By Olamide Akinwumi
In Ekiti State, the administration of Governor Biodun Abiodun Oyebanji, fondly referred to as BAO, has embarked on a series of remarkable initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its citizens and fostering economic development. These initiatives, covering various sectors, highlight the government's commitment to addressing key challenges and creating opportunities for growth.
●Significant Approvals and Payments:
●Salary Arrears Cleared: The governor approved the payment of one month salary arrears to State and Local Government workers, totaling over N2.7 billion.
●Increment in Subvention: An increment of N600 million per month was approved for autonomous institutions, including the Judiciary and all tertiary institutions.
●Pension Arrears Settled: Two months pension arrears owed to State and Local Government workers, totaling N1.5 billion, were cleared. Additionally, the monthly gratuity payment for state pensioners was increased to N100 million, and for local Government pensioners to N100 million, bringing the total monthly gratuity payment to N200 million.
●Investments in Agriculture and Livestock:
Boosting Food Production: A commitment of N1 billion was made to improve food production, with a focus on land preparation and support for small-scale farmers.
●Transforming Livestock Subsector: A significant sum of N1.2 billion was committed to transforming the livestock subsector through the World Bank-financed Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
●Support for Businesses and Economic Recovery:
●Loan Programmes: A N500 million loan programme in partnership with Access Bank was launched to support medium and small-scale businesses. Additionally, a N1 billion cooperative fund was established to provide low-interest working capital for cooperatives and members.
●Continuation of Relief Programmes: The governor approved the continuation of the conditional cash transfer to low-income households and the CARES programme, with a focus on livelihood support, technology support for small businesses, and support for agric produce, with N3.5 billion earmarked for these initiatives.
●Social Welfare and Infrastructure Development:
Free Bus Service: The provision of free bus service for students and workers within Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti, with plans to extend it to Ekiti State University (EKSU) and other major towns.
●Food Distribution: Distribution of food items to the 177 wards of the State, coordinated by the Local Government Councils and Community Development Associations.
These initiatives underscore Governor Biodun Oyebanji commitment to touching lives and solving problems in Ekiti State, driving positive change and progress across the region. With a focus on inclusive growth and sustainable development, the administration continues to make significant strides in improving the welfare and well-being of its citizens.
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