Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has attributed the peace and economic progress recorded in the state to divine guidance, saying his administration remains committed to honesty, transparency and purposeful leadership.
Oyebanji said he consistently seeks God’s direction in governing the state, stressing that human knowledge and effort must be complemented by divine guidance to achieve sustainable development.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, spoke on Friday at the August edition of the Evening of Praise held at the Government House Grounds in Ado Ekiti.
He said his administration, which came into office in 2022, was established on a clear vision to transform Ekiti into a prosperous and peaceful state through its six-point development agenda.
Oyebanji maintained that his government had remained focused on delivering on its promises while operating on the principles of honesty, transparency and accountability.
According to him, the Evening of Praise was instituted not merely as a social or ceremonial gathering but as an avenue to seek divine intervention and direction for the state.
“The Evening of Praise was not just conceptualised as a gathering for funfair, but to seek divine direction that can save the people from economic doldrums, poverty and lift Ekiti to the pedestal of prosperity and greatness I had dreamt for the state,” he said.
The governor said although vision, intelligence and human effort were important ingredients for good governance, divine guidance remained critical to achieving lasting results.
He expressed gratitude for what he described as the positive impact of the programme on the state, particularly in promoting peace and supporting the administration’s development agenda.
“We thank God that this programme has been yielding positive results on the economic situation of the state and thus bringing peace to our people. Ekiti has been able to make it this far owing to God’s direction,” Oyebanji said.
He also commended members of the State Executive Council and other government officials for supporting the administration’s decision to give God what he described as a prominent place in governance.
“I commend our cabinet members for sharing this vision with us that God should be given a pride of place in our leadership. I charge other citizens who live within Ado Ekiti and its environs to kindly attend subsequent editions,” he said.
Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Ekiti greater, more peaceful and economically stronger.
“Our vision is to make this state great. We put in our little efforts and we are achieving greatness because God is on our side and he knows that we accord Him the respect that He deserves,” he added.
The governor pledged that his administration would continue to work diligently and make necessary sacrifices to improve the living conditions of residents.
He said the government would deepen partnerships with individuals and organisations that share its development vision while sustaining policies aimed at strengthening the state’s economy.
Oyebanji further assured residents that his administration would remain focused on leaving Ekiti in a better condition than it met it, particularly in the areas of peace, economic prosperity and overall development.
He maintained that the government would continue to combine strategic planning and responsible governance with faith in divine direction.
Commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries, executive secretaries, clerics and other senior government officials attended the programme.
