Given the level of infrastructural projects left uncompleted by his predecessor; plus the one initiated and completed by his administration in the space of three years in office; one may be tempted to say quite literally that, the people of Oyo, the pace setting people might just be bracing themselves up for another round of predictably easy election by handling over another blank second term ticket to Governor Seyi Makinde as a reward for his numerous critical human and infrastructural development. In part, because the reward for good job as the saying goes should be continuity; and in fact, good job should translate to more votes in a political setting.
Like the proverbial one good turn deserves another, Governor Seyi Makinde seems by far ahead of other contenders and pretenders in the race for Agodi house – an election that will either make or mar the re-election in office of the engineer turned politician.
More evident in the light of the recently commissioned Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa road in the ancient town of Oyo is this kind of conjecture. Apart from boasting the socio-economic development of the region which undoubtedly would ease vehicular movement of goods and the people; that significant road notwithstanding has brought a huge relief to the people after years of neglect and decay. In addition to various initiatives, Governor Seyi Makinde seems to be getting it right by settling the ball of his second term ambition rolling with grand gesture evidenced in the completion of various infrastructural strides across the major towns and cities of the state.
Little wonder, the leading socio-cultural group in the historic town, Oyo Global Forum described the Governor as a promise keeper after the commissioning of the road by the Governor of Bauchi, Bala Muhammed in the presence of the town’s revered monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and enthusiastic town folks who came out en masse to express their gratitude and joy to the Governor. Similar infrastructural development is scattered across the capital city and other places which included but not limited to Saki township road, Iseyin Ibadan road both of which are completed.
In addition to the aforementioned projects is also the ongoing Oyo-Iseyin, Saki-Ogbooro- Igboho roads among others which are expected re-connect the ancient towns and unleash an array of opportunities for the teeming young people.
Findings have revealed the nexus between good road network and socio-economic growth. And that no serious government would take it with levity. Perhaps, the heavy investment in critical infrastructural development was one reason the people of Oyo state overwhelmingly voted for the second term ambition of late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Almost all the major towns and cities in the state benefited from one project or the other. And it was why breaking the second term jinx in the state didn’t came as a huge surprise as it would had there not been proofs of work on ground for people to see.
To say it boldly, Governor Seyi Makinde is already working along that path where his re-election bid won’t bring much hiccup or headache as it was in the last election.
Though it may be too late to call, the winner of next year gubernatorial election might just be the man who’s going about commissioning critical infrastructure where it matters.
OYO101, is Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion on issues affecting Oyo state, is published on Saturdays. He can be reached via muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com and 09065176850
