Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced that his administration has paid over N85 billion in gratuities and pensions since taking office in 2022. Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the governor attributed the endorsement of his administration by Ekiti people to its sterling performance, facilitated by the presidency of Bola Tinubu.
Governor Praises Tinubu for Financial Support
Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for making more resources available to states through various interventionist programmes. He noted that before Tinubu's emergence, his administration struggled for nearly six months to meet the state's wage bill and fund capital projects. The increased allocations enabled his government to implement its shared prosperity agenda with ease.
Federal Road Projects Ease Pressure on State
The governor highlighted that ongoing construction on three federal roads linking Ekiti has reduced pressure from citizens demanding road repairs. He pointed out that the cost of the recently approved concrete pavement on the Ado-Itawure road exceeds the state's entire 2023 budget, emphasizing that without the president's intervention, the project would have been impossible.
“I became Governor six months before the inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as president. In those six months, I had sleepless nights thinking about how to meet the wage bill and also implement the shared prosperity agenda. We have completed the airport now. Our focus is on roads. Thanks to the President, Ado-Akure road is almost done. He has also awarded Ado-Itawure road. The value of that contract is bigger than our budget for two years. If not for the president that cares, there is no way we could have done those roads,” Oyebanji said.
Increased Subventions and Labour Harmony
The governor stated that increased federal allocations allowed his administration to triple subventions to the state's tertiary institutions and meet labour demands, fostering industrial harmony. He urged Ekiti people to support Tinubu's re-election, asserting that the president is repositioning Nigeria for greatness.
“The president deserves commendations. It is not possible to make omelette without breaking eggs. The progress and stability that he has brought to the economy and everything, it takes someone who has courage and confidence to do it. He is trying to fix things that have gone wrong in the last 30 years. If someone is sick and you give him an injection, does he get well instantly? Mr President deserves our support and understanding. I have sat with him many times and I can see that he has clarity of intention and how to put the country on the right footing,” Oyebanji added.
