The Ekiti State government has introduced 15 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered-buses to alleviate transportation costs for residents. This move aims to reduce transport fares by 50% across the state. Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced the deployment, which coincided with the Independence Day and 30th anniversary celebrations. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's directives to make public transportation more affordable.
The Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, highlighted that the next phase of the administration's agenda will focus on interventions that boost the economy, enhance productivity, and address the needs of the people. Adebayo made this statement during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, where he outlined activities for the second-term inauguration ceremony of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, scheduled for October 16, 2026.
Since October 2022, the Oyebanji administration has implemented projects and programs under its Shared Prosperity and Six-pillar Development Agenda. These initiatives aim to maintain social order, protect citizens' wellbeing, and foster economic development. The six pillars include governance, infrastructure and industrialisation, agriculture and rural development, youth development and job creation, arts, culture and tourism, and human capital development.
Adebayo mentioned that recent stakeholder engagements, including the Budget tour of the three senatorial districts, identified key areas requiring sustained attention. These areas include healthcare, electricity, roads, water supply, agriculture, human capital development, and economic opportunities. The governor has emphasized that this consultative approach will continue into the second term.
The administration plans to expand rural road development, targeting 1,500 kilometres of roads through various interventions, including partnerships with development partners. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents. The theme for the second term, "The Good Work Continues," reflects the administration's commitment to sustained engagement with stakeholders and improved deliverables.
Governor Oyebanji stated that the rollout of the 15 CNG buses, donated by the Federal Government, marks the beginning of efforts to reduce transport fares by 50%. The state plans to expand the fleet of vehicles to better serve residents and provide affordable public transportation. This move is part of the administration's shared prosperity agenda, aimed at positively impacting the lives of Ekiti citizens.
The introduction of CNG-powered buses and the planned expansion of rural roads demonstrate the administration's commitment to addressing the needs of the people. With a focus on economic development, infrastructure, and social welfare, the Oyebanji administration aims to build on its achievements and deliver more impactful projects and programs in its second term.
Key points
- Ekiti State government introduces 15 CNG-powered buses to reduce transport fares by 50%.
- The administration targets 1,500 kilometres of rural road development through various interventions.
- The second term will focus on sustained engagement with stakeholders and improved deliverables.
