Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal, has described Egbeda Local Government as a strategic growth hub in the state’s emerging development corridor, citing the concentration of major infrastructure projects transforming the area.
Lawal stated this on Friday while commissioning the newly constructed Chairman’s Office Complex at the Egbeda Local Government Secretariat, Ibadan, built under the administration of the council chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda.
The ceremony also featured the recognition of former chairmen of the council for their contributions to the development of Egbeda.
The Deputy Governor identified the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project, the Air Force Base at Ajia and the Ajoda Housing Estate, among others, as major developments expected to reshape the economic and physical landscape of Egbeda and strengthen its strategic position within Oyo State.
He urged residents and property owners affected by the Circular Road project to support the initiative, stressing that the project was conceived as a long-term investment in the state’s future.
Lawal assured affected property owners that those whose properties are demolished for the project would be duly compensated in line with government policy and the overriding public interest.
He explained that the government was deliberately planning the Circular Road corridor to avoid the uncoordinated development that emerged around parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after its construction.
According to him, the objective is to ensure that the new corridor remains properly planned and capable of accommodating projected growth over the next two to three 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.
Reflecting on his experience of witnessing the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in 1977, the Deputy Governor noted that inadequate planning subsequently contributed to the emergence of unplanned settlements along sections of the corridor.
He said the state government was determined not to repeat the experience with the Circular Road, emphasising the need to plan ahead for sustainable urban expansion.
Earlier, Sanda described the newly commissioned complex as one of the landmark projects of his administration, disclosing that it was funded entirely through the council’s internally generated revenue.
He said the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and responsible utilisation of public resources.
Sanda commended Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment for local governments to implement projects that respond directly to the needs of their communities.
He described the governor as a transformational leader and pledged that his administration would remain focused on projects and programmes capable of improving the welfare of Egbeda residents until the end of his tenure.
In their goodwill messages, 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 Sanda for his commitment to grassroots development and impactful projects.
In her welcome address, the Head of Administration, Egbeda Local Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Monsurat Ayo-Alaga, said the new complex reflected the council’s commitment to accountability, prudent financial management and responsible use of public resources.
She added that the recognition of former chairmen was intended to honour their contributions to the growth and development of the local government.
Ayo-Alaga also commended the Makinde administration for its interventions in education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure and security as part of its broader grassroots development agenda.
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, Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Ademola Ige; traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
