Shettima Urges Oyebanji to Prioritise Youth Empowerment, Improve Governance in Second Term

Shettima Urges Oyebanji to Prioritise Youth Empowerment, Improve Governance in Second Term

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, to improve governance, expand opportunities for young people and prioritise the needs of underserved communities during his second term in office.

Shettima made the call on Friday, October 16, 2026, while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Oyebanji’s second-term inauguration in Ado-Ekiti.

He said the governor could justify the confidence reposed in him by the electorate by improving public service delivery, empowering young people and ensuring that the concerns of citizens whose voices are often overlooked receive adequate attention.

According to the Vice President, Oyebanji’s re-election reflects the electorate’s assessment of his first-term performance and places a greater responsibility on him to deliver improved results over the next four years.

He commended the governor’s leadership approach, citing his willingness to listen, take difficult decisions, respect public institutions and exercise restraint in the use of public office.

Shettima, however, stressed that the governor must sustain these qualities and place the interests of Ekiti State above political differences.

“Honour that judgement by opening more doors for the young, raising the quality of public service and keeping faith with those whose voices are seldom heard at occasions such as this,” he said.

The Vice President conveyed President Tinubu’s congratulations to Oyebanji and the people of Ekiti State, describing the governor’s renewed mandate as a reflection of democratic accountability and the effort required to earn public trust.

He also defended the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, saying they were necessary to address longstanding fiscal challenges and structural weaknesses in the Nigerian economy.

According to Shettima, the sacrifices made by Nigerians during the reform process should ultimately translate into an economy that rewards hard work, expands opportunities and ensures that public resources respond more effectively to citizens’ needs.

He thanked the people of Ekiti State for renewing the mandate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government and urged the party to remain mindful of its responsibility to the electorate.

Highlighting development projects in the state, Shettima cited road construction, improvements to schools and healthcare facilities, electricity access in underserved communities, and the potential of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

He said the value of such investments should be measured by their impact on livelihoods, businesses, mobility and economic opportunities for families.

The Vice President also acknowledged Ekiti State’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, describing it as a source of accomplished professionals and influential voices in national affairs. He assured the state of the Federal Government’s continued cooperation in advancing its development priorities.

Earlier, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to God and the people of Ekiti State for their support, pledging to work towards meeting their expectations and preserving the unity of the state.

He thanked President Tinubu for his support and partnership with the state government, while commending his predecessors for laying foundations for continued development.

The governor also praised his opponents in the last election for their sportsmanship, stressing the need to maintain unity despite political differences.

Reviewing his administration’s achievements, Oyebanji said his government had prioritised workers’ welfare, infrastructure, electricity, agriculture, healthcare, education and security.

He noted that the state’s health insurance scheme had helped residents access medical services, while agricultural support and improvements to schools had contributed to development efforts.

Oyebanji acknowledged that more work remained to be done and pledged further investments to improve living standards across the state.

He added that education and vocational skills development would receive greater attention in his second term, with particular emphasis on supporting artisans and skilled workers.

“Our skilled workers contribute a lot to our progress; we must make them feel the presence of the government. We will also pursue reliable power for industries and enterprises,” the governor said.

He concluded by appealing to residents to support APC candidates at all levels in the forthcoming general elections.

Shettima Urges Oyebanji to Prioritise Youth Empowerment, Improve Governance in Second Term