The Ekiti State Executive Council has approved ₦4.15 billion for various projects, including road rehabilitation, the renovation of the House of Assembly complex, agricultural initiatives, and the construction of hostels.
Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Information, announced the SEC’s August 26 approvals in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Olatunbosun disclosed that the SEC approved a ₦2.71 billion contract with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation for the rehabilitation of the De-Head to Faglo, Basiri Junction Road in Ado Ekiti, as part of the state’s efforts to ensure its roads are well-maintained and motorable.
“Rehabilitation of the road is expected to alleviate traffic congestion around Adebayo to Ekiti State University in Ado Ekiti, boost socio-economic activities in the area and enhance the security and quality of life for residents and property owners along the road”. He stated.
The commissioner noted that the project is slated for completion within 12 months.
Olatunbosun further disclosed that the state government has approved ₦701m for the comprehensive renovation and remodelling of the State House of Assembly Complex and the House of Assembly Service Commission building.
The contract, aimed at restoring the Assembly and HASC structures to a modern and functional state conducive to effective legislative and administrative duties, has been awarded to ClemCharles Nigeria Limited and is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.
The commissioner added that the SEC also approved ₦229m for the procurement of tractors and other farm machinery. The equipment includes three 5075E (75HP) tractors, three Fieldking 3-disc ploughs, one Fieldking 22-disc harrow, and two Fieldking 2-row ridges.
He said, “The approval is a corroboration of demonstration of the unwavering resolve and commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to transform the Agriculture Sector through targeted initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and boosting production along the value chain”.
According to him, the procurement contract was awarded to AGCOMS International Trading Limited and is expected to be completed within four weeks.
On the subject of agriculture, Olatunbosun mentioned that the state government also approved ₦177.9m as part-payment for clearing 325 hectares of land. The initiative is aimed at supporting the ‘Youths in Agriculture’ program by empowering young farmers in Ikere, Emure, Moba, Ido-Osi, and Ekiti West Local Government Areas.
“The state government ratified the awards of N329.4m contract for the construction of a 100-bed space capacity hostel at the Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti.
“The move, expected to be completed in 12 weeks, is to guarantee continuous full boarding facility in the school.
“The state government has earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Army and the hostel accommodation is to facilitate academic resumption,” the commissioner stated.