Ekiti Gov, Oyebanji signs 3 bills into law

By Christiana Ekpa

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Monday signed three laws recently passed by the state House of Assembly, namely the Ekiti State Roads Fund Law, the Ekiti Rural Access Roads Authority Law, and the Wealth Fund Law, 2023.
According to Oyebanji, the signing of the three sector-reform laws was geared towards actualising the road infrastructure upgrade and prosperity agenda of the administration.
The governor said his administration would continue to drive development by ensuring the transformation of the infrastructural landscape of the state.
Speaking after assenting to the three laws at a brief ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said he is determined to improve the quality of lives of citizens of the state, especially rural dwellers who have long been denied basic services.
The event was attended by a World Bank team led by the Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri. Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and the Executive Council of the state were also in attendance.
Governor Oyebanji noted that the Rural Access and Roads Authority would serve as the engine driving the development and maintenance of rural roads in the state. He explained that the body will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Class C and D roads in the state.
He added that the authority would help foster economic growth through the facilitation of transportation of goods and services, which would lead to an improvement in the standard of living of the rural populace.
The governor stated: “Today is a momentous occasion as we gathered here to witness the signing of three significant sector reform bills into law. It is with great pleasure and a sense of fulfilment that I stand before you to inaugurate the Rural Access and Roads Authority and the State Roads Fund, both vital components of the Ekiti Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and the Ekiti State Wealth Fund.
“These reform bills mark a major milestone in our commitment to transforming the infrastructure landscape and laying a very solid economic foundation for our beloved state. It signifies our resolute dedication to improving the lives of our people, especially those in rural areas who have long yearned for enhanced connectivity and better access to vital services, and the vulnerable who have been negatively affected by various government policies.
“Additionally, the State Roads Funds, as established, will provide a sustainable financing mechanism for the maintenance and rehabilitation of our Class B, Class C, and Class D road infrastructure. This dedicated fund will ensure that they have the necessary resources to carry out timely repairs, thus prolonging the lifespan of our roads and minimising disruption to the transportation network.
“The Ekiti Wealth Fund is our very bold attempt to put in place the building blocks for sustainable growth and development. It is a coordination of infrastructure funds, future generation funds, and investment funds to drive our shared prosperity agenda.”
Earlier, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Olubunmi Adelugba, disclosed that the Sixth Assembly was able to pass 99 bills and 90 resolutions during its four-year tenure.