Nigeria: Ekiti Elders Task Fayose On Short-Term Projects

Ado-Ekiti — The Ekiti Council of Elders has urged Governor Ayodele Fayose to give priority to short-term projects, as this seems to be more attractive to Ekiti people.

The elders recommended that Fayose should give attention to projects that would have immediate, positive value on the lives of the citizens.

They also advised the state government to improve on the internally generated revenue, to shore up the revenue base of Ekiti State.

In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Deji Fasuan, after a meeting on October 31, the council advised the governor to de-emphasise capital projects with long gestation periods, to cushion the effects of poverty in the state.

The elders said the immediate past government made tremendous efforts at improving the state's IGR, but the result is still low compared to what is obtainable in other states of the federation.

"We recommended that the little resources available to government be spent on projects that will have immediate value on the populace.

"We want to advise the new administration to address as quickly as possible the welfare of the citizens, especially as relates to unpaid salaries, wages and other benefits that can have multiplier effects on the local economy," the council stated.

It expressed hope that politicians, irrespective of their party leanings, would sustain the relative peace in the state after the June 21 governorship election, leading to the emergence of the present

government on October 16.

"Ekiti needs peace for necessary development. By all means we will

continue to belong to different political persuasions, but Ekiti, our Land of Honour and Fountain of Knowledge, should progress and develop

peacefully for the benefit of all," the council said

See full story: Daily Independent