Ibadan’s skyline took on a new outlook on Wednesday as former President Olusegun Obasanjo joined Governor Seyi Makinde to commission a massive modern transport facility that now stands where congestion and chaos once ruled, the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the Bus Terminals contain administrative offices, restaurants, and shops, among other facilities. Both terminal 1 and 2 are the outstanding two out of the four bus terminals constructed by the Makinde led government. The other two terminals at Challenge and Ojoo are already in use by commuters.
The new Central Bus Terminal comprising Terminals 1 and 2 features ultra-modern transport facilities including an elevator designed to global standard.
Former President Obasanjo, in his brief speech, commended Makinde’s courage in governance especially his bold decisions on some of what was described as ‘landmark projects.’
Reacting to some of the criticism trailing his developmental strides, Obasanjo said, “Criticism is part of public life. If you’re achieving results, expect resistance. But the important thing is to remain focused. I’m proud of what I see here today and of what Governor Makinde is doing in Oyo State.”
The event, which witnessed by other top government officials, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across Oyo State, marked the completion of all four state-of-the-art bus terminals under Makinde’s administration namely Challenge, Ojoo, New Ife Road, and now Iwo Road.
In his address, Governor Makinde spoke with pride and reflection while reaffirming his administration’s resolve to ensure that Ibadan’s infrastructural landscape meets global standard.
“This is not just another government project. It is a gateway to the beauty and order we want for our state. This is a sign of progress, not only in infrastructure but in the way we think about development,” he said.
He recalled how former President Obasanjo once visited the site and was visibly surprised by the transformation. “Today, I’m glad he’s here again to see what we’ve achieved. For anyone coming from Lagos or the northern parts of Nigeria, this terminal is one of the first impressions they get of Ibadan and now, it tells a story of order, modernity, and growth.”
The governor reflected on the journey that began in May 2020, when construction started saying: “We planned to complete this in twelve months. Then the pandemic struck. Supply disruptions slowed us down, but we stayed the course. Today, we’re here to celebrate determination.”
He also shared a personal memory: “I remember worshipping at the mosque that used to stand here. After prayers, I told the congregation it might be the last time we’d pray there because we needed to redevelop this space. People played politics with that statement, as they often do. But I gave and fulfilled my word that we would rebuild a modern mosque, and we did.”
Turning to the Ibadan Circular Road as a topic that has stirred protest and debates in the past three days, Makinde said:“The Circular Road isn’t just a road; it’s the backbone of our economic future, it’s a corridor of opportunity, where industries, estates, and logistics hubs will rise to support Ibadan’s growth over the next two decades.”
He clarified the rationale behind the reserved land along the corridor which has been one of the major reasons behind the protest.
“Cities that fail to plan for tomorrow become trapped by the chaos of today. This project is for future generations. It ensures that as Ibadan expands, development happens in an organized, sustainable way.”
Responding to protests linked to the project, the governor said, “Would people who are gainfully employed and property owners be on the streets protesting for three consecutive days?” he queried.
“We know some of them are being sponsored. But let me say this, I won’t engage politically motivated protesters demonstrating at the Secretariat or anywhere else. I will, however, meet with genuine property owners and stakeholders directly along the corridor.”
Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to responsible governance saying “Leadership sometimes means taking the heat today for the sake of a better tomorrow. We’ve reduced the right-of-way to one kilometer and ensured communities are included. This idea dates back to the early 1990s, if it were easy, previous governments would have done it.”
He announced plans to begin inspection tour of the project with traditional leaders, including the Olubadan-in-Council, CCII, and Mogajis. “Building roads and infrastructure isn’t just about connecting places; it’s about connecting people and possibilities,” he said.
Makinde thanked his team for their dedication, and expressed gratitude to Obasanjo, saying, “Your belief that infrastructure drives national transformation has inspired us all.
Today isn’t just about commissioning a project. It’s about witnessing history in motion. When history looks back, it will remember that we built with purpose, and we built to last.”
Ogundoyin in his brief remark, described Makinde as “the engineer of modern Oyo State,” adding, “This terminal is another testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to development. The legislature will continue to provide the necessary support for Oyo’s transformation.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude for being part of what he called “a landmark legacy of transformation.”
In her goodwill message, former Minister of Industry, Dr. Onikepo Akande, lauded the governor’s people-centered approach. “Makinde has done a lot for Oyo State in terms of transformation. I’ve always wondered if this area could ever look like this. You made your promise and fulfilled it.”
Also, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, also praised Makinde’s leadership in their seperate goodwill messages.
Representing the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Royal Majesty Oba Kola Daisi led other traditional rulers to the event. Members of the State Executive Council, Local government chairmen and other dignitaries were also in attendance.