By Amos Ogunrinde
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has disbursed three hundred million naira to properties owners affected by the urban renewal policy of his administration.
The beneficiaries were those whose buildings would be demolished in the 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.
Distributing cheques at an event held in Ado Ekiti, Gov Oyebanji, represented by the state Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, pledged that his government would not subject property owners to undue bottlenecks before having their compensation paid.
The governor stated that the properties were acquired as part of the determination to rid Ekiti of slums and shanties, among which is the Atikankan area.
He said Atikankan has been a notorious hideout for criminals perpetrating evils and constituted a threat to the people, besides its high proclivity for the breakout of communicable diseases.
“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 an impact and improve the living standards of the people, as they are capable of generating employment for the youth.
“Let me reiterate that none of the developmental projects where structures, crops or property are affected will be demolished without payment of full compensation to the owners 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 the inflation rate.
“Although the amount might be meagre compared with the cost of erecting new structures, 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 in our dear state,” he said.
Earlier, the State Head of Service, Mr Sunday Komolafe, described the proposed Central Business District and Park Legacy projects as facilities that would add aesthetic value to Ado Ekiti and upscale the state’s economic prosperity.
Mr Komolafe added that the government shared the pains of those who lost their property and businesses to the construction of the facilities, but clarified that the urban renewal policy was initiated in the interest of the public .
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