Ekiti state Governor Biodun Abayomi oyebanji (BAO) has been actively involved in supporting the six strategic pillars.

Ekiti state Governor Biodun Abayomi oyebanji (BAO) has been actively involved in supporting the six strategic pillars.

These pillars embody a vision of inclusive development and transformation. Below is how these pillars are shaping Ekiti State under BAO’s leadership:

1. Youth Development & Job Creation
– Launched the *Ekiti State Youth Policy (2024–2028)* to guide youth empowerment and governance participation.
– Over *5,000 youths engaged* in agricultural programs, including the Ekiti Broiler Production Scheme (EBOPS), which has raised over 100,000 birds.
– *ICT hubs and MSME support*: ₦223.8 million was invested in fostering digital entrepreneurship, alongside grants for over 922 MSMEs and CAC support for over 5,400 enterprises.

2. Infrastructure & Industrialization
– Construction and rehabilitation of *36 roads*, with *17 completed* and 19 ongoing, including the Ado Flyover and Ring Road.
– Completion of the *Ekiti International Cargo Airport*, with scheduled flights set to begin by December 2025, boosting connectivity and economic growth.
– Solar streetlights and drainage systems installed to improve urban infrastructure and prevent flooding.

3. Agriculture & Rural Development
– Over *4,500 hectares of farmland cleared* for cooperatives, with 50% subsidies on land tractorization.
– Distribution of inputs to *2,279 farmers* and poultry kits to 1,566 small-scale farms.
– Development of a *model cashew scion farm* in partnership with USDA’s Pro‑Cashew Project.

4. Arts, Culture & Tourism
– Revitalization of *Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort* through public-private partnerships.
– Promoted sacred sites like *Oke Igeti* for religious tourism and cultural preservation.
– Ongoing construction of the *International Arts and Cultural Centre* and an indoor sports complex to nurture local talents.

5. Good Governance
– Ranked *97% compliant* in BudgIT’s 2024 Fiscal Transparency Report, showcasing exceptional fiscal accountability.
– Passed six key laws, including the *Ekiti Wealth Fund* and *Rural Roads Authority Law*.
– Regular stakeholder engagements and the introduction of the *Strategic Pillar Monitoring System (SPMS)*, which tracks over 600 projects.

6. Human Capital Development
– Invested ₦14 billion to renovate *203 public secondary schools*, providing running grants, instructional materials, and covering WAEC/NECO fees.
– Over *2,000 teachers recruited*, including sign-language interpreters to promote inclusive education.
– Upgraded *11 health facilities* and expanded the Ulerawa health insurance scheme to cover 50,000 rural beneficiaries.

Through these pillars, BAO administration have significantly improved the lives of Ekiti people, fostering development in youth empowerment, infrastructure, agriculture, and governance ¹ ².

CEO Isa communication and information consultant firm