President Bola Tinubu, has lauded the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, for being a collaborative partner with the Federal Government in the area of building road infrastructure to connect communities and open the state up to commerce and economic opportunities that will lift people out of poverty.
According to a statement by the governor’s special adviser on Media, the President, who was represented by the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, stated this at the commissioning of the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road named Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Highway.
Shettima conveyed the greetings of President Tinubu, noting that the Federal Government would support Oyo State to achieve its full potential as an agriculture hub in the country, especially in the agro-industrial sector.
According to him, posterity would be kind to Governor Makinde for building such a huge legacy project that connects communities in Oyo State, opens the state to economic opportunities and also links the state to a major geopolitical zone of the country.
Shettima, who described the project as an exemplary project for every state and every Nigerian who is committed to the development of the nation, said: “I am honored to convey the goodwill of the Nigerian President, on whose behalf I was sent before you today.
“In governance, we must know that 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.
“So, I want to appreciate Governor Makinde, on behalf of the President, for not only being a collaborative partner but for also erecting such a capital project.
“I thank the people of Oyo State for their warm reception and it is not coming as a surprise. I know Oyo State is not only a land of hospitality but a Pacesetter for the entire nation.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a tradition of excellence for which Oyo State is known. Governor Makinde has exemplified that well-constructed networks of road serves as the gateway to the economy of the nation.
“The 76.67km Alao Akala Memorial Highway, which we are here to commission, connects communities within the state and also serves as a vital link to another geo-political zone in our nation. This project will activate the economy of the surroundings by linking producers to markets, workers to job opportunities and students to schools.
“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 for the agricultural transformation, especially in the agro-industrial hub.”
Governor Makinde, who had at the event been conferred with the Award of Honourable Life Member of LAUTECH by students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, welcomed the Vice-President to Oyo State.
The governor said his drive to build roads that interconnect all the five zones of the state is energised by his belief that where roads go, development follows.
He added that his administration’s focus to spread development all around the state has been yielding positive result, as the revenues accruing to the state no longer come from one source.
Makinde said: “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.
“Back in 2021, we started with the commissioning of the 65km Moniya-Iseyin Road. Then, we moved to Oyo. With the approval of the Federal Government, we completed and commissioned the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin road. We realised that there was no road connecting Ogbomoso zone to Oke-Ogun zone. So, we envisioned this project, which we are delivering to you today.”
