Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo
State, had his quarterly media chat in Ibadan, the state Capital, on Friday
night, where he promised that the state workers will get a 13th-month salary on
Dec 28, 2019.
Makinde’s government was said to
have paid December salary on the 16th, to help civil servants prepare for
Christmas.
We bring you the top seven
issues Makinde addressed and what we recently learnt from the first media chat
after his electoral victory was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
‘WE HAVEN’T BOUGHT A SINGLE
OFFICIAL CAR’
“When we started, Oyo State’s
finances were in a bad state. At the moment, I still use my personal car. We
have not bought any car for the officials, this will cost billions,” Makinde
said.
‘OYSG DIDN’T SPEND 1 KOBO ON
CHRISTMAS DECORATION’
For the first time in recent
history, a good number of residents and visitors to Ibadan appreciate heavy
Christmas decorations at Iwo Road, the major connecting road between traffic
from Lagos to northern Nigeria, and many other parts of the state.
Makinde, however, stated that the
decorations came at no cost to the state government.
“Oyo State government didn’t
spend 1 kobo on the Christmas decorations,” Makinde said.
“It was funded by the usual
‘Christmas gift’ to the governor, that was what we used to pay for the
Christmas decorations so it cost government nothing.”
‘STREET TRADERS ARE BREADWINNERS,
WE WON’T CHASE THEM’
Asked what his government will do
to hawkers who roam the state to make a living, Makinde said some hawkers are
breadwinners, and his government will not get them off the roads without
alternatives.
“Street trading will not be
eradicated overnight. some of them are breadwinners, and that is their main
source of income. I agree it’s very dangerous. Our position is, we can’t chase
them off the street without an alternative.
“The ones removed from Ojoo, were
moved to the Akinyele trailer park. At scout camp, we reduced the rent for
stalls and ordered installation of electricity, toilets etc. we have to be
careful we don’t take away their means of livelihood without offering
alternatives.
“Dealing with the issue of street
trading requires careful planning and implementation by the government.”
‘WE WOULDN’T BECOME ANOTHER
LAGOS’
Speaking on transportation,
Makinde said Oyo will not become another Lagos.
“On transportation, we have been
extremely lucky. We do have a good road network, we just need to maintain it.
We need to attract more people to our state,” the governor said.
“I don’t see the current influx
of people into Oyo State as a challenge; I see it as a huge opportunity to grow
our economy. The dry port, rail network and the Circular Road are good
opportunities to kick start the real estate sector.
“Yes, it will present a few
challenges but there is an assurance it won’t turn to another Lagos. We will
recreate infrastructure similar to Ikoyi but with value for money.”
‘OYO AND OSUN PLANNING LAUTECH
DIVORCE’
Makinde said his government is in
talks with the State of Osun government to have a divorce on the Ladoke
Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
“The term of reference is clear;
to get a ‘divorce’ from Osun State regarding ownership. I believe the members
of the committee are up to the task. We are not being unreasonable, we are
negotiating with Osun on this. Not making unreasonable demands,” he added.
“Our stand on LAUTECH is in the
interest of the parents, students and staff. We were given an overwhelming
mandate by the people of Oyo State both in the gubernatorial and House of
Assembly elections so we cannot claim lack of political will.”
‘ONE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRE
PER WARD’
The billionaire governor and
engineer said the state has about 600 primary healthcare centre (PHC) which are
not fit for purpose, and his government is planning to have.
“There is stress on the General
Hospitals because of lack of facilities in the PHCs. Oranyan PHC is the
standard we will use for all PHCs in Oyo State. We have about 600 of them but
most are not fit for purpose.
“I spoke to the people running
it, instead of having 600, let’s rationalise them. We will start by ensuring 1
per ward is fully functional. We are working making healthcare insurance more
effective, once this is completed, we will have more resources to deploy to
address this.”
The governor also spoke on
increased IGR, closing about 60 bank accounts operated by the last administration,
and celebrating his birthday.
“Anywhere you are on Christmas
day, please celebrate my birthday. Buy chicken and turkey and celebrate. We
will be paying the 13th-month salary for civil/public servants by the 28th of
December,” he said to the people.
Makinde turns 52 on December 25,
2019.
Culled: TheCable
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