…Joins Makinde, Mimiko, others to commission 8.2km Agodi-Gate dualised road
By Adeyinka Adeniran
Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said that the Oyo state’s remarkable progress, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and human capital, has become a source of inspiration for other Southwest states.
He described Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde as a motivation for the region’s governors.
This is as he advocated for a closer developmental cooperation amongst South Western states to deepen regional integration and place the zone on the global map
Governor Adeleke spoke in Ibadan in a remark while commissioning the 8.2km Agodi-Gate Old Ife Road-Alakia to Adegbayi, completed by Governor Makinde.
The Osun governor, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, noted that the efforts of Governor Makinde and the pace of development he has set in the state is an encouragement for the region.
Adeleke said: “The old Western Region was reputed to be the leading zone in the areas of innovations, infrastructure and good governance. We lost that rating for some time now.
“But I want to put it on record that the Southwest has regained its momentum. The Oyo state governor is a trailblazer. From Lagos to Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Ogun states, Southwest is witnessing infrastructural upgrades. Our roads are being fixed. Our schools and health centers are undergoing rehabilitation.
“Governors of the zone are keeping alive the great memories of our founding leaders. We are placing Southwest on the national and global map.
“It is on this note that I congratulate my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde. You are an uncommon engineer of good governance.”
He seized the opportunity to narrate how his efforts have been turning things around in Osun State as he takes cue from his Oyo State counterpart.
“As a Governor of Osun state, I watched with keen interest the positive development in Oyo State. I do peer review. I must say that Oyo state is lucky to have Governor Makinde at the helm of affairs. We are proud of him.
“In Osun, we are implementing a multi- billion naira infrastructure plan. We are working to revive our dilapidated infrastructures. Oyo state performance is a great motivation, not just for Osun but for other states in the Southwest.
“As we celebrate my brother today, I call for closer developmental cooperation among Southwest states. We must deepen regional collaboration”, the Osun governor stated.
Speaking earlier, the host, Governor Makinde, said his infrastructural agenda is premised on expanding business opportunities and creating multiple zones of development in Oyo state.
He noted that his administration prioritised inter-city roads to widen the net of development even with limited resources, explaining that infrastructural upgrades in the state will deepen the ease of doing business and diversify state development efforts.
He noted that one of the advantages of the dualized 8.2km Agodi gate – Old Ife – Alakia – Adegbayi road project including the underpass bridge at Onipepeye area in Ibadan is that it is very strategic as it will reduce travel time to the Ibadan airport at Alakia and significantly impact the state’s economy.
He stresses that his administration is focused on ensuring that road and infrastructural projects, help to decentralize the state economy such that every zone in the state is viable
He equally assures a determination to upgrade every city and town in Oyo state, and initiate policies of priority and value to the people.
Earlier, Commissioner for Public Works and transport, Professor Daud Sangodoyin discloses that Governor Seyi Makinde has so far completed over 184.42km road projects since inception of his administration
Some of the dignitaries at the event include, Former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara who led other members of the PDP Board of Trustees, former Governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko, former Governor of Osun state, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of Oyo state and elder stateman, Dr Victor Olunloyo, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, amongst other dignitaries.
