President Bola Tinubu has assured Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that the Federal Government will support his drive for the state’s agricultural transformation.

The president also praised Makinde for his efforts at changing the narratives of development in the state, especially by investing in critical capital projects.

Tinubu spoke yesterday in Ogbomoso when he opened the 76.67km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomosho road named after former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president harped on the significance of road network, saying the country can only thrive when each state actively participates in building essential infrastructure to facilitate people’s daily living.

Shettima, who noted that the Tinubu’s administration is rooted in supporting each state in achieving its objectives and fulfilling her promises to the nation, he said Oyo State holds a pivotal role in the country’s economy and will always remain a priority in the President’s efforts to stabilise and promote unity and peace across the nation.

He said: “Today we gather to reflect on the journey of progress. In governance, we must acknowledge that it is the convergence of many parts that forms a cohesive whole. Our Federation can only thrive when each state actively participates in building essential infrastructure to facilitate our daily lives.

“We thank Governor Seyi Makinde for not only being a collaborative partner, but also for investing in such a critical capital project. My heartfelt appreciation to the gracious people of Oyo State for their warm reception and it comes as no surprise, for Oyo State is not only a land of hospitality, but also a pacesetter for the entire country.

“Today we gather to celebrate the traditional excellence for which Oyo State is known. Governor Makinde has exemplified that a well-constructed network of roads serves as a gateway to the country’s economy. This 76.67 kilometer Alao Akala Memorial Highway not only connects communities within the state, but also serves as a vital link to another geo-political zones.

“Any road, such as this, has the potential to open up new areas of economic activities, increase agricultural production and accelerate the urbanisation process. Roads constructed to support commerce and agriculture inevitably enhance the standard of living for the people they serve…”

Makinde said his mantra remains where roads go, development follows, as he works to build more road infrastructure that interconnect all zones in the state.

The governor said plans are on to build roads that will link the Iddo-Eruwa axis to Ibadan, and called on local and foreign investors to consider the state as a choice destination.

He added: “We are still working because we have to link Ibarapa zone to Ibadan. So, we are working currently on the 48Km Ido-Eruwa road and it will be delivered within the next seven to eight months. Our focus has always been to ensure that we spread development all around the state. Gone are the days when all our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) will come from only one zone.

“We have a big development going on at Fashola Agricbusiness industrial hub which boasts several large and medium scale international and national businesses. We are planning to begin something similar in Eruwa and Ijaye, and that will happen this year.

“We will continue to reduce our infrastructural deficit and move even more of our people from poverty to prosperity. As we celebrate five years of Omituntun in Oyo State, our solemn pledge is to continue to do everything in our power to bring development to our people.”

END.