Gov. Abiola Ajimobi poses with members of NCPC

Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

As Oyo State Government is evolving new strategies to combat the challenges of salary payment and infrastructural development in the state, its governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has reiterated his determination to suspend the sponsorship of pilgrims to the holy lands until the economy of the state improves.

Governor Ajimobi revealed this during the visits of a medical team from Maryland, USA and the officials of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC. The governor, who said that the only way for the state to develop in all spheres of development was to partner with developed countries and tap from their wealth of experience, explained that Morgan State University is willing to partner with the state to ensure a smooth start of the Technical University, Ibadan which was suspended by Texas University for the fear of Boko Haram insurgency.

Gov. Ajimobi at Agodi Resort Centre, with the medical team from USA

While speaking on the decision of the state Government to clear all outstanding salaries of civil servants in the state, Ajimobi explained that there is a need for the state government to review its taxes and other sources of income. The leader of the medical team, who is also Maryland’s Commissioner on African Affairs, Dr Anu Esuola, expressed readiness of Maryland State to partner Oyo state Government in all areas to accelerate her level of development.

She said a mobile clinic which would serve the people of the state free of charge was donated by her team to concretize the cordial relationship between Maryland State and the Oyo state Government.

On pilgrimage, Governor Ajimobi opined that pilgrims should endeavor to sponsor themselves since the purpose is for spiritual rejuvenation and not a compulsion.