The Special Assistant to the Governor on Service Delivery, Mr Toba Fatunla, has embarked on an extensive December festive season empowerment programme in Ikole Ward 4, in his country home, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots development and people focused service.
Speaking at the event which has hundreds of party leaders and members in attendance, Fatunla explained that the empowerment was designed to support residents during the festive period and to give back to the ward that has consistently stood by him. He described the programme as a practical expression of gratitude, loyalty, and shared responsibility between leadership and the people.
He recalled that a similar intervention was carried out in December last year but noted that this year’s empowerment was deliberately expanded in scope and value in order to celebrate the feats that the current administration has achieved particularly, the ones recorded within Ikole Ekiti.
According to him, the intention was to ensure that more people benefited and that the support provided would make a difference in the lives of beneficiaries this festive period.
Fatunla paid glowing tribute to the leadership of Ikole Ward 4, describing it as exceptional and united as well as blessed with strong leadership and unity, thanking them for their support for the Oyebanji administration and assuring residents of his continued commitment to empowerment, service, and inclusive development.
He said the ward leaders have shown uncommon loyalty, encouragement, and organisational strength, which made the successful execution of the empowerment programme possible.
He noted that the collective spirit within the ward has remained a strong pillar of support since his appointment, adding that such unity is critical for effective service delivery and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
The Governor’s aide expressed deep appreciation to Dr Oyebanji Filani for his major support toward the empowerment exercise saying that the backing he received from the state commissioner for health and human services played a crucial role in making the intervention impactful and meaningful for the people of the ward.
He also acknowledged the leadership, guidance, and mentorship of the state commissioner for finance, Mr Akin Oyebode, whom he described as a dependable leader whose influence continues to inspire service, discipline, and commitment to community development.
Fatunla further noted that leaders from Ikole Local Government, particularly those from Ikole Ward 4, have never relented in their support for him and the Governor. He said their confidence in his capacity to serve has remained a constant source of motivation and strength.
During the cash empowerment segment of the programme, the Chairman of Ikole Ward 4 publicly commended Fatunla for his consistency in supporting the ward. He noted that the ward has continued to benefit from both financial and material assistance over time, describing Fatunla as a leader who remembers his roots.
Reacting to the commendation, Fatunla described it as a great honour that further challenged him to deepen his commitment to service and community upliftment.
He described the gathering as a three fold engagement, combining empowerment, political mobilisation, and celebration. At the same event, Fatunla formally led Olarewaju Bamgboye, the number one student in Ekiti State and President of the Federation of Ekiti State Students Union, into Ikole Ward 4 following his decision to join the All Progressives Congress.
Fatunla explained that Bamgboye’s decision was inspired by the visible impact of leadership and mentorship within the ward, particularly that of Hon Akin Oyebode and other respected leaders whose examples continue to influence young people.
The event also featured a moment of celebration as Fatunla informed ward members that the day marked the 58th birthday of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. Members of the ward joined him in singing a birthday song in honour of the governor.
Prayers were offered for the governor, seeking divine guidance, wisdom, strength, and good health as he continues to provide people centred leadership and strengthen service delivery across the state.
Fatunla also thanked Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the opportunity to serve, as well as to his supervising authority at the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr Moyo Ekundayo, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, and other state leaders for providing quality leadership and mentorship for him in administration and governance which he said has been modeling his engagement and impacts within the state.