Makinde’s People Skills Key to Oyo’s Peace, Says Ex-Head of Service

Ibadan, Oyo State – Governor Seyi Makinde’s remarkable ability to connect with the populace is a significant factor in the prevailing peace within Oyo State, according to Overseer (Dr) Ebenezer Okebukola, a former Head of Service.

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Speaking in an interview with The People’s Verdict, Dr. Okebukola, who previously held the position of Permanent Secretary across eight different ministries before leading the civil service, highlighted the governor’s interpersonal skills as a cornerstone of his administration’s achievements.

He illustrated this point by referencing the recent fire incident at Aleshinloye Market. “Consider the situation at Aleshinloye Market,” Dr. Okebukola explained. “When traders heard about potential developers who might not allocate shops to them, there was unrest. However, within days, the governor engaged with them directly, offering reassurance and support, which fostered peace and restored normalcy.”
Dr. Okebukola also commended Governor Makinde’s commitment to the consistent payment of salaries and the promotion of civil servants. He emphasized the crucial role of a motivated workforce in policy implementation, stating, “Civil servants are the instruments of policy execution. Ensuring their timely remuneration equips them to perform optimally.” He further suggested that ongoing training and development for civil servants would unlock their full potential.

“Regular salary payments also stimulate the state’s economy,” Dr. Okebukola noted. “When civil servants receive their dues promptly, they contribute to the local economy through their spending, effectively redistributing wealth within the state.”

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Governor Makinde’s respect for his predecessors and his dedication to continuing existing projects also drew praise from the former Head of Service. “His Excellency demonstrates humility by acknowledging and building upon the work of past administrations,” Dr. Okebukola observed. “The ongoing Ibadan Circular Road, initiated by a previous government, is a prime example of this commitment. Similarly, he has not only sustained the Technical University, started under Governor Abiola Ajimobi, but has also honored him by renaming it. This underscores the principle that government is a continuous process.”

The transformation of Fasola Farm Estate into a thriving industrial hub was another significant achievement highlighted by Dr. Okebukola. Recalling his early career at the estate, he noted its revitalization under Governor Makinde’s leadership. “What was once a largely dormant facility now houses diverse projects that promise to bolster food security within the region – a truly remarkable feat,” he stated.

Furthermore, Dr. Okebukola lauded the governor’s focus on infrastructure development. “The ongoing upgrade of Ladoke Akintola Airport will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to Oyo State’s economy, both in the short and long term,” he asserted. “The construction of roads, such as the Ogbomoso-Iseyin link which connects to the Sokoto-Badagry highway, and various township roads, are also directly and indirectly accelerating economic growth.”