Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening Oyo State’s economy and attracting both local and international investment. Speaking during his State of the State Address at the House of Assembly in Ibadan on Thursday, the governor outlined key achievements and strategic plans aimed at ensuring sustainable development across sectors.
Highlighting notable progress, Makinde said the state has recorded significant milestones in agribusiness, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He pointed to the designation of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub as Nigeria’s first Agricultural Transformation Centre by the African Development Bank as a testament to the administration’s agricultural drive. The governor also referenced the ongoing construction of the Eruwa Agribusiness Hub and Oyo’s historic admission into the World Union of Wholesale Markets the first sub-national government in Africa to attain such recognition.
Makinde emphasized ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure, including the phased upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, set to be commissioned in October 2025, and the near-completion of major road projects such as the 48km Ido-Eruwa Road and 87km of rural roads under the RAAMP scheme.
On education and healthcare, the governor pledged to bridge the rural-urban divide by expanding access to quality schooling and continuing upgrades to health facilities. He further cited responsible fiscal management, noting the return of $18 million to the World Bank from the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, a move he said underscored the administration’s transparency in managing public funds.
Responding to public discourse over the proposed Government House reconstruction, Makinde explained that exchange rate volatility has significantly inflated project costs. He cited the rising burden of repaying foreign loans, stating: “The $200 million IUFMP loan, worth ₦70 billion in 2019, now stands at ₦320 billion. We currently remit ₦3 billion monthly on the same facility.”
As part of preparations for Oyo State’s 50th anniversary in February 2026, the governor announced plans to procure two surveillance aircraft to boost state-wide security operations.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, lauded the governor’s leadership, particularly in the areas of workers’ welfare and legislative staff recruitment. Lawmakers in attendance called for increased focus on rural road development, expansion of LAUTECH’s Teaching Hospital annex in Oyo, and sustained investment in education and healthcare delivery.
The address was attended by former deputy governors, political leaders, cabinet members, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.
