The Chairman of the Elders Forum of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ekiti State, Chief George Akosile, has described the state’s Governor-Elect, Abiodun Oyebanji as the foundation of continuity for the 26 year-old state.
Speaking in his Igbara-Odo Ekiti home, while receiving Oyebanji, who had come on a ‘thank you visit’, Akosile said he was not in doubt that Oyebanji would perform creditably well and take Ekiti State to an enviable height because of his involvement in the struggle that led to the creation of the state.
“As a member of an inner committee for the creation of Ekiti State, where our Governor-Elect served as Secretary, I know that one of our objectives was to build an excellent state that would stand tall among all and not a state that would become a laughing stock. Considering our crave for education and integrity, we wanted a state that would not only excel in development but will also be among the best in rating, with Biodun Oyebanji, an homegrown man who was part of the struggle that gave birth to Ekiti as well as understanding the vision behind the agitation, we can be confident that he would lead us to the desired destination. Besides, his involvement in government and administration for over a decade will also help him achieve more in this direction,”
Akosile, who was the pioneer chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), also applauded the Governor-elect’s decision to consult widely ahead the handing-over date, describing it as “a commendable move by a farward-looking leader”.
Earlier, the governor elect had expressed his appreciation to Pa Akosile, who he described as a father and other APC leaders under the auspices of APC Elders Forum for their guidance and support during the electioneering campaign.
“In the last few months, our party leaders and myself have consistently engaged members of the Elders Furum of the APC and they obliged us with quality advice that helped us navigate the murky waters. This is a thank you visit and I will make sure I make it a tradition to visit them from time to time while in office,” Oyebanji added.
