The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, has urged chairmen of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state to prioritise people-oriented projects that have direct and meaningful impact on the lives of residents.
Olatunbosun gave the charge while commissioning a solar-powered borehole constructed by Ifedara LCDA at Are-Ekiti.
He described the project, initiated by the LCDA Chairman, Mr. Sunday Ogunsanya, as a practical intervention that complements the developmental strides of the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The Commissioner noted that the state government had recently approved the drilling of 500 solar-powered boreholes across the state under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, ahead of the dry season.
He said the initiative was aimed at easing water shortages and improving access to potable water, particularly in rural communities.
Olatunbosun commended Ogunsanya for conceiving and executing the project, describing its timing as appropriate, and urged him to extend similar interventions to other communities experiencing difficulty accessing potable water.
He also charged political office holders and appointees to regard their positions as a call to service, stressing the need to prioritise initiatives capable of improving the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
The Commissioner used the occasion to urge residents to take necessary precautions during the rainy season, particularly in view of the flood risk associated with heavy rainfall.
He recalled that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had listed Ekiti among states at risk of flooding and advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas during heavy downpours.
Earlier in his welcome address, the LCDA Chairman, Mr. Sunday Ogunsanya, said the borehole was constructed in fulfilment of a campaign promise, assuring residents that similar projects would be extended to other parts of the council area.
Ogunsanya thanked Governor Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment for LGA and LCDA chairmen to initiate projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.
Describing access to potable water as a basic necessity, the Chairman noted that the community had experienced water shortages for a long time.
He urged residents to make proper use of the facility and take ownership of its maintenance to ensure its sustainability.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, Mr. Sola Olowojebutu, highlighted various government interventions in the community including the renovation of schools and urged residents to continue supporting government programmes and initiatives.
The Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, commended the LCDA for the intervention and the residents for their support for the project.
Adebiyi expressed confidence that the people would take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance for the benefit of the community.