The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, has stated that Egbeda Local Government Area is now strategically positioned for accelerated development, given the array of major projects currently underway across the council. He made this remark while commissioning the newly constructed office complex for the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and presenting awards to past chairmen of the council. The event was held at the Council Secretariat in Egbeda, Ibadan.
According to Lawal, ongoing projects such as the Ibadan Circular Road, the Air Force Base in Ajia, and the Ajoda Housing Estate would significantly transform the fortunes of Egbeda, placing the council at the centre of emerging development corridors. He appealed to residents and property owners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road project to view the development as a long-term investment in Oyo State's future.
Lawal assured that all affected persons would be compensated in line with overriding public interest. He stressed that, unlike the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which became surrounded by unplanned settlements after its construction in 1977, the Circular Road corridor would benefit from proper planning to ensure sustainable development over the next 20 to 30 years. Egbeda would be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this foresight.
The Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, described the newly commissioned office complex as a lasting legacy of his administration. He noted that the project was executed entirely through the council's internally generated revenue. Sanda expressed profound gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for providing the platform and autonomy that enable local governments to translate their development visions into reality.
In their goodwill messages, several dignitaries commended Hon. Sanda for demonstrating good governance through impactful projects. They include Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Akintunde; former council chairman and former TESCOM Chairman, Chief Akin Alamu; and Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders' Council and former Egbeda LG Chairman, Elder Wole Oyelese.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including the Member representing Egbeda State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola; Oyo South APM senatorial candidate, Hon. Oguntoyinbo Ajadi; Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Ademola Ige; traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
The Deputy Governor's visit and the commissioning of the new office complex reflect the Oyo State government's commitment to grassroots development and its efforts to drive growth and transformation across the state's local government areas. The event showcased the council's commitment to prudent financial management, accountability, and the judicious use of public resources.
Key points
- Oyo State Deputy Governor commissions new office complex for Egbeda Local Government Chairman
- The project was executed entirely through the council's internally generated revenue
- Several major projects are underway in Egbeda, including the Ibadan Circular Road and the Ajoda Housing Estate
