ABUJA, Nigeria — Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has praised President Bola Tinubu for easing governance challenges by making more resources available to states, saying his administration’s progress has been possible largely due to federal interventions.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji recalled struggling for six months after assuming office in October 2022 to meet the state’s wage bill and fund capital projects. He said Tinubu’s interventionist programs and increased federal allocations have allowed Ekiti to complete its airport, expand road projects, and pay pensions and gratuities.
“Our focus is on roads. Thanks to the President, Ado-Akure road is almost done. He has also awarded Ado-Itawure road. The value of that contract is bigger than our budget for two years. If not for the president that cares, there is no way we could have done those roads,” Oyebanji said. He added that his government has paid more than ₦85 billion in gratuities and pensions since 2022, while tripling subventions to tertiary institutions.
The governor credited Tinubu’s presidency for enabling his “shared prosperity agenda” and urged Ekiti residents to support the president’s re-election bid. “It is not possible to make omelette without breaking eggs. The progress and stability he has brought to the economy takes courage. Mr President deserves our support and understanding,” he said.
Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, introduced fiscal reforms and intervention programs aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economy and boosting state revenues. His administration has faced criticism over inflation and subsidy removal but has also won praise from governors who say federal allocations have improved. Oyebanji’s comments reflect a broader debate about whether Tinubu’s policies are delivering relief or deepening hardship.
Nigerians online reacted with mixed views. “Tinubu made governance easier for governors, but harder for ordinary citizens,” one user wrote on X. Another countered: “At least projects are being completed. That’s progress.”
APC lawmakers welcomed Oyebanji’s endorsement, saying it shows Tinubu’s reforms are working. Opposition figures argued the governor was “politicking” and ignoring the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. PDP leaders criticized the remarks, claiming governors are benefiting from federal largesse while citizens face rising costs of living.
Analysts noted that while increased allocations have boosted state budgets, long-term sustainability depends on diversifying revenue sources. Civil society voices stressed that governors must use the funds transparently. “It’s not enough to thank Tinubu; states must show accountability in spending,” one activist said.
