Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said the ongoing Ring Road project in the state is designed to transform Ado Ekiti into a new modern city.
The governor stated that the road that links Iworoko Road with the International Agro Cargo Airport would bring about a new controlled city on the axis without altering the Ado-Ekiti traditional setting.
Oyebanji said the Ado Ekiti New City project, a well-planned residential neighbourhood, will exist alongside the traditional section of the state capital.
The Governor made this known during the commissioning of three new road projects in Ado Ekiti: Jimoh Aliu-Adewumi Road along the Adebayo area, Hospitals Management Board/Doctors’ Quarters Road, and Obisesan-Oke Ala Link Road along the Basiri area of the capital city.
The new roads were also complemented with solar-powered street lights to facilitate illumination and boost nightlife.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, who was a special guest at the event, cut the tape declaring one the Jimoh Aliu—Adewunmi Road. The Hospitals Management/Doctors’ Quarters Road was commissioned by the Governor himself. Obisesan-Oke Ala Link Road was commissioned by an elder stateswoman, Chief (Mrs) Ronke Okusanya, who resides on the street.
In his speeches at all three locations, Governor Oyebanji said, “All these are about our people. We campaigned on certain promises and I’m glad that gradually we are fulfilling the promises to our people. The roads have been strategically chosen to ensure that we give exits and access to our people and also to open up inner cities in Ado.
“We intend to develop Ado Ekiti without altering its traditional setting. It is in our interest to keep Ado the way it is, so we are giving the people the opportunity for a new town and constructing the ring road.
“When the ring road is commissioned , people are free to take positions. The place is going to be developed as a new city for Ado so that those interested in living in a very well designed environment, working with our Bureau of Housing can go to the place to build their house and the development there will be controlled. We will retain the traditional Ado and we have a new Ado, the two will coexist together”.
He revealed that no fewer than 16 road projects are ongoing in different parts of the state in addition to comprehensive renovation of 11 general hospitals.
The Governor said the communities have roles to play in the maintenance and longevity of the new roads by not blocking the drains with refuse, which could render the roads waterlogged, thereby damaging the roads.