Are-Ekiti Residents Urge Oyebanji To Rehabilitate Key Community Roads
Indigenes of Are-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State have appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to urgently rehabilitate and reconstruct major roads linking the community with neighbouring towns.
The community specifically identified the Are-Iworoko-Afao-Igbemo road as a priority, citing its poor condition and importance to transportation, economic activities and connectivity among the benefiting communities.
The appeal was made by the President of Are-Ekiti Progressives Union (APU), Professor Michael Oke, during a press conference ahead of the 2026 Are-Ekiti Day celebration scheduled for Saturday, November 21.
Oke, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, acknowledged the developmental efforts of the Oyebanji administration, particularly ongoing road projects in the area.
He, however, called for additional government intervention to address the deteriorating condition of major access roads, stressing that reconstructing the Are-Iworoko-Afao-Igbemo road would improve movement and stimulate economic growth.
He also urged the state government to ensure the timely completion of the ongoing Are-Oye-Ekiti road project, noting that improved road infrastructure would create greater economic opportunities for residents and commuters.
According to him, the community appreciates the governor’s efforts but believes that rehabilitating the identified road network would further complement existing infrastructure projects and strengthen connections between neighbouring towns.
Beyond the road infrastructure appeal, Oke disclosed that the 2026 Are-Ekiti Day celebration would feature cultural displays, traditional performances and other activities aimed at promoting the community’s history, identity and heritage.
He added that the highlight of this year’s celebration would be the launch of a proposed N500 million resource centre, which he described as a lasting institutional and intellectual investment for present and future generations.
The APU president called on Are-Ekiti indigenes at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends of the community, to support the project through financial contributions.
