From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo.
A United Kingdom based Non-Governmental Organisation, Oranyan Heritage Foundation (OHF), in partnership with an indigenous company, Westminster Railway Transport Systems (WRTS) are to embark on some development projects worth billions of naira in Oyo town.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director of WRTS, Engineer Edward Osundina, during the grand finale of the 44th coronation ceremony of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111.
Osundina said the first phase of the two-phased projects would be the construction of a 3,000 bed space hostel apartment for students in tertiary institutions within the ancient town and environs.
He stated that the project, which would be completed before the end of this year, would include 500-seater lecture theatre, international library capacity building and training workshop, an health centre and a shopping mall.
“This halls of residence will boast of all the modern amenities that can be found in the hall of residence in the western world. We want to make this a project that all and sundry will be talking about for years to come. Simultaneously with the hostel project, WRTS with our Dubai partners, will bring a steel fabrication factory to Oyo, which will revolutionise construction industry in the Oyo metropolis and Nigeria at large.’’
Osundina also disclosed that more importantly, the projects will create instant job opportunities, youth empowerment, technology transfer and add value to development in the ancient town.
“Our long term plan, which will be in the second phase, is to create a rail system in Oyo and integrate the rail system with the proposed Federal Government High Speed Rail plan which is the Lagos to Abakaliki railway line.’’
He hinted that WRTS is a well-established indigenous company with strength in the organisation comprising of the cream of diaspora’s engineers and project managers with over 60 decades of experience in Europe and who have contributed tremendously to the development and delivery of infrastructures and communities worldwide.
He explained that WRTS, the developer/contractor on the projects, strategises the planning, urban design and business case needed to add value to the regeneration of Oyo metropolis, as well as set out to provide a regeneration of an heritage centre and sustainable developments in the ancient city.
In her address, the Iyalaje of Oyo, Chief Mrs Titilola Adesoye, who is also the Chairperson of OHF, said the NGO’s main object is to promote and make the populace of Oyo be aware of the good work that the Alaafin is doing in Yoruba land for the Yoruba people.
She said: “Kabiyesi has been an open-hearted person, both as a king and as a person. Most importantly, his concern is the welfare and the betterment of the people of Oyo and the regeneration of New Oyo, one of which led to the birth of Oranyan Heritage Foundation. (OHF). This project is set to create job opportunities, youth empowerment and as
well develop the ancient town. Alaafin is OHF Patron. Together, we looked into engaging a private organisation, which is the WRTS for the overall development of Oyo and its environs.’’
Other future plans of the Alaafin, Chief Adesoye disclosed, include establishment of an international airport, stadium and railway line to improved transport system in the ancient town.
