By Becky Momodu
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured the Ekiti State Government that all ongoing and approved federal road projects in the state will be executed in line with engineering standards and delivered with quality to boost economic activities and improve connectivity.
Umahi gave the assurance on Thursday during a meeting with Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, at the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja.
The Minister said the President Bola Tinubu administration remained committed to equitable infrastructure development across the country, stressing that no state would be left behind in the delivery of federal road and bridge projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the President had ensured a fair distribution of road projects across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that states that previously received little or no federal road interventions were now benefiting from strategic infrastructure investments.
Umahi recalled that during his eight years as Governor of Ebonyi State, the state had no significant federal road projects, saying similar situations existed in Ekiti and other states before the current administration.
He assured Governor Oyebanji that all subsisting contracts in Ekiti would be executed strictly in accordance with engineering principles and specifications, adding that contractors were engaged through transparent processes in line with the Public Procurement Act.
The Minister also pledged that the Ekiti State Government would be fully carried along to enable effective monitoring of project implementation.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering durable and high-quality road infrastructure capable of stimulating economic growth, improving transportation and supporting the Federal Government’s development agenda.
Earlier, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for the road infrastructure projects approved for Ekiti State.
He said the reconstruction of the Ado-Iyin-Aramoko Road, which had remained uncompleted for years despite repeated promises by previous administrations, was approved after his appeal to the President through the minister.
According to the governor, contractors were mobilised to the project site within weeks of the approval, demonstrating the Federal Government’s commitment to prompt execution of infrastructure projects.
Oyebanji also thanked the President for approving the construction of the Ado-Ijan-Ikole Road, describing it as a strategic project that would improve transportation and stimulate economic activities within and beyond the state.
The governor said that since the creation of Ekiti State nearly 30 years ago, no administration had demonstrated the level of commitment to the state’s infrastructure development as the current Federal Government.
He described his visit to the ministry as an appreciation visit on behalf of the people of Ekiti State for the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and other critical sectors.
The meeting highlighted continued collaboration between the Federal Government and the Ekiti State Government in advancing road infrastructure development and promoting national economic growth.