..Says Cultivation of More Land for Commercial Agric Has Reduced Kidnapping
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday inaugurated the Ikole Township road and Ilumoba- Ijesa Isu- Ikole 33kVA electricity project, with a declaration that the cultivation of more land for commercial agriculture has reduced the menace of kidnapping in the axis.
The Governor said his administration, in addition to power and road infrastructure development, would focus on agriculture in order to ensure food security, create economic opportunities, ensure proper utilization of land and drive industrialization.
The events presented the people of the area an opportunity to comment on the Oyebanji administration. Apparently impressed with the life-changing policies and projects executed to the benefit of their people in the last two years, traditional rulers, eminent personalities and residents of communities in Ikole Local Government unanimously endorsed Governor Oyebanji for another term in office.
They pledged their support in their respective speeches at the venues of the project commissioning in Ikole Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji, who personally inaugurated the projects, said the commissioning of the Ikole Township Road was another gain of the continuity overwhelmingly voted by the people of the state in the 2022 governorship poll, noting that the project was started by his immediate predecessor in office, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
The Ekiti helmsman said the execution and completion of the power project was testament to his administration’s resolve to boost social and economic activities in the axis and breathe more life into grassroots economy and investment.
He said that his administration attached much importance to Ikole council area, which accommodates the state’s Special Agriculture Processing Zone (SAPZ) and which has attracted government and private sector investment.
He explained that the opening up of more land for commercial farming has reduced the incidence of kidnapping and other forms of criminal activities in the axis. He urged more citizens to embrace agriculture, adding that government would provide necessary support.
The Governor also called on citizens of the state to take advantage of the investment opportunities offered by the Agric Processing Zone, while pledging that his government would continue to provide necessary infrastructural support that would make the state attractive to investors and make the environment conducive for living and investment.
Speaking at the event, the Elekole of Ikole Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Egbeoba Land, Oba Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku who spoke through the Olotin of Ikole Ekiti, Chief Oluwasayo Okunola, said the people of the kingdom are solidly behind Governor Oyebanji to continue his good works beyond 2026 owing to what he described as his very commendable performance.
The Alaaye of Oke Ayedun Ekiti, Oba Olufemi Aribisala, who spoke on behalf of other monarchs present said the people of the council areas were appreciative of what the Governor has done for them across all sectors and they would reward him with their votes at the right time.
The first elected Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Paul Alabi, asked the crowd present who they wanted as the Governor in the next dispensation and they replied that “we have agreed to re-elect BAO (Oyebanji).”
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, said many good things are happening in Ikole LGA, Ikole West LCDA, Kajola LCDA and Ajoni LCDA under the watch of Governor Oyebanji and they must not be allowed to stop.
Rt. Hon. Aribasoye explained that under two years, economic activities in the axis have been on the upward swing with commercial farming in SAPZ in Oke Ako and Iyemero with investors like YSJ, FMS and Agbeyewa Farms turning around the fortunes of the youths.
He noted that apart from the township road and electricity projects, work is ongoing on Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road in addition to many communities benefiting from the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) rehabilitating roads leading to farmsteads.
The Governor urged the benefiting communities to protect the projects commissioned in their areas and prevent them from being vandalized noting that enormous resources were committed into them.
He promised to look into complaints of non-energizing of transformers in some localities explaining that the inauguration marked with the switching on of the electricity project was the first step to be taken while other issues would be looked into.
Oyebanji also assured that adequate compensation would be paid on any land used for development purposes assuring those who are yet to be compensated in agric processing zone would be duly compensated.
The Governor further disclosed that the contractor handling Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road has been asked to move to Oke Ako-Ipao-Irele Road for rehabilitation owing to its importance and being an access road to SAPZ.
He equally disclosed that the contractor handling Ado-Iluomoba Road will get to site next week, adding that government has secured assurances to extend the work from Iluomoba to Ikole.
The Governor urged the people of Ikole council area to cooperate with his administration to do more in years to come noting that their sons and daughters working with him are doing extremely well and adding value to governance.
Speaking on the impact of his administration in the area, the Governor said: “This local government hosts our Special Agriculture Processing Zone. We thank our Obas for their support and cooperation, we are going to sort out issues of compensation.
“Opening up more land for agriculture has reduced kidnaping in this axis. We are injecting more money into the grassroots economy to assist our local artisans, traders, beer sellers and others doing business in our localities.
“We are working with our National Assembly members to ensure that all dilapidated federal roads are rehabilitated. We are presently spending Ekiti resources on Ado-Ifaki Road which is a federal road but we cannot continue spending our money on federal roads because we will not be refunded; that is why we are collaborating with our National Assembly members.” He added.