President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti on his inauguration for a second term in office, urging him to build on his achievements to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, described Mr Oyebanji’s victory as a testament to the trust reposed in his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) by residents of the state.

The president urged the Ekiti people to turn out en masse on January 16, 2027, to vote for his re-election to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

Earlier in his speech, Mr Oyebanji pledged to prioritise electricity, agriculture, skills development, job creation and infrastructure in his second term.

The governor noted that the success of his administration would be measured by how government investments improved the lives of ordinary citizens.

Mr Oyebanji assured the people that his administration would focus on translating infrastructural projects and public spending into tangible economic benefits for households, farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs and young people.

Acknowledging the economic pressures confronting families, particularly the rising costs of food, transportation, education and other essentials, the governor stressed that government policies must deliver practical relief and expand opportunities.

According to him, the prosperity his administration seeks must be reflected in better livelihoods, stronger businesses, productive farms, improved public services and greater economic security for families.

He explained that roads should enable farmers to transport produce to markets before post-harvest losses occur, while reliable electricity should support industrialisation, improve productivity and help small businesses thrive.

Schools, he added, must equip children with knowledge, confidence and functional skills, while health facilities should provide accessible care without forcing families to exhaust their savings.

Mr Oyebanji noted that development must enable people to earn better incomes, access essential services and plan their futures with greater confidence.

On education and youth employment, the governor pledged to strengthen the link between formal education, practical skills and the demands of a changing economy.

He also promised to expand agricultural production and strengthen the value chain through processing, storage, packaging, transportation and marketing.

Dignitaries at the inauguration included former governors of Ekiti State; Adeniyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi.

Others were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Governors present were Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Usman Ododo of Kogi, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. 

(NAN)