Kogi gov praises Ekiti counterpart for demonstrated capacity, fulfilled promises

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has praised his Ekiti counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji, for demonstrating capacity and fulfilling promises, saying he’s well prepared for the task of governing Ekiti State.

Gov. Ododo making the commendation on Tuesday at Ekiti State,while commissioning the 21- kilometre Ikere-Ilawe road, and the renovated General Hospital, projects of the Governor Oyebanji administration noted that there is verifiable and convincing evidence across the critical sectors of the economy that point to the fact that Oyebanji has fulfilled the social contract he signed with the people of Ekiti State.

Addressing the crowd of residents that thronged the ceremony venue, Ododo, the Special Guest of Honour, commended Oyebanji for engaging local contractors to execute some of the road projects.

The Kogi Governor stated that such extreme display of leadership speaks volume of Oyebanji’s unflagging belief in the development of human resources that are available to the country.

He commended the Ekiti Governor for making the state pass through the trajectory of impactful governance in the areas of infrastructure, human capital development, tourism, agriculture, and youth development, which audibly speak to the government’s inclusion policy.

“With what I’ve been briefed, this road started in 2022 through self- financing under the last administration, but could not go far due to some difficulties. Once a leader is focused and forward looking, his vision will outlive transitions.

“With your governance and leadership in Ekiti, you’ve demonstrated that government is about vision and performance. With what I’ve seen and the solid support you’re getting from Ekiti people, it is evident that you came solidly prepared for governance.

“Even your opponents knew that you had performed well and they knew that BAO had bowed their heads with great performance. Ekiti and Kogi States do not just share common boundaries, we share a history and close ties of brotherhood and the development of our people.

“Let me assure you that all the progressive governors are behind you and I hope that you will continue with this tempo till 2030. We have the same vision, which is to serve the people and nothing more.

“I want you to remain focused and don’t be distracted by the confusion being caused by the members of the opposition. You’re a quiet person, but your actions speak louder in your performance. I’m proud of your achievements”, Gov Ododo said.

In his address, Governor Oyebanji described the completion of the road as a jinx breaking expedition, saying whatever he has achieved in Ekiti could be hinged on the enigmatic economic reformations being carried out at the federal level by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Oyebanii stated that his administration has not borrowed a dime to fund any of the capital projects being undertaken for the benefit of the masses. He thanked the president for making more resources available to the subnational.

“I haveN’t borrowed a dime to fund any of the capital projects going on in Ekiti State and this is because of the audacious reforms being carried out by President Tinubu that has made more monies available to states”.

According to him, an aggregate of 10 roads spread across Ekiti will be commissioned to mark the third anniversary, which were strategically undertaken to drive tourism, local economy, transportation, small and medium enterprises and agriculture.

Speaking about the initial hurdles that stalled the completion of the road, Oyebanji, said: “We inherited this road from the last administration. That we have completed it speaks volume of the gains of continuity of vision and when there is alignment of vision, the people will see the gains and this is what we are seeing today.

“I congratulate the people of Ilawe Ekiti for these landmark achievements, because there are two projects to be commissioned here today and all the people of the state on the third anniversary of this administration”.

To mark his third anniversary, the Governor announced that six state-of-the-art hospitals would be commissioned to provide quality healthcare services to the people at the grassroots level. He specifically mentioned the rehabilitated General Hospital in Ilawe Ekiti, which would significantly improve healthcare delivery for the masses.

The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, lauded the Governor for overcoming obstacles and ensuring the timely completion of the road project, despite initial setbacks that threatened to delay its readiness for use.