The Ondo state government on Thursday said all the 48 modern bus stops constructed in Akure by by the immediate past administration would soon be converted to platforms for advertising of products, services and political Campaigns.
According to Mr. Tobi Ogunleye, Special Adviser to governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Transportation, all the 90 free shuttle buses for school children in the state would also be used and branded for advertising of products.
Mr. Ogunleye, however, said the buses would not be used for political campaign advertisement.
He said, "The transport ministry has already synergised with the signage agency and arrived at a workable template that would be acceptable to the prospective clients comprising politicians, schools, hotels, telecommunication outfits, banks, insurance companies, religious organizations as well as government agencies and other private business concerns.
" It is regrettable that most of the bus- stops have before now been taken over by miscreants, destitute, drivers and traders and have not been judiciously utilised by the people of the state capital.
"The beauty of the bus stops are depreciating, in fact, the look of many of them are irritating. We do not want to waste resources on this bus stops hence our resolve to turn this waste into wealth.
"The railings at Oja Oba is also being redesigned to be used for advertorial purposes to generate more revenue for government."
On the branding of free shuttle school buses, the governor's aide said the advertisement will be for only products that are child-friendly and at minimal cost.
Mr. Ogunleye also hinted at plans by government erect between eight and nine Afromedia Platforms at the MKO Abiola Democracy park in Akure.
