Oyo Assembly to probe non-functional Agbowo shopping complex

The Oyo State House of Assembly, on Thursday, resolved to probe the continued non-functionality of the Agbowo shopping complex, Ibadan.

Drawn from a motion brought by Honorable Babajide Adebayo of Ibadan North II constituency, the Assembly also resolved to request the management of the state Housing Corporation to present a report of the status of facilities within the shopping complex from 2011 to date.

Especially, the Assembly is to look at the status of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the immediate past state government and an investor called, the Agbowo Mall Infrastructure Development Company Limited, for the remodelling, redeveloping and rehabilitation of the shopping complex.

The former governor Abiola Ajimobi led government had on October 12, 2016, signed an MoU with the investor to the tune of N8billion.

The investor was mandated to give Agbowo shopping complex a befitting outlook and equip it with ultra-modern facilities, while the first quarter of 2019 was set as the completion date for the project.

Presenting the motion titled, “An appeal for the evaluation and renovation of Agbowo Shopping Complex Towards Boosting the Internal Generated Revenue of Oyo state”, at Thursday’s plenary, Honourable Adebayo bemoaned that most structures in the complex had become dilapidated, unattractive, while its vicinity was a virile abode for criminals.

Noting that a functional shopping complex would serve as a source for the state government to boost its internally generated revenue, Adebayo said it was expedient for the Governor Seyi Makinde led government to put necessary measures in place for the evaluation, renovation and upgrade of the complex.

He further said it was imperative for the state government to consider partnering with consultants and other stakeholders with a view to renovating and upgrading facilities in the complex to make it functional.

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While Honourable Yusuf Adebisi wondered why the N8billion MoU was not implemented to the letters, Honourable Tunde Isiaka of Oyo East/West constituency argued that the complex will be better managed if transferred from the state Housing Corporation to the Ministry of Works.

Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin subsequently mandated its committee on Lands, Housing and Survey to meet with the management of the Housing Corporation and other relevant stakeholders to look at issues behind the non-functionality of the complex.

In another motion by Honourable Hakeem Adedibu of Iwajowu constituency, the Assembly has asked relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to optimize all available means to explore all mineral resources across the state.

This is as the Assembly urged the state government to collaborate with the federal government and its agencies in all ways it can towards tapping all mineral resources of the state.

Thursday’s plenary also saw Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Ogundoyin announce the membership of 26 standing committees.