1st September, 2011
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State today disclosed that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would visit Ibadan, capital of Oyo State tomorrow for an on the spot assessment of the areas affected by the flood incident in the city which destroyed many lives and property.
Speaking through his Commissioner for Information, Mr. Bosun Oladele, after the first executive meeting of the administration, the governor stated that the president is coming to assess things by himself in order to know the area where the Federal Government could assist the state.
Ajimobi said: “President Jonathan is coming for first hand information. He will visit some of the areas of the incident. He is also coming to commiserate with the people of Oyo State on the tragic incident, which by God’s grace, will never happen to us againâ€.
However, the governor pointed out that the demolition squad of the state would soon hit the town of Ibadan to demolish all illegal structures and houses built very close to rivers.
“We will soon publish those that will be affected by the exercise. We will also announce it on the radio and television. We want everybody to be close to their radio and television sets as well as read newspapers so as to know what to do before the demolition squad starts working.
“I assure that anyone that has violated the city’s master plan would be affected. It is better to prevent loss of live and property. Anyone who knows that he is affected should vacate the place before we come,†he said.
He also disclosed that a committee has been set up to mark the administration’s 100 days in office.
Shortly after the press briefing, the governor embarked on visits to the affected areas.
As at the time of filing this report, he was on his way to Apete Area of Ibadan after leaving University of Ibadan, UI, to assess the extent of damage caused by the flood.
By Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan