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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The people of Are-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, have sought the intervention of the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on the deplorable condition of the major roads linking the community with neighbouring towns, particularly the Are-Iworoko-Afao-Igbemo road.
The people also appealed to the Governor to urgently reconstruct the identified roads to further enhance economic growth and connectivity of the axis.
They also pushed 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.
Prof. Michael Oke, the President of Are-Ekiti Progressives Union (APU), made the appeal during a press conference heralding the 2026 Are-Ekiti Day celebration billed to hold Saturday, November 21, where he 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.
Oke, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, disclosed that 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.
The APU President specifically mentioned 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.
“We appreciate His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for the developmental 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.”
According to Oke, 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.
Oke said that the traditional ruler of the community, the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, would confer chieftaincy titles on some prominent indigenes and other distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to the community and society.
Among those to be honoured is Chief Dipo Anisulowo, a former Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, who will receive the title of Asiwaju of Are-Ekiti, while Prof. Oke himself is expected to be decorated as Otunba Atunluse of Are-Ekiti.
He added other deserving personalities, whose names would be unveiled at the ceremony, would also receive traditional titles from the monarch.
The union president listed the expected dignitaries at the event to include, President Bola Tinubu; former Ekiti State Governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Segun Oni, Governor Oyebanji; and other prominent political, business and traditional leaders.
He said the occasion would be held under the chairmanship of Senator Iyiola Omisore and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti(ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola(SAN) as father of the day and the Dr Bamiduro Dada was named as the chief launcher of the N500 million resource centre project
He added that the celebration would commence on Friday, November 13, with a Jumat service at the community’s Central Mosque, followed by other activities including football competition and beauty pageant, leading to the grand finale on November 21.
Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of the union, Segun Dipe, described Are-Ekiti as an influential community with a remarkable record of academic excellence and a growing number of accomplished professionals.
The Publicity Secretary said the community was particularly proud of the high concentration of professors and other intellectuals among its indigenes, adding that the growing commitment of its sons and daughters to community development had continued to distinguish the town.
Dipe noted that several indigenes had taken responsibility for improving basic infrastructure without waiting entirely for government intervention, citing the grading of internal roads and the installation of solar-powered streetlights as examples of community-driven development.
He also commended Dr Tunji Olowolafe, a patron of the Are-Ekiti Progressives Union, for his sustained contributions to educational development in the community.
Dipe described the philanthropist as one of the major stakeholders whose contributions had continued to strengthen the educational and developmental prospects of Are-Ekiti.
