In the build-up to elections, it is not unusual for misinformation to find its way into public discourse. However, when such narratives are deliberately crafted to mislead citizens and distort reality, it becomes necessary to respond with clarity, facts, and a sense of responsibility.
A recent video circulating online attempts to discredit ongoing development efforts in parts of Ekiti State, particularly focusing on a road project that is still under construction. The portrayal of this project as poorly executed or abandoned is not only inaccurate, it is misleading.
The truth is simple: the road in question is still under construction. Like all standard infrastructure projects, it is progressing through defined stages. From groundwork to drainage systems, paving, and finishing, each phase takes time and must be executed properly to ensure durability and quality. Highlighting an incomplete phase as a finished product is a clear attempt to misinform the public.
It raises an important question: why would anyone visit an active construction site and criticize it for not being completed? Development is not instantaneous. It is a process, deliberate, structured, and gradual.
Beyond the issue of road construction, the video also makes troubling claims about the broader condition of Ikogosi, attempting to paint a picture that does not reflect reality. Such claims reveal a concerning disconnect from the local context and geography of Ekiti. Like many communities, Ikogosi represents a blend of heritage and progress, where traditional homes exist alongside emerging infrastructure.
It is important to state clearly that governance does not extend to rebuilding private family homes. The role of government is to provide public infrastructure, enabling environments, and policies that support growth. The existence of older buildings in a town is not a sign of failure; it is a reflection of history, culture, and community identity.
Under the leadership of Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti State has continued to witness steady and measurable progress. From strategic road construction and rehabilitation projects to investments in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, the administration has maintained a clear focus on sustainable development.
The government has also strengthened economic opportunities by supporting small businesses, improving agricultural productivity, and fostering a more inclusive approach to governance. These efforts are not isolated, they are part of a broader vision to move Ekiti State to a higher level of development.
It is essential to understand that meaningful development does not happen overnight. It is built step by step, project by project, policy by policy. What Ekiti is experiencing today is not stagnation, but a steady climb toward growth and transformation.
Unfortunately, as elections draw closer, there will always be attempts to weaponize incomplete information for political gain. Selective narratives, half-truths, and visual distortions are often used to create doubt where progress clearly exists. This should not distract citizens from the bigger picture.
Ekiti deserves conversations rooted in truth, not propaganda. Criticism, when grounded in facts, is healthy for democracy. But when it is driven by misinformation, it undermines public trust and slows collective progress.
The reality remains unchanged: projects are ongoing, development is visible, and leadership is focused. Ekiti State is moving forward. As citizens, the responsibility lies with all of us to seek truth, question misleading narratives, and support efforts that genuinely contribute to the growth of our communities.
đŸ“· Tolulope Ayeni
Abiodun Borisade Platform
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