On Wednesday, the Oyo State Executive Council approved a budget of N63,479,858,000 for the renovation and overhaul of the Government House structures.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan—the state capital—stated that the council described the current condition and environment of the Government House as embarrassing and unfit for official use.
He pointed out that, over the past six years, the Governor and his Deputy have been residing in their private homes instead of their designated official residences at the Government House.
Oyelade also mentioned that the Banquet Hall at the Government House is expected to be completed before the state’s 50th anniversary next year, as part of the legacy projects of the Seyi Makinde administration for the incoming government.
Additionally, the council approved N131,751,530 for hiring professional gardeners to maintain the green areas and designated spaces within the Government House.
In efforts to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standards, the government is processing the installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).
The approval for procurement and installation of the ILS amounted to ₦14,296,507,000. Oyelade explained that this technology would facilitate aircraft landings, especially during poor weather conditions.
He also noted that an earlier ILS procured by the Federal Government was damaged, prompting the state to procure and install a new system within six months.
Furthermore, the state is making arrangements for Customs, Immigration, and other critical agencies to meet international standards.
In another development, the Executive Council approved the initial payment for the service agreement concerning the construction of the International Agro-Food Market in Ijaiye, Ibadan.
This project, in partnership with the African Development Bank, has received a no-objection certificate. Oyelade stated that the government is collaborating with Paris-based Semmaris, a fresh agricultural produce international farm company, at a cost of €2 million.
The council also approved the second edition of the 2025 Oyo State International Tourism Summit, scheduled to hold in July.
Additionally, a take-off grant of N130 million was approved for the newly established New Towns and Cities Development Authority, aimed at reducing urban congestion and preventing the growth of slums.
Finally, Oyelade disclosed that the state’s 2025 supplementary budget has been increased by ₦270,854,500,000 to support ongoing projects and ensure the completion of development initiatives before the end of the Seyi Makinde administration.
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