3 Major Challenges That Will Confront Biodun Oyebanji In Ekiti After Assuming Office In October

While it is not out of place for friends and lovers of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to bombard the social media and conventional news platforms with congratulations messages to him, it should also be noted that the Governor-elect is about to take a dive into a stormy sea.

Oyebanji was declared winner of the governorship election on Sunday after polling 168,000 votes to defeat his closest rivals, Segun Oni of SDP and Bisi Kolawole of PDP.

Although, Oyebanji is not a greenhorn in the government of Ekiti state. Until he resigned to contest for the top job, he was the Secretary to the State Government under the current administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

He has been part of the system and now, he will be saddled with the responsibilities of leading a fresh administration that will last for four years in the state with effect from October 16th when Fayemi will be transferring the mantle of leadership to him.

By the time Oyebanji eventually takes over, here are three major challenges that will confront his administration in the state.

The first major challenge awaiting the Governor-elect is the issue of insecurity that has bedevelled the state for sometimes. As at today, Ekiti is one of the most insecured States in the southwest.

Hardly will there be a day without the report of kidnapping or killing in some part of the state. Although, the present administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi has done its part to tame the ugly tide but unfortunately, it appears its is not enough to end the scourge.

By the time BAO as fondly called by his people assumes duty in October, he is surely going to confront with the crisis.

The second challenge is the Youth employment in the State. With the explosive number of graduate in Ekiti State, Okada business appears to be the major job readily available for the graduate except those who are ready to leave the state in search of a better economic opportunity in another state.

But for those who have no other place to go, searching for white collar job is like searching for a virgin in the brothel. In most cases, job seekers end up as Okada riders.

Thirdly, Oyebanji will be confronted with the challenge of how to turn the state into an industrial area. Farming is the commonest business in Ekiti. Production of Cocoa, Rubber, Colanut and other cash and food crops is a great attribute of the state. 

But converting them into refined products is a big challenge. The state has always been a primary producer.Most of their Agricultural produce are taken to cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Abuja and other places where they will command more values.

By the time Oyebanji resumes, there will be pressure on him to put an end to this challenge by industrializing the state and consequently take several youths out of the streets.

This is the only way he can repay the overwhelming supports given to him by the people of Ekiti state. And it is also the only way to take the state to another level.