Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, was on Friday honoured with two prestigious awards in Lagos — the Vanguard Newspapers’ Personality of the Year (Good Governance) Award and the Energy Times Magazine’s Energy Governor of the Year Award.
The double recognition comes just weeks after the governor clinched the Silverbird Man of the Year Award, reinforcing the national acclaim of his administration’s transformative impact in Ekiti State. The awards highlight Oyebanji’s strides in infrastructure development, energy reform, agriculture, and community-driven governance.
Speaking after the ceremonies, Governor Oyebanji dedicated the honours to the people of Ekiti State, describing their support as the foundation of his administration’s success. He stated that the recognitions are not just symbolic, but serve as a renewed call to action — to raise the bar in delivering sustainable development and improving citizens’ livelihoods.
The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating policies that have increased financial inflows to states, allowing for more ambitious development programmes. He also acknowledged the contributions of Ekiti indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora, praising their consistent support and encouragement.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, at the Vanguard award held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Oyebanji emphasised that the recognition was a reflection of visionary leadership and inclusive programmes that have repositioned Ekiti as an attractive destination for living, working, and investing.
“We see this not as a personal accolade, but as a mandate to deepen our impact. These awards speak to our shared prosperity agenda and the tangible progress we’re making across sectors— from healthcare to youth empowerment,” he said.
At the Energy Times event, which took place at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, the Governor — represented by the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko — reiterated his commitment to expanding electricity access and strengthening the state’s power infrastructure.
He revealed that within two years, several communities had been reconnected to the national grid, while moves to improve metering and expand the reach of the state’s Independent Power Plant are well underway.
“These energy-sector gains have opened the doors to public-private partnerships and attracted key stakeholders, all working to boost our local economy and improve livelihoods,” he added.
Governor Oyebanji stressed that overcoming regulatory barriers in the power sector was critical to sustaining electricity access, which in turn lays the groundwork for accelerated economic growth.
He concluded by reaffirming that his administration remains focused on delivering people-centred governance that addresses real needs and drives long-term progress for all Ekiti residents.
