By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, has stressed that active public participation in the law-making process is vital to achieving effective and people-oriented legislation.
He stated this on Friday during a public hearing on a Bill for a Law to Establish the Ondo State Roads Fund (OSRF), aimed at funding the management, planning, development, rehabilitation, construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of Class C and D roads, as well as the rehabilitation of Class B roads in the state.
Oladiji said the involvement of citizens and stakeholders enables lawmakers to make laws that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people, thereby strengthening democratic governance.
The public hearing, held at the Assembly Complex in Akure, drew participants from relevant ministries, departments and agencies, representatives of local governments, and organisations involved in road development. Principal officers and members of the State House of Assembly were also in attendance.
The Speaker welcomed participants and commended the state governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his commitment to improving infrastructure across the state.
He explained that the bill was designed to create a sustainable funding mechanism for the management, development, and maintenance of the state’s roads, noting that similar initiatives had been implemented successfully in other states adding that Ondo State must follow suit to enhance its internal road network and promote economic growth.
Describing the hearing as an interactive session, Oladiji said it was an avenue for all stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to ensure that the law, when passed, serves the best interests of the people.
He stated that once enacted, the law would establish an agency responsible for managing and overseeing the disbursement of the fund for road maintenance and construction, adding that it would provide a transparent and well-structured framework for financing road projects across the state.
The Speaker thanked all participants for their attendance and expressed optimism that the session would lead to better roads and improved living conditions for residents.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu, appreciated stakeholders for honouring the Assembly’s invitation and reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, especially in road infrastructure development.
He said the proposed Roads Fund Bill was another step towards improving the quality of life of citizens and would serve as a vital financial instrument for maintaining and developing roads in both rural and urban areas.
Stakeholders who spoke at the hearing included the Chairman of Ogba Otun LCDA, Mr Ogunniyi Ibikunle; Representative of the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), Mr Olorunfemi Ayegbusi; Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Ajibola Gbenga; and Mr Akinluyi Omotola, Esq., representing the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
They commended the initiative, describing the proposed law as timely and crucial for the sustainable management of the state’s road network.
They expressed confidence that once the bill is passed and implemented, it would significantly improve road maintenance and connectivity across Ondo State.
The public hearing ended with assurances from lawmakers that all contributions and recommendations would be carefully considered before the bill’s final passage into law