Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said in spite of dwindling Federal Allocation to states, his administration has not taken any loan. He dismissed a rumour that his administration was giving preference to foreign contractors, noting that over 70 per cent of projects were being handled by indigenous contractors. Ajimobi spoke on Monday on a live programme on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). The programme was part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration. The governor said his administration was prudent in the management of the state’s meagre resources. He said ongoing road dualisation projects in Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Iseyin would be completed by June, adding that the dualisation of the Idi Ape–Basorun-Akobo-Olorunda road, which will cost N7 billion, would begin soon. On the arrest of a factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a. Auxiliary), by the police, Ajimobi said it was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Police Command following a gun running allegation levelled against Lamidi. He said Lamidi’s confession that he was in possession of guns indicated that his hands were not clean and advised the NURTW chieftain to clear himself of the allegation instead of accusing the government of being behind his plight.
Ajimobi said his administration had fulfilled its promises to the people, particularly on employment, adding that over 16,000 cadets were recently recruited by the Youth Employment Scheme of Oyo State (YES-O), besides the over 5,000 who were given permanent employment in various ministries, departments and agencies.
The 5,000 cadets that were given permanent employment were picked from the 20,000 recruited in 2011.
The governor said over 3,000 teachers and 1,000 health workers had been employed.
He said the newly-established State Technical University would take off in September, adding that arrangements had been concluded to constitute the managements of the newly-established polytechnics in Saki and Eruwa.
On the Soka kidnappers’ den, Ajimobi urged the police to fish out its operators and prosecute them.
He said his administration would continue to improve workers’ welfare and pay salaries and allowances promptly.
The governor said his administration would continue to execute its environmental sanitation, urban renewal and infrastructure development policies.
He cautioned against rumour mongering and lies’ peddling, saying they are antithetical to progress.