Questions Raised on Makinde's Engineering Skills Over Streetlights and Stadium

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation is questioning Governor Seyi Makinde's engineering skills. They want to know why he claims to have studied electrical engineering but has spent over N250 billion on diesel generators to power streetlights in Oyo State.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Campaign Organisation criticized what they call the "embarrassing culture of waste, poor planning and misplaced priorities" that define Makinde’s administration in Oyo State.

Bisi Oladele, the Head of Media and Publicity for the campaign, responded to Makinde’s comments on Friday. The governor had described Sharafadeen Alli as a lawyer who has never stepped into a courtroom.

“It is a tragic irony that Governor Makinde, who studied electrical engineering, cannot devise a sustainable electricity solution for the streetlights installed with about N400 billion of state funds by his government.

“Instead, the administration continues to power them with fuel-guzzling generators, an outdated, expensive and environmentally harmful arrangement funded from the public purse.

“At a time when modern cities are embracing solar-powered and energy-efficient streetlighting systems, Oyo State remains trapped in the age of diesel generators. This is under the supervision of an electrical engineer. It is even more embarrassing since his predecessor had already undertaken the same project using solar power.

“If not for the prime purpose of enriching himself and cronies, why will Governor Makinde destroy the solar infrastructures and electric poles installed by his predecessor? Why not repair and upgrade them to a higher solar grade? To make matters worse, Makinde’s streetlight project has become dysfunctional, as load-shedding has become the only way a few of the project operate.

“This raises serious questions about the governor’s competence, priorities and commitment to the prudent management of taxpayers’ money. If we judge Governor Makinde’s claim as an electrical engineer by his streetlight project, the answer is obvious to all.

Another troubling issue is the failure of the renovated Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan. It did not get CAF approval for Shooting Stars Sports Club to host a continental match.

After spending over N5 billion on the stadium renovation project, which was celebrated in 2021, the facility still could not meet the requirements for international matches expected of a major sports arena.

“What, then, did Governor Makinde renovate? Who certified the work? Why should Shooting Stars be forced to find an alternative venue in Abeokuta, Ogun State after Oyo taxpayers funded the reconstruction of their traditional home ground?

“This situation shows more than just an administrative mistake. It is an embarrassment to Shooting Stars, their fans and the people of Oyo State. It is a disgrace to the Makinde-led administration. A stadium renovation that cannot meet standards for continental football is another example of the Makinde government prioritizing publicity over quality and lasting results.

“From streetlights powered by generators to a refurbished stadium unsuitable for continental football, the evidence shows a government that spends heavily but delivers poorly.

“The people of Oyo State deserve infrastructure that works, projects that provide value for money and a government that can plan beyond ceremonies, billboards and political propaganda.

“Oyo State must move away from expensive improvisation and cosmetic governance that have become the order of the day under Makinde.

“Public projects must be designed and executed to serve the people, not just to create opportunities for political showmanship,” the statement said.