The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and national leader of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC), Iba Gani Adams, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu over comments made during his visit to Jos following attacks on a community promising to install CCTV cameras in the Plateau State capital saying the president should rather install the gadgets across the country.

Adams stated this in his address at the annual Oke ‘badan Festival held on at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

It would be recalled that the Oke-Ibadan festival is a yearly celebration that honours the founding of Ibadan, the Aboke and the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Adams said: “We are surprised that President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit to Jos, was just saying that CCTV gadgets will be fixed in Jos. But I dare say CCTV ought to be installed across the entire country.

” One of the key secrets of good security in the Western world is the CCTVCCTV that is installed in strategic locations, even in some streets”.

He pointed out that adequate and regular power supply has been a key reason advanced countries can operate CCTV round the clock saying that” without adequate and regular power supply, there is no life”.

“It is funny how Nigeria can be talking about 5000 megawatts at this stage of our development as a nation.

” South Africa with whom we are competing as giant of Africa has an installed electricity generation capacity of approximately 58,000 megawatts. Though the actual, reliable operational capacity is significantly lower, often dropping below 30,000 megawatts due to maintenance and plant breakdowns, primarily from coal. ESKOM which is the official South African utility company supplies about 90% of this power.

He also cited Egypt as Africa’s largest electricity producer, with a total generation capacity exceeding 60,000 megawatts with continuous to increase in it’s power production with major solar and wind projects.

” Nigeria must take a cue from other forward-thinking nations and resolve the power challenge decisively because it is the main obstacle to the wholesome development of our economy” he charged

He advised the federal government to leave the issue of electricity to the state and give a time frame of t one or two years to them to produce their electricity emphasizing that without stable electricity , there can not be a viable economy.

Speaking on rise in petrol price occasioned by the Israel – America – Iran war, Adams blamed the federal government over its failure to have a petrol reserve that can cater for the needs of Nigerian in such a period

“We could have gone into our reserve, Venezuela and the United States have reserves that can serve their country for 30 years.

” It’s about good governance, having a vision as a government. We should prepare for the next 50 years, why can’t we reserve 500,000 barrels out of the 2.5 million barrels produced daily.in case of issues like this? It’s a lesson for Nigeria and we should learn to prepare for evil days. ” He said

He emphasized the need to adopt people-oriented policies that prioritise the welfare and livelihoods of the Nigerian populace urging government to come up with policies “focused on inclusive growth by ensuring that economic benefits reach the broader population rather than a small elite.”

” Nigeria can build a more stable and inclusive economy capable of withstanding external shocks and improving the welfare of its citizens” he added

The OPC leader charged the Oyo State government make the okebadan festival a tourist destination, by giving awareness about its importance.

He also called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja too

“I am the using this occasion to call on Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, to begin to organise a befitting festival, and not just leaving it to those priests behind the festival.” He urged

He also called on all state governments across the Southwest region to continue to promote and sponsor various festivals across their states in order to boost tourism and economic potentials in the states and thebregion.

” This is a clarion call to the governments to lead the initiative to promote Yoruba identity and culture. ” he said

He urged Ibadan indigenes to cultivate a positive attitude toward the development of the city and its environment

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ige who represented the state governor, Seyi Makinde at the occasion restated the state government commitment to preserving and uplifting it’s cultural identity

He pledge the support of the state government towards sustaining enhancing the Oke ‘ badan festival to enviable status.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Coordinator of the OPC, Chief Musibau Lawal said efforts are ongoing to upgrade the annual festival to UNESCO standard such as the Sango festival. (Guardian)

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