Ekiti 2026: Residents and PWDs Unite in Support for Governor Oyebanji's Return
In a significant show of solidarity, residents of Ekiti State, including members of the People With Disabilities (PWD) community, have rallied behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji as he prepares for the upcoming June 20, 2026, governorship election. Their endorsement comes after a comprehensive tour of completed projects across the state's 16 local government areas, highlighting improved infrastructural development as a primary reason for their backing.
Infrastructural Milestones and Community Impact
During a three-day media tour, journalists and residents visited numerous key projects that have transformed the state's landscape. Among the notable sites were the Ekiti Cargo Airport, the 1.2km Okeyinmi-Ijigbo flyover bridge, and various road networks including BOVAS-Spotless Road, Ajebamidele-Omisanjana Road, and Ise-Agbado Road. These initiatives have significantly enhanced connectivity and reduced travel times for motorists and farmers alike.
Mr. Bayo Olanipekun, a local farmer, praised the administration for reconstructing the long-abandoned Ise-Agbado road, which had previously isolated communities. Similarly, taxi driver Ojo Adeleye noted that the intra-state road network has cut down travel hours, urging voters to support Oyebanji's re-election to continue this progress.
Empowerment and Social Investment Initiatives
The tour also included visits to social and economic hubs such as the Skill Acquisition Centre for Persons With Disabilities, the Adire Hub, and the Broiler Hub Technical Centre. At the Skill Acquisition Centre, PWD representatives Alhaja Folasade Ademola and Olorufemi Ogunsakin shared how the governor's policies have shifted their lives from dependency on charity to self-sufficiency.
They explained that the training programs in vocational trades like tailoring, catering, hotel management, shoe making, hairdressing, and cosmetology have empowered 130 individuals over the past two years. Additionally, participants receive a monthly stipend of 25,000 Naira, akin to a salary, fostering financial independence and dignity.
Healthcare and Tourism Advancements
Other major projects highlighted during the tour included the 80-bed hospital complex within the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, set for commissioning in July 2026, and revamped general hospitals in Ilupeju, Ayede, Iye, Ifaki, and Okemesi. The globally recognized Ikogosi Warm Springs tourist site was also showcased, underscoring the administration's commitment to boosting tourism and healthcare services.
Mr. Sunday Afolabi, a non-partisan resident, emphasized that despite criticisms of underperformance, the state has seen tangible transformation through people-centric policies and developmental projects. He and others pointed to various government initiatives that have elevated living standards across communities.
Upcoming Commissions and Future Prospects
The 1.2km Okeyinmi-Ijigbo flyover bridge is scheduled for commissioning this month, further demonstrating the administration's focus on infrastructural growth. Residents and PWDs alike expressed gratitude for these efforts, pledging their votes to ensure Oyebanji's return for a second term to sustain and expand these achievements.
This widespread support reflects a collective appreciation for the governor's strides in infrastructure, social investment, healthcare, agriculture, and education, setting a positive tone for the 2026 electoral contest.
