Oyo Govt Commended for Quality Delivery of Ongoing RAAMP Projects

The Oyo State Government  has received high commendation for the quality and excellence displayed in the execution of ongoing Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) constructions across the state.

The commendation was made by the Regional Adviser, South West, RAAMP, Engr. Alhassan Aliu, during his three-day working visit to Oyo State,where he carried out an extensive assessment of ongoing RAAMP project sites across the state.

The Regional Adviser, South West, expressed deep satisfaction with the level of workmanship and strict adherence to project specifications observed during the visit. 

He explained that he was particularly impressed with the quality of work on the Agro-Logistics Centres (ALCs), describing them as outstanding and in line with approved standards.

He noted that although Oyo State began RAAMP implementation later than several participating states, saying it has rapidly closed the gap and demonstrated remarkable progress in a relatively short time.

He added that Oyo State has now overtaken many others in terms of quality delivery, project pace, and overall performance and achievement he described as clear evidence of the state’s strategic leadership and effective project management.

The Regional Adviser, South West urged all RAAMP units and stakeholders to continue to work collaboratively, stressing that “failure in one unit amounts to failure for all,” and emphasizing the importance of synergy to the overall success of the project.

He also commended the Oyo State RAAMP Implementation Unit SPIU for effective coordination and supervision, noting that the visible progress across project sites reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable rural access and agricultural development.

Earlier ,the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, urged the Regional Adviser, South West, to leverage his office to approve the advertisement for additional rural roads and Agro-Logistics Centres (ALCs) for Oyo State, noting that the request is backed by the state’s proven capacity for quality delivery.

Barr. Olaleye stressed that the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor 'Seyi Makinde, is driven by strong political will and an unwavering commitment to rural transformation, with strategic investments in infrastructure that directly benefit farmers, traders, and rural communities. 

He affirmed the administration’s readiness to scale up RAAMP interventions across the state to consolidate existing gains and deepen inclusive economic growth.

In her remarks, the Project Coordinator, Oyo State RAAMP, Engr. Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo, thanked the Regional Adviser, South West, for his guidance, support, and oversight, assured that the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) remains fully committed to sustained monitoring and effective supervision, ensuring that all ongoing projects are completed within the stipulated timelines and in strict adherence to approved specifications.

The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) is designed to improve rural roads, develop agro-logistics infrastructure, and enhance market access, thereby boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, and driving economic growth.

Oyo CPS Update - Admire Makinde’s intellect, Problem-Solving Ability, says Former Ambassador, Farounbi

A former Nigeria’s ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi, has said that he admires Governor Seyi Makinde’s intellectual capacity and ability to resolve seemingly knotty issues, adding that these have changed the face of Oyo State.

Ambassador Farounbi, who stated this during an interview with The People’s Verdict, said: “I appreciate his intellect, I appreciate his ability to resolve knotty issues and I particularly love his understanding of what a proper federation is. And I love his courage about it. He is not afraid to speak his mind.” 

The former Nigeria’s envoy, who described the Oyo State governor as unusual, added, “Sometimes you have to travel round to see the reality of what he is doing all over even in the areas that you don’t expect. When you see the Ibadan-Iseyin Road, Ogbomoso-Iseyin Road, the city road in Saki, you are shocked. When you also see the Circular Road, you wonder how he has been able to do all of these things. 

He has also done well in agriculture. Look at Fasola; in those days Fasola used to be a rural settlement. But see what he has done now. He did so much at Fasola that it became an Agricultural Transformation Centre that has been designated Nigeria’s first Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone by the African development Bank (AfDB). Similarly, he is assisting farmers with fertilizers and other agricultural input.”

Dr Farounbi continued: “He resolved the ownership problem in LAUTECH, and that was critical to its development. Then, look at what he is doing in aviation, the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport. Originally, the Ibadan Airport was expected to be a Siamese twin with Murtala Muhammed Airport. But for political reasons in those days, they didn’t allow that to happen. It requires a boldness, a courage to start work today on the airport; starting with the building, improving on the runway and making that airport what it ought to be, the Siamese twin with Murtala Muhammed Airport.”  

Talking about the impact of the administration on the capital city, Farounbi said, “Look at Ibadan, it has just changed. Ibadan is no longer what we used to call it, an agro city. Ibadan has now become a proper city, an urbanized place in terms of definition. Makinde has turned Ibadan from a big village to a real city.” 

According to Farounbi, Governor Makinde’s policies have brought stability and growth to the state. “Since his assumption of office, he has consistently paid salaries and pensions promptly. This has brought stability in the state. It has also resulted in the growth of the state’s economy. Now, artisans are doing well, traders are doing well and even transporters are doing well because the money paid by the government to civil servants percolates to both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.”

While lauding Makinde for creating employment opportunities for young people in the state, he said the administration would go down in history as one of the few that genuinely care about the welfare of the people.  

Use Your Wealth of Experience to Serve Your Community - Oyo HOS Urges Retired Civil Servants

The Oyo State Head of service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni has urged 

Retired Civil Servants in the State to use their retirement as a continuation of their contributions to serve humanity. 

She stated this during the send -off programme for retired Heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies and annual End -of -the year Get-together of the forum held at Omolayole Hall International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. 

The Head of Service appreciated  the Forum’s social activities which continue to foster unity and provide emotional and psychological support to members, especially those facing personal or professional challenges, just as she  encourages members to further leverage the platform for intellectual engagement and knowledge sharing, hinting that.  Knowledge is power and when it is shared with a unity of purpose, it becomes a formidable force that will propel the service to move to the greater heights.

She  said "connect more deeply with your communities, towns, and associations, bringing to bear the wealth of wisdom and experience you have accumulated over the years, this stage of life also offers you the space to devote time to religious, social, and humanitarian engagements, further enriching the lives of those around you".

She said the Annual Get-together would  continue to strengthen synergy, cooperation and leadership across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies. 

She commended Governor Seyi Makinde for consistently demonstrating purposeful leadership and unwavering support for the civil and public service, especially in building a modern, motivated and efficient workforce, adding that, the service remain committed to supporting his transformational vision in the years ahead.

"As we honour our senior citizens and celebrate this year’s end-of-year get-together and thanksgiving, may the spirit of gratitude fill our hearts. May the bonds of friendship and professional fellowship among us grow even stronger and may the coming year bring greater achievements for each of us and for Oyo State as a whole".

The guest speaker, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, mni urged the retirees to cut their cloth according to their size and always do something that would be more productive in their retirement time.

Also speaking at the event, Former Head of Service, Oyo State, Prince S.G Laoye enjoined Civil Servants across the MDA's to always support each other whenever the need arises.

Certificate of Service and gifts were distributed to the retirees for serving Oyo State meritoriously.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

December, 6. 2025

OBA LADOJA RECEIVES DOCTORATE DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

His Imperial Majesty Oba (Senator )  Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja ( Arusa1) was awarded  Honorary Degree  of Doctor of Science  Dsc  Public Administration (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Yoruba tradition and society in general 

The disclosure was made through the press release issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga on the honour bestowed 

The award was given by Lead City University Ibadan ( LCUI) during it's 18th Convocation Ceremony on Wednesday December 3 , 2025

Receiving the award, Oba Ladoja was overwhelmed and expressed gratitude to God for becoming the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland and the grace bestowed on him as the recipient of the prestigious Doctorate degree in Administration 

The paramount ruler was honoured for his laudable achievements and accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur, business tycoon, investor, reputable politician and presently the custodian of Yoruba traditional values who is keenly interested in the promotion and preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage 

It would be recalled that upon completion of his Secondary education, his outstanding performance earned him scholarship to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Liege, Belgium in 1966

His ascension to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland  and the Doctorate  Degree awarded him is a testimony of his brilliance ,dedication to duties, perseverance and commitment to serve his community as the paramount ruler of Ibadanland presently 

Oyo CPS Update - At Ologuneru, it was a battle of wits and wills over Circular Road corridor

 

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

The atmosphere was thick with apprehension. Palpable fear filled the air. Even some government officials walked with trepidation. Everyone was cautious and most people had already mapped out an escape strategy in case things turned awry. Many, despite the presence of security officers, had their vehicles parked far away from the centre of action and had instructed their drivers to be set to speed off at the slightest sign of danger. 

The feeling was not out of place; the build up to last Wednesday’s meeting between Governor Seyi Makinde and Ido Local Government residents affected by the ongoing construction of Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road had been really scary. There had been protests around Ibadan denouncing the corridor. There had been accusations of land grabbing against the government. There had been campaign of calumny against the governor. There had been insults and ill wishes. 

Then, at the venue of the meeting, community leaders had given strict instructions to their members not to hail the governor or applaud his speech. Their placards told the story of their agitation. The people were adamant on having their way; they wanted the road, not the setback; they wanted the road, not the corridor; they wanted just 60 metres for the road, not 150 metres or 500 metres; they wanted immediate compensation for those whose building had to go, not any promissory note. It was a high-wire drama. 

The Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road (formerly known as Ibadan Circular Road) has a long history.

The idea of a circular road that would encircle Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa by land mass, was first mooted in 1995, when a private company presented the idea to Colonel Ike Nwosu, who was the Military Administrator of Oyo State at the time. The intent was to create a bypass that would free the city centre of traffic congestion caused by interstate travelers. But the road project remained just a concept until Colonel Nwosu was posted out of the state in 1996. Neither did the concept take up any form of life during the time of Colonel Ahmed Usman, who succeeded Nwosu nor did it receive any attention while Commissioner of Police Amen Oyakhire, who succeeded Usman, held sway in the state. 

The idea was re-presented to Alhaji Lamidi Adesina, Oyo State’s first civilian governor in the current republic. He set up a working committee to advise on the feasibility of the project but couldn’t take it beyond that point before he left office in 2003. 

The first real progress on the Ibadan Circular Road project was recorded during the tenure of Governor Rashidi Ladoja. After being briefed on the project, his administration provided the funds required for the survey of the road project. In 2005, the administration completed the Right-of-Way survey, setting it at 75 metres on either side of the road. The Ladoja administration also paid compensation to all affected by the new road.

With the exit of Ladoja from office in 2007, the project got stalled for over 10 years. Nothing was done about the project until 2017 when the Abiola Ajimobi administration expanded the acquisition of land for the project to 1 kilometre (500 metres on each side) to align with the new Ibadan Master Plan and global standards for urban growth and infrastructure safety. The administration embarked on the increase of the width of the road to make room for a business corridor with the aim of optimizing business opportunities around the circular road as well as make allowance for utilities, service lanes, drainage, and community access roads.

On June 16, 2017, the Ajimobi administration awarded the construction of 32.2km South East Wing Phase 1, between the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (Tech U) on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (E1) and Egbeda on Ibadan-Ife Expressway to Messrs ENL Consortium at the cost of N67bn. The company was expected to deliver the project by June 2020. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, ENL Consortium invoked the force majeure clause that got the completion date extended till 2021. However, following the inability of ENL to deliver the project on schedule, the Seyi Makinde administration, which took over from Ajimobi in 2019, revoked the contract in 2021. According to the state government, ENL Consortium only completed 5.5 per cent of the entire project.

In June 2021, the Makinde administration awarded the road construction to a new concessionaire, Messrs SEL-Vydra Consortium, at the cost of N138.2 billion, on a Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement. But due to the slow pace of work by the company, the state government terminated the contract with a resolve to undertake the project on its own. So on September 18, 2022, Governor Makinde flagged off the construction of the 32.2 km East-End Wing of the 110 km Ibadan Circular Road, which he renamed Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road. That first segment of the road, which Makinde flagged off in September 2022, is about 80 per cent complete and is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2026.

However, due to the slow progress of work on the project over a period of two decades, the Circular Road became a knotty issue embroiled in controversy. The road grew in width from the initial 75 metres aside to 500 metres on either side. 

With successive administrations not taking up the challenge of working on the road, many residents believed that the Circular Road would remain a mirage. 

Therefore, many of those who had been compensated by the Ladoja administration sold the acquired lands to others. 

With time, buildings started growing in areas earmarked as setback and corridor. Consequently, the road path which had been a jungle when the survey was done in 2005 had turned into clusters of buildings in 2022 when the Seyi Makinde administration resolved to give life to the all-important road project. So, the government has had to contend with demolition of structures on the road path as well as paying compensation to the affected people. 

While many of the residents appreciate the efforts of the administration to upgrade Ibadan and position the state for endless opportunities through the Circular Road, and are willing to make the necessary sacrifice to see the project become a reality, some others find it difficult to come to terms with having to lose their homes because of a road. So, these people, especially those in built-up areas along the road path, its setback and the corridor, would rather have their abodes spared than have the Circular Road with a setback and corridor. This issue had pitted some people against the government. 

So, when Governor Seyi Makinde decided to meet with the affected residents last Wednesday at Ologuneru in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan with a view to resolving the matter, the stage was set for an epic battle of wits and wills. Both the governor and the people wanted the road but while the governor wanted to have the setback meant to service the road for the benefit of road users as well as residents, and the corridor designed to set the stage for sustainable development in the state, the people wanted their houses already built on the setback and the corridor spared by the government. 

The affected residents nominated six people to speak on their behalf at the meeting with the governor. One after the other, each of them spoke eloquently about how their lives would be disrupted and how they might be sentenced to life-long hardship and poverty should the government insist on building the road with the setback and business corridor. 

They carefully marshaled their points, determined to let the governor see their plight and have a mind shift. The submission of each of them was that the government should limit itself to only 60 metres, which is the width of the road and forget about any setback or corridor. 

The residents hailed their representatives after each presentation.

When it was his turn to speak, Governor Makinde left the podium set for him and moved closer to the people.   

Looking straight at the people, Makinde said: “You installed this government. You, the people of Oyo State, and God brought me to this office, and I am accountable to you. And if, for over the past six plus years, this government did not fail you, it means we would still not fail you.

“When most governors get to the point which I am, they stop doing any project, because they know they are leaving soon. What this means is that the problem would be transferred to the next administration. But I will work for the state till my last moment in office. I am offering myself to solve our problems as much as possible. We all belong to this state. We might have challenges but we will always look at how to solve them.”

Alluding to a Biblical story, Makinde said, 

“My people, there may come a Pharaoh in future who may not know your Joseph. But I am a Pharaoh that knows your Joseph. I will do that which is right for you my people.”

In spite of themselves and their pre-meeting vow, the people clapped.    

The governor continued, “The Circular Road has three segments – the first is from the Technical University to Ibadan-Ife Road at Badeku, which is 32km. We are constructing the road and, within the next three months, we would have been done. We had this particular challenge there too but we were able to resolve it.

“I am glad that you are organised here but what we need is mutual understanding. I told the Ministry involved that in built-up areas like this we would stay within 150 metres, and you fence off the point, because it is a rapid transfer road. The minimum speed that a car can move on it is 80 - 100km per hour.”

Makinde then explained why the idea of sticking to 60 metres just for the road could not work. He said, “There is a highway code for setback and even for a single lane road, that is a federal highway, it is 50 metres. So, for a road such as this, there must be a setback but we will not have the corridor around here. So, if they are marking beyond 150 metres, it should be disregarded. If they mark your house outside the 150 metres, disregard it.

"What this administration can do is to ensure that the second segment is completed, which is from Badeku to Moniya, about 40 km. We are currently constructing bridges and other hydraulic structures, and I do hope that this administration would be able to complete that.

“But from Moniya to Tech U, through this point, it is another administration that would complete that.

"Personally, what I intend to do is to compensate those who are due for it. No house will be demolished without any compensation. I am not the most perfect human being. So, wherever there are issues, we are ready to listen to you. This is your government. In any built-up area, we won't go beyond the setback. That is exactly what we did in Badeku.”

The applause was not instantaneous but it came. In a spate of seconds, the people tried to process what the governor had said. They had prayed and hoped that the governor would accede to their request of “no setback” and “no corridor” but they didn’t get that. But they saw that the governor was sincere with them. They saw that the governor was offering to protect them against future catastrophe by giving them a soft landing. They saw that the governor meant well for them by opting to take up the challenge of resolving the crisis rather than leaving it for his successor. They saw that the governor had good plans for the state and was intentionally removing every obstacle to its greatness. So, they appreciated the shift made by the governor from 500 metres to 150 metres in built-up areas. 

As observed by one of the affected people, Mr Philus Adedokun, “We expected more, but now we know that it is even beyond the governor. Since the law says a road such as this must have a setback, I would not expect the governor to contravene the law. Though it is painful that we have to lose our properties, it is at the same time gratifying that the governor considers us important enough to come and explain the issues to us personally rather than sending people to us. At this point, all we can ask for is that the governor will live up to his promise of paying adequate compensation to all of us affected. Then, he will continue to be my hero.”

So, the meeting didn’t end in a fiasco as had been anticipated by some people. Rather, it ended on a friendly note as the people saw the governor to his vehicle and hailed him as his convoy departed the area.

When leaders demonstrate love, empathy and sincerity, the people’s hearts are touched and turned, then development becomes a cinch. 

Dr Olanrewaju is the Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State governor. 

NBC Zonal Director, Ajayi Hails Sonde For Upholding Professionalism

 

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

The Ibadan Zone of the National Broadcasting Commission led by the new Zonal Director, Mr Jude Ajayi paid a courtesy visit to Yemi Sonde Media House where 101.7 Yes FM is located. 

In his address, the Zonal Director commended the CEO, Mr Yemi Sonde for his efforts to sanitize the broadcasting industry over the years with his biennial collaboration with NBC. He thanked him for his efforts to improve the quality of contents coming from the terrestrial space and the digitization of the industry. The ZD reiterated the importance of obeying the broadcast regulations to avoid being in the black book of the  commission in Nigeria. Mr Jude Ajayi further pointed out the challenges facing the broadcast industry in Nigeria and prayed for a relief for station owners. 

The commission delegation was received by the management of 101.7 Yes FM and the Zonal Director came in company of Hajia Sherifat Koro who is the commission’s assistant director.

The courtesy visit also included touring round the media house to check the station’s facilities.

Remi Oseni Congratulates Florence Ajimobi on Prestigious Ambassadorial Appointment

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

Hon. Engr. Remi Oseni, Federal Representative of Ido/Ibarapa East, has extended warm congratulations to Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi on her appointment as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement, Oseni praised Ajimobi's exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication to public service, saying her appointment is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions. He highlighted her extensive experience, diplomatic skills, and deep understanding of national development issues, which will undoubtedly make her a valuable asset to Nigeria on the global stage.

Oseni expressed pride in Ajimobi's achievement, stating, "Oyo State is proud of you." He prayed that God grants her wisdom, favour, and success in her new role, wishing her all the best in her ambassadorial duties.