By Adeyinka Adeniran
President Bola Tinubu has assured Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of support his drive of agricultural transformation of the state.
This is as the President commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his various efforts at changing the narratives of development in the state and for not only being a collaborative partner but also for investing in such a critical capital project.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday in Ogbomoso when he Commission the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomosho road.
The road was also named after a former governor as Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Expressway, Ogbomoso.
Represented by his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, the President harps on the significance of network of roads noting that the country can only thrive when each state actively participate in building essential infrastructure to facilitate the daily lives of the people.
Noting that the economic agenda of the Tinubu administration is rooted in supporting each state of the federation in achieving its objectives and fulfilling her promises to the nation, the President said Oyo State holds a pivotal role in the nations economy and will always remain a top priority in the President’s efforts to stabilize and promote unity and peace across the nation.
Tinubu said “Today we gather to reflect on the journey of progress for it indeed a route that is low and kept much like a bridge that connects us to our aspirations. In governance, we must acknowledge that it is the convergence of many parts that forms a cohesive whole. Our Federation can only thrive when each state actively participate in building essential infrastructure to facilitate our daily lives.
“We extend our gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state for not only being a collaborative partner but also for investing in such a critical capital project. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the gracious people of Oyo state for their warm reception and it comes as no surprise, for Oyo state is not only a land of hospitality but also a pacesetter for the entire nation.
“Today we gather to celebrate the traditional excellent for which Oyo state is known. Governor Makinde has examplified that a well constructed network of roads serves as a gateway to the economy of the nation. The 76.67 kilometer Alao Akala Memorial Highway which we are here to commission not only connects communities within the state but also serves as a vital link to another geo-political zone in our nation.
“Each, when built will activate the economy of the surrounding by linking producers to markets, workers to job opportunities, students to school and the sick to hospitals. The level of development experience in society is directly proportional to the length and quality of its road network and the four linners of development
“Any road, such as the one we are about to commission has the potential to open up new areas of economic activities, increase agricultural production and accelerate the urbanisational process. Roads constructed to support commerce and agriculture inevitably enhance the standard of living for the people they serve.
“Today’s event, serves as a reminder that without a good network of roads we cannot fulfil our promises to the people nor can we sustain our democracy.The full participation of remote communities in our national development hinges upon a reliable network of roads.
“We commend, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the sensitivity of the Oyo state government to this reality and acknowledge their commitment to ensuring that the needs of rural areas are as important as those from our urban centers.”
He said further, “The economic agenda of President Bola Tinubu is rooted in supporting each state of the federation in achieving its objectives and fulfilling our promises to the nation. Oyo State holds a pivotal role in our nations economy and will always remain a top priority in our efforts to stabilize and promote unity and peace across the nation.
“On this note I salute my friend, my brother, Governor Makinde once again for his dedication to leaving behind a legacy project that will transcend generations.
“Governor Makinde, posterity will be kind to you. This serves as an examplary model for every state and every Nigerian who is committed to the development of our great nation. Most importantly, you have shown leadership, you have shown inclusivity by bringing the elder stateman, General Oludayo Popoola under your banner, who have done a great deal of service to this nation.
“I have seen former first ladies here, I have seen former deputy governors. This is what is called leadership, the ability to embrace all tendencies beyond tour immediate circles which calls for a better tomorrow foe our dear country.
“And I promise you, President Bola Tinubu will support Makinde in his drive for the agricultural transformation, especially in the agro-industrial hub.
“There is one state that is so buoyant in terms of what it offers for the agricultural agro-industrial support mechanism. The President expresses his best wishes and assures me that if those ones are not going to be utilised by that particular state, we can extend that gesture to the neighbouring state which is Oyo.”
In his remarks, Governor Makinde said his mantra remains where roads go, development follows as he works to build more roads infrastructure that interconnect all the zones in the state.
He said work is also ongoing to build roads that will link Iddo-Eruwa axis to Ibadan the capital city, as well as he called on local and foreign investors to consider the state as a choice investment destination.
Makinde said “We are still working because we have to link Ibarapa zone also to Ibadan. So, we are working currently on the 48Km Ido-Eruwa road and it will be delivered within the next seven to eight months.
“Our focus has always been to ensure that we spread development all around the state. Gone are the days when all our internally Generated Revenues will come from only one zone.
“We have a big development going on at Fashola Agricbusiness industrial hub which boast several large and medium scale international and national businesses. We are planning to commence something similar in Eruwa and Ijaye and that will happen this year.
“We will continue to reduce our infrastructural deficit and move even more of our people from poverty to prosperity. As we celebrate five years of Omituntun in Oyo State, our solemn pledge is to continue to do everything in our power to bring development to our people.
“Let me use this opportunity to invite local and international investors to come to Oyo State. Talk to us about your plans, we are ready to support you with the needed infrastructure as we continue to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.”
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof Dahud Sangodoyin said the project was delivered in 2 Lots which ran concurrently.
He added that the first part of the road was awarded to Messrs Kopek Construction and the second part was awarded to Messrs Kremborg Construction limited.
The road commenced from Ansar-deen mosque, Iseyin in Iseyin local government area and traversr through Apewo village Junction, Ahoro Dada, Fapote and Yaku to end at Randa, Ogbomosho.
At Randa end, the road was extended by two spurs which link Iseyin-Ogbomosho (Takie) – Igbeti Road via Lagos Canteen Road.
He said the first term of the Makinde’s administration completed 144.37km but has completed 152.92km in the first year of the second term administration making a total of 297.29KM in five years.
Corenews reports that the Oyo state government on December 3, 2021 awarded the construction of the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomosho road for N43.1billion.
