Infrastructure, Economic Growth, and Prosperity: Makinde’s Recipe for Oyo State’s Success – Kehinde Gbadeyinka, member GSM Advocates

Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has indeed been making significant strides in local government development via infrastructure in Oyo State. The government’s efforts to rehabilitate local roads, construct new ones, and provide basic facilities are aimed at kick-starting development from the grassroots level.

Some notable infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration include road construction and rehabilitation of notable road to boost agricultural sector in the state and for connection of zones in food productivity. One of the significant impact of this was reconstruction of Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin road, rehabilitation of Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho Road, and construction of Airport-Ajia-New Ife Express Road with a spur to Amuloko. Likewise on transport Infrastructure, the current administration has constructed four modern bus terminals, upgrading of rural feeder roads, and provision of road furniture such as traffic signals, laybys, and zebra crossings. The road network and bus terminals is in a bid to boost food security for the people of the grassroots.

Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to transforming Oyo State’s local governments from consumption-driven to productivity-focused is a bold step towards Sustainable development.

This vision aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9, which emphasizes the importance of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

Governor Makinde’s administration has explored various strategies through developing critical infrastructure in our local governments, collaborating with the private sector to leverage investments, expertise, and technology to drive economic growth and development.

Through implementing these strategies, Governor Makinde’s administration has created a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, innovation to flourish, and productivity to increase, ultimately transforming Oyo State’s local governments into engines of economic growth and development.

Governor Seyi Makinde’s initiatives on local governments have indeed had a positive impact on Oyo State’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR). By boosting IGR, the state government can now fund more development projects and provide better services to the people.

One of the key ways Governor Makinde’s administration has achieved this is by empowering local government areas to take ownership of their development. This has brought the government closer to the people, allowing for more effective representation and participation in governance.

The governor’s efforts to increase IGR have also been driven by the recognition that federal allocations are not sufficient to guarantee economic development. By generating revenue internally, the state can reduce its dependence on federal funds and achieve more sustainable economic growth.

Overall, Governor Makinde’s initiatives on local governments have been a step in the right direction, promoting economic development, good governance, and accountability in Oyo State.

Additionally, the Oyo State Government has taken steps to strengthen the local government service commission, which was reconstituted in 2019 to perform statutory functions. This move has helped to ensure that local governments in the state are well-equipped to deliver essential services to their communities.

The administration has also demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of local government workers by converting 1,591 ad-hoc workers into permanent staff and approving the appointment of new permanent secretaries. These efforts have not only improved the livelihoods of workers but also enhanced the overall efficiency and effectiveness of local governments in the state.

Overall, Governor Makinde’s impactful administration has been instrumental in transforming local governments in Oyo State, making them more functional, efficient, and responsive to the needs of their communities.

This approach has not only resuscitated the local economy but has also improved socio-economic activities in rural areas and outskirts. Local investors are now setting up establishments, contributing to the state’s economic growth.

Some notable initiatives include the recruitment of 7,000 teachers into Oyo State public primary schools and 100 caregivers for special needs schools. Additionally, the government has approved the recruitment of 7,000 more teachers for public secondary schools.

Governor Makinde’s commitment to local government development has indeed prioritized the well-being of the people at the grassroots level.