Oyebanji told outgoing chairmen of local governments and Local Council Development Areas in the state that their successors would complete the projects they began.
The governor, who spoke in Ado Ekiti at a valedictory luncheon organised in honour of the outgoing chairmen by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, said, “As an administration, in the interest of Ekiti citizens, we have a strong aversion for abandoned projects at the council level.”
Oyebanji will on Thursday (tomorrow) inaugurate the newly elected council chairmen and vice chairmen of the 16 LGs and 22 LCDAs.
He said, “For those who have been returned, I congratulate you. Those that are not returned, there is no point to fear about tomorrow, it is common to public office holders. There are times for entry and exit. If you are exiting, see it as part of life.”
Oyebanji said the future was still bright for those who had done exceedingly well in serving the people, adding, “Wherever we find ourselves as politicians, we must be humble with power. You must connect with the people, and treat them with respect and honour. You must also serve God. If God has singled you out among the people to lead, try and get closer to Him.”
He praised the outgoing chairmen for their outstanding performances and services to Ekiti, describing their efforts in the last two years in the saddle as satisfactory.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter, Olabode Adetunji, who lauded Oyebanji for giving direction, hinged the chairmen’s performances on the financial independence allowed by the governor in councils.
Adetunji, who is the outgoing Chairman of Efon Local Government, promised that the incoming council henchmen would back the governor in the realisation of his dream at the local government level.
