…..commissions housing corporation’s shopping malls

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reassured the citizens about the government’s willingness to provide adequate residential and commercial building facilities that can accelerate business and industrial growth and development in the state.

Oyebanji described provision of affordable housing units that can accommodate investors in terms of residency and business premises as key and pivotal to Ekiti’s economic survival, which he said, can’t be treated with disdain, in the economic policies of government.

The governor gave the assurance, on Monday, while commissioning a 26-apartment neighbourhood shopping complex by the Ekiti State Housing Corporation located at the State Housing, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Speaking at the event, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, commended the management for conceptualising the project, he said, was in alignment with his vision to ensure Ekiti becomes an economically developed state .

Oyebanji asserted that the project is a loud testament to his avowed and unflagging resolve to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and for business owners to have unfettered access to modern amenities.

He said his government has strategically deployed legal instruments, policies, reforms, social and physical infrastructure interventions to position Ekiti as a prime destination for investment, by providing billions of naira credit facilities to Ekiti women to boost small scale businesses and the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“I commend the efforts of the Corporation for making the project a reality using direct labour approach. It is a confidence in the professionals that we have and a confidence in the state economy.

“This shopping complex is more than just a physical structure; it represents our vision for a modern, prosperous, and vibrant state. It will provide a platform for our entrepreneurs, artisans, and small business owners to showcase their products and services, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

“That the government through the Corporation has executed this project to complement the first phase done in year 2020 is commendable. It is in line with the statutory functions of the Corporation as outlined in the edict establishing it, to increase the availability of not only dwelling houses, but also industrial and commercial buildings.

“We are confident that this project will to a large extent, improve the commercial life of our people and economy of the state. It will also assist in the development and a fast flow of business activities in Ado Ekiti and the state in general”.

To give business units accelerated growth and viable lifeline, Oyebanji stated that his government has invested in the security architecture, which has greatly ensured the protection of lives and property that has facilitated inflow of investment into the state economy.

The governor stated that his administration has articulated life-changing policies with various projects cutting across the key sectors and landmarks recorded have won the State several awards and distinguished it among the other states in the country.

“The giant strides of this administration were as a result of the diligent execution of the six-pillar development agenda built on the 30-year Ekiti Development Plan guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“To the business owners that will occupy the place, I implore you to take personal responsibility for the maintenance of the shopping complex. To our people, I urge you to take full advantage of this facility. Let us patronize our local businesses, support our entrepreneurs, and contribute to the growth and development of our state”.

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In his submission, the Special Adviser, Housing and Mortgage Development, Dr. Gboyega Oloniyo, said the edifice will help in creating jobs in Ekiti business ecosystem and propel industrial growth for more revenue earnings when leased to users.

Oloniyo said the facility was built at low cost and represents a significant step towards a journey to building a more prosperous state where business can thrive for improved Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

In the same vein, the Acting General Manager, Ekiti State Housing Corporation, Engr Odunayo Ojo, said the Corporation remains one of the best money spinning agencies in the state, promising to keep the flag flying to shore up the revenue profile of Ekiti.

Ojo assured that the Corporation won’t shirk its responsibility of providing affordable residency and commercial buildings that can boost industrial growth, calling on the government to provide all the necessary impetus to actualise the dream.

He appealed to users to embrace highest ethical standards of maintenance culture and prevent the premises from deteriorating in quality due to poor usage.