Six Months of Effective Governance: Appraising BAO's Approach to Transformational Leadership in Ekiti State.

Six Months of Effective Governance: Appraising BAO's Approach to Transformational Leadership in Ekiti State. 

Good governance and maintaining citizens' trust are crucial for the progress and stability of any society. Within six months of mounting the governorship saddle on October 16, 2022, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has established a set of values, policies, and institutions that govern how power is wielded, decisions are taken, and resources are distributed in Ekiti state, leaving no aspect overlooked. 

This involves ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, public institutions are transparent and accountable, the needs of all segments of the state are addressed, citizens have access to basic services and opportunities, and are properly represented in Government by valuing their choices and interest. This is evident in his recently formed committee on political appointments, which empowers citizens to have a say in the political process. 

Governor Oyebanji possesses a keen understanding of citizens' needs, which informs his decision-making and actions and earns him a reputation as a leader who is genuinely invested in Ekiti Kete’s well-being.

His leadership style is characterized by strategic and transformational leadership, which has helped to foster a solid bond across party lines. He has also garnered strong support from relevant stakeholders in different sectors, with the ultimate goal of positioning Ekiti state as a center of attraction in terms of investment, education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development, and technological advancement.

In assessing Mr. Governor’s developmental strides in the past six months, it’s imperative to first appraise his visionary leadership, which hinged on creating an inspiring vision for the future of the state and communicating it clearly to the citizens. This has helped create a sense of purpose and direction for the state while inspiring citizens to work towards achieving the set vision. This vision cuts across the six pillars of his administration. 

Also, it’s necessary to laud BAO’s Ethical leadership which places a premium on integrity and ethical conduct. He leads by example, and this has no doubt helped build and maintain trust among citizens.

Similarly, BAO has been a staunch advocate of innovation and creativity in governance. He knows that the world is evolving fast, and only those who can keep up with the changes can remain relevant. This has enabled him to introduce innovative policies and programs that have transformed the state. 

Mr. Governor has taken several steps toward improving the state's power supply and infrastructure development. Amongst these efforts was the approval of a new 33KV feeder line from Omisanjana 132KV TCN Substation to link Ilawe Ekiti and Erijiyan Ekiti respectively. This new connection will increase the power supply to the Gossy water factory and Resort center in Ikogosi Ekiti. The move, combined with the establishment of an airport in the state, is part of the overall vision of the current administration to transform Ekiti into the premier medical tourism destination in West Africa. This vision includes providing first-class medical services at Afe Babalola Multi-system Hospital, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration has invested in the healthcare sector with the ongoing primary health development programme across the state particularly in rural areas where access to health facilities was poor. Oyebanji has renovated medical facilities in the state, including 12 hospitals which include three State Specialist Hospitals and nine General Hospitals. His administration is committed to enhancing healthcare services to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the State. In his magnanimity and love for people living with disabilities, he approved a free quarterly health workshop for them in fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to run an all-inclusive government without living any segment of the state behind.

Within a mere six months of his inauguration, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has launched an extensive initiative to construct and renovate road networks throughout Ekiti state. These locations include the Ilawe-Ikere Road, Ikole township roads, Ado-Ilawe Ekiti Road, Ilawe/Igede Ekiti Road, Aramoko/Igede Road, Ayegunle/Ijurin/ Iloro Road, Ifaki/Ido road, and several other critical routes within the capital city, Ado.

Furthermore, Oyebanji’s commitment to changing the face of education in Ekiti State deserves recognition. For instance, he recently inaugurated the governing councils of Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology (BOUESTI). Moreover, he revamped the Government Technical Colleges in the state, instituted the recruitment of teachers into the State's Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and launched the Ekiti State Digital Skill Academy program, which will train over 500 youths in technology, soft/life skills, mentorship, community outreach, and capstone projects. 

Additionally, the state government partnered with the World Bank to distribute laptops to 35 secondary schools in Ekiti state through the Adolescent Girls' Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project. This project aims to revitalize dilapidated school buildings, purchase computers, provide safe spaces, and train teachers and students in digital and life skills with an emphasis on girl-child education. 

The Governor has also taken steps to promote agriculture in the state, initiating a project to provide fertilizers and other farm inputs to farmers in the state. The farmers, particularly those in rural areas, will witness a surge in agricultural produce thereby, mitigating hunger, poverty, and malnutrition. 

In addition to his efforts in various sectors, Governor Oyebanji has also approved the payment of gratuities to retirees and the 2019 promotion arrears for both state and local government workers.

By leveraging these tools of transformational leadership, Governor Biodun Oyebanji​ has been able to achieve good governance and sustain citizens' trust in his six months of leadership saddle in the state. His leadership style has enabled him to build bridges between different segments of the state, creating an enabling environment for economic growth and development, and ultimately improving the quality of life of citizens in the state.