The Ekiti State Government has awarded contracts for the making of 1,250 desks and chairs worth N59m to carpenters and welders for primary schools in the state, under the Millennium Development Goals.
Chief Dipo Anisulowo, the Chairman, MDGs Implementation in the state, said it was a fulfillment of the Governor’s promise to patronize local contractors.
According to him, the desks and chairs would be distributed to select public primary schools in Ikole, Ado, Ikere, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ise-Orun local government areas.
He said, “Ekiti State being one of the participants in this programme, had always adhere strictly to due diligent procurement policy of the state and federal governments in the implementation and award process of MDGs projects and programmes.
“I, therefore, want you to be rest assured that the procurement arrangements we are working out today between the state government, contractors, furniture and welder associations is being brokered without contravening any procurement law and regulation laid down by the MDGs office in Abuja and Ekiti State.”
The President, Artisans Association of Nigeria, Ekiti chapter, Julius Adu, said the contract would help in promoting Small and Medium Scale enterprises in the State.
“The government just gave a sum of N10m to our members as loan. We are assuring the government that we won’t betray the confidence reposed in our expertise. We have 26 members and we will ensure that all members benefit under the local content promotion initiative of this government.
“Though, the furniture contract will only benefit the furniture makers and welders, we are to distribute whatever we are given across the 16 local governments to prevent rancour among us.”
