Governor Seyi Makinde: One Year in Office: Infrastructure (More Projects)

Infrastructural development remains a key priority of the Oyo State Government led by Governor Seyi Makinde. This is evidenced by infrastructure getting the highest vote, 23.93%, in the 2020 budget. Also, all borrowings in the last one year, are tied to infrastructural development. For example, the N7.6 billion re-purposed loan is for the development of farm estates while the N10 billion loan was invested in road construction. Also, the recently approved N22.5 billion loan is tied to upgrade of healthcare infrastructure, the Light Up Oyo State Phase II project, building of bus terminals, security architecture, junction improvements, road projects and other infrastructural activities. His Excellency has stated on several occasions that all infrastructural development projects will be tied to the economy of the state so that it can benefit the citizenry.

Achievements in Infrastructure

As part of plans to enhance security, Governor Seyi Makinde flagged off the “Light up Oyo” project on September 6, 2019. The project is for the replacement of the existing underperforming street light fittings with improved modern technology street lights fittings and installation of new smart LED technology street lights at strategic areas in Ibadan.

The “Light up Oyo” Phase I project which has since been completed, covers the following areas in Ibadan:

• Iwo Road to Idi-ape
• Ojoo to Barracks
• Orita Challenge to New Garage
• Sango (Rail track area) to the University of Ibadan to Ojoo
• Toll Gate to Interchange to Orita Challenge to Challenge Roundabout

Phase II of the “Light up Oyo” project will cover 70 roads totalling 223.42 kilometres across the state. This second phase of the project was approved by the Oyo State Government Executive Council (EXCO) in April, 2020 and will soon commence.

Communication Infrastructure

In the communication sector, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration broke a decade-long drought in capital project intervention at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). In August 2019, an N18 million project was approved for the station. It was used for the installation of a Digital Satellite Audio Network. Also, for the first time in 12 years, BCOS stopped the primitive use of mobile phones to monitor and transmit from its out-stations in Ajilete and Alaga and switched to sending digital signals directly from the headquarters in Ibadan.

Road Rehabilitation

On road rehabilitation, the Oyo State Ministry of Works is currently engaged in the following projects:

• The complete reconstruction of the 65 kilometres Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road commenced in November 2019 and the estimated completion date is November 2020.
• The reconstruction of the 12 kilometres Apete-Awotan-Akufo road which serves about 40 communities is currently ongoing.

While the following projects already approved by the EXCO will commence soon:

• Airport-Ajia-New Ife Expressway, with spur to Amuloko (21 kilometres)
• Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho Road (44.70 kilometres)
• Under G-Stadium-LAUTECH Gate Road, Ogbomoso (3 kilometres)
• Takie-FGGC Road, Ogbomoso (2.5 kilometres)
• Isaba-Ogundoyin Road, Eruwa (2.5 kilometres)
• Gedu-Oroki-Sabo-Asipa Road, Oyo (5.2 kilometres)
• Akingbile-Lagbeja-Ajibode Road (3 kilometres)

Additionally, the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA) has rehabilitated several roads and de-silted drainages in Ibadan metropolis. Rehabilitation of roads in other zones in the state by OYSROMA will commence soon.

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