Keeping Ibadan tourist sites in good shape

The  Mokola bridge was constructed during Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s first term in office in Oyo State.

The bridge was meant to save lives and ensure the free flow of traffic.

If the bridge were to be in the United Kingdom, it would be one of the many tourist attractions where the old and young would be taking photographs and sending postcards to friends and relatives.

The bridge is a sign that more good things are coming to the ancient city of Ibadan.

I solemnly believe that it will stand the test of time in view of my experience at the Ministry of Public Works and Building at Grey Goat in London, United Kingdom.

During the inauguration of the bridge, it was greeted with applause given the architectural design. But today, the concrete walls of the bridge are being defaced with advertisements. This should not be so.

The Ajimobi projects include the following: the Agodi garden, a tourist attraction situated close to the seat of government; the Alesinloye/Eleyele road; the reconstructed Orita—Mefa Road, among others.

The projects are integral to the development of the state. On reflection, the city of Ibadan should count itself lucky to host  these infrastructure put in place for the benefit of the people and the generations to come.

If an investor is coming into the country, his first priority will be a feasibility study and a blueprint of his project, followed closely by the thought of locations which he and his family will visit for relaxation, as is the practice in most of the European cities.

Here is the usefulness of our tourist attractions and parks.

I would however implore the present administration in Oyo State to revisit all the tourist attractions put in place in the last six years, particularly in the city of Ibadan, and make sure that those vandalised are repaired.

The bridge at Mokola roundabout and the Molete bridge should be refurbished. The streetlights should also be touched on.

The Agodi garden should not be left out. It is far better than the one I saw in the UK in 2014.

I commend Governor Ajimobi on his projects.

I hope they will be maintained as it is being done in UK and even during the colonial era.

J.O Babalola

Ibadan, Oyo State.