The Oyo State Government has announced that two Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft purchased to strengthen security operations will arrive before the end of July after delays caused by the assembly process in China.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, following the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.
According to Oyelade, the aircraft’s delivery was delayed because their assembly by the Chinese manufacturers took longer than expected. He recalled that after the Oriire abduction incident two months ago, the government had disclosed that the aircraft had been transported to the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Ikeja, Lagos, for final assembly.
Governor Seyi Makinde reportedly told the Executive Council that he had hoped the aircraft would have been deployed during the operation that secured the rescue of the Oriire abductees. However, he explained that the decision to delay deployment was based on technical recommendations from the manufacturers to ensure the aircraft met all safety standards.
The Executive Council supported the decision, noting that adhering to professional and technical advice was more important than rushing the process to satisfy public expectations.
The two DA 42 MNG ISR aircraft were acquired at a total cost of ₦7.763 billion and are expected to improve aerial surveillance and security monitoring, particularly along Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin.
Beyond security, the council approved several major projects across agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and sports.
As part of efforts to boost agricultural development, the government approved a ₦3 billion interest-free intervention loan for an indigenous cassava processing factory in Ado-Awaye. The project is expected to benefit more than 25,000 farmers, generate employment and strengthen the state’s cassava value chain.
The council also approved an additional ₦2.462 billion equity investment in Oyo Sugar and Derivatives Industries Limited in Iseyin, complementing an earlier ₦850 million investment aimed at completing and reviving the sugar processing facility.
For infrastructure, the Executive Council approved the construction of the 4-kilometre Idi-Igba/Akinmorin Road in Ilora at a cost of ₦2.901 billion to improve transportation and economic activities in the area.
To support the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, the government also approved an additional ₦26.768 billion for revised engineering works. The project includes the construction of a 140-metre strip, runway safety facilities, blast pads and other supporting infrastructure.
In the healthcare sector, the council approved the implementation of a €55 million French-backed programme guaranteed by the Federal Government. The initiative will fund the construction and equipping of modular hospitals, including a cardiac centre, emergency and maternity units, operating theatres and intensive care units.
The healthcare project will also provide 39 ambulances, 10 dental centres and 200 primary healthcare centres, alongside upgraded emergency and maternity facilities in hospitals across Igboora, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Moniya, Kishi, Iseyin, Okeho and Eruwa.
Meanwhile, the Executive Council approved an initial ₦200 million take-off grant for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to support the team’s quest for continental success after nearly three decades.
The approvals reflect the Oyo State Government’s commitment to improving security, expanding healthcare services, strengthening infrastructure and promoting agricultural and industrial development across the state.
