The former Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Raphael Ramon Afonja has dispelled rumour flying around that the ‘Light Up Oyo’ project is not sustainable and that the project cannot stand the test of time.
Afonja reaffirmed his position that the project which was Gov. Makinde’s vision is a very laudable and sustainable one and that he worked closely with his team and contractor when he was serving as Commissioner to make sure the project is sustainable.
Afonja made this disclosure while featuring in a radio programme monitored by ODUDUWA NEWS on Oko Ilu FM Radio in Ogbomosho.
Afonja said, Engr. Makinde’s idea of lighting up the roads in Oyo state was driven by the security challenges in Nigeria and the need to drive the economy of the State of Oyo. You can definitely see that his intention which was based on those two factors has shown that he meant well for the people of Oyo state. This Lightup project is still ongoing and the main components are the renewable sources of energy to power those lights are still being tested and installed across the state. He said as if they knew that the crises between Russia and Ukraine will cause energy crises, desiel was not the ideal choice to power those lights but was used to test the lines and correct any dysfunction before the project is fully implemented. “The first phase was to test run it with diesel and then a combined energy sources would thereafter be implemented which includes IPP, solar farm, gas and inverter.
He said the change to gas and the inverter battery at this time was necessitated by the sudden increase in the price of diesel and that it is currently being powered with gas in some places in Oyo State. The Commissioner of Energy Barr. Ashamu who is now in charge of the project is a very committed person and is not relented at making sure that the alternative energy sources are installed.
“Even after leaving office I still go around and check on the projects that I awarded while in office and I keep in touch with some of the people that worked with me to share ideas and hear about their challenges”, said Afonja.
He also discussed the lingering crisis in PDP where Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and others are demanding for the resignation of the National Chairman of the Party, Iyorcha Ayu.
He called on all parties to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign in order to win the forthcoming general elections. He however made case that Engr. Makinde and Gov. Wike are democrats that believe in making sure people’s voices are heard and their opinions are considered and that is what democracy is all about. “Without this agitation, some people will force their own skewed opinions down everybody’s throat without considering all avenues that work for the betterment of the party and Nigeria as a whole, Though, the party’s constitution will deploy all major instrument to resolve the impasses”.
Afonja lauded development strides of Oyo State Governor and used the ocassion to solicit the support of the people for his re-election.
He concluded by describing the PDP presidential candidate as the Messiah Nigerians need to rescue the sinking ship of the country. He ended by saying May Almighty God bless Nigeria and it’s people.