Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde; PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umra Damagum and wife of former governor of Oyo State, Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala, during the commissioning of the 76.67km Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Expressway, constructed by the Oyo State government. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.
President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, describing him as a collaborative partner with the Federal Government in building road infrastructure to connect communities and open up the state up to commerce and economic opportunities that will lift people out of poverty.
The president stated this at the commissioning of the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road, named Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Highway.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted 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.
He said 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 described the Alao-Akala Memorial Highway as an exemplary project for every state and every Nigerian who is committed to the development of the country.
The vice president said: “I am honoured 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.”
Speaking earlier, Governor Makinde, who was conferred with the Award of Honourable Life Member of LAUTECH by students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso at the commissioning, welcomed the vice president to the 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.
“Well, we are still working, because we are going to link Ibarapa Zone to Ibadan. So, we are working currently on the 48km Ido-Eruwa Road and we will deliver within the next eight months.
“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.
“Yesterday night, I slept at Fasola, in the Oyo Zone. So, we have a big development there at Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub which hosts several large and medium scale international and national businesses.
Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter; foremost traditional rulers in the state; governorship candidate of the PDP in Ondo State, Chief Agboola Ajayi; Ogun State PDP governorship candidate for the 2023 election, Hon. Ladi Adebutu; and senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari.
Other dignitaries in attendance include member representing Ogbomoso South/Ogbomoso North Federal Constituency, Honourable Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala; member representing Surulere/Ogooluwa Federal Constituency, Hon. Sunday Makanjuola; member representing Ibadan South-West/ North-West Federal Constituency, Honourable Stanley Adedeji; member representing Oyo Federal Constituency, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi; member representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, Hon. Wasiu Lafioye; member representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, Hon. Remi Oseni; member representing Irepo/Olorunsogo/Oorelope Federal Constituency, Hon. Olaide Mohammed and traditional rulers.
