Commercial motorcyclists (Okada) and tricycle operators in Ekiti State have pledged their unflinching support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election, assuring him of massive votes in appreciation of what they described as his people-oriented policies and excellent working relationship with transport unions.

The riders gave the assurance during an engagement with the Governor in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, where they commended the Governor for what they described as improved dialogue, better welfare consideration and efforts to stabilize the transport sector across the state. This , according to them have contributed to peace and stability in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Okada riders, the Chairman of the association, Mr Kunle Asaolu commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of transport workers, noting that the administration has consistently responded to the needs of their members across the state.

He said the governor has demonstrated sincerity and reliability in governance by fulfilling promises made to members of the transport unions.

The Chairman added that the governor’s exemplary leadership and inclusive governance have brought unity and stability among transport workers, particularly through efforts aimed at reconciling previously divided groups within the sector.

He assured the governor that they would reciprocate the good gestures by mobilizing massive support and votes for his re-election come June 20.

Also speaking on behalf of the Tricycle riders Association, the Chairman, Mr Kunle Asaolu said there was virtually nothing the transport workers had requested that Governor Oyebanji had not addressed.

According to him, the governor has remained faithful to his promises and has continued to prioritize the interests of transport operators in the state.

Mr Akinola Alabi praised the Governor for restoring harmony among transport unions through deliberate reconciliation efforts, stressing that the peace being currently enjoyed within the sector is a testament to the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness. He pledged that members of the association would repay the governor’s support with overwhelming votes whenever the opportunity arises.

In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to the transport workers for the confidence they reposed in him and his administration during the 2022 governorship election despite not knowing him closely at the time, said the trust placed in his government has yielded positive results, adding that the progress recorded in the state was made possible through the support and cooperation of the people.

Emphasizing the importance of the June 20 election, Governor Oyebanji said the date is crucial because it presents an opportunity for Ekiti people to ensure continuity of the developmental strides recorded by his administration.

“It is also an opportunity to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for Ekiti State”, Governor Oyebaniji said. He added that no previous President had extended such goodwill to the state since its creation.

The Governor therefore urged the transport workers to come out en masse and vote for the ruling party as a way of encouraging the President to do even more for the state.

“Three and a half years ago, we came to you and asked you to vote for us, you took a gamble, you did not know us but you voted for us and that gamble has paid off today and I must thank you also for maintaining peace with each other.

“For this peace to continue, June 20 is very important to us for two reasons, first, for all these good works you have mentioned can continue, secondly we have a President that has been so good to us in Ekiti state, Ekiti is 29 years old, there is no President that has been this good to us since creation of Ekiti state. So, a President that has been so good to us deserves to be encouraged and the only way to encourage him is by coming out on June 20 and cast your vote for his party”. The Governor asserted

Also present at the forum were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Director-General of the Campaign, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff to the Governor and secretary of the Campaign Council, Mr Niyi Adebayo, among others

The Special Outreach Team for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has intensified its grassroots campaign with a visit to Iwaro Community in Ado-Ekiti.

The team, led by the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Tosin Aluko, engaged residents on the achievements of the Oyebanji administration and appealed for their support in the forthcoming governorship election.

Speaking on behalf of the community, High Chief Elemukose commended Governor Oyebanji for several development projects executed in the area. He cited the provision of a new transformer, road construction, installation of concrete electricity poles, solar street lights, and other infrastructure projects that have impacted Iwaro and neighbouring communities including Alafialoro, Wonder City, and Akinjobi.

The community leader, however, appealed to the governor to facilitate the immediate energisation of the newly installed transformer. He also requested the establishment of a Primary Health Care Centre, dualisation of roads, and grading of adjoining routes to improve the welfare of residents.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Tosin Aluko highlighted the administration’s achievements across key sectors and reiterated Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to the continued development of Ekiti State.

She urged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards from June 2 and encouraged parents to ensure their children participate in the election process. According to her, the party is targeting about 500,000 votes in the election and called on community members to contribute towards achieving the goal.

The campaign outreach ended with residents expressing overwhelming support for Governor Oyebanji’s second-term bid and pledging to mobilise votes for his re-election.

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the electorate to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Senator Tinubu said Governor Oyebanji deserves to be re-elected by the people of Ekiti State on the strength of what she described as “commendable and sterling performance and evidence of good governance.”

The First Lady who spoke on Saturday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Campaign Rally for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election which was witnessed by a mammoth crowd at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, stressed that Oyebanji has done enough to justify re-election because the fortune of the state has changed for better in over three years in governance.

The First Lady who said she was in Ekiti just to appreciate the people of the state for their support for the Governor and his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, also canvassed support for her husband, President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

She said: “We came here just to appreciate Ekiti Kete for the support given to BAO (Oyebanji) and his wife so far. I want to plead with you, help me vote for BAO in the coming governorship election in Ekiti and in 2027, vote for Mr President (Tinubu) because things are changing for better.

“You have seen more money given to the states for them to work more for the people. The states no longer owe salaries. In Ekiti Stete things are going on fine here and you governor is doing a good job and should be voted in for a second term in office. I am very grateful to you for your support sir fat. Pls continue to support him so he can do more.”

Senator Tinubu particularly appreciated APC women in Ekiti for trooping out in large numbers to welcome her saying she was impressed with the reception accorded her at every place visited during her one-day working visit to the Land of Honour.

A major highlight of the event was a symbolic presentation of cheques of N50,000 to 2,000 women to support small scale businesses. The First Lady said the Wife of the Governor will supervise the disbursement.

Governor Oyebanji in his remarks pledged a tally of 700,000 votes from the people of Ekiti State for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election in appreciation of what he described as “unprecedented support the state had so far received from the President” which has positive changes the face of the state and bettered the standard of living of its people.

Earlier in the day, Senator Tinubu, who was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima and other national APC women top shots, was treated to an impressive reception at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport shortly after the presidential jet that conveyed her from Abuja touched down.

The First Lady also commissioned the newly built ICT Centre at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, which was facilitated by her Renewed Hope Initiative. She equally held a meeting with Ekiti Obas under the aegis of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Councila t Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti before attending the rally at the pavilion.

He also had a meeting with all Ekiti Obas at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti where they robbed minds on national issues.