Oyo Approves N63.4bn to Renovate Government House Ahead of 50th Anniversary

The Oyo State Executive Council has approved a whopping ₦63.48 billion for the renovation and complete overhaul of the Government House structures in Ibadan ahead of the state’s 50th anniversary celebration next year.

According to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the decision was taken due to the current state of the facility, which he described as “an embarrassment” and unbefitting of the status of the state.

“For the past six years, the Governor and his deputy have been living in their private residences, not the official quarters at the Government House,” Oyelade said in a statement issued after the Council’s meeting on Wednesday.

The government also earmarked ₦131.75 million to engage professional gardeners for the maintenance of green areas around the Government House, as part of a broader beautification and rebranding effort.

As part of infrastructure development, the council approved ₦14.3 billion for the procurement and installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to support its upgrade to international standards. The commissioner said the ILS will enhance flight safety, particularly in poor weather conditions.

“The Federal Government had previously procured an ILS device, which was unfortunately damaged. Oyo State is now taking the initiative to install a new one within the next six months,” Oyelade noted.

In another major development, the Executive Council approved the first installment payment for the service agreement on the construction of the International Agro-Food Market at Ijaiye, Ibadan. The project is in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Semmaris, a Paris-based agricultural produce company.

“AfDB has issued a certificate of no objection, and the collaboration with Semmaris is valued at €2 million,” Oyelade revealed.

Also approved was a take-off grant of ₦130 million for the New Towns and Cities Development Authority, aimed at reducing congestion in existing urban centres and preventing future slum development.

In the tourism sector, the Council gave the green light for the second edition of the Oyo State International Tourism Summit, set to hold in July 2025.

Finally, the state’s 2025 supplementary budget has been increased by ₦270.85 billion, bringing it in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development (2023–2027) and to ensure the completion of key projects before the end of his administration.

“These approvals reflect the Makinde administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, economic transformation, and a lasting legacy,” the Commissioner added.