Governor of Oyo State,
Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde has described the death of his Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engineer Simiyu James Adepoju as a huge loss to the state.
Expressing sadness over the loss on Thursday, Makinde, in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, maintained that the contributions of the late engineer to the ongoing infrastructure development drive in the state were remarkable.
Adepoju was appointed as a Special Adviser in March 2020.
Adisa quoted the governor as stating that Adepoju brought his wealth of experience, and commitment to serving the state, to bear on everything he did within the short time he served the state.
According to Makinde, the ongoing massive effort aimed at bridging the infrastructure deficit in the state, and other numerous novel initiatives, such as the Alternative Project Funding Approach and the Contractor Financing Approach, among others, were proofs that Adepoju was part of the team of experts driving the infrastructure renewal agenda of the administration.
Condoling with the families and friends of late Adepoju, the governor said: “It is on a sad note that I announce the passing away of our brother and my Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engineer Simiyu James Adepoju, who died after a long battle with cancer.
“I condole with his families and friends and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Engr. Adepoju, during his short stint in the service of Oyo State, contributed immensely to the ongoing massive infrastructure development in the state.
“As part of a team of experts running the Oyo State roadmap on infrastructure development, Engr. Adepoju’s contributions were remarkable, as the state is not only reducing the infrastructure deficit drastically, it is doing so with sound innovations and initiatives.
“The Alternative Project Funding Approach, the Contractor Financing Approach and many other initiatives that are helping the state to address the infrastructure challenges are proof of the expert contributions being made by the present administration.
“It is my prayer that God will continually uphold everyone Engr. Adepoju left behind.”