Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has expressed worry over the deplorable condition of federal roads across the state, promising to provide alternative roads that would give the commuters respite while traveling across Ekiti.
He,however, expressed optimism that the reconstruction of the roads would be realized in the 2024 Federal Government budget having received assurances from Federal Lawmakers.
Oyebanji who spoke during his inaugural appearance in the monthly programme ‘Meet Your Governor’ aired across all radio and television stations in the state on Sunday night , clarified that the state could not invest heavily on the federal roads because of the Federal Government’s no- refund- to states policy.
The Governor also declared that the state’s airport which was commissioned by the former governor on October 15, 2022 would become fully operational by July, and would aid transportation and economic development of the state, saying the high level of technicalities involved in certification by relevant authorities have delayed the usage.
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 thorough fare in and out of Ekiti.
He also allayed the fears of land owners over compensation for damaged crops, adding that adequate compensation would be paid to affected individuals and families.
Oyebanji said, “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 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 in view of the economic situation, Oyebanji said it was just a temporary measure to buffer the effect of economic crunch on workers pending the final decision on minimum wage.
“Let me thank the workers for their understanding . But that amount was what the state can afford for now because we have to service other citizens who are not civil servants. But as small as the amount is, it costs the state a sum of N500m 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 support of all Ekiti citizens. I want the people to remember me as a governor that walks the talk. A governor that does whatever he promises. A governor who fears God and obeys his command,” he said.
Speaking further on the quantum of projects his government is currently undertaking simultaneously in spite of 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.
According to him, “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, no room for wastage. I pray to God always to provide more that can serve us. I am denying myself of so many perks. I am not here for enjoyment, but to serve the people and serve them well.”
