Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will today receive the Leadership Newspaper’s Governor of the Year Award (2025), in recognition of his outstanding leadership and achievements in key sectors that have led to a major transformation in the state.
The ceremony holds at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
In its nomination letter, the management of Leadership Newspapers stated that Governor Oyebanji is being recognised for his people-centered leadership that has transformed Ekiti State and the positive impact of his administration on the people of the state.
Governor Oyebanji had upon assuming office in October 16, 2022 commenced a diligent implementation of his six- pillar development agenda, drawn from the 30 years Ekiti State Development plan (2020-2050), with a clear focus on delivering shared prosperity for Ekiti 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 Governor Oyebanji continues to attract recognition from leading organizations and development institutions.
Prior to today’s award, Governor Oyebanji had earlier received the Silverbird Man of the Year Award (2024); Vanguard Newspaper’s Good Governance Award (2024), Daily Independent Newspaper’s Governor of the Year Award (2023), The EDGE Award for Most Outstanding Leadership (2024) and Energy Governor of the Year (2024) by the Energy Times.
Under his administration, Ekiti State has recorded notable social and economic milestones. The state 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. Ekiti was also rated by Enough – is- Enough (EiE) 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 percent from 42 per 1000 in 2019 to 18 per 1000 in 2024; a reduction in infant mortality by 53 percent from 57 per 1000 in 2010 to 27 per 1000 in 2024; reduction in under five mortality by 54 percent from 95 per 1000 in 2019 to 44 per 1000 in 2024.
Governor Oyebanji continues to prioritise policies, programmes and projects that impact positively on the wellbeing and welfare of Ekiti people. The massive endorsement the Governor 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.
Signed
Olayinka Oyebode
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor
12-02-2026
Last modified: February 12, 2026
