…As he Flags Off 24.5km Itas-Gadau Road Project
By Amina Abdullahi Girbo
The Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has lamented the ethnic tension in Nigeria being caused by non-state actors, even as he expressed confidence that the country could move forward if its leaders continue to drive economic empowerment for the people by providing infrastructures for them.
Governor Makinde stated these shortly before flagging off of construction of 24.5km Itas-Gadau road project in Itas-Gadau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, adding that this was a tough period in the annal of Nigeria with high tension in the land, while some leaders were looking away as if they do not know what was going on.
“This is a tough period in the life of our country. This is a period where we have non state actors all over the place forming ethnic tension and some leaders looking away as if they do not know what is going on”. Makinde said.
The Oyo State helmsman said that he was convinced that leaders could succeed in moving Nigeria forward if they continue to economically empower the citizens by providing infrastructures the people needed, declaring that Nigerians are resilient people who need the right environment to flourish.
According to him, leaders had to make good use of the opportunity they had now, remain focused and do the right things always.
“As leaders, we must never forget that what we do with the opportunity we are given will eventually speak for us. We must remain focused in doing the right things to the best of our abilities.
“We must work to accelerate development in our areas and road construction is one of those core developments projects that must never be overlooked,” he said.
Speaking on the Itas-Gadau road project construction, Makinde commended his Bauchi State counterpart, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for embarking on the construction of the N8.5 billion project, which he said would be a legacy for his (Mohammed’s) administration.
Governor Makinde submitted that the flag off of the road project was significant because of its economic and social values to the people of the area in particular and Bauchi State as a whole.
“I have seen the specifications of this road and I am happy that it is not the kind of road that will fall apart in a few months. The finishing with a 40mm Asphalt wearing cost is worth mentioning for its durability.
“Today is a day to be happy because you are starting something here that will improve access between Itas and Gadau, where the Bauchi State University is located.
“As I have learnt, this shortens the time spend travelling between both communities and open up the agricultural area between them. So you have indeed taken a bold step and deserves to be commended,” the Oyo State governor said.
Makinde informed that he had established a cordial relationship with Governor Mohammed, who he said stood for a united and peaceful Nigeria through his words and actions.
“People always wonder why I always call you my brother. I call you my brother because we are all one: East, West, North or South, we are all one.
“When something affects one, it affects the other and when I had challenges in Oyo State with clashes at Sasha market between the Yoruba and the Fulani communities out there, you showed me your concern and support, you called me and encouraged me. I am glad to say today that we have absolute peace in that area.
“When I listen to the things you say, it shows that you believe in the unity of our people. You have shown by words and deeds that you are for peace and unity of this country”.
Earlier in his address, Governor Mohammed said that the road project was procured using all the templates of procurement to ensure that the government got value for money.
According to him, the Itas-Gadau road project would be completed in 24 months, adding that the road would go through some of the most difficult terrains in the state with about three bridges and five culverts.
The governor said he was very proud of the pressure put on him by the Emir of Katagum and the people of Itas-Gadau LGA to construct the road.
He informed that his administration would also construct other road projects, including 12km road in Ningi Local Government Area; 12.2 km from Arinja up to Bala and an additional 2.5 km within Nasaru town in the same local government area, which was awarded to Mothercat Construction Company, while the other project was given to Habib Engineering with a down payment of 30 percent.