The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to deliver about 1,500 kilometres of roads across the 16 local government areas of the state in collaboration with the World Bank under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Governor Biodun Oyebanji disclosed this on Thursday at a town hall meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti Central Senatorial District held in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area, as part of consultations for the preparation of the 2027 budget.
Oyebanji said 235 kilometres of rural roads would be covered under the third phase of the RAAMP programme, which is expected to commence after the rainy season, stressing that the broader 1,500-kilometre road target was aimed at easing transportation challenges and improving connectivity across the state.
The governor said his administration had remained committed to implementing promises made to the people during electioneering and annual budget consultations, adding that the volume of projects executed across the state was evidence of his administration’s commitment to its social contract with the people.
He said, “One thing I can say is that we are together on this journey to make Ekiti great. I want to assure you that all your requests that will make lives better for you shall be done through direct response from the state or partnership.
“Some of the rural roads, which is now about 235 kilometres, were World Bank projects that were done in partnership with the state government.”
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Oyebanji also expressed concern over the recurring incidents of flooding and gully erosion in Efon, Aramoko and Ado-Ekiti, saying the government had studied the causes and patterns of erosion across the state and was developing strategies to address the menace.
On healthcare, the governor said his administration had renovated 110 primary healthcare centres across the state, promising further interventions to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots and reduce mortality and morbidity.
He also commended traditional rulers across the state for their roles in intelligence gathering and community vigilance, which he said had contributed to the reduction in security threats.
The governor further reiterated his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people, saying, “Go and check the records, I didn’t betray the people’s trust in the last four years. When I made promises, I would fulfil them. I did everything I promised.”
At the interactive session, representatives of Ado, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ijero and Efon local governments commended the governor for what they described as prudent management of resources and an inclusive approach to governance.
They particularly praised the funding of Local Council Development Areas, saying it had helped to bring development closer to the people.
The stakeholders, however, made fresh demands ahead of the 2027 budget, including the construction of more connecting roads, improved electricity supply, stronger healthcare and ambulance services, erosion control measures, provision of potable water and the establishment of additional public secondary schools across the communities.