In recognition of his outstanding leadership and achievements in key sectors that have led to a major transformation in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji will today receive the Leadership newspapers’ Governor of the Year Award for 2025 in Abuja.
In its nomination letter, the management of Leadership Media Group stated that Oyebanji is being recognised for his people-centered leadership that has transformed the state and the positive impact of his administration on the people of the state.
Upon assuming office on 16 October 2022, Oyebanji commenced a diligent implementation of his six- pillar development agenda, drawn from the state’s Development Plan (2020-2050), with a clear focus on delivering shared prosperity for the people.
This has resulted in major transformation and significant growth in key sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, digital economy and tourism development among others.
The remarkable transformation in the state under Oyebanji continues to attract recognition from leading organisations and development institutions.
Prior to this award, he had received the Silverbird Man of the Year Award (2024); Vanguard Newspapers’ Good Governance Award (2024), Daily Independent Newspapers’ Governor of the Year Award (2023), The EDGE Award for Most Outstanding Leadership (2024) and Energy Governor of the Year (2024) by Energy Times.
Under his administration, Ekiti State has recorded notable social and economic milestones. It ranked No. 1 in the BudgIT State Fiscal Transparency League for five consecutive quarters: (Q2, Q3, Q4 2024 and Q1, Q2 2025).
It also ranked second lowest among the 36 states on Out-of-School-Children in Nigeria. The state was also rated by Enough-is-Enough as the state with the lowest media reported killing for Q2 2025, reinforcing its status as the safest and most peaceful state in the country.
Under Oyebanji’s watch, the state has recorded a reduction in neonatal mortality by 57% from 42 per 1,000 in 2019 to 18 per 1,000 in 2024; a reduction in infant mortality by 53% from 57 per 1,000 in 2010 to 27 per 1,000 in 2024; reduction in under-five mortality by 54% from 95 per 1,000 in 2019 to 44 per 1,000 in 2024.
The governor continues to prioritise policies, programmes and projects that impact positively on the wellbeing and welfare of the people.
The massive endorsement Oyebanji received from critical stakeholders in the state endorsing him for a second term in office also underscores the level of confidence the people repose in his leadership.
