Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to justify the renewed mandate given to him by the people by improving governance, expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening public service delivery during his second term in office.
Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Oyebanji’s second-term inauguration in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, said the governor’s re-election reflected the confidence of the electorate in his leadership and performance.
The Vice President noted that the overwhelming support enjoyed by the governor comes with greater responsibility, urging him to remain committed to serving the people and addressing their needs.
“Your Excellency, as the ceremonies end and the responsibilities of office reclaim the hours, remember the distinction the people have conferred upon you. They have examined your first term and entrusted you with their next four years,” Shettima said.
He charged the governor to create more opportunities for young people, improve the quality of public service and ensure that the concerns of ordinary citizens remain at the centre of government policies.
According to the Vice President, Oyebanji earned a second term through his ability to listen to the people, take difficult decisions and demonstrate respect for democratic institutions.
Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill to the governor and the people of Ekiti State, describing the renewed mandate as a victory for democratic accountability and effective leadership.
He also defended the economic reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration, saying they were necessary to address longstanding fiscal and structural challenges facing the country.
“President Tinubu confronted fiscal burdens and structural distortions whose neglect would have inflicted greater injury on our country. Nigerians have endured the discomfort of difficult correction,” he said.
The Vice President thanked Ekiti voters for renewing the mandate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the party must remain accountable to the electorate.
He commended Oyebanji’s administration for achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, electrification and the development of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
“We have seen the evidence in roads connecting communities, renewed schools and health facilities, electricity reaching underserved areas and the possibilities opened by the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport,” Shettima stated.
Earlier, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the people of Ekiti State for their support and confidence in his leadership, pledging to sustain development across the state.
The governor also thanked President Tinubu for his support and acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations to the state’s development.
Oyebanji highlighted achievements recorded during his first term, including improvements in workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, security, infrastructure and agriculture.
He said his administration would place greater emphasis on education, skills acquisition, vocational training and reliable power supply to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities.
While noting that significant progress had been made, the governor said more work remained to be done and assured residents of continued investments aimed at improving living standards across the state.
He also called on Ekiti residents to support the APC in future elections, describing unity and collective effort as critical to the state’s continued progress.
