Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionable integrity.”
Integrity is a simple word, but it is often lacking in leadership across the board, especially in Nigeria today. However, we are fortunate to have a leader endowed with this quality: Governor Seyi Makinde.
Governor Makinde has demonstrated that when vision and integrity are present, rapid progress and development follow.
His Excellency’s promise to transform Ibadan into a thriving metropolitan city was not mere boasting. Today, barely two years into his second term, we are proud to see Ibadan standing tall among other great cities around the world.
Anyone who visited Ibadan before Seyi Makinde would be amazed by the transformation our city has undergone. The remarkable changes are truly outstanding.
Ibadan has experienced and continues to experience a remarkable transformation, thanks to Governor Seyi Makinde’s visionary leadership. His mantra has always been clarity, transparency, and results.
Before Makinde, Ibadan, which was the capital of the old Western Region, had not kept pace with modern development compared to other capitals.
Makinde, a thoroughly educated engineer by profession, made it his mission to raise the standards, and he has done so through the rapid transformation of the state capital.
Central to this transformation is the state government’s emphasis on road infrastructure development, which has become a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity.
Upon assuming office, Governor Makinde prioritized the rehabilitation and construction of roads across the state, understanding the critical role of good road networks in facilitating economic activity. The results are evident, with Ibadan experiencing a surge in economic activity due to improved access to markets, reduced transportation costs, and increased investor confidence.
A standout initiative of Makinde’s administration was the reconstruction of the Airport Road, which has improved the lives of both residents and visitors. This enhancement has also improved the city’s aesthetics, attracting tourists and generating more revenue. Makinde has made air travel easier and more attractive due to the smooth road, which has eliminated traffic gridlocks.
According to statistics, 335.77 kilometers of roads have been constructed under His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde. This surpasses the total road construction achieved by all past governors of the state since the Second Republic.
What a remarkable achievement!
Makinde’s comprehensive road rehabilitation project in Ibadan, initially seen as ambitious and unachievable by skeptics, has left many in awe of its progress.
Governor Makinde has remained focused on improving road connectivity between the hinterland and bustling towns to stimulate both economic and social growth. Recognizing that roads are crucial for development and human security, he has not slowed down.
The Makinde road initiative began with linking the state’s production zones to the capital, Ibadan. The first project, the Moniya-Iseyin road, a federal road in poor condition, was completed in less than two years despite the challenges.
Makinde’s determination to rehabilitate intra-city roads effectively eliminated traffic issues and seamlessly connected Ibadan.
People may not fully understand why Makinde’s aides and admirers ceaselessly commend him. However, anyone who is close to His Excellency knows that he works tirelessly, day and night, with unwavering dedication. We must continue to highlight his achievements, especially in the face of detractors who oppose progress.
I have previously written about development in Oyo under Makinde, particularly regarding road construction. For posterity, I am listing some of the roads rehabilitated during His Excellency’s tenure:
Molete Under Bridge-Oke Ado-Oke Bola-Queen Cinema-Dugbe Road (9.3 km)
Idi Arere-Popo Yemoja Road-Oke Ado-Molete Road (1.4 km)
Idi Arere-Kudeti-Eleta-Idi Aro Labo Junction-Orita Aperin Road (2.8 km)
Mile 110-Ring Road Mobil-Challenge Car Park Road (8.5 km)
Queen Cinema-Dugbe-Mokola-Sango-Trans Amusement Park Junction (11.74 km)
Oke Adu-Ode Aje-Aremo-Orita Aperin Road (3.5 km)
General Gas Junction-Kolapo Ishola GRA-Iyana Church with a spur to Dizengoff Junction Road (5.48 km)
Oke Ado-Tribune-Imale Falafia-Ososami-Iyana Adeoyo Junction, Ring Road (2.15 km)
Bus Stop Gate-Oje-Beere-Oja Oba-Molete Under Bridge Road (10.8 km)
Iyaganku-Seventh Day-Oke Bola Junction and Olubadan Stadium Junction-Vale College-NUJ Press Centre Junction with a spur to Total Filling Station-Radio Nigeria-Kobiowu Estate Akinyemi Junction, Ring Road (3.85 km)
With road rehabilitation and construction as top priorities, economic vitality has returned to our state. Ibadan is undoubtedly witnessing increased economic activity due to better market access, lower transportation costs, and a rise in investor interest.
We cannot overstate Makinde’s achievements. The tangible development in education, agriculture, healthcare, pensions, salaries, student bursaries, and land and property security warrants a standing ovation for Governor Seyi Makinde. Archives don’t lie.
Dare Adeleke writes from Ibadan
