By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has approved a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing security, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development across the state.

The decisions, which were taken at the council meeting held on Tuesday, reflect the administration’s commitment to economic growth and public welfare.

In a bid to reform Ekiti State’s security and emergency response system, the government has engaged Logic City Fleet Services Limited, the same consultant engaged for the Lagos State’s emergency management restructuring.

A comprehensive study was conducted to assess existing safety measures, identify gaps, and propose improvements.

Following the study, Governor Oyebanji constituted a committee to review the findings and develop a White Paper to guide implementation.

Given the financial implications, the reform will be executed in three phases, starting in January 2025.

The approved White Paper will serve as the framework for restructuring security, safety, and emergency services, with Logic City Fleet Services overseeing implementation.

The council approved ₦169,314,054.05 for the renovation of the Ayo Fasanmi Model College building on Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti.

The structure was temporarily closed due to safety concerns, including structural cracks and a high water table causing waterlogging.

The Bureau of Special Projects conducted an assessment and recommended urgent repairs to prevent further damage.

The renovation, to be carried out through Direct Labour, is expected to be completed within six weeks.

To promote food security and economic growth, the council approved ₦150 million for a farm mechanisation project aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

This initiative will provide subsidies for smallholder farmers, increase cultivated land, encourage industrialisation, and attract investment in farm machinery.

The project aligns with the administration’s strategy to modernise agriculture and boost farmers’ livelihoods. Completion is expected within eight weeks.

The government has approved ₦392,472,560.00 for the construction of trenches around various farm clusters to prevent soil erosion, flooding, and unauthorised access by cattle and other animals.

This project supports Governor Oyebanji’s vision for an agricultural revolution in Ekiti State.

The contract was awarded to Tee-Why Farms Limited following due procurement processes.

The trenches will be built in Oke-Ako 1, Oke-Ako 2, Ado, Emure, Aramoko, Ise, Ikere, and Gede, with an eight-week completion period.

In a move to encourage youth participation in agriculture, the council approved ₦1,102,315,383.75 for the construction of Renewed Hope Dormitories for up to 50 farmers per hall in selected farm clusters.

The dormitories will be built in Oke-Ako, Ikere, Emure/Eporo, Iyemero, and Aramoko, with contracts awarded to Joshua Beckley Limited, Onalar Farms Agro-Allied Limited, and Samuel Animawun Limited. The completion timeline is four weeks.

These decisions reflect Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to security, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

The approved projects are expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy, safety, and overall well-being of the people of Ekiti State.