Ekiti Urban Renewal Policy To Birth Business Hubs From Slums

In a bid to enhance the current and future operations of the urban population in the state, Ekiti State government has embarked on the demolition of some old and dilapidated structures at Atikankan/Igbehin area, a popular slum in Ado Ekiti.

LEADERSHIP reliably gathered that the demolition was carried out for the construction of the proposed ultra -modern Central Business District and modern park in the renowned shanty area.

To achieve this objective, the state Governor Biodun Oyebanji had a few months ago disbursed the sum of N300 million as compensation to the owners of property acquired to drive the Urban Renewal Policy of his administration.

The beneficiaries were the owners of 130 permanent buildings and 21 temporary structures demolished within the area.

Oyebanji during presentation of cheques to the property owners stated that one of the cardinal objectives of his administration, is transformation of urban slums into a befitting central hubs that will boost economic opportunities in the state, which he said spurred the acquisition of Atikankan/ Igbehin area.

“The proposed project will be one of the major trading hubs in the state where government, private individuals, business and corporate organisations can buy and sell goods and services in a decent and more coordinated manner. The projects will have an impact and improve the living standards of the people as it is capable of generating employment for the youths”.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP in Ado Ekiti, a resident of Ado Ekiti, Mr Oladele Adeola said the demolition is long overdue due to all manners of criminal activities going on in the area.

He said, “Atikakan is a notorious hideout for criminals perpetrating evils. Apart from that , it is a place where young and old people go to buy Indian hemp and other hard drugs. So , there will be no hideout for them again, with the action of the state government to turn the place to a befitting business hub”.

A student who simply identified herself as Adebimpe remarked that the present administration has succeeded in doing what the successive governments in the state were unable to muster the courage to do.

She said, “I was dispossessed of my wallet, containing my phone, ATM card and some cash a few years ago while passing through the area in the evening. That was the experience of so many residents.’