Two main occasions that occurred at two totally different places in Ekiti State earlier within the month once more laid credence to the primacy of capability, character, and compassion within the management fashion of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. First was the occasion at Oke Ado Ekiti, within the north senatorial district, which featured the distribution of checks totalling N160 million as compensation to landowners whose land was acquired for the business farming scheme for younger farmers and the flag-off of some newly bought tractors and different tools. The second occasion, which got here barely 48 hours later, was the distribution of checks totalling N140 million to some younger farmers as fee for the farm produce off-taken from them throughout the six farm clusters.
The gist right here is that the chains of actions—the land acquisition, the compensation and the utilisation of the acquired land, the primary harvest, and the off-taking of the harvested crops, in addition to the acquisition of tractors and different tools required for the tractorization coverage of the federal government—have been accomplished inside the house of six months of the introduction of the scheme, code-named “Deliver Again the Youth Into Agriculture,” a program run in partnership with a personal investor.
4 weeks earlier, in a transfer aimed toward attaining power independence and guaranteeing that his administration’s large investments in energy infrastructure obtain the specified outcome, Governor Oyebanji had granted operational licenses to 14 traders, which included three distribution firms, 4 power-generating firms, two mini-grid era firms, and 5 meter asset suppliers.
The pace-setting and strategic transfer is to reinforce energy era, guarantee environment friendly distribution, and supply dependable metering for residents. The objective is to maneuver the state from the 20-25 MW it will get from the nationwide grid (which falls in need of the estimated requirement of 120 MW) and transfer as much as 130 MW by a sturdy state grid, decreasing dependency on the nationwide provide and selling sustainable, domestically managed power options. Once more, the initiative, which aligns with the 2023 Electrical energy Act, was achieved inside the house of a yr that additionally witnessed an enormous energy improve and reconnection of many communities that hitherto have been with out energy provide to the nationwide grid.
Remarkably, Oyebanji is kind of intentional about placing smiles on the faces of the individuals. Moved by the plight of Ekiti pensioners within the face of gathered gratuities inherited from earlier administrations, the governor had, within the final two months, paid a complete of 4.5 billion naira to offset a part of the excellent gratuities. That is outdoors the common month-to-month fee of gratuities. Apart from supporting and equipping employees within the state to make sure a extra wonderful service supply, the Governor put further smiles on the faces of Ekiti lecturers earlier within the yr when he directed that main college lecturers with diploma {qualifications} ought to take pleasure in profession development to stage 16 like others. That is along with extending automobile and housing loans to them, thereby bringing them out of an age-long coverage that had disadvantaged them.
The group of individuals with disabilities has additionally discovered a champion in Governor Oyebanji, who, by his inclusion coverage, has not solely created a authorities division headed by a cabinet-ranked official and saddled with their welfare. This has resulted in larger consideration for the welfare and human capital growth of PWD, with attendant large funding within the improve of the state particular faculties and institution of a trauma centre for kids with disabilities.
These, and several other different cutting-edge initiatives that authenticate the welfarist strategy of his authorities and underscore his compassionate nature as a frontrunner in addition to his sheer dedication to create financial alternatives for the individuals, are what stand Governor Oyebanji out as a real chief of the individuals, who’s glad solely when the individuals are glad and progressing.
And since the individuals know that “BAO,” or “Discuss-and-Do Governor,” as he’s fondly referred to as, is obsessed with their welfare and well-being, they’ve chosen to rejoice him not solely on his birthday however each day and with the identical stage of power and dexterity with which he serves them.
Because the famend American creator and speaker, John C. Maxwell places it, a frontrunner is somebody who is aware of the way in which, goes the way in which, and exhibits the way in which”. Governor Oyebanji has a transparent imaginative and prescient, which he communicates fairly eloquently with corresponding actions. He walks the speak, and he helps the individuals obtain their imaginative and prescient and goal as nicely. This, many individuals imagine, had provoked crucial stakeholders within the state, together with all former governors, to endorse him for a second time period even earlier than he marked his second anniversary in workplace.
Those that reside by their power might readily present a solution to the query bordering on how they surmount obstacles and keep on high of their recreation. However those that reside by the facility of the Almighty God and the attendant grace can’t make such a boast. Reasonably, they work laborious, they work hand in hand with others, and so they let God be God over the whole lot—directing every step during the paths that finally yield boundless rewards. That is the story of the Omoluabi Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as he clocks fifty-seven years outdated as we speak.
Those that have adopted Oyebanji’s trajectory proper from his undergraduate days know that his political philosophy is constructed across the social democratic precept of lifting and supporting the weak and the susceptible in society in addition to the biblical injunction of affection thy neighbour as your self. An apostle of sentimental management, BAO’s real considerations embody how transformational management can substitute transactional politics; find out how to construct sturdy establishments that may assist development and growth; find out how to make authorities put on a human face; find out how to get each citizen to contribute to state and nation constructing, every utilising his expertise, time, platform, and assets; and what mechanism ought to be put in place for real and efficient empowerment of the residents in direction of the attainment of shared prosperity for all.
Governor Oyebanji is disarmingly humble. He proudly wears humility like a garment. He possesses an insatiable urge for food for championing good causes. In latest interviews with state correspondents, he instructed them the key of his calmness. In keeping with him, he has dedicated the state into God’s palms; therefore he’s not below any stress. Those that have are available contact with him, and certainly a overwhelming majority of Ekiti individuals, imagine humility stays his best asset, and gratitude probably the most potent weapon in his arsenal. This yr alone, he has precipitated the workplace of the Secretary to the State Authorities to situation letters of commendation to no fewer than three members of his cupboard, in addition to the chairman of the State Inner Income Service, appreciating them on behalf of the federal government and folks of the state for his or her superlative performances.
As a change agent, BAO believes a frontrunner should reside within the hearts of the individuals by serving them diligently and faithfully, figuring out he’s accountable to the individuals and would give an account of his stewardship to God in the future. He believes belief is a public good with out which no good thing will be achieved collectively. Therefore, he believes belief needs to be earned. As a frontrunner, he embodies creativity, character, competence, and compassion with a ardour for excellence.
Born on December 21, 1967, in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Oyebanji had his early schooling in his dwelling state. He bagged a Bachelor of Science diploma in Political Science from the Ondo State College (now Ekiti State College, Ado-Ekiti) in 1989 and a grasp’s diploma in Political Science (Worldwide Relations and Strategic Research) from the College of Ibadan in 1992.
He began his profession as a lecturer on the Division of Political Science, Ondo State College, Ado-Ekiti, between 1993 and 1997. He later proceeded to work as supervisor of treasury and monetary companies on the defunct Omega Financial institution Plc (now Heritage Financial institution) until Might 1999, when he commenced an illustrious profession in politics and governance.
Since embracing public service in 1999, Oyebanji has served in numerous capacities with totally different administrations. He additionally served as Secretary to the Ekiti State Authorities between October 2018 and December 2021, when he resigned his appointment to hitch the governorship race, which he gained on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on June 22, 2022. He was inaugurated Governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2022.
A religious Christian, Oyebanji sees his profession in politics and governance as a divine calling. This philosophy stays his guiding gentle as he continues to serve God and nation diligently as a loyal celebration man and conscientious public servant.
In recognition of his inspirational life journey, BAO has acquired many awards and recognitions. He was named Governor of the Yr (2023) by Every day Impartial Newspaper and Advertising and marketing Edge Journal. He’s additionally a recipient of the Ekiti Distinctive Achievers (MEEA) Award, granted in recognition of his contributions to the creation of Ekiti State as Secretary, State Creation Committee, and Secretary, Ekiti State Improvement Fund.
Oyebanji is married to Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, an affiliate professor of instructional administration on the College of Ibadan. They’re blessed with three kids.
As he celebrates one other yr of impression, Oyebanji stays an inspiration to each current and aspiring leaders and a logo of boundless grace. At 57, his legacy of integrity, innovation, loyalty, diligence, and generosity of spirit continues to form political narratives and encourage generations to return.
Olayinka Oyebode is Particular Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Ekiti State.