The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday in Ibadan appealed to Gov. Seyi Makinde to replicate the construction of bus terminus in other geo-political zones of the state.
The Assembly made the appeal following the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by the Chief Whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, and the House Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion was titled “Need for the Executive arm of government to replicate construction of bus terminals in other administrative zones of the state”.
The motion, read by Oyekola, harped on the importance of bus terminals in the management and development of the transportation sector in the state.
The Assembly later resolved that such should be extended to all geo-political zones in Oyo State.
NAN reports that Gov. Seyi Makinde on assumption of office in his first term embarked on the construction of four ultra-modern bus terminals.
Two out of the four terminals were constructed and inaugurated at Ojoo and Challenge areas of Ibadan.
The other two are presently under construction and are terminals 1 and 2 at Iwo Road in Ibadan.
The Assembly also appealed to Gov. Makinde to increase the number of buses released to other zones such as Oyo town, Ogbomoso and Oke-Ogun.
This, according to the lawmakers, is to enhance intra- and inter-city transportation across all zones, as well as boost economic activities of the areas.
The motion acknowledged the giant strides of Gov. Makinde in the transportation sector, especially in the construction of four ultra-modern bus terminals.
“Gov. Makinde should be applauded for his magnanimity in approving 16 new luxury buses for inter-city purpose in Saki, Iseyin, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Ibarapa areas of the state.
“This is to cushion the aftermath effects of fuel subsidy removal on the citizens and residents of Oyo State.
“A total of 46 buses have so far been captured under the Sustainable Action For Economic Recovery (SAFER) programme of the present administration to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal within the state.
“Thirty buses were released for the same purpose within Ibadan in recent time,” Oyekola said.
“Until the construction of the terminals, cases of kidnapping were rampant among unauthorised taxi and bus drivers who conveyed and kidnapped unsuspecting passengers along the roads any time of the day,” he added.
The Assembly then noted that with the terminus in place, the safety of every passenger and their luggage would be guaranteed.
It added that the particulars and information of passengers would be taken and recorded on manifests before the vehicles would leave for their different destinations.
“The House is aware that after the completion of the two terminals, it will be easier for the government to regulate the activities of commuters, and increase internally-generated revenue in the state.
“It will also serve as a business hub for traders and a very good security measure against kidnapping and loss of passengers’ personal belongings
“Commercial drivers will now be closely monitored, thereby ensuring their good conduct, reducing sales and intake of alcohol since it is prohibited for anyone to sell alcoholic drinks within and outside the terminus,” the Assembly pointed out.(NAN)
