- By Dr. Soji Ehinlanwo (DSE)
Within the political historical past of Ekiti State—a land outlined by its fierce intellectualism and uncompromising demand for integrity—the “second time period” has traditionally been a mountain usually cited however hardly ever climbed with ease. For many years, that political panorama was marred by a cycle of “one-and-done” tenures, characterised by friction and the abandonment of progress. Nevertheless, as we stand on the threshold of 2026, a brand new wind is blowing by the hills of our beloved Fountain of Data. It’s the wind of stability, of quiet brilliance, and of a frontrunner who has redefined the very essence of the Social Contract.
That chief is Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).
As somebody who has an avid curiosity in and has adopted Ekiti’s growth, I don’t make this name evenly. I’m advocating for greater than only a routine re-election; I’m calling for a powerful, landslide victory that serves as a loud “Thank You” and a transparent mandate for uninterrupted transformation. Right here is why Ekiti should keep the course.
The Structure of Peace and Inclusion
Essentially the most profound achievement of the Oyebanji administration is one that can’t be measured solely in baggage of cement or kilometers of asphalt: it’s the unprecedented political stability he has midwifed. Earlier than BAO, Ekiti was usually a theater of political warfare. Right now, for the primary time because the return to democracy in 1999, we see a Governor who leads with a “Huge Tent” philosophy – a cause why i’ve tagged him “The Ekiti Consensus Builder”
His humility shouldn’t be a marketing campaign stunt; it’s his character. By reaching throughout celebration traces, honoring conventional establishments, and sustaining an open door for the frequent man and the elite alike, BAO has healed the fractures of Ekiti state. A frontrunner who brings peace brings growth, for nothing thrives in a theater of warfare.
The Proof of the Eyes: Infrastructure and Economic system
Whereas some specialize within the “politics of noise,” Governor Oyebanji has mastered the politics of influence. His administration has turned Ekiti into an enormous development website, however with a strategic distinction. Over 350 kilometers of roads have been focused, with key hyperlinks just like the Ekiti Ring Street Part 1 accomplished and the Agro-Allied Cargo Airport now a actuality for business operations. BAO’s administration has closely targeted on each rehabilitation and new development to enhance connectivity, with many tasks carried out in collaboration with the World {Bank} below the RAAMP initiative
However BAO understands that you just can not “drive” on an empty abdomen. His “Agricultural Revolution” has seen over 5,000 hectares of land cleared for youth and buyers, backed by 50% subsidies on seeds and tractorization. This isn’t simply farming; it’s the creation of a sustainable {economic} engine that’s already offering jobs for over 5,000 of our youths. His achievements in Agriculture additionally embody the next exceptional interventions – Institution of Farm clusters and hubs, Ikun Dairy Farm revitalisation, meals safety and worth stabilisation, securing farm settlements and Partnerships for progress akin to with Companions like Cavista holdings to domesticate 100,000 hectares of cassava
Human Capital: The Ekiti Gold Mine
Because the “Fountain of Data,” the best export is the brainpower of the Ekiti Individuals. BAO has protected this legacy with surgical precision: with sustenance of initiatives such because the Ekiti information zone/ a vigorous pursuit of digital expertise acquisition for Ekiti Youths
Well being: The Ulerawa Well being Insurance coverage scheme now covers over 200,000 residents, and toddler mortality has been slashed by greater than half—from 96 deaths per 1,000 to roughly 44. That is the hallmark of a pro-life, pro-people authorities. His accomplishment embody the completion of 10 secondary healthcare amenities throughout the state, improve of Ekiti state College educating hospital amenities and numrous different healthcare interventions
Training: With over N14 billion invested in remodeling 203 public secondary faculties and the recruitment of over 1,000 lecturers, he’s making certain that the kid of a tailor in Ijero has the identical digital instruments as a baby in Lagos or Abuja.
Welfare: He has remained the “Employees’ Governor,” persistently paying salaries, pensions, and clearing over N118 billion in inherited arrears and gratuities. He has confirmed that empathy is a legitimate software of governance.
The Mandate for 2026
Some could ask, “If he has carried out so properly, why the necessity for a powerful victory?” The reply is straightforward: Momentum. Ekiti can not afford a “restart.” Ekiti can not afford the luxurious of trial and error or the return of the period of deserted tasks. The awards—be it “Greatest Tourism Governor 2024,” the “Advertising Edge Excellence Award,” or the latest “New Telegraph Infrastructure Governor of the Yr 2025”—should not simply trophies for his shelf; they’re sound and respected validations of a system that’s working.
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is a person of impeccable character, a listener, and a performer. He has proven you could be highly effective with out being a tyrant, and efficient with out making an excessive amount of noise.
In 2026, the folks of Ekiti should not simply vote; they need to ship a message. A message that claims they worth excellence. A message that claims they select progress over propaganda. Allow us to return this “Homegrown Governor” with a mandate so overwhelming that it cements transition of Ekiti State from a state of “potential” to a state of “prosperity.”
Ekiti is rising. BAO is the pilot. Let the flight proceed.
- Dr. Ehinlanwo (DSE) is a Public Affairs Analyst, ICT Advisor, and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress