Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to progress, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has pledged to build a resilient economy, enhance citizens’ quality of life, and secure a sustainable future for coming generations.
He made this known on Friday during his State of the State address at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, as conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Governor Makinde highlighted that Oyo State is steadily emerging as a top investment hub, thanks to deliberate policies and a practical, solution-driven approach to governance. One notable milestone, he said, is the recognition of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub as Nigeria’s first agricultural transformation centre by the African Development Bank. Other achievements include the construction of the Eruwa Agribusiness Hub and Oyo State’s historic admittance into the World Union of Wholesale Markets—the first sub-national in Africa to do so.
He also spotlighted infrastructure advancements such as the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, expected to commission its first phase by October 2025, and the rehabilitation of major roads across the state, including 87 kilometres of rural roads under the RAAMP project and the ongoing 48-kilometre Ido-Eruwa Road.
Makinde assured that inner roads in other zones—particularly Ogbomoso and Oyo—will also receive attention in the coming months. He reiterated his administration’s vision to transform Oyo State into a regional economic hub and cultural pride, where every citizen can thrive.
In education and healthcare, the governor restated his commitment to closing the rural-urban divide in access to quality education and to continue improving infrastructure in both sectors. He also pledged to expand healthcare programmes that directly benefit residents.
Addressing public concern over the planned reconstruction of the Oyo State Government House, Makinde attributed the perceived high cost to foreign exchange volatility and rising construction expenses. Citing the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP) as an example, he explained that a $200 million World Bank loan taken by the previous administration, valued at N70 billion in 2019, has ballooned to N320 billion due to currency depreciation—from an exchange rate of N350 to over N1,500 per dollar.
Makinde noted that the IUFMP was completed under his watch with prudent financial management, including the return of $18 million in unspent funds. While acknowledging public scrutiny, he emphasized that all expenditures will be in the state’s best interest.
The governor also shared plans to acquire two aircraft for security surveillance, targeting their delivery before the state’s 50th anniversary celebration in February 2026. He expressed pride in leading the state at such a significant milestone and outlined efforts to honour individuals who have contributed to Oyo’s development.
Earlier, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, commended the governor for his support for the legislature, including the approval of 181 new staff for the Assembly. Other lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi and Majority Leader Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, praised Makinde’s people-centred governance while highlighting areas requiring further attention—such as rural road projects, education, health infrastructure, and the revival of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Governors Hamid Gbadamosi and Hazeem Gbolarumi, Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima, SSG Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, and Head of Service Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, among others.
