…says project will attract governance to grassroots
By Precious Oham
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the permanent site of the Ado North Local Council Development Area, in Ado-Ekiti, on Friday.
Governor Oyebanji reiterated that the motive behind the creation of LCDAs is to bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Niyi Adebayo, the governor noted that the move is symbolic and will benefit the masses economically.
He said: “Indeed, this kind of project assures the people that the government is close by. The idea behind the creation of LCDAs is to bring government close to the people at the grassroots. So, when the LCDA goes out to do a physical building then it serves the purpose of letting people know that indeed government is close by.
“This helps to actually demonstrate that government can also contribute to economic development of the people and I believe the project will indeed benefit people not just in terms of emotions but indeed economically.”
In the same vein, the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, said: ” I feel elated for this great passion of the Ado North LCDA. It’s a great thing that is happening in this LCDA which will go along in the development of the LCDA. I’m very happy.”
On his part, the Executive Chairman, Ado North LCDA, Yomi Oso, said the project is one of his campaign promises to the people while assuring of his administration’s commitment towards completing the project.
He revealed that deserving individuals in the area were awarded and some roads named after them for their commitment to the growth of the LCDA.
Oso said: “I’m highly elated to be part of this laudable project. As a matter of fact during our electioneering campaigns, we promised our people that we are going to lay a foundation for the new LCDA Secretariat not only laying a foundation, but we are going to construct and complete the project.
“We are not considering the paucity of funds within the system. As a leader we should be prepared to impact within our society. We are not giving excuse of paucity of funds because if we are here to use paucity of funds as an excuse, we won’t get anywhere.
“We are not going to make it an abandon project, I want to assure you. We are very desirous at achieving this that is why we have been operating outside the box. The array of people we honoured through our constitutional duties by naming some roads and streets after them.
“These set of people have graciously donated to the coffers of the council and this money will be used judiciously in ensuring that this project is built and completed.”
The event attracted the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Representative of the Ewi, traditional rulers, stakeholders and residents of the area.
Some roads in the area were named after 25 notable individuals such as the Nova Road to Basiri named after Bashorun Tope Alabi, Prison Road to Afao named after Senator Bode Ola, Adehun Car Wash Lane named after Hon. Sunday Ibitoye, among others.