After the Independent National Electoral Commission announced the re-election of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday, residents called on him to fulfil his campaign promises and outlined their expectations in his second term.

They urged him not to abandon the promise to create jobs, improve infrastructure and strengthen security across the state.

Speaking with the Peoples Gazette in Ado-Ekiti, the residents said the success of Mr Oyebanji’s second term would not be measured by his re-election victory but his ability to improve the welfare of citizens in the next four years.

An elderly resident, Gbenga Ajaiye, who voted in Saturday’s election, identified unemployment as one of the state’s biggest challenges.

“I voted. I’m happy. I need the incoming government to create jobs. Several youths graduated without jobs. It is not proper for youths to go to school and return home to do nothing,” he told The Gazette.

He also urged the government to strengthen security, particularly in areas Ejigbo, Odo-Ado, Old Garage and Ereguru Junction, which he described as crime-prone areas.

“I would like the government to take the issue of security seriously,” said Mr Ajaiye, emphasizing the protection of unsafe areas.

Mr Ajaiye further appealed to the government to rehabilitate major roads, including the Federal Polytechnic Road, Ajilosu Road and the Ejigbo–Matthew Road.

“These Federal Polytechnic roads need to be repaired. Also, Ajilosu Road and the Ejigbo- Matthew Road need repair. I voted because development needs to expand in the state,” he stated.

Also, a 62-year-old tomato trader on Demo Street, Ado-Ekiti, Olaiya Bosede, said security should be the administration’s top priority.

“There should be peace and security. When there is peace, farmers can go to their farms without fear,” Ms Bosede said. “We need water. The government should end our suffering.’’

Another tomato trader, who identified herself only as Mrs Adeleye, lamented the poor condition of roads in her community, saying movement becomes difficult at night because of bad roads and inadequate street lighting.

Mrs Adeleye appealed to Mr Oyebanji to tackle kidnapping in the state.

Another resident, Dada Isaac, who lives on the outskirts of Ado-Ekiti, commended the peaceful conduct of the election and congratulated Mr Oyebanji on his re-election.

He stated, “The election went well because it was well coordinated. People came out en masse to support the candidates of their choice. And now the governor has been re-elected for another four-year term.’’

Mr Isaac urged the governor to prioritise the welfare of residents and strengthen security across the state.

He urged the governor to prioritise the interests of the masses and provide adequate security in the state.

Mr Isaac begged the governor to create job opportunities for young people.

He said, “If the government can do more than it has done, it will help because everyone wants employment.”

He stated that empowering young people would help fix insecurity, saying gainfully employed youths would lose interest in criminal activities.