>
The House of Representatives Committee on Works, led by its Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike, has commended the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for taking up the responsibility of rehabilitating federal roads within the state.
Kannike, who said this when the committee visited the governor in his office, on Tuesday, added that the governor had by the gesture demonstrated his concern for road users plying the state and his passion for the growth of businesses.
The committee chairman had led other members to the state to monitor the condition of federal road projects across the state as part of its oversight function.
He assured the governor that the committee was working with relevant authorities to ensure prompt reimbursement of the construction fund committed to federal roads as a repository gesture.
Amuda-Kannike said, “As you are conversant with the responsibility of the committee on oversight, we deemed it necessary that with the recent release of funds by the Federal Government for road construction, the committee must up its ante to monitor for efficiency and quality delivery.
“We are much aware of the efforts of Oyo State in particular, among other states, to rehabilitate federal roads, in order to give immediate impact and values to the common people who daily face the rigours associated with bad roads. We want to say this is commendable.”
Welcoming his guests, the governor said that he was delighted with the visit and the monitoring exercise embarked upon by the members, which he said was essentially meant to ensure quality delivery of works and the need to fast track the reimbursement process.
He appealed to the FG to empower states to construct roads within their borders, noting that common people hardly realized the dichotomy between federal and state roads.
Ajimobi said, “I will not overlook the strategic position your committee holds in its oversight functions on due diligence, which is to ensure quality works delivered at the right time. It is a noteworthy effort.
“All roads, whether state or federal roads are situated within the state. That is why we think states are supposed to be empowered to care for roads, as the roads impact on smooth movement of commerce, infrastructure and manpower for economic growth.
“We assure you of our support during your stay and believe that your visit will create the necessary fillip to fast track the reimbursement of the fund we have so far committed to construction of federal roads.”
The chairman of the committee explained that the visit would take members to the Abeokuta-Bakatari-Ibadan road under dualisation; Ibadan-Ilorin-Oyo Ogbomoso (Section 2) road; and rehabilitation of Odooba-Takie-Gambari-Otte road along Old Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin road.
Also on the itinerary of the committee is the inspection of the Ogbomoso-Oko-Ilogbo-Osogbo road under rehabilitation; Igbo Ile-Okun connector road at Surulere local government and Iseyin-Okeho road, which is also being rehabilitated.