Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday underscored the importance of a good transportation system in enhancing citizens’ economic activities and convenience.

Mr Obasanjo stated this while joining Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to inaugurate two Central Bus Terminals at the Iwo Road Interchange in Ibadan.

He particularly noted that Ibadan, being a populous city, needed a viable transportation system to ease the movement of its residents.

“If you’re going to make it convenient for people to live in Ibadan and transact business in Ibadan, there must be availability of transportation; that is what these bus terminals are meant for,” Mr Obasanjo said.

He submitted that Ibadan could take the status of the capital of Yorubaland, having been the former capital of the old Western Region.

Commending Mr Makinde for the developmental strides of his administration, he said the benefits of his deeds transcended Oyo State to the entire region.

The former president, therefore, urged the Oyo State governor to remain focused on his vision to bring unprecedented development to the state.

According to him, the governor will be insulted by some people, but he should not relent in doing whatever good work there is to be done.

In his address, Mr Makinde reiterated his commitment to the state’s development, saying it remained unshaken.

He said the bus terminals fulfilled the promises he made to the people of the state.

On the wave of criticisms hurled at him regarding the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road, he said he wouldn’t be deterred from continuing what would move the state forward.

Mr Makinde emphasised that the 113-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road project was a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for sustainable growth and urban expansion.

According to him, the road, when completed, will ease traffic congestion, open up new economic corridors, and attract more investment to the state.

He said it was unfortunate that some individuals had chosen to politicise a project designed to bring long-term economic and infrastructural benefits to the state.

However, he pledged to engage genuine landowners whose property were affected by the circular road project in the coming week.

The construction of the two ultra-modern Ibadan Central Bus Terminals commenced in June 2021.

The newly inaugurated terminals are part of the four bus terminals built in Ibadan by the Makinde-led administration in the last five years.

The two terminals would be expected to accommodate at least 42 parks and attract about 15,000 passengers daily. 

(NAN)