urges Ekiti governor to prioritise youth, improve public services, justify renewed mandate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to raise the standard of governance, expand opportunities for young people and deliver greater public value in his second term, warning that his renewed mandate comes with higher expectations.

Shettima gave the charge on Friday in Ado-Ekiti while representing President Bola Tinubu at Oyebanji’s inauguration for a second term.

He said the governor must justify the confidence reposed in him by improving public services, opening more opportunities for the youth and ensuring that the needs of underserved communities remain central to government policy.

According to the Vice President, Oyebanji’s re-election should spur him to greater service rather than complacency, with the next four years requiring the same generosity of spirit, humility and willingness to listen that earned him victory.

“The louder the applause, the greater the obligation it announces,” Shettima said.

Addressing the governor, he added: “They have examined your first term and entrusted you with their next four years. Honour that judgment by opening more doors for the young, raising the quality of public service and keeping faith with those whose voices are seldom heard at occasions such as this.”

Shettima congratulated Oyebanji on his renewed mandate, describing it as a testament to democratic accountability and the work required to earn public trust.

He also attributed the support enjoyed by the Tinubu administration and the ruling All Progressives Congres (APC) to public recognition of the need for economic reforms aimed at securing Nigeria’s economic survival.

He said Tinubu had confronted fiscal burdens and structural distortions that would have caused greater damage if left unaddressed, adding that the sacrifices Nigerians had endured must ultimately translate into improved livelihoods and wider economic opportunities.

“Their patience deserves an economy that rewards work, expands opportunity and makes public resources answer more faithfully to public needs,” he said.

The Vice President thanked Ekiti residents for renewing the APC’s mandate, saying the party must remain conscious of its obligation to the electorate.

He cited investments in roads, schools, healthcare facilities and electricity, alongside the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, as initiatives expected to improve connectivity, support businesses and expand economic opportunities.

Shettima assured the state of continued Federal Government support, while acknowledging Ekiti’s contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and political development.

In his remarks, Oyebanji thanked the people for giving him another term, pledging to sustain the state’s unity and deliver on their expectations.

He said his administration would build on achievements in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and security, while placing greater emphasis on education, vocational skills and reliable electricity for industries and businesses.

The governor also thanked Tinubu for his support and commended his predecessors for laying the foundations for the state’s development. He urged political stakeholders to preserve the unity of Ekiti, including those who contested against him.

Oyebanji called on residents to support the APC at all levels in the forthcoming general elections.