Ekiti Governor Commissions New Ministry Complex, Vows Enhanced Work Environment

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged continued investment in modernizing the infrastructure for local government administration, asserting that a conducive work environment is crucial for transforming grassroots governance.

The Governor made the commitment on Monday during the official commissioning of the new office complex for the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, located within the State Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti. He was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye.

Governor Oyebanji described the new edifice as a necessity rather than a luxury, emphasizing that the ministry overseeing administration for over 70% of the state’s population must operate from a functional and dignified space.

He acknowledged the previous challenges faced by staff, including inadequate space, aging infrastructure, poor ventilation, and fragmented work locations that hindered coordination. The new facility, he stated, is designed to rectify these issues and promote efficiency.

“We understood clearly that an institution charged with coordinating local government administration must operate in an environment that reflects efficiency, order, and dignity,” Oyebanji said.

He outlined the features of the new complex, which include modern office spaces, additional rooms for expanding responsibilities, upgraded ICT systems, dedicated conference rooms, and improved records management facilities.

“These facilities will enable officers in the Ministry to plan better, coordinate better, supervise better and ultimately serve our people at the grassroots better,” he added, framing the project as central to his administration’s agenda for institutional reform and inclusive development.

The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, stated that the project underscores the governor’s commitment to civil service efficiency. He detailed that the complex contains 34 office rooms capable of accommodating 120 staff, along with a conference hall for 200 persons.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ekiti, Hon. Olusegun Ojo, praised the governor for enhancing financial autonomy and project completion at the local government level.

The state Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, hailed the project as an “architectural masterpiece” that demonstrates the government’s value for worker welfare and effectiveness.

The event was attended by several state commissioners, traditional rulers including the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, and other senior government officials.