As an advocate for sustainable development, inclusive governance, and social welfare, I have closely monitored the progress of Ekiti State under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. While there is more work to be done, and no doubt there are contenders for the same seat, it is crystal clear that Governor Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated vision, strategic planning, and a people-centered approach that has delivered measurable results across education, agriculture, social welfare, security, road infrastructure, and economic development. In just three years, his administration has set a standard of excellence that distinguishes Ekiti State among its peers in Nigeria and beyond.
Education has been a cornerstone of Governor Oyebanji’s agenda, reflecting his commitment to shaping a future-ready generation. The Governor has restated the administration’s commitment to implementing education policies that meet societal needs and equip students with practical skills for real-world challenges. In a bold move to enhance learning outcomes and digital literacy, over ₦14 billion was expended under the World Bank-supported Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE). This investment has significantly improved infrastructure, digital access, student welfare, and learning outcomes in all 203 public secondary schools across Ekiti State. Classrooms have been renovated and newly constructed to address overcrowding, modern laboratories and digital learning tools have been provided, and safe, gender-sensitive learning environments have been created.
The impact of these initiatives has been widely recognized. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) commended Ekiti State for its preparedness in transitioning the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. This transition not only strengthens exam integrity but also equips students with the digital competencies essential for success in the 21st-century workforce. Additionally, the administration has ensured that running grants, examination fees, and instructional materials are provided to support both students and teachers, reflecting a holistic approach to educational excellence. Over 2,000 teachers have been recruited, and numerous training programs have been implemented to strengthen the professional capacity of educators. Through these interventions, Governor Oyebanji has prioritized not just infrastructure but the quality of education itself, ensuring that every student has access to meaningful learning opportunities.
The administration has also prioritized the welfare of its educators. Governor Oyebanji recently approved the disbursement of N596.6 million as car and housing loans to 807 teaching and non-teaching staff in public secondary schools. Out of this, N381.5 million is earmarked for car loans to 382 beneficiaries, while N215.1 million will be disbursed as a fresh tranche of housing loans to 425 beneficiaries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve staff welfare, boost morale, and ensure that teachers and school workers feel valued as essential contributors to the state’s educational progress.
Governor Oyebanji’s administration has also prioritized road infrastructure as a key driver of socio-economic development. Contracts exceeding ₦200 billion have been awarded to cover 350 kilometres of roads across the state. Of this, over ₦150 billion has already been paid to contractors, and 126 kilometres of roads are completed, with others at various stages of development. By upgrading road networks, the government is improving connectivity and accessibility, facilitating investment inflows, reducing travel time, and enhancing the overall quality of life for citizens. Well-constructed roads are a critical backbone for trade, agriculture, and mobility, and Governor Oyebanji’s focus on infrastructure demonstrates foresight in laying the foundation for long-term growth.
Agriculture has received strategic attention with initiatives like the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, which aims to establish a commercial goat farming hub in Otun Ekiti. This initiative is set to boost livestock production, particularly in the sheep and goat value chains, and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers. By investing in agriculture, the administration is fostering food security, generating employment opportunities, strengthening rural economies, and promoting sustainable development. These efforts reflect a commitment to diversifying the state’s economy and ensuring that citizens benefit directly from economic growth.
Governor Oyebanji has also prioritized the welfare of retirees and vulnerable populations. Over N7.2 billion has been paid in gratuities to state retirees, with an additional N200 million approved to cover pensioners up to July 2015. These measures ensure that retirees live with dignity and financial security while addressing the backlog of unpaid entitlements left by previous administrations. By prioritizing the welfare of seniors, the government underscores the principle of intergenerational equity and demonstrates that progress must be inclusive, leaving no one behind.
Recognizing that safety is a prerequisite for development, the administration has enhanced the state’s security architecture through strategic acquisitions of equipment, establishment of new fire service stations, and reinforcement of the Amotekun Corps. Additional troops have been deployed in response to traditional rulers’ requests, and the Agro Marshals Corps has been introduced to protect forests and deter criminal activities. These interventions have not only ensured the safety of lives and property but have also facilitated investment inflows, creating a conducive environment for business and economic activities.
The Oyebanji administration has strategically positioned Ekiti as an investment hub. Milestones include $80 million support for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone from the African Development Bank (AfDB), partnerships with the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) to provide $100,000 each to ten cooperatives, and facilitation of N1 billion credit facilities for Ekiti women in partnership with Access Bank. Approval to designate the Ekiti Knowledge Zone as a Free Trade Zone is expected to generate 12,000 jobs, while the Ekiti State Mega Local Fabrics (Aso Oke) Production Centre is under construction, creating new opportunities for youth engagement and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, grants totaling N400 million have been disbursed to 922 MSMEs, while 5,400 CAC certificates for MSMEs have been sponsored, fostering formal business registration and promoting entrepreneurship in the state.
The administration’s achievements are anchored in a meticulously executed six-pillar development agenda, complemented by the Ekiti Development Plan 2021–2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These frameworks guide policies and programs, ensuring that they are sustainable, measurable, and aligned with long-term development objectives. Through these instruments, the administration has improved living conditions, expanded economic opportunities, strengthened security, and enhanced governance.
Governor Oyebanji’s leadership has also earned public recognition and political endorsement. During his annual State of the State Address, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly commended Governor Oyebanji’s performance as “impressive, commendable, and laudable,” with a motion urging the people to renew their social contract with him beyond 2026 passed unanimously. This reflects broad-based confidence in his ability to deliver on promises and implement policies that drive social and economic transformation.
While there is still more work to be done, and no doubt others aspire to lead the state, it is crystal clear that continuity in leadership is critical to consolidating gains, completing ongoing projects, and ensuring that Ekiti State remains on its upward trajectory. Governor Oyebanji has laid a solid foundation, and a second term would enable him to continue implementing life-changing policies, create additional opportunities for youth and women, strengthen social safety nets, and solidify Ekiti’s position as a model state in Nigeria.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s first three years in office have been characterized by deliberate, people-focused, and results-driven governance. From transformative investments in education, agriculture, road infrastructure, and staff welfare to enhanced social welfare and robust security, the achievements are visible and impactful. For citizens who value progress, development, and continuity, supporting Governor Oyebanji’s second term is a logical choice. His leadership offers a clear path toward a prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive Ekiti State, one where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, and where sustainable development is not just a vision, but a reality.
Dr. Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi is a Faculty Member, University of British Columbia, Canada and Founder, Scholarships Cafe and Convener, Ekiti Scholarship Summit
