The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has restated that the reconnection of some communities back to national grid being aggressively pursued by his administration was intended to improve power supply for geometric growth of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs).
The governor also advocated for a genuine and functional local government system in the country as panacea to alarming poverty and crime rates.
Oyebanji disclosed this at Omuo Ekiti, Headquarters of Ekiti East Local Government Area, on Friday, while commissioning projects built by the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Samuel Ojo.
Some of the projects include: renovation of Comprehensive Health Centres at Iworo and Ilisa quarters , a Customary Court at Ilisa quarters, Health centre at Iludofin, and renovation of the town’s Modern Market.
Others include a solar-powered borehole for the staff of Ekiti East Local Government, construction of Omi Aweda bridge, and distribution of palliatives like rice, cooking gas cylinder, cooking stoves, knapsack spraying machine, cash gifts to the elderly, among others.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described a fecund and efficient council administration, as a weapon to create wealth, ensure equitable distribution of public utilities and veritable platform to activate economic activities for better income earnings.
Addressing the residents, who experienced power outage for 15 unbroken years and now on the verge of being reconnected through the state government, Oyebanji said the power restoration will lift many out of poverty.
“We are happy that Mr Governor has fulfilled this promise because it will help to propel the growth of Small businesses , boost their incomes, increase their productivity and lift them out of poverty when it takes off soon. That is the vision behind the rural power policy of this government .
“I am quite convinced that the restoration of power will help in activating business activities in Ekiti East Local government. Those small businesses that have become moribund or comatose will be energised back to life to liberate the people from wanton poverty and joblessness.
Commenting on the rural projects executed by the Chairman, Oyebanji averred that they were well thought-out and people-centric, saying they will make tremendous positive impacts in the lives of the citizens.
“I am elated for the landmark achievements and contributions being made by our Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas under the leadership of Governor Oyebanji.The development of local economy is a good ingredient to combat poverty and reduce the incidences of criminalities as well as rural-urban drift in our society”.
“The ultra modern Community Health Centre will contribute to the fight against maternal mortality, child mortality and help in increasing the life expectancy of our people. It is a fact that nearness to a functional health centre, is a potent weapon to improve the welfare of the masses and help in prevention of untimely death.
“The Ultra Modern Market and other projects initiated by the management of this council will help in boosting local economy, brings increased contributions to the Growth Domestic Product(GDP) and create a platform for the marketing of all our agricultural products”.
The council boss, Hon. Ojo, applauded Governor Oyebanji for taking step to restore electricity to the community after over a decade of darkness, assuring that with that lofty action, economic activities will begin to boom and soar in the area.
Ojo stated that the encou8ragement he has been getting from the state was the driving force for him, particularly the provision of adequate funds for all the councils to execute projects in line with the six-point policy thrust of Oyebanji’s government.
The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Folorunso Olabode, said the development of the third tier of government is dear to the current administration and that nothing will be spared to bring democracy dividends to the people’s doorsteps.