The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal, has described Egbeda Local Government as a strategic hub for the state’s emerging development corridors, citing major projects currently underway in the area.
Lawal stated this on Friday while commissioning the newly constructed office complex of the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, at the council secretariat in Egbeda, Ibadan.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to former chairmen of the council in recognition of their contributions to the development of Egbeda.
According to the Deputy Governor, projects including the Ibadan Circular Road, the Air Force Base in Ajia and the Ajoda Housing Estate are expected to significantly reshape the economic and physical landscape of Egbeda and position the council at the centre of Oyo State’s future development.
Lawal urged residents and property owners affected by the Circular Road project to support the initiative, stressing that the project was designed as a long-term investment in the state.
He assured affected property owners that those whose properties are demolished for the project would be compensated in accordance with government policy and the overriding public interest.
The Deputy Governor said the government was determined to avoid the unplanned development that followed the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, noting that the Circular Road corridor was being developed with proper planning for the next 20 to 30 years.
He said: “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, 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.
“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.”
Lawal recalled his experience of witnessing the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in 1977, saying the absence of adequate planning subsequently resulted in unplanned settlements along parts of the corridor.
He stressed that the Oyo State Government was determined to ensure that the Circular Road corridor would be properly planned to prevent a recurrence of such a situation.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, described the newly commissioned office complex as one of the major legacies of his administration.
Sanda disclosed that the project was financed entirely through the council’s internally generated revenue, describing it as a demonstration of prudent management of public resources.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment and granting local governments the autonomy to pursue projects that address the needs of their people.
The council chairman described Makinde as a transformational leader and assured residents that his administration would continue to execute projects aimed at improving the lives of the people.
Sanda pledged to remain committed to the development of Egbeda Local Government and the service of its residents until the expiration 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 Sanda for what they described as his commitment to good governance and impactful projects.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Administration, Egbeda Local Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Monsurat Ayo-Alaga, said the new office complex reflected the council’s commitment to prudent financial management, accountability and responsible utilisation of public resources.
She added that the recognition of former council chairmen was an opportunity to honour their contributions to the growth and development of Egbeda Local Government.
Ayo-Alaga also commended the Makinde administration for its continued focus on 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, Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Ademola Ige; traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
