President Bola Tinubu has pledged urgent action to address the electricity and water supply challenges facing Ogbomoso land in Oyo State, describing the concerns as “strong notes” he had taken.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Laoye, Orumogege III, who paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja. Ministers and senior government officials were also in attendance.
The monarch was accompanied by other royal fathers, high chiefs, and the Agbaakin of Ogbomoso, Chief Sunday Dare, who also serves as an aide to President Tinubu.
“On the question of the 132KVA transmission, I have taken strong note of that. I will be with the Honourable Minister and other parties involved, and I promise you will see results,” the President said.
He also directed the Minister of Water Resources to examine Ogbomoso’s dams and the lack of mechanised irrigation, stressing that “Water is life. We will do everything to respond to that.”
The President further pledged federal support for agriculture, skills development, and youth employment in Ogbomoso, highlighting the area’s vast potential in cashew, mango, and other agricultural produce.
Earlier, Oba Laoye lamented that Ogbomoso, despite being the second largest town in Oyo State and historically one of Nigeria’s biggest urban centres, had been left behind in development because it is not a state capital.
“Most times, we do not have light. This town is the second largest in Oyo State. Historically, it used to be the third largest in Nigeria, but because Ogbomoso is not the capital, other towns we were bigger than have now overtaken us.
“We have two dams but no running water. For us to have two dams and still lack water is a shame,” the monarch said.
The Soun expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, recalling the developmental strides recorded under his administration in Lagos State, and appealed for federal attention to Ogbomoso’s “few but critical” needs.
