The Ekiti State Commissioner for Community and Rural Development, Chief Femi Awe, has commended the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what he described as remarkable strides in infrastructure and grassroots development across the state, with particular emphasis on projects sited in Gbonyin and Aiyekire Local Government Areas.
Chief Awe gave the commendation while addressing journalists shortly after the bimonthly meeting of ward leaders held in Imesi Ekiti, where party stakeholders gathered to review progress, strengthen mobilisation strategies and consolidate support ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
The Commissioner noted that both state and federal government projects currently ongoing in different parts of Ekiti have begun to yield visible impact, especially in rural communities that for years yearned for improved access roads, public facilities and social amenities. He stressed that the administration’s deliberate focus on rural integration is gradually closing development gaps between urban centres and hinterland communities.
According to him, Gbonyin and Aiyekire have benefitted from a range of intervention projects designed to stimulate local economies, enhance agricultural productivity and improve social infrastructure. He said the government remains committed to equitable distribution of development initiatives, insisting that no community would be left behind.
Chief Awe described community engagement as a cornerstone of the present administration’s philosophy, adding that regular interaction with stakeholders at ward and local government levels has helped in identifying pressing needs and ensuring that government responses are timely and inclusive.
At the meeting, ward leaders from various communities took turns to present detailed reports on ongoing membership registration drives within the party as well as the level of participation in the Independent National Electoral Commission voter registration exercise. The reports reflected heightened political awareness and grassroots mobilisation across the local government areas.
The leaders expressed confidence in their preparedness to deliver decisive victories for the party in the June 20 local government election, assuring that structures have been strengthened from the polling unit level upward to guarantee effective coordination and voter turnout.
They also commended Chief Awe for what they described as transparent leadership and a clear pathway for inclusiveness within the party. Particular reference was made to the recently concluded delegate affirmation process and the adoption of consensus candidates for the forthcoming council polls, which they said fostered unity and reduced internal friction.
The ward leaders maintained that the consensus approach adopted in the selection of candidates had deepened trust among party members and positioned the party for a cohesive campaign. They pledged to sustain unity and intensify engagement at the grassroots to consolidate the gains recorded so far.
In his remarks, Chief Awe reiterated the need for sustained collaboration among party stakeholders, urging leaders at all levels to prioritise peace, discipline and issue based mobilisation as the election date approaches. He emphasised that political success must be anchored on service delivery and genuine commitment to community development.
He further encouraged eligible residents who are yet to complete their voter registration to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the electoral body, noting that broad participation strengthens democratic legitimacy and accountability.
Also present at the meeting were prominent party stakeholders including Mr Lekan Ijidale, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi and the Local Government Party Chairman, Pastor Tunji Akinyemi. They each lauded the developmental agenda of the current administration and urged members to remain steadfast in their support.
The stakeholders acknowledged the synergy between government functionaries and party structures, describing it as critical to translating policy decisions into tangible benefits for communities. They noted that sustained grassroots engagement has enhanced public trust in the administration’s programmes.
The gathering in Imesi Ekiti further underscored the centrality of ward structures in shaping political outcomes at the local level. Participants agreed that effective communication, unity of purpose and strategic mobilisation would be instrumental in achieving electoral success.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the council elections, party leaders in Gbonyin and Aiyekire signalled a readiness to consolidate ongoing development efforts with renewed political organisation, positioning the local government areas as key strongholds in the state’s evolving democratic landscape.