MDGs: Ekiti Awards N59m contracts to local Artisans

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By; OLADELE ADEDAYO, Ado-Ekiti.
As parts of its efforts towards aiding educational development, the Ekiti State government has awarded N59 million contracts for the
production of 1, 250 furnitures for primary schools in the state under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Speaking during the contract award in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the Chairman, MDGs Implementation in the state,Chief Dipo Anisulowo, said involving local artisans in the project was a fulfillment of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s government’s policy thrust for promotion of local contents.
Anisulowo, who is the Chief of Staff to the Governor added that
Fayose’s believe was anchored on his experiences about the expertise of local artisans in Ekiti, whom the governor believed were better in handling projects than those from Lagos and other states of the federation.
He stated that the desks and chairs will be distributed to selected public primary schools in Ikole, Ado, Ikere, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ise-Orun local government areas to boost education at the lowest rung of the ladder in the state for children to experience better learning.
He said the contract was awarded to Ibijummy Investment Limited and would be prosecuted to uplift the local content policy of the state government.
He said: “Ekiti State is being one of the participants in this
programme, had always adhere strictly to due diligent procurement policy of the state and federal governments in the implementation and award process of MDGs projects and programmes.
“I therefore want you to be rest assured that the  procurement
arrangements we are working out today between the state government, contractors, furniture and welder associations is being brokered without contravening any procurement law and regulation laid down by MDGs office in Abuja and Ekiti State”.
Anisulowo said the MDGs projects in Ekiti State is guided by the
principles of transparency, probity and accountability, saying Fayose’s government has nothing to hide and would continue to keep the flag flying.
The President, Artisans Association of Nigeria, Ekiti chapter, Mr.
Julius Adu, praised Fayose’s government for its local content
initiative, noting that the measure would help in promoting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the state.
“The government just gave a sum of N10 million to our members as loan. We are assuring that we won’t betray the confidence reposed in our expertise. We have 26 members and we will ensure that all members benefit under the local content promotion initiative of this government.
“Though, the furniture contract will only benefit the furniture makers and welders and we are to distribute whatever we are given across the 16 local government to prevent rancour among us”, Adu promised.

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