… As Afenifere reaffirms endorsement of President, Oyebanji for re-election
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the construction and rehabilitation of some inter and intra-state federal road to boost the economy and general well-being of residents of the state.
Governor Oyebanji who stated this on Tuesday, when he received leaders of the Ekiti State chapter of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere led by its chairman, Elder Yemi Alade, in his to office, said Ekiti State in the last three and a half years has received more than what the President promised the State.
The Governor said the road projects, when completed, have the potentials to drive economic growth and development of the State and the Southwest region, as some of the road projects are linked to other states like Ondo and Osun.
The Governor spoke just as the Afenifere leaders re-affirmed their endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for re-election, citing the purposeful leadership provided by the President and the Governor for their support.
Oyebanji who hailed the group for their support for President Tinubu, said he remained tankful to the President for fulfilling all his promises to the state, leading to an unprecedented infrastructure development in Ekiti.
“I also want to appreciate the President for his support for Ekiti, and I want to thank you for endorsing his re-election. Mr. President has fulfilled more than he promised us.
“As I speak now, Akure to Ado-Ekiti is now 35 minutes. He did it, and with his support, we completed the airport. With his support, we have rehabilitated the Ado-Iworoko–Ifaki federal road. He has also approved the construction of the road from Osun State border to Aramoko, the value of that contract is N153 billion because it’s going to be concrete pavement.
“Mr President has also directed and approved reconstruction of Aramoko-Ijero-Ido road, as well as Omuo – Ikole –Ifaki road, very soon, I know that work is ongoing in ensuring that we are linked to Osogbo rail line so, when you cumulate all these things, he has done well for us. But, unfortunately, we still have some of our children, maybe because of ignorance or what they will eat, their actions still portray Ekiti as ungrateful people. We need to caution such people. I am not against politics but they shouldn’t play politics with facts.”
Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji described Afenifere as the custodian of Yoruba traditional values and culture, and thanked the Yoruba socio-cultural group for endorsing him and President Tinubu for second term. He promised to continue to deliver the best policies and programmes to further improvement the socio-economic lives of the people.
The Governor said: “On behalf of myself and Mr President, I thank you for the open endorsement, Because Afenifere is the custodian of our values, political values and our culture. So, for you to come out openly to say this is where they are, I do not take it for granted and I’m extremely grateful on behalf of myself and the President. The endorsement was based on facts you know, I’m aware that you went through all the projects and that is what separates Afenifere from other groups, you are meticulous, you are not partial and you say things the way it is.”
The Governor said further that he had been able to deliver on campaign promises to Ekiti people, adding that he would continue to champion the principle of party supremacy, which entails carrying the party along in some key decisions, especially on political appointments.
Earlier, the Chairman of the group, Elder Yemi Alad, affirmed the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji saying the decision was premised on his unprecedented and monumental achievements aimed at repositioning the state for socio-economic development of the people through the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.
Elder Alade highlighted the achievements to include the administration’s plausible economic policy, impactful infrastructural development, vibrant agricultural policy, regular payment of workers’ salaries and pension as well as enhancement of youth and women empowerment.
“Based on the above and convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that greater achievements will be recorded to renew your mandate during your second tenure, Egbe Afenifere resolved to organized the endorsement programme as pace-setting.
“Ekiti State chapter of Egbe Afenifere assures your excellency of our continued unflinching support, unfailing cooperation and unwavering loyalty during and after the forth-coming election. We remain with you to work devotedly for your election victory. We also prayerfully wish His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a resounding election victory in 2027 for second term tenure to move Nigeria forward.”
”we hereby reiterate our wish to dissociate ourselves from the fake, irresponsible group parading themselves as Afenifere Ekiti. It is not only a condemned group of impostors but a reflection of strange bed-fellows of doubtful characters. Ours is a genuine, purposeful and progressive group. We remain very solidly with your Excellency. Elder Alade asserted.
