Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has announced plans to revive the 5-km road project in each of the 16 local government areas of the state to improve rural connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
He said this yesterday during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti South Senatorial District in Igbara-Odo, Ekiti Southwest Local Government, as part of consultations towards the preparation of the 2027 budget.
The governor said the programme will ensure every local government benefit from at least five kilometres of road construction, particularly to improve access to rural communities and boost economic activities.
He promised to intensify efforts to fast-track the disbursement of financial support to traders and artisans, while maintaining human capital development as a major priority of his administration.
Oyebanji said his administration would equally focus on improving electricity supply, road connectivity and educational facilities across the state, following demands made by stakeholders at the meeting.
Describing Ekiti people as his ‘benevolent employers,’ the governor said their views would continue to influence government policies and programmes.
‘I have absolute respect for Ekiti people and will never disrespect them. You put us in this position; you are our employers. Your voices must be heard and respected,’ he said.
Oyebanji also described Ekiti East Local Government Area as a strategic gateway to the northern part of the state, promising to attract private sector investments to accelerate development in the area.
Stakeholders from Ayekire, Ekiti Southwest and Ekiti East local governments called for the revival of the five-kilometre-per-local-government road initiative, as well as urgent intervention in erosion control, electricity, health care and education.
Representatives from Ikere, Ise/Orun and Emure councils also sought increased government investment in roads, power, health care and education, while calling for stronger security measures in boundary communities.
They urged the government to sustain forest-combing operations to tackle criminal activities and improve security in vulnerable areas.
A representative of persons living with disabilities, Damola Ogunleye, commended the governor for allocating five per cent of positions to persons with disabilities during the recent recruitment into the civil and teaching services.
Ogunleye said the policy had improved the socio-economic well-being of persons living with disabilities and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, says Ekiti currently has 958 public primary schools and 200 secondary schools.
Aderiye said the government was implementing free education and partnering with private institutions as part of efforts to reduce school dropout and improve learning outcomes.