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It is time to diversify. And a proper road linkage is the rst step in
this diversication. When we say we are engineering a
modern Oyo State, this is what we mean. We mean we are
designing and building a modern Oyo State.
The foundation of that design is a proper road network.
This is why we will not ignore any viable road projects
started by our predecessors.
We know that it is possible to decide to play politics with
development as some people did in the past. All of us here are
witnesses to how some people came and said “eh, I will not nish
the others started.” “Eh, I have to start and nish my own
project”.
This is why they are confused by our style of governance.
Like I have said in the past, we will nish all uncompleted
projects which are strategic to the development of our
dear state. And when we nish them, we will commission them
just as we are doing now. Because, when you are running a race,
the question people usually ask is not, “How many people
started the race?” No, it is “How many people nished the
race?” It is among those who nished the race that we will
choose winners.
Therefore, we will nish uncompleted and abandoned projects
for the benet of the good people of Oyo State.
So, when they come to you and say, “Eh, the Saki Township
Road was it not the former people that started it?” Tell
them, “Yes, it doesn’t matter who started it, what matters
is that someone nished it because this is how we engineer a
modern Oyo State.”
For the records, let me remind us all that the contract for this road
was initially awarded in 2016, and for over three years, the contractor
remained here, holding the people of Saki to ransom. In fact, as of
when the contract was revoked in September 2020, the contractor
had only done less than 15% of the job. But here we are today, just
about 15 months after we revoked that contract celebrating another
promise delivered. And we are delivering this 9.7km Saki Township
Road at a relatively lower cost than when it was rst awarded in 2016.
We made roughly One Billion Naira in savings.
And this is what we will continue to do. We will continue to deliver
good governance to the people of Oyo State with zero
wastage.
We will continue to make Oyo State the proof that good
governance is possible in Nigeria. We are kickstarting an
infrastructural revolution that will make people say once again
with all pride, “We have roots in the Pacesetter State.” “We
are proudly Oyo.”
And with this, we will proceed with my brother, His Excellency,
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to commission the 9.7km Saki Township
Road to the glory of God and the for benet of the good people of
Oyo State.
Thank you and God bless you.
Governor Seyi Makinde,
January 27, 2022