Oyo Assembly calls for construction of Bus Terminus across the state

The Oyo State House of Assembly has asked Governor Seyi Makinde to replicate the construction of bus terminus in other zones within the state.

The House made the appeal, on Tuesday, while hearing a motion titled “Need for the Executive Arm of Government to replicate construction of Bus terminals in other administrative zones of the State”, jointly sponsored by the Chief Whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba) and the leader of the House, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin.

The motion, read by the Chief Whip, harped on the importance of bus terminal in the management and development of the transportation sector in any state, hence the House resolved that such should be extended to all geographical zones in Oyo State.

It reads: “Further aware that His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde on assumption of office in his first term embarked on the construction of four ultra-Modern bus terminals. Two out of the four terminals were inaugurated, constructed and commissioned at Ojoo and Challenge areas of Ibadan. The other two terminals presently under construction are terminals 1 and 2 at Iwo Road, Ibadan.”

The second resolution in the motion was another appeal to the Oyo State governor to increase the number of buses released to other zones like Oyo, Ogbomoso and Okeogun, so as to enhance intra and inter-city transportation across all zones, as well as boost the economic activities of the areas.

It says: “Notes that His Excellency needs to be applauded for his magnanimity in approving 16 new luxury buses for intercity purpose in Saki, Iseyin, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Ibarapa areas of the state to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the citizens and residents of Oyo state. 

“Aware that a total of 46 buses have so far been captured under Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAFER) programme of the present administration to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal within the state as 30 buses were released for the same purpose within the state capital in recent time, kudos to the Governor,” the motion reads.

Until the construction of the terminuses, as noted in the motion, cases of kidnapping were rampant among unauthorised taxi and bus drivers who kidnapped and conveyed their unsuspecting passengers along the roads any time of the day.

The House maintained that with the terminuses in place, the safety of every passenger and their luggage was guaranteed since all the particulars and information of passengers would be taken and recorded on manifests before the vehicles would leave for their different destinations.

“Further aware that after the completion of the two terminuses, it was easier for the government to regulate the activities of the commuters, increase internally generated revenue to the state, also serve as a business hub for traders and a very good security measure against kidnapping and loss of passengers personal belongings. 

“Concerned commercial drivers are now being closely monitored thereby ensuring their good conduct, reducing sales and intake of alcohol since it is prohibited for anyone to sell alcoholic drinks within and outside the terminus. No more cases of lost luggage as drivers who find lost bags inside their vehicles have no choice than to return same because bags can now be traced to them,” the motion adds.