By Lizzy Chirkpi
President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise projects that directly improve citizens’ welfare and strengthen security rather than investing in flyovers with limited economic or social value.
The President made the call on Thursday while receiving the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu said governors should focus on people-centred development and avoid embarking on prestige infrastructure projects in areas where there is no significant traffic congestion.
Addressing the former Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the President appealed to him to relay the message to serving governors across the country.
“You have governed before; you need to help us communicate with these other governors. They need to do more. Instead of building flyovers when there is no numeric traffic, let’s do more to enhance the quality of life and support security agencies to penetrate areas,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that government resources should be channelled into initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to citizens while strengthening security operations, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The President also highlighted his administration’s approach to tackling insecurity, citing the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State without the payment of ransom.
According to Tinubu, the successful operation was made possible through intelligence gathering and improved military deployment.
“We refused to pay ransom because we have the geography of the forest, we know what it is and, in answer to it, from eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time to defeat terrorism and banditry. It is very necessary, and we are doing so.”
He said the planned expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions forms part of broader efforts to improve rapid response capabilities and intensify the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security while encouraging sub-national governments to align their development priorities with projects that have a direct impact on the lives and well-being of Nigerians.