Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, has started building a dignified memorial park in memory of those killed in the horrifying attack on St. Francis Catholic Church on June 5 on Owaluwa Street in Owo.
According to Governor Akeredolu, the Memorial Park, which is in the heart of Owo, will be breathtaking when finished.
The governor spoke there and inspected the construction site on Saturday.
He was led there by Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, and Prince Ademola Adegoroye, the Minister of State for Transportation.
He said: “I want to thank the architect who designed this site, architect Femi Bello, the Odopetu of Akure Kingdom, very much for his involvement in this initiative,” he said. I thank you since his interest is above and beyond the norm.
“This Memorial Park will be a sight to see and will compare favorably to any Memorial Park anywhere because the Architect has taken his time to do so many excellent things here,” he said. It is up to us to simply wait and watch.
“This project needs to be finished by the end of May, rain or shine. Our incoming President was present when this incidence (attack) occurred. I’m aware that by the time we inform him that we’ve this Memorial Park for him to come and commission it, I think it will be a joy to him. That will be just a week after his inauguration, I pray he will come so that he can see this Memorial Park.
Arakunrin Akeredolu claims that his administration is dedicated to keeping the spirits of the deceased in mind.
He suggested that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the President-elect, be invited to commission the project once it is finished. Tinubu visited Owo after the incident to offer his condolences to the State and the populace.
For us, it’s important to never forget the souls who have passed away. There were 41 of them. Others, some of whom are outpatients, are continuously caring for their wounds despite having been discharged and returning to their homes.
“As you are aware, we also have a woman who had both of her legs removed. The required prosthesis she can utilize has been provided for her by the government. She has reportedly been able to utilize it, I’m told. Her recovery is going nicely, and we’re confident that she will still live a normal life. That is what I believe, she will live a normal life.
So, for us, it’s just a way to honor the 41 people who passed away.
Memorial park for the Owo assault victims.
Memorial park for the Owo assault victims.
Earlier, Governor Akeredolu received praise from the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Land, and Housing, Engr. Raimi Aminu, for not forgetting the souls of the deceased.
He predicted that before the end of May this year, the appropriate Memorial Park would be built.
“In honor of those deceased individuals, the government has chosen to erect a memorial park at this spot. It will be appropriate, well-drawn, and capable of competing with others throughout the world.
“Aside from that, the government also plans to build a lot of things nearby, including a museum and other structures. Therefore, when it’s finished, this will be a major attraction, enhance the appearance of the city, and serve as a permanent memorial to those who sacrificed their lives.
“Everyone passing through will be aware that something happened on so and so day. By God’s grace, this project will be finished by May 2023, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Commissioner continued.
