From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji said his office makes meaning to him only when his administration’s policies and programmes bring joy and happiness to the people of the state.
The Governor, who expressed gratitude to God for giving him the grace to pilot the affairs of the state, said he is happy that what his administration is doing resonates well with the people.
Governor Oyebanji stated this on Friday evening during the December edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship, tagged “He is worthy”, at his residence in Ikogosi, Ekiti.
In his brief remarks at the service, Governor Oyebanji, in a short review of his performance as Governor in the last two years, said he was satisfied with the level of achievements recorded by his government across critical sectors. He added that the administration has consistently met the needs and aspirations of the people, while also commending residents for responding positively to policies and programmes initiated by his government.
Governor Oyebanji, who said he was divinely called to serve the people rather than amassing wealth, attributed the administration’s achievements to divine intervention in the affairs of the state.
He also acknowledged the virtues of contentment, honesty, and simplicity instilled in him by his parents, which, according to him, had greatly guided his approach to governance and handling of critical state matters.
“I thank God for the grace to be the Governor of Ekiti State, but apart from that, the office means nothing to me, that’s the truth. If it is not to serve the people, it makes no meaning to me. But it makes meaning when I see people responding positively to government policies, when government policies bring joy and progress, that’s the only time the office makes meaning to me.
“I am always happy that at least what we are doing resonates well with the people, and anytime I drive round the state and I see communities that didn’t have light for 50 years having light, I rejoice within me and I thank God for it. When I see roads being constructed, when workers’ salaries are being paid, when pensioners get their gratuities, when I see our health infrastructure being upgraded, it gives me joy and I give God all the glory,” the Governor asserted.
Hundreds of worshippers, including the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; commissioners, council chairmen, and community and Christian leaders, danced and sang praises to God at the two-hour worship session.
Each of the worshippers was given a 10kg bag of rice as a “Christmas gift”, marking the last edition of the monthly programme for the year 2024.
Also present at the event were the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by the state chairman, Rev Emmanuel Aribasoye; Anglican Bishop, Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Rev Olusola Ajayi; the regent of Ikogosi and members of Onikogosi-in-Council; and the general public.