A member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, Hon. Fatoba Olusola Steve, has listed reasons the people of Ekiti should support Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second flyover initiative in the state.
Fatoba representing Ado-Ekiti / Irepodun/ Ifelodun Constituency at the 10th National Assembly stated this while speaking to Journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital lauded Governor Oyebanji for the ongoing second flyover bridge in the capital city.
The federal lawmaker who expressed joy about the project as it incidentally falls within his constituency said the initiative is a welcome development and that it will surely boost the economy of the state.
“Every lover of good things will surely celebrate this one, it is even personal for me because it’s situated in my constituency and as such I am very proud and happy.”
When asked if the bridge will serve any purpose, Fatoba explained that with the bridge the gridlock on that axis is gone forever.
“If you are conversant with this area, you will know it’s always a bottleneck, the vehicular movement here is always delayed and with the Airport project nearing completion it will facilitate easy movement for travellers from neighbouring states and communities to have easy access to their goods and services”.
On why the people should support Oyebanji’s initiative, Fatoba explained that easy movement cannot be exchanged for anything. “Citizens deserve the best and since our amiable governor has embarked on this project all I want is the total support from our Ekiti people and I am sure we will all smile at the end of this laudable project”.
Fatoba also encouraged state governments to look into programmes that can improve the living standard of an average Nigerian and that if the Federal and State Governments can empower the average Nigerian through incentives that will boost massive production at the local level the economy of Nigeria will bounce back in no distant time.
When reminded that despite the Naira gaining on the Dollar recently, the prices of foodstuffs still remain on the high side, Fatoba maintained that it is the duty of Government to regulate the prices of goods and services in the market?
” The SON should be up and doing in ensuring the prices of goods and services are regulated, it is only in Nigeria that whenever the prices of goods and services go up to come down becomes difficult unless it’s forced, some people love money more than their fellow brothers and that is why despite the fact that Naira is gaining, prices of food keep skyrocketing but if Nigeria can regulate the prices then we can have a stable and unified prices of these things in the market, shop A will not be selling at N30 while shop B will be selling at N20.”
Fatoba was of the opinion that if the manufacturing sector is encouraged it will ease the burden on the average Nigerian.
“The Government should invest massively in agriculture, let us subsidize equipment and staple crops more. We can give out tractors, chemicals, crops and other equipment needed that will enhance the farmers’ productivity. We should also encourage our artisans to produce those things we need and once we can have them in large quantities majority of the challenges facing our country will be solved.
“We also have to block the loopholes in the economy, money should not just disappear without traces. All these should be accurately accounted for so that it stays in the economy and further stabilize the economy,” he concluded.