NIGERIA: Makinde Approves Oyo School Upgrades, Airport Expansion

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Oyo State government under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde, has approved the immediate construction and rehabilitation of schools across the state as part of efforts to improve the education sector.

The approval was granted during the State Executive Council meeting, held on Tuesday night.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the move comes just a month after the implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage and aims to create a better learning environment for students and teachers.

He said: “The intervention includes perimeter fencing, construction of toilet facilities, drilling of solar-powered boreholes, installation of solar street lights, and procurement of furniture. The project, which involves 50 contractors, will cost ₦9,974,332.00 (Nine billion, nine hundred and seventy-four million, three hundred and thirty-two thousand naira).”

The council also approved the second phase of the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

“The second phase upgrade will cost ₦7,008,688.00 (Seven billion, eight million, six hundred and eighty-eight thousand naira),” Oyelade stated.

He recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had emphasized during the airport flag-off last year that the state would not compromise on ensuring the airport meets international standards.

He further added that the governor has ensured to include several aviation experts from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Air Force as part of the members of the Airport Upgrade Committee.”

The council also approved ₦2,399,428.00 (Two billion, three hundred and ninety-nine million, four hundred and twenty-eight thousand naira) as compensation for the 32.2km South-East segment of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project.

Additionally, the second phase of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative was approved.

According to Oyelade, the first phase successfully covered interventions in transportation, food relief, food security, health insurance, and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). While the second phase will focus on continued subsidy on transportation and healthcare at a cost of ₦2,000,588.00 (Two billion, five hundred and eighty-eight thousand naira),” he said.

Governor Makinde expressed his satisfaction with the program, noting that “the SAfER initiative in Oyo State is not only more sustainable but also more beneficial to the masses at a critical time.”

The council also approved the asphaltic improvement of key roads in Ibadan, including the NNPC/General Gas Road and Anglican Church Road, off Kolapo Ishola Junction. The project will cost ₦1,000,700.00 (One billion, seven hundred thousand naira).