The Oyo State Executive Council has approved a total of ₦63.48 billion for the comprehensive reconstruction and overhaul of the Government House complex in Ibadan, in preparation for the state’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Tuesday, June 18, 2025. He noted that the current state of the Government House was deemed an “embarrassment” and “unbefitting” of the stature of the state, prompting the state government to take urgent action.
According to Oyelade, for the past six years, Governor Seyi Makinde and his deputy have been residing in their personal residences due to the dilapidated condition of the official quarters.
The Commissioner added that the banquet hall within the Government House will be completed in time for the golden jubilee celebrations, as part of Governor Makinde’s legacy for the next administration.
Additionally, the Council approved ₦131.75 million for the hiring of professional gardeners to maintain the green areas and beautification projects within the Government House premises.
In a separate development, the Council also approved ₦14.3 billion for the procurement and installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, in line with the state’s efforts to upgrade the facility to international standards.
The Commissioner explained that the ILS will aid aircraft landings during poor weather conditions. He noted that the previous equipment procured by the Federal Government was damaged, and the state government has taken full responsibility for installing a replacement within six months.
Work on the airport, which was officially flagged off on September 18, 2024, and temporarily closed in March 2025, is progressing. Oyelade disclosed that major components such as the runway, apron, taxiway, and blast pads are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
He added that the international terminal building is projected to be ready by June 2026, while full resumption of flight operations will be subject to approvals from the relevant federal aviation authorities.
The Council also approved the payment of the first installment of a service agreement for the development of the International Agro-Food Market in Ijaiye, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Semmaris, a Paris-based agri-business firm. The cost of the agreement stands at €2 million.
In a bid to tackle urban congestion and prevent the spread of slums, the Council also approved a ₦130 million take-off grant for the newly established Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority.
Furthermore, the Council gave approval for the second edition of the Oyo State International Tourism Summit, scheduled for July 2025, as part of efforts to promote tourism and attract investment.
To support the state’s development agenda, the Oyo State 2025 supplementary budget has been increased by ₦270.85 billion to accelerate the completion of ongoing projects under the Makinde administration’s roadmap.
