Corruption has always been a major issue in Nigeria, and the “Light Up Oyo” project initiated by the PDP Oyo State Government under Engr Seyi Makinde is a clear manifestation of corrupt act at its peak.
The project, which aimed to provide lightening to the streets of Oyo state, thereby improving the security of lives and position the state for socio-economic drive, turned out to be nothing more than a scam that cost the taxpayers billions of naira.
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It is alarming to know that the PDP/Oyo State Government invested such a significant amount of money in a project that was doomed to fail from the start. Instead of finding a long-term solution to the state’s electricity problems, the government chose to use generators to power street lights, a temporary solution that was not only inefficient but also wasteful. Copying Lagos state that has the capacity and enormous resources to successfully carry on with such project is a no brainer.
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The consequences of this failed project are dire, and the people of Oyo State are the ones paying the price. The failure of the project has resulted in the people of Oyo state being left in darkness. The streets are poorly lit, making it difficult for people to move around at night, and also increasing the risk of crime and violence. The people of Oyo state deserve better than this.
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The money that could have been used for more meaningful development projects was wasted on a project that never delivered on its promises. The streets of Oyo, particularly many areas in Ibadan and ibarapa remain dark, and the people are left to deal with the consequences of a corrupt government that prioritizes personal gain over the welfare of its citizens.
It is not enough for the government to simply apologize for this scandalous act. The officials led by the Governor himself and others responsible for this project should be held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law. The people of Oyo State deserve better than this, and it is the responsibility of the people to ensure that such an incident never happens again, since the government has failed them.
This scandal highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in Nigerian governance. It is time for the government to take the necessary steps to ensure that corruption is eradicated from all levels of governance. Only then can Nigeria begin to move forward and achieve the developmental goals that it so desperately needs.
The “Light Up Oyo” project is a clear example of the corruption that plagues the PDP administration of Oyo state and its governance systems in general. Well-meaning citizens of Oyo State must take responsibility and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. It is time for the people of Oyo State to demand better from their leaders and to work together towards a brighter future for the state and their country. This is only achievable by voting out the corrupt government and welcome fresh start.
