In a bid to address the recurring problem of building collapse, the Ekiti State Government has made a firm commitment to take decisive action against developers who violate existing rules and regulations in the state.
The government’s stance is driven by a need to safeguard the lives and well-being of its citizens, as well as to put an end to the actions of developers who continuously bypass the mandated approval process and fail to adhere to building specifications.
The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, issued this warning on Friday in Ado Ekiti while receiving the report of the six-member committee tasked with investigating the recent collapse of the F & G Event Centre in Ijero Ekiti.
The tragic incident occurred on September 3, 2023, when the building, situated along the Ijero-Ido road, unexpectedly caved in during a burial reception, trapping over 300 attendees and causing numerous injuries in the ensuing chaos.
Expressing her gratitude to the committee on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Mrs Afuye assured that the government will carefully consider the recommendations put forth by the committee to curb the unprofessional conduct exhibited by certain developers.
“I want to commend you for your thorough investigation. The safety of our citizens is of utmost importance to Governor Oyebanji. Although no lives were lost in this incident, we must take all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of such a disaster,” she stated.
She further assured that all the recommendations outlined in the report, submitted by the committee’s chairman and Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, will be thoroughly examined, and appropriate actions will be taken.
One of the recommendations highlighted in the report called for the complete demolition of the Event Centre due to its non-compliance with building rules and regulations.
