As the APC primaries approaches, the group urged progressive minded citizens to rally behind the governor, to promote stability and continuity in State’s development journey, citing Lagos state as a model where consistency in government has brought about steady and unprecedented development.
