In an effort to promote regional integration, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his Osun State counterpart, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, on Thursday, jointly opened the 91 km Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo road reconstruction/rehabilitation for economic development.
The flag-off ceremony was conducted in Ido, Osun State, across from the Aje International Market, and was attended by representatives from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as traditional leaders and party supporters.
During his speech at the event, Governor Makinde emphasized that the two states had started a revolution in ideas. He also said that politics and party affiliations should be set aside to properly meet the needs of the populace.
When built, the route, according to Governor Makinde, will make it easier for people to travel between the states, boosting trade and commerce.
“I know, when people hear the word revolution, they often think of bloody wars that lead to change in a political order. Well, don’t be alarmed, I am not here to preach violence. Rather, I am here to talk about a different kind of revolution that is happening in Oyo State.”
“You know, revolutions always bring to birth a new order, a new way of doing things. And so, the revolution in Oyo State has led to us changing the former ways of doing things. In the past, every state used to mind their own business and operate in their own little corners. But with this new way of doing things, we are pursuing collaborations with our sister states.”
“When we just came in, we started on this path with one of the biggest collaborations in the history of south west states. We all came together and decided on creating the Western Nigeria Security Network code named Amotekun. And in 2020, we operationalised the Oyo-Amotekun. As I have said on many occasions, our people cannot imagine life without Amotekun.”
“Also, just about two years ago, we celebrated another win that resulted from this revolution. My brother, our host for this flag-off, His Excellency Gboyega Oyetola, the Executive Governor of Osun State, was a big part of that history. He benevolently acceded to granting us sole ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), which made it possible for me to fulfill a campaign promise to the good people of Oyo State.”
“We are spearheading a revolution in Oyo State, as I previously stated. We are arguing that politics should be reserved for the few months when INEC directs us to start running for office or reelection. Even then, we must engage in politics of fairness and justice without resentment or animosity.”
“We are spearheading a revolution in Oyo State that is a revolution of ideas. We’ll say it again: governance must always take precedence above politics. We must constantly prioritize the needs of our people while making decisions.”
“Of course, you already know that my brother, the Governor of Osun State is from an opposing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), while I belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite this difference, we have accomplished things that people from the same party were unable to do. This is the revolution we are talking about.”
The project, according to Osun State Governor Gbeyoga Oyetola, is a realization of his campaign pledges and his administration’s determination to build high-quality roads on an egalitarian basis and foster sustainable economic development. He pointed out that the road connects Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, with Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, and is one of the internal routes of the former Oyo State.
I implore road users in the states of Osun and Oyo as well as those who do not live in those states to utilize the road responsibly by refraining from any behaviors that might undermine the purpose of the road, he stated.
While stressing the qualities of the road project, the commissioners for works and transportation for Osun and Oyo states, Professor Daud Sangodoyin and Remi Omowaiye, concurred that the project’s completion would be to the people’s great benefit.
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