Adeleke : Makinde’s Performances, Huge Motivation for Other South-west Govs

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State yesterday said the remarkable progress in Oyo State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and human capital, has become a source of inspiration for other South-west states.

This is just as he described Governor Seyi Makinde as a motivation for the region’s governors, advocating for a closer developmental cooperation amongst South Western states to deepen regional integration and place the zone on the global map

Adeleke spoke in Ibadan while inaugurating  the 8.2km Agodi-Gate Old Ife Road-Alakia to Adegbayi, completed by Governor Makinde.

The Osun State governor, who was the special guest of honour on 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.

He 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 South-west has regained its momentum. The Oyo State governor is a trailblazer. From Lagos to Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Ogun States, South-west is witnessing infrastructural upgrades. Our roads are being fixed. Our schools and health centres are undergoing rehabilitation.

“Governors of the zone are keeping alive the great memories of our founding leaders. We are placing South-west 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 used  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 South-west.

“As we celebrate my brother today, I call for closer developmental cooperation among Southwest states. We must deepen regional collaboration,” he stated.

Governor Makinde while speaking earlier, 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.

According to him, one of the advantages of the dualised 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 stressed 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 assured the people  of the  determination to upgrade every city and town in Oyo state, and initiate policies of priority and value to the people.

The state Commissioner for Public Works and transport, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, in his remarks, disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde has so far completed over 184.42km road projects since the inception of his administration.

Present 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, Dr.Olusegun Mimiko, former Governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of old Oyo state and elder statesman, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, amongst other dignitaries.