The Executive Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Hon. (Sqn. Ldr. Rtd.) Olu Adamolekun, Chairman, Ikere Local Government, has expressed his disapproval of contractors who bypassed local suppliers and artisans, opting instead to source materials and services from outside the town.
He emphasised that His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, strongly supports local content and will not tolerate such practices.
The intervention followed a complaint from the Chairman of the Block Moulders Association, Engr. Babatunde Awe, who raised concerns over a contractor’s decision to purchase blocks and sand from Igbara-Odo, Ekiti, rather than engaging local producers for a health centre project at Odose Ward.
In response, the chairman summoned the contractor and the association to an emergency meeting in his office. During the discussion, which lasted for an hour, the architect representing HESHDEWS NIGERIA LIMITED explained that a “son of the soil” had initially been awarded the contract to supply blocks and sand but failed to deliver good-quality materials. This prompted the company to source materials from outside the town.
Despite the explanation, Chairman Adamolekun, stressed the importance of prioritising local content and ensuring community participation in government projects. He also tasked Ikere suppliers and artisans to deliver quality work, noting that “you cannot do a bad job and expect people to patronise you.”
Following mediation by the chairman, both parties reached an agreement. HESHDEWS NIGERIA LIMITED paid a fine to the association for the infringement and committed to future collaboration with local artisans and suppliers.
Chairman Adamolekun, reiterated the council’s stance that all government projects in Ikere must adhere to policies that promote local participation, economic growth, and the development of grassroots talents
