We know that the protests have been a result of simmering anger among the youths. We are aware of the economic situation, especially the reduced income of many due to the COVID-19 pandemic and also the general unemployment situation in the country. Let me reassure you that we will continue to prioritise actions that will positively impact the youths.
We remain committed to the process of meeting the demands of these protests. Already, as promised, the Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Oyo State, has withdrawn cases against End SARS protesters, and those in custody have been released.
Last night, I held an emergency meeting with the heads of the main security agencies in Oyo State. I have again restated my position on the ongoing protests to them. And we have agreed that the police should take a back seat as other security agencies take the frontlines in securing the lives of protesters, at this time.
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.
I have always said that I am in this position today because it is the will of the people and of God. And so, I am determined to continue to pursue and expand policies that will show that I respect the yearnings of the people. One of the ways our administration has done this is by ensuring that our communities are involved in the budgeting process.
When we took over office last year, our healthcare system was not in the best shape. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to make the tough decisions to leverage the situation and accelerate our plans to address the dilapidating healthcare infrastructure in Oyo State. This [Saki Specialist Hospital], as well as the [infectious disease centre] in Olodo, are direct results of our well-thought-out approach.
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.