Ekiti Youths Massively Endorse Gov Oyebaji For Second Term

The diverse youth groups in Ekiti State have endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term, citing his impressive performance and prioritization of policies that positively impact the young population.

The youths, under the aegis of Ekiti Youth Parliament, also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Oyebanji for promoting unity and peace among Ekiti indigenes, regardless of religious or political differences, and for prioritizing the welfare of citizens over personal comfort.

This decision was made in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday during a plenary convened by the Ekiti Youth Parliament at a program titled “Youths Let’s Talk With BAO,” held at Adetiloye Hall in the Ekiti State Capital.

The plenary, presided over by the Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Nathaniel Olusanya, saw members representing all 26 constituencies unanimously endorsing the governor to recontest in the 2026 governorship poll, praising his stellar performance.

The motions for endorsement and a vote of confidence in the governor were moved by the Leader of the Business, Hon. Oyindamola Adegoke, and seconded by Hon. Adekunle Ayodele of Gbonyin Constituency.

Explaining the rationale behind their support, Rt. Hon. Olusanya commended Oyebanji for appointing many youths to strategic government positions and for policies that elevate their welfare.

“Governor Oyebanji has proven to be a youth-friendly governor by appointing numerous youths to high positions of authority in government,” Olusanya said. “He has also paid gratuity and pension arrears of retirees and cleared the backlog of workers’ salaries and deductions.”

Olusanya highlighted the creation of the Ministries of Job and Wealth Creation and Innovation and Digital Economy as significant steps in positioning Ekiti youths for success in the digital age.

“He has encouraged commercial farming in Northern Ekiti through Public-Private Partnerships to attract youths into farming and established a Sports Commission, revitalizing the sports sector,” Olusanya added. “With youths making up about 70% of voters in Ekiti, we are proud of Governor Oyebanji and endorse him for a second term.”

The Youth Parliament also praised the governor for establishing a center in Ado Ekiti where youths can meet and exchange ideas, promoting unity and innovation.

“Since the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, we now have the Ekiti Youth/Job Creation Centre under the Ministry of Youth Development, a hub for youths to meet, exchange ideas, and innovate,” Olusanya stated.

The youths lauded the governor for creating an Adire Hub through the office of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, which trains thousands of youths to become self-employed.

“We encourage the governor to continue his excellent work. As long as he continues on this path, his reelection in 2026 is assured and already sealed,” Olusanya said.

Responding on behalf of the governor, Commissioner for Youth Development Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo thanked the youths for their unwavering support since he assumed office, saying it has inspired him to deliver democratic dividends to the people.

Governor Oyebanji promised not to betray the confidence placed in him, pledging to initiate more youth-friendly programs to combat joblessness, poverty, and the neglect of the youth population in governance.