…as Ekiti govt reaffirms commitment to grassroots development
The ever-exciting grassroots engagement initiative of the Ekiti State government, BAO Street Connect on Thursday held at Ogotun-Ekiti and Ilawe-Ekiti respectively in a grand style.
The event which attracted top government functionaries and residents across different political affiliations was organized by the Ekiti State Bureau of Community Communications.
Speaking at the event, Director General of the Bureau of Community Communications, Mary Omotosho reassured the residents of the state government’s commitment to grassroots development.
The DG said that the grassroots engagement serves as a platform for the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to inform residents of the state on the programs and activities of the government.
According to her, “The motive is to simply keep engaging the people and keep informing the people in a more entertaining way that will be very attractive to their minds because this is grassroots.
“We have started this ever since the inception of this government and every year we do a follow-up because things happen in the government. This is an opportunity for us to rub minds with them, ask questions as regards where we are in terms of interventions, inform them about the opportunities in government and give them updates about government activities.
“It means that the government of Governor Oyebanji is indeed connecting with the people because when we started, the awareness was not as much as this. Getting here, it means the awareness is much more than last year. The countenance and reactions show positivity and we are very much happy about that.”
Addressing the mammoth crowd in Ilawe-Ekiti, Chairman of Ekiti South West LGA, Richard Apolola said that Governor Oyebanji’s exceptional leadership qualities has distinguished him from past governors in the state.
Apolola highlighted the achievements of Governor Oyebanji which has overseen significant infrastructure improvements, including the construction of roads that connect Ilawe-Ekiti to neighbouring communities and other states.
In the same vein, Secretary of Ekiti South West LGA, Patrick Akindele praised the DG for projecting the activities of the state government at the grassroots level adding that the people are solidly behind the re-election of Governor Oyebanji.
Speaking at Ogotun-Ekiti, Chairman of Igbaraodo/ Ogotun Ekiti LCDA, Olowolaju Bukola described the governor’s grassroots development drive as one of its kind noting that it will impact the livelihoods of the people.
Her words: “We appreciate the governor for deeming it fit to have this kind of program. Of course it is a wonderful program that really touched the lives of the people and coming down to the grassroots. You could see the joy and happiness in our people for seeing the governor at their doorsteps.”
Similarly, Secretary of Igbaraodo/Ogotun Ekiti LCDA, Olaluwoye Aderopo, who described Oyebanji as a grassroots governor said that the initiative will project him positively to the masses.
“The BAO Street Connect that is happening in Ogotun-Ekiti shows the kind of governor we have. It shows that he is a grassroots governor that understands the heartbeat and pulse of the citizens.
“With what the governor is doing, everybody will know that the governor has identified with them. If other politicians not just the governor, nobody will be complaining. The governor has gotten it right in all ramifications, particularly dealing with people in the grassroots. This is a kind of program that will sell BAO to the populace.”
A resident of Ogotun-Ekiti and grassroots mobilizer, Ajisafe Adebayo, who ascribed Oyebanji as the best governor in the country, praised his efforts in supporting farmers in the state, particularly in his area with equipments and seedlings.
According to him, “Governor Oyebanji is one of the best governors we have in the country at the moment. I believe that every programs he does impacts the people and to improve the standard of living, especially in Ogotun-Ekiti where he encouraged farming.
“He assisted farmers in many ways by providing farming equipments and seedlings. He is trying to construct access roads in our community so that the farm products will be carried to urban areas. I believe his second term is very sure, particularly in our local government.”
The residents praised the good works of the state governor with various inscriptions on their placards while urging him to seek re-election to continue the developmental milestones.
Other highlights of the event include the distribution of free food items and side attractions including games, dance competition, among others while winners won cash gifts and consolation prizes.
