By Remi Adefulu
banji Alabi is the convener, Ondo State Eminent Group (OSEG) a group of professional dedicated to the development of the sunshine state. He speaks on the first 100 days of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and more:
What is your impression about the first 100 days of the Akeredolu administration?
The Akeredolu administration has done very well with its first 100 days. I am indeed delighted that the administration has justified the confidence reposed in it by the people of Ondo State. Even the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave the administration thumbs up for doing so well within such a brief period.
I am, however, not surprised because we are talking about Ondo State, one of the most respected states in Nigeria, a state where people can make informed choices on who to lead them at any point in time. Recall that Akeredolu was a former Attorney General in the state under our great leader, Late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, whose legacies are still aglow many years after. With such a rich background, I am not surprised that the state is gradually getting back on track.
Why did your group back Akeredolu?
Akeredolu himself is a thorough bred professional. He has devoted entire life to the legal profession, rising to the exalted position of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and later president of the Nigerai Bar Association (NBA).
As a group of professionals from Ondo State, we have had very close contact with him and can attest to his integrity and professionalism. We are not politicians, but as a group committed to the growth and development of the state we make bold to say that only those who have what it takes can take Nigeria to where it ought to be in the comity of Nations.
That is why we believe that Akeredolu’s experience will work for the people and his first 100 days in office attest to this fact.
How well do you think the governor has performed?
I think the governor deserves the praises of all thus far. It was all industrial unrest in the dying days of the last administration because salaries of several months could not be paid. Today, it is a brand new day. It is a pity that they we forget so soon in Nigeria.
To appreciate the enormous work of the governor, I want to suggest that the government should publish the balance sheet of what it inherited from the Mimiko administration to enable people appreciate the enormous work this administration has put in within such a short period. As a member of the transition committee, which ushered in this administration, I can clearly say that the state was on life support before this governor came in. It is, however, a thing of Joy that things are moving very fast, I am happy that the state is being restored by Akeredolu.
Today, civil servants are happy because salaries are being paid. Even lecturers sacked at the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, were re-instated and their full benefits paid to date. The governor also signed an MOU with a foreign firm on the Olokola project to construct a 27km bridge across the sea to link Ilaje area of the state with Lekki in Lagos State. This no doubt is a milestone in view of what the state stands to benefits from this strategic project.
For those who don’t know Lekki is the home of business in Lagos, which is Nigeria’s business, capital. It therefore means that huge business benefits will accrue to the state as the Lekki area is home to Africa’s largest private refinery, owned by Aliko Dangote. The icing on the cake I think is that the impact of this young administration is gradually being felt in the area of infrastructural development across the three senatorial districts.
What advice for the administration?
This administration needs to be focused. It needs to identify those areas that need to be worked upon to take the state to the next level, legacy projects like Oluwa glass and others were products of deep thinking.
The governor should set up an advisory committee of experts to advise him from time to time on how to move the state forward. The state has so many of them scattered all over the place. The committee will not be on salary and they will meet once in a while to share ideas with the governor. The committee exists in Lagos. The governor should also take time to study former Governor Olusegun Agagu’s book – “Road Map to Progress.” These are essential ingredients for moving the state forward.