The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal, has stated that Egbeda Local Government Area is strategically positioned for accelerated development, given the array of major projects currently underway across the council.
Barr. Lawal made this known on Friday while commissioning the newly constructed office complex for the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and presenting awards to former chairmen of the council. The event was held at the Egbeda Local Government Secretariat, Ibadan.
The Deputy Governor noted that major projects, including the Ibadan Circular Road, the Air Force Base in Ajia and the Ajoda Housing Estate, among others, would significantly transform the fortunes of Egbeda Local Government and position the council at the centre of emerging development corridors.
He appealed to residents and property owners affected by the Ibadan Circular Road project to see the development as a long-term investment in the future of Oyo State, assuring that affected persons would be compensated in line with overriding public interest.
Barr. Lawal stressed that, unlike the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which became surrounded by unplanned settlements after its construction in 1977, the Circular Road corridor would be properly planned to ensure sustainable development over the next 20 to 30 years.
He added that Egbeda Local Government would be one of the major beneficiaries of the government’s long-term planning.
“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.
“Egbeda Local Government is now a nodal point within Ibadan—encircled 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.
“People have been agitating over the Circular Road corridor, but if we want development, certain things must give way for overriding public interest. 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 should not agitate. They must understand what the Oyo State Government is trying to achieve.
“I witnessed the construction of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in 1977. The left side of the road toward Lagos was virgin land, but because it was not planned, it became a slum. We must not repeat that mistake.
“The Circular Road we are building will come with adequate planning, so that future generations will know that we had a clear vision for Oyo State.”
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, described the newly commissioned office complex as a lasting legacy of his administration.
He explained that the project was executed entirely through the council’s internally generated revenue, while expressing profound gratitude to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for providing the platform and autonomy that have enabled local governments to translate their development visions into reality.
Hon. Sanda described Governor Makinde as a transformational leader and assured residents that more projects were underway. He pledged to continue serving the people of Egbeda and Oyo State until the last day of his tenure.
In their goodwill messages, the 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 Local Government Chairman, Elder Wole Oyelese, commended Hon. Sanda for demonstrating good governance through impactful projects.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Administration, Egbeda Local Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Monsurat Ayo-Alaga, stated that the new office building reflected the council’s commitment to prudent financial management, accountability and judicious use of public resources.
She added that honouring former chairmen provided an opportunity to recognise their contributions to the growth and development of the council.
Dr. Ayo-Alaga also appreciated the administration of Governor Makinde for its continued commitment to grassroots development through interventions in education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure and security.
The event was attended by the Member representing Egbeda State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola; Oyo South APM senatorial candidate, 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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