Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has appealed for the understanding of the traders affected by the demolition of structures currently going on within the Ibadan metropolis, assuring them that they would all be resettled.
The governor gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting demolition of illegal structures at Iwo Road, ongoing construction of Bodija-Secretariat Bridge, Mokola Flyover project and other ongoing projects in the state capital.
“We have already spoken to them. We are moving them to a new location where they will no longer constitute an eyesore,” he said.
The governor stressed the need for the state to wear a new look through regular environmental sanitation and improvement on the aesthetics of major towns and cities across the state.
He said: The message here is that Oyo State must change. We want a clean state. Everybody had been saying that Oyo State is one of the dirtiest states in Nigeria. We want to stop that. We, therefore, want the cooperation of our people.
“Although there is nothing you do that people will not criticise you about, for us, we must be courageous enough to make a difference.
“But I want to assure you that it will have a human face.
“But in having a human face, we decided, even though they were illegally staying there, to move them to a new location.
“We are happy with what we are doing regardless of what critics will say. We are very happy.”
On the Apete Bridge project, which contract was recently revoked, the governor assured the citizens of the state that within the next one week, the contract would be re-awarded to a new contractor.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the ongoing construction of Mokola Flyover bridge, saying it was a wonderful job.
“We are very proud of it. We are proud of the contractor. They are very efficient and professional,” Governor Ajimobi said, adding that the project would be completed on schedule.
While addressing members of the state branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers at the Temidire Motor Park, Ajimobi urged them to cooperate with his administration by complying with the rules and regulations guiding their operations.
He also stressed the urgent need for the transport workers to move to the newly-inaugurated park so as to ease traffic congestion around the Iwo Road axis and ensure the beautification of the area, adding that they should continue to maintain the existing peace in the state.