By precious Owolabi Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the commitment of his administration to continue to embark on projects that will serve as the fulcrum of future development in the state, adding that provision of critical infrastructure to enhance economic wellbeing of the people, is his priority.
Oyebanji who stated this in Ado-Ekiti while commissioning the Oshodi electrification project, said he recognised the significance of electricity in achieving radical development as it powers businesses, supports education, improves healthcare delivery and enhances the overall quality of life in communities.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Governor, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, said the project would be a game changer to residents of the community as it would enhance their economic activities and improve opportunities for further expansion.
While commending the people of Oshodi community for their patience, cooperation and selfless support during the execution of the project, the governor also acknowledged the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities and all other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the initiative.
“This event is yet another testimony to the commitment of our administration to provide the critical infrastructure that enhances the welfare and economic well-being of our people.
“We recognise that electricity is essential for development. It powers businesses, supports education, improves healthcare delivery, and enhances the overall quality of life in communities.
“With the completion of this project, Oshodi community will experience renewed economic activities and better living conditions. The artisans, traders and entrepreneurs will now have improved opportunities to expand while our children can study in more conducive environments,” Oyebanji stressed.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power Infrastructure, Engr. Philip Atere, who described the project as a huge investment that takes only a passionate mind like that of Governor Oyebanji to attend to, stressed the need to continue to encourage and motivate rural dwellers with social amenities that stop them from migrating to urban centres.
Atere commended the governor for his radical investment in the power sector that went through virtually all the local government areas of the state and for supplying electricity to communities that have been in darkness for upward of fifteen years.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairmen of Ado North Local Council Development Area, Hon. Tokunbo Gbadamosi and her counterpart for Ado Central, Hon. Toyin Ojo, urged residents of the area to take ownership of the electricity transformers and other consumables to prevent theft and vandalism, to ensure the durability of the infrastructure and its benefits to the community.
They added that by protecting the government projects, communities can maintain reliable power supply for economic activities to create sustainable livelihoods