Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, was on Monday sworn in as the Executive Governor of Oyo State for the second term, promising to put masses’ interest first.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, administered the Oath of Office and Allegiance on the Governor and his Deputy, Chief Adebayo Lawal.
In his inaugural speech, Makinde pledged to put aside self-interest, but to serve the masses’ interest to the best of his ability.
He said that his administration look forward to four years of sustainable development, refocussed on four pillars: “Economy, Education, Healthcare and Security”.
He said that the four pillars would be upgraded in the second term.
According to him, in the education sector, my administration plan to return another 50,000 to the classroom, just as it returned over 50,000 children to the classrooms in the first tenure through targeted interventions, such as maintaining the no-fees in public schools’ policy.
“Another policy that will remain in place is the 15-20 per cent budgetary allocation to education.
“We must urgently continue to reduce the infrastructure deficit in our public primary and secondary schools.
“So, we shall focus on building classrooms and other needed facilities in underserved areas in the state.
In the healthcare sector, Makinde promised to equip the over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) upgraded in his first tenure.
He, also promised to upgrade more PHCs and other selected secondary healthcare facilities to ensure that people have better access to quality healthcare.
On security, the governor promised to give the security agencies in the state the support needed to make them more effectively and efficiently carry out their duties and responsibilities.
“We will further strengthen the state security architecture by training and retraining Amotekun Corps members to be involved in intelligence gathering at the local level.
“At the Federal level, we will continue to push for reforms that will strengthen local policing and ensuring that our people continue to sleep with their eyes closed.
In the area of economy, Makinde said his vision was to further grow the state economy by building on the gains in agribusiness.
He said that his government plan to bring in investments in solid minerals, sustainable energy and tourism.
The governor further said that his administration would continue to be bullish about getting local and foreign direct investments into the state.
He, also said that youths development and creating employment opportunities for 60 per cent of the population would be focussed on.
On infrastructure development, Makinde said his government has completed over 137 kilometres of roads in his first tenure.
He promised to complete all the ongoing road projects and give priority attention to internal roads in urban areas in the second tenure.
Makinde also announced the creation of Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OMASED).
According to him, the agency will be mandated to establish a public orientation and sensitisation framework into which all agencies and departments of government must key in.
“This framework will ensure continuous sensitisation and enlightenment using traditional, electronic and social media.
“I further direct that this framework should incorporate a timetable for the enforcement of all existing traffic, waste management and Streets Trading Laws.” he said.
The governor thanked people of the state for giving him another opportunity to serve.
NAN also reports that Makinde’s political associates, including the former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko and the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taofeek Arapaja, were among the dignitaries that attended the inauguration.
Meanwhile, Makinde has named Mr Suleiman Olanrewaju, a Group Business editor, Nigerian Tribune, as his Chief Press Secretary.
Also, he returned Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, as his Chief of Staff, the same position he held during the first tenure of Makinde.(NAN).
