Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has taken decisive action to mitigate the economic challenges faced by the citizens of the state amidst the ongoing global economic downturn. With a keen focus on ameliorating the financial burden on both State and Local Government workers, Governor Oyebanji has unveiled a comprehensive relief programme totaling N12 billion.
The cornerstone of this relief effort involves the prompt disbursement of one month’s salary arrears to State and Local Government employees, amounting to over N2.7 billion. By settling these outstanding payments, the government aims to alleviate the financial strain endured by its workforce. Furthermore, this initiative signifies the government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its employees, ensuring that they receive their due compensation in a timely manner.
In addition to addressing salary arrears, Governor Oyebanji has allocated an additional N600 million per month to augment the subvention of autonomous institutions, including the Judiciary and tertiary institutions within the state. This substantial increase in funding is intended to enable these institutions to effectively implement wage awards comparable to those received by State and Local Government workers. By bolstering financial support to these vital sectors, the government seeks to bolster economic stability and enhance the quality of public service delivery across Ekiti State.
Upholding Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility and Social Welfare
Governor Oyebanji’s unveiling of the N12 billion Economic Relief Programme underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and social welfare. By proactively addressing the economic challenges exacerbated by the global downturn, the government demonstrates its responsiveness to the needs of its constituents and its dedication to fostering inclusive growth.
Moreover, the decision to prioritize the settlement of salary arrears and increase funding for autonomous institutions reflects a holistic approach to economic recovery. By ensuring the financial well-being of its workforce and supporting critical sectors such as education and the judiciary, Governor Oyebanji’s administration lays the groundwork for sustainable development and resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.
As Ekiti State navigates the complexities of a shifting economic landscape, Governor Oyebanji’s proactive measures serve as a beacon of hope for residents and stakeholders alike. Through prudent fiscal management and targeted interventions, the government remains steadfast in its pursuit of prosperity and progress for all citizens of the state. Governor Oyebanji Clears Pension Arrears and Boosts Gratuity Payments.
In a bid to alleviate the financial burden on retired State and Local Government workers, Governor Oyebanji has given the green light for the payment of two months’ worth of pension arrears, totaling a staggering N1.5 billion. Additionally, there’s a significant stride towards enhancing the welfare of pensioners with the approval of a monthly gratuity increment. The current N50 million monthly gratuity allocated to Local Government pensioners will see a substantial boost, now standing at N100 million, effectively doubling the total monthly gratuity payment to N200 million.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to honoring its financial obligations to retired civil servants, ensuring their livelihoods are sustained and their contributions duly recognized. With the approval of the pension arrears and the gratuity increment, Governor Oyebanji’s administration showcases its dedication to prioritizing the welfare of pensioners, providing them with the financial support they rightfully deserve.
Revitalizing Agriculture and Livestock Sector: A Strategic Investment
In a strategic bid to bolster food production and enhance the livestock subsector, the State Government has earmarked substantial financial resources towards agricultural initiatives. With a commitment of N1 billion directed towards improving food production, emphasis is placed on land preparation through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s tractorization subsidy scheme. Furthermore, an input supply program is set to bolster support for small-scale farmers, fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the state.
Moreover, the injection of N1.2 billion from the World Bank-financed Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project signifies a monumental step towards transforming the livestock subsector. This substantial investment is poised to empower livestock farmers, enhance productivity, and create an enabling environment for youth and private sector involvement in livestock businesses. Key initiatives include the revamping of veterinary clinics and the state veterinary hospital, development of the poultry sector, and comprehensive training and support programs encompassing feed formulation and artificial insemination (AI). Through these strategic investments, Governor Oyebanji’s administration aims to foster sustainable growth within the agricultural and livestock sectors, ultimately driving economic development and prosperity across the state. Ekiti State Governor Unveils Multi-million Naira Relief and Development Programs::
In a bid to alleviate the economic burden exacerbated by the global pandemic, Governor Oyebanji of Ekiti State has rolled out a series of comprehensive relief and development programs aimed at revitalizing the state’s economy. Under the banner of partnership and strategic collaboration, the governor announced a groundbreaking N500 million loan program in conjunction with Access Bank. This initiative targets medium and small-scale businesses, injecting much-needed capital to foster growth and sustainability. Complementing this endeavor is the provision of a N1 billion cooperative fund, specifically designed to offer low-interest working capital to cooperatives and their members. By extending financial lifelines to these entities, the state aims to bolster entrepreneurship and catalyze economic resurgence.
Furthermore, the governor’s agenda encompasses a spectrum of welfare measures tailored to uplift marginalized communities and bolster social stability. The continuation of conditional cash transfers to low-income households underscores the government’s commitment to mitigating poverty and fostering inclusivity. Under the auspices of the CARES program, a budget allocation of N3.5 billion has been earmarked, targeting livelihood support, labor-intensive initiatives, technological empowerment for small businesses, and agricultural enhancement schemes. This holistic approach seeks to address multifaceted challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable development across various sectors.
Governor Oyebanji Expansion of Social Services and Infrastructure Development
Beyond economic interventions, the administration is extending its reach to enhance public services and infrastructure. The provision of free bus services, initially confined to Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti, will now encompass Ekiti State University (EKSU) and other major towns. This expansion aims to facilitate seamless mobility for students and workers, fostering accessibility and connectivity within the state. Concurrently, the distribution of food items to all 177 wards underscores a grassroots approach to addressing food insecurity, with local governments and community development associations spearheading distribution efforts.
Moreover, the governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure projects, pivotal in driving economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Notable endeavors include bolstering power supply to critical areas, with a particular emphasis on connecting EKSU Campus to the Independent Power Plant (IPP). This strategic initiative not only augments energy access but also mitigates logistical costs, thereby curbing inflationary pressures on commodity prices.
Additionally, initiatives such as free malaria treatment for elderly citizens and children, coupled with complimentary delivery services for pregnant women at primary healthcare centers, underscore the government’s dedication to promoting public health and well-being. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing economic revitalization, social welfare, and infrastructural development, Governor Oyebanji’s administration is poised to usher in a new era of prosperity and resilience in Ekiti State.
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