Commitment

FG Lauds Makinde’s Commitment On Ijaye Agro-Industrial Hub As SAPZ, AFDB Visit Oyo

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FG Lauds Makinde’s Commitment On Ijaye Agro-Industrial Hub As SAPZ, AFDB Visit Oyo

IBADAN – The Federal Government delegations that were on assessment visit to Oyo state have commended the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde over his commitment to the proposed Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project at Ijaye Atan Village Akinyele local government, Ibadan. Governor Makinde was commended by Dr. Oyebola Yejide Akande, the Assistant Director, African Financial Institutions, Federal Ministry of Finance, International Economic Relations Department, and the National Program Coordinator for the Nigeria Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program, Dr. Kabir Yusuf during an assessment visit to Atan Village, the site of the Ijaye Agro-industrial Processing Hub on Saturday, 19th, July 2025. Ijaye Agro-industrial Processing Hub upon completion will improve the lives of indigenous farmers in Oyo state l,. especially the farmers in Ijaye and it’s environs. The visiting team also include officials from the African Development Bank (AFDB) and were conducted round the site by the Acting State Coordinator for SAPZ, Dr Ajetunmobi Akinwumi, who represented the Director General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande alongside other personnel of the agency. In her interview with journalists shortly after the tour of the site, Dr. Oyebola Yejide Akande highlighted the importance of the assessment visit, noting that the team were on a supervision mission for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), Phase 1 states. She said, “We’ve been to Ogun State, Cross River, and now we are in Oyo State to assess the level of preparedness. The goal is to evaluate what infrastructure is already in place and what still needs to be developed. “Although some basic infrastructure already exists, which we refer to as “ground-fill” there are critical components that must still be built, such as the agro-industrial processing hub, Agricultural Transformation Centre (ATC), and the access roads that connect these hubs to surrounding communities. “For example, in Atan village, where the special agro-industrial processing hub will be sited, there’s a need for access roads to enable smooth transportation of produce and encourage private sector participation. Without good road access, it becomes difficult for investors and farmers to move goods in and out efficiently. “The state government has shown a strong level of commitment right from the start. Our role, alongside the Federal Government, which secured this loan on behalf of the state, is to ensure the people of Oyo State benefit from this initiative. “The essence of this collaboration is to improve livelihoods and promote inclusive development through agriculture. The arrangements under the SAPZ are designed to ensure that beneficiaries, especially those in rural farming communities are not shortchanged. They should be compensated fairly and rewarded in proportion to their contributions and involvement in farming activities.” In his remarks, Dr. Kabir Yusuf said, “We are here on a supervision mission with the African Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance to assess the progress and evaluate how the funds disbursed so far have been utilized. “We recently visited Ijaye, where a massive agro-industrial park is being planned. It’s about 100 hectares in size. With the support of the state government, we’ve guided them through the procurement process for developing the zone, and that process has already been concluded. We’re here to ensure there are no encumbrances so that work can proceed smoothly. “We also visited the Fashola Agribusiness Hub, which has recently been designated by the state as an SAPZ zone. It’s a hub of various agricultural activities, dairy, cashew processing, greenhouse tomato production, cassava, and more. There’s already a joint MoU with FrieslandCampina WAMCO to develop the dairy value chain. “The overall goal of the SAPZ is to ensure that agricultural commodities are not only produced in Nigeria but also processed here to add value before export. What we’ve been doing in all the participating states is to focus on indigenous crops and commodities, and support states with funding to improve productivity and develop local processing capacity. “The aim is to produce finished goods that can go directly to the market shelves, which will help reduce and eventually eliminate the need to import agricultural products. This aligns perfectly with the administration’s ambition of transitioning Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy. In the next few years, we hope to be exporting many of these processed commodities and earning valuable foreign exchange. “The project is a collaboration between the Federal Government and the state government. The Federal Government has already disbursed funds, and procurement for contractors has been concluded. In fact, the government is considering August 2nd for the groundbreaking ceremony, though that’s still being finalized. Once that is done, the contractor will move to site and construction will begin in earnest.”From our perspective, this is a loan-based financing program provided to the state, and I must say the Oyo State government has followed the process judiciously. Governor Seyi Makinde has been extremely magnanimous and proactive. “What’s particularly commendable is that, after we agreed to concentrate the SAPZ loan financing on the Ijaye site, the Governor decided to use state funds to execute the development of the Eruwa agribusiness hub, which was initially meant to be part of the federal financing. That’s a novel and bold move. It shows the Governor’s strong commitment to agriculture and to the people. “The beauty of the SAPZ is that it aims to uplift citizens and eradicate rural poverty by transforming rural communities into economic hubs and secondary cities. There will be a lot of economic activity, value addition, and employment generated in these areas. I truly commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his vision, proactiveness, and dedication to sustainable agricultural development.” Kabir stressed. Other members of the AFDB on the assessment visit include, Engr. Ibrahim Bashir Gaya(Co-task Manager AFDB); Bernard Onzima (Principal Agro-Industry Officer AFDB), Dr. Emmanuel Chisesa (Regional Procurement Coordinator for AFDB Nigeria). The team also paid visit to Fasola Agro-industrial Processing Hub, and they’re expected to meet with the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to brief him about the outcome of their assessment visit.

How Makinde’s Commitment To Tourism Grew Hospitality Investments In Oyo- Olatunbosun

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  The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, has said that the commitment of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde to developing the tourism sector and ensuring that it forms a key component of his economic expansion agenda has yielded many positive results in the last two years. He pointed out that with the government putting in place key tourism enablers such as road infrastructure, security and the political will as well as the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2023, the state has witnessed tremendous turnaround in the tourism sector. ‎He added that the turnaround has also led to increased tourists inflow as well as a massive boost in the hospitality sector, noting that while the state had a record of 1,328 hospitality businesses as of May 29, 2019, the number of investments in hospitality businesses increased to 12,128 by December 2024. ‎Olatubosun, who stated this during the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing held at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, noted that the last two years of Governor Makinde’s second term of office has also seen Oyo State recording an influx of tourists. The Culture and Tourism Commissioner also pointed out how the conducive environment created by the state government has also succeeded in attracting private investors in the culture and tourism sector, including the Kunle Afolayan Film Village in Komu, Oyo State and the AFRICHATTA Film Village in Oyo, calling on other investors to come into the state. According to him, about 18,459 visitors come into Oyo State daily as against 1,604 recorded before the advent of the administration in 2019. ‎He noted that the number of hospitality businesses including hotels (945), night clubs (78), event centres (143), eateries and restaurants (66) and tour agencies (96) increased by 10,800 as of December 2024, saying these were because of the governor’s decision to put in place key success indicators. He lauded the efforts of Governor Makinde in promoting culture, tourism and preserving the Yoruba traditional heritages in Oyo State, noting that recognition and enlistment of the World Sango Festival as an intangible cultural heritage site by UNESCO was a laudable achievement of the government and a testament to its success in tourism development. “With the help of the governor, who has put in place a conducive environment for tourism to thrive, we have achieved many things in the tourism sector in the last two years of Omituntun 2.0. I always tell people that for tourism to thrive, you need four things and the governor has done all these four things. “The first one is security. People will not go to an environment that is not secure; neither will they come to invest in such an environment. Governor Makinde has succeeded in putting in place a security architecture that helped in securing the state under Omituntun 1.0 and he has built on that under Omituntun 2.0. ‎“The second is that for tourism to thrive, there must be infrastructure development; road infrastructure, aviation infrastructure and all that. Before this administration came in, we had seven isolated zones and the roads linking them were in terrible conditions. If you wanted to go from one zone to another, it would take you long hours. Today, the governor has succeeded in connecting all the zones of the state with quality road networks. “The governor knew that to have a modern Oyo State, there was the need to interconnect all the zones. This interconnectivity and security have helped to bring people into Oyo State. ‎“Another important factor is political will. The governor has demonstrated that to drive tourism, you need political will. So, the governor created the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and he put together people who can deliver on the mandate. ‎“Today, we have achieved a massive increment in the number of visitors and tourists coming to Oyo State. This happened because of our efforts as a government. ‎“The second success story is that there is a boom in the hospitality business in the state. There is no way one can measure the success if it does not have a bearing on investments coming into the state. Before we came in, the number of hospitality businesses including hotels, night clubs, event centres, eateries and restaurants and tour agencies was 1,328. “Prior to May 29, 2019, there were 945 hotels, 78 night clubs, 143 event centres, 66 eateries and restaurants and 66 tour agencies. By December 2024, because of the efforts of the governor in putting these key success indicators in place, the number of investments in hospitality businesses had increased to 12,128. That is an increment of 10,800. ‎“Another success is that before we came in, Oyo State didn’t have any cultural festival recognised internationally. But because of Governor Makinde’s commitment to making culture and tourism thrive, having recognised that culture drives tourism, we have succeeded in having the World Sango Festival enlisted by UNESCO as a cultural heritage. It used to be known as Sango Oyo Festival. ‎”The fourth one is the first International Tourism Summit that took place last year. It recorded a huge success and the governor is building on that success by also putting in place a very powerful committee in conjunction with our consultant, which has slated July 22-24, 2025 for the summit.” ‎The Commissioner also mentioned the preservation of Yoruba heritage as a major achievement of the government, noting that the approval of August 20th as Isese Day for the adherents of African Traditional Religion in fulfillment of Governor Makinde’s campaign promise as well as the promotion and support given to the World Sango Festival, the Isese Festival, the World Egungun Festival, the Igbo Ora Twins Festival, the Aso-Oke Festival, Iseyin and the Yemoja Festival all show the administration’s commitment. ‎He added that the resuscitation of the Oyo State Performing Troupe, which has become one of the best performing troupes in the entire Southern Nigeria, is also an evidence of the administration’s success in the tourism sector. ‎”As a state, … Read more

Oyo Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Complete All Ongoing Projects Before 2027

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  The Oyo State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to complete all ongoing infrastructural projects across the state before the end of the current administration in 2027. This assurance was given by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, during an on-the-spot monitoring visit to ongoing projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The monitoring exercise covers two major project sites: the 8.24 km Okudu-Oyada-FRSC Road, located across Atisbo and Saki West Local Government Areas; and the 21.953 km Oloko-Oyo-Orita Aloba Road, in Iseyin Local Government Area. Lawal emphasized that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda, is focused on delivering quality infrastructure that will enhance rural connectivity, boost agricultural productivity, and improve the overall standard of living for residents. He said: Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision is clear and deliberate; no project will be abandoned. Every ongoing road construction and rural development initiative will be completed and delivered to the people of Oyo State before the expiration of this administration in 2027, he stated The Deputy Governor, however, commended the progress recorded so far on the RAAMP projects and assured that the government will continue to monitor and support contractors to ensure timely and quality delivery. The Deputy Governor further reaffirmed that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and people-oriented governance, assuring residents that the benefits of current investments will be felt across every zone in the state. Commending the Oyo State Government for its ongoing efforts to enhance food security, the Secretary of the Grievance Redress Committee for the Okudu-Oyada Road, Mr. Abdulraheem Mojid noted that road construction has significantly improved the livelihoods of residents in the Tede/Saki communities and surrounding areas. The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo; and other key stakeholders.

World Sickle Cell Day: Oyo Govt Re-Affirms Commitment To Quality Healthcare Delivery …as Over 300 participants received free medications

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  On World Sickle Cell Day, Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality healthcare for its citizens, especially individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). World Sickle Cell Day, observed globally on June 19, serves as a vital platform for raising awareness and improving understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease. Speaking at a sensitization event held at Ikolaba High School, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, explained the importance of early detection, enhanced access to medical care, and community awareness in reducing the burden of the disease. She emphasized that the state’s healthcare reforms are deeply rooted in the principles of universal health coverage and equity, ensuring that conditions such as SCD remain a consistent priority. The event, organized in collaboration with a Non-governmental Foundation, brought together patients, families, and students across the city. Dr. Ajetunmobi explained that the state government’s strategy for addressing Sickle Cell Disease includes strengthening newborn screening for early diagnosis, expanding access to vital medications such as hydroxyurea and folic acid, and integrating SCD clinics into all levels of healthcare from primary to tertiary facilities. She also stressed the need for accurate health data, which has led to the development of sickle cell disease registries to better understand and respond to disease trends. Ajetunmobi noted that these efforts reflect Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader vision for a robust and inclusive healthcare system in Oyo State. She added that under his administration, several transformative initiatives have been implemented, including the Omituntun Free Health Mission, which continues to provide comprehensive free healthcare across all 33 local government areas. Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi explained that the mission targets vulnerable groups such as children under five and the elderly, while also offering free surgical services. She hinted that more than 200 primary healthcare centres have been renovated, 150 others are currently undergoing upgrades, and over 3,000 health workers have been employed to improve service delivery. “Through the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), more than 400,000 residents now have access to affordable and consistent healthcare”. Ajetunmobi said. She urged citizens to take personal responsibility for their health by knowing their genotype, seeking early diagnosis, adhering to prescribed treatments, and embracing genetic counselling to make informed reproductive choices. The Commissioner also encouraged policymakers to maintain and increase support for sickle cell programmes across the state. Over 300 participants received free medications, and many also benefited from immediate health education and counselling services.

Ibadan’s SLA International Airport: A Symbol Of Makinde’s Commitment To Economic Growth |• By Kazeem Awojoodu

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  There is no doubt that Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is doing everything pos­sible to expand the economy of the state, as this can be attested to by numerous infrastructural projects put in place to enhance ease of doing business for inter­ested foreign and indigenous investors. One of the projects that Gov­ernor Makinde will be remem­bered for in the history of Oyo State is the upgrade of Ibadan Airport now known as Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to in­ternational airport. This development is anoth­er win for Oyo State under the administration of Engr Seyi Makinde, and it is also histor­ic in the aviation industry of the country. With the Federal government approval, Gover­nor Seyi Makinde’s vision of upgrading the Samuel Ladoke Akintola (SLA) airport Ibadan to an international airport is fast becoming a reality. Governor Makinde in Sep­tember 2024 performed the ground breaking ceremony of the first phase for the upgrade of the airport to international status. This project comprises extension of the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 meters with a width increase from 45 meters to 60 meters. To express his commitments to the project, and also ensure transparency, Governor Ma­kinde appointed a chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state who was a former commissioner for Finance during the late Governor Abi­ola Ajimobi administration, Mr Bimbo Adekanbi as the Chair­man of the committee for the SLA Airport Upgrade Project. Just last week, Governor Makinde commenced the second phase of the upgrade with a foundation laying ceremony of the new inter­national terminal building. While the first phase would be completed by September this year, the second phase which is expected to span 18 months is in line with Gover­nor Seyi Makinde’s vision of redefining the aviation land­scape for opportunities that would engender growth and connectivity to the world. Speaking shortly after the foundation laying ceremony of the project, Mr. Bimbo Adekan­bi gave an overview of the proj­ect and its viability, affirming that the effort is another giant leap forward and a crucial com­ponent of the airport upgrade plan. Adekanbi noted that the new Terminal Building, which will be constructed by Messrs Craneburg Con­struction Ltd, represented a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional lead­ership of Governor Makinde. He maintained that the proj­ect is expected to be complet­ed in the first quarter of 2026, that it will ease the flow of passengers, boost the airports cargo handling capacity and position the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria. He said, “Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that will redefine the aviation land­scape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportu­nity, growth, connectivity- the commencement of the con­struction of a new terminal building at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport. This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwav­ering vision and exceptional leadership of our Governor, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde. “His Excellency has cham­pioned the development of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Air­port, not just as an infrastruc­tural upgrade, but as a gateway to unlocking the immense eco­nomic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest re­gion. His relentless pursuit of progress, coupled with his pro­found commitment to enhanc­ing our state’s connectivity, is embodied in this grand project. “Governor Makinde’s fore­sight and dedication to ensur­ing a world-class facility for the people of Oyo State stand as an inspiring example of visionary governance. “His tireless work ethic and unwavering focus on sus­tainable development ensure that this airport will become a symbol of progress, pros­perity, and pride for us all. The government had made tre­mendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project, explaining that the state-of-the-art Terminal Building that will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 will accommodate up to one million passengers annual­ly, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000. “This initiative goes be­yond just expanding capacity; it is about creating a modern, efficient, and world-class air­port that enhances the over­all travel experience while driving economic growth, attracting investments, and empowering the people of Oyo State. With Governor Seyi Ma­kinde at the helm, the vision of a fully integrated, globally competitive airport is becom­ing a reality. “Oyo State Government remains steadfast in its dedica­tion to improving infrastruc­ture, fostering economic op­portunities, and ensuring sustainable development for all. Through projects like this, we are not only investing in physical struc­tures but also in the future prosperity and well-being of our citizens. “With Governor Seyi Makinde leading the way, we are confident that the best is yet to come,” Adekanbi said. While conducting jour­nalists and other stake­holders’ round the proj­ect, the Senior Manager, Craneburg Construction, Edmond Maalouf main­tained that the project will be delivered on time, while the Site Engineer, Oliver Makhlouf, explained the success so far recorded on the upgrade of the airport runway. Speaking with journalists on the project, the Director of Engineering of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Engr. Adejare Abiola, who rep­resented the chairman of the organisation, lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts towards turning around the fortune of the Ibadan Airport. “We want to appreciate the Executive Governor of the state for what he has been do­ing. He has been supporting us. He has donated project ve­hicles for security patrol. Today again, he has fulfilled another promise and we, as FAAN, are ready to support him and the Airport. “I want to also thank the host community who have been good neighbours to us and, at the same time, appeal to them on the excavation that is on­going around our perimeter fence. By the time the airport is completed, we have to invite the ICAA for certification, and some of the things they are go­ing to look at include the safety and security of the airport. So, please, desist from excavating along our fence,” the FAAN chairman said. When completed, the SLA International Airport will boost economic activities in Oyo State and the entire South West es­pecially in the area of … Read more

Tinubu Affirms Nigeria’s Commitment To Improved Electricity

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  President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to its citizens by 2030. Tinubu made the declaration as he concluded his participation in the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he joined other African leaders to address the continent’s energy access challenges. This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday. The two-day summit, hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Union, African Development Bank, and the World Bank Group, culminated in the adoption of the Dar es Salaam Declaration. The declaration sets a collective target for African nations to provide electricity to 300 million people by 2030. In his speech, delivered by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s commitment to this goal, stressing that energy access would remain a top priority for his administration. He called for a united, collaborative effort among African nations, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to ensure that all Africans have access to electricity in the next decade. “Let us work together to create a brighter future for our citizens, where every African has access to reliable and affordable energy, where our industries thrive, and our economies grow,” Tinubu said. The President seized the opportunity to highlight the strides Nigeria has made in improving its energy access, with the support of international partners. He outlined several ongoing projects, including the $1.1 billion investment by AfDB that will provide electricity to 5 million Nigerians by 2026. He also noted the $200 million Nigeria Electrification Project, aimed at electrifying 500,000 people by the end of 2025, and the planned investments in the Nigeria Desert to Power programme and the Nigeria-Grid Battery Energy Storage System. “These initiatives represent our commitment to improving electricity access for our citizens, especially those in underserved areas. We are making tangible progress towards achieving our goal of providing electricity for all by 2030,” Tinubu said. The President also emphasized Nigeria’s push towards renewable energy, highlighting the government’s efforts to establish an electric vehicle charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy. This move, he said, is part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to sustainable energy solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. “Nigeria’s energy sector is growing, and we are incentivizing private sector investments to expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and bring electricity to those who need it the most,” he said. Tinubu also underscored the importance of regional cooperation in achieving the energy access goal. He pointed to the collaboration between the Nigerian government and key international development partners like AfDB, the World Bank, and the IFC, which have committed billions in funding for energy projects in Nigeria. Punch

Makinde Restates Commitment To Judiciary At 2024/2025 Legal Year Church Service

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  By Adeleke Maria    Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde has reiterated his dedication to the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of a more efficient administration of justice. Governor Makinde reiterated this commitment at a Special Church Service to mark the beginning of the 2024/2025 Legal Year of the Oyo State Judiciary. The Governor who was represented by the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin took the first lesson from Zephaniah 2 :1-15 at the Service. Engr. Seyi Makinde reflected on the past year’s achievements and challenges, highlighting significant legal developments, legislative reforms, and judicial decisions that have shaped Nigeria’s legal landscape. A significant milestone in our commitment to the rule of law is the establishment of the Rule of Law Authority, headed by the Honourable Justice A.A. Aderemi (Rtd). This institution will play a pivotal role in overseeing the enforcement of laws, ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness in the administration of justice. “I am pleased to announce that our administration remains steadfast in its support for the justice sector. Our commitment in providing necessary resources and infrastructure underscores our belief in a strong and independent justice system.” “The State Government has recently approved the purchase of 10 vehicles for new Judges, ensuring a full complement of judicial vehicles. Furthermore, there has been a substantial 300% increase in judges’ salaries and allowances, aiming to encourage greater efficiency and timeliness in judgment delivery. To complement the work of judges, the State Government has approved the appointment of 40 State Counsel to the Ministry of Justice. This will enhance the Ministry’s capacity to effectively represent the State in all courts within Oyo State.” “As we embark on this new legal year, let us renew our dedication to the noble profession of law and our commitment to upholding the rule of law. Let us strive for fair and impartial application of the law and ensure that justice is administered without fear or favour.” Governor Makinde urged legal practitioners to leverage technology to enhance efficiency and access to justice. He emphasized the importance of exploring innovative solutions to address challenges and ensure the legal profession remains relevant and responsive to societal needs. The Governor quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stressing the government’s crucial role in creating and maintaining a just and equitable society.

Gov Makinde Receives Ibadan Circular Road Protesters•••Reiterates Commitment To Prioritise The People’s Welfare

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By Adeleke Maria    On Monday, Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, received Ibadan Circular Road protesters at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, noting that his administration is a listening government that will continue to look out for the well-being of everyone. Governor Makinde also used the opportunity to reiterate that his administration has not acquired any land on the corridor, stating that while the former Governors Lam Adesina and Rashidi Ladoja set the 150 metres mark, the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi acquired and gazetted additional 350metres. He reassured the protesters that any buildings that have already been erected within the 500m corridor but outside the 150m corridor will be accommodated in the development. He also called on the residents to send representatives that will sit with the authorities to determine how they will be accommodated in the corridor development. Governor Makinde also stated that anyone who has not started their project within this corridor should not start now as they will not be accommodated within the new arrangement. In his words: “I have a solution. For now, there will not be any demolition and I have asked them to put a stop to whatever demolition they are doing. I promise you. Anyone who already has a building within the 150m-500 metres, none of the houses that are standing right there will be demolished but there must be no further development on that corridor.” The governor, who appreciated the protesters for their peaceful conduct, reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people of Oyo State while also keeping its focus on developing the state sustainably, saying “you will have to appoint some representatives in these communities to sit down with the government and look for a way out, because we are doing the Circular Road project so that we can create employment opportunities for our people. We will have industries along the corridor.” Speaking earlier on behalf of the affected residents, Prince Niyi Fasoye, Chief Olaniran Ere Asalatu and Mr Azeez Olaide applauded Governor Makinde’s developmental projects, especially the construction of Ibadan Circular Road, which they noted had influenced development around the area. They also appreciated the governor for his favourable response to their plight.

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