…as Agric Commissioner, L-PRES Officials Promise Transparent Selection Process at Bid Opening Ceremony
No fewer than 40 contractors have expressed interest in contracts for the construction of livestock infrastructures under the Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project in the State.
The Bids opening exercise which covered Lots 1 to 6 of the project was formally declared open on in Ado-Ekiti, attracting a large turnout of bidders and stakeholders in the agricultural sector and beyond.
Declaring the exercise open, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the award of contracts, noting that the project is designed to transform livestock farming and livestock infrastructures in Ekiti.
He also emphasized that an agribusiness hub would be developed across our priority value chain in the State. This will bring about economic opportunities by attracting investors and building the resilience of the farmers in the State.
Also speaking at the event , the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Babatope Ojo, in his welcome address described the high number of bidders as a demonstration of confidence of members of the organised private sector in government’s contract award process.
In his remarks ,the State Project Coordinator L-PRES, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, explained that the livestock infrastructures, once completed, would serve as a boost to productivity, enhance value chain development, and promote rural livelihoods.
He assured stakeholders that the project would be implemented in line with global best practices.
During the sorting and Bids opening, the Procurement Officer L-PRES, Mr. Alabi Sunday, reiterated that all procedures would strictly follow World Bank and State procurement guidelines, ensuring fairness and competitiveness.
He conducted the technical aspects of the bid opening and verified the submitted documents in accordance with National and Donor-Agency Procurement Guidelines.
Contracts bidded for at the event include those for the Construction of Commercial Cattle Market along Iworoko Road, Ado Ekiti and Omuo-Ekiti.
Others include: contracts for the Construction of Broiler Processing Plant at Erinfun, Ado-Ekiti as well as contracts for the Construction of Poultry Pens at Erinfun; Ado-Ekiti; Emure-Ekiti and at Ikole-Ekiti.
The proposed livestock infrastructures are expected to provide critical support for farmers, butchers, cattle dealers and expand commercial opportunities, and contribute to food security and economic growth in Ekiti State.
The event was attended by representatives of the Director General Bureau of Public Procurement, . the State Head of Service, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and that of his colleague in the Ministry of Budget as well as the representative of Executive Director, Centre for Reconditioning & Development and all Project Implementation Unit Members of the Ekiti State Office of L-PRES.