- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Technical Advisor on Road Infrastructure, Engr. Tope Fatukasi, says the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has fulfilled his campaign promises on all road infrastructures in the state.
He made the disclosure on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during the interactive S’etigbo multicast anchored by the Bureau of Community Communications.
The Technical Advisor reiterated that road infrastructural development remains a strong pillar in the Oyebanji’s administration aimed at bringing development across all sectors of the state’s economy.
He explained that Governor Oyebanji has intervened on various deplorable federal roads in the state through palliative works adding that he has also invested in alternative routes to cushion the hardships experienced by Ekiti people.
His words: “Infrastructure development remains a strong pillar of the Oyebanji administration, and true to his word, the Governor has pursued it with both political will and focused execution.
“In fact, all road infrastructure-related promises made during the campaign have been implemented within the first two years of Mr. Governor’s administration. What’s happening now? The Governor is simply doing more, out of sheer commitment to legacy and people’s comfort.
“On federal roads, it is important to note that Governor Oyebanji, like other governors, has no statutory control. Ekiti State cannot divert its lean resources to reconstruct it when similar pressing state roads demand attention. But that hasn’t stopped Governor Oyebanji from intervening where necessary or lobbying at the federal level for action.
“Meanwhile, the Governor continues to invest in alternative routes to cushion the hardship, from the Ado-Ilawe-Ikogosi-Ipole-Efon stretch to the Itawure-Ikoro-Ijero axis, Ekiti people are not stranded. Only road users who do not know these alternative routes face the hurdles of plying the dilapidated Itawure road.
“On the highly deplorable Federal Polytechnic Road in Ado-Ekiti, palliative works have been executed by the state, even when it’s not the government’s statutory responsibility, all to ease access and preserve lives.
“Governor Oyebanji’s strategic use of partnerships like RAAMP is yielding results. While RAAMP roads are different from state-funded projects, both work in tandem to complement the overall infrastructure agenda of the state government.
“Ado–Akure Road has now been awarded by the FG, while the Ado–Ijan–Ikare Road has also be approved for construction. The contractors have been instructed to start work from both ends simultaneously to ensure equal progress from both states involved.
“For Governor Oyebanji, priority on roads is not emotional, it’s informed by economic impact, safety, and access. Where a road unlocks commerce or poses danger to lives, it takes top priority.”
