In a determined effort to prevent occasional building collapses, the Ekiti State Government has pledged to take stern action against developers who violate existing rules and regulations within the state.
The government has emphasized the importance of this measure to protect the lives of its citizens and to deter developers who frequently evade the rules requiring them to obtain proper approvals and construct buildings according to specifications.
The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, delivered this warning on Friday in Ado Ekiti when she received the report from a six-member committee tasked with investigating the recent collapse of the F & G Event Centre in Ijero Ekiti. The building, situated along Ijero-Ido road, tragically collapsed on September 3, 2023, during a burial reception, causing injuries to many of the 300-plus attendees.
Upon receiving the report, Mrs. Afuye stated that the government will carefully consider the committee’s recommendations to curb unprofessional behavior among some developers. She expressed her gratitude to the committee on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for their diligent work, underlining the governor’s commitment to taking any necessary actions to ensure the safety of the state’s residents and to prevent professional misconduct by developers.
“I want to thank you for your comprehensive work. The safety of our people is of utmost importance to Governor Oyebanji. We are thankful that there were no fatalities during the incident, but we must take steps to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. I want to assure you that all the recommendations will be thoroughly examined, and the necessary actions will be taken on this matter,” she assured.
As outlined in the report submitted by the committee’s Chairman, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, the committee has recommended the complete demolition of the Event Centre due to its failure to comply with building regulations.