Oyo To Build Helipad, 21 Structures In N63.4bn Govt House Overhaul

  Oyo State Government, on Friday, justified the proposed spending of N63.4 billion to overhaul the over 70-year-old Government House. This was made known in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital. He lamented that the section of the media that touted the impression that the Government House was going to be renovated is either ignorant or mischievous. Oyelade said, “The present administration has over 200 ongoing projects, including the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, the 110KM Circular Road, LAUTECH, Iseyin campus, Fashola Agro-industrial hub and several other infrastructural development projects across the seven zones of the state and the Government House overhauling and reconstruction is one of them. “The Seyi Makinde administration is the least that can be accused of not getting its priorities right and for six years, the government has nurtured the finance of the state efficiently, such that the Internally Generated Revenue has increased by over 300% within this period from about N1.5 billion to N7.8 billion as at the end of May 2025. “The administration has also vigorously pursued the welfare of its workers such that it would pay over N174 billion annually in salaries and wages at N14.5 billion monthly, to the largest State workforce in Nigeria.” He explained that an administration that has employed over 27,000 workers, spent a record N13 billion on gratuities and pension for the aged, subsidises the transportation fare of over 42,000 commuters every day till date and promoted 45 permanent secretaries in one fell swoop, cannot be accused of profligacy. “The decrepit presidential lodge and the banquet hall, which will be ready for the state’s 50th anniversary celebration next year February, will be totally reconstructed while the Governor and the Deputy Governor’s main residences will be overhauled and structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical works will be comprehensively carried out. “Also affected are several quarters and chalets for visitors, senior and junior staff, whose duties would necessitate dwelling in the Government House. “The mosque, church, external botanical garden, roadworks, landscaping, fencing and furniture are also affected in the reconstruction. “It is instructive that the new building will also accommodate a helipad to allow VIP visitors including the presidency, fellow Governors, important dignitaries and the host Governor himself to commute seamlessly to and from their destinations in helicopters.” “In arriving at this decision, the governor had factored-in, the pride of the state, a befitting official residence for the number one and two citizens of the state and a legacy of a beautiful ambience for a place that once had the likes of Sir. John Rankin, Sir. Adesoji Aderemi and others as tenants.” The commissioner then described as laughable and kindergarten the suggestion by a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2027 that the people of the state would be better served by distributing N3 million of the N63.4 billion to 20,000 citizens.

Olayinka Segelu Announces 2027 Oyo Governorship Bid, Vows to Build on Makinde’s Successes

  By Adeleke Maria      Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji (Segelu), the son of the murdered House of Representatives member Chief Akintola Oladimeji (Segelu), has announced his plan to run for governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections as a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The young and vibrant Olayinka Segelu revealed his plans during a media parley at his Monatan home in Ibadan on Wednesday. He disclosed that his political career is not a matter of chance but is driven by the legacy of his late father, with the goal of making a significant impact on the community. Hon. Segelu, who said that his mission is to consolidate on the achievements recorded by the present administration in the state under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, appreciated the governor for creating an enabling environment for the youth to play an active role in the political setting of the state. The former Personal Assistant to the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, described the governor as a man of honour whose style of leadership is worthy of emulation, having demonstrated a strong belief in the ability of youth to lead the state come 2027 with the age limit set for his successor. Hon. Olayinka disclosed that the age limit, his commitment to the party, (PDP) coupled with his political experience as an appointee in the National Assembly, as well as his international connections and exposure have positioned him as the most qualified person to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde in 2027. The youthful Segelu, who is a graduate of Political Science and International Relations, said that his government will prioritize agriculture, infrastructure, economic advancement, health, social welfare, transportation, and human capacity development, which are all in line with the agenda of the present administration in the state. “My life has been shaped by profound experiences, including the loss of my father—a man who dedicated his life to serving our people. His legacy inspires me to follow in his footsteps and make a meaningful impact in our communities. “I may not be the wealthiest or the most experienced candidate, but my youth and determination equip me to tackle the challenges ahead. I am committed to building upon the foundation laid by the current administration under our leader, Engr. Seyi Makinde. “With my educational background in political science and diverse professional experience in sectors like ICT, engineering, and agriculture, I am uniquely positioned to lead Oyo State into a new era of prosperity. “My time as a political appointee in the National Assembly, Abuja has provided me with invaluable insights, fueling my passion for effective governance. “My vision for Oyo State is a mission—to prioritize agriculture, infrastructure, economic advancement, health, social welfare, transportation, and human capacity development. I aim to establish robust institutions that empower our people and foster independence from federal allocations. “Security of life and property and social welfare are very important and will be key parts of my agenda. This is because what they did to my father I will not allow such to happen to other people under my watch. You will notice that when we were facing security challenges in Oyo State and in the entire South West, our governors came together and established Amotekun and this has been helping us in the fight against insecurity. In Oyo State, we will continue on the trend, we will consolidate on the efforts of the government of Engr. Seyi Makinde to ensure that our people continue to enjoy peace in the state. “In terms of economic prosperity, one major area that I will concentrate on is agriculture, which Governor Seyi Makinde has performed wonderfully. One of the achievements is Fasola Farm, we will also consolidate on that to ensure food security in the state.” Ho. Olayinka Segelu called for the support of the youth, women, leaders, members of the Peoples Democratic Party and the media practitioners to support his ambition. “As we embark on this journey together, I want to emphasize the importance of unity, purpose, and transformation for our beloved Oyo State. “Let’s build a narrative of hope, empowerment, and progress together. I look forward to collaborating with each of you as we strive for a better tomorrow for our people,” Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu said.