FG will refund Ekiti money expended on federal road — Akpabio

…hails Oyebanji’s investment in education, infrastructure, human capital development 

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged to engage with the administration of President Bola Tinubu to secure a refund for the funds expended by the Ekiti State Government on the construction of federal roads in the state.

Akpabio, who commended the leadership style of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, acknowledged the efforts of the Oyebanji-led administration in constructing the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki-Ekiti federal road.

Governor Oyebanji, during an inspection of the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Road in September last year, stated: “The road is going to cost us ₦15 billion. We are able to embark on a project of this magnitude because of the strong support from the Federal Government of Bola Tinubu. This is our modest contribution to complement Mr President’s infrastructural development, and we hope the Federal Government will compensate us after its completion to encourage us so we can fix more roads and further enhance the economic development of the people.”

The Senate President spoke over the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during the 29th convocation ceremony of Ekiti State University (EKSU), where the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji; and the Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr Mansur Muhtar, were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by the university.

Bamidele was conferred with a Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa), Adedeji received a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa), and Muhtar was awarded a Doctor of Finance (Honoris Causa).

The former Akwa Ibom State Governor also directed members of the Senate to ensure the speedy appropriation of funds for the construction of the Ado-Ijan Ekiti road, which connects to the new Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. He emphasised that improving road infrastructure in the state would enhance access to the airport, boost economic activities, and facilitate the movement of goods and services.

He noted that this would further complement the state’s achievements in infrastructure, education, human capital development, and security.

Akpabio stated: “I hereby direct that the road from the airport, which is a federal road, must be appropriated for. We can’t have the best brains, we can’t have the best educational facilities, and not also have the best infrastructure.

“The Federal Government will partner with the Governor of the state, and even the areas that the Governor has completed, such as the 17-kilometre road to this institution (Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki-Ekiti road), I want to assure you on behalf of the President that the money shall be refunded to you.

“Governor Biodun Oyebanji is the most gentle and humble governor in Nigeria. His approach to governance is commendable, and his dedication to the progress of this state is evident.”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning education to drive development, empower youths with qualitative and functional education, and create a brighter future for them while laying a solid foundation for a prosperous and sustainable state.

The Governor emphasised that his administration places a high premium on human capital development, noting that education remains the bedrock of any thriving society and a critical pillar in the roadmap to keeping Ekiti State working.

He urged the Governing Council to embrace creativity and innovation to drive progress in all sectors of the economy, stressing the urgent need to foster inquiry and solutions to transform the institution and the state into a citadel of knowledge driving global science and technological development.

The Governor observed that EKSU has consistently produced graduates well-equipped to compete globally, culminating in the university’s recent recognition as the number one state university in Nigeria and its 12th position among over 270 universities nationwide in the latest comprehensive ranking by Times Higher Education for 2025.

He congratulated the Senate Leader, Dr Opeyemi Bamidele, and the two other eminent Nigerians honoured with honorary doctorate degrees for their remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s development, expressing pride in their individual achievements.

Delivering his address, the Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for appointing him as the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the university. He noted that the Governor’s unprecedented support for the university has significantly impacted its growth and development.

Prof. Ayodele attributed the university’s achievements to the historic upward review of its monthly subvention, which has helped defray outstanding salaries and accumulated allowances, boosting staff morale and promoting a stable academic calendar.

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