Leaders and stakeholders from Akoko land in Ondo State have called for the completion of abandoned public projects across the area.
They warned against the practice of successive administrations abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors.
The call came as stakeholders identified two delayed transmission substations proposed for Okeagbe and Ikare, alongside other uncompleted federal, state and constituency projects, as priorities requiring government attention.
The issues were raised at the second gathering of the Akoko Security, Peace and Development Council (ASPDC), which brought together indigenes from the four local government areas of Akoko to discuss security, development and other challenges facing the region.
The Executive Director, Projects, of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), Mr Olusegun Olufehinti, said stakeholders had compiled data on abandoned and uncompleted projects across Akoko land to support efforts to get them completed.
He urged political office holders to ensure continuity in project execution rather than abandoning existing projects whenever there was a change in leadership.
Also speaking, former Federal Permanent Secretary, Chief Olusade Adesola, called for the completion of proposed transmission substations at Okeagbe and Ikare to improve electricity supply in the area.
Adesola said the projects, initially expected to be funded through the internally generated revenue of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), had suffered delays because of funding constraints.
According to him, discussions were ongoing with relevant authorities to secure funding through the 2027 budget.
He said completing the projects could improve electricity supply and support small businesses and other economic activities across Akoko.
The President of the council, Maj.-Gen. Dayo Olukoju (rtd.), also linked the area’s development challenges to disunity among its people, urging stakeholders from the four local government areas to pursue common interests.
“By the time we come together, the socio-economic development of the area will grow. No burden will come from any other state or part of the country to disturb us.
“This is a reformed Akoko, a new Akoko, an Akoko that has a vision for socio-economic development and a secure environment,” he said.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Charles Olorunda, said the council was established to promote peace and security in Akoko land and had broadened its activities to include development and unity across the four local government areas.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, called on younger Akoko indigenes to learn from the records of people from the area who had held prominent positions in public service and politics.
He also urged stakeholders to draw from the experience of previous generations while working towards greater political representation and development for the area.
Former Minister of Justice, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, urged Akoko indigenes to invest in education, encourage young people to participate in governance and politics, and sustain community development efforts.
Other speakers called for sustained cooperation among the people of the area, particularly on security and development issues.
The gathering also honoured several retired Akoko indigenes for their contributions to public service.
The stakeholders urged the council to sustain the meeting as an annual forum for addressing issues affecting the four local government areas and pursuing a common development agenda.
