The Ekiti State Government has terminated the award of contract for the reconstruction of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) internal roads at the sum of N1.091 billion.

According to the government, the contract was awarded to Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited on February 25, 2022, but the contractor failed to mobilise to the site to commence work.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Mr. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said this was part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting held yesterday in Ado Ekiti.

“However, despite receiving the award notification and submitting an acceptance letter, the contractor failed to mobilise to the site within the stipulated seven-day deadline. After waiting over two years, it was clear that the contractor lacked interest in proceeding with the project and could not justify the delay.

“Given the road’s significance to the economic and social well-being of students, workers, and visitors of the institution, it became imperative to terminate the contract to pave the way for re-award to a competent contractor that will complete the road project for the benefit of the institution’s community.”

In a related development, the Council also approved the sum of N5.383 billion for the extension of works on the rehabilitation of Emure to Eporo Road – Ondo State boundary.

According to Olatunbosun, the contract for the rehabilitation of Ikere-Ise-Emure-Eporo Road was awarded to Messrs. Dromo International Company Limited on 11th December, 2023, at a sum of N2.590 billion, adding that, due to the review of rates on contracts in the State, the contract was reviewed upward to N5.101 billion.

He said, “The contractor has substantially completed the original work, but an extension of the rehabilitation from Emure to Eporo/Ondo boundary is necessary to prevent the activities of hoodlums on the road. The works to be carried out include: clearing, earthworks, concrete drain pavement, and laying of asphalt.”

Meanwhile, the government has also approved N316.915 million for the construction of an additional six security houses at selected farm settlements in the state to further enhance the agriculture sector through targeted initiatives.

The six new security houses are to be located at farm clusters at Gede 1, Ogotun 1, Egbe 1, Ose 1, Ilemeso 1, and Omuo.

“The provision of security houses is part of efforts to provide a conducive environment for farmers to cultivate their farms without fear of being kidnapped and having their farm produce destroyed.

“The State Executive Council noted that the isolation of many farms poses a security risk, as remote locations can be appealing to criminals, more so now that farms are businesses with valuable assets which make them the target for theft and vandalism; hence the implementation of effective security measures is crucial to protect lives and property of farmers and the rural communities.

“The intervention is a continuous process, as the State Government only recently took delivery of six newly constructed security houses and two renovated ones that were awarded in 2024 and remains committed to the success of the agricultural revolution in the State as well as the security of life and property of the people.

“The contract was awarded to Samuel Animawun Limited through Direct Procurement Method with a three-month completion period,” the Commissioner said.