Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that he will sustain the principles of inclusive governance in his second-term administration by ensuring that all stakeholders in the Ekiti project participate actively in his government.
Governor Oyebanji stated this on Friday at a special Jumat thanksgiving service held at the Central Mosque, Ado-Ekiti, as part of activities marking the commencement of his second term in office.
The service brought together Muslim faithful, government officials, traditional and community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the service, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to God for the opportunity to serve the people of Ekiti State for another term.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Muslim community for its prayers and support for his administration, stressing the importance of peace, unity and religious tolerance in sustaining governance and the development of the state.
The governor said his administration would remain committed to inclusive governance and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of the people.
He further emphasised the need for continued collaboration among the government, religious institutions and citizens in building a peaceful and prosperous Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji also used the opportunity to appeal to the Muslim community not to desist from praying for the success of his administration as he prepares to commence his second term in office, stating that prayers during his first tenure contributed strongly to the development the state witnessed over the four years.
“I am here to give thanks to God, and my father, the Grand Imam. Thank you for your support. I also thank the Muslim community for your prayers. I want to appeal to you today to continue to pray for us so that we will be able to do more. I assure you that my government will ensure that more Muslims will be given opportunities to serve during the second term.
“I have to say this publicly: all Muslims who worked with me performed exceptionally well. The wisdom I used when we wanted to appoint them was that I consulted the Grand Imam, who gave me the best, and I thank all of them for their exceptional performance,” he said.
Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji also used the opportunity to canvass support for President Tinubu’s re-election, urging the Muslim community to support the President in appreciation of the Federal Government’s intervention and support for the development of the state.
Earlier, the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas for the South-West, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, commended Governor Oyebanji for providing opportunities for Muslims to contribute to the development of the state through appointments to serve in government.
The cleric expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for what he described as his inclusive approach to governance, particularly for giving members of the Muslim community the opportunity to serve in key positions in government.
He noted that the appointments had enabled Muslims to make meaningful contributions to the administration and development of Ekiti State.
The Grand Imam also hailed the Muslim appointees in Oyebanji’s administration for their performance, urging them to continue to justify the confidence reposed in them by the governor and the Muslim community.
He said the Muslim community appreciated the governor’s efforts to promote religious harmony and ensure that people of different faiths had a sense of belonging in government, as he called on the Muslim faithful to continue praying for the governor and other leaders, stressing the importance of supporting those in authority with prayers and constructive counsel for the continued peace and development of the state.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; members of the State Executive Council; and Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
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