Oyo State Acting Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, on Monday inspected two of the state’s flagship infrastructure projects — the ongoing Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road and the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standard.
Lawal, who described the projects as “legacy projects” under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, said they were critical to the government’s economic expansion agenda.
He disclosed that the airport upgrade has reached about 75 to 76 percent completion, with the main runway already done. According to him, the facility should be ready for landing and take-off within the next two to three weeks.
“The other things to be fixed at the airport include runway markings, installation of the instrument landing system for night operations, and completion of the wings of the runway. These will be addressed in no distant time,” he said.
On the 32.5-kilometre East Wing of the Ibadan Circular Road, the Acting Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that hydraulic bridges, culverts, and civil engineering works were being executed to standard.
“We are hoping that the delivery of this project will come within the time frame. By the end of this year, we believe both the airport and the Circular Road will be delivered,” he assured.
Lawal maintained that the state government would continue to fund and monitor the projects to ensure timely delivery, while urging contractors not to relax on their commitments.
Responding to questions on whether the airport would be ready to accommodate travellers for the upcoming coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Acting Governor said experts would determine the readiness of the facility.
“I was told that at least three different tests have been carried out on the runway and they meet international standards. However, it is the contractors and experts that will advise on its usability. We hope the runway can be used in the next one month if possible,” he said.
