Ondo Assembly Champions Public Participation in Road Fund Bill
By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, has emphasised that active public involvement in the law-making process remains essential 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), for the Purpose of Funding the Management, Planning, Development, Rehabilitation, Construction, Reconstruction, and Maintenance of Class C and Class D Roads and the Rehabilitation of Class B Roads in Ondo State.
The Speaker noted that the participation of stakeholders and citizens helps lawmakers craft laws that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people, thereby strengthening democratic governance in the state.
The public hearing, held at the Assembly Complex, Akure, attracted key stakeholders from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as representatives of local governments and other organisations concerned with road infrastructure and development in the state as well as other Principal officers and members of the State house of Assembly.
The Speaker welcomed participants and commended the state Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering commitment to improving infrastructure across the state.
He explained that the bill was designed to create a sustainable funding mechanism for the management, planning, development, rehabilitation, construction, and maintenance of roads classified as Class C and Class D, in addition to the rehabilitation of Class B roads in Ondo State.
According to him, the proposed law represents a crucial step toward ensuring a lasting solution to the state’s road infrastructure challenges. He noted that other states had successfully implemented similar initiatives, and Ondo State must follow suit to enhance its internal road network and promote economic growth.
The Speaker emphasised the importance of public participation in the legislative process, describing the hearing as an interactive session that would allow all stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to the bill.
“This session is meant to gather input from all concerned parties to ensure the law, when passed, reflects the aspirations of our people and serves their best interests,” he said.
He further explained that once the law is enacted, an agency will be established to manage and oversee the disbursement of the fund for road maintenance and construction. He added that the goal of the legislation is to provide a well-structured and transparent framework for financing road projects across the state.
The Speaker thanked all participants for attending the session and prayed for a successful outcome that would ultimately lead to better roads and improved living conditions for the people of Ondo State.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ololade Gbegudu, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for honouring the Assembly’s invitation. He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting the Aiyedatiwa administration in its developmental efforts, particularly in road infrastructure improvement.
“Over the past few days, this Assembly has been working on several bills aimed at enhancing the quality of life of our citizens. This Roads Fund Bill is another significant step toward achieving that goal,” Gbegudu stated.
He noted that the OSRF would serve as a vital financial instrument to ensure the continuous maintenance and development of roads in both rural and urban areas of the state.
Stakeholders who contributed to the discussions included the Chairman of Ogba Otun LCDA, Mr. Ogunniyi Ibikunle; the Representative of the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), Mr. Olorunfemi Ayegbusi; the Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Ajibola Gbenga; and Mr. Akinluyi Omotola, Esq., representing the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, among others.
They all commended the initiative, describing the proposed law as timely and essential for the sustainable management of the state’s road network. They expressed confidence that once the bill is passed and implemented, it will significantly enhance road maintenance and connectivity across Ondo State.
The public hearing ended with assurances from the lawmakers that all contributions and recommendations made would be carefully considered before the bill’s final passage into law.
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