Oyebanji receives Silverbird Man of the Year Award, says Tinubu’s reforms boosting devt

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has received his award as the Silverbird Man of the Year, praising President Bola Tinubu for his transformative reforms and policies.

He explained that the President’s policies had empowered sub-national governments to implement impactful development projects, adding that Tinubu’s reforms were the driving force behind his administration’s achievements and successes.

The governor spoke at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State, where he received the Man of the Year Award in recognition of his remarkable achievements and outstanding contributions to national development.

Oyebanji, who was accompanied to the stage to receive the award by all former Governors of the state – Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, and kayode Fayemi; the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and other eminent personalities from Ekiti State, said the President’s reforms helped free up critical resources to states, allowing states to pursue their developmental goals and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

The governor commended the founder and management of Silverbird groups for nominating him and Nigerians for voting for him, saying the award serves as both recognition and a challenge to do more in delivering quality leadership and impactful policies.

He said, “Today’s award is about the people, some of them are here with me, some in Ekiti State, some in the diaspora, friends of our government that have stood by us, chief among them are the former Governors, Senate Leader, National and State Assembly members, Exco members and our corporate friends that have been supporting us to deliver on promises to Ekiti people; this award goes to you..

“To the Silverbird Group, we are not unmindful of the responsibility this award imposes on us and I promise you that I am going to be a good ambassador of the brand and sharing this podium today with great men that have won this award before us, I can assure you that I will not let you down.

“The award I receive today is dedicated to God Almighty and also to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu whose policies free resources to sub-nationals to implement their programmes and we are extremely grateful.”

Speaking earlier while presenting the award to the governor, the founder of Silverbird Group, Senator Ben MurrayBruce, praised Oyebanji’s exemplary leadership and impactful governance, stressing that the presence of all the former governors of the state to support him at the event  was a clear testament of his widespread acceptance and high regard in which he is held

Senator Murray-Bruce further emphasized that the overwhelming vote cast for the governor during the selection process of the award demonstrated the people’s appreciation for his performance. He noted that the governor’s achievements in Ekiti State has resonated not just locally but nationally, showcasing his commitment to the welfare of the people and the development of the state.

Other recipients of awards at the event include the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, Minister of Works, David Umahi, among others.

While Lagos State and Enugu State Governors respectively received Governor of the Year Awards, Minister of Works, Dr David Umahi was honoured with Minister of the year award.

Also present at the event were the wife of the Ekiti Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; former President, Nigeria Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North); and Senator Yemi Adaramodu ( Ekiti South), among others.