Adebayo Adenrele
Nursing education received another remarkable boost in Ekiti State under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s infrastructure upgrade with the commissioning of 600 beds students’ hostel built by a foremost entrepreneur, Arch. Dipo Ajayi through Public/Private Partnership at the College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti.
Commissioning the N800 million hostel project at the school premises on Tuesday, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his commitment to aggressive infrastructure drive in the state’s education institutions with a view to repositioning and delivering effective and efficient higher education in the state.
Governor Oyebanji said his administration’s commitment to scale up access to education has made his administration commit more investment to Education and Technology in line with the agenda Three of his administration, adding that his remains focused on providing physical infrastructure that will enhance conducive environment for both teaching and learning in all state owned institutions.
The Governor also commended Arch. Dipo Ajayi, who is President of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria ( ARCON), for his unwavering commitment towards the development of the state by giving back to the state despite all the challenges he faced before he was able to deliver the project.
“The CMD is aware that we went through a lot of challenges that at a point no investor would have staked his resources on this project. The processes made it impossible for you to commence this project on time and by the time we resolved the issues, the cost of construction had skyrocketed, but you said this is Ekiti, and that you are going to do it. Yes, financially, it may not be profitable, but Ekiti people value you, God bless you.
“What is happening today speaks to the strength of unity, when a people are united in an aligned vision and for the progress of their state, there will be development. You have done this sir, we still expect to see your footprints in all other higher institutions in Ekiti state. It won’t take long, once you are ready, in one month, we will conclude everything, we want to see you in EKSU, we want to see you in BOUESTI, because this is what you do all over the country.”
While assuring that waiting time for embarking on projects have been drastically reduced, Governor Oyebanji charged the students to take ownership of the project, make good use of the facilities provided and shun any form of vandalism that may render the Government’s effort useless.
The Governor commended traditional rulers in the state for their unflinching support for his administration in the last two years and promised to do more towards the development of the state in the next two years. “As your servant in government, I renew my commitment to you that as long as God lives, I will serve you with all the fiber in me and Ekiti during this time will be known for peace, progress and development. The Governor said.
In his remarks, Arch. Ajayi who is also the chairman of Bver Hostels and Suites, stressed the need for cooperation and unity among all stakeholders in the state in order to achieve the desired development.
The investor, who revealed that the 600 bed hostel was started six months ago, said a whopping sum of N800 million was expended on the project owing to high cost of materials. He also urged the Governor to ensure removal of all forms of bottlenecks inhibiting investors from contributing their quota to the development of the state.
This he said will encourage investors to flood the state with their various development projects.
Arch. Ajayi, who commended the unwavering support of the people, also affirmed that the visionary leadership and progressive policies of the Governor have significantly enhanced not only the educational landscape but also the overall wellbeing of the people through investment in quality healthcare, improved infrastructure and impactful initiatives all making noticeable difference in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, in his address, described the Governor as a master builder who is building men and institutions.
He revealed that the government had set a year deadline for the completion of a multipurpose 80 bed wing of the teaching hospital and has approved a 700 capacity lecture theater for the Colkege of Nursing Sciences.
Dr Filani expressed appreciation to the investor for his vested interest aimed at lifting the status of the institution by providing highly conducive for the students.
Students of the institution demonstrated their joy by singing in praise of the Governor for the upgrade of their school and for various efforts at upgrading the school facilities.