Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has said that the Light-Up-Osun project is part of the larger security architecture of the government. He also announced its plans to light up more towns and communities across the State.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the entire State is rid of the activities of criminals who use the cover of the night to perpetrate evil.
Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, speaking during an impromptu inspection of street lights project at Ogo-Oluwa area of Osogbo about 10pm on Tuesday night said that the installation and maintenance of streetlights was part of the security plan of the current administration for the State.
In his words: “Aside from the fact that streetlights beautify the environment, it makes it particularly more attractive and ensure that people have the opportunity to move peacefully even at night without being molested. It ensures that people are safe from any form of harassment from criminals.
“The intention is to ensure that at any point in time, our environment becomes unsafe for criminals to operate.
“We are doing this to ensure that the beauty of our state is appreciated, the streets are safe, towns are safe and the State in particular is safe. That is the essence.
“It is actually a combination of the beautification of the environment as well as ensuring proper security in out State. It is part of the security plan of our administration for the State”, Oyetola explained.
Commenting on the sustainability of the project, Oyetola said that plans are in place to ensure that the project is sustained, adding that the Ministry of Works currently undertakes routine maintenance of the project and as such, sustainability is not a problem.
He continued: “We do not have any problems about sustainability. In the first instance, there will be adequate maintenance regularly by way of replacement of bulbs and poles if need be.
“In addition to that, we are looking at the possibility of powering more streetlights through the solar alternative. I think with the plans we have, there should not be any problem with sustaining the project”, he said.
Speaking further on the scope of the project, Oyetola said that the lighting initiative will be replicated in other towns across the State.
Oyetola said: “Osogbo is the capital city, and the first place to enjoy whatever we are bringing in, but our plan is to replicate this project in all the major towns across the State. So, this is  work in progress.
“The Ministry of Works will ensure that other towns have the opportunity to enjoy  the Light-Up’Osun concept. So, it is going round all the towns”, Oyetola averred.
On the issue of vandalism, Oyetola assured that the the State was making arrangements to increase surveillance on the streets, adding that if it became necessary, the Amotekun Corps may be deployed to prevent the activities of vandals.
He also encouraged citizens to take ownership of the projects of the government in their environment, adding that the projects are being funded by them.
