Adebayo Adenrele
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Monday, disbursed a sum of N300,000,000 to individuals whose property were acquired for the driving of the urban renewal policy of the state.
The beneficiaries were those whose buildings would be demolished at Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti metropolis, a popular slum within the capital city, for the construction of the proposed Ultra Modern Central Business District and Modern Park in the renowned shanty area.
This gesture came barely three weeks after Millions of Naira were paid as compensation to those whose buildings and crops were demolished for the construction of 1.2 kilometres range flyover among Okeyinmi, Ijigbo and Ajilosun areas of Ado Ekiti metropolis and Ekiti State Ring Road Phase 1.
Distributing the cheques at an event held at the Pavilion, Fajuyi area of Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, pledged that his government won’t subject property owners to undue bottleneck before their compensation are paid.
Oyebanji stated that though the property were acquired as part of the determined strides to rid Ekiti of slums and shanties but won’t stop him from giving compensation to original owners of landed property in the axis.
The governor said Atikankan has been a notorious hideout for criminals and represented a dirty and shanty view constituting threat to the people because of high proclivity for the breakout of communicable diseases.
Oyebanji stressed that one of the cardinal objectives of his administration, is transformation of urban slums into a befitting central hubs that will boost economic opportunities in the state, which he said spurred the acquisition of Atikankan/ Igbehin area.
According to him. “The proposed project will be one of the major trading hubs in the state where government, private individuals, business and corporate organisations can buy and sell goods and services in a decent and more coordinated manner. The projects will have impact and improve the living standards of the people as it is capable of generating employments for the youths.
“Let me reiterate that none of the developmental projects where structures , crops and property are affected will be demolished without payment of full compensation to the beneficiaries of such property. My administration is committed to prompt payment of compensation, no matter how small it might be, so that the little amount paid will not be consumed by inflation rate.
“Although, the amount might be meagre compared with the cost of erecting new structures, but I want you to bear with us as this is part of the collective sacrifices we have to make to enjoy the prosperity of industrial and infrastructural development of our dear state”.