Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has initiated preparations for the 2026 budget by holding town hall meetings across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The move is part of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, with a primary focus on improving infrastructure and strengthening security.
Addressing stakeholders in the Ekiti South Senatorial District, Oyebanji urged residents to maintain peace to ensure continued development.
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He credited the success of his administration to the strong cooperation he has received from all National Assembly and State House of Assembly members from Ekiti, who he said share his vision for the state’s progress.
During the meeting, representatives from the six local government areas in the district presented a list of community requests for consideration in the upcoming budget.
These requests included the rehabilitation of roads, provision of electricity and water, construction of health centres and palaces, and enhanced security.
Community spokesmen praised the governor for fulfilling promises made during similar meetings in 2022, 2023, and 2024, expressing confidence in his leadership.
Responding to the security requests, Oyebanji highlighted his administration’s efforts, including the provision of land for commercial agriculture, which has helped clear hideouts for criminals.
He also revealed that the establishment of an Army Barracks in Ikere Ekiti will significantly enhance security in the region, with over 800 soldiers expected to be posted there upon completion.
The governor used the forum to appeal for peace ahead of the 2026 governorship election, assuring residents that the election would be peaceful and that the people would decide their next leader with their votes.
“It is God that puts somebody in position and in Ekiti, we are all one and I don’t want politics to divide us,” he stated. He added that his administration has been working tirelessly to ensure every community in the state feels its impact.
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The Chief of Staff to the governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo, confirmed that the town hall meetings are a testament to the government’s transparent and accountable approach to governance.
He noted that the state has retained its first-place ranking in budget transparency for the sixth consecutive quarter, a recognition of the administration’s fiscal discipline.
