Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed delight that the state has witnessed what he described as a “phenomenal progress” in the last 29 years of its existence as a political entity.
Reflecting on the journey since its creation on October 1, 1996, the governor noted that God has been kind to Ekiti, judging by the notable landmarks recorded in infrastructure, health, education, economy and social development.
The governor made the remarks during a statewide broadcast aired on all electronic media channels to commemorate the 29th anniversary of EkitiState and the 65th anniversary of the Nigerian independence.
Oyebanji also used the opportunity of his broadcast to appeal to the political parties, political leaders and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully as the state is already in the campaign mood ahead of the parties’ primary elections later this year and the main governorship election in June next year.
He congratulate President Bola Tinubu on the anniversary of the Independence Day, expressing the profound gratitude of Ekiti people for his support for the state and also rallied their support for the Renewed Hope Agenda “which has seen the economy on a positive trajectory never seen in almost two decades.”
Reminiscing on the journey so far, Oyebanji stressed that the memory of the landmark spoke to the dream of Ekiti State founding fathers, the resilience of forebears, the sweat of its traditional rulers and the steely determination of the generations before which eventually became a reality.
The governor used the opportunity of the broadcast to pay tributes to Ekitipatriots and distinguished citizens, who were part of the vanguard for the creation of the state, adding that while the state might not have gotten to its destination yet, considerable progress has been made on all fronts of development.
“I pay homage to every man and woman who was part of the Movement for the Creation of our State. I thank all the leaders before me who have had the privilege to lead Ekiti at one time or the other.
“Many thanks to our dogged civil and public servants for staying the course; just as I commend the resilience of our people for keeping the dream.
“With our collective effort, Ekiti has witnessed phenomenal progress in the last 29 years of her creation. We may not roll out the drum for elaborate celebrations, but we have every cause to thank God in the life of our dear State.
“My message to you today as we celebrate the 29th anniversary of our State, is that we thankfully reflect on the journey so far,” he said.
Gbenga Sodeinde
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