1st June, 2016
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi, has advocated collection of tolls on all new roads in Osun to generate more revenue for the State Government.
Akanbi made the call in Iwo when he received heads of markets (Babalojas), from major towns in Osun on Tuesday.
He stressed the need for individuals, groups and government to take proactive steps to rake in money in the face of the nation`s dwindling economy.
He explained that one of the basic necessities for economic activities was a good network of roads.
He, therefore, advised the government to take more loans for road construction and start the collection of tolls on new roads.
Akanbi said the dwindling economy should not be an excuse for stagnation in the provision of infrastructure in the state.
He said one of the factors responsible for the hike in food prices was the cost of transportation of farm produce to markets in the cities.
He said sacrificing a small amount of money as a price for getting roads fixed for smooth economic activities should not be too much for patriotic citizens.
Akanbi added that the giant steps of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola in the provision of infrastructure should be complemented and appreciated by the people.
“We must work together as a people to make our state and the country a better place for us to stay irrespective of our economic condition.
“The present dwindling economy in Nigeria requires proactive measures so that certain infrastructure like good roads basic to our existence could be achieved.
“I commend Aregbesola for development of infrastructure especially massive road construction in the state, but such efforts could be appreciated and complimented by the people through little sacrifice.
“Paying tolls on our new roads would go a long way to ameliorate the huge financial commitment of the government and also speed up economic growth, considering the importance of roads to micro-economic activities’’, Akanbi said.
President-General of the heads of markets, Mr David Iyiola, prayed for peace and continuous progress in Iwo land, and commended the monarch for his humility and leadership qualities.
He implored the heads of markets to be patient and truthful; pointing out that such qualities would bring traders together in harmony and guarantee peace in the markets.