Seyi Makinde’s Re-Election: Development of Iseyin Not Negotiable – Aare Babajide Oniyo

Opinion:

Seyi Makinde’s Re-Election: Development Of Iseyin not Negotiable

-Aare Babajide Oniyo

I have decided to remain incommunicado throughout this 2023 Electioneering processes to allow everybody a level playing ground for picking their choices of candidates, but would have to break the silence if the masses is going to be misinformed with frivolities and destructive propaganda. Let me start by extending a huge apology to Martin Luther king Jr who said, “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends”.

And if according to the same author of the quote above, “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people”, let me then be part of those good people that wouldn’t sacrifice their good births on the altar of political deceptions . Hence I choose to speak on Engr. Dr. Seyi Makinde reelection bid.

If we are truly practicing a conscience-based democracy, Oke-Ogun especially Iseyin community should not be discussing giving another person their mandates in the coming gubernatorial election safe Engr. Seyi Makinde. This is not because he’s perfect or without any shortfall like every other humans, but because Allah has wiped their cries of long term through his government. He might have offended some people across (political line), Yes! He could have stepped on some toes (also politically), Yes! But does his administration put smiles on faces of citizens of the pacesetters State? Yes, and that settles all grievances.

I wouldn’t make any comment or remind us of what other contestants have made about Oke-Ogun in the past, that for me is not necessary. I’m only afraid if the LAUTECH College of Agriculture and renewable natural resources, Iseyin Campus will not be an abandoned project. Scared of the likelihood of having an abandoned Iseyin-Ogbomosho road. Thoughtful of if Oyo-Iseyin road reconstruction will not be an abandoned project. Having a reservation if upgrading of Awaye Hanging lake to a tourist attraction center will not be discarded. And getting concerned about possible abandonment of our dear Iseyin city hall that just received the kind attention of the Governor.

Outside Iseyin, I’m aware that some major infrastructures were also built in Shaki and across Oke-Ogun axis of the state. Oyo State AgriBusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) was moved from Ibadan to Saki, Oke-Ogun to boost Agro allied business under this Administration. Memory has not also failed me that Seyi’s administration also facilitated the establishment of Police Mobile Force Squadron 72 to Ago-Are in Oke-Ogun zone.

Across board, Mr. Seyi’s Administration has so far done so well in the prompt payment of salaries, I’m sure the civil servants understand better.

I’m aware that Oyo is the headquarters of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps and the most populous of other states with 1500 corps, excluding the prospective 500 more officers.

It’s not contestable that Moniya-Iseyin is now 45mins as against the previous 3 hours. Thus giving seamless access to farmers to transport their produce to the state Capital and has added to the economic growth of the zone.

Primary and Secondary School Education has become almost practically free, for provision of some writing and reading materials, ditto abolishing the payment of 3000 school fee met by his administration.

The Oyo-Osun ownership of LAUTECH has been broken with Oyo now retaining the sole ownership, and this has expelled the usual strike actions of Academic Staff Union of the institution.

It’s glad to note that Emmanuel Alayande College of Education has now become a University of Education.

Payment of pension and gratuity have been constant. Those whose parents are in this shoe can relate on how it used to be.

Due to his clairvoyance and native intelligence, GSM introduced Park Management System (PMS) to address the usual NURTW collisions in the state. This has today been embraced by the centre of excellence, Lagos and Ondo States. He also demonstrated a sagely approach during the COVID-19 pandemic by not closing markets, but regulated the public places and outing hours. This was also eventually embraced by the federal government when it is clear it can’t continually keep Nigerians indoor without adequate provision for survival.

In summary, the governor has been tested and has been certified to have passed an integrity and performance test. As such, let the good people of Oyo state troop out enmass come next Saturday and re-elect the People’s Governor, Èyí-n-bábí of Iseyinland, Messiah of Oke-Ogun and Soludero of Oyo state. Engr. Oluseyi Makinde.

Let me round up this piece by quoting Aristotle who says, “Jealousy is both reasonable and belongs to reasonable men, while envy is base and belongs to the base, for the good one makes himself get good things by jealousy, while the other does not allow his neighbour to have them through envy”. As for us, we are jealous of His Excellency’s works, we are not envious. Iseyin remains ours and we can’t open our eyes while it returns to the status quo of being sidelined, abandoned and underdeveloped. Hence, we say, let him continue for another 4 years. It promises to get even better.

May God bless Oyo State,
May God bless Iseyin
May God bless Oke-Ogun.

© Babajide Oniyo.