Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has commissioned a 600-bed student hostel at the College of Nursing Sciences in Ado Ekiti.
The governor in a statement posted on the state government’s X page said the hostel, constructed through a Public-Private Partnership by renowned entrepreneur Arch. Dipo Ajayi represents a significant investment in the state’s educational infrastructure.
During the commissioning of the N800 million project on Tuesday, Governor Oyebanji emphasised his administration’s dedication to advancing infrastructure in educational institutions, aiming to enhance and deliver effective higher education across the state.
He stated that his government’s commitment to increasing access to education has led to substantial investments in Education and Technology, in alignment with the third agenda of his administration.
The governor reiterated his focus on providing physical infrastructure that fosters a conducive environment for teaching and learning in all state-owned institutions.
Furthermore, Governor Oyebanji praised Arch. Dipo Ajayi, President of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), for his steadfast commitment to the state’s development.
He acknowledged Ajayi’s determination to contribute to Ekiti State, despite the challenges encountered during the project’s execution.
“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, and we want to see you in #BOUESTI because this is what you do all over the country.”
While emphasising that the waiting time for project initiation has been significantly reduced, Governor Oyebanji urged students to take ownership of the initiatives, utilize the provided facilities effectively, and refrain from any acts of vandalism that could undermine the government’s efforts.
The governor also expressed his gratitude to the traditional rulers in the state for their steadfast support over the past two years and pledged to enhance the state’s development in the coming two years.
“As your servant in government, I renew my commitment to you that, as long as God lives, I will serve you with every fibre of my being. During this time, Ekiti will be known for peace, progress, and development,” the governor stated.
In addition, Arch. Ajayi, who serves as the chairman of Bver Hostels and Suites, highlighted the necessity of cooperation and unity among all stakeholders in the state to achieve the desired developmental goals.
The investor revealed that the 600-bed hostel project commenced six months ago and incurred a substantial cost of N800 million due to the high prices of materials.
He urged the governor to eliminate all forms of bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder investors from contributing to the state’s development.
“This will encourage a wave of investors to bring their various projects to the state,” he asserted.
Arch. Ajayi commended the unwavering support of the local populace and affirmed that the governor’s visionary leadership and progressive policies have greatly enhanced not only the educational landscape but also the overall development of the state.
