Hello,

How are you?

You must be happy to learn that COVID-19 is easing off. But this does not mean we should stop taking personal responsibility for our health. Here in Oyo State, we are dealing with Lassa Fever outbreaks in some areas. The precautions that need to be taken are similar to that for COVID-19. So, washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze will never go out of fashion.

The last two weeks have been action-packed. A lot has happened in the political arena. In the PDP, we remain committed to ‘Operation Rescue Nigeria’. In the next few months, we will select the persons who will lead this project. We continue to ask for the cooperation of all Nigerians to join us in achieving this. Get your PVC. Your votes will count. 

As an individual, I remain committed to the Oyo State project. In about two months, it will be three years since we assumed office, and we will be presenting our scorecard. As I said in a recent forum, we will not be telling you much more than what any careful observer would already know. We are steadily engineering a modern Oyo State.

One area I am particularly proud of is infrastructure, especially road construction. As we celebrate our third year in office in May 2022, we have over 550km of road projects in various zones in Oyo State, both ongoing and completed. And we are not done. 

We understand the importance of Oyo State in creating a viable economic alternative to our neighbouring Lagos State. This is why we started projects that would lead to the expansion of the Ibadan Airport. We plan to achieve an International Airport status. Additionally, we are proceeding with constructing the Ibadan Circular Road and connecting Iseyin, our breadbasket, with Ogbomoso via the 76.7km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road.

So far, our prudent spending and growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have guaranteed a low debt profile. However, to facilitate these major projects, we are accessing a loan facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria. For example, the construction (not reconstruction) of the 76.7km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road, containing two bridges at Fapote-Ogbomoso and Iseyin-Fapote, is costing us N43.1 billion. So, if you notice the rise in our domestic debt, I want to assure you that it is for these three projects.

We are determined to restore Oyo State to its pacesetter status. So, we will continue to make strategic financial decisions that will guarantee that the good people of Oyo State remain prosperous. When we see the results of our economic policies so far in Oyo State, we are assured that we are on the right path. 

On a more political note, I have been repeatedly asked whether I will be going for a second term in office. I have always said I am more interested in finishing the first mandate that our people handed me and will wait on God’s direction. But, I can go one step further at this time to say that before you receive my next newsletter, I will be making an official announcement of my decision.

Please, continue to stay safe. 

I will be sharing the new book I am reading for April with you next time.