Ajimobi reaffirms commitment to state development

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo on Sunday in Ibadan reaffirmed his commitment to developing the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Yomi Layinka, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy and released to newsmen.

The governor pledged that his administration would also embark on infrastructural revolution in the state.

The statement queried the rationale behind the sale of government lands and quarters by some of his predecessors, who, he alleged, sold such properties to their cronies at "ridiculous’’ prices.

The statement quotes the governor as saying: ``This edifice is one of the legacy projects of this administration.

``It is the actualisation of our dream for the physical infrastructural development of Oyo State. This state must continue to be developed.

``We are committed to actualising the overall development of this state. A good leader must not only have dreams, but must ensure that the dreams are actualised.’’

The statement disclosed that the parcel of land initially had four buildings which were designated as Governor’s Guest Houses before they were pulled down to accommodate the project.

"Instead of selling off choice government property at giveaway prices to satisfy alleged narrow and parochial interests, the concerned governors should have considered the corporate interest of the state.

``This is very unfortunate. Even the large expanse of land used for the construction of this estate, had only four houses designated as Governor’s Guest Houses.

``How many guests are governors expected to have that will occupy four houses?

``So, instead of selling four quarters for N20 million each, we then said why don’t we look for a firm with quality that would convert them into a modern estate that would generate huge revenue for government?

``Hence, our resolve to engage a partner in our housing revolution drive.

``Let me use this opportunity to invite more investors to embark on housing projects in other areas already identified across the state to take care of our current housing deficit,’’ the statement said.

The statement said the governor was prepared to provide the enabling environment for other investors on its housing revolution and other projects that would be of socio-economic benefit to the citizens of the state.

The statement said the Managing Director of the said partner (UAC), Mr Akeem Oguniran, commended Ajimobi for his passion for the development of the state.

Oguniran disclosed that most of the duplexes in the estate had been bought added that some of the buyers had indicated their intention to occupy the new buildings in the first month of the new year.

The statement said the estate, christened "Olive Court’’ was expected to accommodate 45 duplexes but had is first phase of 15 buildings completed within 18 months.