Ekiti Governor Tours State Projects…

Ekiti Governor Tours State Projects, Pledges to Prioritise Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Rural Development

Jerry Adesewo

In a bid to assess ongoing developmental projects and reinforce his administration’s commitment to quality governance, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has embarked on a statewide inspection tour of key infrastructural projects. The Governor’s visit covered ongoing road construction projects and the renovation of nine general hospitals, reflecting his administration’s resolve to enhance healthcare delivery, rural connectivity, and economic development.

A Renewed Focus on Healthcare

At the heart of Governor Oyebanji’s inspection tour was a strong emphasis on healthcare revitalisation. During his visit to various healthcare facilities undergoing renovation, he announced the recruitment of additional medical doctors and health workers to fill critical shortages in the state’s hospitals and primary health centres.

“We have identified a shortage of medical personnel as one of the key challenges facing our healthcare system,” the Governor stated. “This government is committed to ensuring that every Ekiti resident has access to quality and affordable healthcare. We are not just renovating hospitals; we are ensuring they are fully functional with adequate staff and world-class equipment.”

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To tackle the issue head-on, Governor Oyebanji disclosed that his administration has secured partnership with the National Assembly members from Ekiti State to fund the salaries and allowances of the newly recruited doctors and healthcare workers for their first year of service.

“This initiative is a testament to our collective commitment to the well-being of our people,” he said. “With this arrangement, we will ensure that all general hospitals are adequately staffed before the end of the year.”

Governor Oyebanji also urged residents to take full advantage of the healthcare facilities in their communities, noting that his administration is renovating one primary health centre in each of the state’s 177 wards to expand healthcare access at the grassroots level.

“Health is wealth, and no government can truly serve its people without prioritising their well-being,” he reiterated. “We are ensuring that our primary health centres are upgraded and accessible so that residents in rural areas do not have to travel long distances for basic medical care.”

Building on a Solid Foundation

Governor Oyebanji acknowledged the foundation laid by his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who renovated 11 general hospitals before leaving office in 2022. “We are building on the good work already done, ensuring that our hospitals are not just renovated but fully equipped to meet global healthcare standards,” he added.

Accompanying the Governor, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, praised the administration’s proactive approach to healthcare reform.

“This government is not just making promises; it is delivering real, tangible improvements in healthcare services,” Dr. Filani noted. “We are ensuring that all residents, regardless of location, receive quality medical care.”

Transforming Ekiti’s Road Infrastructure

Beyond healthcare, Governor Oyebanji also **inspected several road projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The initiative aims to construct and rehabilitate over 1,000 kilometers of rural access roads across the state to enhance agricultural productivity and rural connectivity.

“We are committed to making life easier for our people, particularly our farmers,” the Governor said. “Good roads mean better access to markets, increased agricultural output, and economic prosperity for our people.”

He emphasised that his administration is prioritising rural road construction to boost economic activities and reduce transportation costs for farmers and traders.

Commitment to Economic Growth and Human Capital Development 

During the tour, Governor Oyebanji assured residents that his administration’s investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and human capital development would yield long-term benefits.  He stressed that beyond roads and hospitals, Ekiti is actively attracting investors, creating job opportunities, and empowering youth and women through various **entrepreneurship and skill development programmes.

“Our goal is not just to build infrastructure but to build a prosperous future for every Ekiti resident,” he said. “We are committed to a holistic development agenda that covers education, healthcare, roads, job creation, and social welfare.

A Leadership Focused on Impact

Governor Oyebanji’s hands-on approach to governance has been widely praised by residents and stakeholders. His commitment to grassroots engagement and people-centered policies has earned him a reputation as a leader who listens and delivers, pretty much like his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, making Ekiti state one of the very few states in Nigeria that have enjoyed relative political stability and seamless continuation of governance.

Speaking on his leadership philosophy, he remarked: “Governance is about service. It is about listening to the people, understanding their needs, and working tirelessly to meet those needs. I am here to serve, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that the people of Ekiti enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

Governor Oyebanji urged citizens to remain patient and supportive as his administration continues to implement policies and projects that will uplift the state. “Our vision for Ekiti is clear,” he said. “We want a state where people have access to good healthcare, where businesses thrive, and where communities are connected by good roads. With your support, we will achieve this.”

A New Era for Ekiti

Governor Oyebanji’s statewide inspection tour symbolises a new era of leadership in Ekiti State—one focused on grassroots development, healthcare delivery, and economic growth.

As the state progresses with hospital renovations, road construction, and strategic investments in human capital, residents remain hopeful that this administration’s impact will be felt for generations to come.

With a leader who is hands-on, people-driven, and result-oriented, Ekiti is undoubtedly on the path to sustainable development.