NAN-H-3
Development
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Dec. 10, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has urged African leaders to learn from each other, saying this was the best way to achieve developmental goals.
The governor made the call in Ibadan while receiving a delegation from Ghana led by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Mohammed Sowah.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation was in the state to seek the state’s environmental sanitation template for replication in Accra.
“The fastest way to development and making a change is by templating. There is need for us to learn from whoever has done something successfully,” he said.
The governor said that his administration on assumption of office in 2011 prepared a template of its agenda based on needs and priority.
“Before we assumed office, Ibadan was popularly known as one of the dirtiest in Nigeria and a home of brigandage. Our administration before assumption was prepared to reverse the trend.
“Our first project when we came on board was to ensure peace as well as security of lives and properties which we were able to do,’’ he said.
He said his administration also improved on infrastructure by constructing a network of roads.
Ajimobi also said that his administration was able to dualise all roads leading into major towns in the state, adding that this was to make the environment comfortable for all.
“There are many things we can share and learn from each other. Nigeria and Ghana have extremely similar background.
“By now, what you want to learn from us would be faster and better in implementation. It is very easy for you to implement and improve on it to suit your environment,’’ he added.
Earlier, Sowah had commended Ajimobi on his achievements, saying the governor had tremendously transformed the state into a modern city and an haven for investors
He said that the delegation was in Ibadan to share experiences and learn from the environmental sanitation methods evolved by the state government.
“I am really happy with the significant changes we saw in Lagos and Ibadan. I am really impressed with all that you have achieved so far in Oyo State.
“Our president on assumption of office declared that he wants Accra to be the cleanest city in Africa. This is why we in Accra have to move fast in making the declaration a reality.
“Let me inform you that we got to know about the environmental sanitation programmes of your administration from a firm in our quest to making it a reality,” he said.
Sowah said that his team would study the template used by the state and replicate it in Accra.(NAN)
TAA/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)