Oyo State governor, ’Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, declared that the state government will soon award the contracts for the reconstruction of internal roads in Ibadan metropolis as part of his administration’s commitment to fix inner roads after successfully linking all the zones of the state with road infrastructure.

The governor stated that the projects to be kick-started within the next few weeks would include two major highways, Challenge-Ring Road to Mile 110 Junction and the Beere-Yemetu-Bodija-University of Ibadan roads, which he said would be reconstructed completely.

Governor Makinde, who stated this while commissioning the Bond Mall, Ring Road, Ibadan, equally said his government would continue to support and encourage investors with the right infrastructure and environment for their businesses to thrive.

“People have been complaining about the internal roads in Ibadan and I went round to check for myself. I can announce today that in three weeks, we will award the contracts and they will be mobilised to sites.

“For the Ring Road, from Challenge to the point linking Abeokuta Expressway, we are reconstructing it completely, because this is a major highway in Oyo State. And from Beere, we are reconstructing from that point to U.I. All of that will be awarded in a matter of weeks,” the governor said.

The governor appreciated the investor and Chief Executive Officer, Bond Group of Companies, Pharmacist Remi Omotosho, for investing and creating employment opportunities in the state.

Assuring Omotosho of his administration’s support in terms of tax reduction, provision of maximum security, and donation of a security patrol vehicle to the mall, Governor Makinde charged other investors to come into the state, stating that his government would support them with everything needed to succeed.

He said: "Let me congratulate the Bond Group of Companies, because I saw the Mall you built in Bodija and he also told me that the third one on Akala Way is almost done. I can only encourage you and let you know that anything the government needs to provide to ensure that this business is successful will be done.”

He added, “For also creating employment opportunities in Oyo State, I will say that whatever you need from the government, we will give you. If you open this place 24 hours, I will instruct Amotekun to move their patrol vehicle here to operate for 24 hours too.

“I will personally ensure that one of the 100 vehicles we want to give to security agencies is given to this Mall.

“So, I want to congratulate my brother, Remi Omotosho, and his wife. I also want to congratulate the father too.”

Governor Makinde also used the opportunity of the event to admonish Nigerians who believe in the ‘Japa’ syndrome to reconsider their stance by exploring the limitless opportunities available in Nigeria, especially in the areas of investments and industry.

He noted that his government would encourage anyone with the desire to explore the opportunities by supporting them and creating opportunities for them.

He said: “Yes, the grass may appear greener on the other side, but there are enough opportunities in our country, though we are going through a lot of challenges, we are not the only country going through something like this.

“As a government, we will continue to encourage you. We will continue to point you in a direction and create opportunities for you.”

Earlier in his remarks, the CEO Bond Group of Companies, Remi Omotosho, commended the leadership and people-oriented approach of Governor Makinde.

He lauded the governor for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, saying that Makinde administration’s commitment to economic development and prioritisation of tourism development as contained in his roadmap for sustainable development 2023-2027, are highly commendable.

Omotosho added that the new facility would go a long way in partnering with the state government in its bid to develop the economy of the state, not only through tourism but also in the area of internally generated revenue and job creation.

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