The Ekiti State Government has approved ₦3 billion for the construction of a new High Court Office Complex at the premises of the Ekiti State High Court of Justice in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, following the approval at Tuesday’s State Executive Council meeting.

Olatunbosun said the project was necessary to address the court’s growing operational needs, particularly following the recent appointment of five new judges to the State High Court.

Olatunbosun said, “The Ekiti State Executive Council approved the sum of ₦3,005,598,300.00 for the construction of a new High Court Office Complex at the Ekiti State High Court of Justice premises, Ado-Ekiti.

“The approval was necessitated by the inadequacy of the existing office accommodation and court infrastructure of the High Court to meet current operational demands, particularly following the recent appointment of five additional High Court Judges, which has increased the need for more courtrooms, Judges’ chambers and supporting office facilities.

“The new complex is intended to provide a conducive and functional working environment for judicial officers, court staff and legal practitioners, while improving the overall administration of justice and access to judicial services in the state.

“The project is expected to significantly improve the working environment and operational capacity of the Ekiti State Judiciary, while strengthening the infrastructure required for the efficient and effective administration of justice in the state.”

According to him, Messrs Axial Nigeria Limited, which is currently executing a project at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, was engaged through the Direct Procurement method in line with the relevant provisions of the State Public Procurement Law. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

The commissioner also disclosed that the council approved the employment of 30 persons with disabilities into the state’s public service. He said the beneficiaries would be deployed to relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the state.

He said, “Council further directed that the provision of the Ekiti State Disability Law prescribing a 5 per cent reservation of employment opportunities for PWDs must, henceforth, be strictly adhered to in all employment exercises into the State Civil Service.

“The decision is aimed at promoting equal opportunities, inclusive governance and equitable access to employment for Persons with Disabilities, while ensuring that they are fully integrated into the State’s public service and development process.”

Olatunbosun said the council also approved ₦142.69 million for the construction of a water pump to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply to the newly completed 80-bed hospital complex at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.

“The project is expected to provide the necessary water infrastructure to support the effective operation of the 80-bed hospital complex and enhance reliable water supply within the facility,” he said.