Ekiti State has recorded a significant reduction in its debt profile, thanks to the people-driven policies of the state government and the active involvement of citizens in governance.
This was revealed by Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media on Friday in Ado Ekiti during a recent interview on Midas Radio.
Mr. Oyebode highlighted that the state’s success in cutting down its debt and achieving an 83% budget performance in 2024 was made possible by the collective efforts of the people. ” as at December 2022 the debt profile of the state stood at N117,147,875,157 billion and this inherited debts were serviced on a monthly basis and this has reduced drastically. As at September 2024,he noted that the debt profile has reduced to N56,224,700,45 billion and that’s about 56% reduction in debt profile of the state” he noted.
He praised the contributions of traditional leaders, civil servants, market leaders, artisans, and grassroots communities, describing their support as the backbone of the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration’s achievements.
“The people of Ekiti State are the true owners of the government’s projects and programs. Their involvement in decision-making has made governance seamless and effective,” Oyebode said.
He explained that the state’s budgeting process begins with consultations across local government areas, where citizens outline their needs and priorities. This approach ensures that the government’s agenda aligns with the people’s demands, leading to better implementation and ownership of projects.
“When communities say they need a town hall, upgraded schools, or better roads, we listen and work together to prioritize these projects within available resources,” Oyebode added.
The media adviser also emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and quality in project execution. He revealed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji often conducts unannounced inspections of ongoing projects to ensure contractors meet acceptable standards.
“The governor has made it clear that substandard work will not be tolerated. Contractors are paid promptly, but they must deliver quality,” Oyebode stated.
In addition to infrastructure development, the state has invested heavily in healthcare and education to address challenges such as the migration of medical professionals abroad. Oyebode noted that the government has increased subvention to institutions like the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital and upgraded the School of Nursing to a college to improve training capacity.
“We cannot stop people from seeking opportunities abroad, but we can expand our capacity to train more professionals and motivate those who choose to stay,” he said.
The government’s efforts have also led to the renovation of 12 hospitals across the state, with four already completed and six at various stages of completion. These initiatives aim to create a conducive environment for healthcare workers and improve service delivery.
Oyebode concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to shared prosperity, ensuring that every community and demographic benefits from its development agenda.
“Ekiti State is on the path of progress because we are working with the people, for the people. This is the essence of good governance,” he said.
As the state continues to prioritize citizen engagement and fiscal responsibility, Ekiti’s debt reduction serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between the government and its people.
