By Ademola Ade
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that his administration paid ₦36.6 billion in pensions to 10,093 retirees, recruited approximately 6,000 teachers and delivered more than 800,000 free health services in the state between October 2022 and August 2026.
Oyebanji presented the figures during his 2026 State of the State Address at the Ekiti State House of Assembly Complex in Ado-Ekiti, where he outlined his administration’s performance across education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security and workers’ welfare.
Speaking on the theme, “The Good Work Continues,” the governor said his administration had invested in public services and infrastructure, adding that its next phase would prioritise economic prosperity, industrialisation, job creation and improved living standards.
He also estimated the size of Ekiti’s economy at ₦8.8 trillion, describing it as a reflection of the state’s economic potential and the opportunities available to expand investment, productivity and employment.
N36.6bn pension payments to 10,093 retirees
On workers’ welfare, Oyebanji said the government paid ₦36.6 billion to 10,093 pensioners between October 2022 and August 2026.
The payments, he said, formed part of efforts to address retirees’ welfare and strengthen the state’s social protection system.
The governor’s address placed pension administration among the key areas of his administration’s performance review, alongside public-sector recruitment and investments in essential services.
6,000 teachers recruited to strengthen education
In the education sector, Oyebanji said his administration recruited approximately 6,000 teachers to strengthen teaching capacity and improve service delivery in public schools.
He also highlighted scholarship support and digital skills training initiatives designed to widen educational opportunities and prepare young people for emerging employment opportunities.
The governor said continued investment in education remained important to developing the state’s human capital and equipping young people with skills relevant to a changing economy.
800,000 free health services, 177 health centres revitalised
Oyebanji disclosed that more than 800,000 free health services had been provided to residents, while 177 primary healthcare centres had been revitalised across Ekiti State.
He also reported a decline in neonatal mortality from 42 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020 to 18 in 2025, describing the reduction as one of the gains recorded in healthcare delivery.
The figures featured prominently in the administration’s review of public health interventions and efforts to improve access to medical services.
161km of rural roads delivered
On infrastructure, the governor said his administration had constructed or improved 161 kilometres of rural roads to connect communities, ease transportation and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to markets.
He said the road projects were part of broader efforts to support rural development and improve economic activities outside major urban centres.
In agriculture, Oyebanji highlighted subsidised land clearing and initiatives to encourage young people to participate in farming, saying the interventions were intended to boost agricultural productivity and support livelihoods.
The governor also pledged to sustain infrastructure investments as his administration pursues job creation, private-sector growth and improved public services.
Agro-Marshals, 100 patrol vehicles deployed
Security was another major component of the governor’s address.
Oyebanji said his administration established the Agro-Marshals Corps and deployed 100 patrol vehicles, alongside surveillance equipment, to strengthen security operations.
According to him, the measures were aimed at protecting lives and property, safeguarding farmers and creating a safer environment for businesses and other economic activities.
The governor maintained that security remained essential to agricultural productivity, investment and sustainable development.
Assembly passes 35 bills, adopts 69 resolutions
In his remarks at the event, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, said the legislature had passed 35 bills, adopted 69 resolutions and conducted 24 public hearings during the period under review.
Aribasoye also said the Assembly had embraced digital platforms to improve legislative processes and public engagement.
He appealed to the state government to provide residential quarters for lawmakers.
The governor, in turn, acknowledged the contributions of the legislature, judiciary, traditional rulers, security agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to the state’s development.
He also expressed appreciation to residents for their support and renewed mandate, pledging to sustain an inclusive governance approach anchored on accountability and sustainable development.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, the governor’s wife, Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, traditional rulers, former speakers, members of the National Assembly, representatives of other state assemblies and other dignitaries.
