Assent
By David Adeoye
Ibadan, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Tuesday in Ibadan signed into law the bill establishing the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED).
However, Makinde not only signed the executive bill into law, he also announced the appointment of a former Commissioner for Education in the state, Dr Thomas Morohunkola, as the agency’s Director-General.
In his remarks, the governor said the agency’s establishment was in line with his stand that the administration would not only be defined by the massive infrastructure it has built.
”But it will be by the strong institutions it has put in place.
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“With OYMASED, we have an agency that will clarify abstract ideas in our state economic policies and educate our people about the law and political process.
“This agency we are creating today will serve as a rallying point for several key ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the government.
“As a country, we have to prioritise production and we cannot be productive without mobilising our people behind what we want to do.
“When we broaden our productive base, that is when we know we are tackling the issue of taking our people out of poverty into prosperity.
“There is hunger in the land, which does not reflect where we should be as a nation. So, we must create a framework to harness our potential through mobilisation, sensitisation and advocacy. So, this agency is a key part of the framework,” he said.
The governor further said his administration would continue to prioritise economic development in order to solve major challenges in the state.
“Also, when economic development is prioritised, continuous education is needed. You cannot win people’s trust if you do not clearly communicate where you are taking them.
“OYMASED will play a big role in the continuous mobilisation and sensitisation of the various demographics in Oyo State for the pursuit of social, economic, political and environmental development,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also inaugurated the office of the newly-established OYMASED immediately after he assented the bill.
During the inauguration of the office, Makinde reiterated his stance that the state only needs strong institutions to continue to thrive.
He stated that the country would have to borrow a leaf from the pages of Oyo State in creating strong institutions to address its challenges.
In his goodwill message, a former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana, who witnessed the inauguration, said OYMASED would bring development and transformation to the state.
He said this would be faster and better through the involvement and mobilisation of the people in governance.
Gana commended Makinde for establishing OYMASED, which he described as a good initiative.
Morohunkola, in his remarks, assured that the objectives of establishing OYMASED would be achieved and that the Makinde administration would leave a lasting legacy for coming administrations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DAK/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)
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