Key Facts
- Governor
- Biodun Oyebanji
- Event
- Commissioning of Ayodele Fayose Lodge
- Location
- Government House Complex, Ado Ekiti
- Honourees
- Afe Babalola, Wole Olanipekun, late General Sani Abacha
- Next Former Governor to be Honoured
- Segun Oni
- Votes in Last Governorship Election
- 319,224
Background
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has unveiled plans to honour more eminent Ekiti leaders with legacy projects, including Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. The honour will also be extended posthumously to late former military Head of State General Sani Abacha, who created Ekiti State on October 1, 1996.
The announcement came during the official commissioning of the Ayodele Fayose Lodge, an edifice built within the Government House Complex in Ado Ekiti and named after former Governor Ayodele Fayose. Oyebanji noted that the construction of the lodge was a token of appreciation for Fayose's sacrifices for the people of the state.
Current Situation
Governor Oyebanji said the same honour had been extended to other prominent Ekiti citizens by naming key projects after them. He pointed out that while Fayose named projects after the late former Deputy Governor Funmi Olayinka, former Primate Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye, former Minister Chief Oduola Osuntokun, and Nigeria's first female university graduate Lady Deborah Jibowu, he did not name any project after himself while in office.
Oyebanji expressed fulfilment that Fayose was being honoured in his lifetime rather than after death. He further disclosed that Chief Segun Oni is the next former governor to be immortalised with the naming of another edifice within the Ekiti Government House, after which the honour would be extended to other distinguished patriots of the state.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for appointing Fayose as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), noting that the appointment increased the number of prominent Ekiti citizens in prestigious federal positions. He said no President has treated Ekiti State the way Tinubu has since the state's creation 29 years ago, citing increased Federation Account allocations, critical projects, and federal appointments for Ekiti indigenes.
| Honouree | Project Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ayodele Fayose | Lodge | Commissioned |
| Kayode Fayemi | Lodge | Unveiled on Friday |
| Segun Oni | Lodge | Next to be named |
| Aare Afe Babalola | Legacy Project | Planned |
| Chief Wole Olanipekun | Legacy Project | Planned |
| Late General Sani Abacha | Legacy Project | Planned |
Impacts
The legacy projects are expected to honour individuals who have contributed significantly to Ekiti State's development. The naming of the Ayodele Fayose Lodge recognises Fayose's service and statesmanship, while future projects will honour Segun Oni, Afe Babalola, Wole Olanipekun, and the late General Sani Abacha.
Fayose, who was accompanied by PDP leaders including Chief Bisi Kolawole, praised Oyebanji for uniting different political camps and showing respect to all predecessors irrespective of party. He said Oyebanji has been writing a positive chapter in the state's history through his friendly and accommodating disposition, which has made the state peaceful.
Fayose advised Oyebanji to expand his 'stomach infrastructure' programme for ordinary citizens and improve welfare packages for former governors. He also promised to use his new position as REA Chairman to electrify many rural communities in Ekiti State and Nigeria, and pledged unflinching support for Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
Governor Oyebanji said before the end of his second tenure, his administration will find a befitting legacy project named after General Sani Abacha, stating that 'this state would not have existed without him creating it.' The next lodge will be named after Governor Segun Oni, followed by legacy projects for Afe Babalola and Wole Olanipekun.
Oyebanji urged Ekiti people to deliver more than double the 319,224 votes he garnered during the last governorship election for Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election, in appreciation of the love and magnanimity Ekiti has enjoyed under his Presidency. If the support continues, Tinubu could receive a significant electoral boost from Ekiti State.
Fayose's role as REA Chairman may lead to improved rural electrification in Ekiti and beyond, if he fulfils his promise to ensure many rural communities are electrified. The ongoing unity among political leaders could sustain peace in the state, but it remains unclear how these initiatives will evolve over time.
Source: thenewsnigeria.com.ng
खबर को बेहतर समझें
आंकड़े, तुलना और घटनाक्रम—एक ही जगह, बिना अनुमान के
Timeline of Ekiti Legacy Project Announcements
- 01
Ekiti State Created
Late General Sani Abacha created Ekiti State.
- 02
Fayose Lodge Commissioned
Governor Oyebanji inaugurated the Ayodele Fayose Lodge and announced future legacy projects.
स्रोत:Source: thenewsnigeria.com.ng स्रोत-समर्थित
