Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has declared the intention of his administration to construct 5,000 housing units in 2013 to make housing more affordable for the people of the state.
Fayemi in his New Year broadcast on Tuesday also revealed that newly established Peace Corps will become operational in the New Year to complement the efforts of security agencies in tackling crimes and making the state more secure.
Describing 2013 as Ekiti’s Year of Empowerment and Consolidation, Fayemi stated that the year will witness wealth creation through the provision of a conducive environment for job creation, youth and women empowerment, among others.
He promised that his administration will continue to support government workers by improving their welfare in 2013 through various incentives to motivate them for greater performance.
Speaking on the plan to build at least 5,000 new houses in 2013, Fayemi noted that the move was to save more citizens of the state from shylock landlords and dubious property developers cashing in on
inadequacy of decent houses.
He said the scheme to be known as “Homes Agenda” will coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders in the housing sector. It will also incorporate the engagement of the private sector through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
The establishment of Peace Corps, he said, is borne out of the need to provide the enabling environment for all citizens and residents to pursue their legitimate businesses in an atmosphere of congenial peace.
Fayemi said, “It is common knowledge for all of us that society thrives more and attracts higher economic growth when there is peace.
“Consequently, State Peace Corps will become operational in the New Year to complement the efforts of the regular law enforcement agencies to bring criminal activities to a significant low level.
The Social Security Scheme of his administration for registered elderly persons who are 65 years and above will be extended beyond the scope of 20,000 beneficiaries who are receiving monthly stipends of
N5,000.
Fayemi also unfolded the plans of his administration to build two new General Hospitals in Ilawe and Iye while the Oba Adejugbe General Hospital Complex hitherto abandoned will be completed in the first half of the year.
The governor added that arrangements have been concluded for the comprehensive renovation of all the 20 Specialist and General Hospitals as well as 35 Basic Health Centres across the state in 2013.
He equally revealed that the State College of Agriculture will take off in 2013, in addition to the establishment of two rice processing mills and one cassava processing plant in partnership with the Federal Government in the bid to boost agric business .
The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to complete all ongoing capital projects in 2013 that are central to its eight-point agenda.
Fayemi pledged to complete all ongoing road projects and initiate new ones in other to make all parts of the state accessible and continue with the Urban Renewal Programme that is beautifying the state.
With Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, already undergoing massive transformation, Fayemi said government will focus on the construction of township roads in Ikere, Ikole and Ijero which used to be divisional headquarters.
A new ministry, according to him, will be created to bring together Community Development, Rural Development, Cooperative Services and Social Mobilization to coordinate anti-poverty strategies.
Fayemi revealed that the Ikogost Tourist Resort will officially be opened for business in the first quarter of the year saying the massive investment in tourism was geared towards making Ekiti the most attractive destination for relaxation and holidays in Nigeria.
He promised the readiness of his administration to prioritise the training needs of teachers to enable them improve on their service delivery.
Describing the place of teachers as sacred, Fayemi said his administration is sincere in all its intervention moves on improving teacher quality.
He pointed out that the revival of two moribund industrial facilities (Ire Burnt Bricks and Odua Enterprise Centre) has expanded state’s resources and provide more job opportunities for its citizens.
Fayemi further promised sustenance of good governance through budget discipline, transparency and probity in the utilization of public funds.
Last modified: January 1, 2013