Former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State for his infrastructure drive, stating that it would attract investment into the state.
He also urged the governor to maintain the peace and tranquility in the state, noting that Osun remained one of the most peaceful states in the country.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Government House VIP Lodge in Osogbo, the former President encouraged the governor not to be deterred by critics of his dancing, but to continue his infrastructure development efforts.
He said, “Some people once despised you for dancing, but I believe only happy people dance. You are my dancing partner. What I have heard and seen in the past three days that I have been here confirms that you are working. If anyone still doubts it, they should come and see Osun for themselves.”
He further advised the governor to prioritize developmental projects according to the people’s desires, emphasizing that such priorities would attract investment and promote the growth and development of the state.
“Our people have the desire to work and invest; they need an enabling environment. Once you provide that, there will be job opportunities for the teeming youth population in the state,” Obasanjo added.
Governor Adeleke, earlier in his remarks, explained that his commitment to completing the project, initiated by the previous administration, stemmed from the desire to ensure that the state received value for every investment made.
He stated, “I am of the firm belief that we should never politicize public infrastructure. Political affiliation should never determine which projects are completed or abandoned. This project was started by an APC government, abandoned by an APC government, but now completed by a PDP government. We are setting the standard for best practice.
“We are conscious of the impact projects like this have on the cost of governance. In an era of clamor for a reduction in the cost of running government, we seek to reduce the cost of hosting important personalities visiting the State. With this structure completed, we have achieved a major milestone in cost efficiency.”
