The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic infrastructure development and grassroots transformation, with Egbeda Local Government identified as a major beneficiary of emerging development projects across Ibadan.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal, stated this on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed office complex of the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, at the council secretariat in Ibadan.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to former chairmen of the council in recognition of their contributions to the development of Egbeda.
Lawal said the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project, the proposed Air Force Base in Ajia, the Ajoda Housing Estate and other major developments would reposition Egbeda as a strategic hub within Ibadan’s expanding urban landscape.
According to him, the concentration of major infrastructure projects around the council presents significant opportunities for economic growth, urban renewal and improved living standards for residents.
He noted that the projects reflect the long-term development vision of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, adding that Egbeda is strategically located to benefit from the emerging development corridors.
The Deputy Governor also appealed to residents and property owners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road project to appreciate the broader developmental objectives of the initiative, assuring them that those whose properties were demolished would be compensated in accordance with the government’s stated commitment.
Lawal emphasised that infrastructure development must be accompanied by effective urban planning to prevent the emergence of unregulated settlements and ensure that future generations benefit from well-organised communities.
Drawing a comparison with the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which he said witnessed the growth of unplanned settlements following its construction in 1977, he maintained that the Circular Road corridor would be developed with adequate planning and a long-term vision.
He said the government was looking beyond immediate gains, with plans designed to guide development over the coming decades.
“Egbeda Local Government is now a nodal point within Ibadan, surrounded by projects designed to drive development. From the Circular Road to the Air Force Base and the Egbe-Ona Ara Development Corridor, this local government holds immense prospects for Oyo State,” Lawal said.
On the concerns surrounding the Circular Road project, he stressed the need to balance individual interests with the broader public good, while reiterating the government’s assurance of compensation for affected property owners.
“The benefits may not be immediately visible, but we are planning 10 to 20 years ahead. Those whose houses were demolished will be compensated. They must understand what the Oyo State Government is trying to achieve,” he stated.
Lawal subsequently commended Sanda for executing the new chairman’s office, noting that the project was financed through the council’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
“To the glory of God Almighty, I am here today to commission the Chairman’s Quarters of Egbeda Local Government, constructed by Hon. Sikiru Sanda. This edifice was funded through the council’s IGR, and I have inspected it myself,” he said.
Sanda: New Office a Lasting Legacy
In his remarks, Sanda described the newly commissioned office complex as one of the enduring legacies of his administration, emphasising that the project was completed entirely through the council’s internally generated revenue.
The council chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for providing an enabling environment and granting local governments the autonomy to pursue development initiatives tailored to the needs of their communities.
He described the governor’s leadership as transformational, noting that the state government’s approach to grassroots governance had created opportunities for councils to translate their development priorities into tangible projects.
Sanda assured residents that his administration would sustain its commitment to infrastructural development and public service delivery, disclosing that additional projects were underway across the local government.
He also pledged to remain dedicated to the welfare of the people of Egbeda and the overall development of Oyo State until the end of his tenure.
Stakeholders Commend Sanda’s Administration
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Akintunde; former Egbeda Local Government Chairman and former Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Chief Akin Alamu; and Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council and former Egbeda council chairman, Elder Wole Oyelese, commended Sanda for what they described as his commitment to good governance and impactful grassroots development.
They acknowledged the significance of the new office complex and urged the council to sustain its focus on projects capable of improving the welfare of residents.
Earlier, the Head of Administration of Egbeda Local Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Monsurat Ayo-Alaga, said the new office complex demonstrated the council’s commitment to prudent financial management, accountability and the judicious utilisation of public resources.
She explained that the decision to honour former council chairmen was intended to recognise their contributions to the growth of Egbeda and preserve the institutional history of the local government.
Ayo-Alaga also commended the Makinde administration for its continued interventions in education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure and security, noting that such initiatives remained essential to sustainable grassroots development.
The ceremony was attended by the member representing Egbeda State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola; Oyo South senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Oguntoyinbo Ajadi; Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Ademola Ige; traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
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