Oyebanji pledges affordable housing, commercial facilities in Ekiti

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

The governor 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, cannot be treated with disdain, in the economic policies of government .

Oyebanji 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, 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,” he said.

“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.”