Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, Chairman of the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), has lauded Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, describing him as a compassionate leader with a deep concern for the welfare of his people.
Bamgbose made this known in an interview with The People’s Verdict, where he reflected on the January 16, 2024 explosion that rocked Bodija in Ibadan and commended the state government’s swift and humane response.
“The immediate response of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde to the Bodija explosion is indeed commendable,” Bamgbose said. “The incident happened after 7 p.m., and by around 10 p.m., the governor was already at the scene. His aides got there within the hour. That shows leadership — not just proximity, but a matter of the heart.”
He emphasized that in many other states, such disasters often see delayed responses from top officials. “Things like this happen elsewhere, and it takes their governor two days to show up. The governor showed up that same night when no one was sure what exactly had happened. That’s commendable.”
The BERA chairman also acknowledged the swift deployment of security operatives and the governor’s public appeal to hospitals and hotels to render help to victims at the government’s expense.
“That night, people got care, they could sleep somewhere safe. If anyone didn’t have a house, they could get a hotel room. It was heartwarming,” Bamgbose said. “The level of order and support prevented what could have been a chaotic night of looting and disorder.”
According to him, the state’s handling of the emergency offers a model for others to emulate. “Many states should come and study what happened in Oyo State. Even a member of the bomb disposal squad admitted he expected a far higher death toll. He was shocked it wasn’t worse.”
Bamgbose, a former President of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, noted that emergency management in Oyo State is not only effective but also inclusive. “There were no complaints of neglect or favouritism, which is rare in mass emergencies.”
Speaking on the aftermath, he confirmed that victims have continued receiving support from the government. “As we speak, the majority have gotten support. Every day, someone says, ‘I’ve received mine.’ It’s ongoing, but very encouraging.”
He further updated the public on the governor’s commitment to infrastructural improvements in Bodija. “The road construction is ongoing now. Awolowo and Osuntokun roads were done first, now they are moving to the inner roads — all with drainage systems for longevity.”
On a general note, Pastor Bamgbose reiterated: “Governor Makinde is a compassionate leader. He acts because he feels for people. He stepped in on many matters that could have dragged on for too long. Even salaries are paid on time — he simply doesn’t want people to suffer.”
Quoting a Yoruba proverb, Bamgbose concluded: “Ile Oba t’o jo, ewa lo bukun” — meaning, sometimes tragedy leads to transformation. “Today, many people are in a better place, and they truly appreciate what the government has done.”
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