By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti:

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The Ekiti State Executive Council has approved projects totalling over N13 billion, targeting key sectors such as infrastructure, education, security, agriculture and electricity, in a bid to drive sustainable development across the state.

The approvals were granted during the council’s latest meeting, held via Zoom video conference and presided over by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The critical projects approved by the executive council for execution include the rehabilitation of the Emure-Eporo-Ondo Boundary Road at a cost of N5.38 billion, rehabilitation of the Olora Lane-Housing Roundabout Road at a cost of N295.38 million, construction of the FMS Internal Road, Iyemero- Ekiti at a cost of N518.04 million and the installation of the Ijero- Ekiti College 500KVA Transformer at a cost of N88.43 million.

Other projects which got council’s approval are the overhaul of the Oye-Ekiti Substation at a cost of N157.78 million, installation of transformers in four communities of Igede, Erio, Oke-Oro and Iroko-Ekiti at a cost of N79.86 million and the construction of overhead water tank at the Ekiti Agro-Cargo Airport at a cost of N110 million.

Equally approved for execution by council are security enhancement projects at farm settlements at a cost of N316.92 million, procurement of subsidised farm inputs at a cost of N200 million, market infrastructure upgrades at a cost of N275.63 million, fabrication of Dino Bin at a cost of N172.93 million and the perimeter fencing and gatehouse of Government College, Efon Alaaye at a cost of N220.69 million.

The council also approved a bill seeking to transform the Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero-Ekiti into a polytechnic.

The bill, which will be presented to the House of Assembly, aims to expand the institution’s scope in science, management and technology-related disciplines.

It will also enhance the employability and technical skills of the institution’s graduates.

All projects, unless otherwise stated, are to be executed through direct labour or selective tendering, within stipulated timelines, ranging from five weeks to seven months.

Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and the timely delivery of critical infrastructure across the state.