By Ayomiposi Ajidahun

Copyright tribuneonlineng

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said that over N200 billion worth of road contracts have been awarded in almost three years, covering about 350 kilometres across the state’s 16 local government areas.

He spoke on Wednesday at the plenary meeting of the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti.

According to the governor, more than N150 billion has already been paid to contractors. Of the 350 kilometres planned, 126 kilometres have been completed, while other projects are ongoing. Some of the major projects include the rehabilitation of the Ikogosi-Ipole-Efon Alaaye Road, valued at N7.3 billion with a 24-month completion period, and the Ado-Ekiti-Igede-Aramoko-Itawure Road, worth N14.838 billion with a 30-month timeline.

He added that 13 rural road contracts valued at N17.219 billion have been awarded under the Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to improve access and support local economic activity.

These projects, the governor explained, are aimed at connecting commercial centres and large communities while providing alternative routes for commuters.

“Till date, the state has awarded road contracts exceeding N200 billion, covering 350kms across the state. Out of this, over N150 billion has been paid to contractors, with 126kms completed, while others are still at various stages of completion.

“These roads were carefully selected to connect commercial hubs, large communities, and provide alternatives for commuters.

“We are also constructing over 132 km of rural roads through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project in conjunction with the World Bank,” Oyebanji said.

The Diocese of Ekiti hosted the 2025 Standing Committee Meeting from September 15 to 19, 2025. Over 100 bishops and other church leaders attended, with the theme “The Sanctity of the Church Contending for Christian Faith and Witness in the World,” presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba.

During the visit, Primate Ndukuba called for moral reawakening and warned against materialism at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti, where he also appreciated the governor for “being a Christ missionary in his governance in Ekiti State.”

Governor Oyebanji, known for regular participation in church services, also disclosed that his administration had spent over N118 billion on gratuities, pensions, leave bonuses, and replenishment of loan schemes for state and local government retirees since taking office.

He commended the church for its contributions to education, social services, and health care in the state, and urged political leaders to view themselves as missionaries serving the public.

“As a political leader, I see myself as a missioner of a sort, as I am in the service of God to make life better for our people and to elevate the downtrodden. It is for this reason that I have always centred our policies on the welfare of the ordinary people,” he said.

The governor highlighted other achievements of his administration, including improving security, youth development, job creation through the employment of over 5,000 youths, stable electricity supply, renovation and equipping of more than 177 health facilities, and engaging thousands of young people in agriculture through the Bring Back the Youth into Agriculture scheme.

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