Ijidale Unveils Markets, Boreholes, Women Empowerment Projects in Ekiti Communities

Hon. Lekan Ijidale, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Local Content, on Thursday commissioned new markets, solar powered boreholes and women empowerment projects in Aiyekire Local Government Area and Gbonyin Local Council Development Area, marking a fresh push to boost grassroots commerce, access to clean water and social welfare.

The projects, unveiled in Aba Ipole and Agbado communities, include modern open stall markets designed to support petty traders, solar powered boreholes to address water shortages and direct cash support for vulnerable women.

At the events, 53 elderly women and widows received ₦50,000 each to strengthen their small businesses. Pupils across public primary schools in Aiyekire and Gbonyin also benefited, with the distribution of 10,000 exercise books aimed at easing financial pressure on parents and supporting learning.

Ijidale Unveils Markets, Boreholes, Women Empowerment Projects in Ekiti Communities

Ijidale Unveils Markets, Boreholes, Women Empowerment Projects in Ekiti Communities

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Politics, Chief Jide Awe, praised the interventions, describing them as practical governance rooted in service.

Mr Awe said Hon. Ijidale’s actions reflected a leadership style focused on people, not politics, adding that the projects strengthened public confidence in government and projected the All Progressives Congress in a positive light.

“Politics should translate to service. These projects touch lives directly and reinforce trust between the people and government,” he said, while thanking residents for their continued support for the Oyebanji administration.

Speaking earlier, Hon. Ijidale said he personally funded all the projects to respond to pressing community needs in health, welfare and economic development.

He credited Governor Oyebanji’s administration for ongoing development in the area, listing the renovation of Ile Owuro High School, the restoration of electricity to Aiyekire and Gbonyin after over 12 years of blackout, the Agbado Ipole Ise road project and upgrades of health centres.

According to him, these interventions have revived local businesses, improved security and renewed hope among residents.

“The people have stood by me and our party. Giving back through projects that uplift them is a responsibility, and it also strengthens the foundation for the governor’s second term,” he said.

Hon. Ijidale explained that the cash grants targeted widows and elderly women because of their central role in sustaining families and local economies. He urged beneficiaries to protect the facilities and use them responsibly.

The commissioning attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, party leaders and community members. Among those present were the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Tosin Ajisafe Aluko; Special Adviser on Rural Mobilisation, Mrs Oluremi Ajayi; SA on Gender Empowerment, Mrs Kemi Olaleye; Ekiti APC Chairman, Hon. Shola Eleshin; Chairman of Aiyekire Local Government, Hon. Davies Adeyemo; and Chairman of Gbonyin LCDA, Mr Oluwadamilare Ajayi.

Ijidale Unveils Markets, Boreholes, Women Empowerment Projects in Ekiti Communities

Traditional rulers in attendance included the Owa Oro of Agbado, Oba Samuel Adeshina, alongside other monarchs from surrounding communities, as market women and residents welcomed the projects with visible enthusiasm.