The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has tasked the newly elected Local Government Chairmen to be fully prepared for good governance as he vowed not to tolerate financial recklessness and ineptitude that could hamper development in the councils.
Oyebanji who posited that the incoming administration across the 16 statutory councils and Local Council Development Areas, must be ready to surpass the tempo of radical development being fostered by the current occupants of the seats.
Disclosing that the government would resist any act of sabotage, Oyebanji stated that councils in Ekiti are now executing projects in education, health, human capital development and agriculture sectors, leveraging on financial independence being enjoyed.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said these in Efon, headquarters of Efon Local Government Area, on Monday, while commissioning some projects initiated and completed by the Chairman of the Council, Engr Olabode Adetunji.
Projects commissioned include: 1.2km Ita Iyana-Itamesi road, 245 metres length Irayo road , ALGON comprehensive health centre, New Legislative Building, and solar-powered streetlights.
Addressing the community, Oyebanji, saluted the council leadership for delivering democracy dividends to the people, by replicating projects encapsulated under the six -point policy thrust of Oyebanji’s government in the local government.
“Let me assure you that the incoming council bosses that will soon assume their respective offices in all our council areas will be made to sustain the tempo of development already ushered in by the present occupants of the seats.
“This government won’t allow any laxity that can derail the focus to make our local governments more functional in Ekiti. I congratulate those who were elected in the just concluded election for their victories. God will help them to succeed”.
He stated further that his belief that the councils, being the closest tier of government to the masses and rural dwellers must be made functional through financial autonomy remains unshaken.
Oyebanji was emphatic that his administration, had again demonstrated enormous respect for independence of the legislative and judicial arms, for democracy to flourish and for the smooth running of government.
“Recently, Governor Oyebanji commissioned the newly built Customary Court of Appeal in Ado Ekiti to show respect to the judiciary as an independent arm of government, the same mutual respect was being extended to the legislative arm”.
Espousing the tremendous relevance and significance of the projects, Oyebanji, commended the council boss for being focused and selfless to deliver the best to the people, disclosing that he has etched his name in the hearts of the residents of the area.
“I am of the humble opinion that the 1.2 kilometres Ita Iyana- Itamesi road and the 245 metres length Irayo road project, will contribute to smooth transportation and ease of doing business in this local government.
“Road project is one of the cardinal areas where Governor Biodun Oyebanji is making huge exploits to make lives more rewarding and easier for the masses. This will also stem the tide of insecurity because criminals often hide under deplorable road to unleash terror on the people.
“Let me also appreciate your efforts in the area of human capital development and social services, with the construction of a befitting health centre that will reduce child and maternal mortality as well as contribute substantially to increase in the life expectancy of our people. Health they say is wealth.
“I know that new legislative building that will be commissioned today will foster strong and mutual relationship between the executive and legislature in this council for more delivery of democracy gains to our people’.
The Chairman of the Council, Engr Olabode Adetunji, commended Governor Oyebanji for allowing the councils unfettered access to their funds, saying this has gone a mileage in helping his colleagues to deliver on their campaign promises.
The LG boss said the Comprehensive Health Centre would expand accessibility to quality healthcare and curtail untimely deaths through prompt treatments of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, malaria and other killer illnesses.
Besides the projects commissioned, Adetunji revealed that his administration, had distributed 10,000 of gmelina and palm seedlings to farmers, employed 30 educated citizens, graded 24.2km farm and township roads , and sank boreholes to supply potable water .
The Council boss stated that his administration, has constructed concrete roads and retaining walls in some strategic areas to tame the recurrent cases of ecological crisis being confronted by the the hilly town.