Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Commissioner Williams Akin-Funmilayo, launched the Federal Government’s housing project in Oyo State, marking a significant milestone in addressing the state’s housing deficit. The Governor applauded the initiative, stating it will substantially alleviate the housing shortage in the state.
Addressing the media in Ibadan, he commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s gesture towards Oyo State, supporting and complementing his visionary leadership since the “Omituntun 1.0” era, focused on accelerated development and sustainable growth. He encouraged the Federal Government to expand the project beyond Ibadan, citing the state government’s efforts to connect other zones with improved road infrastructure, including the Ido-Eruwa road, Igboora-Igana-Igangan road, Oyo-Fashola-Iseyin road (34.85 km), and Ogbomosho-Fapote-Aworo Dada-Iseyin road (76.67 km), the longest stretch, and Moniya-Iseyin Road (65 km), the second longest. This expansion would ensure equal opportunities and balanced development across the state.
The Governor emphasized the correlation between road infrastructure and development, stating that “where roads go, development follows.” He noted that the housing deficit would be significantly minimized, considering the educational development in other zones, including LAUTECH Ogbomosho, LAUTECH College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources Iseyin, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa, Lanlate College of Education, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Igboora, The Oke Ogun Polytechnic Saki, the newly upgraded Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Federal School of Surveying (the only school of Surveying in Sub-Saharan Africa), Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, Atiba University, and others.
Notably, the 250 housing initiative, situated in Erunmu Egbeda Local Government, is less than 5km from Iyana-Offa and proximal to the Ibadan Circular Road, the second-largest road in Nigeria (110 km). This strategic location facilitates access to the North, Lagos State, and neighboring states.
The Governor’s remarks highlighted the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in addressing the housing needs of Oyo State’s citizens. By working together, they can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. The housing initiative is expected to provide relief to many families, residents, indigenes, and investors in Oyo State by offering affordable and decent housing. The project’s success will be a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of both governments to improving the lives of their citizens.
