The Director-General of the Ekiti State Diaspora Relations, Dr Adeola Adeleye-Fasubaa, has called on citizens across Ekiti State to come out in large numbers and vote for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in the forthcoming governorship election, describing the governor as a transformational leader whose administration has delivered remarkable progress across key sectors of the State’s economy.

Dr Adeleye-Fasubaa also appealed to Ekiti indigenes living abroad to actively encourage their families, friends, and associates back home to support Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid, noting that continuity in governance is essential to sustaining the development strides recorded under the current administration.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement with members of the Ekiti diaspora community, Fasubaa said Governor Oyebanji’s people-centered policies and inclusive governance model have earned him widespread acceptance both within and outside the State.

According to her, the governor has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the welfare of the people through strategic investments in healthcare, education, agriculture, workers’ welfare, infrastructure, and social development.

She noted that the healthcare sector has witnessed significant improvements under the Oyebanji administration, including the renovation and upgrading of primary healthcare centres, expansion of access to quality healthcare services, recruitment of health professionals, and implementation of policies resulting in remarkable reductions in maternal and infant mortality rates across the State.

“Governor Oyebanji has prioritised the health and wellbeing of Ekiti people. His administration has strengthened healthcare delivery by improving facilities, providing essential medical equipment, and ensuring that residents, especially those in rural communities, have access to quality healthcare services,” Fasubaa stated.

In the education sector, he highlighted the governor’s commitment to restoring the glory of education in Ekiti through investments in school infrastructure, teacher development programmes, provision of learning materials, and initiatives designed to improve students academic performance.

She added that the administration has continued to support public schools, modernise educational facilities, and creating a conducive learning environment for pupils and students across the State.

Fasubaa also praised the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare, noting that salaries are paid regularly and promptly, thereby boosting morale among civil servants and contributing to economic stability within the State.

According to her, the administration has maintained a strong record of financial discipline and accountability while ensuring that workers receive their entitlements without unnecessary delays. This has earned Ekiti State No. 1 ranking among the States of the Federation in Subnational Audit Efficacy (Fiscal Transparency) Index, among other notable recognitions.

She further commended Governor Oyebanji for addressing pension-related issues that had troubled many retirees for years. He said the government has cleared outstanding obligations, consistently paid new obligations, and introduced measures aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens who devoted their productive years to serving the State.

“The governor understands the sacrifices made by our retirees and has demonstrated genuine concern for their wellbeing through timely payment of pensions and efforts to reduce pension arrears,” she said.

On agriculture, Fasubaa described the sector as one of the major beneficiaries of the administration’s development agenda.

She noted that the government has empowered farmers through free land-clearing programme, subsidised mechanised land preparation through cluster-farming policy and access to improved seedlings, agricultural inputs, other mechanisation support, extension services, and strategic partnerships aimed at boosting food production and creating employment opportunities for young people.

He said the administration’s agricultural interventions have contributed significantly to food security, rural development, and economic empowerment across the State.

The Diaspora Relations Director-General further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects – the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, ongoing intra-State and rural road development projects, power and electrification projects, youth empowerment programmes, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and efforts to attract investments into the state as evidence of the governor’s commitment to sustainable development.

She stressed that the positive impact of these initiatives has enhanced Ekiti State’s reputation as one of the most progressive States in Nigeria, today.

Dr Fasubaa therefore urged eligible voters not to take the forthcoming election lightly, emphasising that their participation would determine the future direction of the State.

She called on Ekiti people at home and abroad to unite behind Governor Oyebanji to consolidate the gains already achieved and ensure the continuation of policies that have improved the lives of citizens.

“Our people in the diaspora have a critical role to play. Though they may not be physically present to vote, they can influence positive participation by encouraging their families and loved ones back home to support Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The progress being witnessed across Ekiti today should not be interrupted,” she said.

She stated that Ekiti diasporans have a lot to appreciate Governor Oyebanji for. With the establishment of the Diaspora Relations office, BAO opened up the governance space by enabling unfettered access to information, participation in policy development and implementation by our diasporans, in addition to working tirelessly to identify and unite all Ekiti Community Associations across the globe into a global force in the true “Ekiti Parapo” spirit.

The monthly Diaspora Town-Hall Engagements have brought all key government functionaries including Commissioners, and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agenciesof government, including Mr Governor himself, face-to-face with Ekiti diasporans across the world.

“The monthly Town-Hall Engagement programme, the first of its kind in Nigeria, has been hailed as a novel innovation which is helping to harness government-citizens potentials, while breaking the barriers of distance and traditional apathy which had alienated diasporans over the years.”

“Of particular significance, have been the direct and prompt resolution of several major complaints and frustrations brought up by diasporans – many of which had languished for several years through many administrations. This development has now encouraged substantial diasporan investments in Ekiti State in various sectors of education, health services, housing, agriculture and foreign direct investments. The next few years should see outcomes of these great strides and new grounds already being actively executed.”

She expressed confidence that the governor’s track record of performance, transparency, and commitment to inclusive development would continue to earn him the support of the electorate.

Political observers believe that Governor Oyebanji’s achievements in healthcare, education, agriculture, workers’ welfare, pension administration, infrastructure development, and economic growth have positioned him strongly ahead of the governorship election.

As the campaign season gathers momentum, stakeholders across the State continue to assess the administration’s performance, with many citing continuity and sustained development as key factors that could shape voters’ decisions at the polls.