The Oyo State is rapidly emerging as the South-West's new economic powerhouse, a transformation directly attributed to Governor 'Seyi Makinde's visionary infrastructure development, according to Hon. Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbonjubola, Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport.
Commissioner Mogbonjubola hailed Governor Makinde as the "Master Builder of modern Oyo State," emphasizing how the administration's "where roads go development follows" mantra has been justified by a significant influx of businesses and investments. In the past two years of Omituntun 2.0, the government has delivered an impressive 368.9 kilometers of roads, building upon the extensive network established during the Governor's first term, connecting all zones and improving inner-city access.
The 110-kilometer Ibadan Circular Road, named after former Governor Rasidi Ladoja, stands out as the administration's flagship project. Mogbonjubola announced that the 32km first phase, the South-East Wing, stretching from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to Badeku Village on the Ibadan-Ile Ife Expressway, is 70% complete and scheduled for commissioning before the end of the year. This segment is being executed by Messrs Craneburg Construction Ltd and Messrs Kopek.
The Commissioner described the Circular Road as Nigeria's first true "motorway," designed as a one-stop shop for economic development. It aims to eliminate chronic traffic congestion around key hubs like the Iwo Road Interchange and will feature dedicated corridors for world-class residential and industrial estates, promising significant economic upliftment.
Ensuring the Circular Road's long-term viability, Mogbonjubola stated it requires no major maintenance for the next 20 years. Its sustainability strategy includes tolling at its three to four entrances, with weighbridges and tolling pads at key points like the Tech-U entrance, and maintenance will be concessioned. He addressed the project's increased cost, attributing it squarely to the drastic depreciation of the Naira against the US dollar, moving from N340 to approximately N1,540 per dollar since the initial award.
Beyond the first phase, significant progress is also noted on the 39km North-East Wing (Badeku to Molarere), with 95% of bush clearing complete and contracts for hydraulics, underpasses, and overhead bridges already awarded. Clearing for the third and fourth segments of the project is underway.
Apart from these major undertakings, the government has substantially improved inner roads across the state through asphaltic overlays, directly enhancing the ease of doing business, cutting commute times, and boosting the local economy.
Mogbonjubola also highlighted the pivotal role of non-road infrastructure, including the construction of modern bus terminals and the successful Park Management System. These initiatives have contributed to a more peaceful, orderly, and attractive Oyo for investors. The Iwo Road Mega Bus Terminal is nearing completion, set to redefine Ibadan's transport landscape, while technology, such as the spike system, is being deployed to curb one-way driving.
Addressing the Agbowo Shopping Complex, the Commissioner reiterated the government's commitment to delivering the project, emphasizing the importance of following due process to ensure its successful completion and economic impact. He also mentioned ongoing construction of new buildings at the Oyo State High Court Complex, among other critical projects.
Commissioner Mogbonjubola was accompanied at the briefing by Engr. Rauf Amao, Coordinating Director of the Ministry, and Engr. Fadare Gbeminiyi, Director of Highways. The press statement released after the briefing was signed by Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor.
Governor Makinde’s transformative infrastructure projects are truly positioning Oyo State as a regional economic Block Blast powerhouse. The scale and vision behind developments like the Ibadan Circular Road are commendable and promise long-term prosperity for the state.
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