Religion
Oyebanji Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support for Land Acquisition to Industrialise Ekiti
By Joseph Sunday
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has called for the unconditional support of traditional rulers in securing adequate land for the massive industrialization of the state in his second term.
The governor made the appeal on Sunday at a thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, to mark the commencement of his second term in office.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Oyebanji thanked Ekiti people for their support and assured them that his administration would deliver more dividends of democracy, with a major focus on industrialization and shared prosperity.
He noted that industrialization can only thrive when there is cooperation on land acquisition, adding that development requires sacrifices.
“Let me assure you that my second term will be better than the first term, with emphasis on industrialisation and prosperity for our people. In our first term, we put infrastructure in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialisation, employment will be here and everyone will prosper,” the governor said.
“But government alone can’t do it, so we are partnering with our traditional rulers on the issue of land. Investors won’t come when people are not ready to release lands, and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be problems. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here.
“I know I am confronted with the burden of 87.7 percent of total votes cast that you gave me in the last election. I know that the only way I can go is to serve Ekiti in a way that glorifies God. I promise before God and man today that I will serve you with humility, listen to you and connect with you.
“It is my desire that after my exit, I should be able to walk tall like my predecessors are doing.”
In his homily, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, urged the governor to see his position as one held in trust for the people. He commended him for ending his first term on a glorious note.
The cleric appealed to citizens to support governance in the second term by fulfilling their civic obligations, including payment of taxes and levies, and strict compliance with laws guiding governance.
“Do you know what God wants from you in this second term? It is for you to serve Him and humanity. You are not the owner of Ekiti State, but a steward. You must give reverence to the man who will judge you. Nobody can deceive God, so you must fear the One that enthroned you. This position is for you to serve God and humanity,” the bishop said.
“The second one is about power. You know that power is transient. So, making people happy should be your utmost interest. You shouldn’t change your principle. I know you are not materialistic. Politics without principle amounts to nothing. Render selfless service and help the people to grow better.
“People are talking good things about you. Please, continue in this goodness. You should also maintain your integrity. You are a man of integrity. Two things must go together: integrity of heart and skilfulness of hands. You don’t deceive people, that is why Ekiti people trust you.”
At the service, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, and her team of choristers rendered a special number.
The event was attended by former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni, and former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
Members of the National Assembly present included Senators Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi, and Honourables Femi Bamisile, Sola Fatoba and Biodun Omoleye.
Other dignitaries included former commissioners, former special advisers, traditional rulers, faith leaders, leaders of organised labour, traders and civil servants, among others.