FG roads in Ekiti will get engagement, says Oyebanji

Says N500m spent on workers’ ‘wage award’ monthly

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed hope that the reconstruction of the roads in the state will be realised in the 2024 federal government budget, having received assurances from federal lawmakers.

Oyebanji, who said the deplorable condition of some federal roads in the state is a source of concern to him, clarified that the state could not invest heavily in the federal roads because of the Federal Government’s no-refund-states policy and promised to provide alternative roads that would give commuters respite while travelling across Ekiti.

The governor also declared that the state’s airport would become fully operational by July and would aid transportation and economic development in the state.

Governor Oyebanji disclosed these on Sunday during his inaugural appearance in the monthly programme ‘Meet Your Governor’ aired across all radio and television stations in the state.

He added that his government has substantially leveraged the support of eminent stakeholders to attract alternative development windows to the state.

As a way of bailing the citizens out of the quagmire of bad federal roads, the governor stated that the state government has commenced the Ado-Ekiti Ring Road Construction to give commuters thoroughfare in and out of Ekiti.

He also allayed the fears of landowners over compensation for damaged crops. He said adequate compensation would be paid to affected individuals and families.

“I am indeed worried by the deplorable state of our federal roads. Our people must get this right; we can’t construct these roads because there will be no refunds. But I have sat with our federal lawmakers, and they have included some of these roads in the 2024 budget. I have seen evidence that this has been done.

“Within the next few months, our people will start seeing changes. I have got the assurances of the leader of the Ekiti caucus and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, that efforts are being made to call attention to these roads.”

On the N15,000 wage award approval for workers, which critics branded as paltry given the parlous economic situation, Oyebanji said it was just a temporary measure to buffer the effect of the economic crunch on workers pending the final decision on the minimum wage.

He said the N15,000 wage award has led to an additional N500 million in monthly expenses for the government.

“Let me thank the workers for their understanding. But that amount is what the state can afford now because we have to serve other citizens who are not civil servants. But as small as the amount is, it costs the state a sum of N500 million monthly. Let me also clarify this: it will only run for six months, and anytime the new minimum wage is announced, Ekiti will be ready to follow suit.

“I am sitting on this seat by the grace of God and with the support of all Ekiti citizens. I want the people to remember me as a governor who walks the talk. A governor who does whatever he promises. A governor who fears God and obeys his command.”

Oyebanji stated that though the removal of fuel subsidy had brought an exponential increase in the level of funds accruing to the state, he pointed out that this couldn’t solely and adequately fund the quantum of projects being prosecuted by his government.

Speaking further on the quantum of projects his government is currently undertaking simultaneously despite a paucity of funds, Oyebanji stated that he has delivered this much because he was running an austerity government strongly allergic to corruption and plundering of public funds.

“The little money we have, I make judicious use of it to get value for our money, apart from the fact that I am a highly spiritual person. We adopt the culture of financial engineering; there is no room for waste. I pray to God to always provide more that can serve us. I am denying myself so many perks. I am not here for enjoyment, but to serve the people and serve them well.”

Contrary to the position being canvassed by some critics, Oyebanji justified the large number of political appointees in his government, saying he undertook the action to get his politics right and ensure that every critical aspect of governance is manned by competent people.

In the area of education, Oyebanji said prominent individuals like a legal icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and a business mogul, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, were appointed as Chancellors of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology and Ekiti State University to turn the citadels of learning into world-class institutions.

Oyebanji, who saluted former Governor Kayode Fayemi for deeming it fit to construct an international cargo airport in Ekiti, assured the people that the facility will be fully operational by July 2024, saying the high level of technicalities involved in certification by relevant authorities have delayed the usage.

The airport is going to be a game changer in the running of our business and economy because it is the terminus for the Ekiti State Ring Road Phase One. What makes me happy is that the corridor through which Phase One is located will be developed. Besides this, we are also thinking of setting up a new Ado Ekiti town along that axis that can be properly developed.”

In the area of taxation and raising Internally Generated Revenue, the governor appealed to the citizens to embrace the land use charge being introduced, promising to democratise the process and make it affordable to all payers rather than being outrageous and extortionate.

As part of the ways to ensure cleanliness in town, the governor disclosed that his government is partnering with the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), and the synergy, he said, has started eliciting dividends with the donation of waste bins worth millions of naira to Ekiti.

Oyebanji praised the elite, traditional rulers, political class, religious leaders, traders, drivers, students, and other strata of Ekiti for having trust in his leadership and for supporting his government in carrying out his transformation programme for the radical development of Ekiti.