Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has praised President Bola Tinubu over the weekend for authorizing the state government to assume control of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, formerly known as Liberty Stadium, and for allowing the renovation of the Ibadan Airport.
The governor also counseled Nigerians who intended to demonstrate against the country’s hardships to do it in a nonviolent manner and to refrain from damaging public property or using violence.
While he acknowledged that all Nigerians have the right to demonstrate, he added that when public utilities and other properties funded by the government are destroyed, the government is forced to spend money that could be better spent on repairing the harm.
The governor issued this warning on Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, during the grand finale of 2024 Ibadan Week, which was organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes.
Makinde said: “Nigeria could be in this situation for now. We could be experiencing anger and hunger in the land and that is why our people want to protest.
“Yes, protest is everybody’s right. But remember that we used your money to build all the structures and facilities we have put in place in this state, not mine. So, if you want to protest, it must be peaceful.
“If you begin your protest, don’t destroy government properties, otherwise, we will have to use the money we are supposed to spend on meaningful projects to replace facilities that may get destroyed.”
Governor Makinde stated that his administration has been making every effort to improve the state capital. He praised the CCII and all of the Ibadan leaders for their efforts to promote the growth and development of the city.
He also mentioned that the state government will break work on the planned upgrading of Ibadan Airport in roughly six weeks, and that as part of these efforts to elevate the city, he would appoint a committee to oversee the project on Tuesday.
He thanked the president for approving the airport upgrade and reaffirmed that a new, international-standard Ibadan airport will be built within 18 months.
The governor praised President Tinubu for granting Oyo state permission to take over Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, which was formerly known as Liberty Stadium. He also pledged that the stadium will soon get a makeover.
He added: “I greet the members of the IPU, Omo Ajorosun, and other prominent Ibadan Social Clubs. I greet our religious leaders, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, and other important guests.”
Speaking next, Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, the governor’s wife, expressed her happiness at receiving the Most Outstanding Wife of Ibadan award and thanked the CCII for the honor as well as the people of Ibadan for always supporting her husband, the governor.
At the function, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, the state’s deputy governor, received the title of Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan.
Earlier, Chief Suleiman Ajewole, the President-General of CCII, praised Governor Makinde for spearheading the delivery of a new Olubadan Palace and called him a real son of Ibadanland.
“Our Governor is, indeed, a true son of Ibadanland. He has a lot of work on his table to undertake, but he is here today because today’s event is an Ibadan agenda. Personally, I appreciate him for that.
“I want to commend him, again, for handing over power to his Deputy. It shows he is pleased with him and knows that he is loyal and dedicated.
“Today, 163 clubs are represented in this event. In the time of Governor Makinde, we are able to have a new palace, which has been adjudged the best palace in the whole of Africa.
“We completed it within seven months. Our governor promised us and fulfilled his promise fully. Indeed, he is a promise-keeper.” Ajewole stated.
