EKITI LEADERS EULOGIZE OYEBANJI AT NOMINATION FORM SUBMISSION.

EKITI LEADERS EULOGIZE OYEBANJI AT NOMINATION FORM SUBMISSION.

….Dignitaries and groups say Ekiti Gov worthy of re-election.

The submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms by Ekiti State Governor,  Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji at the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday witnessed a harvest of more endorsements of his candidacy by eminent personalities and interest groups.

The distinguished individuals, party leaders, senior citizens, labour unions, youths and students all showered encomium on Governor Oyebanji attesting to his noble and sterling character and declaring him fit, proper and worthy of being trusted with another four-year mandate to lead Ekiti State.

Leading the list of eminent Nigerians who attested to Oyebanji’s character and competence for the top job was the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda who led other members of the APC National Working Committee to receive the Governor at the Secretariat.

Prof Yilwatda who spoke through the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, said the requisite governance experience garnered by Oyebanji in three administrations under two former Governors had prepared him for the job.

He said: "The present Governor of Ekiti State (Oyebanji) has undergone apprenticeship under former governors who are all behind him. We have heard you loud and clear and the difference is clear. We are going to conduct a free and fair election and we will elect the person supported by the whole congregation of Ekiti State."

The APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Isaac Kekemeke, noted that Oyebanji has raised the standard on submission of form by governorship contenders, stating repeatedly that "we (the party) have seen you and we have heard you."

"This is more than submission of form, this is something that is unique. I don't think the National Secretariat has witnessed this kind of submission of form ceremony. We have seen you and we have heard you, go and do what you have done here in Ekiti State."

The first elected Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, said all former governors have resolved to back Oyebanji's re-election bid on the strength of his leadership qualities and monumental achievements recorded so far in his stewardship of the state.

Adebayo said: "He (Oyebanji) was one of the first persons that worked for my governorship campaign project and we were elected. After losing the re-election bid and I returned to Lagos to make a living, BAO stood by me when others left me.

"Ever since I met him, he has been like my own blood. All former governors of Ekiti State, we are in support of BAO. Our national leaders, we in Ekiti State will not disappoint you and BAO will not disappoint."

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who spoke on behalf of all National Assembly members from Ekiti State said all federal legislators are rooting for Oyebanji because he has done well in office and he has done them proud.

Bamidele said: "His victory in the October 27 primary will not be a fluke. If it is an indirect primary, we are the delegates and if it is a direct primary, we are in charge and party members are on ground. All of us will ensure that we deliver our constituencies.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2022 governorship election in the state, Otunba Bisi Kolawole, said the Osoko Political Family of former Governor Ayodele Fayose are backing Oyebanji for another term because of his uniting character and inclusive government.

Kolawole who predicted that Oyebanji would win in all the 16 local government areas called on the national leadership of the APC to ensure that the Governor emerges as the candidate in the forthcoming primary to get the task achieved.

"We are doing this because he has done us proud and he has done us so well. He deserves a second term in office."

Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, advised other governorship aspirants in the party to shelve their ambition and support Oyebanji whom he said has raised the bar of governance and done the party proud.

Ojo, who spoke on behalf of federal appointees from the state, recalled the role played by Oyebanji as the Secretary of Ekiti State Creation Committee noted that the Governor has devoted his life to the service of the people and he had done well to the satisfaction of Ekiti people.

He added that the Governor took the lead in the efforts for overwhelming support for Tinubu in his first term election, stressing that Oyebanji is needed again to repeat the feat in Tinubu's second term election. 

Speaking on behalf of former National Assembly members, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, hailed Oyebanji for his exceptional character of humility, integrity and loyalty noting that these virtues have made him to succeed in governance.

The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye said the state lawmakers had pioneered the flurry of endorsements for the Governor since October 16, 2014 paved the way for various interest groups to follow suit in appreciation of good governance in the state.

Aribasoye stressed that anyone contesting against Oyebanji is contesting against the people of Ekiti State who have resolved to re-elect him for another term to consolidate on the good works they have seen so far.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, who led officials and members of the Organized Labour to the event said "God manufactured Oyebanji for workers in Ekiti State" noting that all workers in the state have resolved to support the governor for a fresh term of four years till 2026.

Olatunde said: "God actually manufactured him for workers. He has defeated all arrears of salaries and entitlements. He has paid minimum wage of N70,000 and he signed it into law without any reduction. Workers have enjoined prompt payment of salaries, retirees have enjoyed prompt payment of pension, prompt payment of gratuities.

"Last December, he signed N3.5 billion gratuity and he has twice increased subvention to tertiary institutions. He paid 100 percent of CONMESS/CONHESS. We want to congratulate APC for producing somebody like Governor Oyebanji. We are giving him 100 percent support, BAO must continue till 2030."

Chief Alaba Abejide, who spoke on behalf of Ekiti APC Elders' Forum urged the party national leaders to be wary of contestants who are far from home but always come around at every election cycle to seek the nomination of the party they have abandoned.

Chief Ronke Okusanya, who spoke on behalf of female Ekiti elders praised Oyebanji for giving due recognition to women, said another term for Oyebanji is a plus for women to be more represented in government.

The Ekiti State University Alumni Association said the body procured the nomination and expression of interest forms for the Governor because he has made his alma mater proud and justified the mandate given to him by the electorate.

 

Engr Dipo Bamisaye, who spoke on behalf of the association,  said Oyebanji has recorded many firsts in Ekiti development history, including being the first leader to unite all Ekiti leaders, irrespective of party affiliations, to work for the development of the state. 

The Chairmen of the 16 Local Governments and the 22 Local Council Development Areas under the aegis of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) pledged to mobilize support for Oyebanji in their domains in appreciation of his grassroot development initiatives.

The State ALGON Chairman who also doubles as Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Hon Segun Ojo, said the council areas and the people resident there have never had it so good and they will repay the good works of the Governor with their votes.

Group congratulate Governor Oyebanji for putting Ekiti on the world map for another good reason.

Group congratulate Governor Oyebanji for putting Ekiti on the world map for another good reason.

Governor Abiodun Oyebanji has been commended for once again living up to one of his promises to leverage on his predecessor's "restoring our values" and once again putting Ekiti State on the world map for a good reason yesterday while in Abuja.

Yesterday, the 10th of September, 2025.  Governor Abiodun Oyebanji the Executive Governor of Ekiti State had lined up every political stakeholders and who-is-who in Ekiti State to the nation country capital to make a statement that yet all the important politicians in the State are not genuflecting in their massive support and endorsement for his re-election, come 2026 and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 during the submission of his nomination form at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national headquarters. 

In the presence of the entire national executive working committee of the All Progressives Congress at their headquarters, Governor Oyebanji surrounded by all important members of the party from the State led by Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senator (Dr) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and a whole lot to mention had submitted his nomination form in a carnival-like atmosphere. 

All the former governors of the state led and represented by the first executive governor of the State Otunba Adeniyi Richard Adebayo, all past deputy Governors - Chief Aluko, Paul Alabi, Professor (Princess) Adelabu, Distinguished Senator Abiodun Olujimi, all present.  The alumni association of Ekiti State University led by their former global president Engr. Dipo Bamisaye, all former national assembly members from Ekiti led by Senator Adetumbi, all the present 9 national assembly members led by Senator (Dr) Opeyemi Bamidele, all the 25 APC members of Ekiti State assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Chief Abejide led the APC leaders forum while Chief (Mrs) Akinsaya led the women, the State EXCO of the party and all the 16 Local Government and 18 Local Council Development Areas Chairmen and 77 ward chairmen were led by Chief Elesin, while Honourable Otunba Bisi Kolawole (the governorship candidate of the main opposition party in the last election - PDP) led the Osoko Political Family and represented Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose to give their support and endorsed Governor Oyebanji for re-election. 

All the former and present Executive Council members, the chairmen and representatives of NULGE, NUT, NLC, TUC, RTWU, RTEAN, Okada and Keke Napep, Ekiti State Youth Groups and many other organisations representatives present in their colourful uniforms in showcasing the cultural quality of the State. 

Chief Jide Awe led over 70 Elder Volunteer groups, BAO Promoters, Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), BAO LEKANSI and countless grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation groups were also well represented.

In a statement signed and released by the Convener of Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), the group congratulated all Ekiti sons and daughters who out of their busy schedules made out time from their respective destinations within and outside Abuja the capital city to stand by our own and show our genuine love, unique cultural omoluabi to convince the National Executive of our great party All Progressive Congress (APC) that in the coming 2026 and 2027 Primaries both for Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji and President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu _Gcfr_ are our choices.

The group also commended His Excellency Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji and all leaders of the party for putting the interest of the State at heart above personal interest and making history with the classic event which is a pacesetter and unprecedented in anals of history of our party and the nation at large.

The group finally urges all the people of the state to let us continue to maintain the tempo in the atmosphere of peace, vigilance, and utmost dedication for the progress of the State.

Signed

HC Ade 

Convener _OSV_

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI SUBMITS NOMINATION FORM AMID MASSIVE SHOW OF SUPPORT.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI SUBMITS NOMINATION FORM AMID MASSIVE SHOW OF SUPPORT.

…AS EX-GOV, NASS MEMBERS, OPPOSITION LEADERS, LABOUR LEADERS STORM APC SECRETARIAT FOR EKITI GOV.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday submitted his Nomination form for the 2026 governorship election, at the National secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abuja, accompanied by an unprecedented huge number of state and national leaders, elected officials and critical stakeholders in the State.

Governor Oyebanji who arrived the national secretariat of the party at 2.15pm, in company of the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and first civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, went straight to the office of the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and thereafter submitted the nomination form.

The array of leaders and stakeholders at the APC Secretariat to be part of the epoch event include: four former Deputy Governors of the state- Chief Paul Alabi; Surv, Abiodun Aluko; Senator Abiodun Olujimi and Prof Modupe Adelabu, as well as all the nine current members of the National Assembly from Ekiti.

Also at the APC Secretariat was the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022 governorship election, Hon Bisi Kolawole, who led members of the political family of former Governor Ayodele Fayose to solidarise with Governor Oyebanji at the event.

Also present were all members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribatise; members of the state executive council, all chairmen of the 16 local government and 22 Local Council Development Area (LCDAs); former members of National Assembly, appointees of the President from Ekiti; leaders of Organised labour in the State, representatives of students body, youths and women, members of APC Elders Forum as well as members of Alumni Association of Ekiti State university (the Governor’s alma mater).

The First Civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo spoke on behalf of all former Governors of the State at a brief ceremony at the party secretariat, while Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele spoke on behalf of National Assembly members.

Governor Oyebanji, while addressing the gathering, which included the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Emma Eneukwu; National Vice Chairman, Dr. D.I. kekemenke, National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola and other NWC and NEC members, urged the national leadership of the APC to align with the wishes of the people of Ekiti State to halt the trend of instability of governance and policies.

The Ekiti Governor said the inability of any political party to produce a governor for a stretch of two terms in office has become a stain and a jinx that must broken in order for the State to witness more rapid development and stability that will make it a model in Nigeria.

Oyebanji said God had divinely ordained him to be the one to break the jinx of single term in office in the state, adding that the unprecedented massive support he enjoys from Ekiti Stakeholders across board, is an indication that it is doable.

The Governor who also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for Ekiti, rallied the party's leadership to support the continuation of the current wave of development under President’s leadership in order to lay foundation for victory in the next presidential election.

He said: "You have listened to what Ekiti people have said. I have nothing more to add. But I want to say something here. Since the creation of Ekiti State, no governor has done two terms at a stretch and Ekiti people have come here to remove this reproach. We don't want this stain to remain, we don't want the gains we have made in our state to be reversed. The only thing that stands against development of Ekiti State is this come and go thing and I have the divine mandate to break this jinx."

While urging the national leadership of the party to instill discipline in members, especially aspirants and their supporters, the Governor also pledged to subject himself to the regulations of the primary election to ensure a peaceful and successful conduct.

The Governor praised the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for his statesmanship and support for his administration in the last three years. He also hailed other National Assembly members and state party leaders for their cooperation.

Adebayo in his address, described Oyebanji as a trustworthy and a reliable protégé, stressing that the Governor has been very consistent in contributing to the development of the state in personal and official capacities adding that his contribution has enriched the growth of the State.

Senate Leader Bamidele assured that Oyebanji will record an overwhelming victory at the APC primary and the main election because major power blocs cutting across political parties are supporting his aspiration.

“Governor Oyebanji now enjoys the support of Ex- Governor Fayose's structure, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who has just crossed over to APC and another former Governor Oni who was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last governorship poll who is now in APC.

The APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Eneukwu, pledged the readiness of the party to conduct a free, fair and transparent governorship primary in Ekiti, come October 27th, promising that the party will elect a candidate that is well acceptable to the people.

He hailed the leadership style of Oyebanji which he said has made the party an attractive political brand in Ekiti. He also described the Governor as a man after the hearts of the people of the state.

Oyebanji’s Selfless and Progressive Leadership Deserves Continuity — Oluwatuyi.

Oyebanji’s Selfless and Progressive Leadership Deserves Continuity — Oluwatuyi.

By Asubiojo G.O 

The Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, has declared that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s progressive and people-centered leadership deserves nothing short of continuity beyond 2026.

Oluwatuyi made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja at the submission of the governor’s nomination form, stressing that Oyebanji’s pragmatic approach to governance has brought visible development to both state and local government levels.

Former Governor, Senate Leader, National Assembly members, ALGON, and representatives from virtually all sectors in Ekiti stood side by side with the People’s Governor as he submitted his form at the National Secretariat of the APC.

The party, upon receiving the form, confirmed it was the first time in history such a formidable parade of political heavyweights would converge in unity for a governorship aspirant from Ekiti State.

What a man. What a moment. What a time to witness in Ekiti!

Biodun Oyebanji Leekansi! 

The council boss, who spoke glowingly about the governor’s track record, described him as “a selfless leader who has redefined grassroots governance with humility and inclusiveness.”

Also lending his voice at the event, the Executive Secretary of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Dr. Sule Tunji, commended Oyebanji’s leadership, saying the governor has raised the bar of performance across sectors.

Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Remi Alade, equally praised the governor, noting that his style of governance is anchored on service delivery and the welfare of the people.

The council’s Head of Local Administration, Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, highlighted the administration’s numerous interventions for local government staff. She explained that prompt payment of salaries, improved working conditions, and training opportunities are some of the benefits that staff have enjoyed under Oyebanji’s watch.

The submission of the form was greeted with a large crowd of supporters who thronged the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, chanting solidarity songs in support of the governor. Party souvenirs, including branded caps, T-shirts, and leaflets bearing Oyebanji’s image, were distributed to the excited supporters.

Speaking during the event, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described Oyebanji as “a symbol of humility and performance whose leadership has brought uncommon unity and development to Ekiti State.” He added that the party was proud to have him as one of its shining examples of good governance.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Samuel Abejide, lauded the governor for his “unwavering commitment to grassroots development and the welfare of council workers.” Abejide stressed that Oyebanji’s style of leadership had rekindled hope in the local government system and given staff renewed confidence in governance.

Another chieftain of the party described the governor as a “rare politician who places people above politics,” emphasizing that continuity would consolidate the gains recorded so far in Ekiti State.

With the Abuja submission, Oyebanji’s re-election momentum appears to have gathered further steam as loyalists and stakeholders continue to drum support for his second term bid.

Plans for 2nd Edition of Ikogosi Marathon Race Unveiled.

Plans for 2nd Edition of Ikogosi Marathon Race Unveiled.

…As Gov Oyebanji Restates Commitment to Sports, Tourism Development.

Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative has announced plans for the second edition of Ikogosi 17.5km Marathon race scheduled for November 8, 2025, describing it as a major event designed to promote fitness, attract investments, and showcase the state’s natural endowment.

Speaking during a Press Conference in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by his Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, restated his administration's commitment to sports and tourism development as a key driver of economic growth and youth engagement in the state. 

He added that the Ikogosi race goes beyond competition, as it provides a platform to promote healthy living while placing the state on the global sporting map.

According to the organizers, the 27.5km marathon will feature over 5,000 athletes and participants through scenic routes of Ilawe, with the finishing point at the iconic ikogosi Warm Springs resort, ikogosi- Ekiti. 

While assuring that his government would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to make Ekiti a sports and tourism hub and describing the event as more than just a competition, but a celebration of resilience, unity and excellence that reflects Ekiti spirit, the Governor urged residents to welcome visitors warmly and showcase the state’s culture, values and peaceful atmosphere.

In his remarks, the initiator of the Ikogosi Marathon, Mr. Femi Abegunde, who commended Governor Oyebanji for his steadfast commitment to sports development in the State, noted that the Governor’s consistent support for sports and youth development, particularly the marathon reflects a broader vision to use athletics not just as recreation, but as a strategic platform for youth empowerment, economic growth, and state branding. 

He stressed that the Governor's leadership is gradually transforming the state into a vibrant destination for sports tourism in Nigeria.

He also commended state government’s partnership with the organizers, noting that the collaboration will give greater visibility and credibility to the second edition of the race. He added that Ikogosi Marathon was conceived to combine the thrill of athletics with the beauty of Ekiti tourism attraction, particularly the world-famous warm springs, thereby positioning the state as a leading destination for sports in Nigeria.

Abegunde further explained that registration for the 2025 edition of Ikogosi 27.5km marathon is free for all Ekiti indigenes until November st,  and can be completed via the official website, www.ikogosimarathon.com.

He outlined the prize structure for the race, with elite winners set to receive ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, and ₦1 million for first, second, and third places respectively while Indigenous athletes will be awarded prizes ranging from ₦1.5 million to ₦50,000 for the top six positions. 

Also speaking, the Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, who described the marathon as a strategic event that aligns with the government’s vision of using tourism and sports as tools for economic growth, noted that hosting such an event would not only attract visitors to the state but also stimulate business activities for hoteliers, transporters, artisans, and other service providers in the tourism value chain.

Ekiti Advancement Frontiers Declares Support for Oyebanji Ahead of 2026 Governorship Poll.

Ekiti Advancement Frontiers Declares Support for Oyebanji Ahead of 2026 Governorship Poll.

The Ekiti Advancement Frontiers (EAF) has resumed political activities ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state, declaring unflinching support for the incumbent governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the Convener of the group, Mr. Deji Oso, said the decision was hinged on the governor’s six-pillar agenda, describing it as a globally acceptable framework for public policy analysis and a solid benchmark for evaluating performance in office.

Oso maintained that while there might be “minor glitches and perceived skirmishes” in governance, efforts were already in place to address them.

“Perfection in leadership is divine, not mortal. What matters is that Governor Oyebanji has shown vision, inclusiveness, and commitment to developmental strides across sectors. Ekiti must not lose this momentum,” he said.

The organisation urged residents to be wary of what it termed “anti-BAO coagulated fallacies, orchestrated chicanery and debauchery of agent-provocateurs,” stressing that such campaigns were designed to mislead the public.

“Ekiti people must rise in defense of the sustainable development, peace, and progress we have enjoyed under Oyebanji. Facts and scorecards will be presented in the coming days to reinforce our position. Res Ipsa Loquitur—the facts will speak for themselves,” Oso added.

BAD MARKET FOR OPPOSITION IN EKITI OVER OYEBANJI'S EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP WITH WORKERS.

BAD MARKET FOR OPPOSITION IN EKITI OVER OYEBANJI'S EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP WITH WORKERS.

BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

One of the areas opposition elements make attempts to unseat an incumbent administration is workers' welfare. It is usually the prayers of the opposition for a governor to be in the bad books of the workers especially owing them arrears of salaries and implementation of anti-worker policies.

The opposition in Ekiti State whether within the ruling party or across other political parties have met a brick wall in using poor welfare of workers as a campaign tool in the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State because Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has provided excellent welfare package for workers.

As far as the welfare of workers in Ekiti is concerned coupled with excellent relationship with workers, this area has become a bad market for the opposition elements in the Land of Honour. They had wished a strained relationship between the Governor and the workforce, they had wished BAO and workers are at loggerheads but their wishes have turned to nought.

In fact, in the last three years, there have been no single strike action by any labour union in Ekiti State. Since his inauguration on the 16th of October, 2022, Governor Oyebanji has proved through his words, action, policies and programmes that he is a worker-friendly governor.

Landmark days for workers including May Day, World Teachers' Day, Civil Service Week, Artisans' Week are events for celebration of the promotion of welfare of workers where the Governor usually reel out the incentives of his administration for workers and what they should equally expect in years ahead.

During his inauguration speech before an impressive gathering of the people of the state and other eminent guests from far and near inside the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion on that fateful day, Oyebanji promised to accord priority to the welfare.

This is because of his belief that workers are very important in execution of government policies and translation of the blueprint of his administration into reality. The Governor sees workers as friends, allies and comrades and not necessarily as their boss owing to his trademark humility.

Gradually and one-by-one, BAO has tackled the various challenges he met on ground confronting the workforce and this has endeared the Governor to public servants. Because of his commitment and being a faithful promise keeper, the arrears of entitlements of workers have been cleared.

These include arrears owed core civil servants, teachers (especially primary school teachers), local government workers. These include salaries, leave bonuses and allowances that were attended to by the Governor.

One of the earliest gestures of Mr Governor shortly after assumption of office which endeared him to the teeming workers was payment of deductions to the workers cooperative societies which has given them access to loans.

From October 2022 to date, a total sum of N3.4 billion has been given out as car and housing loans to workers to enable them carry out key personal projects for their personal comfort and that of their family. The Governor acknowledged that he was a beneficiary of loans when his parents were working which assisted in his education.

Some of the notable strides of the BAO Administration in workers' welfare include recruitment of 1,500 primary school teachers, 930 subject teachers in public secondary schools, 48 education officers, payment of new minimum wage of N70,000, payment of wage award before the implementation of the minimum wage, free bus shuttle for workers to and fro their workplaces Mondays through Fridays to ease the burden of high cost of transportation occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.

The Governor also ensured the completion of more phases of the State Secretariat Complex which has provided more office accommodation for workers, infrastructure upgrade in offices and schools across the state, approval of career progression for workers, training, retraining and various capacity building programmes. For the first time in the history of Ekiti State, primary school teachers have been given opportunity to reach Grade Level 16.

Workers in the state-owned instructions on subvention have BAO to thank for facilitating increment in their monthly subvention which has rubbed off positively on their welfare in terms of pay rise and other benefits. There has been no single strike in such instructions since BAO came to power.

Local government workers in the state have never had it so good. BAO has worked to improve their welfare and that is why they have formed themselves into a bulwark of support for the re-election of the Governor. In fact, the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) openly declared its support for BAO's re-election and described him as a model for other governors in the federation in the area of council workers' welfare.

Apart from regular payment of workers' salaries, BAO paid five months salary arrears, monthly deductions, leave bonus arrears, payment of N70,000 minimum wage, construction of ultramodern office complex appointment of local government officers as Permanent Secretaries, purchase of new cars for Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLAs), among others.

Many of the local government workers have enjoyed career lifting with the entrenchment of the local council development areas which started with the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi and retained by the BAO Administration. With more council areas, more offices of Heads of Local Government Administration, Directors of Finance/Treasury, among others, more council workers were posted to LCDAs to occupy these offices.

All these incentives have made BAO to become the toast of workers who also reciprocate with their diligence to duty. Workers at the core civil service, teaching service, local government service, tertiary educational and health institutions are rooting for BAO and are waiting to deliver massive votes for him. 

The state council of NULGE went a step further in their support for BAO by making a donation of the sum of N10 million to his campaign in appreciation of what he has done for local government workers in the state. This is unprecedented in the history of the state.

The state NULGE President, Mr Seyi Olatunde, described the BAO Administration as a "golden era for workers in the state" in which their fortunes have changed for better and they are better recognized as important stakeholders in the Ekiti project.

Governor Oyebanji's excellent relationship with workers has become a big boost towards his second term aspiration. He has succeeded in not allowing the opposition elements to come in between him and the workers and this has left the opposition frustrated because there is nothing to use to campaign against him on workers' welfare.

Workers' welfare in Ekiti State can only get better by the time BAO is re-elected because he has earned the trust of workers in the state for him to continue in office till 2030 for them to enjoy more goodies from their governor.

Ogunmola serves as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (Print Media).