We will Continue to Reduce Infrastructure Deficit to Move State to Prosperity – Makinde

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has praised Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his partnership with the Federal Government in enhancing road infrastructure, connecting communities, and boosting commerce and economic opportunities to alleviate poverty.

In a statement signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, on May 30, 2024, Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, lauded Governor Makinde at the commissioning of the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road, now named the Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Highway.

Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s greetings, highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Oyo State’s potential as an agricultural hub, particularly in the agro-industrial sector. He emphasized that Governor Makinde’s legacy project will be remembered for connecting communities, fostering economic opportunities, and linking the state to a major geopolitical zone.

Describing the project as exemplary for every state, Shettima stated: “I am honored to convey the goodwill of the Nigerian President, on whose behalf I was sent before you today. In governance, it is the convergence of many parts that forms a cohesive whole. A nation can only thrive when each state builds essential infrastructure to facilitate our daily lives.”

He continued, “I thank Governor Makinde, on behalf of the President, for being a collaborative partner and for erecting such a capital project. The 76.67km Alao Akala Memorial Highway connects communities and serves as a vital link to another geopolitical zone, activating the local economy by linking producers to markets, workers to jobs, and students to schools.”

Governor Makinde, who received the Award of Honourable Life Member of LAUTECH from students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, welcomed the Vice-President to Oyo State. He reiterated his belief that where roads go, development follows, noting that his administration’s focus on spreading development statewide has yielded positive results, diversifying the state’s revenue sources.

Makinde highlighted the administration’s ongoing road projects: “In 2021, we commissioned the 65km Moniya-Iseyin Road. We then completed the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin road with Federal Government approval. Recognizing the need for connectivity between Ogbomoso and Oke-Ogun zones, we envisioned and delivered this project. We are currently working on the 48km Ido-Eruwa road, set for completion within eight months.”

He added, “Our focus is on spreading development statewide. Our IGR now comes from multiple zones. We are also developing the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub and will start similar projects in Eruwa and Ijaiye this year.”

Makinde pledged continued efforts to reduce the infrastructural deficit and improve the state’s prosperity: “As we celebrate five years of Omituntun in Oyo State, we pledge to bring development to our people. We invite local and foreign investors, assuring them of our support with policies and infrastructure to make their businesses succeed.”

Former Military Governor of Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola, and Mrs. Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, widow of the former governor, praised Makinde for the landmark project and for honoring the late governor.

Other speakers, including Dr. Saka Balogun, co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, and Engr. Raheemah Adabanija, chairperson of the Association of Professional Women Engineers, lauded Makinde for constructing the longest road in the state in 26 years. Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure, and Transport, Prof. Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, called the project an economic catalyst for sustainable development.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, and other notable figures from political, traditional, and professional sectors.

Photo credit: Oyo-state government media