Soun of Ogbomosoland, HIM Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege 111, has urged tipper owners in the city to reduce the prices of the various prices of sands used in building projects.
Recall that recently the Association of Tipper and Quarry Owners in Ogbomosoland reviewed upward prices of sands including sharp sand, soft sand and gravel by over 100 percent citing the harsh economic conditions in the country for the increment.
The hike sparked outcry with many appealing to Oba Ghandi Olaoye to intervene.
In a meeting summoned recently by the monarch members of the association were urged to reconsider the hike in prices asserting if the new price regime is sustained, it would adversely affect development and jeopardize the 25 year – development plan unveiled for the transformation of the city.
“I decided to invite you for a discussion in response to the public outcry arising from your association’s decision to increase prices of sand supplies,” the Oba said according to a press release by Rev Peter Olaleye, his Coordinating Assistant on Media and Community Relations.
“I took my time to listen to the various individuals and group of people who came to ventilate their displeasure about the increment. Some of them are Mr. Afolabi Olaniran, Rev Samuel Adoye, Hon. Prince Oladele Adeoba, Engr. Dennis Aderinto (JP) and some representatives of Ogbomoso Parapo.”
Oba Olaoye further said that after listening to the arguments of the tippers’ owners it is imperative that their decision resonates with the people and have a touch of human feelings.
The paramount ruler took the opportunity to explain his 25 year – development agenda to members of the association insisting the vision of transforming the city will be adversely affected if costs of building materials are excessive thus urging that these be reviewed downwardly.
He informed he’s been making concerted efforts to encourage indigenes of the town in the diaspora to return home to explore investments opportunities and other developmental projects they could facilitate but that many of them raise concerns about the conditions of home especially fears of witchcraft attacks.
“But I assured them that Ogbomoso is free from such now and I want to beg you not to become another witches and wizards. I want you to be partners in progress in the 25 year-development plan. The agenda is to transform Ogbomoso into a model city, a smart city bubbling with modern indices of development
“Let the prices of your supplies be moderate to encourage building activities and also, show attitude that will attract investments. We are focussed unwaveringly on creating a model city, we are talking of building a city that will lead and others will follow.”
In his final submission, the Oba declared, “But this is my directive, let your association go and work on the reduction of the prices and be informed that if your reduction is not ok by me, I will still reduce it. While I await your response, may God help you all.”
