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Since one of the “fundamental drivers of economic growth” is our university education system, we should be thinking of comprehensive reform programs that will reposition our universities as growth drivers. Policymakers should be concerned about the type and quality of education that we are offering to the youths. It should be an education that prepares them to be active drivers of our economy.

So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 60, let us continue to give democracy a chance. May we never think of allowing the affliction of military rule to rise again. May we never forget that even the worst democratic government is better than the best dictatorship.

Just yesterday, whilst handing over the Agbowo Shopping Complex to its concessionaires, I said the state government has no business running businesses. Businesses should be left in the hands of private organisations who know how to run them and make a profit. The role of the government is to create the enabling environment so that more of these private entities will be attracted to the state. And this is what we are doing in Oyo State. And as you can see, we are getting results.

Previous administrations have tried and failed to renovate this complex. For example, the last administration said they signed an MOU with a development company. They were to embark on the “remodelling, redeveloping and rehabilitation of Agbowo Shopping Complex” for N8billion to be completed in 30 months. However, the project never saw the light of day. But something they could not do in eight years; we are doing in under two years. Also, by the Grace of God, we will have this complex completed within our tenure.

We are working with Remax Realtors Limited. To make this project a reality, the Oyo State Government through the Oyo State Housing Corporation is providing thirteen (13) hectares of land for the scheme, while the developer will solely finance the entire project.

Street lights mean that economic activities can be carried out for longer periods. Who says we cannot have 24-hour restaurants, petrol stations and other businesses in Oyo State as happens in other cities worldwide? These developments start with basic infrastructure such as street lights.

I am always excited when I get invitations to speak at events that have to do with education. If I were told to choose just one of the four pillars on which to build the economic recovery of Oyo State, I will most certainly choose education as the foremost. Educated people cannot be held down. They will continue to push for development and embrace developmental efforts because they know better.

The reconstruction will cost N770 Million and the stores will be allocated to the original owners. The first phase of reconstruction will take six months and the second phase will take two months.