Oyo government has approved over ₦63 billion to renovate its outdated Government House in Ibadan.
Additional billions will fund airport upgrades, green spaces, markets, tourism events, and urban development reforms statewide.
The Oyo State Executive Council has approved a total sum of ₦63.47 billion for the comprehensive renovation and upgrading of the Government House structures in Ibadan, citing the poor condition of the facility as unsuitable for official use.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, following the Council’s meeting in the state capital. He stated that the existing state of the Government House has been described as embarrassing and not befitting for a state like Oyo.
According to Oyelade, both the Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his deputy have refrained from residing in the official quarters for the past six years due to the deteriorated condition of the buildings. Instead, they have opted to live in their private residences, underscoring the urgency of the planned rehabilitation.
The commissioner explained that part of the funds will be used to ensure the completion of the Government House Banquet Hall in time for Oyo State’s 50th anniversary celebration next year. He emphasized that this project will form a key component of the Makinde administration’s legacy.
In addition to the renovation, the council also approved ₦131.75 million for the hiring of professional gardeners who will be responsible for maintaining the green areas and beautification of the Government House environment.
Furthering its infrastructural commitments, the state government also approved ₦14.29 billion for the procurement and installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan. This step, Oyelade said, is part of the administration’s ongoing plan to upgrade the airport to international standards.
The commissioner explained that the ILS technology is essential for ensuring safe and efficient aircraft landings, particularly during poor weather conditions. He noted that although a similar system had previously been procured by the Federal Government, it was damaged. Consequently, the state has taken it upon itself to fund and install a new system within the next six months.
Oyelade added that facilities for Customs, Immigration, and other key agencies are also being put in place to bring the airport up to international operational standards.
In another major development, the Council gave approval for the payment of the first installment of the service agreement for the proposed International Agro-Food Market to be located in Ijaiye, Ibadan. The fresh produce market is being developed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), which has already issued a certificate of no objection for the project.
The state government is also partnering with Semmaris, a Paris-based agricultural produce firm, on the project, which is estimated to cost €2 million.
As part of its efforts to boost the tourism sector, the Executive Council approved the organization of the second edition of the Oyo State International Tourism Summit, scheduled to take place in July 2025.
To further address urban development challenges, the government has also approved a take-off grant of ₦130 million for the newly established New Towns and Cities Development Authority. The agency is tasked with tackling structural congestion in urban areas and curbing the growth of slums by planning well-structured new settlements.
In conclusion, Oyelade revealed that the 2025 supplementary budget has been increased by ₦270.85 billion. This adjustment, he said, aligns with the administration’s roadmap and is intended to ensure the completion of various ongoing infrastructure and development projects before Governor Makinde’s tenure ends.
