‘Oyebanji has fulfilled campaign promises’
Taiwo Olatunbosun, a chieftain of the ruling All progressives Congress, is Commissioner for Information in Ekiti State. In this interview with RASAQ IBRAHIM, he speaks on the performance of the
Taiwo Olatunbosun, a chieftain of the ruling All progressives Congress, is Commissioner for Information in Ekiti State. In this interview with RASAQ IBRAHIM, he speaks on the performance of the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration and factors that will shape the June 20 poll in the Land of Honour
Your principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, recently marked his third anniversary in office. How would you assess the performance of the administration so far?
The over three and a half years spent so far have been years of intensive activity, commitment, sincerity, and purposeful leadership. They have been years devoted to hard work and the pursuit of our vision of shared prosperity, which is anchored on continuity. Governor Biodun Oyebanji was well prepared for the position long before he became governor. He played an integral role in the creation of the state, shared in the vision of its founding fathers, and spent several years in governance as part of progressive administrations. As a result, he has always had a clear understanding of what the state should be and how it should be led. From the onset, we campaigned on continuity and promised the people that governance under His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji would be people-centred and impactful. I can confidently say that the Governor has fulfilled his electoral promises. Even though the administration still has time before completing its four-year tenure, a lot has been achieved, and we are still counting. A critical analysis of the government’s Six-Point Agenda shows that we have delivered significantly across key sectors, especially infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and social services.
There are concerns from some quarters about road construction, particularly traffic disruptions and perceived neglect of certain routes in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. How does the government respond to these concerns?
Our road interventions have been very strategic, particularly in Ado-Ekiti and across the state. I can categorically state that all major roads in Ado-Ekiti are either in good condition or currently under construction. For instance, the Iworoko–Ado–Ifaki road has been completed. Work is ongoing from Old Garage to Ajilosun ; the Ikere–Akure road, which is a federal road, is also under construction. Several alternative access roads—such as Omisanjana–Deeper Life, Irona–Oke Bola, Dalimore axis, Oke-Ila, Mary Immaculate through Ijigbo, Odo-Ado axis, NTA Road to Ilawe Road—are all motorable.
The reason I am mentioning these routes is to correct the misconception that some roads are not accessible simply because individuals do not personally use them. These roads were deliberately constructed or rehabilitated to provide alternative access, ease traffic congestion, and ensure smooth movement within and outside Ado-Ekiti.
Beyond the capital city, roads linking Ekiti to other states—such as Ado-Ilawe-Igbara-Odo-Akure, Ikere-Emure-Eporo-Ondo border, Ilawe-Ikere, Ido-Ilawe, Isinbode-Ara-Ikole via Ikoyi to Ado ring road—have either been completed, rehabilitated, or are under construction.
In total, the administration has strategically constructed or rehabilitated over 50 roads across the state, excluding ongoing rural roads. These interventions have significantly boosted economic activities, improved security, and enhanced the quality of life for residents.
It is important to emphasize the need for motorists, pedestrians, and all road users to exercise patience around construction sites and comply with traffic diversions, particularly at the ongoing flyover project in the state capital. The government will continue to make movement as convenient as possible while ensuring that development is not hindered. You will recall that the State Executive Council recently approved the total rehabilitation of all adjoining roads to the flyover as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion. I can therefore state categorically that no route in Ado-Ekiti or any other part of the state is being neglected.
What would you describe as the most consequential achievements of this administration across infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare?
Under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership, Ekiti State has witnessed significant progress across key sectors. From improved fiscal transparency and increased internally generated revenue to major investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment, this administration has prioritized people-centered development. Roads are being rehabilitated, schools and health facilities upgraded, farmers supported, and security strengthened. The result is a more stable, economically active, and forward-looking Ekiti State. The administration’s vision of shared prosperity has deeply touched the lives of Ekiti people across all sectors.
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In agriculture, one of the first steps taken was to reform farming practices by reintroducing agricultural extension services across all local governments. Farmers were provided with improved seedlings, farm inputs, equipment, fertilizers, and cleared farmlands. Cooperative structures were established to enable financial support, and partnerships with NiMET now help farmers determine optimal planting periods.
The Youth-in-Agriculture Programme has been remarkably successful. Over 5,000 hectares of land have been cleared, with farm settlements equipped with security, accommodation, and access roads. More than 5,000 youths are actively participating, making the programme one of the most impactful agricultural initiatives in Nigeria today.
In education, there is virtually no school in Ekiti State that has not benefited from government intervention. Across 203 secondary schools and over 900 primary schools, classrooms have been renovated, modern learning tools introduced, ICT facilities provided, and teachers trained and recruited. Chalkboards are being replaced with digital learning tools, and students are benefiting from bursaries and scholarships as well as payment or WAEC fees.Subventions to tertiary institutions have been increased, and notably, these institutions have operated without strikes for over three years, a rare achievement.
In healthcare, all general hospitals across the state have been rehabilitated and re-equipped. Primary healthcare facilities across the 177 wards have also been upgraded. At the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), major renovations have been completed, modern equipment supplied, and an 80-bed ultra-modern facility is currently under construction.
Beyond project execution, how can the impact of these interventions on the lives of the people be measured?
Overall, Governor Oyebanji’s leadership has translated into real improvements in transportation, healthcare, education, agriculture, economic opportunity, and security, making life better and more prosperous for people in Ekiti State.
The impact is evident across multiple dimensions. In agriculture, Ekiti now enjoys improved food security and increased economic participation. Government serves as a buyer of last resort, ensuring standardisation and fair pricing for farm produce, which has boosted incomes and the state’s GDP. In education, free and quality education has reduced the financial burden on parents. Students now learn in conducive environments with access to modern facilities, while parents no longer struggle excessively to fund education.
In healthcare, free maternal healthcare has significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality. Pregnant women and children up to five years old have access to free healthcare services, increasing overall health outcomes. Electrification projects across rural communities have transformed local economies. Communities previously in darkness are now connected to the national grid through new high-capacity transmission lines. Small businesses now thrive without reliance on generators, and Ekiti now enjoys regular and ymore stable power or electricity supply in many areas
As the governorship poll approaches, how confident is the APC of retaining Ekiti State?
We’ re very confident. The calls for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election by all and sundry are reflective of the electorate’s trust in his administration. I can say without sentiment that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is a special breed of leader. His humility, transparency, fiscal discipline, and people-oriented governance distinguish him. He has ensured judicious use of resources while delivering tangible value to Ekiti people.
The upcoming election is not just about party politics; it is about performance. Support for the governor cuts across party lines. Former governors, deputy governors, senators, traditional leaders, professionals, students, farmers, and religious leaders are all supporting him.
The campaign is organic, door-to-door, unit-to-unit, and people-driven. Ekiti people are determined to renew his mandate freely and massively.
Opposition parties allege suppression of dissent and intimidation. How do you respond?
Those allegations are unfounded. Ekiti enjoys one of the most open and accessible governments in Nigeria. This administration tolerates criticism and encourages dialogue. There is no intimidation of dissenting voices. What we have in Ekiti is a government of unity. People from different political backgrounds work together without being forced to defect. The peace we enjoy political, religious and cultural is a direct result of inclusive leadership. If Ekiti appears like a one-party state, it is not due to coercion but performance, peace, and leadership quality.
There are reports of internal wranglings within the APC following the outcome of the governorship primaries, How true is this?
There is no internal crisis in the APC. The party adopted consensus, and even aspirants who initially showed interest eventually endorsed the Governor. We have one party structure, one leadership and unity from state to ward level. Any individual with legal action does not translate to party division. The Governor has repeatedly called for unity and reconciliation, and the party remains solid.
What is your view on the early permutations for the 2027 National and State Assembly elections in Ekiti State?
Political ambition is normal and natural. However, the party has not commenced any formal process regarding 2027 elections. When the time comes, due process will be followed, and everyone will have a fair opportunity.Ekiti APC will not experience a crisis. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it.
