Ekiti earmarks N15bn for federal road

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said that it is imperative for his government to intervene in the federal roads in the state to enable citizens to have unfettered access to different parts of the state.

This is also as he said the construction of Iworoko – Ifaki Road because of the strong support from the Federal Government is going to cost his government N15 billion.

Oyebanji, who spoke on Saturday while inspecting some of the ongoing projects in the state, said his administration’s intervention in federal roads was to alleviate the sufferings of residents on intra and inter-state transportation.

Among ongoing projects inspected by the governor were the Ado – Iworoko – Ifaki Road construction and a medical complex project at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

Speaking of the Ado – Iworoko – Ifaki Road, the governor said, “That road is going to cost us N15b. We are able to embark on a project of this magnitude because of the strong support from the Federal Government of Bola Tinubu.

“This is our modest contribution to complement Mr. President’s infrastructural development and we hope the Federal Government will compensate us after its completion to encourage us so we can fix more roads and further enhance the economic development of the people.

“Our immediate focus now is to finish the construction on time and make it available for the use of the people.

“The road, actually is a federal road, but it is Ekiti people that use it. The road is one of the major arteries to the North and it has become a major concern to our government. Former Governor Kayode Fayemi started it and we are about to complete it now. That speaks to the beauty of continuity.”

He stressed the importance of the road to the state’s economic and social life, saying “It connects towns and facilitates movement of goods and services within and outside the state. It also serves as a major link to the northern part of the country. The state of the road has been a source of concern for this administration”.

Oyebanji said his government remained focused on roads that had a significant economic impact, especially those that connect communities and boost trade.

The governor said that the ongoing construction at the EKSUTH was to upscale the facility to ensure Ekiti people have access to quality and affordable healthcare service delivery.

While expressing satisfaction with the work so far, the Governor maintained that the project would change the face of Medicare in the state.