The National Assembly, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has promised to give Ekiti State favourable attention in the 2025 budget to attract federal presence through developmental projects.
Akpabio and the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, pledged to facilitate this initiative to complement the progress being made by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in implementing his six-point policy thrust aimed at advancing development in the state.
The senators made this promise in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday during the 2024 edition of the annual Udiroko Festival, held at the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe.
At the event, Senators Akpabio, represented by his Deputy Senator Jibril Barau, Senate Leader Bamidele, and Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Ogun West), donated a sum of N110 million to support the development of Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Akpabio, represented by Senator Barau, described Governor Oyebanji as a committed patriot deserving of support from federal lawmakers for the state to achieve better development.
He praised Oba Adejugbe for his contributions to nation-building, calling him one of the most development-driven and respected monarchs in the country, who has made significant contributions to national cohesion.
Akpabio stated, “We assure you that the Senators will work hard to give Ekiti favorable attention in terms of project allotments in the 2025 budget. Our mission is to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who is today one of the respected leaders of this country because he maintains cordial relationships with all people.”
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“The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, is one of the foremost traditional rulers in Nigeria. The Udiroko Festival is a wonderful event and a significant tourism asset. We will draw the attention of other prominent Nigerians to this festival.”
Akpabio commended the electorate in Ekiti Central Senatorial District for electing Senator Bamidele, saying, “We are proud of him because he is performing well at the national level. We will do everything possible to support him in attracting federal projects to Ekiti State through favorable budgetary allocations.”
In his response, Senator Bamidele promised not to disappoint the people of Ekiti State by making meaningful contributions at the National Assembly and by joining other patriots to enhance the state’s image.
Senator Bamidele described Udiroko as a significant cultural carnival and pledged to work with the state government to expand the scope of the cultural festival and promote it as a key tourism asset.
“I am pleased with the development I am seeing today. Udiroko has become a household name in Ekiti. We have Odun Oba in Ikere and Ita Ijero festival in Ijero Ekiti. Kabiyesi, you have been pioneering progress, and God will help you to succeed.
“I am dedicated to promoting Ekiti’s cultural heritage. I appreciate your support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With all of us working together, Nigeria and Ekiti will prosper.
“Those of us who represent you in Abuja will not disappoint you. We value your support and will not take it for granted. I will personally ask the Senate President and other dedicated Senators to identify the projects they will sponsor and bring to Ekiti in the 2025 budget.”
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe, expressed gratitude to the Senators for their commitment to nation-building and for strengthening unity among diverse ethnic groups in the country. He stated that their donations would be used to enhance community-driven development in his kingdom.
The traditional ruler also declared October 18 as Afe Babalola Day to celebrate the contributions of the nonagenarian to the legal and education sectors and his advancement of humanity in society.8
