Inside Ekiti Bus Terminal

The Ado-Ekiti Ultra-Modern Bus Terminal was inaugurated recently by the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, to further open up the state and enhance the operations of the players in the transportation sector. Raheem Akingbolu reports

On September 7, 2023, another history was made in Ekiti State through an event that was meant to redefine the transport sub-sector of the economy. It was not the first time a project would be inaugurated but the cutting of the tape to declare the Ado-Ekiti Ultra-Modern Bus Terminal open for operation, was significant because it sent messages of inclusiveness and continuity to the people of the state.

At the venue of the inauguration at Ijoka part of Ado Ekiti, guests, including traditional rulers, politicians, stakeholders in the transport business and members of the public could not hide their excitements, on seeing former Governor Fayemi walking in as the special guest of honour, who would also officially inaugurate the project. Again, this passed two important messages; the good relationship between the former and the present governor and the sustainability of the continuity agenda set by the All Progressives Congress at the twilight of Fayemi’s administration.

How best could the symbol of continuity be proven than this scenario.  Dr. Fayemi who commissioned the terminal was the same person who initiated the project but it was completed by Governor Oyebanji.

The bus terminal, an urban renewal project, is captured under the Infrastructure and Industrialisation pillar of the Oyebanji administration’s development agenda.

Its inauguration, coming few weeks after the commissioning of the Traditional Rulers council chamber, speaks to the commitment of the BAO administration to complete all uncompleted projects of the JKF 2.0 administration in line with the continuity and shared prosperity mantra.

 The project was however, completed by the incumbent Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who has directed that the complex be openned for business immediately after its commissioning.

 Governor Oyebanji in his address went down the memory lane and spoke glowingly of how the former Governor initiated the project as one of his numerous legacy projects in the year 2021.  The governor also used the occasion to clear the air about the rumour going on in some quarters that there’s rift between the leaders, stating emphatically that he’s an offshoot of Fayemi’s administration.

“Thank God for the foresight of former Governor John Kayode Fayemi, who initiated this journey. Today, we can all witness the beauty of continuity.

“Today, we appreciate the benefits of continuity. I appeal to you politicians to allow these two gentlemen to collaborate effectively. JKF served for eight years, giving his best, and we believe he is going higher. Now, it’s the turn of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. Both belong to the APC, and we expect them to bring prosperity to Ekiti. We anticipate the arrival of industries in Ekiti, but this requires the cooperation of all.”

“Your Excellency, I consistently affirm that I am an offshoot of your administration. We are one government, and there’s no need for comparison. My aim is to make you proud by surpassing your achievements, with God’s grace and your support. “

“Again,let me clarify, do not come between me and Oga (JKF). We are inseparable, and I urge our party members not to waste their time undermining our unity. I do not tolerate gossip; if you come to me and return to him with negative tales, we will take note. Please, respect our partnership and allow us to develop the state for the benefit of all. You cannot come to me and speak ill of Oga because I won’t grant you that access. So, those who attempt to backstab us, consider yourselves inconsequential and hindrances to the party’s progress.”

Also speaking at the event, Governor Fayemi commended the traditional rulers in the state, especially the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, for the royal support they are giving the state. He also corroborated the position of Governor Oyebanji that his administration and that of Oyebanji were one indivisible pear, bonded by share prosperity.

“To our respected father, Kabiesi Ewi , we appreciate your discussion topic. Politicians will always be politicians. I want to emphasize that I have no reason to abandon or quarrel with Governor Oyebanji . I can’t abandon a project I initiated. BAO’s choice wasn’t driven by emotions . BAO was carefully researched and prayerfully endorsed.”

“As our governor progresses, the doubters will come around and appreciate the wisdom behind our party’s choice, which is undoubtedly serving Ekiti’s best interests. Everywhere I go, I hear positive feedback about our governor’s performance, and I can witness his remarkable works myself .”

Earlier, the Chief commissioner for transportation Mr kolawole Ajobiewe had explained during an on-the-spot assessment of the terminal that the bus reform programme, conceived by Governor Kayode Fayemi, would transform the transport system and prevent lawlessness associated with the land transportation business in the state.

According to him, Fayemi found nauseating and worrisome the indiscriminate establishment of motor parks along the roads, which often blocked the highways and impeded free flow of vehicles.

With the prevalence of abduction and killing being experienced on highways nationwide, Ajobiewe said the concept would ensure security of lives and property through proper documentation and regimentation of the flow of buses in and out of the state. 

Ajobiewe said the project was conceptualised mainly “to correct the menace of poor transportation and chaotic traffic management in Ekiti, so that we can have an improved and modern urban landscape. 

“It will not only correct the problem of indiscriminate siting of motor parks that used to obstruct free flow of vehicles, but it will ensure safety of passengers and ease the means of doing business with our transporters.”

He explained how the project would help to regulate the operations of commercial drivers in and out of Ekiti, saying with this facility in place, all commercial buses and cars would converge at the terminal, where passengers leaving Ekiti to any other part of the country can take off after procuring tickets and with their identities and luggage captured on the manifest.

He explained that rather than taking vehicles from different parts of the state, the passengers “will converge here for inter-state movements. We do not want this illegal boarding of vehicles that has caused deaths with many declared missing.

“The passengers are expected to be here to get their tickets and get their identities captured on the manifest. With these, all passengers and their luggage can be accounted for. This is one major advantage we will derive from it,” the commissioner said.

To economic observers at the event, the inauguration of the terminal represents a significant milestone in Ekiti State’s transport infrastructure development. To them, the state-of-the-art terminal is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering transportation efficiency, thereby fostering economic growth and connectivity, not only within Ekiti State but also within the broader Nigerian transport system.

Alhaji Dauda Lawal, a political analyst and leading social media personality in the state captured it succinctly by declaring the conceptualisation of the terminal by Fayemi’s administration vitalization of the transport Infrastructure and catalisation of the economic growth in the 27 year old state. 

He said, “this project will undoubtedly have a salient economic impact on Ekiti’s economy. It will effectively optimize the movement of goods and people, subsequently reducing transportation costs and bolstering overall economic efficiency. This development is paramount for economic growth and it will facilitate the seamless flow of goods and services, thereby improving market accessibility for businesses and individuals,”

Speaking further, Lawal said it will serve as a catalyst for revenue generation within Ekiti State. “By offering a modern, well-maintained facility, it will attract private transport operators, stimulating increased economic activity. Additionally, the terminal’s strategic location near commercial hubs will substantially boost trade and commerce, further augmenting the state’s fiscal income,” he stated.

Meanwhile, players in the transportation sector of the state have commended Fayemi and Oyebanji for giving them a sense of belonging. 

The chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in the state, Chief Omotayo, said, “Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his predecessor merit commendation for creating an enabling environment that would facilitate a seamless operation of our trade,”

With the commissioning of the Bus Terminal, Omotayo Falope opined that the residents of Ekiti State can eagerly anticipate an array of economic benefits, adding that improved transportation will effectively bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, thus fostering widespread economic growth. 

The journey of the current chummy relationship between the state government and various trade unions in the transportation business started in Ekiti during the second term in office of former Governor Fayemi when the Government considered two leaders of the associations for appointment. The appointment was a watershed in the anal of the sector in Ekiti.

According to the Vice Chairman, ado-Ibadan Road, Prince Busuyi Adelusi, it was under Fayemi/Oyebanji administrations that drivers are given their fair share of governance and the sector is fully recognised as a major player in the economy.

“Until the Fayemi / Oyebanji administrations, players in the transportation sector were treated like second class citizens” he stated.

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To economic observers at the event, the inauguration of the terminal represents a significant milestone in Ekiti State’s transport infrastructure development. To them, the state-of-the-art terminal is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering transportation efficiency, thereby fostering economic growth and connectivity, not only within Ekiti State but also within the broader Nigerian transport system