Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has attributed the ongoing significant infrastructure development in various parts of the state to the steadfast backing of the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Governor, speaking Thursday evening in Ado-Ekiti after wrapping up his three-day inspection of road projects statewide, highlighted that the increased infrastructure progress is directly linked to the additional funding the state has received from the Federal Government, in line with President Tinubu’s ongoing economic policy.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized that his administration has effectively fulfilled its essential duties to citizens, workers, and contractors, resulting in a notable array of projects at various stages of completion throughout the state.
He attributed this accomplishment to the supplementary funding received, enabling the government to meet its commitments and responsibilities.
No fewer than 25 ongoing road projects were inspected during the three days of project monitoring. They include: the Okeyinmi fly over bridge; Ado-Ekiti Ring Road; Igede- Ilawe Road; Erijinyan-Ilawe Road; Ikogosi-Igbara Road; Ikere-Igbara-Odo Road; Ado-Akure Road; Ikere-Ise-Emure Road; Ikere-Ado Road, Ikere –Ilawe road; GRA road dualisation and GRA 3rd Extension road.
Others are Omisanjana-Alasia-Deeper Life –Atlas road; Agric Olope- Moferere Road; Ado-iworoko-Ifaki roda; Hospital Management Board road; Jimoh Aliu Road; Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road; Ikole Township road; Itapa-Ijelu-Omu road; Ijero township road; Ayegunle-Ijurin-Iloro/Ipoti-Ilukuno road.
During a brief interaction with residents while on inspection, the Governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the consistent support extended to the state.
He stated, “For all these projects, we should thank God, and we should thank the President who is supporting us in Ekiti. If you will remember, when he came here to campaign, he told Ekiti people that I am his son and he will help me. The President stands by me and he’s helping me, I can’t lie.”
“All the money we are spending on these projects is as a result of the additional money we got from the federal government which was made possible by the President, who took the bull by the horn, effected some economic changes that resulted in more money for the state. If not, where would we have gotten the money to do all these projects?”, he retorted.
Governor Oyebanji urged the people to demonstrate patience and support the President’s initiatives and policies.
He affirmed that President Tinubu is well-equipped to lead Nigeria towards progress, likening the present challenges to the inevitable pains preceding childbirth, necessary for eventual growth and development.
“The president is courageous and he is on top of the situation. He needs our prayers and support and I am sure we shall all smile at the end of the day because the policies are well intentioned.” Oyebanji added.
The Governor expressed satisfaction with both the speed and quality of work accomplished by the contractors, noting that many are progressing well within the designated timelines.
He highlighted his contentment with the community’s embrace of the projects, emphasizing its alignment with the administration’s development objectives.
Governor Oyebanji said the inspection was to ensure that the contractors adhere strictly to the terms of their contracts so that the people can have value for their money, adding that the huge volume of projects being undertaken simultaneously would not in any way affect government’s unwavering commitment to regular payment of salaries of workers, pensions and other obligations.
“I am satisfied with the quality of work. I have not seen any contractor that has not done well, so am really happy with level of work done with the commitment and with the communal ownership of the projects by the people.”