Ekiti Okays N17.1bn For Road, Power, Water Projects

Ekiti State government has approved N17.166 billion for the execution of road infrastructure, electricity, solar street lights, water and sanitation projects.

The projects were approved at the weekly State Executive Council meeting held on Monday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The State’s Commissioner for Information in the State, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, who briefed journalists on Tuesday, said the Ekiti State Executive Council, at its meeting, considered and approved several policy initiatives and strategic projects aimed at strengthening governance, improving institutional capacity, expanding critical infrastructure, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development across the State.

Olatunbosun said the council approved a total sum of ₦14,309,400,731.18 for two strategic and major road projects to be undertaken in Ado-Ekiti and the Ekiti South-West/Ekiti West axis, as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and accelerate socio-economic development across the State.

He said, “The approved projects are: ₦12,576,107,119.84 for the reconstruction of the 18.83-kilometre Ilawe–Erijiyan–Ikogosi Road, a strategic inter-community road linking Ekiti South-West and Ekiti West Local Government Areas.

The project is expected to improve the movement of people and goods, enhance the security of lives and property, facilitate easier access to the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and other tourism assets, and stimulate economic activities along the corridor.

“N1,733,293,611.34 was awarded for the construction of the 2.24-kilometre Spotless–Assembly of God/Opposite Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School Road, Ado-Ekiti. The already deteriorated road will be reconstructed to address extensive pavement failure, improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, enhance security, and ease transportation challenges for residents and motorists.

‘’Also approved by the council is the sum of ₦2,063,000,250.00 for the upgrading of four road projects being executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) through an increase in asphalt thickness from 30 millimetres (mm) to 40 millimetres (mm) to improve the roads’ durability and extend their service life.’’

The approval, according to him, covers the additional asphalt works on the following road projects: Ijero–Epe–Araromi–Iropora Road (11.31km), to be executed at a variation cost of ₦382,839,750.00; Ikole–Isaba–Ikoyi–Igbemo Road (19.8km), to be executed at a variation cost of ₦653,191,500.00; Ido–Ipere–Iludun Road (15.1km), to be executed at a variation cost of ₦505,486,500.00; andAgbado–Ijisun–Ipole–Ise Road (15.73km), to be executed at a variation cost of ₦521,482,500.00.

The Commissioner of Ekiti State Executive Council approved a total sum of ₦381,650,327.00 for the installation of solar-powered street lights at three strategic locations within Ado-Ekiti.

The Ekiti State Executive Council also approved the appointment of Prince Fagbayi Feyisayo Ige as the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area, following the successful completion of the statutory and traditional processes prescribed under the Chiefs Law of Ekiti State.

Council noted that the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti is a recognised chieftaincy under the Chiefs Law, Cap. C5, Laws of Ekiti State (2012), with a duly registered Chieftaincy Declaration establishing two ruling houses of Fabunmi and Atoriseyasokunrin, as well as six kingmakers responsible for the selection of a new traditional ruler.

The State Executive Council congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election as Governor of Ekiti State, describing the outcome of the 20 June governorship election as an affirmation of the confidence the people of the State reposed in his administration.