Ekiti Rep claims ₦1bn worth of projects to constituency

A member of the House of Representatives, representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, Mr Akinlayo Kolawole, has revealed that he has succeeded in attracting highly impactful and life-changing projects worth N1bn to bring a facelift to the development of Ekiti State in the last three years.

The All Progressives Congress lawmaker, Kolawole, said that he had offered quality representation and provided succour for his constituents in infrastructure, education and employment generations.

The federal lawmaker cited critical strides in infrastructure, employment, and education as evidence of his performance and effective collaboration with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to uplift the standards of living of Ekiti residents.

In a statement issued by the media unit on Thursday by the Office of Akinlayo, the lawmaker presented a comprehensive review of projects and initiatives executed across the constituency, stressing that his approach to governance is focused on tangible impact, rather than political patronage.

“Although a total sum of ₦200m was allocated as constituency project funds, we have been able to facilitate projects worth over ₦1bn through a combination of federal interventions, capital projects, and partnerships with agencies such as the World Bank. This is to complement what our beloved governor is doing.

“There is no constituency allowance as often misconstrued. What we have are constituency projects and zonal interventions, and I have maximised these opportunities for the benefit of my people,” he said.

Highlighting his achievements in the area of infrastructure, Akinlayo cited road projects, including the Osan-Ora boundary road and several other interventions aimed at improving access and connectivity within rural communities. He also acknowledged that the Ikosu–Erinmope Road was executed by the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

The lawmaker further disclosed that health facilities have received a significant boost, with the remodelling of general hospitals in Iye and Otun-Ekiti, alongside the renovation of health centres in Eda-Oniyo, Ikosun and other communities.

According to him, modern equipment had been procured to enhance service delivery in those health facilities.

On energy and utilities, the federal lawmaker said solar street lights have been installed across parts of the constituency to improve security, while transformers have been provided to boost electricity supply.

In the education sector, he disclosed that he had renovated several public schools, including Osi Primary School and Ikosun Comprehensive High School, as well as constructed new blocks of classrooms.

“To enhance security, fencing was carried out to ensure the safety of pupils under the administration of Governor Oyebanji. Beyond infrastructure, over 750 students have benefitted from scholarships and financial support, while books and learning materials have been distributed to schools”.

The lawmaker also emphasised his commitment to human capital development, noting that skill acquisition programmes and training initiatives have been introduced to empower youths and women, with employment opportunities facilitated for constituents.

Providing insight into employment efforts, Akinlayo stated that over 30 individuals have been engaged in various roles, including recent placements for five beneficiaries. He added that coordinators have been appointed in each community to monitor projects and ensure accountability.

In the legislative arena, the lawmaker noted said his membership of the Electoral Reform Committee and his contributions to national discussions, including debates on Value Added Tax, where he advocated a fair distribution model based on consumption, enabled him to contribute to issues of national significance.

He also disclosed that he had sponsored bills to establish a Federal School of Nursing and Midwifery to support the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido Ekiti.

He further pledged his loyalty to the ruling party and expressed confidence in securing the party’s ticket ahead of future elections. He stated his preference for direct primaries, describing consensus arrangements as often favouring weaker candidates.

“I am not afraid of direct primaries. Ultimately, the people will decide,” he said.

The lawmaker commended former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, describing him as a key figure in Ekiti North politics.