…As Makinde Signs Oyo State Mobilization Agency For Socio-economic Dev Bill Into Law
The former senator of the federal republic and scholar, Professor Jerry Gana has mmended Governor Seyi Makinde for championing the cause of socio-economic transformation in Oyo state.
This was as the elder statesman stated that the governor has accomplished what Nigeria could not achieve for many years with the creation of the new agency, calling on other state governors to emulate such noble cause and replicate same in their various states.
He noted that Makinde, who is widely admired by other states of the federation especially in his home state in Niger, has by the creation of the new agency, attained a new feat in governance while describing the governor as a leading example of a pragmatic leader.
He gave these remarks on Tuesday June 11 at the Governor’s executive chamber as a guest where Governor Makinde assented the Oyo State Mobilization Agency For Socio-economic Development Bill Into Law.
I’m his words: “What we tried to achieve as a nation many years ago, I feel tremendously fulfilled to have the honor to be here today when you are in fact, setting in motion, a legacy to do the kind of things we should have been doing all along, you will not regret it, this is a wonderful day for Oyo state.
The Governor in his brief remarks before assenting the bill emphasized the importance of proactive measures in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the state.
He stressed the need for strategic planning and efficient utilization of scarce resources to drive meaningful progress and improve the quality of life for residents of the state.
Makinde commended Professor Jerry Gana who was a guest at the event for playing a pioneering role in the nation’s mass mobilization for self reliance, social justice, and economic recovery, after which the new agency in the state was adapted.
The governor noted that the new agency would serve as a rallying point for several ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government adding that it was for the agency’s critical role that culminated into the composition of its board members to include from the representatives ministries of information and social inclusion, Trade, industry, investment and cooperatives, environment and natural resources, local government and chieftaincy matters, and the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo state (BCOS).
In his words: “Let me mention few things that made this agency necessary. We’re at a point in the development of our dear state and nation when we must prioritize economic development.”
He lamented that some current agitations in the nation were more focused on issues that encourage more consumption rather than production as well as promote expansion of the country’s production base.
“When we talk about economic development, what are the solution to these problems? The bottom line is that as a country, we have to prioritize production, production, and production, we have to be productive and we can not be productive without mobilizing your people behind what you want to do. All these issues about national anthem, exchange rates, local government money, what are they addressing? Consumption!.
“We’re not addressing what will broaden the face of our production base, when we broaden our productive base, that’s when we know we’re tackling the issue of taking our people out of poverty, and taking them from poverty to prosperity. We see hunger in the land which does not reflect where we should be as a nation so, we must create framework to harness our potentials through mobilization, sensitization, and advocacy.” Makinde added.
Consequently, the governor led members of the state executive Council and others present at the event to the official opening of the agency’s office located at 5, Ilaro Street, Off Awolowo Road, Old Bodija Estate, Ibadan.
Earlier In his introduction of the bill before the governor’s assent, the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin stated that the bill embodies collective aspirations for sustainable development agenda which is geared towards driving socio-economic advancement and community focused programs which would facilitate inclusive governance in the state.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for the robust relationship that exists between both the executive and legislative arms of government regardless of criticism from naysayers.
Present at the event are members of the state executive Council, members of the state House of Assembly, members of Oyo State Elders Advisory Council, Oba in-council, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Iba Oluyole and member of Olubadan in-Council; Nureni Adekanbi, Dr Saka Balogun, and other top government functionaries.
Others are Elder Wole Oyelese, a former minister of for power, Professor Jerry Gana, former deputy governor Hameed Gbadamosi.