From Jimoh Balogun, Ado-Ekiti
The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged political leaders in the state to place priority on food to the vulnerable citizens to cushion the biting effect of fuel subsidy removal instead of distributing bicycles to them.
Speaking at commissioning of projects in communities in Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) executed under the leadership of the Chairman, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, Dr. Oyebanji assured the citizens of the state not to despair saying that government would soon be rolling out palliatives to them.
She expressed delight on what she described as competition for execution and commissioning of projects among local government chairmen in the state.
Dr. Oyebanji who revealed that her office has been inundated with invitations from the council chairmen for inauguration of projects described the competition as healthy for the development of Ekiti State and better standard of living for people at grassroots.
The First Lady explained that access to more funds by local governments and local council development areas has strengthened them to perform their obligation to the people at the grassroots.
Dr. Oyebanji said Ekiti State is one of the states where local governments get what is due to them financially noting that access to more funds has empowered the councils to execute quality projects in the interest of the people.
Projects commissioned in Ajoni LCDA by the First Lady included 5 lock-up shops at Owode Yam Market, Ipao Ekiti, 10 Open Market Stalls at Irele Ekiti Community Market, 10 Open Market Stalls at Ijowa Ekiti Community Market and 5 lock-up shops Iyemero Ekiti Main Market.
Other projects inaugurated for public use by the First Lady included 5 reconstructed lock-up shops at Oke Ayedun Community Market, solar streetlight projects in Oke Ayedun, 5 reconstructed lock-up shops at Odo Ayedun Community Market.
Dr. Oyebanji also performed the foundation laying ceremony of Ajoni LCDA Administrative Building and also held at interactive session with the people who were full of praises for the Oyebanji Administration for being people-oriented.
The First Lady explained that there is no council area in the state where the positive impact of the Oyebanji Administration is not felt which she attributed to the governor’s resolve to reposition and strengthen the local government system financially to be responsive to the needs of the people.
She said: “Execution and commissioning of projects in Ekiti State has now become a competition among the local government chairmen which is healthy for our state. It was recently reported in the media that Ekiti and two other states are the best in ensuring the release of funds to the local governments.
“This will make the local governments to execute more projects and take care of this people in the grassroots. I want you to keep on praying for our governor so that all of us will benefit from the government.”
The LCDA boss, Prince Ogungbemi, said the projects commissioned by the First Lady were constructed to boost the economy of the areas where they are domiciled noting thay they became possible because the Governor has made more funds available to the councils.
Prince Ogungbemi revealed the Owode Yam Market at Ipao attracts buyers from Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and other states which necessitated the execution of the project to provide an environment that is more conducive for market women and their customers to ply their grade.
He pledged the support of the people of the LCDA for the Oyebanji Administration adding that their support for him and his party, the APC, has made the successes recorded by his administration possible.
The Chairman highlighted some his achievements which included providing self reliance training modules and giving access to 150 market men, women, young entrepreneurs to access micro grants to start up a new business/add to an existing business ventures conducted by Interweaves Solutions international (ISI), USA.
“Regular provisions and sustenance of rich micro nutrients food supplements to 170 malnourished children distributable for Six (6) unbroken months free of charge to fight against morbidity and Child Mortality rate in Ekiti State through the Bountiful Children’s Foundation, USA.
“Hosting of the first ever _Ayo Olopon_ Local and traditional sporting competition to promote indigenous culture and unity among our various communities.
“Hosting of the Chairman’s cup football competition within the ten (10) Ajoni communities.
“Establishment of Ajoni Scholarship Scheme where an indigent pupil, Ayiga Prince is already a beneficiary, he’s tuition throughout his secondary school education will be taken care of by the council, a policy trust is already in place for successive administrations in the council to continue to fund his education.”
End.