The Oyo State Government has approved a multi-billion-naira infrastructure package aimed at revitalizing critical roads across the state, with the flagship project being the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the 13.6 km Ojoo Interchange–IITA–Moniya Junction–Akinyele Interchange.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Commissioners for Works, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; and Lands and Housing, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo during a joint press briefing at the Governor’s Office Press Conference Room, shortly after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by the Acting Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal.
The council approved ₦63.6 billion for the Ojoo Interchange–IITA–Moniya Junction–Akinyele Interchange dual carriageway project, which will be constructed as a six-lane highway with spurs linking the New Oyo Expressway in Ibadan.
The Commissioner for Works confirmed to newsmen that the project will be completed within 18 months in line with the vision and promise of Governor Seyi Makinde to complete all projects under the present administration.
The Commissioner also stated that all the projects are going to be directly funded by the state government and the funds.
He clarified that part of the 300 billion naira approved loan will be used for the funding of theese projects while the remainder part will be used for loan refinancing, describing the move as Makinde’s display of financial intelligence in the management of public funds.
According to the Works Commissioner, the project will “transform the economic and social landscape of Ibadan, ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity to the New Oyo Expressway, and support agribusiness around IITA and Moniya.”
Other major approvals include: ₦26.4 billion for the 30 km Okaka Junction–Otu–Igbojaiye–KAP Film Village Road, including the construction of bridges across Otu and Ofiki Rivers, with an 18-month duration.
Also, ₦17.1 billion has been approved for the dualisation of the 6.2 km Ajia Junction (Ibadan-Ife Interchange)–Nigeria Air Force Base Road, with a 12-month duration.
The state executive council equally approved ₦4.1 billion for the reconstruction of Isaba–Ogundoyin Road (0.75 km) and Lanlate Garage Junction–Local Government Junction–Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic–Oke Ola Junction Road, Eruwa (1.9 km), with a 12-month duration.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that a sum of ₦1.9 billion was also approved for the completion of the 12 km Apete–Awotan–Akufo Road and extension of the project to cover the 2.2 km Akufo Farm Settlement Road while ₦444.8 million for limited patching, thermoplastic road markings, and kerb painting on selected roads across Ibadan metropolis.
Beyond road projects, the SEC also approved: ₦110 million for camping and hosting of the under-20 female national football team in Ibadan ahead of their Women’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said the approvals reflect Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s commitment to sustaining massive infrastructural development across the state.
“These projects are not just roads; they are arteries of development that will stimulate commerce, create jobs, open up communities, and ensure balanced development across Oyo State,” Oyelade said.
Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, emphasized that the government remains committed to transparency and timely execution of all approved projects.
Williams stated that residents of Ibadan and other benefitting communities are expected to experience improved road networks, reduced travel time, and enhanced socio-economic opportunities upon completion of the projects.