…as Obasanjo commissions Ibadan central bus terminal
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday dismissed the ongoing protests against the 500-metre corridor of the Ibadan Circular Road project as politically motivated, stresessing that his administration would only engage with genuinely affected property owners.
The governor made the remark at the official commissioning of the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal, located at Iwo Road, Ibadan.
It will be recalled that some property owners affected by the project began a week-long protest on Monday, demanding that the state government revert the road corridor from its current 500 metres to the original 150 metres.
Governor Makinde, while clarifying his government’s position, said his administration met the project on the ground and expressed disappointment that certain individuals had chosen to politicise an initiative designed to deliver long-term economic and infrastructural benefits to Oyo State.
He noted that leadership often involves taking criticism in the present in order to secure a better future for the people.
“I am aware of the names I am being called on social media and elsewhere, but leadership is about taking the blame today so that our people can enjoy a better tomorrow,” the governor said.
Makinde reiterated that the 113-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road remains a central component of his administration’s sustainable development agenda, aimed at decongesting traffic, opening up new economic corridors, and attracting investment to the state.
” We are creating a space where industries and estates will emerge to support development of our city
” The corridor is not for me nor for any individual, it is for the development of our state
” I will not talk to you at the Secretariat, but will come to you to engage with the real property owners. ” , he said
Governor Makinde who described the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal as one of the symbolic projects of his administration said the Bus terminal is not just a transport facility, but the gateway to the city Ibadan
” For those coming from Lagos, Iwo road is the first impression of our city.” he said adding that its commissioning signals order, modernity and progress for the city.
In his remarks at the event, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo commended Governor Makinde for his developmental strides, particularly in the area of infrastructure, which he described as crucial to the state’s growth.
Chief Obasanjo also urged all stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance of the newly commissioned Ibadan Central Bus Terminal to preserve its value and functionality for the benefit of the public.
