By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Ekiti State Executive Council (SEC) has approved over N18.5 billion for various projects covering construction of roads, electricity supply, water, sanitation and hygiene, agriculture, security, among others.
State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Thursday, July 31, that the approvals were given during a virtual SEC meeting held on Wednesday.
Olatunbosun stated: “N10.115 billion was approved for the rehabilitation of 11.4-kilometres of roads and reconstruction of 6-kilometre Ita Ido – Ido-Ile – Okemesi – Ikoro road in furtherance of the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration’s commitment to proper maintenance and upgrading of the state’s road network.”
“The road is also expected to ease the hardship of the people in the area, improve the socio-economic activities of the axis and improve the security of lives and properties of the people along the road,” he added.
The Commissioner said that N1.1 billion was also approved for the construction of an access road to the new multipurpose building at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
He said: “The road is expected to ease access to the new multipurpose building at the hospital and a further demonstration of the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to ensuring a good, well-maintained road network that will make every part of the state accessible.”
Olatunbosun added that they also awarded a N1.83 billion contract for the remodelling of Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park to Messrs. Rutnael Project Limited.
He said: “This project aims to remodel the park to become an international tourism centre and also to make the park a befitting place for the immortalisation of an icon of the state, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi.”
The SEC also approved N1.5 billion for the construction of the Odo Oja Water Scheme, Ikere-Ekiti, as part of efforts to increase access to potable water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in the state.
The Commissioner said: “The job, approved to be awarded to Jadfem Nigeria Limited, will be executed under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme within 10 months.”
Olatunbosun added that the SEC further approved the sum of N2.18 billion “for extension works on the construction of the Arts and Cultural Centre at Waterworks Area in Ado-Ekiti.
This, he said, was to allow acquisition, remodelling, and reconstruction work there, adding that it was for the purpose of job creation for the teeming talented youths in the state.
He also said that N515.9 million was approved for reconstruction of the failed culvert at Adekaitan Filling Station, Ilawe road, Ado-Ekiti, saying it was “to make life easier for citizens by focusing on access to essential services, economic opportunity, among others.”
The Commissioner said other approvals included N998.2 million for various electricity projects, including solar-powered street lights, transformers, electricity network rehabilitation, interventions, and a modular solar-powered irrigation system in various communities in the state.
These, he said, were aimed at boosting power supply, enhancing economic activities, and improving the security of lives and property.
