Officials of the Ekiti State Ministry of Rural Development and Community Empowerment have commenced monitoring Self Help Projects in 82 communities in the state that are being supported by the Fayemi led administration to the tune of N300million.

Speaking while monitoring the projects at Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, the Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Empowerment; Mr. Folorunso Olabode said that his ministry embarked on the exercise to ensure proper utilization of funds, stressing that the jobs must be done according to specification.

The Commissioner who noted that the projects include renovation of palaces, police stations, town halls and market stalls, said that the programme was designed to combat poverty in the communities as well as boost the aesthetic value of the rural areas.

According to him, the projects would also provide employment opportunities for the youths and curb rural-urban drift. Noting that most of the projects were abandoned several years ago due to financial reasons, Olabode charged contractors handling the projects to complete them within the 60 day time frame given by the state government since the contractors have been adequately mobilized.

He however solicited the cooperation of the Development Associations of benefitting communities with their respective traditional rulers and contractors handling the projects towards ensuring success of the initiative that would breathe new case of life into the communities.

Responding, the Oniye of Iye Ekiti, Oba Jonathan Adeleye – Oni lauded the initiative of the Fayemi led administration which he said had brought smiles to the faces of the people in Iye Ekiti.

Oba Adeleye-Oni who described Governor Fayemi as a change agent and a progressive governor, whose achievement in transforming Ekiti State was unprecedented, pledged the support of his people for the

continued success of the governor as well as his second term bid as governor.

In his own remarks, the Onigogo of Igogo Ekiti, Oba Sunday Oluso Adewumi also commended Governor Fayemi for exhibiting a strong political will in ensuring the success of the Self Help Projects.

Oba Adewumi said that the initiative would empower youths in the state and assist in curbing restiveness.