Buoyed by the determination to actualize the vision 2050 for Ado Ekiti Smart City, stakeholders have brainstormed on prerequisites needed to facilitate the effective setting up of the State Capital Development Authority SCDA, which is a crucial component for the state’s capital transformation.
The steering committee meeting, chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. John Ekundayo, took place in the conference hall of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, located in the old Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti.
In his remarks, Dr Ekundayo emphasized the importance of the forum in building consensus on roles and fostering collaboration among relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in this significant project.
He also provided updates on ongoing capital projects within the state capital, including the international cargo airport, which is expected to become operational soon.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SCDA, Hon. Tade Aluko, said the gathering, which was at the instance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, was geared towards mapping out strategies and providing initiatives involving key actors to remodel Ado Ekiti city as well as improve the lives of the people.
Hon. Aluko maintained that the stakeholders’ deliberation was to specifically help to identify policy options and a roadmap for the growth of the state capital to a smart city beginning from the year 2025 to 2050, as envisioned by Governor Oyebanji.
“In line with the vision of Governor Biodun Oyebanji led administration, the project will unlock our potential to have a functional and technological-driven state capital that will serve as the economic and financial hub of inhabitants and investors. This is a state capital that will be safe, secure, clean and healthy for citizens and investors.
“You will agree with me that Ado Ekiti is the economic powerhouse of the Ekiti State that people are trooping in every day, yet we need to have a proper plan and policy document as a framework that will address both the present and the future challenges of Ado Ekiti as the state capital and at the same time meticulously devise a means of transforming the state capital into an ultra-modern city,” Aluko stated.
Other contributors, including the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunsho Olabode, stressed the need for clear delineation of responsibilities, thorough documentation, professional engagement, and proper assignment of statutory duties to ensure effective service delivery.
A sub-committee chaired by the Special Adviser, State Capital Development Authority, Hon.Tade Aluko, with Rt. Hon.Oladapo Karonwi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, as Co-chair, and Prof. James Olaleye, Special Adviser on Lands, Prince Toyin Akingbade of A P U. and Hon .Toyin Ojo ,Chairman Ado Central LCDA as members was constituted during the meeting.
The committee was tasked with overseeing appropriate delineation, evaluating the project’s scope, and providing comparative documents from other states, among other responsibilities.
The committee is however expected to report back in three weeks for the next line of action before the main committee.
Some of the stakeholders at the meeting include a representative of the Ewi -in Council, local government and 3 LCDAs, Ado Progressive Union, DG signage and Advert, Surveyor -General amongst others.
