The Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ekiti State, Taiwo Olatunbosun in this interview by ‘YOMI AYELESO speaks on the six-point agenda of the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration in the state, the newly approved minimum wage for workers, the politics of 2026 governorship election, among other issues in the polity.
Ekiti is one of the few states in Nigeria that have been able to attract Foreign Direct Investment in 2024. How has the Oyebanji-led administration been able to achieve this?
Yes, Ekiti is one of the few states in Nigeria that has successfully attracted Foreign Direct Investment in 2024. In fact, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), apart from Ekiti, only Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) attracted capital importation in the first quarter of 2024. How we did it is simple; Good governance with proactive measures and policies that has engendered a conducive environment for both local and foreign investments. Strategies and key initiatives implemented by the administration within the two years of existence to attract investment include: Investment Incentives under which our administration introduced tax breaks and incentives for foreign investors, making the region more attractive for businesses. We also focus on infrastructure development with significant investments in infrastructure, such as roads and energy supply which has improved the business environment and reduced operational costs for investors. The Oyebanji administration entrenched Ease of Doing Business with efforts to streamline regulations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles thus successfully creating a more investor-friendly climate with faster business registration processes and improved legal frameworks. We target specific sectors such as agriculture, technology and renewable energy which have helped to attract investment tailored to local strengths and global trends. We also engage in active diplomacy and partnerships with foreign governments and businesses. We promote the region as a viable investment destination while laying emphasis on skill development and education to guarantee a capable workforce that can meet the needs of foreign companies thus promoting local talent as well. Additionally, we must not diminish the amazing ability of Governor Oyebanji to unite political gladiators in the State and garner unflinching support of all stakeholders across all political divides for collective effort to develop the State as well as the astounding synergy amongst the different arms of Government.
This administration came on board on a mantra of a shared prosperity agenda strategically weaved around the six development pillars. Would you say this administration has fulfilled its electoral promises to the people of Ekiti state in two years considering the volume of funds received by the state in the years under review?
Yes, it has been two good years for the State and I want to stress that the State has not embarked on any major borrowing other than the monthly overdraft we usually take from banks to pay salaries before the federal allocation comes into our account since the advent of this administration. It is also on record that there has been an increment in the revenue allocation from the Federal Government but there has also been a major increase in our IGR. From about N600 million per month at the advent of this administration to about N1.5 billion per month and it keeps increasing every month. I don’t know what you mean by “volume of funds received by the State in the years under review” but I can tell you that while the administration may have received significant funding, its effectiveness ultimately depended on how well it translates these resources into tangible benefits for the people of Ekiti State. With all sense of accomplishment, I want to say that evaluating whether the Oyebanji-led administration has fulfilled its electoral promises in Ekiti State requires a nuanced look at the shared prosperity agenda and the six development pillars. If we consider key indicators like Infrastructure Improvements, Economic Growth, Social Services, Governance and Transparency as well as Public Feedback; it is obviously an unprecedented performance.
On infrastructural development, the BAO administration is concentrating on development of foundational products and services to increase the quality of life and stimulate long-term economic growth. Is it the road network that is successfully easing movement of goods and services without bias to the state of Federal roads in the State? All the 203 public secondary schools have been touched, renovated and equipped to a global standard while not leaving out the over 900 primary schools in the State. It is actually on record that Ekiti State recorded major improvement in Health indices recently released by Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) report. The report indicated that neonatal, infant, and under 5 Mortality in the State had reduced by over 50 per cent in the past five years which surpassed its expected targets set four years ago.
The opposition PDP has described the 1.2km flyover between Ijigbo roundabout and Okeiyinmi in Ado-Ekiti as a misplaced priority, arguing that the money earmarked for the construction of the bridge should have been used for other developmental projects. What’s your take on this?
My issue with this kind of criticism is that they never provided alternatives but run down good projects. Let the purported critiques mention one sector that is lacking attention. Is it in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, technology, micro, small and medium scale enterprises, health care delivery, ICT, education? I want to tell you that Governor Oyebanji’s administration is strategic in its approach to governance. With a huge foresight, the administration not only considers the short-term benefits but also the long-term gains before embarking on projects. The flyover, to be specific, will ease traffic flow and ensure safety, improve socio-economic activities of the areas and make lives and property of people more secured on the roads as well as add aesthetic value to the state capital. The area was already becoming congested and it would have been a total disservice to the people to wait until it became almost impassable before finding a solution. It is a wonder that anybody, who is not self-serving, will condemn a project that will alleviate traffic congestion, boost economic activity and assist the metropolis to sustain the status of a vibrant commercial center.
The governor has said on several occasions that next year’s budget will primarily be dedicated for agriculture and welfare of the citizens and people have said is this not a way of buying the people ahead of the 2026 election?
As I said earlier, we cannot rule out criticisms, both genuine and pretentious. Are we saying that Governor Oyebanji should jettison his laudable programmes so that it will not look like he does not want the continued support of the people? What Mr. Governor said was that State’s budget for 2025 would focus more on agriculture as part of efforts to ensure food sufficiency and make Ekiti the food basket of the country and there is really nothing outrageous in that since the administration had always prioritised investment in agriculture, boost capacity of farmers and create a market for farm produce as part of efforts to enhance food production and tackle food insecurity. In fact, the Government’s deliberate investment in agriculture is already yielding the desired positive results and that is the primary goal. It is actually a plus that the people are supporting him in the process of rapidly developing the State and making life more meaningful for residents.
How is the administration planning to sustain the tempo of development going forward looking at the fact that the political space in the state is expected to witness more activities leading to the 2026 governorship poll?
Are we talking about the 2026 governorship poll here or good governance? For now, the State Governor is concentrating on how to rapidly develop the State and see to the welfare of the people in line with his vision of shared prosperity for the State. I told you that this administration is strategic and methodical so everything is mapped out. We shall however continue engaging all stakeholders in the inclusive governance to align development goals. It is a very transparent government that has successfully built the trust of the citizens, businesses, investors and tourists in government to do what is perceived as right and fair which in reality, is one of the most important foundations upon which the legitimacy and sustainability of political systems are built.
Do you think the style of governance of Governor Oyebanji in the last two years by bringing leaders and stakeholders across political divides together in the interest of the state is working?
Governor Oyebanji’s governance style over the last two years has emphasized collaboration and inclusivity among leaders and stakeholders from various political backgrounds. He has indeed successfully created a more cohesive government and political environment that is collaborating to prioritize the state’s overall well-being.
His approach has been characterized by key strategies including dialogue and engagement, which has helped foster open communication and mutual understanding across party lines. His Excellency’s inclusive governance encourages collaborative policy-making aimed at creating policies that reflect a broader consensus, addressing the needs of various groups within the state. His focus on development is without bias to political affiliations which is boosting cooperation amongst different political bodies while his community engagement initiatives have also built a sense of ownership and participation among the populace, reinforcing the idea that governance is a collective effort.
There is fear that government will try to find a way to short-change workers on the payment of new minimum wage. What is the situation in Ekiti?
I can tell you for free that Ekiti has the best salary structure for its workforce which only Lagos can rival. In fact, the all-inclusive salary structure is a further demonstration of our commitment and dedication to the general well-being of people in the state, particularly the workers. We are not only talking about the minimum wage but also the consequential adjustments of emoluments of all categories of workers in the State, as well as pensioners. The approval the new salary structure followed extensive deliberations between the State Government and representatives of workers with an increase in salary of officers on GL.02-06 by 133%, GL. 07-GL.10 by 110%, GL.12 – GL.14 by 90%, GL. 15 – GL 16 by 77% and GL. 17 by 70% while pensioners would enjoy ₦20,000 increase across board.
We must also not forget that the State Government is not neglecting any sector in the State; artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, market women, commercial drivers, cyclists and all. Not only will the new salary structure have a positive effect on the entire society but there are also government interventions cutting across all sectors aimed at making life easier for people in the State. That is the focus.
What are the legacies this administration intends to leave behind after completion of its tenure?
We have several legacies starting from good governance and transparency which is a very wide scope, infrastructure development, economic growth, poverty alleviation and community development, education reform, environmental sustainability, as well as public safety and security significantly improving public health, education, and living standards. What we are aiming at is to make Ekiti united, cohesive, peaceful and prosperous. That is the vision of Governor Oyebanji.
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