Makinde Re-Awards Igangan/ Igbo-Ora Road, Pledges to fix Eruwa Farm Settlement

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has explained that the last administration embezzled the funds approved for the construction of of Ido-Eruwa Road.

The governor, while speaking at the stakeholders and Town Hall meeting held at the Eruwa Town Hall, Eruwa, said after the demise of former governor, the Chinese Global company, which the project was awarded to closed down and left the site.

The governor maintained that his administration has paid 30 percent to fix the road from Igboora to Eleko-kan, adding that he had rewarded Igangan to Igbo-Ora.

The governor said his administration is so passionate to fix Eruwa Farm settlement to boost Agriculture in the zone, saying that he had earmarked the money for the project but he is awaiting the proof of concept.

He added that the
mobilisation for the project will be done within the first few weeks in January, 2023.

He equally promised to refund all the money of the aspirants that bought the forms during the party primary.

The governor, however, said he will give buses to CAN and League of Imams at the Eruwa zone of the state, adding that the Buses earlier promised the Students Union bodies will be given
before this year Christmas.

He said: “We have called the stakeholders meeting to address some issues within our party in the Ibarapaland. Other candidates contesting for other positions are here as well.

“I am happy that the whole of Ibarapa town have come together to support our party and candidates from this zone.

“You talked about the road from Ido to Eruwa and I can tell you that the past administration embezzled the funds for the project. I called them when I became the governor, and even asked the late former governor Ajimobi not to return the money to me because the money belongs to Oyo State. I directed that the money be used for the what it was meant for – construction of the Ido-Eruwa Road, so that there won’t be any issue, and he accepted. The company that the project was awarded to, Chinese Global, got back to the site for a brief moment but immediate the former governor dies, the company was closed down and left the site. We had to start all over again. So, it is not as if we don’t have plan to link Ibarapa zone to Ibadan.

“Ibarapa is the boundary between Oke-Ogun Zone and Ibadan zone. So, to link, at least, Ibarapa to Oke-Ogun zone, we awarded the project for them to start from Iganna to Igangan to Igbo-Ora. I have inspected the road myself and observed that they have covered the distance from Iganna to Eleko-kan, and from there to Igangan, I was not satisfied. From Igangan to Igbo-Ora, I was still not satisfied. So, I terminated the original contract and demanded that the contractor returns Oyo State money.

“Now, we have re-awarded the project and I am sure that they have paid the first 30 per cent to fix the road from Igboora to Eleko-kan. Last week, the file of igboora junction to the Northern/Central boundary was brought to me but I asked them to rework one or two things I don’t like. When I got here, the Commissioner for Local Government has done the needful on the file. Now, the file is with me and the moment I get to Ibadan tomorrow, I will sign it off and the contractor will be mobilised.

“Second thing I want to talk about is the Eruwa Dam. The time I went to commission the Sorbitor factory in Ado-awaye, those working at the factory told me that the Eruwa Dam is less than 20km away from where the factory is located, and I promised them that I will fix the farm and ensure the Dam serves them. The factory is a commercial venture and can pay at a subsidised rate. But when they brought the file to me recently, I sent it back to Water Cooperation for necessary adjustment. After they are through and they bring to me the file, I will sign it.

“As members of the PDP, we asked some not to purchase form but they went ahead, and could not emerge as candidates of the party. Even though I did not like what they did, I promise to refund them based on popular requests. We have refunded others in other zone and we will do that in remaining zones as we go along.”

“One of the things I am particular about is the Eruwa Farm Settlement. We have earmarked the money but we want proof of concept. We have learnt enough lessons on what happened at the Fashola settlement. So, by the time we mobilise to Eruwa, the work will be faster because the mistakes we made earlier won’t be repeated. The mobilisation will be within the first few weeks in January, 2023.

“Another one is the issue of water. So, I want to promise now that I will fix the Eruwa Dam.

“As for CAN and League of Imams, I will give you buses that you requested for. We have given to some mosques and churches in other places. We have ordered for some buses for students too and on or before Christmas, I will make sure you get those buses.”

Earlier, the clerics, traditional rulers, artisans, farmers,
Students Union and other stakeholders commended the governor over the various projects he has executed in the part of Ibarapa zone of the state, adding that Ibarapa people will continue to support his administration.

Earlier before the town hall meeting, Governor Makinde, commissioned the Lecture Theatre at Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic and later led some members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, on house to house political campaign.

Among places touched were Ogundoyin Road, Isaba roundabout/junction, Eruwa, where he was personally distributing campaign leaflets to the people of the areas.

The Governor also embarked on inspection tour of the Oke ipin Bridge, Eruwa Maya Road and Ogundoyin Road.