Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has restated his administration’s resolve to grow the state’s economy, improve citizens’ quality of life, and build a prosperous future for upcoming generations.
Delivering the State of the State Address at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex in Ibadan on Friday, Governor Makinde highlighted major achievements across key sectors, affirming that Oyo is now a preferred destination for investment due to the government’s pragmatic and people-focused policies.
He noted that efforts to reposition the state economically have yielded significant milestones, including the designation of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub as Nigeria’s first agricultural transformation centre by the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the ongoing development of the Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hub. The state has also become the first sub-national entity in Africa admitted into the World Union of Wholesale Markets.
Governor Makinde listed other developmental strides, such as the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, whose first phase is scheduled for commissioning in October 2025; extensive road rehabilitation across the state; and the construction of 87 kilometers of rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). He also reaffirmed the commitment to completing the 48km Ido-Eruwa Road and extending roadworks to the Ogbomoso and Oyo zones.
“Our aim is to build Oyo into a regional economic powerhouse and a place where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” Makinde declared.
On education and healthcare, the governor said efforts are underway to bridge urban-rural disparities in education and to further upgrade infrastructure across schools. He also promised continued investment in healthcare programs that benefit the populace.
Responding to recent criticism over the planned N63 billion reconstruction of the Government House, Governor Makinde explained that rising exchange rates significantly affected project costs. He cited the example of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), a $200 million loan project initiated by the previous administration, which was valued at N70 billion in 2019 but now amounts to N320 billion due to forex fluctuations.
“When we took over in 2019, we were paying N700 million monthly to service the IUFMP loan. Today, due to exchange rate volatility, we are paying N3 billion monthly,” he said. “We managed that project prudently and even returned $18 million of unspent funds to the World Bank.”
Makinde stressed that while currency management is outside the purview of the state, his government remains committed to managing its resources efficiently in the face of economic challenges.
Looking ahead, the governor revealed plans to purchase two aircraft for security surveillance ahead of Oyo State’s 50th anniversary in February 2026, which he described as an opportunity to celebrate the state’s journey and its heroes.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, commended the governor for prioritizing workers’ welfare and approving the recruitment of 181 new staff for the Assembly. Other lawmakers also praised the administration’s performance while calling attention to pending issues such as rural healthcare, resuscitation of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo, and further improvements in education infrastructure.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including former Deputy Governors, top judiciary officers, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and senior government officials.
