The Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, as well as the Olugbo of Igbo, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, have lauded the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for his administration's Urban Renewal Programme which they said had transformed the State tremendously.
While Yuguda gave the commendation on Thursday in Ibadan when he paid a condolence visit to Governor Ajimobi over the demise of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, son of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Oba Akinruntan lauded the Governor at the launch of a book in honour of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, held at the D'Rovans Hotel, Ibadan.
The Governor, who observed that Oyo State had witnessed tremendous positive changes in terms of infrastructure and urban renewal, said the people of the State would continue to appreciate the Governor Ajimobi administration.
Specifically, Governor Yuguda said he noticed significant improvement in the areas of environmental sanitation, infrastructural development, as well as renovation and beautification, including the Governor's Office and other ministries at the State Secrretariat.
"I like to say that seeing is believing; everybody is conscious of the new environment. I want to congratulate you on the physical changes I have noticed in Ibadan. We can compare Ibadan favourably with Lagos in terms of cleanliness. I congratulate you. You can see the orderliness and the infrastructure under construction and we can see that the inhabitants of this State are now happy because of the massive infrastructural development".
"This office has witnessed a transformation. I was here way back in 2003 when I was in the Ministry of Transport as Minister of State, and in 2005 as Minister of Aviation, and I knew what I saw here,'' he said.
He also lauded the provision of security and peaceful environment in the State which he said had allowed the people to move about freely.
"This morning too, we took the advantage of the complete peace and harmony that is reigning in Oyo State and went to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo to sympathize with him on the fire that gutted part of his palace,'' Governor Yuguda said.
While commiserating with Governor Ajimobi, the people of Oyo and Ogun States as well as the Awolowo family, the Governor said "we have lost one of the greatest sons of Nigeria, Oluwole Awolowo. May his soul rest in peace''.
Oba Akinruntan said that he was not surprised about what Governor Ajimobi had done for Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
"With your leadership quality, you have transformed Oyo State to another London. I want to associate with you and without any contradiction and I want you to keep it up. If there is anything I can do to return you for second term, I will do it. I want to call on the people of the state to support Ajimobi,'' Oba Akinruntan said.
In his response, Governor Ajimobi lauded the leadership quality of Governor Yuguda, describing him as a rare administrator.
"If we can have more governors like Governor Yuguda in Nigeria, this country will definitely improve. He (Yuguda) is one of the most intellectual governors I have ever met".
"He has the ability to keep relationship. He lubricates the human cord that ties you together; he is constantly nurturing and tendering one-on-one relationship with you. He still remains the only Governor from across the Niger who came to commiserate with us during the 2011 flood disaster and he made substantial donation; he is very humble and unassuming,'' Governor Ajimobi said.
Governor Ajimobi pledged that Oyo State Government will continue to relate with Bauchi State Governor in terms of development.
Via: Oyo State Government - Official Press Release
The initiative made a lot of sense to me cos i saw great developments. They just need to improve on it