Ekiti Youths Hail Tinubu and Oyebanji for Tackling Student Dropouts
Youths in Ekiti State have expressed strong approval for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, crediting their efforts with a significant reduction in student dropout rates across higher institutions. This positive development is attributed to the strategic education reforms implemented by the current federal administration, which have been widely praised for their impact on youth retention in schools.
Solidarity March Demonstrates Support Ahead of Elections
In a show of appreciation, no fewer than 10,000 youths, including students, staged a solidarity march in Ado Ekiti on Friday. The event was organized to support both President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji ahead of the 2027 general election and the upcoming governorship poll in the state. Participants gathered at the All Progressives Congress secretariat in Ajilosun before marching through major streets to Fajuyi Pavilion, chanting songs in solidarity with the leaders.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, addressed the crowd, highlighting that the march was a gesture of gratitude for the people-oriented leadership demonstrated by Tinubu and Oyebanji. He emphasized their contributions to education and youth development at both federal and state levels, noting that the rally signals strong support for President Tinubu as the 2027 elections approach.
Youths Urged to Participate Actively in Electoral Process
Asefon called on the youths and students to reciprocate the investments made in education by collecting their Permanent Voter Cards and voting massively for Governor Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 governorship poll. He stressed that online support alone would not be sufficient, urging active participation to ensure their voices are heard. Expressing confidence, he predicted that Oyebanji would secure overwhelming votes across all 177 wards and polling units in Ekiti State.
Adding to the call for engagement, Mrs Oluwayemisi Joluwe, Managing Director and CEO of YSJ Farms, mobilized support for both leaders. She encouraged youths across Ekiti to obtain their PVCs and take part in the electoral process, noting that young people make up a significant portion of the population. Joluwe urged them to use their numerical strength to back leaders who have shown commitment to youth empowerment, agriculture, and education, warning against political apathy.
Policies and Programmes Benefiting Youths Highlighted
Joluwe pointed out that the administrations of Tinubu and Oyebanji have introduced policies and programmes directly benefiting youths, particularly in areas like agriculture and economic empowerment. She called on young people to turn out massively on election day to support these leaders, emphasizing that voting is the most effective way to influence governance and secure a better future.
Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasaoye, described the rally as a vote of confidence in both President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji. He argued that they deserve second terms due to their stellar performance in office, citing delivery of people-oriented policies in infrastructure, education, youth development, and the health sector.
In summary, the Ekiti youths' appreciation stems from tangible improvements in education, including increased bursaries, scholarships, and subventions to tertiary institutions under Governor Oyebanji, alongside federal reforms by President Tinubu. The solidarity march underscores a growing political engagement among the youth, poised to shape upcoming elections in the state.
