FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday advised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde not to be discouraged by criticisms of his administration, saying that leaders often face attacks only to be praised later for their foresight and achievements.
Obasanjo gave the advice in Ibadan while commissioning the new Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road, a signature urban infrastructure project by the Makinde administration aimed at easing transportation challenges in the Oyo State capital.
The newly inaugurated facility features two mega bus stations equipped with waiting halls, ticketing spaces, eateries, public conveniences, parking areas, elevators, escalators, a water reservoir, and a power-generating house designed to enhance mobility and urban comfort for residents.
Addressing Makinde directly, Obasanjo praised the governor’s commitment to urban renewal, describing him as a true Omoluabi, a Yoruba term symbolizing integrity and good character.
“Those abusing you today will praise you tomorrow. I was also abused, and the same people now praise me. That’s the reality of leadership,” the former president said.
“You are making Ibadan livable and comfortable. For a city as vast as Ibadan, the third most populous in Nigeria and the largest by landmass, an efficient transportation system is crucial. These terminals at Iwo Road, Ojoo, and Challenge are not just projects; they are solutions that improve lives.”
Obasanjo said he admired Makinde’s leadership style and humility, noting that the governor had shown qualities of both a professional and political engineer.
“You invited me only three days ago, and I didn’t hesitate because you are an Omoluabi,” he said. “You resemble me in many ways. When people say you’re executing many infrastructure projects, I tell them, ‘Why won’t he? He’s an engineer who knows how to fix things.’ But now, you have become not only a professional engineer but a political engineer too.”
He urged the public to take responsibility for maintaining the new transport infrastructure, saying such facilities belong to the people and must be preserved.
Earlier in his address, Governor Makinde highlighted his administration’s achievements in modernizing Oyo State’s transport system, saying the new Iwo Road terminal marked the completion of four major bus terminals — including those at Challenge, Ojoo, and New Ife Road.
“We projected a 12-month completion period for this project, but the global pandemic, supply disruptions, and other realities slowed us down. Today, we are celebrating the fulfillment of that promise,” Makinde said.
“Unlike my critics, who love to blow their trumpets, I have been quietly executing development projects. The dual carriageway from Iwo Road to Adegbayi has already eased transport pressure on that corridor, and we’ve applied to the Federal Government to extend it to Asejire.”
Makinde said his administration’s commitment to infrastructure was not just for Ibadan but for all regions of Oyo State, pledging that the next phase would extend to other cities such as Ogbomoso, Saki, Iseyin, Ibarapa, and Oyo.
“With this commissioning, we’ve completed all four modern terminals in Ibadan. The next administration will build on this momentum,” the governor added. “What we are witnessing today is proof that promises made can indeed become promises kept.”