A journalist and media consultant, Kayode Babatuyi, has described the recent outrage over the state of some roads in Ekiti as unfair and mischievous, insisting that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has recorded outstanding achievements that outweigh the criticisms.
Babatuyi, in a statement made available in Ado-Ekiti, said while it is true that some roads such as Igede-Aramoko-Itawure, Ado-Ijan-Ikare and Aramoko-Ijero are in deplorable condition, most of them fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and should not be used to unfairly judge the performance of the governor.
According to him, “Governor Oyebanji has made giant strides in several sectors - health, education, agriculture, workers’ welfare, power, tourism and grassroots development. Reducing his achievements to the state of federal roads is insincere and mischievous.”
Babatuyi recalled that Governor Oyebanji inherited huge financial burdens in 2022, including unpaid salaries, pensions, and over ₦40 billion in gratuities. He explained that within less than three years, the Oyebanji administration has cleared salary and pension arrears, reduced gratuity debts from ₦48 billion to ₦26 billion, and increased subventions to state-owned institutions by almost 50 per cent.
“This has restored industrial harmony in EKSU, EKSUTH, BOUESTI, and other agencies that were plagued by strikes during the previous administration,” he said.
The media consultant highlighted major investments in the health sector, including ₦814 million spent on renovating 177 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of doctors and health workers, the flagship Ulerawa health insurance scheme covering 429,000 residents, and improved hazard allowances and salaries for medical staff.
He added that the administration has also sustained welfare programmes for widows, the aged and vulnerable groups, while ensuring Ekiti remains one of the few states implementing the new national minimum wage.
On education, Babatuyi noted that Governor Oyebanji has released over ₦3.5 billion counterpart funding for UBEC/SUBEB projects and approved ₦200 million in loans for teachers. He also cited the “Bring Back the Youths in Agriculture” programme, which has provided training and ₦140 million funding for young farmers across the state.
Babatuyi further listed the completion of the Ekiti Cargo Airport, the Ado-Ifaki road, Ajebandele-Omisanjana road, office complexes at the Secretariat, an 80-bed facility at EKSUTH, and the connection of government institutions such as EKSUTH, EKSU and BSES to 24-hour power supply from the Independent Power Plant.
He added that Oyebanji’s influence at the federal level has also brought national presence to the state, including a new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, a college of education, and an Army barrack in Ikere.
Babatuyi stressed that while constructive criticism is welcome, deliberate attempts to vilify the governor over federal roads ignore the inclusive and people-oriented governance that Oyebanji has brought to Ekiti.
“Before calling the governor out unfairly, we must acknowledge the peace, inclusiveness and socio-economic development he has delivered. The loud outcry on roads is unnecessary when weighed against his undeniable gains,” he said.
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