Governor Biodun Oyebanji has commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring Ekiti receives fair federal allocations to fund key projects.
He said the state’s major developments were achieved without borrowing.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing strong support for the state’s growth by ensuring that more federal resources reach Ekiti to fund major people-oriented projects.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the new Ekiti Revenue House in Ado-Ekiti, the governor said his administration has spent the past three years delivering critical infrastructure such as roads, electricity, healthcare, and water projects across the state to mark his third anniversary in office.
Oyebanji noted that none of the projects executed so far had been funded through borrowing, adding that the state’s internally generated revenue and prudent management had made that possible. He credited the President’s transparent revenue allocation policies for helping states access their rightful share of national funds.
According to him, the administration’s financial discipline is anchored on strengthening the Ekiti Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which he described as central to the state’s economic growth and social development.
He also lauded the appointment of Dr. Zacch Adedeji as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), saying the choice reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to merit and competence in public service.
“Our government has been able to execute every single project without taking a loan. This is possible because we now have a President who ensures that funds meant for states are released transparently,” the governor said. “For once, Ekiti has received what rightfully belongs to it, and the results are evident in the projects we are commissioning.”
Oyebanji called on residents to continue supporting and praying for President Tinubu, describing him as a prepared and reform-driven leader whose policies are beginning to yield visible results. He added that the gains from the President’s economic reforms have enabled states like Ekiti to fund critical projects without external borrowing.
The governor also expressed readiness to introduce legislation that would unify the state’s tax administration in line with the new national tax policy aimed at harmonizing levies and improving revenue generation across states.
During the event, FIRS Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji commended Oyebanji for building the Revenue House and for his commitment to fiscal transparency. He said the facility would boost the state’s capacity for tax collection and serve as a model for others.
Adedeji added that the best way to encourage tax compliance is for citizens to see tangible results from their contributions, stressing that innovation and accountability are key to effective governance.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Olaniran Olatona, thanked the governor for supporting the agency’s growth and said the new building would address previous operational challenges. He noted that Ekiti’s internally generated revenue has grown impressively, lifting the state’s ranking from 35th to among the top 16 nationwide.
Olatona said the new data-driven system would improve efficiency and transparency while easing the burden on low-income earners.
Dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the House of Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo, and traditional rulers led by the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado.
