Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative policies, stating that they have significantly empowered state governments to implement impactful development projects.
Speaking on Sunday at the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he received the prestigious Man of the Year Award, Oyebanji attributed his administration’s achievements to the President’s economic reforms.
“The award I receive today is dedicated to God Almighty and also to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, whose policies free resources to sub-nationals to implement their programmes, and we are extremely grateful,” he said.
The Governor was joined on stage by all former Governors of Ekiti State—Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr Ayodele Fayose, Engr Segun Oni, and Dr Kayode Fayemi—as well as Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and other prominent personalities. He noted that Tinubu’s policies have allowed states to channel critical resources into developmental initiatives, ensuring the delivery of democratic dividends.
Expressing his gratitude to the Silverbird Group for the recognition, Oyebanji described the award as both an honour and a challenge to further improve governance.
“Today’s award is about the people, some of them are here with me, some in Ekiti State, some in the Diaspora, friends of our government that have stood by us, chief among them are the former Governors, Senate Leader, National and State Assembly members, Exco members and our corporate friends that have been supporting us to deliver on our promises to Ekiti people, this award goes to you,” he said.
“To the Silverbird Group, we are not unmindful of the responsibility this award imposes on us, and I promise you that I am going to be a good ambassador of the brand… I can assure you that I will not let you down.”
Presenting the award, the founder of Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, praised Oyebanji’s leadership, highlighting the presence of all former Ekiti State Governors at the event as a testament to his broad acceptance and influence.
Senator Murray-Bruce also noted that the overwhelming votes Oyebanji received in the selection process reflected the people’s appreciation of his performance. He emphasised that the Governor’s achievements had not only impacted Ekiti State but had also gained national recognition.
Other recipients of awards at the event included Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, and Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi. Sanwo-Olu and Mbah received the Governor of the Year Award, while Umahi was honoured as Minister of the Year.
