Ode-Ekiti-born pharmacist and community leader, Adedayo Oluwasanmi, has urged Nigerians to see the 65th Independence anniversary of Nigeria and the 29th creation anniversary of Ekiti State as a moment for sober reflection, renewal of hope, and collective responsibility.
In a goodwill message marking the twin celebrations, Oluwasanmi congratulated the people of Nigeria and particularly Ekiti indigenes, stressing that both milestones remain symbolic of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of self-determination.
He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the progress being recorded in the nation’s economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that while the challenges remain daunting, signs of gradual transformation are beginning to manifest.
According to him, the President’s reforms are laying a foundation for long-term prosperity, and Nigerians must continue to show patience and endurance to reap the full benefits. He argued that transformational change is never instant but requires sacrifice, consistency, and strong leadership.
Oluwasanmi recalled the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, linking it to the historic determination of Ekiti people during the Kiriji and Ekiti Parapo War. He said that just like their forebears, the campaigners for state creation embodied resilience, stubborn determination, and unity of purpose.
He maintained that the creation of the state in which the Oluwasanmi Dynasty Ode Ekiti was actively involved has brought government closer to the grassroots, opened doors for political participation, and given Ekiti people a strong voice in national affairs. According to him, the dividends of this achievement must not be taken for granted.
The pharmacist specifically commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji, noting that his journey into leadership is deeply tied to the history of the state’s creation, as he served as secretary to the committee that fought for Ekiti’s recognition nearly three decades ago.
He praised the governor for consolidating the dreams of the founding fathers through people-oriented policies, infrastructural renewal, and investments in education, health, and agriculture. He said Oyebanji’s leadership represents continuity with vision and must be safeguarded.
Oluwasanmi called on citizens to rally behind the governor’s continuity agenda, warning that political instability or interregnum could drag the state backwards and undo the progress recorded over the years.
He urged Ekiti indigenes not to allow opportunistic hijack of the political process, stressing that only consistency of governance can guarantee sustainable development. For him, history has shown that political turbulence has often slowed the pace of Ekiti’s growth.
The pharmacist extended appreciation to all past leaders of Ekiti State, both civilian and military, for their contributions at various times. He said development is a product of continuity across administrations, and every leader deserves recognition for laying stones on the state’s foundation.
He also tasked the political class with prioritizing the collective good of Ekiti over personal ambition. According to him, the dreams of the founding fathers must remain the guiding light, above political rivalry or partisan interest.
Oluwasanmi particularly charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti to close ranks and ensure unity within the party as the political season draws closer, noting that internal cohesion is critical to securing victory for Governor Oyebanji at both primaries and the general elections.
He emphasized that the Oyebanji administration has demonstrated clear focus in the last three years, with significant achievements that must not be truncated. He mentioned road rehabilitation, youth empowerment, health upgrades, and agricultural revitalization as some of the defining successes.
According to him, Ekiti’s economic prospects lie heavily in agriculture, and the government’s ongoing investment in mechanization and value-chain development must be sustained to make the state a food hub in Nigeria.
He also identified education as Ekiti’s comparative advantage, urging the government to continue preserving the state’s reputation as the “fountain of knowledge” through continuous funding, innovation, and global competitiveness of its institutions. He lauded the attention given to youth empowerment, noting that the creativity and innovation of Ekiti’s young population remain its greatest asset which must be well tapped into. He urged more emphasis on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and job creation to position Ekiti for the future economy
On healthcare, Oluwasanmi commended the efforts to strengthen hospitals and expand health insurance laud the deeper community health interventions of the government for rural dwellers.
He urged indigenes at home and in the diaspora to contribute to the state’s development caling for more partnership between government, the private sector, and citizens to sustain progress.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the capacity of Governor Oyebanji to continue steering the ship of the state in the right direction, stressing that continuity is not just a political slogan but a practical strategy for development.
Oluwasanmi finally prayed for peace and prosperity for both Nigeria and Ekiti State, urging citizens to see the anniversaries not only as historical landmarks but as renewed calls to action for a greater future.