The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said his administration is irrevocably committed to the all-round rapid development of the state through a conscious exploitation of abundant investment opportunities.
Fayemi reiterated this commitment at the presentation of Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to the newly-crowned Alawe of Ilawe, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, in Ilawe on Saturday.
Fayemi, who revealed the commitment was borne out of the fact that the administration recognised that development was sine-qua non to the freedom of the people of the state, said government was working with some private investors to make a turnaround in the state’s economy, particularly in the area of agro business.
He said: “The government is also conscious of the abundance of investment opportunities in the agro sector of the State where Ilawe stands out very prominently.
“We are working with some private investors in this regard with an assurance of quick interventions following the eagerness of this administration to make a turn around in our economy with particular attention on industrial agriculture.”
While saying that the his administration would continue to attend to the socio-economic needs of the people within the meagre resources that accrue to it, the governor added that his administration was constructing Ilawe-Ado Road, Ilawe-Igbara-Odo-Ibuji Road, Ilawe-Ikere Road, a 5km township roads as well as completed the Ilawe-Erinjiyan Road to open up the area to investors.
Fayemi, who solicited the cooperation and understanding of the people of the state as the administration “vigorously” pursues the eight-point agenda, added that this effort has come to fruition as a Stell Rolling Mill would soon be established in the community.
This, he said, would help in creating employment opportunities for the youths.
He added: “I like to again commend the traditional institutions in the state for their support for this administration in its onerous responsibilities of making life better for our people.
“I am not unaware that there are still many mountains to climb and many waters to cross.
“Nonetheless, this administration is undaunted as it is adequately prepared to meet the challenges and achieve its mission of making poverty history in our land.”
While congratulating the new monarch for ascending the throne of his forefathers, the governor said the state government had no special interest in any particular candidate vying for the position, as his administration believed strongly in merit, transparency and due process for effective service delivery to the people.
Fayemi expressed satisfaction that the struggle for the “exalted stool” did not degenerate into uncontrollable controversies and bad blood that characterised obaship selection process in other communities, saying that the decency, decorum and maturity are the hallmark of a Land of Honour as Ekiti State is called.
He charged Alabi to work harmoniously with members of the community to fast-track the rate of development, adding: “I am sure that with your anteceedents, it would not be difficult for you to bring all your people together to build a strong and development-focused town.
“I nonetheless appeal to the good people of Ilawe to allow the spirit of oneness and sincerity of purpose to reflect in your support and cooperation with the kabiyesi.”