Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said his administration is constructing good road networks and inter-connectivity across the state to stem the tide of rural-urban migration.
This was as he restated that his administration will continue to fulfill its mandate to the people in every way, adding that part of the mandate is the ongoing massive infrastructure revolution in the state.
Governor Makinde stated these at the Asipa Junction, behind the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, in Atiba Local Government, Oyo Town, shortly before the commissioning of the 5.25km Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa Road.
The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Taiwo Adisa, maintained that his administration is embarking on the delivery of massive road infrastructure across the state to expand the economy of the state.
Makinde was joined by his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Mohammed, as the Special Guest of Honour, to commission the 5.25km road project.
Governor Bala congratulated Makinde for standing by his people, describing him as being passionate about the development of Oyo State.
He added that the Oyo State governor, a tested technocrat, came into government with a plan, adding that the plan has been about using available resources to improve the lot of his people.
Governor Bala, who also lauded the people of the state for supporting Makinde, said he was excited that governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been living up to the expectations of the people.
“I am indeed honoured to be in Oyo State by the invitation of my friend and brother, GSM. I bring to you the warm regards of our people in Bauchi state.
“I am very delighted to be here today. Oyo is a centre of civilisation. If you look at our inter-relationship as a nation; between various partners in the Nigerian project, Oyo is the centre of everything.
“The relationship between Northern Nigeria, where I came from and the Yorubaland is incubated under the auspices of our leaders in history, from Alaafin of Oyo, down to Ogbomoso.
“So, I congratulate the people of Oyo State for electing a man, who is showing that Oyo State is the centre of civilisation. He has become the centre-point of our reference point as governors, as he came into governance with a plan.
“He is using the available resources to improve the quality of life of the people. I could not wait to come to Oyo, because we had been hearing and seeing what the governor is doing.
“In terms of infrastructure and poverty alleviation, why were they not done before? Where is the money now coming from? These are the questions the new generation of Nigerians should be asking.”
Mohammed also hailed Makinde for providing leadership in the PDP, describing him as a mesmerising leader, who has been stabilising the party across states in the South-West.
Governor Makinde, while speaking at the official commissioning ceremony, said that his administration will continue to fulfil its mandate to the people of the state in small ways and big ways.
Makinde, who appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed for honouring the state with his presence, said he is elated to see that Oyo residents are happy with the project being delivered.
“Just about three months ago, we were here to officially flag off the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin Road. I am sure everyone can see the work is going on well. As we speak, the project has reached Fashola Farms.
“When people hear that this road is 5.2kilometres, they might say, oh, it is a small road. But when you look at the people who came out today to celebrate this small road, you will realise how important it is to them.
“This Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa Road links Oyo West and Atiba Local Government Areas in Oyo. It also links the North-South Federal A1 road, route 2, connecting Oyo-Iseyin and Ogbomoso-Iseyin Roads.
“So, it might be small to some, but to our people here in Oyo, is it small? No. So, we will continue to fulfil our mandate to our people, in small ways and big ways.
“Part of that mandate is to stem rural-urban migration by ensuring good road network and interconnectivity outside Ibadan Zone.
“Very soon, in fact, in the next two months, we will be counting three years in office. And we will be presenting our scorecard.
“The good thing is that our scorecard is not hidden. In road construction alone, we have over 550 kilometres of roads, both completed and ongoing.
“We have successfully laid the proper foundation for engineering a modern Oyo State. As we have said repeatedly, we believe that anywhere that roads go, development follows.
“And so, when we promised that we would move the good people of Oyo State from poverty to prosperity, we knew that a lot of our plans would be hinged on creating a viable road network through rehabilitations, reconstructions and constructions.
“So far, we have done a lot of work around the Oke-Ogun-Oyo-Ibadan axis. And we are seeing how much development this has brought in less than three years,” he said.
Governor Makinde said his government will move to the Ibarapa Zone of the state, stating that the administration has no intention of leaving any zone behind in terms of development.
“We have a message for our people in Ibarapa Zone. We are coming for you! Yes, we did not forget you. In our bid to engineer a modern Oyo State, the people of Ibarapa will not be left out.
“We have re-awarded the reconstruction of the 58km Omi Adio-Ido-Eruwa Road. Also, we have approved the limited rehabilitation of the Igboora-Igangan-Iganna Road, while the reconstruction of the Isaba-Ogundoyin Road, Eruwa is currently ongoing.
“We did not come into government without a plan. We knew what we wanted to accomplish, and I am happy that you are all seeing a modern Oyo State develop before your very eyes. An Oyo State where no zone is left behind in our development plan. An Oyo State we can all be proud of,” he added.
In his welcome address, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, who spoke on behalf of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, commended Governor Makinde for delivering the landmark project.
Similarly, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, hailed the governor for not letting the electorate down.
She said the ongoing developments in the state indictated that the governor has the interest of the people at heart and assured the governor of the support of Oyo people at the appropriate time.
The event was attended by the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Festus Alao, as well as top government functionaries in the state.
