Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has hailed the Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s Ekiti governance model as a premier example of purposeful leadership.
The DG highlighted Oyebanji’s skill in managing successor-predecessor relations—a frequent source of friction that often hinders progress in many Nigerian states.
Mallam Onilu shared these views during a high-level meeting at the NOA Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, April 1. He welcomed a delegation from the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, led by Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq.
The visiting group included Michael Peculiar Ekiran, Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development, and Victor Ogundipe, Personal Aide to the Director-General.
A Standard for Political Continuity
Reflecting on the 2022 gubernatorial primaries where Oyebanji emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Onilu expressed deep pride in the Governor’s tenure. He noted that the Governor has not only met expectations but has actively surpassed them.
“So far, so good. Governor Oyebanji is performing excellently. He has not disappointed the party or the people of Ekiti. States experiencing crises in successor–predecessor transitions should learn from Ekiti. His management of stakeholders and predecessors has set a standard worthy of emulation,” Onilu stated.
The DG argued that the Ekiti governance model fosters Nigerian political stability. By encouraging collaboration between political actors and the civil service, the state has built a framework for lasting growth.
He suggested that other regions struggling with post-transition conflict would benefit from studying this approach.
Tourism as an Economic Catalyst
Beyond politics, Mallam Onilu spoke on the economic potential of Ekiti State tourism. He pointed out that events such as golf tournaments act as vital sparks for local trade.
“Tourism creates a ripple effect across the hospitality and service sectors. Even small businesses, like local restaurants, experience a surge in daily revenue during such events,” he noted.
Visionary Institutional Frameworks
Amb. Ojo-Lanre thanked the DG and praised Governor Oyebanji’s structured approach to development. He explained that the administration has spent its first two years building a solid foundation for the future.
“Earlier this year, the Ekiti State Executive Council approved the Tourism Policy and the Tourism Development Master Plan. These are foundational instruments that will guide the sector’s growth for years to come,” Ojo-Lanre said.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of materials showcasing Ekiti’s natural landmarks and investment potential. Mallam Onilu expressed a strong desire to visit the state soon to explore further partnerships.
Through this endorsement, Ekiti State continues to shine as a beacon of good governance, proving that strategic planning can indeed redefine political transitions.
