2026 budget: Ekiti to prioritise security, infrastructure

The Ekiti State Government has concluded plans to prioritise security and the development of infrastructure in the 2026 budget.

The Office of the Chief Press Secretary in Ekiti Statedisclosed this in a statement on Thursday after Governor Biodun Oyebanji commenced town hall meetings to engage stakeholders on next year’s budget.

“Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to inclusive governance, improved infrastructure and enhanced security as he kickstarted preparations for the 2026 budget with town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts,” the statement read. 

“The governor who addressed stakeholders at a Town Hall Meeting and Citizens’ Engagement with the people of Ekiti South Senatorial District, emphasised the need for the people of the state to maintain peace to witness more development and transformation in the coming year.”

Oyebanji also attributed the success recorded by his administration and development witnessed in the state to the cooperation and support he has enjoyed with all senators, House of Representatives members from the state and members of the State House of Assembly whom he said share the same vision to lift Ekiti to higher heights with him.

All the requests of the communities in all the six local government areas in the senatorial district-Ekiti Southwest, Ikere, Ise/Orun, Emure, Ayekire and Ekiti East-were presented by their representatives which the governor promised to look into and ensure the incorporation of the critical ones into the 2026 budget.

According to the statement, all the communities’ spokesmen hailed Oyebanji for implementing their requests made at similar town hall meetings in 2022, 2023 and 2024 which they said proved that the governor is a promise keeper who should be entrusted with a fresh mandate of four years.

The requests tabled before the governor for consideration ahead of the 2026 budget preparation include rehabilitation of township roads, extension of electricity to developing areas and procurement of transformers. 

Also included are provision of potable water, rehabilitation of hospitals and construction of health centers, construction and rehabilitation of palaces, provision of perimeter fencing for schools, security of lives and property among others.

Oyebanji used the forum to preach peace ahead of the conduct of the 2026 governorship election urging the people of the state not to allow politics to divide them maintaining that “Ekiti is one irrespective of political leanings and affiliations.”

While urging his supporters to maintain peace, Oyebanji assured that the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti will be peaceful and conducted without any bloodshed. 

He added that the people of Ekiti will decide their next governor with their votes and will peacefully elect a governor of their choice.

“We are all one in Ekiti State and politics should not divide us. It is God that puts somebody in position and in Ekiti, we are all one and I don’t want politics to divide us. As a contestant, I want to assure you that there will be no bloodshed and it is you people that will vote for who you want,” he said.

“Anytime INEC lifts ban on campaign, you will vote for somebody who has performed well. Four years look long but it is a very short time; I knew that the four years will soon expire and I will come back to you and that was why I hit the ground running from day one.

“There is no community in Ekiti State that has not felt our impact. And as we are doing our own, our National Assembly members are doing their own. I want to appreciate Senator (Yemi) Adaramodu, Hon (Femi) Bamisile and Hon (Adeniyi) Ojuawo for what they have done for the people in all the local government areas in this district and their efforts have complemented what our administration has done in the state.

“There is love and unity between me and all National Assembly members, Ekiti State House of Assembly members and the local government chairmen. When we all cooperate, our people will benefit immensely and when there is peace, there will be development. We cannot achieve anything in an atmosphere of rancour.”