The Oyo State Executive Council has approved a total of ₦63.48 billion for the comprehensive renovation of structures within the Government House, in preparation for the state’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Ibadan by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who described the current state of the Government House as “embarrassing” and “unbefitting” for a state of Oyo’s status. He noted that for the past six years, Governor Seyi Makinde and his deputy have opted to reside in their private homes due to the dilapidated condition of the official residences.
As part of the renovation, the Banquet Hall is scheduled to be completed ahead of the golden jubilee celebration, which the government says will be one of Governor Makinde’s lasting legacies.
In addition to the main overhaul, the council also approved ₦131.75 million for the hiring of professional gardeners to maintain the green areas and landscape of the Government House.
In a related development, the Executive Council gave the green light for the procurement and installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, aimed at upgrading the facility to international standards. The ILS equipment, crucial for ensuring safe aircraft landings in poor weather, will cost ₦14.3 billion. This move comes after a previously installed system by the Federal Government was reportedly damaged.
Oyelade added that the state is also working to ensure that essential agencies such as Customs and Immigration are adequately equipped to operate in line with international aviation requirements.
Further approvals from the council include the payment of the first installment for a service agreement concerning the construction of an International Agro-Food Market in Ijaiye, Ibadan. The market project, in partnership with Semmaris, a Paris-based fresh agricultural produce company, is valued at €2 million and is being developed in collaboration with the African Development Bank, which has already issued a certificate of no objection.
The council also endorsed the second edition of the Oyo State International Tourism Summit, set to hold in July 2025.
To support urban development initiatives, a take-off grant of ₦130 million was approved for the state’s New Towns and Cities Development Authority. The agency is tasked with decongesting urban centers and preventing the spread of slums.
Lastly, the council approved an increase of ₦270.85 billion to the state’s 2025 supplementary budget. This adjustment is aimed at aligning with the administration’s strategic roadmap and ensuring the completion of key projects before the end of Governor Makinde’s tenure.
