In a significant development, Dr. ‘Lere Oyewumi, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, has unveiled a sweeping plan to probe the multitude of abandoned Federal Government projects scattered across Nigeria. Oyewumi, who represents the Osun West Senatorial District, shared this ambitious initiative during a press conference held in Ikire on a recent Friday.
Startlingly, Oyewumi revealed that there are more than 10,000 government-financed projects nationwide that have languished in abandonment. These projects, previously greenlit through budget approvals, now stand as mere paper promises. To shed light on this national issue, Oyewumi and his fellow lawmakers have committed to conducting thorough investigations during the Senate’s recess, with the aim of reporting their findings to the nation.
Speaking passionately about the endeavor, Oyewumi declared that those responsible for the inordinate delays in completing these projects would not escape scrutiny or consequences. He stated, “Nigerians will hear from us very soon. Somebody must be responsible, and such a person will not go free. These are parts of the corrections the 10th Senate wants to make.”
Among the examples highlighted during his press briefing, Oyewumi cited a lecture theater project in Ikire, which was awarded in 2010 but remains unfinished. Such stories of unfulfilled promises resonate with communities nationwide, where infrastructure projects hang in the balance, depriving citizens of their intended benefits.
On the issue of local government autonomy, Oyewumi emphasized that the National Assembly had fulfilled its part by granting autonomy to local councils to manage their affairs. However, he pointed out that the spotlight should now turn toward the states to ensure full compliance with this law. In this way, Oyewumi underscored the importance of enforcing change at all levels of governance to better serve the Nigerian people.
As the 10th National Assembly gears up for this colossal undertaking, the prospect of accountability and the revitalization of abandoned projects looms large. With a commitment to uncovering the truth and advocating for corrective measures, Dr. ‘Lere Oyewumi and his fellow lawmakers aim to bring about much-needed change in Nigeria’s development landscape.