Ekiti State Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye has pledged greater attention to job creation and industrialisation during Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term, expressing confidence that the administration would deliver improved public services following a thanksgiving visit to a Celestial Church of Christ branch in Ikere-Ekiti on Sunday.

Mrs Afuye described the governor’s second-term mandate as divinely ordained, saying his faith and commitment to God would continue to shape the administration’s approach to governance.

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The deputy governor spoke during a thanksgiving tour of Celestial Church of Christ branches across Ekiti State.

Details of her remarks were contained in a statement made available to journalists on Monday by Tope Ariyo, Director of Press in the Deputy Governor’s Office.

She also thanked Christian denominations, Muslim communities and other faith-based organisations for their support for the administration during its first term, particularly during the last governorship election.

“I would like to thank our leaders across the state for standing by us. The support shown by this church, CCC, was massive. The same thing was true across all Christian denominations and also among Muslims. I thank all our faith-based organisations for the uncommon love,” Mrs Afuye said.

She praised Governor Oyebanji’s religious commitment, describing him as a leader whose faith would influence the formulation and implementation of government policies.

“Our governor is a man who fears God. Having a man of substance like him at the helm of affairs can only mean that God will be made first in his policies and their execution,” she said.

Mrs Afuye expressed optimism that the administration’s renewed mandate would translate into better public services and stronger development outcomes across the state.

“I am optimistic that the second-term mandate of the administration will usher in better, improved and impactful service delivery across the state. I can affirm that priority attention will be given to job creation and industrialisation,” she added.

The deputy governor’s remarks place employment generation and industrial development among the administration’s stated priorities for its next term.

However, the statement did not provide specific job creation targets, proposed industrial projects, investment commitments or implementation timelines.

Delivering on the pledge will require translating policy intentions into practical opportunities for residents, including stronger support for businesses, investment in productive sectors and measures that enable enterprises to expand and employ more workers.

Earlier at the church service, the presiding priest, Ven. Rotimi Ogunbunmi, emphasised the importance of prayer, faith and contentment. He praised Governor Oyebanji for what he described as the moral character and upbringing expected of a godly leader.

Ven. Ogunbunmi also attributed the peace and orderliness being experienced in Ekiti to the faith and conduct of the governor and his deputy.

Mrs Afuye’s thanksgiving tour provides an opportunity for the administration to acknowledge the role religious communities played in supporting its first term.

Her remarks also signal the government’s intention to maintain engagement with faith-based organisations as it pursues its development agenda.

As the second term progresses, job creation, industrialisation and service delivery are likely to remain important measures by which residents assess the administration’s performance.

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The government’s ability to demonstrate measurable progress in these areas will be central to determining whether its stated ambitions translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.