The Ekiti State Government has warned commercial drivers against parking under the new flyover bridge in Ado-Ekiti to pick up passengers, directing them to relocate to the designated bus terminal on or before Tuesday 14, July 2027.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kehinde Ajobiewe, gave the directive in Ado-Ekiti, saying the practice of picking up passengers under the flyover poses a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians and causes unnecessary traffic congestion.

Mr. Ajobiewe stressed that the area beneath the flyover is not an approved motor park and warned that any driver who fails to comply with the directive by Tuesday would face appropriate sanctions.

The commissioner urged commercial drivers to make use of the designated bus terminal provided by the government, noting that the facility was established to ensure orderly transportation, improve traffic flow, and enhance public safety.

He appealed to transport unions and drivers to cooperate with the government by complying with the directive, adding that the move is aimed at maintaining sanity on the roads and protecting lives and property.

Traders in Ekiti State have appealed to governments at all levels to take urgent steps to address the rising cost of goods and ease the economic burden on citizens.

Our correspondent, Oluwaseun Adebolu, who visited Market places in Ado-Ekiti to assess the situation, said that many traders called for increased government support to improve business activities and enhance the welfare of residents.

The traders commended the Ekiti State Government for its efforts to promote local businesses but stressed that additional interventions targeted at traders and families would further improve their standard of living.

They expressed concern over the persistent increase in the prices of goods and commodities, attributing the trend to high transportation costs and the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on the economy.

According to the traders, many essential items that were once affordable have become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for both traders and consumers to cope with current economic realities.

They also noted a shift in consumers’ buying habits, explaining that many customers now prefer shopping in markets closer to their homes to reduce transportation costs.

The traders further lamented a decline in market patronage, saying sales have dropped significantly compared to previous years due to reduced purchasing power.

They urged the government, relevant agencies, and other stakeholders to introduce measures such as palliatives, soft loans, and transportation subsidies for traders to cushion the effects of the economic hardship and stimulate commercial activities across markets in the state.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstruction of the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole Road, in a move expected to boost transportation, economic activities, and connectivity in Ekiti State.

The road project will be funded through the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Project Fund.

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated July 1, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Mr. Zacch Adedeji. A copy of the letter was also sent to the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji.

The latest approval comes barely seven months after construction commenced on the Itawure-Aramoko-Ado-Ekiti Road following the President’s earlier approval.

The Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole Road is a major federal highway linking the South-West to the Federal Capital Territory. It also serves several key institutions and facilities, including Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Afe Babalola University, the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, and the Federal Institute of Transport Technology.

The road has remained in a deplorable condition for years due to prolonged neglect.

President Tinubu had recently assured Governor Oyebanji and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, that the road would be prioritised through its inclusion in the Renewed Hope infrastructure projects.

Reacting to the approval, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to intervene in the reconstruction of the road.

He described the development as another demonstration of the President’s commitment to the development of Ekiti State and his determination to improve infrastructure nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Governor noted that road infrastructure remains a key component of his administration’s development strategy.

According to him, the state government has, in the last three and a half years, constructed more than 285 kilometres of inter-city and intra-city roads, including a 1.2-kilometre flyover, while an additional 135 kilometres of rural roads have been delivered through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

He added that several other road projects are currently at various stages of completion, while the state continues to partner with the Federal Government and international development agencies to expand and improve road infrastructure in line with the administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda.