Ekiti: Oyebanji laments neglect by Benin-Owena River Basin Authority.

Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State, has voiced his displeasure with the way the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) has handled the state’s development projects.

He claims that despite multiple attempts to work with the authority on certain initiatives, the state has not profited from it.

In his office in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji made this statement Monday during a meeting with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority’s new management, which was chaired by Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. He stressed that the agency has not treated the state fairly in its development drive.

The governor expressed his dissatisfaction with the authority’s alleged lack of meaningful contribution to Ekiti development, saying that this had compelled his administration to remove the agency from its strategic development plan. He emphasized the need for a more efficient and responsible approach going forward.

Governor Oyebanji asked the new leadership to make sure that their renewed dedication translates into significant actions and progress in the state, highlighting the value of collaboration between government departments and stakeholders in promoting sustainable development.

Additionally, he gave them the assurance that his administration would work with the authority if there was a discernible change in their engagement and activities.

I must awaken our memories of our encounter with Benin-Owena. They haven’t treated us fairly. They have not benefited us in any way.

Since all of our attempts to work with you have been unsuccessful, we have developed our development strategy without you in it. Benin-Owena makes no contribution to the state’s substantial agricultural investments.

I have read your speech, though, and it becomes clear that you wish to approach things in a different way. However, we have heard stirring speeches that failed to inspire action.

The governor continued, “I am prepared to do whatever we can to ensure that we fast-track development for those projects that are already in the budget concerning Ekiti State.”