Evidently, signature projects are not just physical structures, but symbols of a leader’s vision, commitment, and legacy. They have the power to transform lives, stimulate economic growth, and leave an indelible mark on the future.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been making waves with his administration’s numerous infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the state’s economy and improving the lives of its citizens. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the governor’s ‘signature’ projects that are set to leave a lasting impact on the state.
The Ibadan Circular Road, one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by the Makinde administration is the 32-kilometer Ibadan Circular Road. The project, which is being constructed is expected to ease traffic congestion in the state capital and provide a boost to the local economy. The road project is designed to connect major roads in Ibadan, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Ibadan-Ife Expressway, and the Ibadan-Oyo Road.
The Oyo-Iseyin Road; another significant project is the 65-kilometer Oyo-Iseyin Road, which is being rehabilitated at a cost of N10.9 billion. The project is expected to improve connectivity between Oyo and Oke-Ogun zones, facilitating the movement of goods and people. The road project is also expected to boost economic activities in the area, particularly in the agricultural sector.
The Ibadan Airport Upgrade, Makinde administration has also invested heavily in upgrading the Ibadan Airport, with the installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) and the construction of a new terminal building. The project, which is being undertaken at a cost of N4.3 billion, is expected to boost economic activities in the state. The upgraded airport is expected to attract more businesses and investments to the state, creating jobs and improving the standard of living for residents.
The Light-Up Oyo Project is another initiative aimed at improving the state’s infrastructure. The project, which involves the installation of solar-powered streetlights across major roads in Ibadan, is expected to enhance security and improve the overall aesthetic of the city. The project is also expected to reduce the state’s reliance on diesel-powered generators, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner environment.
The OYSADA is a flagship program of the Makinde administration aimed at promoting agribusiness in the state. The agency is working to provide support to farmers, including access to finance, training, and equipment. The agency is also working to promote value chain development, providing support to farmers to add value to their products and increase their earnings.
The Makinde administration has also implemented various reforms in the education sector, including the introduction of free education for students in primary and secondary schools. The government has also invested in the rehabilitation of schools and the provision of educational materials. The reforms are aimed at improving the quality of education in the state, increasing access to education, and reducing the number of out-of-school children.
The Makinde administration has also implemented various reforms in the health sector, including the upgrade of healthcare facilities and the provision of medical equipment. The government has also invested in the training of healthcare workers, improving their skills and capacity to provide quality healthcare services. The reforms are aimed at improving the quality of healthcare services in the state, reducing the number of deaths from preventable diseases, and improving the overall health and wellbeing of residents.
The ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads across Oyo State is poised to have a transformative impact on the local economy. Well-built roads have a catalytic effect on their surroundings, fostering economic growth by connecting producers to markets, workers to employment opportunities, students to educational institutions, and patients to healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the quality and extent of a region’s road network are directly correlated with its level of development, as roads play a pivotal role in facilitating socio-economic progress.
Since taking office in May 2019, the Makinde administration has achieved significant milestones in upgrading Oyo State’s road infrastructure. A notable breakthrough was the completion of 144.37 kilometers of roads between June 2019 and May 2023. Building on this momentum, an additional 152.92 kilometers were completed from June 2023 to May 2024. Furthermore, the recent completion of 38.48 kilometers of feeder roads brings the total length of completed roads to 335.77 kilometers. Impressively, another 273.31 kilometers of roads are currently under construction. It’s worth noting that these achievements do not account for the various road projects initiated by local government councils across the state.
The Makinde administration’s first major project was the 65-kilometer Moniya-Iseyin Road, a federal road connecting Ibadan, the main consumption center, with Oke-Ogun, the food basket of Oyo State. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was completed in just 18 months, leveraging the state’s agricultural strengths.
The government has also reconstructed the 34.85-kilometer Oyo-Iseyin Road, a federal road connecting the Oke-Ogun and Oyo Zones. Additionally, the administration has rehabilitated the 38-kilometer Igboora-Igangan-Iganna Road, linking the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun Zones.
Furthermore, a new 76.67-kilometer road has been constructed between Iseyin and Ogbomoso, connecting the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso Zones. The ongoing rehabilitation of the 48-kilometer Ido-Eruwa Road will further enhance connectivity between the Ibadan and Ibarapa Zones.
Also, the introduction of a cutting-edge traffic control system and modern terminal stations has significantly enhanced the state’s infrastructure, adding substantial value to the overall quality of life and economic development in Oyo State.
Governor Makinde demonstrated his foresight by utilizing specific provisions in the Nigerian Constitution, which were amended to empower states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within the national grid. This strategic move enabled Oyo State to establish an 11 MW Independent Power Project (IPP), comprising a 10 MW gas-fired power plant and a 1 MW solar solution. Notably, 5 MW of this project is already operational, marking a significant milestone in the state’s energy development.
The array of innovative projects initiated by Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State underscores his administration’s resolute focus on catalyzing economic transformation, fostering sustainable development, and significantly improving the quality of life for the state’s residents.
From infrastructure development to education and health sector reforms, the governor’s initiatives are set to leave a lasting impact on the state. As the governor continues to work towards achieving his vision for Oyo State, it is clear that the future of the state is bright. With his administration’s focus on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and agribusiness, Oyo State is poised to become a hub for economic growth and development in the region.
