Oyo State Government will, on Thursday, host another edition of the Federal Government’s special town hall meeting.
The meeting, which will focus on infrastructure, in line with one of the cardinal objectives of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration of infrastructure revival and accelerated development of the railways, roads, industries and power, among others, will hold at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Opposite University College Hospital, Ibadan, by 10:00a.m.
Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, said, in a statement, that the town hall meeting would be an avenue for the federal government delegation to communicate government’s policies and activities, as well as receive feedback on infrastructure development, disclosing that Governor Abiola Ajimobi will be the host.
Arulogun said the meeting would provide a platform for stakeholders in the construction and transportation sectors, policy makers and the public to gainfully engage the federal cabinet ministers on the journey so far, the challenges and the way forward in the provision of massive infrastructure within the limited resources of the nation.
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Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as a true leader who has served the Yorùbá race with complete faithfulness and sacrifice.
He made the remarks on Saturday, in Ibadan, during the launch of a book: ‘The Alaafin of Oyo’, in commemoration of the monarch’s 80th birthday.
The 278-page book was a compilation of memo, papers and speeches of the monarch. The book, containing seven sections, was reviewed by Prof Anthony Asiwaju.
“The Alaafin of Oyo had, in the past 47 years on the throne, by words, deeds and personal sacrifice, demonstrated true leadership. He has time and time again stood on the side of truth. He has really served the Yorùbá race. You may not always agree with him, but, you are never in doubt of his sincerity of purpose and capacity to act consistently on the side of his conviction,” Osinbajo said.
Similarly, former president Goodluck Jonathan, described the monarch as a father and quintessential leader, whose contribution to national development is impressive. Jonathan, who was represented by Seyi Makinde, Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, urged the monarch not to relent in the promotion of Yorùbá culture and tradition.
In a similar vain, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said the monarch’s wisdom and persuasive skills contributed to the achievements of his administration.
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Ajimobi said the monarch had, in the last seven and a half years of his administration, also helped in enthroning peace and stability to the state.
Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State thanked God for the Alaafin’s life, saying the monarch has contributed meaningfully to national integration.
All Progressives Congress National Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the Alaafin has contributed a lot to the promotion and sustenance of Yorùbá culture as well as tradition.
Tinubu, who was represented by Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, charged the monarch to bring together all royal fathers in Yorubaland, in the interest of the region.
A former Akwa-Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, extolling Alaafin’s virtues, described him as “a father and leader.”
Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, congratulated Alaafin on his 80th birthday and wished him more years on the throne of his fore fathers.
The Alaafin appreciated the guests for their support and promised not to relent in his contribution to national integration and development.
The monarch, who gave the historical background of Oyo empire, said the empire would not relent in projecting its ideologies.