By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suggested that other states in the country should emulate the exemplary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. This statement was made during the inauguration of the 76.7-kilometer Adebayo Alao-Akala Memorial Expressway in the state on Thursday.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, expressed confidence that history will remember Governor Makinde favorably for the various projects he has undertaken for the people of the state.Senator Shettima praised Governor Makinde, stating, “Posterity will look upon you with favor. Your actions serve as a role model for all states and Nigerians dedicated to advancing our nation’s development. Importantly, you have demonstrated leadership and inclusivity by uniting with elder statesman General Popoola. Your service to the nation is commendable.
“By engaging former First Ladies and deputy governors, you have exemplified true leadership: the ability to embrace diverse perspectives for a better future.””The level of societal development directly correlates with the extent and quality of its road infrastructure and overall progress.”A new road, such as the one being inaugurated, has the potential to stimulate new economic activities, boost agricultural output, and hasten urbanization. Roads constructed to support commerce and agriculture inevitably enhance the quality of life for the communities they serve.”Today’s ceremony serves as a reminder that without a well-connected road network, we cannot fulfill our promises to the people or sustain our democracy.
The participation of our remote communities in national development depends on the reliable road network that we have initiated on behalf of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”The Oyo State government’s responsiveness to this need acknowledges their dedication to ensuring that the needs of rural communities are as important as those of urban centers.””The road being inaugurated will not only connect other communities within the state but will also serve as a crucial link to other regions. This will bolster the economy by facilitating access to surrounding markets, increasing job opportunities, ensuring students have easy access to schools, and providing the sick with access to healthcare facilities.””President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda is centered on supporting each state in achieving its goals and fulfilling our promises to the nation.
Oyo State plays a pivotal role in our nation’s economy and will always be a top priority in our efforts to promote unity and peace nationwide.”Governor Makinde, in his remarks, indicated that the ongoing 48km Eruwa-Ido to Ibadan road project would be completed soon for inauguration, reflecting his commitment to addressing the state’s infrastructural shortcomings.During his welcome speech, the Commissioner for Works, Professor Daud Sangodoyin, outlined the technical specifications of the road, including the carriageway width, hard shoulders, drainage systems, box culverts, bridges, and pavement materials.
The event was attended by esteemed guests such as Royal fathers, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, former Governors’ wives Mrs. Oluwakemi Alao-Akala and Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chief Judge of the state Justice Iyabo Yerima, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd), former Military Administrator of Oyo and Ogun states, National Acting Chairman of PDP Alia Damagum, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Governor of the state, and several other dignitaries.
