Ekiti Launches IMPACT Project To Reduce Child  Mortality, Signs Access Road Laws

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji launched the IMPACT Project to reduce under-5 mortality and support human capital development goals.

According to a statement, the project will  complement existing initiatives like Ulerawa (the state’s health insurance program), the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), and the IMPACT Malaria project, all focused on reducing maternal and child mortality.

In 2022, the state government signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Bank to implement the malaria component of the IMPACT project.

In February 2023, the state government requested participation in the second component, which was granted by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the World Bank, leading to the project’s launch.

Under the program, each of the 177 primary healthcare facilities will receive a one-time investment fund of N4.6m. The fund will be utilised based on work plans developed by the facilities.

The IMPACT project also serves as a foundation for improving the quality and utilisation of primary healthcare services across the state.

Ekiti State is the only state among the 36 in the federation approved by the World Bank to implement both the malaria and immunisation-plus components of the IMPACT Project.

This demonstrates Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to improving the health of the Ekiti people and reflects the confidence development partners have in his administration’s ability to deliver.

Meanwhile, Gov. Oyebanji, on Monday, signed three laws recently passed by the state House of Assembly: the Ekiti State Roads Fund Law, the Ekiti Rural Access Roads Authority Law, and the Wealth Fund Law of 2023.

The signing of the three sector reform laws, according to Governor Oyebanji, was geared towards actualizing the road infrastructure upgrade and prosperity agenda of the administration.

The Governor stated that his administration would continue to drive development by ensuring the transformation of the state’s infrastructural landscape.

Speaking after assenting to the three laws at a brief ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said he is determined to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the state, especially rural dwellers who have long been denied basic services.

The Governor added that the Ekiti Wealth Fund is a bold attempt to ensure sustainable growth and development. It is designed to coordinate infrastructure, future generation, and investment funds to drive his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.