>
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has stated that his administration would give preference to local contractors in order to ensure that “Oyo’s money stays in Oyo.”
The governor stated this while speaking in Ogbomoso, on the occasion of his Sallah visit to the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) senatorial candidate for Oyo North Senatorial district in the 2019 election, Hon. Mulikat Adeola- Akande.
His words: “Since I assumed office,I have not awarded any contract to anybody but I am promising you that when it is time to award contracts, I will not award contracts to those who will ensure capital flight.
“We want to develop our local economy and like they say, we want to ensure that Oyo’s money stays in Oyo.
“All contracts will be awarded to those who will improve our economy and we will make the indigenous contractors partake in the running of affairs.”
He assured the people that his government won’t marginalise any zone in the distribution of appointments in the state, adding that his administration is ready to distribute appointments and other dividends of democracy equitably in the state.
The governor was addressing the crowd of PDP loyalists, who converged at the Soun Ogunlola Hall, Ogbomoso, to receive him.
According to Makinde, “Since we were elected, this is the first time I am coming to Ogbomoso. I am using this occasion to appreciate you for your support for me and the PDP. It is my prayer that whatever is your expectation in this government will be met.
“You will not labour in vain. I know that many people would have begun to look at what they can benefit. I want to assure you that those who worked will benefit. Other people will not reap where you sowed.”
The governor stated further that he will run an inclusive government that will carry all and sundry along in decision-making, while allowing the people of the state a voice in the running of its affairs.
Makinde further reiterated the commitment of his administration to running the affairs of the state with the fear of God.
“I know quite well that many people among you have been eager to get appointments from the government. I will just admonish you to be patient as it will soon get to your turn,” he said.
Earlier, Hon. Akande-Adeola welcomed the governor to Ogbomoso, expressing her delight that he could come to felicitate with her and the people of Oyo North Senatorial district like he did in 2018 before he was elected governor.
Those in attendance at the event include the Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye; Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Olawale Mogbonjubola; Deputy Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin and other members of the state Assembly.
Others include PDP chieftains from Oyo North; former Chief of Staff to governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Chief Saka Balogun; Chief Jacob Adetoro; Chief Sunday Alabi; Alhaji Yakubu Oladoja; a commissioner-nominee, Mr Ojemuyiwa Ojekunle; a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jimoh Afees and a former Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Okunlade.