Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr Folorunso Olabode has said that the Administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is fully committed to supporting projects and programmes that would fast track the development of the nooks and crannies of the state and also improve the welfare of the citizens.

Mr. Olabode made the pledge during community engagement meetings in the headquarters of Oye, Ikole, Irepodun Ifelodun and Ado Local Government Areas, organized to carry out needs assessment surveys preparatory to the selection of the proposed 5-kilometer road projects in all the Local Government Areas and Local council Development Authorities in the state.

He noted that Community Engagement was necessary to engender participatory governance and also build confidence and trust amongst the citizens of the state.

The Commissioner affirmed that renovation and construction of street roads falls under the residual list in the nation’s Constitution and was basically one of the responsibilities of the local government, stressing that all 177 wards in Ekiti would be touched under the proposed road projects

Olabode explained that development is a continuous process as government needs the cooperation all stakeholders in the successful execution of the projects noting that in view of the local content policy of the present administration, willing and competent local artisans and vendors as well as residents in the communities would be considered for supplies and petty jobs by the contractors on the road project sites.

“The Bureau of local content would be consulted to help track and engage competent local vendors for the road projects to have desired multiplier effect on local economies of the benefitting communities.”, he stated

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In his remarks the Onise of Odo Oro, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin lauded the State government for the uncommon initiative on the 5km road project execution and for allowing stakeholders and community members to have a say in the choice of the projects.

He appealed for the engagement of a well experienced Consultant to handle the project for high standard in the construction adding that thorough supervision should also be ensured.