By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has declared 2025 as the year of accelerated growth in the state’s journey towards shared prosperity.

The new year, according to Oyebanji, will see the state witness massive improvements in food production, infrastructure, and government services unprecedented in the state’s history.

The Governor, in a statewide New Year broadcast aired on all radio and television stations in the state on Wednesday morning, congratulated the people of the state for witnessing another year despite the numerous challenges they faced daily.

Admitting that each year comes with its challenges, he emphasised the need to thank God for guiding the people of the state through 2024, which, he noted, began with severe economic difficulties and alarming insecurity.

The Governor expressed delight that the year “thankfully, ended with easing economic situation suggestive of a positive curve for our State and country.” He added that the security situation in the state had also improved significantly.

Governor Oyebanji also highlighted that his administration and the people “have made a remarkable mileage in the journey to prosperity in line with our continuity and shared prosperity agenda,” adding that “development in the last one year has been phenomenally exciting, a fact which many have acknowledged.”

The Governor assured that 2025 would offer better economic prospects for the state and the country, noting that Ekiti had taken a leap towards a higher pedestal of economic development, especially with the approval granted to the state airport to commence non-scheduled flights.

He said: “We are very optimistic that 2025 will be a year of positive economic resurgent for the country, as indicators point to increased economic activities that will engender higher income and improved revenue.

“In Ekiti, this is our year of Accelerated Growth in our shared prosperity journey. Ekiti is going to witness massive improvement in food production, infrastructure, and better government services than we have ever seen.

“I am proud to announce that Ekiti State Airport is now completed and ready for operation. The federal government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on December 13, 2024, granted the airport a six-month licence to commence non-scheduled flight activities at the airport.

“This period of six months is for the airport to test its systems and prepare for full operation from June 15 this year. This, in my view, is the best New Year gift to Ekiti people.

“For us in Ekiti, the commencement of flights at the airport is a validation of our continuity mantra. It also marks a significant milestone in our strategic vision of linking the economy of our state to the rest of the world, as well as expanding Ekiti’s economy into new arenas of prosperity and opportunities.

“Our ultimate hope is to become the agro-allied export hub of the country. We are very thrilled by the potential that this breakthrough portends for our state.”

The Governor appreciated leaders at all levels, especially the state’s former governors, former deputy governors, former and current members of the National Assembly, as well as former and current leaders of the state’s legislative and judicial arms of government, party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders.

He expressed what he described as his “deepest gratitude” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “for his special interest in our dear state and his fatherly support to us at all times.” He further appreciated the federal government and its agencies in Ekiti for their cooperation, as well as development and financial partners for their continuous support.

The Governor also lauded all Ekiti people, both home and abroad, for their goodwill since his assumption of office, noting that he was deeply touched by their show of love and solidarity. He expressed gratitude for their advice, prayers, suggestions, and constructive criticisms.