IYAN BAO: GOV OYEBANJI BROUGHT LIGHT AND LIFE TO OUR COMMUNITY—GBONYI/AYEKIRE RESIDENTS HAIL DEVELOPMENT STORM

By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole

Ayekire/Gbonyi Local Government became a beehive of celebration, solidarity, and political reckoning as top chieftains and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stormed the annual Iyan BAO festival on Saturday, an event initiated by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Hon. Abimbola Awe, to honor Governor Biodun Oyebanji and strengthen the party’s grassroots connection.

Speaking at the vibrant gathering, Hon. Awe emphasized that the initiative was designed not only to celebrate the governor’s visionary leadership but also to foster unity and deeper community engagement. He charged party faithful to move beyond rhetoric and ensure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are valid, stressing that elections are won with the ballot, not just with words.

“What we are witnessing in our communities today is just the beginning. Greater developments are on the horizon under Governor Oyebanji’s watch,” Awe assured the gathering.

The event attracted prominent traditional and political leaders, including High Chief Olajide Ogunmoroti (Elewere of Ilumoba Ekiti), Hon. Adeyemo Davis (Executive Chairman, Ayekire Local Government), and Hon. Ajayi Oluwadamilare (Chairman, Gbonyi LCDA). In interviews with JIROLTV, they unanimously applauded Governor Oyebanji for transforming the landscape of the local government area, describing his administration as a breath of fresh air.

Community leaders pointed to the governor’s remarkable performance within his first 100 days in office, which saw the restoration of electricity to Gbonyi/Ayekire—an achievement that had eluded previous administrations for 15 years.

Key projects highlighted include:

· Installation of transformers in strategic communities, including Ilumoba Ekiti.
· Provision of solar-powered boreholes and street lights across the locality.
· Renovation of traditional palaces and opening of farmsteads to boost agriculture.
· Upgrading and construction of primary health centers.
· Construction and rehabilitation of major roads linking the local government.
· Empowerment programs for women and youth through the Office of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.

The community also heaped praises on Hon. Abimbola Awe, describing him as a homegrown leader who has remained accessible and committed to quality representation. Unlike past representatives, they noted, Hon. Awe has leveraged his office as Commissioner for Rural and Community Development to attract life-changing projects to his people.

Another standout quality of Governor Oyebanji that resonated at the event was his non-interference in party affairs, allowing the APC structure to function freely—a gesture described as uncommon in Nigerian politics.

With development as his campaign message and delivery as his legacy, residents of Gbonyi/Ayekiri Local Government vowed to reward Governor Oyebanji with a resounding landslide victory in the forthcoming elections.