Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has earmarked ₦63,479,858,000 for the overhauling of the structures of the Government House, coming less than two years to the expiration of his two-term in office.
He also earmarked the sum of ₦131,751,530 to employ professional gardeners for the maintenance of green areas and other designated places of the Government House.
A statement signed on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the funds were approved by the State Executive Council.
Oyelade quoted the Council to have described the current state and ambience of the Government House as “an embarrassment and unbefitting facility.”
The Commissioner equally said for the past six years, the governor and his deputy have been “living in their personal houses instead of their official residences” at the Government House.
He noted that the banquet hall at the Government House will be completed before the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, next year as part of the Makinde administration’s legacy for the next administration.
The commissioner also disclosed that in fulfilment of its determination to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to International standard, the Oyo State is processing the installation of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).
“The approval was given for the procurement and installation by the State Executive Council for a sum of ₦14,296,507,000,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, the ILS technology ensures the smooth landing of aircraft especially in bad weather.
The Commissioner said that an earlier instrument procured by the Federal Government was damaged and the State has taken it upon itself to procure and install another one within six months.
Oyelade said the Executive Council also approved the payment of the first installment for the service agreement on the International Agro-Food Market which will be constructed at Ijaiye.
The agreement for the construction of the fresh produce international market is in conjunction with the African Development Bank (AfDB) that has issued a certificate of no objection for the project.
According to the Commissioner, Oyo State is collaborating with a Paris-based fresh agric produce international farm company, Semmaris, at a cost of €2 million.
“The Council also approved the second edition of the 2025 Oyo State International Tourism Summit which will take place in July.
“Also, a take-off grant of ₦130,000,000 was approved for the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority.
“The Agency was established to relieve urban cities of structural congestion and avoid the resultant urban slums,” he said.
The Commissioner equally revealed that the State 2025 supplementary budget has been increased by ₦270,854,500,000 to align with the State roadmap blueprint to complete ongoing projects before the end of the Seyi Makinde administration.
