Ondo to convert modern bus stops, shuttle bus to commercial platforms

IN an effort to look inwards in its revenue drive, the Ondo State government on Thursday said, all the 48 modern bus stops constructed by the immediate past government, would soon be converted to platforms for advertising of products, services and political campaigns.

The Special Adviser to governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Transportation, Mr. Tobi Ogunleye who disclosed this to newsmen in Akure, also said all the 90 free shuttle buses for school children in the state would also be used and branded for advertising of products.

He, however, said the buses would not be used for political campaign advertisement and some advertisement that is considered not

Ogunleye noted that most of the bus stops have been taken over by destitute, miscreants, drivers and traders using the bus stop as their shops or homes.

The Special Adviser said that the new initiative that would be implemented through a public private partnership would create new jobs, generate resources for government and add to the aesthetics of Akure.

“The transport ministry has already synergised with the signage agency and arrived at a workable template that would be acceptable to the prospective clients comprising politicians, schools, hotels, telecommunication outfits, banks, insurance companies, religious organizations as well as government agencies and other private business concerns.

” it is regrettable that most of the bus- stops have before now been taken over by miscreants, destitute, drivers and traders and have not been judiciously utilised by the people of the state capital.

According to him, all the bus stop are underutilised and gradually becoming a waste and the purpose of its construction had been defeated.

“The beauty of the bus stops are depreciating, in fact, the look of many of them are irritating. We do not want to waste resources on this bus stops hence our resolve to turn this waste into wealth.

“The railings at Oja Oba is also being redesigned to be used for advertorial purposes to generate more revenue for government.

On the branding of free shuttle school buses, the Special Adviser said the “advertisement will be for only products that are child-friendly and at minimal cost.

Ogunleye also hinted at plans by government erect between eight and nine Afromedia Platforms at the MKO Abiola Democracy park in Akure.

The Special Adviser called on the contractors awarded the construction of the bus stops by the immediate past administration to return to the locations at Oba- ile axis in the state capital and complete them.