In his quests to rev up the pedal of development at the grassroots, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has advised the Local Government chairmen in the state to eschew financial profligacy and mismanagement that could cause gross abuse of financial autonomy granted the councils in the state.
Oyebanji averred that the cardinal focus of the financial freedom, was to ignite execution of landmark and beneficial projects at the third tier, warning that such dream may be thwarted, if monies accruing to the local governments are being pillaged, or spent on frivolities.
The governor gave the charge in Igogo Ekiti, on Monday, while commissioning some projects executed by the Chairman of Ero Local Council Development Area, Hon. Felicia Ibiloye.
At the occasion, the governor commissioned the new Ero LCDA Secretariat Complex, built by Ibiloye’s administration, and launched Ero LCDA chapter of Adire Ekiti fabric and BAO Aged Foundation, where scores of indigent elderly benefited clothing materials and rice palliative.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, appealed to Ekiti citizens to back his second term bid, so that the lofty programmes being initiated by his government can gain momentum across all the towns.
As the scramble for the State’s governorship poll approaches, Oyebanji, appealed to the residents above 18 years to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, to be able to participate in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Dazzled by the performance rating of Ero LCDA chairperson, the governor, saluted the council boss for maintaining peace and safety with neighbouring state of Kwara, by fostering collaboration among stakeholders to ward off cross border criminals.
The governor revealed that his administration has demonstrated passion and admiration for local government autonomy, so that projects that can alleviate poverty, improve standards of living and make lives more abundant for the masses are executed at the rural level.
Since assumption of office, we haven’t hidden our admiration for the local government autonomy, particularly its financial freedom. That is why you must support the governor’s second term and participate in the INEC voter registration, especially those who were not up to 18 years in 2022, so that these good projects can continue.
Today in our state, our councils are embarking on life- changing projects in road infrastructures, healthcare delivery, school renovation and construction, market stall construction and reconstruction, commercial farming to boost food security, among others.
It is not gainsaid that all these were achieved because of the governor’s preference for financial autonomy for our councils. Under this context, our council bosses should redouble efforts, work hard and reciprocate the governor’s gestures, by being prudent and place high premium on delivery of democracy dividends to our people.
It is our hope that this opportunity wouldn’t be abused in the overall interest of our people”.
For working assiduously to foster peace in spite of proximity to a Kwara State, Oyebanji showered encomiums on the council boss, traditional rulers and the residents, for the progressive mileage achieved in terms of implementation of impactful projects that can transform the lives of the populace.
The government is indeed very appreciative of the collaborations among all stakeholders in ensuring security of lives across borders in the council despite sharing boundaries with Osun and Kwara States”.
Oyebanji assured the good people of the council that his administration will continue to serve them diligently to combat poverty and make lives more abundant for all citizens.
The Chairperson of Ero LCDA, Hon. Felicia Ibiloye, anchored her achievement in by the saddle of governance on the financial freedom being savoured under Oyebanji’s government, saying rural development is strategic to development of any nation.
Mrs Ibiloye said her administration has embarked on channelisation projects to curb erosion and flooding, installation of 800kva/800W solar system, construction of culverts and Okada garage and many other initiatives that are opening economic opportunities, through the financial freedom given to the council.
She assured that all the projects being championed by her council will be completed before the expiration of her tenure, saying she has zero tolerance for abandoned projects in line with Governor Oyebanji’s vision.
Mrs Ibiloye described the Secretariat Complex built for the staff of the council as a masterpiece that will provide conducive working environment for the local government workers.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
