Makinde’s aide defends diesel generators, stadium renovation
By Gbenga Adejayan
The Special Adviser on Media to the Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has defended the use of diesel-powered generators to operate streetlights across the state and the renovation of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Ibadan.
Olanrewaju, in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Saturday, was responding to criticisms from the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, which he accused of distorting the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and public services.
On the streetlights, the governor’s aide said the government resorted to diesel generators because of unreliable electricity supply from the national grid, stressing that the state could not afford to leave major roads and public spaces in darkness.
He said the administration had also invested in alternative energy, including a 5-megawatt solar plant that was being upgraded to 12 megawatts, describing the investment as part of efforts to develop more sustainable and independent power sources for the state.
Olanrewaju also defended the renovation of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, saying the facility had enabled Ibadan to host international football matches, including the Falconets’ fixture against Senegal in February 2026.
He explained that the temporary suspension of international matches involving Shooting Stars Sports Club at the stadium was due to further upgrades required to meet evolving international standards, describing the complex as a platform for youth empowerment and sporting development.
The governor’s aide also defended Makinde’s professional credentials, noting that the governor is an engineer and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, while dismissing the campaign organisation’s criticisms of his competence as political exchanges.
Olanrewaju said the administration would remain focused on infrastructure, public services and other development projects despite criticism from political opponents, adding that the government was committed to delivering what he described as tangible progress for residents of Oyo State.
