The Chairman Transition Committee of Imeko-Afon Local Government has explained why one of the Transformers at Owode-Idi Ayin Ward is not installed till now since it's purchase in 2012.
Chief Olusola Oke made the clarification known at an interactive session organized by All Progressive Congress, Zone 2 Youth Forum which comprises of four wards namely; Afon, Agborogbomo, Atapele & Owode/Obada.
The Chairman responded to the question of one Mr. Adeola from Owode-Idi Ayin who sought to find out why the Transformer around Ma Salam Filling Station at Owode is yet to be energized since it's purchase in 2012 following rumours that it was the Chairman that was awarded the contract by the then Local Government administration of Hon. Jide Ogunesan (Late).
According to the LG boss, "truly, the contract of purchase and installation was awarded to me in 2012 by the then LG Chairman sequel to an instruction by the former State Governor, and advance payment was released. I used the part payment to purchase the transformer and accessories needed to install the transformer. Unfortunately due to politics of different interest that ensued then, the balance to complete the project was withheld. There were insinuations that, if I was paid, I would have financial resources to contest against the incumbent Chairman during the Local Government elections. I wrote to the successive governments requesting the balance so I can complete the project for the benefit of the people. The transitional government of Amoko invited me and inquired about the state of the project. When presented with figure that will be needed to complete the project, they claimed it is not what they can attend to at the moment. It is important for you to note that I never abandoned the electrification project, it was left uncompleted because our client, the Government then didn't fulfill their part of the contract terms" Oke explained.
Oke however assured the youth that if his current administration is well funded, about nine transformers across the LG that requires installation will be fixed to the glory of God and to the delight of the people.
He noted that he served with the defunct NEPA for 20 years and his area of expertise is Rural & Urban Electrification and it is his wish that his people enjoyed constant power supply during his era as the LG Chairman.
He further reiterated that Owode Town belongs to his Grandma's family - The Kuolas and that his father, Late Chief Ezekiel Alamu Oke was responsible for the establishment of Owode Market in 1973. The old man died the same day the market was to be commissioned by the then District Officer of Ilaro District. Therefore he can't afford not to be committed to the growth and development of the developing town. He encourages the youth in attendance to dispel the rumour making rounds that he abandoned a project he was paid for.
While responding on behalf of the APC Zone 2 Youth Forum, the Coordinator, Mr. Lamidi Ganiyu extolled the virtues of the Chairman. He commended his humility and praised his style of administration. Lamidi said this is the first time they will see a sitting Chairman of a Local Government who is always willing to interact with the populace regardless of their status. He charged the Chairman to continue to impress the good people of Imeko-Afon Local Government.
Some other attendees at the meeting demanded for developmental projects in their various wards too. The Chairman promised to be fair and equitable in the distribution of projects across the Local Government in line with availability of funds.
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