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Newly sworn in governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday promised to scrap the N3000 fees being paid by secondary school students in the state.
He made the decalartion, among others, in his inaugural speech shortly after taking the oath of office at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road.
Some of the declarations made are as follows:
MINIMUM WAGE
The governor slightly deflated the hopes of workers in the state when he declared that the state is incapable of paying the new national minimum wage recently signed into law by the Federal Government. He said state’s should have been allowed to fix the minimum wage based on their capabilities.
He however promised to make workers happy by meaningful workers welfare packages and ensuring that Oyo State becomes the first state to pay above the national minimum wage. He said he would negotiate with workers amd see to a staggered increae in their salaries.
GOVERNOR’S SALARY
The new governor declared that he is donating his entire salary as governor to teachers’ pension fund
BOTSWANA MAIZE EXPORT DEAL
Makinde announced that arrangement has already been put in place for Oyo State to export maize to Botswana, adding that it is just one of the ways the state’s agricultural sector will be transformed.
FREEDOM BRIDGE
Makinde declared that the overhead bridge which links Agodi-Governor’s House road to the state secretariat complex will henceforth be called “Freedom Bridge” as it will now be open for everyone driving into the secretariat, not just the governor and his wife as was the case before now.
PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY
Makinde promised that his administration will establish a commission for persons living with disabilities in the state and institute a framework for equal opportunities for all, living with disability or not. He said companies who up their recruitment of persons with disabilities will enjoy some tax incentives.
LAUTECH
The governor said his administration will seek special ways to reposition the Ladoke Akintola University of Texhnology (LAUTECH), stating that the priority is a complete take over of the Oyo-Osun jointly owned school by Oyo State
SECONDARY SCHOOL FEES
The governor declared that “effective from today, the N3,000 fees being paid by public secondary school pupils in the state is abolished”
EDUCATION BUDGET
He said his administration will devote 10 per cent of ots annual bidget to edication and increase it gradually till it meedts the 26 per cent standard recommendation of UNESCO.
TOUGH DECISION
Makinde warned that in the course if carrying out programmes to transform the state, his administration will take some tough decisions in the immediate in order to reap long term benefits. He however promised that every decision taken would be fair and just, urging the people to focus on the goal.
“HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE”
Governor Makinde told the people to hold him accountable for the promises he has made and also stated that he would hold the people accountable for their expected support as moving the state forward is a collectove duty. He said he will take responsibility for every action of government under his watch.