Ex-Ogun Gov: Lack of continuity stalling Nigeria’s dev’t

Former Governor of Ogun State Veteran journalist, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, has identified lack of continuity among successive administrations as a major challenge underpinning Nigeria’s development and growth.

Osoba stated this in Abeokuta on Sunday, shortly after his investiture as the Life Vice Patron of Abeokuta Club.

The elder statesman expressed worry that many successive administrations at state and federal levels are in the habit of jettisoning policies and projects of previous governments.

Drawing from his personal experience, Osoba said when he left government in Ogun State, some of his projects, especially rural electrification, water and roads, as well as Local Council Development Areas, were discontinued.

He accused his predecessor of “wiping out anything about Osoba.”

Osoba said, “Our problem in Nigeria is (lack of) continuity. If only there is continuity.

“When I was governor, I created Local Government Development Council and extracted Orile-Oko out of Remo North LGA.

“Well, Obasanjo and Daniel cancelled the LCDA that we created then. It’s unfortunate.”

The APC leader equally recalled how he stopped pilgrimage sponsorship in order to cater for the WAEC fees of indigent students in the state.

“Yes, when I came in, I was very upset that students were carrying desks from home to school. And a lot of brilliant students could not sit for WAEC because their parents could not afford the fee. That’s why I told them that instead of spending money on pilgrims, either Christian or Muslim, let me stop that and use the money to build desks.

“And that was when government started paying WAEC fees of all students. So, whether your parents were able to pay the WAEC fees or not, the government took care of the payment of the WAEC fees,” Osoba said.

Speaking on the honour, Osoba described it as one of the greatest honours he ever received.

“I’m highly fulfilled because no matter the honour and achievements, the greatest one is from your roots,” he said.

He, therefore, vowed to rededicate himself to the service of the club, which he described as the “greatest club in the world.”

The Life President and Chairman, Board of Trustees and Elders of the Club, Prof. Afolabi Soyode, said the honour bestowed on Osoba and Chief Olusegun Osunkeye was meant to affirm character, service, and excellence in leadership.

He said, “Chief Osoba stands as one of Abeokuta’s finest gifts to Nigeria. His rise, influence and legacy continue to inspire generations.

“Alongside him, we honour Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, CON, a corporate leader of enviable stature — steady, ethical, visionary. His stewardship in industry, his exemplary corporate governance and his lifelong commitment to community development make him one of Nigeria’s most respected boardroom personalities.”

Speaking with newsmen, the former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, described Abeokuta Club as an intellectual camp of Egbaland, populated by accomplished people.

Isola said Osoba’s choice as the Vice Patron was well-deserved.

“As governor, he has played a significant role, and even when he left office, he is still taking interest in the service of the club.

“Chief Osoba is a colossus, and the honour at home is what we all cherish no matter the honour you have received outside your home, because it’s usually said that a prophet is not honoured at home.

“When you are honoured at home, it’s a way of saying, well done, you are doing well, please do more,” he said.

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