Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says contrary to claims by some opposition elements, the Independent Power Project, IPP, embarked upon by his administration will not only power the Government House but will power other critical state assets including schools, hospitals, streetlights and stadium, among others.

He stated this while speaking at the special Thanksgiving Service held at First Baptist Church, Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, also quotes the governor as telling critics to always assess the performance of his administration based on his electoral promises. 

He added that his administration would continue to leverage on the four comparative advantages of Oke Ogun and the state generally, which includes agribusiness, tourism, solid minerals and commerce.

“In Oyo State, we have both comparative and competitive advantages in about four areas. One is agribusiness.”

“When we went to Brent Farm at Ijio, the owner said that from the survey, the area is the most fertile in Nigeria, and it is the same for most places in Oke-Ogun. So, if we talk about competitive and comparative advantages in agribusiness, Oke-Ogun has a place.”

“The second area is solid minerals and Oke-Ogun will also feature when we talk about the development of solid minerals. Another aspect is Tourism. The hanging lake, which is at Ado-Awaye, is a perfect example and the Oke-Ogun zone will feature too. The deepest Gorge Dam on the entire continent of Africa is at Ikere. So, this zone will also feature as far as tourism is concerned.”

“The last is commerce. Oyo State shares an international border, which is between Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun axis. So, Oke-Ogun also features in commerce. So, as a government, if we want to lead our people from poverty to prosperity as we mentioned in our roadmap for accelerated development, we have to focus on those areas.”

“And what exactly are those things we need to do? We need to develop our infrastructure and that is why, six months into this government, we awarded the Moniya-Iseyin road. If we also talk about commerce, Saki is almost the furthermost city in Oyo State, which is closer to the border with the Republic of Benin. That was why we focused on completing the Saki Township road, which is done right now.”

Earlier in his sermon, the President of Oke Ogun Baptist Convention, Reverend (Dr.) Gabriel Olanrewaju noted that the nation needs trustworthy leaders to survive its challenges.

Reverend Olanrewaju added that leaders must also fear God in their dealings.

Iyabo Adebisi