A massive youth-led solidarity movement is sweeping across Ekiti State, with students and young people passionately appealing for the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in the forthcoming 2026 gubernatorial election. This unprecedented initiative, which enjoyed the support of aides to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saw a successful tour through all sixteen local government areas, igniting fresh enthusiasm for the Governor’s first-term achievements and his vision for a more prosperous state.
The tour, which began in Ekiti East and culminated in Ado Local Government, served as a powerful endorsement of Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering commitment and dedication to youth development. Participants seized the opportunity to inspect several landmark ongoing projects in the Ado-Ekiti metropolis, including the long-awaited ring road, a transformative infrastructure project that will revolutionize travel for residents in the northern part of the state.
The delegation also assessed the near 65% complete International Art and Culture Center, a project previously abandoned for years, and a modern fly-over bridge designed to ease traffic and spur economic growth.
Described as a confirmatory action rather than a mere campaign, the tour reflects an overwhelming 97% assurance from the populace for a second term, a testament to the Governor’s impactful programs. These transformative initiatives range from revitalizing youth engagement in agriculture and the employment of 1,800 individuals in SUBEB to the recruitment of 4,000 teachers and the training of over 600 participants in various skill acquisition schemes.
Spearheaded by non-political youth unions and student organizations, the movement emphasized a fervent, bipartisan desire for the continuity of Governor Oyebanji’s work.
During visits to stakeholders, Hon. Sunday Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, stated that the people of Ekiti should not be misled by political narratives, asserting that Governor Oyebanji embodies effective leadership with no comparable alternative in the state.
In a significant show of support, Hon. Asefon distributed free fuel to Okada riders across the senatorial districts while campaigning openly for the Governor’s re-election.
Concurrently, Amb. Maxwell Olu-Ajayi, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, detailed achievements across infrastructure, education, agriculture, health, and human capital development. He highlighted specific youth-centric initiatives such as subventions to organizations, a Broiler Scheme Program, ICT programs benefiting over 1,000 youths, and the Adire-Hub, which has trained and empowered 600 individuals who are now training others.
Amb. Segun Bankole, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ekiti State Chapter, expressed his deepest gratitude to the coalition of youth organizations and student unions whose volunteer efforts powered the movement. Special acknowledgment was given to the committee for the solidarity tour and to Hon. Sunday Asefon for his innovative sponsorship, which effectively communicated the Governor’s endeavors to the populace.
Additional appreciation was extended to Hon. Mary Oso Omotoso, Director General of Community Engagement, and Comr. Oluwadamilare Bewaji, Chairman of the Students Stakeholder and Leaders Forum, for their dedication and motivational support.
