…seeks citizens commitment to tax payment
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has flagged off the
reconstruction of four major roads linking seven local government
areas of the State.
The roads are Agbado-Ode-Isinbode- Omuo road linking Gbonyin and Ekiti
East local government areas, Ilupeju- Ire- Ijan-Igbemo road linking
Oye, Gbonyin and Irepodun-Ifelodun local government areas,
Oye-Ikun-Otun-Dairy farm road which link Oye, Ilejemeje and Moba
council areas, and Aramoko-Erijiyan-Ikogosi road in Ekiti West local
government area.
Flagging off the reconstruction works, the governor reiterated the
commitment of his administration to meeting the aspiration of the
people for infrastructure.
Dr. Fayemi who was hailed by the people for embarking on the
reconstruction works assured that no part of the State will be devoid
of infrastructural development.
He said his government has continued to pursue lofty goals in spite of
daunting financial challenges.
The governor disclosed that the administration has sourced for funds
to execute the capital projects which are captured in the 2020 budget.
“Permit me to reiterate the resolve of this administration to make all
parts of the state accessible by good roads as enshrined under the
Infrastructure and Industrial Development pillar of the five cardinal
points of this administration. In our quest to restore Ekiti values,
government has continued to pursue lofty goals even in the face of
daunting challenges. We are not allowing paucity of funds to deter us
in the execution of our programmes”, he said.
While speaking on Ilupeju-Ire-Igbemo- Ijan road, the governor
expressed optimism that the road reconstruction would address the
challenges of moving the finished products of Ire Burnt Bricks as well
as movement of the people in the area.
He added that the road will enhance the socio-economic development of
the people in the affected towns.
On Oye-Ikun-Otun-Dairy farm road, Dr. Fayemi said the rehabilitation
work would not only provide job opportunities for engineers, artisans
and casual workers among others but would also boost the operations of
Ikun Dairy farm which was recently taken over by Promasidor Nigeria
Ltd.
He explained that the project was commenced in 2011 with its scope on
selected sections but the new scope of work involved “total asphalt
overlay from Oye to Ikun, with an extension to Ikun Dairy Farm up to
Ekiti State boundary with Kwara State”.
“This road will boost the economic activities of this area and enhance
agribusiness. You will recall that recently the State Government
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
on resuscitating Ikun Dairy farm for milk production. This road
project, when completed, will boost the operations of the company,
facilitate easy access to the farm and marketing of the dairy
products. The State’s Internally Generated Revenue will be improved ,
apart from providing jobs for many of our youths”, Fayemi said.
The governor noted that the Agbado-Ode-Isinbode -Omuo road which is a
shorter route to Abuja from Ekiti State was long abandoned by
motorists and became a death trap.
He said the road, on completion, and the extension of the
Dangote-handled Obajana-Kabba road to Omuo, commuters would have a new
lease of life.
His words: “By the tine it is completed and with the concurrence of
the Federal Government to extend the current construction being
undertaken by Alhaji Aliko Dangote from Obajana-Kabba and now from
Kabba-omuo, Ekiti would enjoy a much shorter and safer journey to the
Federal Capital Territory and the northern part of the country”.
Dr Fayemi warned the contractors handling the four projects against
substandard jobs.
He advised them to ensure “strict adherence to specifications with a
view to delivering high quality, durable and serviceable roads within
the stipulated time”.
The governor also called on citizens and residents of the state to
fulfil their tax obligations in order to strengthen the government’s
capacity to meet their expectations.
He said the citizens support would enable government actualise the
quest for infrastructure development and make Ekiti state better.
Members of the benefiting communities rolled out the drums to welcome
the governor whom they thanked immensely for remembering their long
abandoned roads.
The Onire of Ire Ekiti, Oba Victor Bobade said Fayemi’s decision to
reconstruct Ilupeju-Ire-Igbemo-Ijan road was not unrelated to his
relationship with the people whose pains the governor also felt.
Oba Bobade said the road project would enhance the development of his
domain, Ire Ekiti as well as tackle the challenge of transporting
goods from Ire Burnt Brick factory which ad revived by Fayemi in his
first tenure.
Another traditional ruler, Olomuo of Omuo Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbehin
thanked Fayemi for spreading development to other parts of the State;
adding that the reconstruction of Agbado-Ode-Isinbode- Omuo road will
reconnect Omuo, Isinbode and Ode people who have been cut off from
one another by the very deplorable road.
