Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday paid an unscheduled visit to the State House of Assembly to inspect the level of work done in the ongoing renovation of the complex.
The Assembly Complex, which was last renovated by the administration of late Pa Adekunle Ajasin, had not been given any facelift until Governor Akeredolu commenced its total renovation last year.
Governor Akeredolu, who expressed satisfaction with the level of work done, said the complex will compete favourably with modern legislative buildings in the country when the renovation is completed.
Observing that the work has reached 90 percent stage, the Governor said plenary will start holding at the chamber soon.
He said: “I don’t need to dwell on the works that are going on here. I want to believe that these are things or what we are doing here should have been done even before us.
“What we met wasn’t deserving. It was not a place fit for our assembly. We know the modern architecture in place in other states. What I believe is that what the government is trying to do here is what the assembly deserves.
“The last time this place ever had a touch was during the Ajasin time. I am satisfied with the level of job done so far. I want to commend the contractor. I want to thank him for his efforts.
“The state has not gotten so much money, but the contractor has been very good. By the first quarter of next year, we will have this place opened. Before that, the house must have been holding their plenaries here.
Speaking on behalf of other lawmakers, the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, thanked Governor Akeredolu for the timely intervention, stressing that the complex will be a monument when completed.
While noting that the Complex had last been touched during the late Ajasin government, Oleyelogun said that the massive renovation work is a legacy project of the present administration which will go a long way in boosting legislative business.
“We have to thank the Governor for doing this because the House of Assembly is supposed to be a monument. I know that when this is completed, it will be competing with other legislative buildings across the country
“So far, so good. The work is going on very well. I thank God for what is going on. No Governor in the future can beat this kind of legacy. It was during Baba Ajasin time that this place was renovated last,” Oleyelogun said.
