…as organised formal, informal sector rally support for governor’s re-election
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, described the organised members of the formal and informal sector as critical drivers of economic growth in the state.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti at the special stakeholders meeting with the Congress of Artisans and Private Sector, the governor reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to promoting Ekiti local content.
According to the governor, his administration has expanded trade opportunities for Ekiti entrepreneurs through business-friendly policies and support.
While commending the unions for deepening the state’s economy, the governor assured that the state government would continue to offer opportunities for business expansion and investment partnerships.
His words: ‘I assure you many strong support will come to businesses in Ekiti State. The first thing I grabbed from the leaders of these associations was that businesses were not progressing. I discovered that the reason was that the government owed workers and that was why businesses were not moving forward because the people buying goods and services are workers.
“I then made a promise that I would not owe any worker salary and it has been like that till now. Businesses are moving forward because workers now have money to buy things.
“I strongly believe that if you pump enough money into the civil service, the money will naturally flow to your side because workers are major drivers of the local economy.”
Governor Oyebanji equally warned purveyors of falsehood and rumour mongers to desist from peddling fake news to undermine the peace and stability of the state.
“Inasmuch as I do not usually dignify purveyors of falsehood with a response, I strongly condemn the deliberate spread of fake news and misinformation aimed at creating panic, misleading the public, and destabilising the peace and security of our dear state.
“Once there is peace, there will be commerce and once there is commerce, there will be value addition then wealth will be created.”
The Director General of BAO Campaign Council in Ekiti State, Senator Cyril Fasuyi tasked them to mobilise voters across the state towards the actualisation of the 500,000 target.
According to him, the state is poised to make history in the June 20 governorship election while urging them to work in harmony with unit canvassers across their wards and local governments for aggressive grassroots campaign.
The associations represented by leadership including the Vice President of Private Sector, Toyin Tuase and Olabisi Alade on behalf of Artisans pledged to deliver overwhelming votes for the governor’s second term.
