Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has lauded his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, noting that he has demonstrated exceptional capacity and was clearly well-prepared for the task of governance.
Ododo made the commendation while in Ekiti to commission two key infrastructure projects—the 21-kilometre Ikere-Ilawe road and a renovated General Hospital—in Ilawe-Ekiti, as part of activities marking Oyebanji’s third year in office.
Addressing a large gathering, the governor, who was the special guest of honour, stated that Oyebanji’s performance across all sectors over the last three years is a testament to his preparedness.
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“With what I have seen and the solid support you are getting from Ekiti people, it is evident that you came solidly prepared for governance,” Ododo said.
He emphasised that there is “verifiable and convincing evidence” across critical sectors that Oyebanji has fulfilled the social contract with the people of the state, driving impactful governance in infrastructure, human capital development, tourism, agriculture, and youth development.
Ododo specifically praised Oyebanji for engaging local contractors to execute road projects, calling it a display of leadership that highlights his “unflagging belief in the development of human resources” within the country.
He recalled that the Ikere-Ilawe road project was started in 2022 under the previous administration but stalled due to difficulties.
Its completion under the current government, he noted, shows that a focused leader’s vision can outlive transitions.
“With your governance and leadership in Ekiti, you have demonstrated that government is about vision and performance,” Ododo remarked.
He added that even political opponents acknowledge Oyebanji’s high-level performance.
He further assured his counterpart that all progressive governors stand behind him, sharing a vision to serve the people.
However, Oyebanji described the road’s completion as “jinx-breaking” and a testament to the continuity of vision across administrations.
He credited the “enigmatic economic reformations” initiated at the federal level by President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s ability to fund capital projects.
Oyebanji made a major disclosure, stating, “I have not borrowed a dime to fund any of the capital projects going on in the state, and this is because of the audacious reforms being carried out by Tinubu that have made more money available to states.”
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The governor announced that a total of 10 roads and six hospitals with modern facilities, strategically located to boost the local economy, transportation, tourism, and grassroots healthcare, will be commissioned as part of the third-anniversary celebrations.
The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, also extended his appreciation to Oyebanji for ensuring the speedy completion of the road after the initial setbacks it experienced.
