Ekiti Govt Approves N4.15bn For Construction Of Road, Agric, Others

The Ekiti State Executive Council has approved a budget of N4.15 billion for various development projects, including road rehabilitation, the renovation of the House of Assembly complex, agricultural initiatives, and the construction of hostels.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement released in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, on Tuesday, following the council’s meeting on August 26.

According to Olatunbosun, the council has approved a N2.71 billion contract with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation for the rehabilitation of the De-Head to Faglo, Basiri Junction Road in Ado Ekiti. This project aims to improve the condition and accessibility of the road.

He added, “The road rehabilitation is expected to ease traffic congestion from Adebayo to Ekiti State University in Ado Ekiti, stimulate socio-economic activities in the region, and enhance security and the quality of life for residents and property owners along the route.”

The commissioner made it known that the job would be completed in 12 months.

Olatunbosun also stated that the state government approved N701m “to comprehensively renovate and remodel the State House of Assembly Complex and the House of Assembly Service Commission building”.

He said the contract to ensure the Assembly and HASC structures were restored to a modern and functional state, conducive to effective discharge of legislative duties and administrative functions was awarded to the ClemCharles Nigeria Limited and expected to be completed in 12 weeks.

The commissioner added that the SEC also approved N229m to procure tractors and other farm machinery including three 5075E(75HP) Tractors, three Fieldking 3 Disc Plough, one Fieldking 22 Disc Harrow, and two Fieldking Ridger 2 Row.

He said, “The approval is a corroboration of demonstration of the unwavering resolve and commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to transform the Agriculture Sector through targeted initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and boosting production along the value chain”.

According to him, the procurement contract awarded to AGCOMS International Trading Limited is expected to be completed in four weeks.

Still on agriculture, Olatunbosun said that the state government also approved N177.9m as part payment to clear 325 hectares of land for some youths from Ikere, Emure, Moba, Ido-Osi, and Ekiti West Local Governments in the State to support ‘Youths In Agriculture’ initiative at their respective Local Governments level in a bid to empower farmers in the state.

He added, “The state government ratified the awards of N329.4m contract for the construction of 100-bed space capacity hostel at the Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti.

“The move, expected to be completed in 12 weeks, is to guarantee continuous full boarding facility in the school.

“The state government has earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Army and the hostel accommodation is to facilitate academic resumption,” the commissioner stated.