Ekiti State Government Ensures Inclusion of Local Artisans and Resources in Project Execution.

Ekiti State Government Ensures Inclusion of Local Artisans and Resources in Project Execution.

In a move to boost the local economy and mitigate capital flight, the Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has taken proactive steps to ensure the inclusion of local artisans, professionals, vendors, and resources in the execution of contracts within the state.

The Ekiti State Bureau of Local Content, led by the Director-General, Ijidale Olalekan, has been tasked with the responsibility of monitoring project sites to ensure compliance with the local content policy. The Bureau has conducted unscheduled visits to various project sites, including the Ikere-Ise Road project being handled by Dromo International Company, to perform headcounts and verify the inclusion of Ekiti indigenes in the workforce.

The Director-General emphasized that the Bureau stands firm in its commitment to ensuring that a minimum of 40% of Ekiti indigenes are employed on every project site. This move is aimed at providing employment opportunities for the state's residents and promoting the development of the local economy.

"The Governor's vision is to ensure that the economic benefits of these projects are not only limited to the contractors but also extend to the people of Ekiti State," said Ijidale Olalekan. "We will not spare any erring contractor who fails to comply with the government's directive on local content."

The Bureau has also advised the state's youths, construction professionals, graduates, and artisans to take advantage of these opportunities by visiting the Bureau of Local Content and registering their information on the Bureau's website. This will enable the Bureau to connect them with job openings in the ongoing projects across the state.

The Ekiti State Government's commitment to the inclusion of local artisans and resources in project execution is a clear indication of its dedication to the development of the state's economy and the empowerment of its people. This move is expected to create job opportunities, boost local patronage, and mitigate capital flight, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of Ekiti State.