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LAGOS – Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa  of Ondo State has described his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a beacon of progress, prudence and performance in Southwest saying the development strides in Ekiti is a testament and evidence of transformative leadership that has been able to transform electioneering promises to tangible and visible progress. 

Aiyedatiwa stated this while commissioning the Itawure -Okemesi road, electricity power project and the newly renovated General Hospital, Okemesi in Ekiti West Local  Government area of Ekiti State.

He added that in just three years of Oyebanji’s administration, the state has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural revitalisation, improved social and economic development, and governance anchored on integrity, accountability and compassion that continually puts the people at the Centre of government’s policies and programmes.

“As I join you today to commission the Itawure to Okemesi Road, the General Hospital, and the electricity project, I see modern structures of stones and 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’re enduring legacies of a leader who listens, plans, and delivers.

“When you create a road, when you build a road, you create access and definitely increase the 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 development history.”

Ayedatiwa revealed that the bond between Ondo and Ekiti States transcends boundaries, but that of shared heritage, shared destiny, and shared aspiration, for the renaissance of the urban nation within the Nigeria Federation. 

He described the Southwest as a region parading excellence inspired by the visionary leadership embodied by leaders like Oyebanji who perceive governance not as an entitlement but 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 has been the hallmark of the Southwestern region, which we are part of. 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 Ayedatiwa stated.

Earlier, Governor Oyebanji confirmed that the commissioning of the three projects in the community was a way of connecting it to civilization, adding that those facilities were capable of transforming the economy of the area and bring about vast development to the people.

While affirming that no fewer than ten roads will be commission during the third anniversary of his government, Oyebanji called on those who criticise the government on social media to visit home and see the level of developmental projects his government has been able to achieve in just three years. 

“Your Excellency, this is the fourth road project we’re going to commission, and we have six other road projects to commission. So, when I hear some people on the social media saying that we’ve 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. They don’t know what’s happening at home. But I hope they’re watching and seeing their people appreciating what government is doing. 

While expressing appreciation to Governor Ayedatiwa for honouring the invitation, Governor Oyebanji said, “Thank you so much sir, I’m extremely grateful, you’ve honored us with your esteemed presence and we’re not taking it for granted.  There are three assignments you’re going to perform after your speech, you commission the road, you light up Okemesi then we drive straight to the hospital, see what we have done.” 

The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo said the road project demonstrates the Governor’s unwavering determination to entrench the dividends of democracy across every stratum of the State through his administration’s unrelenting pursuit of infrastructural renaissance and inclusive development, in consonance with the Six-Point Agenda.

The Commissioner stressed that the road project was not just an infrastructural upgrade, but an enabler of progress and a lifeline that will facilitate the seamless mobility of people, agricultural produce, and essential commodities. He added that the road project will improve socio-economic activities, rejuvenate rural enterprise, and unlock the latent potential within the agricultural sub-sector, which remains the pivot of the local economy.