The Ekiti State Government has sanctioned a total of N1.197 billion for various projects, including road construction, flood prevention, and the procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers.

Additionally, the government will facilitate the final compensation payment for airport land acquisition.

Commissioner for Information Taiwo Olatunbosun announced in a Friday statement that these approvals were made during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.

The council allocated N301.98 million as the final compensation tranche for 377 claimants affected by the airport acquisition.

Olatunbosun highlighted Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to improving infrastructure and initiating new projects for economic development, while ensuring fair compensation for those impacted.

Moreover, the council mandated that all public buildings in the state must comply with disability laws by the end of 2025.

This includes installing ramps and other equipment to facilitate access for individuals with mobility challenges.

Affected buildings include malls, supermarkets, religious institutions, educational facilities, banks, and official structures.

For the agricultural sector, the council approved N150 million for the procurement and distribution of improved seeds, agrochemicals, and fertilizers.

The inputs to be distributed include maize, rice, cocoa, cassava stalks, oil palm, cashews, and agrochemicals.

This is part of the state’s support scheme, which had an earlier approval of N450 million, delayed due to federal input distribution issues.

The latest approval ensures timely distribution while reserving N300 million for fertilizer procurement.In terms of road infrastructure, N268.17 million was approved for the rehabilitation of the Housing Roundabout to Prison Junction Road in Ado Ekiti, reflecting the government’s focus on maintaining key roads in the state capital and other major towns.

An additional N165.55 million was approved for the de-silting of drains, culverts, and access slabs in Ado, Ikere, and Irepodun/Ifelodun local government areas.

This initiative is part of the Oyebanji administration’s effort to dredge waterways and de-silt hydraulic infrastructures, including dams, reservoirs, canals, watercourses, culverts, bridges, and other flood control structures.

The council also allocated N221.66 million for the construction of an Arts and Cultural Centre.

This facility will include an arts theatre, art gallery and museum, multipurpose hall, sales points for artworks, crafts and souvenirs, 10 huts for craftsmen and women, bush-bars, kitchens, conveniences, a borehole, generator house, and a security post.

The project aims to promote and preserve the state’s cultural heritage.Lastly, N90 million was approved to assess the urban pipeline water network.

This is part of sector reforms aimed at improving the management and delivery of sustainable water supply services under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene program.

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Adesina Ademola

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