Makinde Boosts Infrastructure, Approves ₦9.9bn for School Upgrades, ₦7bn for Airport Upgrade

The Oyo State Executive Council has approved major infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of schools, the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, and road improvements in Ibadan.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government has earmarked ₦9.9 billion for school renovations across the state. The intervention will cover perimeter fencing, toilet construction, solar boreholes, solar lighting, and furniture procurement, engaging 50 contractors.

The council also approved ₦7 billion for the second phase of the airport upgrade to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier emphasized that the project aims to achieve international status with input from aviation experts, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Air Force.

Additionally, ₦2.3 billion has been approved as compensation for the 32.2km Southeast segment of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project.

The government has also launched the second phase of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, focusing on continued subsidies for transportation and healthcare, with a budget of ₦2 billion.

Furthermore, the council approved ₦1.7 billion for the asphaltic improvement of key roads in Ibadan, including the NNPC/General Gas road and Anglican Church road off Kolapo Ishola junction.

These approvals come a month after the implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage in Oyo State, reinforcing Governor Makinde’s commitment to infrastructural and economic development.