Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has laid the cornerstone for a N2.7 billion shopping complex (Osun Mall) that will complement the modernisation of Osogbo, the state capital, the same day he signed a deal with a private company to generate 30MW of electricity.
Speaking at the cornerstone laying ceremony of the Mall in Osogbo, the governor said the Shopping Mall, which sits on a 5,000 square metres of land is a private venture of Independent Shopping Mall Limited.
Aregbesola said that the Mall, when completed, will provide ultramodern state-of-the-art retail, entertainment, relaxation and dining facilities with 2,000 square metres of shopping space, including retail shops, food court and three cinemas with automated parking space for not less than 500 vehicles, among others.
He added that the Osun mall will complement Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, which is nearby, to provide recreation for the people of Osun.
In his speech “Our Road to Modernity”, the governors said that the project was embarked upon with a view to creating a sustainable environment conducive for human habitation and improved economic growth.
Speaking on the infrastructural intervention of his administration in the state, particularly in Osogbo, the state capital, Aregbesola said no government can compete with his administration’s achievements.
His administration, he said, has given the state, particularly Osogbo, a befitting facelift of socioeconomic development which can never be matched by any government since the creation of the state.
“There will be all round power system for the complex. When completed, it will complement Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, which is just nearby, to provide recreation for the people of Osun.”
“Our people will not need to travel to Ibadan or Lagos to enjoy such facilities anymore.
“So, this Osun Shopping Mall will be the father of all the projects we have completed in Osogbo and I am immensely grateful to God for the cornerstone laying ceremony we are all gathered here to perform today.
“It is our fervent hope that this complex will be ready in November. It will be one of our iconic legacies, even as our administration winds down gloriously in the state,” he added.
In his remarks, the project developer, Gboyega Adeeyo, disclosed that the project will be completed before the expiration of the present administration.
He said the project when completed will enhance socioeconomic activities and attract investors to the State.
He assured that the company will ensure full participation of Osun citizens throughout the construction of the project as being mandated by the Governor.
“The construction of this project is in no doubt in continuation of the massive infrastructural developments the Aregbesola’s government has brought to the state and her people.”
Meanwhile, the governor on Monday entered into an agreement with Brightstar AapoInisa Solar Investment Limited (BAISOLAR) to produce 30 Megawatts of electricity from Solar energy. The project will be cited in Inisa, Odo Otin Local Government Area of Osun.
The agreement was reached to boost power supply in the state and improve socioeconomic activities.
Signing the agreement at the Government House, Osogbo, Governor Aregbesola described the solar energy as the best way to go in view of the challenges confronting the nation.
Aregbesola said the establishment of the 30MW solar farm will in no measure bring about comfort to business activities as well as attract investors to the state.
Governor Aregbesola held that the initiative will complement his administration’s efforts at promoting local and communal commercial activities.
He expressed hope that the agreement will yield positive results and as well bring succour to the people of the state.
Aregbesola commended the partnering company for bringing the project to the state, expressing his administration’s commitment to see the completion of the project.
While describing lack of productivity as a challenge in the country, Aregbesola enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of hard work and productivity.
He called for the correction of the widely held notion that governments are established to do everything, saying Nigerians must begin to have attitudinal change and start supporting government in the actualization of their dreams.
“This is the way to go, we have taken the right step in the right direction to make life more meaningful, abundant and prosperous for our people.”
“We are happy to enter into this agreement which we believe will enhance the capacity of our socioeconomic activities by improving productivity.”
“It is our hope that this project will support our dreams at boosting the electrification capacity in the state, thus supporting commerce and cottage industries.”
“With this bold step, we have told the world that this is the way to go, regardless of any obstruction since the whole world is struggling to end dependence on fossil fuel.”
“As it is today, many countries of the world are working assiduously on the modality to have an alternative means of power which we are succeeding to put in place through this initiative.”
“If in the next 22 years, as being postulated by many countries that the demand for fuel will be reduced drastically, then, the time has come for all to device other means for such commodity.”
“If in the next 22 years the world will be using more of solar energy, the agreement we have entered into remains a welcome development in view of challenges confronting us as a nation, state and society.”
“I commend the bold initiative of the partnering company to bring this laudable investment into our state just as I recommend and extend similar gesture to others”, he added.
Shedding light on the purpose of the agreement, a director in the BrightstarAapoInisa Solar Investment Limited (BAISOLAR), Fopesaye Oluleye, assured the state of total commitment towards the completion of the project.
He said the company will act to the letter on the operational framework of the project as it was determined to support the state boost its electricity capacity.
