Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, as a beacon of progress, prudence, and performance in the Southwest.
He added that the development strides in Ekiti are a testament to transformative leadership that has turned electioneering promises into tangible and visible progress.
Aiyedatiwa stated this while commissioning the Itawure-Okemesi Road, electricity power project, and the newly renovated General Hospital, Okemesi, in the Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
He noted that in just three years of Governor Oyebanji’s administration, the state has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural revitalisation, improved social and economic development, and governance anchored on integrity, accountability, and compassion – one that continually puts the people at the centre of government policies and programmes.
According to him, ‘As I join you to commission the Itawure to Okemesi Road, the General Hospital, and the electricity project, I see modern structures of stones, steel, and cables; I see symbols of vision, commitment, and humanity. These projects represent the lifeblood of progress – roads that connect opportunities, a hospital that preserves lives, and electricity that brings light to the people. They are enduring legacies of a leader who listens, plans, and delivers.
‘When you build a road, you create access and increase economic activity in the area. The hospital we unveil embodies the sanctity of life and the compassion of a government that truly cares. Indeed, these are landmarks of legacy, and your name, Your Excellency, is indelibly inscribed in the chronicles of Ekiti’s development history.’
Aiyedatiwa noted that the bond between Ondo and Ekiti states transcends boundaries, describing it as one of shared heritage, shared destiny, and shared aspirations for the renaissance of the Yoruba nation within the Nigerian federation.
He described the Southwest as a region defined by excellence, inspired by visionary leaders like Governor Oyebanji, who perceive governance not as an entitlement but as a sacred trust and divine stewardship.
‘Your Excellency, permit me, with every sense of sincerity, to acknowledge the testimonies of the good people of Ekiti State. Some have just been mentioned by those who gave their goodwill messages – that your sterling performance in the past three years has been wonderful. Your strides in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment reflect the qualities of progressive development, which have been the hallmark of the Southwestern region, of which we are part.
‘The entire Southwest is proud of your record, and we, your brothers in Ondo State, rejoice with you today in faith and in fellowship,’ Governor Aiyedatiwa added.
Earlier, Governor Oyebanji explained that the commissioning of the three projects in the community was aimed at connecting it to civilisation, adding that the facilities would help transform the local economy and bring about significant development to the people.
While affirming that no fewer than ten roads would be commissioned during the third anniversary of his administration, Governor Oyebanji urged critics of his government on social media to visit their communities and see the level of development his administration has achieved in just three years.
Oyebanji said, ‘Your Excellency, this is the fourth road project we are commissioning, and we have six more to go. So, when I hear some people on social media saying that we have not done anything, I always say, yes, but come home – because most people don’t leave their comfort zones, they are not connected to their communities, and they don’t know what is happening at home. But I hope they are watching and seeing their people appreciating what government is doing.’
The Commissioner for Works, Sola Adebayo, said the road project demonstrates the Governor’s unwavering determination to entrench the dividends of democracy across every stratum of the state.
Speaking on the commissioning of the General Hospital, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, commended Governor Oyebanji for providing all the necessary support to upgrade the infrastructure of all General Hospitals in the state, noting that the Governor firmly believes that productivity is hinged on good health.
Filani also emphasised the importance of not only renovating hospital facilities but equipping them with the necessary tools for effective service delivery, noting that each centre now has a laboratory, theatre services, beds in the wards, a delivery room, and other essential equipment.
The President of the Federation of Okemesi Improvement Unions, Nath Olaoye; the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, HRM Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda, SAN, who spoke on behalf of the community, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for the unprecedented development strides recorded in the town.