IKOLE (EKITI) – The people of Ikole community in Ekiti State on Tuesday expressed happiness and optimism for better life following the N80.8 billion budget presented by the state government for the 2015 fiscal year.
The appropriation was presented before the Ekiti State House of Assembly by Gov. Ayodele Fayose on Monday.
Fayose had announced free education in public primary and secondary schools.
He also announced free healthcare programme for pregnant women, physically challenged persons and children up to five years old.
Some of the residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikole-Ekiti, said the provision of free health services and regular salary payment would make life comfortable for the people.
Mr Abisona Olaide, dealer in building materials, said extension of railway line to the state would improve the economy of the state, stressing that rail service would attract more investors.
Olaide urged the state parliament to work on the budget for quick passage, to pave the way for implementation.
A civil servant, Mrs Ruth Adesoye, said that payment of salaries when due would improve the living standard of workers.
According to Adesoye, inconsistency in payment of salaries of workers characterised the administration of previous governments in the state.
“Now that our governor has assured workers of regular salary payment, things will change for better in the New Year, ” she said.
Chief Johnson Durotoye, a civil engineer, also said the decision not to accommodate any projects that would not be completed within the year was a welcome one.
Durotoye said it would give room for 100 per cent budget implementation which would have positive impact on the state economy.
He called on the government not to forget its promise to award contracts to indigenous contractors in the state.(NAN)
2015 budget: Ekiti residents express optimism for better life in 2015
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