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Science supported the data; Oyo State has traditionally been a
nodal region, and that geographical fact was not going to
change. If anything, the growth in the population of Nigeria was
going to further support the need to turn our comparative
advantage into a competitive advantage.
And when science and data align, logic always follows. We knew
that we needed funds to carry out some of the other projects we
were embarking on. Federal allocations have been dwindling over the
years. We needed reliable ways to ensure that the state's Internally
Generated Revenue remained stable and grew enough to support
further development.
So, we invested in projects that could yield returns into the state
coffers, such as the rehabilitation of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex,
Adamasingba, the ongoing Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hubs, and
these bus terminals, which we are commissioning today.
These terminals are not just about boarding buses. What we have
done here is build a standard bus terminal as can be obtained
anywhere in the world. This is why it comes equipped with amenities
that will support economic activities and tourism.
So, we are going the public-private-partnership route in a
sustainable manner. The commissioning of these two bus terminals at
Challenge and Ojoo marks a new dawn in transport systems in Oyo
State.
We are committed to redening good governance in Oyo State.
With each project we commission, we continue to raise the bar. Yes,
some people say this is the bare minimum, but if we can ensure that
going forward, the good people of Oyo State reject anything less,
then we can rightly say, “Our job here is done.”
And on this note, I will yield the podium to my brother, the Executive
Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Godwin Nogheghase
Obaseki. After which we will commission the Ojoo Bus Terminal, and
inaugurate the Omi Tuntun Mass Transit Buses. And then, take the
maiden bus ride to Challenge and also commission the Modern
Terminal at Challenge to the glory of God and the benet of the
good people of Oyo State.
Thank you, and God bless you.
We are building a legacy. At this point, the question some people
will be asking is, how will it run? Who will be in charge? We hope it
will not turn out like other government projects that will become
moribund in no time. Well, we have taken some steps to ensure that
this will not be the case.