Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has disclosed that his mission in designing and building a modern Oyo state include finishing and commissioning all uncompleted projects by previous administrations, which are strategic to the development of the state.
Addressing the people of Saki on Thursday at the commissioning of the first dual lane road of the town, Makinde stated that what matters most is that a project which would benefit the people is completed and not who started it.
He said he would continue to make Oyo state, a proof, that good governance is possible in Nigeria.
Speaking on the relevance of a proper road linkage in the state, Makinde pointed out that good road network is the first step diversifying the economy.
Makinde noted that project is one of the unique strategies of his administration in taking development to other parts of the state, beyond the state capital.
He said, “This is why they are confused by our style of governance.
“When people see us celebrating a road construction, they sometimes say it’s a third world concept. They ask: What are they celebrating? Why are they celebrating? But, looking at the faces of everyone here today we can answer, we are celebrating accelerated development. Because everywhere a strategic road goes, development follows immediately.
“This principle did not start with us. History has it that the first road for motorised vehicles in Nigeria was built here in Oyo state in 1906. That road linked Ibadan to Oyo town. And the main purpose of that road was to move people and agricultural products from Oyo to Ibadan and then to the ports for export.
“This is why I am excited about the road linkages we are creating here in the Oke-Ogun zone. Oke-Ogun is our breadbasket and agricultural capital. So, linking Oke-Ogun up with the rest of the zones means that we can easily move our produce on for export, either by air through our Airport-Ajia road being reconstructed or through the proposed inland dry port which is just off the Moniya-Iseyin Road, which we have also completed.
“We know from history that all of this work we have put in will bring about the needed development to our dear state. As we always say, for our state to take that leading role that we all dream of, we must take development beyond Ibadan”, he stated.
Makinde further assured that his government would continue to ensure all parts of the state benefit from the state revenue.
It would be recalled that the contract for the dual lane Saki road was initially awarded in 2016, and did only 15% of the job till September 2020, when the contract was revoked.
15 months after it was recontracted, the 9.7km Saki Township Road was being commissioned.
Makinde therefore promised the people of Oyo state that he would continue to deliver good governance and ensure zero wastage.