By Mary Oso-Omotoso
Ekiti State is currently undergoing a remarkable transformation under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership. Dubbed the “Construction King,” Oyebanji has made significant strides in infrastructure development, revolutionising the state’s road network.
His unwavering commitment to quality and timely completion is evident in his proactive approach to infrastructure in the state. He has transformed Ekiti into a bustling construction site, with marked progress visible on various road projects. In fact, every corner of the state is now either a yard of road construction or rehabilitation!
This is evident as he stresses the importance of durable infrastructure, adherence to standards, in ensuring that both roads under construction and the newly constructed ones will be a testament to longevity and resilience.
Recall that few weeks after his swearing in, BAO embarked on a rigorous tour around Ekiti, identifying the nature of roads in the state, while taking note of their immediate urgency. Within his first 100 days in office, he completed rehabilitation of seven township roads in Ado Ekiti. Some of the rehabilitated roads include Matthew Street, Mugbagba Street, Ijigbo Roundabout, Atikankan and Olukayode Stadium-Okuta Gbokutalori- Old Garage road. Others are Atikankan-Isato Oke-Sadiat Hotel road, Basiri Road, Adebayo road and Oke Bola access road.
No doubt, all the roads mentioned above have been making lives easy for commuters and other road users since then. This effort goes a long way to assist the populace in carrying out their day-to-day activities and reduce accidents.
To make true his earlier pledge to the chairmen of 38 LGAs and LCDAs in the state of supporting them with at least five kilometers road construction per council, BAO has various ongoing road projects in the state. Some of them are Okeyinmi fly over bridge, which is poised to open up the state capital; Ado-Ekiti Ring Road; Igede- Ilawe Road; Erijinyan-Ilawe Road; Ikogosi-Igbara Road; Ikere-Igbara-Odo Road; Ado-Akure Road; Ikere-Ise-Emure Road; Ikere-Ado Road, Ikere โIlawe road; GRA road dualisation and GRA 3rd Extension road.
Others are Agric Olope- Moferere Road; Ado-iworoko-Ifaki road; Hospital Management Board-Doctors Quarters road; Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road; Ikole Township road; Itapa-Omu Ijelu road; Ijero township road; Ayegunle-Ijurin-Iloro/Ipoti/Ilukuno/Odo-Owa/Oke-Oro road; Obisesan- Oke Ala- Basiri Road; Itapaji- Iyemero- Oke Ako road , Itawure- Aramoko road , Emure – Eporo road , as well as Ring Road (Phase 1, Afao- Are-Iworoko). Of course, you will agree with me that this list is a handful! It is also on the record that both Jimoh Aliu/Nova Road and Omisanjana-Alasia-Deeper Life โAtlas road 132KVA- Ajebandeleย Road have been completed and delivered among others.
Aside all the listedย road projects , It is worthy of note that the construction of moreย roads across the state under theย Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has also commenced . Over 180 towns in Ekiti State are set to benefit from the road construction project under RAAMP .
Already ,ย constructionย is ongoing the following locations: Enu Odi-Itaeku- Igirigiri road ,Omisanjana- Ben Folarinย – Oke Aso road ,Oyeย -Are Ekiti road, Afolu- Odofin road ,Ise – Imola road, Owode- Ananye road ,Erinmope- Irare- Ikosun road ,Iye – Isapa – Olopomeji- Ikun road,Igbole / Osi – Iropora road,Ara- Ekameta ,Ilupeju – Igbo Egan 1 – Ayede road ,FMS Oke Ako road , Ikogosi-Aba Osun-Aba Ori Okuta-ikogosi road ,Ijero-Epe-Araromi-Iropora road,Ikole-Isaba-Ikoyi-Igbemo road.
Despite different challenges that could have hampered his avowed commitment to give the state its required face-lift, the Governor is relentless, he constantly embark on routine inspection tour of all the ongoing construction with zeal and determinationย .
The road projects under scrutiny are not just mere infrastructure developments but arteries that will breathe life into the stateโs economy.
At every inspection tour ,the enthusiastic reception from residents during the Governorโs site visits speaks volumes, demonstrating their appreciation for hisย works and anticipation of improved road connectivity.
The successful completion of these road projects will not only enhance transportation but also pave the way for sustainable development, reflecting the Governorโs vision of a vibrant and thriving Ekiti. With each milestone achieved, BAO, the construction King continues to etch his legacy as a catalyst for progress in the state.
The road projects serve not only as pathways for transportation but also as conduits for economic growth and societal transformation. By improving the stateโs infrastructure, Governor Oyebanji is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and competitive Ekiti, where businesses can thrive, communities can prosper, and individuals can access new opportunities.
Mr Governorโs leadership is characterized by a deep sense of responsibility towards the people of Ekiti. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in project execution sets a high standard for governance and underscores his dedication to the stateโs progress.
Apart from the state roads, BAO is also working strategically with the Federal Government to expedite actions on some of the dilapidated federal roads in the state some of which have received President Tinubuโs approval such as Ifaki – Ikole – Omuo , Ado -Ijan – Ikare .
Mr Governor is taking bold steps to improve road networkย in the state including Federal roads whist his counterparts in other states of the federation might probably be waiting on the Federal Government to come to their aids in respect of dilapidated federal roads in their states.
The governor is currently constructing one of the federal government roads ; Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki road, the aim is to further enhance economic and social life in the state.
In his recent remarks regarding this corridor, Governor Oyebanji emphasised the importance of continuity, acknowledging the start of the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki road project by his predecessor, Dr Johnย Kayode Fayemi. Mr Governor also does not shy away from expressing hisย gratitude for the federal governmentโs support, particularly from President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As the construction King, Governor Oyebanjiโs efforts extend beyond mere physical developments. His administrationโs focus on infrastructure projects is symbolic of a larger vision for Ekiti โ an ambition to create a more prosperous and inclusive society where opportunities abound for all.
So, as the construction projects continue to unfold and the landscape of Ekiti undergoes a visible transformation, the Governorโs legacy as a visionary leader and catalyst for positive change is solidified. His tireless efforts, coupled with the support of the people, are shaping a brighter future for Ekiti โ one characterised by shared prosperity, sustainable development, and enduring progress.
While Ekiti undergoes this metamorphosis with a flurry of construction activities, the narrative of dilapidated roads is gradually fading away. In its place ,emerges a promising future of enhanced connectivity, solid infrastructure, and economic prosperity for all Ekiti residents.
Mary Oso – Omotosho writes from Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
