Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has inaugurated 38 new local government chairmen and their deputies. In his address at the Osuntokun Pavillion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, he urged them to prioritize security and revenue generation in their respective domains.
He stressed that dealing with poverty, joblessness, and insecurity requires a robust grassroots approach, and local governments are “integral” to his administration’s development focus. The Governor warned against corruption and urged the new officials to embrace “honesty, impartiality, and fairness” in their service to the people.
Furthermore, Oyebanji emphasized that the local government chairmen and their deputies should ensure their security plans and strategies are communicated to him through the office of Special Adviser on Security as soon as they take over. He warned that he would not tolerate security lapses in their domains and they should ensure that all critical stakeholders are carried along and involved.
The Governor praised the outgoing chairmen, both re-elected and those departing, for their resilience and acumen in navigating the challenges of pioneering leadership.
In response, the Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, pledged that they would work hard to exceed expectations.