Gbenro Adesina
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has assured the state workers of pumper welfare packages in 2021, stressing that backlog of promotions from 2017 to 2020 would be cleared.
Stating this today during the annual inter-faith service to mark the beginning of 2021, Makinde said that the government would also create the opportunity for deserving civil servants to rise to Grade Level 17.
The Governor equally declared that his administration was on top of the insecurity challenges in the state, noting that the government would continue to run policies and programmes that impact positively on the lives of the majority of the populace.
He said that despite the hardship occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, his government was able to keep up with the prompt payment of salaries and pensions all through 2020 and even paid the 13th month salary as well as embark on several infrastructure development projects.
Governor Makinde listed the 10 infrastructural development projects his administration would commission in 2021 to include the 65 kilometre Moniya-Iseyin Road; the 21 kilometre Ajia-Airport Express with spur to Amuloko; the four bus terminals in Ibadan; Challenge-Odo Ona-Apata Road; the Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa Road in Oyo town; and the Lekan Salami Sports Complex remodelling, among others.
The Governor condemned those who criticised him for travelling to United States of America (USA) adding that throughout last year, he did not travel out of the country because he felt that he should stay with his people during the outbreak of Covid-19.
“On the 30th, I decided to spend the New Year in the United States of America and before I came back, critics were saying I went to America to enjoy myself while Oyo State was burning. My belief is, they were crticising me because they had no other thing to say. Well, I am back and we will continue to serve the people of Oyo State”, he added.
According to him, “So, we are looking forward to commissioning various projects that we started last year. For example, the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin road, will be commissioned this year. Also lined up for commissioning this year are: the 21km Airport- Ajia-New Ife Express road with a spur to Amuloko; the 12km Apete-Awotan-Akufo road, which will be the first concrete road belonging to the state government.
“We also hope to commission the 3km Under G Stadium-LAUTECH-2nd Gate road; the 5km Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa road; the 12.5km dualisation of Challenge-Odo Ona Elewe-Apata road and that road is special because it will take pressure off Ring Road. “In the course of the year, we will also commission the 10km Saki Township road dualisation amongst others.
“Aside these, we will also be commissioning the remodelled Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, and I look forward to watching Shooting Stars in the stadium soon. Mark this, the first match we will watch there will be at 7 p.m.
“We hope to also commission the four bus terminals at Iwo Road, New Ife Road, Challenge and Ojoo in Ibadan as well as the bike and bus terminal at Agodi Gate, Ibadan. I will be visiting Akesan Market next week. The first phase is done and we will be commissioning the entire project (the two phases) in the next three to four months.”
While speaking on his administration’s continued commitment to the welfare of civil servants, Governor Makinde said: “We heard some people wondering last year if we will continue paying salaries promptly given the hardship occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic meltdown. Well, by the grace of God, we are not owing salaries.
“We even surprised them more by paying 13th month salaries for the second time running at a time when other states are owing their workers. In fact, we have spent about N9.3 billion to pay pensions and gratuities owed by the previous administration so far, and we will continue to pay to clear up the backlog.
“Also, as you may be aware, there is a backlog of outstanding promotions from 2016. This will be addressed this year. All the outstanding promotions from 2017 to 2020 will be done. Furthermore, under our watch, deserving civil servants will have the opportunity to get up to grade level 17.
“Let me reassure you that we will continue to prioritise the welfare of the civil servants in Oyo State. Yes, we are expecting that 2021 will come with its own challenges. In as much as we want everything to be smooth-sailing, God promised us that He will get us to our destinations safely. “There will be period of turbulence but if will believe in God, we will get to that destination. So, I expect challenges and we are ready to face them.”
