Radio TNT 102.5 FM

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has restated his commitment to redefine good governance.

Makinde spoke in Ibadan as he was joined by his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, to inaugurate Ojoo and Challenge bus terminals in the state capital.

Obaseki hailed Makinde for delivering the projects despite economic challenges.

He said: “Coming here today to see that my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, is commissioning two bus terminals and the quality of the structure, I am proud of you.

“I am also surprised at how you got this land, because during my days at the University of Ibadan, I used to go to IITA and did not know you can get a big land like this here, let alone build a good structure like this. We are truly proud of you…’’

The governor noted that the project is pro-people as statistics showed that the total capacity of all airports in Nigeria is less than 41,000 passengers a day.

“But these terminals alone will take more than 50,000 people. So, it is about our people. The purpose of politics and government is to cater for the masses you are elected to govern,” he added.

He said: “Today is an exciting day and I am delighted to be here, joined by my brother, Governor Obaseki. One of the things we knew Ibadan needed, when we came into office, was an effective transportation system. I remember how we went round and spoke to you in 2019, just after we came into office. We made a case for having to demolish some buildings around here, and I thank you for listening to us then.

“We could not have accomplished any of these things without your support. Of course, not everyone saw the big picture as we did. In fact, some people said the project was a misplaced priority, and they created lists of other projects that they thought we should have prioritised. Well, we knew better because in our quest to engineer a modern Oyo State, we always relied on data, science, and logic.

“The data showed that it was time to build a modern alternative to the existing transport system in Oyo State. Oyo State receives heavy traffic from all over the country. By virtue of its location, Ibadan has always been that town where travellers can layover, either on their way in or out of the Southwest…”

Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin  said ‘the project for the construction of four modern bus terminals at Iwo Road, New Ife Road, Challenge and Ojoo was awarded to Planet Project Ltd on May 5, 2020, at N16,900,471,800.

“The terminals are located at four different strategic and historic transit exchanges at the cardinal axis of Ibadan. Ojoo in the north, Challenge in the south, New Garage in the east and Iwo road in the Northeast. These terminals are to function as transit spots for the state’s Omituntun Bus Mass Transit Service.

“These mega terminals feature expansive functional waiting halls, ticketing areas, banking facilities, food courts, eateries, public convenience, lift facilities and a well-landscaped environment – open regular parking spaces. We also have Amala joints and ancillary plants like standby electric power, generating plant, water- reservoir, water treatment plants, waste dump, sewage system, gate posts and gate houses, security perimeter fence for security, flooding lights and perimeter electrification.