President Bola Tinubu has approved the inclusion of two key federal road projects in Ekiti State in the proposed 2026 national budget.
The projects are the Itawure–Aramoko–Ado Ekiti road and the Aramoko–Ijero–Ifaki Ekiti road.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, who said the presidential approval was communicated through a letter from the Office of the President to the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji was also copied in the correspondence.
Oyebode explained that the approval followed a high-level meeting between Governor Oyebanji and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on November 9, 2025.
The discussions reportedly centered on the poor condition of federal roads across the state.
He added that the approval came amid public complaints about the deteriorating Itawure–Aramoko–Ado route. “There has been deliberate misinformation about the condition of federal roads in the state,” Oyebode said.
“However, the Tinubu-led government has already awarded three federal road contracts in Ekiti, with contractors mobilized to site.”
He further noted that the Oyebanji administration has completed the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki road and launched several inter-city and intra-city projects over the past three years.
According to him, the two newly approved roads will ease travel, improve connectivity, and boost trade across Ekiti and neighboring states.
“These projects will open up Ekiti to new economic opportunities, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Oyebanji’s Shared Prosperity vision,” Oyebode said.
Governor Oyebanji also expressed gratitude to the President for his continued support. “On behalf of Ekiti people, I thank President Tinubu for his strategic intervention in the socioeconomic and infrastructural development of our state,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the federal government, private sector, and development partners to enhance the welfare of residents.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Aramoko-Ekiti, Princess Sherifat Owolabi, recently appealed to the state government to prioritize road rehabilitation.
She warned that the worsening condition of major roads is hurting local trade and discouraging investors.
“Good roads attract investment and drive development,” Princess Owolabi said.
“We are asking the governor to come to our aid and fix our roads. The government has done well in other areas, but this issue needs urgent attention.”
She also urged indigenes in the diaspora to invest in Aramoko, saying improved infrastructure will boost transport, confidence, and commerce in the community.