The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that he has connected over 40 towns to the national grid since assumption of office two years ago.
The governor, on Saturday, said this was with the intention of upscaling the local economy and adding modern touch to the grassroots.
Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti on Saturday during the commissioning of De-Head/Faglo Road and electrification project that connects suburban areas like: Irewumi, Orungbe, Olorunsogo, Surelere, Olorunda, and Ijadu, with Basiri, completed by his administration.
Speaking at the event attended by former Governor Ayodele Fayose, he said he decided to construct the road with solar lighting to increase nightlife in the area and bring an upswing to the economic development of the populace, adding that putting electricity along new roads remains his standard practice.
He said: “This road was started by Governor Ayodele Fayose, but I completed it.
“That is why it is good for a leader to perform while in office.
“By my assessment, all our past governors have done well.
“They deserve our respect.
“In the last 24 months, I have connected over 40 towns to the national grid.
“Some were reconnected back after decades of power outage, while some never had light at all.
“No town can develop without electricity and to develop the local economy, we are focusing on grassroots electrification to boost our economy at the rural level.”
The governor promised that local government chairmen will be backed fully by his administration to reciprocate the good projects being offered at the state level at the grassroots.
Oyebanji added: “Light and roads are very central to development and we will continue to connect as many towns as possible with electricity and roads.
“Any town without a good road and light will be in darkness and no development can take place.
“I am not going to abandon any sector or stratum.
“All of us must enjoy the dividends of democracy because our votes are of equal value.
“I will continue to serve you as your servant.”
Commissioning the project, former Governor Fayose, who started the project, commended the contractor for completing it in record time.
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Fayose said he was enthralled with the way Oyebanji completed some projects started by his predecessors, which he said further testified that there is unity of purpose among all Ekiti State leaders.
Speaking about the 2026 governorship election, Fayose posited that all the former governors of the state have endorsed Oyebanji for a second term and that they will back him to succeed at the poll.
Damning the consequences of his steadfast support for Oyebanji, Fayose, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, said: “I don’t care what people say about me.
“I am with you and whoever is not pleased should take their party away.
“The people are speaking for the governor.
“They love him, they want him back and I can’t be against my people.
“I can see you are leaving a legacy that will outlive you.
“All of us former governors will adopt Oyebanji for a second term because he has done well.”
In their submissions, the Commissioner for Works, Sola Adebayo, and his counterpart in Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, charged the residents to protect the facilities provided by mounting security surveillance against vandals and thieves.
Applauding Oyebanji on behalf of all the benefiting communities, Adewale Adeniyi said the project will change the face of the economy of the axis, promising that they shall reciprocate the gesture with massive votes in 2026.
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