Why I’m always away from Ekiti. -Fayemi
By Rasaq Ibrahim,
Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has explained the needs to make the state epicentre of development are behind his frequent absence.
The People’s Democratic Party(PDP) had said the state was on autopilot, alleging Fayemi’s absence was negatively affecting governance and development.
The opposition party described Fayemi as a ‘Diaspora governor’, noting germane issues affecting the people and hampering developments have not been given adequate attention.
But Fayemi said he has been traversing the globe to search and explore every available opportunity to source for technical and financial assistance needed to finance people-oriented projects.
He said his efforts have been yielding positive results as various institutions have shown interest to render assistance, noting the World Bank and Federal Government had released humongous funds for the state.
The governor said his administration will not slack in its efforts to rebuild the economy, resuscitate damaged infrastructures and return Ekiti to a prosperous land.
“I have not been staying in the state these days. I have been looking for money to finance people-oriented projects because I don’t have the funds.
“I am happy God has been answering our prayers. World Bank had just released humongous funds to finance constructions of 1000kms rural roads, model markets and other projects.
“In addition, the Federal Government has given me money to address the areas affected by flood”, he said.
The governor spoke in Yoruba at Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarter of Ekiti South Senatorial District on Thursday during a town hall meeting with representatives of all the six local government in the district.
Fayemi disclosed the consultative meeting was pertinent to get people’s inputs for the preparation of the 2020 appropriation bill.
He said the decision was predicted on the need to make government more responsible and responsive to the critical needs, yearnings and aspirations of the citizens.
The governor said his administration remained resolute to return governance to grassroots in order to effect genuine socio-economic growth and development.
The governor, while responding to the various requests of the communities which included security and other social amenities, assured that all requests will be included in the next year budgetary process.
“I assure every local government that their requests and demands will be carefully considered and accommodated in the 2020 budget, ” he said.