The social protection projects of the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has once again been commended by the residents of the state particularly the Eid-El-Kabir holiday makers who besieged popular Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo for Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The residents also extolled Governor Aregbesola for being aggressive towards rejuvenating the economy of the state through his social protection initiatives.
The Park has in the last few days witnessing an impressive influx of people who have come for one or two recreation, refreshment and relaxation from across the state
It is not an hyperbole to say that the 2017 Eid-el-Kabir was enveloped in funfare and celebration galore with mass participants at the park.
While eulogizing the state government under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola for putting in place such recreation centre, those at the park described the centre as first of its kind in the state.
Speaking intermittently to express their delights on the centre, Comrade Ibrahim Muslihudeen Olayinka; Miss Mufliat Adeniyi, Mr Jooda Nurudeen Olaniyi, Dr. Olawale Sulaimon, Mrs. Romoke Anjonrin, Mr. Salaudeen Sakiru and Engineer Nureni Adebiyi said with the construction of the Park, the state has opened a new opportunity for tourism sector to thrive.
In his words, Dr Sulaimon said the emergence of the Park in the state capital will in no measure have a great impact in the economy of the state.
According to him, “I am highly impressed to be here with my family. This is impressive and it has to be commended because since the creation of this state, nothing as such was done.
“Despite the fact that this park is still under construction, the facilities therein are in no doubt suitable for refreshment.
“As you can see, we have had a lot of nice times here. We have taken pictures at different locations and my family are in no doubt feeling fully at home.
“Though I don’t stay at home but each time I come home for one thing or the other, I am always impressed with pace of development especially in the area of infrastructure”, Dr Sulaimon added.
In the same vein, Comrade Olayinka an indigene of Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, described the Park as unprecedented in the history of the state.
He hailed Governor Aregbesola for turning Osogbo to a real state capital through the provision of physical infrastructures, saying the construction of the Park at a conspicuous location has given Osogbo another face-lift of development.
Olayinka added, “to me the successful construction of this Park has justified the genuine intention of the present government in the state to transform the state capital into mega city.
“Aside massive roads construction that cut across the nooks and crannies of the state particularly Osogbo which is the state capital, this Nelson Mandela Freedom Park is another giant stride that deserves commendation.
“My visit to this Park has opened my eyes to reality that our governor and his government meant well for us because if a government could nurture such a lofty ideology of turning a sawmill to this marvelous garden, then such administration deserves kudos.
“I have been coming here for the last five days I have been in the state, but today I felt like bringing my family here to catch fun, and as I am talking to you, we have all enjoyed our stay at this Park.
“Since it costs no dime, we have freely moved round the facilities especially at the fountain pools that are not only exciting but significant.
“I am a citizen of Osun and I have lived in this state for so many years before I traveled to the North where I am currently working, but through out the times I was at home, no government thought of this.
“So, I really appreciate the political sagacity of Governor Aregbesola that yielded this, it shows that we have a visionary leader at the helm of affairs because if not, many of these initiatives would have been aborted half way”.
Corroborating similar gestures, Mrs Anjounrin said the construction of the Park has added another accolade to Aregbesola’s profile, nothing that the history will continue to remember his good works
Mrs Anjounrin, a retired Immigration Officer, said she was very happy to be at the Park where liberty and freedom is prioritized.
She said her visit to the Park has made her to further interact with masses most especially the hawkers and streets petty traders that brought their goods to the Park for sale.
“Since this place is free for all, then it is good to be at an amusement park like this where one will meet people from different backgrounds.
“I have come; I have seen and I have benefited from some of the facilities in this garden. Though it is not yet completed and commissioned, but the little facilities here are worthwhile for recreation and refreshment.
“I came from Ikirun though not really because of this park, but when I got to this area, I found a lot of interesting things that hooked my attention.
“I have toured round the Park and I am impressed with the goal which the state is dreamed to actualise on this project, because when it is completed, it will be the best centre to be by all,”Mrs Anjounrin stressed.
While appealing to the people in the state to support the state government in its effort to rebuild Osun, a groundnut hawker, Mrs Silifat Kasali, said the influx of the people to the Park has increased her sales.
According to Mrs. Kasali, sales had improved greatly since the volume of the people to the Park began to increase particularly about three days ago.
She attributed the development to a huge investment made by the Aregbesola led government to turn around the Park for the betterment of the citizenry.
“Though Salah celebration is still fresh and people are still coming to this Park in large number, but how I wish that this Salah continues so that large people could be visiting this place, thus increases sales.
“Over three days ago, my sales has been on the increase and I am happy that my state has such a big and attractive Park like this”, she submitted.