Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deliver impactful and durable infrastructure that would stand the test of time.
By David Adeoye
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deliver impactful and durable infrastructure that would stand the test of time.
Makinde stated this on Monday at the ‘Midterm Retreat’ organised for political appointees in his government, held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
The governor, who said his administration was not focusing on short-term visibility, explained that it was laying down critical infrastructure that would speak for itself many years after his tenure.
Reacting to criticism trailing the recently approved N63.4billion for rehabilitation of the Government House, Makinde said that the quoted figures reflected current market realities in terms of cost of construction materials.
He said that the prevailing economic realities necessitated a new perspective on public spending.
According to him, the N63 billion earmarked for the project in today’s economy would have equated to approximately N16 billion just two years ago, when the naira-dollar exchange rate hovered around N400 to $1.
The governor further clarified that the project was not a mere renovation as perceived but a full scale reconstruction, aimed at giving the state a befitting seat of power.
Makinde further said that he personally took record of the buildings inside the state government house and the magnitude of work to be done.
“It is important for people to understand that the scale of the project is aimed at creating a functional and dignified ‘Government House’ that meets modern standards,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Midterm Retreat brought together members of the state executive council, top government functionaries, and key stakeholders.
It is expected that the retreat will review the performance of Makinde’s administration at the halfway point of its second half. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)