Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has again said that intensive production, skill acquisition, knowledge-based initiatives, and the development of entrepreneurs are the key drivers of economic prosperity.
Governor Makinde stated this on Saturday during the one-year remembrance held in honour of the late Chairman of Zard Group of Companies, Dr Raymond Zard, at his Iyaganku residence in Ibadan.
A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, yesterday, Makinde eulogised the renowned industrialist and philanthropist, noting that the late Babalaje of Ibadanland contributed immensely to the economic development of Oyo State, especially Ibadanland, during his lifetime.
He added that the Oyo State government had consistently enjoyed a fruitful business relationship with Zard Holdings, especially in road infrastructure development.
He said, “I couldn’t have missed this opportunity to come and say one or two things about Baba and share my lessons from interacting with him.
“I have been hearing about Chief Raymond Zard for quite a while, but did not have the opportunity to meet him until I became the governor, and it was a chance meeting. My childhood friend, Demola Ajibike, contacted me after I became governor and said he wanted to dedicate a hall building in honour of Baba. I said, well, I would come there. At least, it would be an opportunity to meet this great man I had been hearing about.
“I met him on the road here, full of energy. Before that meeting, I was in Akure as the Governor-elect. I was coming back to Ibadan, and the portion of the road between Akure and Ilesha stood out.
I remembered when that road was constructed during President Goodluck Jonathan’s time.
“So, I started asking questions. Who constructed this road? And some people said it was KOPEK. I said Where is KOPEK? They said the construction company is based in Ibadan. Then, they linked the company to Baba. So, I was eager to meet with him and ask him. Since that day, there have been no regrets about meeting him.
“We cannot talk about infrastructural development in Oyo State without mentioning KOPEK. They have bent backwards, accommodated us, and been very professional.
“I have about two or three lessons, which I learned from my interaction with Baba. I listen to our people when they say Nigeria has natural resources, so we don’t have any business with poverty. But natural resources alone can never take anyone anywhere.
“Papa also taught us that one should always forget the circumstances of one’s birth. It doesn’t matter where and how you were born. Dominate your environment, wherever you find yourself. Do what is right for the people, by the people. So, I would tell the family to keep the flag flying and keep walking in the path Papa has laid for us.
“On behalf of the Government and the People of Oyo State, I want to say may Papa’s soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”
Speaking on behalf of the Zard’s family, a son of the deceased, Mr Camille Zard, described his father as a life-long supporter, whose legacy was defined by kindness, humility and service to humanity.
Earlier in his remarks, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev’d (Dr) Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, described Chief Zard as an instrument of joy to people around him.
Also paying his tribute, renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Tony Marinho commended Governor Makinde for his commitment to the welfare of pensioners in the state. He said the late Chief Zard was a man of many parts who shared his resources with the people around him, especially the underprivileged.
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