BAO 2.0: THE EXPECTATIONS OF EKITI PEOPLE IN THE SECOND COMING OF GOVERNOR BIODUN ABAYOMI OYEBANJI (2026–2030)
By Femi Alufa
The re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for a second term presents Ekiti State with another opportunity to consolidate its development gains, address persistent challenges and accelerate the journey towards shared prosperity.
As the administration prepares for the 2026–2030 period, the expectations of the Ekiti people are clear: continuity must produce measurable progress, promises must translate into tangible results, and governance must increasingly improve the everyday lives of citizens.
The emergence of BAO 2.0 should therefore signify more than the continuation of an existing administration.
It should represent a renewed commitment to inclusive development, stronger institutions, economic transformation and accountable leadership. The governor’s second term offers an opportunity to build upon existing achievements while addressing areas where citizens expect greater impact.
Anchored on the six pillars of his administration, the expectations of the people are both legitimate and achievable.
First, governance and public service delivery must become more efficient, transparent and people-centred. Ekiti people expect an administration that strengthens public institutions, promotes accountability and ensures that government policies deliver results.
The second term should deepen transparency in public expenditure, improve the effectiveness of local government administration and strengthen citizens’ participation in decision-making. Public servants must be adequately motivated, while merit, discipline and professionalism should remain central to public service. Above all, the people expect a government that listens, responds and takes responsibility.
Second, agriculture and rural development must translate into food security, employment and higher incomes. Ekiti’s agricultural potential remains one of its greatest economic assets.
BAO 2.0 should expand access to improved seedlings, modern farming equipment, affordable financing, storage facilities and reliable markets. Young people should be encouraged to embrace agriculture as a viable business rather than merely a traditional occupation.
Equally important is the development of rural roads to connect farming communities with markets and processing centres. The ultimate objective should be to make farming more profitable, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the state’s contribution to food security.
Third, infrastructure development must reach more communities and improve economic productivity. Roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare facilities and other essential infrastructure remain fundamental to development. While existing projects deserve continuity, the second term should prioritise strategic road networks, rural connectivity, urban renewal and the maintenance of completed projects.
Infrastructure should not be measured only by the number of projects commissioned but by their usefulness to the people. Every senatorial district, local government and community should have a fair opportunity to benefit from development initiatives.
Fourth, human capital development must remain central to Ekiti’s future. Widely recognised for its educational heritage, Ekiti State must continue to invest in quality education, teacher development, technical skills and digital learning.
The administration should strengthen public schools, improve access to educational opportunities and equip young people with skills relevant to the modern economy.
Healthcare also deserves sustained attention through better-equipped facilities, accessible primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, and improved welfare for health workers.
A healthy and educated population is not merely a social achievement; it is the foundation of economic growth and sustainable development.
Fifth, industrialisation, investment and economic empowerment must create more opportunities for the people.
The second term should intensify efforts to attract private investment, support small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen vocational training and promote the growth of local industries. Ekiti’s youthful population represents an enormous economic resource if provided with the right opportunities.
Government should make it easier to establish and operate businesses, improve access to credit and encourage entrepreneurship across communities.
The development of tourism, cultural industries, technology-driven enterprises and agro-processing can also diversify the state’s economy. The measure of success must ultimately include jobs created, businesses sustained and household incomes improved.
Sixth, social inclusion, security and community development must ensure that no Ekiti citizen is left behind. Development cannot be complete where vulnerable citizens are neglected or communities feel excluded.
BAO 2.0 should strengthen social protection for the elderly, persons with disabilities, disadvantaged households and other vulnerable groups.
Security agencies and community leaders must work together to protect lives and property, while conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence receive sustained attention.
Traditional institutions, civil society organisations, youth groups and community associations should be treated as important partners in development. Ekiti’s cultural heritage and tourism assets should also receive greater attention as instruments of identity, unity and economic opportunity.
Beyond these six pillars, the defining test of the second term will be the quality of implementation.
Citizens expect clear priorities, realistic targets, regular progress reports and responsible management of public resources.
Government must be willing to listen to constructive criticism, engage professional groups and consult communities before making decisions that affect their welfare.
The private sector, traditional rulers, political leaders, development partners and citizens also have responsibilities in building a stronger Ekiti.
However, the government bears the primary responsibility for providing purposeful leadership, setting development priorities and ensuring that public resources serve the common good.
The Ekiti people have given Governor Oyebanji another mandate; the expectation is that this renewed confidence will produce an even greater dividend of democracy.
The period 2026–2030 should be remembered for expanded opportunities, better infrastructure, stronger public institutions, improved social welfare and a more vibrant economy.
BAO 2.0 must be an administration that consolidates what works, corrects what falls short and pursues what remains unfinished with determination.
Its success should not be judged by political slogans or the number of government announcements, but by the difference citizens experience in their homes, schools, farms, businesses and communities.
For Ekiti State, the next four years must be a season of delivery.
The people have renewed their trust; the responsibility now is to justify it. That is the promise of BAO 2.0, and that is the standard by which history will judge the administration.
FEMI ALUFA is the Publisher/CEO of Ekiti Summit News Media Group
