By Asubiojo Gabriel O.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-term aspiration received another remarkable boost on Wednesday as the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), in collaboration with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), engaged workers at Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government (IILG) in a strategic and highly impactful interaction.
The visit, which brought together administrative heads, union leaders and members of staff, served as a vital platform to address workers’ welfare, job satisfaction, dedication to service, and the continuous advancement of grassroots governance. Beyond administration, the gathering further strengthened the growing confidence and overwhelming support for the continuity agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO) across the local government system in Ekiti State.
More concretely, it was observed that Chief Samuel Alaba Abejide is currently on a statewide tour of the sixteen Local Governments in two distinguished capacities — as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and as a committed political leader.
As Chairman of the Commission, his mission remains clear and purposeful: to encourage management and staff members within the local government service to sustain professionalism, discipline, productivity and unwavering dedication to duty, while also boosting their morale toward greater service for the prosperity and development of Ekiti State.
In his political leadership role, Chief Abejide continues to convey the solidarity and goodwill of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to local government workers, while mobilizing the workforce to support the Governor’s reelection bid and deepen the message of continuity, good governance, stability and sustainable development at the grassroots.
Representing the Chairman of the Commission, Commissioner Olawole Adedipe commended the workers for their loyalty, commitment and visible support for the administration. He emphasized that Governor Oyebanji has consistently demonstrated uncommon passion for the welfare and advancement of local government staff since assuming office, thereby restoring dignity, confidence and renewed hope within the system.
Delivering his welcome address, the Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, appreciated the presence of the delegation and applauded the workers for their overwhelming reception and solidarity.
He proudly declared that the staff of IILG remain fully “BAOtified,” affirming their readiness to reward the Governor’s pragmatic, people-oriented and visible achievements with massive support at the polls.
Speaking passionately during the engagement, Comrade Olawole Festus Aina, popularly known as “Lawii,” prayed for greater wisdom, strength and divine grace for Governor Oyebanji to continue excelling in leadership.
He also commended the efforts of the NULGE President and other stakeholders for their commitment toward strengthening the local government workforce and mobilizing support for progressive governance.
In his remarks, the NULGE President, Comrade O.B. Olatunde, stated that Governor Oyebanji has transformed the once unpleasant experiences associated with salaries, deductions, leave bonuses and other entitlements within the local government system.
According to him, the Governor has ensured prompt payments and cleared outstanding allowances, including CONHESS and CONMESS related benefits, thereby improving the welfare and confidence of workers.
He further noted that the administration has created opportunities for qualified staff members to pursue higher academic qualifications and professional development programmes with government support, making the Ekiti local government service a trailblazer worthy of emulation by other states.
Also addressing the gathering, Commissioner Olawole Adedipe urged workers to intensify both digital and grassroots mobilization efforts in support of Governor Oyebanji’s second-term ambition.
He charged staff members to remain diligent, loyal and committed in their respective assignments, stressing that the Governor deserves an even greater electoral victory than he secured during his first term.
In her contribution, the Head of Local Administration (HLA), Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-Bosede, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for giving relevance, recognition and renewed value to local government workers. She affirmed that although Governor Oyebanji’s achievements have already endeared him to the people, staff members must continue to provide him with solid support through steadfastness, loyalty and dedication to duty.
The event ended on a note of unity, hope and renewed determination, as workers reaffirmed their commitment to the developmental vision of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the collective progress of Ekiti State.
