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President Buhari and Amosun while commissioning a Legacy Project in Ogun recently |
By Alao Azeez Adelani
At the inception of his administration in 2011, no one had envisaged he would perform beyond expectations and set a legacy for both himself and the Gateway State.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun came into power at a time the state was at the brink of heading into oblivion and economic recession ahead of the nation. Why? The state economy was bad beyond repair. This is due to the truth that his predecessor ran a government of 'Je ki n je (chop make I chop)' administration. The state fortune was shared among few as politicians normally smiled to banks to the detriment of the masses.
Security in OGD days was bad to the extent that banks were closing down and people began to travel to either Lagos or Ibadan to do transactions. This is because OGD government has empowered enough 'boys' with guns and ammunitions that were sufficient for them to ran the state 'aground'.
Talk of infrastructure, little was done in this regards especially when it comes to road construction. 'Daa bo - plaster it' was the style and a road couldn't last more than three months in those days except for a very few ones.
As if not enough, the state resources were shared among political cronies and revenue was hovering between a paltry N500 - 700 million monthly. Now, Ogun generates at least, about N6 - 7billion on monthly basis. This is one of Amosun's wonder when Akinlade (Triple A) handled the state's IGR alongside capable hands with the help of the civil servants.
SIA as fondly called, neglected the old methods of his predecessors and chose a new path for the state. The path of total commitment and dedication to the growth of the state economy and developmental infrastructures that will attract businesses and grow our revenues for the betterment of all.
In eight years, SIA has completed over 439 km of standard roads, maintained about 385 roads, constructed 17 flyovers, and 13 bridges across the state. All these projects has helped the state attract investments from across the world. Ogun state is now the investment hub of the country courtesy of Amosun's wonder.
Security of lives and properties was SIA administration's priority. Amosun was a governor that doesn't give in to thuggery, hooliganism, armed robbery, cultism and banditry. Armoured Personnel Carriers and patrol vehicles were purchased for the police and other security agencies in Ogun to ease their jobs.
Also, local vigilantes were empowered to assist the conventional securities in curbing social vices in the state. According to security index, Ogun state is now the second safest state in Nigeria. Another wonder of a dedicated governor.
Apart from running a free education system from primary to secondary schools in Ogun, books were provided freely to the pupils and the state owned tertiary institutions fees were reduced by 40% in 2014 and part payments were allowed to avoid dropouts among the students. Uniform examination was introduced in the secondary schools, while he also settled outstanding WAEC fees, rehabilitated dilapidated schools and provided more than N5billion subvention funds for tertiary institutions. Ogun bursary and scholarship were also increased by over 100% in 2012 and has witnessed more than three successful disbursement via e-payment.
Health care deliveries in Ogun was rated 5th best in the country because it received proper funding under SIA administration. General Hospitals were upgraded, primary health centres were renovated and boreholes, electricity, and necessary equipments were provided to meet the WHO required standards. Less than 96 hours to the end of his administration, a 250 bedded modern multi-million naira hospital was inspected at 75% completion by PMB during his visit to commissioned legacy projects of SIA before he bows out of office in the state.
Farm settlements established in the first republic were resuscitated and over N1billion commercial agricultural credit loans scheme was provided for farmers. In fact, 125 hectares model farm was established in Ewekoro Local Government among others in the state.
Some legacy projects of Amosun are; Adire Modern Market, Ogun State Judicial complex, old governors office now modern Ogun state library, New Makun City, MTR Garden Isheri, Abeokuta City Center, MITROS RESIDENCES formerly gateway hotel, PMB estate, Orange Valley Estate, modern OGTV complex and digital studio, Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta, Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, Ogun model colleges. The list is endless.
Governor Amosun left the state with a debt profile of N90billion internal, and $102m external. It is good to note that he secured approval to obtain $350 fresh loans from world bank which will be take off funds for the new administration while the FG is owing Ogun over N126billion for the federal roads constructed by SIA administration in the state. It will be wicked to speak ill of Amosun's records for political reasons, because his legacies will forever be reckoned with by everyone in the state. He surpassed his predecessors, no doubt.
Heartily, I wish Senator Ibikunle Amosun an administrative farewell. The 'wonder man' that change the fortune of Ogun in eight years for good!