Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to deliver greater results in his second term, attributing the progress recorded by his administration over the past four years to God’s grace and the support of President Bola Tinubu.
The governor expressed optimism that the state would witness more development in the next four years, promising to build on the achievements of his first tenure.
Oyebanji made the remarks during an eight-hour worship programme organised to thank God for his administration’s first four years and seek divine guidance ahead of his second term.
According to a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, the governor spoke at the conclusion of the special event, tagged “Eight Hours of Praise”, held as part of activities marking the end of his first tenure and his forthcoming inauguration.
Oyebanji, who won re-election in the June 20 governorship poll, is scheduled to be sworn in for another four-year term on Friday, October 16.
Expressing his hopes for the incoming administration, he said, “With God’s grace and support of the people, my second term will be far more impactful than the first”.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to praising God, saying he would continue to acknowledge His greatness and influence in the affairs of Ekiti State.
Speaking to worshippers, government officials, political leaders and other residents who attended the programme, Oyebanji described the journey of his administration over the past four years as a testament to divine favour.
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He explained that the decision to dedicate eight hours to worship was central to his inauguration plans.
He said, “I actually don’t have much to say today other than to explain the reason I chose to have this ‘Eight hours of praise worship’ to God. When they were crafting the programmes for the inauguration, I told my wife that the only thing I wanted, and that is extremely important, is eight hours of quality praise and worship to God. Four hours for the last four years and another four hours for the next four years”.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended the governor for his leadership and dedication to the welfare of Ekiti residents, expressing confidence in his ability to achieve more during his second tenure.
Bamidele said, “Oyebanji’s decision to organise a praise programme to show gratitude to God on behalf of himself and the state is a reflection of his heart of gratitude to God”.
He encouraged Oyebanji to approach his second term with confidence and determination, expressing the belief that the governor would build on his previous accomplishments.
The Senate Leader expressed optimism that “the governor will not only consolidate the achievements of his first term, but also surpass expectations”.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, expressed confidence that Ekiti State would experience greater prosperity and record more achievements under Oyebanji’s second administration.
Emefienim described the worship gathering as an event with profound spiritual significance, saying it went beyond thanksgiving to represent a declaration of faith with implications for the state and generations to come.
He added that the programme would remain a significant milestone in Ekiti’s history, with its influence extending to both current and future generations.
Emefienim said, “You have sent grace ahead of the second term. The best way to fight in the spiritual realm is to praise God even before the fight begins. I believe that the next four years, by the grace of God, will be better than the first four.”