The Ibadan Properties Company Limited jointly owned by the 11 local government areas in Ibadan has solicited the assistance of the Oyo State government towards the refurbishment, rejuvenation and re-invigoration of Mapo Hall and give it a new face lift.
The Chairman of the board who doubled as the Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government area, Hon. Kehinde Akande solicited the assistance on behalf of other Chairmen while conducting the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ademola Akeem Ige round the Mapo Hall and its facilities recently.
Hon. Ademola Ige had visited the ancient hall as part of his on the spot assessment tour to tourism sites and monuments in the State in line with the vision of Governor Makinde’s developmental agenda.
Hon. Akande disclosed that the call for state government’s assistance became imperative in view of the fact that the edifice at present is in a very deplorable condition, stressing that its renovation is beyond what the owner local governments can handle without the assistance of the State government.
The Board Chairman further hinted that from the condition of the edifice, it was obvious that the owner local governments cannot handle its renovation alone and that was why they were soliciting the assistance of the State government towards its renovation, as it was done in 2007 when the then state government assisted in its renovation.
He, however, appreciated the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his foresight to develop all infrastructural facilities that have either been moribund or in deplorable condition, adding that the dream of Ibadan properties company limited is to rejuvenate all properties under the company and make them competitive with the Oodua group of companies in the South West of Nigeria.
In his response, Hon. Ademola Ige expressed his displeasure that the hilltop monument which is the pride of Ibadan people has fallen into dilapidation as a result of neglect by the immediate past administration in the State.
He stated further that the Mapo Hall which was built in 1929 was refurbished last in 2007 and that was when he was the Chairman of the board of Ibadan Properties Company, stressing that majority of the facilities fixed therein are no longer functioning.
Hon. Ige, however, said he was happy that His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde has keen interest in bringing back the lost glory of major heritage that are in comatose situation in the State.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations, Hon. Femi Josiah, the General Manager of the board, Surveyor Morawo Oludele and some government officials also accompanied Hon. Ige on the inspection visit to Mapo Hall.
