Group tasks Ekiti govt on development priorities

The Ekiti Progressives Assembly has urged the state government to focus more on sustainable development, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. At a press conference held in Ado-Ekiti, the group, led by its convener, Mr. Babajide Alofe, and secretary, Mr. Kehinde Oni Oloke, said its intervention was aimed at safeguarding the founding values […]

The Ekiti Progressives Assembly has urged the state government to focus more on sustainable development, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

At a press conference held in Ado-Ekiti, the group, led by its convener, Mr. Babajide Alofe, and secretary, Mr. Kehinde Oni Oloke, said its intervention was aimed at safeguarding the founding values of Ekiti—dignity, progress, and honour.

The Assembly acknowledged the growth in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), which has reportedly risen from ₦17.03 billion in 2022 to ₦29.82 billion in 2023. However, it called for a stronger economic base beyond taxation, stressing the need for investments in agriculture, industry, and other productive sectors to drive inclusive growth.

On infrastructure, the group noted that while some road projects have been executed, critical links such as the Ado–Aramoko axis require urgent attention to ease mobility and boost commerce.

The Assembly also highlighted the need for improved healthcare delivery. It referenced ongoing interventions, including plans to renovate more than 100 health facilities across the 16 local government areas under the World Bank–supported IMPACT programme, but stressed that citizens still require better access to functioning hospitals and clinics.

In education, the group expressed concern about the state of schools and called for better equipment, staffing, and facilities to ensure quality learning outcomes for pupils.

Calling on stakeholders, the Assembly encouraged youths to seek opportunities in education, agriculture, and enterprise, women to push for meaningful inclusion, civil servants to uphold professionalism, and the media to continue amplifying citizens’ voices.

“Ekiti stands at a critical crossroads,” the group said. “Real transformation demands more than statistics—it requires infrastructure that lasts, healthcare that serves, and education that truly empowers.”

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to policies and discussions that will advance the overall progress of Ekiti State.