An unprecedented wave of endorsements came the way of Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, as numerous groups, comprising professional bodies, artisans, and trade associations, rose in unison to declare their support for his second-term bid.
The Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), rising from its 36th National Conference in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, is backing Mr Oyebanji for re-election in 2026, based on the effectiveness of his administration’s policies for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the significant investment in special education.
Speaking on behalf of the national body and Ekiti State chapter of the association at the closing session of the annual conference on Ado- Ekiti on Friday, the national president of NASET, Dr Catherine Atteng commended the governor for his policy of inclusion and proactiveness in lifting the status of children with special needs in the state to an enviable level worthy of emulation nationally.
Dr Atteng said she and the national executive members were excited at the state-of-the- art structures and gadgets in all the special schools in Ekiti, adding that this was made possible because of the passion the governor has for special education.
“We can attest that from yesterday, when we visited the facilities, that there has been a remarkable improvement from what we saw the last time we came. That is why we decided to honour our retirees who studied Special Education and retired from special schools.
“And they all attested to the fact that what the governor is doing is overwhelming. We can really see for ourselves that the Governor Oyebanji is a friendly governor as well as disability friendly.
So also, members of the Ekiti State Association of Tricycles and Okada Riders joined the league of Ekiti residents who have publicly registered their unflinching support for the second term bid of Governor Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 election, hinging their support on the visible result of the Governor’s developmental strides in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the association at the Governor’s office on Wednesday, after a massive road walk, the Chairman of Tricycles drivers, Mr Alabi Tolulope; and Okada riders, Mr Kunle Asaolu, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to the welfare of the residents of the state especially the transporters, adding that since he became Governor, there had been relative peace among the transport unions and all the associations in the state.
Speaking while moving a motion for the endorsement of Governor Oyebanji to contest 2026 gubernatorial election, which was supported through a roaring voice vote by members of the association who came in their large numbers from the 16 local government areas of the state, Mr Asaolu further commended the Governor for being a promise keeper by delivering on all his campaign promises to the people.
Asaolu also used the opportunity to assure the Governor that members of the association were solidly behind him and would work hard to ensure that he is returned to the Government House come 2026.
In a related development, Ekiti Creative Artists Forum, visited the Governor’s Office to formally endorse Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office.
Members of the Forum, which has about 16 associations, including the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Movie Makers Association, Society of Nigerian Artists, traditional Musician Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, PMAN amongst others, said they were moved by the Governor’s excellent performance for their decision.
Prof Adubiaro who welcomed them on behalf of the Governor said their show of solidarity was another attestation to the multi-faceted impact of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration across various sectors which has significantly improved the socio-economic and infrastructural growth of the State.
The Secretary to the State Government urged residents whose polling units are far from where they reside to update their PVCs during the next INEC registration exercise to enable them vote and ensure the victory of Governor Oyebanji in the election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The SSG said: “I want to use this opportunity to enjoin all of us here to collect our PVCs. There is no other way to appreciate Governor Oyebanji than to collect your PVCs, because we know some people have relocated from the areas they registered as voters, so let’s go and get our voters cards, so that we will go to the poll at once and vote for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to come back for another four years,”
She urged them to remain firm and continue to propagate the gospel of BAO across the nooks and crannies of the state to enjoy more deliverables as encapsulated under the Shared Prosperity mantra.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Inter-Party Affairs, High Chief Jide Awe said Yoruba traditional culture is well rooted in Ekiti, and commended members of various groups and associations under the umbrella of Ekiti Creative Artists Forum for the endorsement.
Chief Awe who maintained that Governor Oyebanji had fulfilled all the promises made to Ekiti people, assured that he will not disappoint them in the next dispensation.
Earlier, the representatives of the various groups under the forum, Chief Ojo Olowojolu, Associate Professor Mike Adeloye, Mr Gbenga Apadidun, Chief Ayodele Ilesanmi had commended the various achievements recorded by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in their Arts, Culture and Creative Economy sector as well as other critical sectors which they noted are evident for all to see.
They promised their total support for the Governor, adding that they will canvass more votes towards ensuring its victory in next year’s Gubernatorial election.
Members of Ekiti State Beer, Wine, Food, and Drink Sellers Association also endorsed Governor Oyebanji for second term in office, citing the Governor’s commitment to fostering a business–friendly environment and driving economic growth in the state for their decision.
The Association members, who held an endorsement road walk in support of the Governor’s second term bid on Monday, stormed the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti to register their endorsement. They commended Governor Oyebanji for his significant contributions to the development of micro and small enterprises in the state, and for creating a conducive environment for economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, the President, Mr Williams Ogundare said the Governor has consistently demonstrated commitment to the prosperity of businesses in the state with various policies and programmes that have significantly enhanced the ease of doing business for small and medium enterprises in the state, particularly the beverage sector.
Highlighting the Governor’s efforts and pointing to his achievements in enhancing infrastructure, supporting and patronizing local businesses, and streamlining tax policies to encourage growth, Ogundare said these strides have positively transformed the state and the industry, hence the need to support the Governor for a second term so as to be able to consolidate on these gains and ensure sustained progress.
