The people of Are-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun of Ekiti State have appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to accelerate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of strategic roads linking the community with neighbouring towns, particularly the Are-Iworoko-Afao-Igbemo road, which they described as critical to the economic growth and connectivity of the area.
The community also appealed for the timely completion of the ongoing Are-Oye-Ekiti road project, expressing optimism that improved road infrastructure would open up the area to greater economic opportunities and ease the movement of residents and commuters.
The President of Are-Ekiti Progressives Union, APU, Professor Michael Oke, made the appeal during a press conference organised ahead of the 2026 Are-Ekiti Day celebration scheduled for Saturday, November 21.
He said the celebration would feature cultural displays, traditional performances and other activities designed to project the identity, history and values of Are-Ekiti to the outside world.
Oke, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, acknowledged the developmental efforts of the Oyebanji administration, particularly the ongoing road projects in the area, but stressed the need for further government intervention to address the deplorable condition of some major access roads.
He specifically identified the Are-Iworoko-Afao-Igbemo road as a major priority, noting that its reconstruction would strengthen connectivity among the benefiting communities and improve access to the state capital.
According to him, "We appreciate His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for the development projects going on in our area, particularly the road linking Iworoko through Are to Afao and Igbemo, as well as the Are-Oye road currently under construction.
"However, we still have some important roads that require urgent government attention. The Are-Iworoko-Afao-Igbemo road is in a very bad condition, and we want the governor to assist us in rehabilitating or, preferably, reconstructing it.
"It is a major road that connects several communities and, if properly reconstructed, will ease movement, stimulate economic activities and complement other infrastructure projects in the area. We believe the governor is a listening leader who will consider our appeal."
The APU president explained that the annual celebration was designed not only to showcase the community's rich cultural heritage but also to provide a platform for indigenes at home and in the diaspora to brainstorm on issues affecting the development of their ancestral town.
He disclosed that the high point of this year's celebration would be the launch of a N500 million resource centre for the community, describing the proposed facility as a major development initiative aimed at providing a lasting institutional and intellectual asset for present and future generations.
"We believe Are-Ekiti is old enough to have a resource centre of its own. That is why we have decided to come together to launch the N500 million resource centre project. We expect our sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, as well as friends of the community, to support this initiative through their contributions," he said.
Are-Ekiti indigenes seek Oyebanji’s intervention on key roads