Ekiti Diaspora Rallies Behind Oyebanji's Re-election
Dr. Adeola Adeleye-Fasubaa, Director-General of Ekiti State Diaspora Relations, is mobilizing citizens at home and abroad to back Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for a second term. With Ekiti now ranking No. 1 in fiscal transparency nationwide and major gains in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, the message is clear: the progress cannot stop now.
Why the Diaspora DG Says BAO Deserves Another Term
When the person heading your diaspora desk says continuity is non-negotiable, you listen. Dr. Adeleye-Fasubaa made the call during a stakeholders' engagement with the Ekiti diaspora community, and she did not mince words. Governor Oyebanji's people-centered policies and inclusive governance model have earned widespread acceptance, and the results on the ground speak for themselves.
According to her, BAO's administration has shown exceptional commitment to improving the welfare of Ekiti people through strategic investments in healthcare, education, agriculture, workers' welfare, infrastructure, and social development. This is not just political talk. This is verified, measurable progress.
Healthcare Wins That Speak for Themselves
The healthcare sector has witnessed serious improvements under Oyebanji. Primary healthcare centres have been renovated and upgraded. Access to quality healthcare services has expanded. Health professionals have been recruited. And policies implemented by the administration have led to remarkable reductions in maternal and infant mortality rates across the state.
Governor Oyebanji has prioritised the health and wellbeing of Ekiti people. His administration has strengthened healthcare delivery by improving facilities, providing essential medical equipment, and ensuring that residents, especially those in rural communities, have access to quality healthcare services.
Education, Agriculture, and the Real Economy
In education, the administration has invested in school infrastructure, teacher development programmes, and learning materials to restore Ekiti's reputation as an educational powerhouse. Public schools are getting modernized facilities and a conducive learning environment across the state.
Agriculture is another major winner. The government has empowered farmers through free land-clearing programmes, subsidized mechanized land preparation via cluster-farming policy, improved seedlings, agricultural inputs, extension services, and strategic partnerships. The goal is food security, rural development, and economic empowerment for young people. And it is delivering.
Workers' Welfare and That Number One Ranking
Here is where BAO's administration really stands out. Salaries are paid regularly and promptly. Pension arrears that haunted retirees for years are being cleared. New pension obligations are met consistently. Senior citizens who devoted their productive years to serving Ekiti are finally getting their due.
The governor understands the sacrifices made by our retirees and has demonstrated genuine concern for their wellbeing through timely payment of pensions and efforts to reduce pension arrears.
And the proof is in the rankings. Ekiti State now sits at No. 1 among Nigerian states in the Subnational Audit Efficacy Index for fiscal transparency. Financial discipline and accountability are not just buzzwords here. They are the standard.
Infrastructure and the Diaspora Game-Changer
The development footprint extends across the state. The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is underway. Intra-state and rural road projects are ongoing. Power and electrification projects are transforming communities. Youth empowerment programmes and SME support are creating opportunities. And the administration is actively attracting investments.
But perhaps the most innovative move is the establishment of the Diaspora Relations office itself. BAO opened up the governance space, giving Ekiti indigenes abroad unfettered access to information and participation in policy development. He identified and united Ekiti Community Associations across the globe into a unified force in the true Ekiti Parapo spirit.
The monthly Diaspora Town-Hall Engagements have brought commissioners, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, and even the governor himself face-to-face with Ekiti diasporans worldwide. This is the first programme of its kind in Nigeria, and it is breaking the barriers of distance and traditional apathy that alienated diasporans for years.
Of particular significance have been the direct and prompt resolution of several major complaints and frustrations brought up by diasporans, many of which had languished for several years through many administrations. This development has now encouraged substantial diasporan investments in Ekiti State in various sectors of education, health services, housing, agriculture and foreign direct investments.
What Is at Stake in This Election?
Dr. Fasubaa made it clear: eligible voters cannot afford to take this election lightly. Participation will determine the future direction of the state. Ekiti people at home and abroad must unite behind Governor Oyebanji to consolidate the gains already achieved.
Our people in the diaspora have a critical role to play. Though they may not be physically present to vote, they can influence positive participation by encouraging their families and loved ones back home to support Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The progress being witnessed across Ekiti today should not be interrupted.
Political observers believe Oyebanji's achievements across healthcare, education, agriculture, workers' welfare, pension administration, infrastructure, and economic growth position him strongly ahead of the governorship election. As campaign season builds, stakeholders continue to assess the administration's performance, with many citing continuity and sustained development as the factors that will shape voters' decisions at the polls.
Has Governor Oyebanji Delivered on His Promises?
By the metrics available, yes. Ekiti ranks No. 1 in fiscal transparency among Nigerian states. Healthcare infrastructure has been upgraded with reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. Salaries and pensions are paid promptly. Agricultural support programmes are empowering farmers and youth. Infrastructure projects including the cargo airport are advancing. And the diaspora engagement model is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
What Role Does the Diaspora Play in This Election?
Ekiti indigenes abroad cannot vote directly, but Dr. Adeleye-Fasubaa is urging them to actively encourage their families, friends, and associates back home to support Oyebanji's re-election. The administration's creation of the Diaspora Relations office and monthly Town-Hall Engagements has already spurred substantial diaspora investment in the state.
Why Is Continuity Important for Ekiti State?
According to the Diaspora DG, continuity in governance is essential to sustaining the development strides recorded under the current administration. Ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture need consistent policy support to reach completion and deliver their full impact on citizens' lives.
