President Bola Tinubu says Oyo State holds a pivotal role in the nation’s economy, and will remain a top priority in the Federal government’s effort in stabilising and promoting unity and peace across the nation.
The President, who was represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima, stated this at the inauguration of the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road named Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Highway, in Ogbomoso
The road, described as a landmark legacy project, spans 76.76km across many communities between Iseyin and Ogbomoso.
The President also lauded the Gov. Seyi Makinde, of Oyo State for being a collaborative partner with the Federal Government in the area of building road infrastructure.
He said the road infrastructure provided by the Oyo State government connects communities and opens the state up to commerce and economic opportunities that would lift people out of poverty.
“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 participates in building essentially infrastructure to facilitate our daily lives.
“So, I want to appreciate Governor Makinde, on behalf of the President, for not only being a collaborative partner but for also engaging in such a critical capital project.
“A new road such as the one that we are about to inaugurate, has the potential to open up new arears of economy activities, increase agriculture production, accelerate newalisation process.
“Road constructed to support commerce and agriculture, inevitably enhance the standard of living for the people they serve.
“Economic agenda of the President is rooted in supporting each state of the federation in achieving his objectives and fulfilling our promises to the nation.
“Oyo state holds a pivotal role in our nation’s economy, and will always remain a top priority in our effort to stabilise and promote unity and peace across the nation.
“I salute the governor for his dedication to leaving behind a legacy project. My brother, posterity will be kind to you.
“I promise that President Tinubu will support you in his drive for the agricultural transformation, especially in the agro-industrial hub.”
Speaking earlier, Gov. Makinde, said his drive to build roads that interconnect all the five zones of the state was energised by his belief that where roads go, development follows.
The governor also used the occasion to invite local and foreign investors to Oyo State, stating that his government would listen to them and support them with necessary policies and infrastructure to make their businesses succeed.
“Where road goes, development follows. This is the mantra that has continued to support our continuous drive to build road infrastructure that interconnects all zones of our dear state.
“Our focus has always been to ensure that we spread development all around. Gone are the days when all our IGR would come from only one zone.
“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 sectors to thrive.
“I want to once again thank the Vice President for coming here to celebrate with us today including all our guests from far and near, who have continued to identify with our progress in the state.”
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, described the project as an incontestable economic impetus for the sustainable development of the state.
Shangodoyin also reeled out the achievement of gov Makinde so far in the area of road infrastructure.
Also in their goodwill messages, a former Military Governor of Oyo and Ogun states, retired Gen. Oladayo Popoola and Mrs. Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, wife of a former governor, appreciated Makinde for the landmark project and for immortalising the former governor of Ogbomoso extraction.
The contractors that handled the project, Messrs KOPEK and Messrs Craneburg commended Makinde for delivering what they described as a legacy project initiated, executed and completed by the administration.
The event was attended by the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, among others.
