The Ekiti State government has approved N1,814,101,997 billion to execute some agricultural, educational, and other projects across the state.
The decision was made at the weekly State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The state Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun said the council approved the sum of N1,102,315,383.75 for the construction of renewed hope dormitories, which are halls of residency for farmers, with a maximum of 50 persons per hall in some farm clusters in the state.
Olatubosun said, “It is part of the unwavering resolve and commitment of the present administration to transform the agriculture sector. This administration has taken a giant stride in ensuring that youths interested in agriculture have a conducive and enabling environment to undertake their farming activities”.
He added that the dormitories were approved to be awarded to three contractors: Oke-Ako, Ikere, Emure/Eporo, Iyemero, and Aramoko. The contractors were handed four-week completion periods.
The government also approved N392,472,560.00 to construct trenches around farm clusters in the state to prevent soil erosion and undue access by cattle and other animals.
The Commissioner said, “A key component of Governor Oyebanji’s initiative to revolutionise agriculture is ensuring food security, empowering farmers, and boosting the state economy in Ekiti State. The trenches are also expected to prevent flooding and facilitate irrigation, increase crop yields as well as prevent undue access to farmland by cattle and other animals.’’
According to him, the locations where the trenches are to be constructed include Oke-Ako1, Oke-Ako2, Ado, Emure, Aramoko, Ise, Ikere, and Gede, with the contractor given an eight-week completion period.
Also, the state Bureau of Special Projects approved N169,314,054.05 to renovate the Ayo Fasanmi Model College Building, Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, through Direct Labour.
