Oyo to Receive Surveillance Aircraft as Makinde Approves Multi-Billion Naira Projects
Oyo to Receive Surveillance Aircraft as Makinde Approves Multi-Billion Naira Projects
The Oyo State Government has announced that the two Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft procured to strengthen the state’s security architecture will arrive before the end of July 2026, alongside the approval of several multi-billion-naira investments in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, aviation and sports.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement issued after the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.
According to him, the government had initially expected to take delivery of the surveillance aircraft earlier, but the assembly of the components by the Chinese manufacturers took longer than anticipated.
He recalled that shortly after the Oriire school abduction incident, the state government announced that the aircraft had arrived at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Ikeja, Lagos, where final assembly commenced.
Oyelade said Governor Seyi Makinde informed the Executive Council that he had hoped the surveillance aircraft would have participated in the rescue operation during the Oriire kidnapping incident. However, the final decision on when the aircraft could become operational depended on the technical certification and professional advice of the Chinese manufacturers.
The Council, he added, agreed that it was better to prioritise safety and proper technical procedures than yield to public pressure.
The commissioner disclosed that the two DA42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft were procured at a total cost of ₦7.763 billion. The aircraft are expected to enhance aerial surveillance and strengthen security along Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin.
Oyo Approves ₦3bn Interest-Free Loan for Cassava Factory
The Executive Council also approved a ₦3 billion interest-free strategic intervention loan for an indigenous cassava processing factory located in Ado-Awaye.
The facility produces cassava flour and other value-added products and is expected to benefit more than 25,000 farmers, create employment opportunities and reinforce Oyo State’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading cassava-producing states.
Additional ₦2.46bn Equity for Oyo Sugar Factory
As part of its industrialisation drive, the Council approved an additional ₦2.462 billion equity investment in Oyo Sugar and Derivatives Industries Limited to facilitate the commissioning and commencement of commercial operations of the sugar processing factory in Iseyin.
The approval follows an earlier government investment of ₦850 million released to support the revitalisation and completion of the project.
According to the government, the investment is expected to boost agro-industrial development, create jobs, promote value addition to agricultural produce and increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Council Approves ₦2.9bn Road Project
The Council equally approved the construction of the 4-kilometre Idi-Igba–Akinmorin Road in Ilora at a cost of ₦2.901 billion.
The government said the project would stimulate socio-economic activities and improve connectivity within the affected communities.
Airport Upgrade Gets Additional ₦26.77bn
The Executive Council also approved an additional ₦26.768 billion for the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.
The approval covers additional engineering works and the revised Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), including the construction of a 140-metre runway strip, runway safety area, blast pad, extra pipe covers and other ancillary infrastructure.
€55 Million Healthcare Project Approved
The Council approved the implementation of a €55 million healthcare initiative, to be financed through a French loan guaranteed by the Federal Government.
The project will fund the construction and equipping of modular hospitals, including a Cardiac Centre, emergency and maternity centres, operating theatres and Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
The programme also includes the procurement of 39 ambulances, establishment of 10 dental centres, upgrading of 200 Primary Healthcare Centres, and improvement of emergency and maternity facilities in Igboora, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Moniya, Kishi, Iseyin, Okeho and Eruwa.
3SC Gets ₦200m Continental Campaign Support
In the sports sector, the Executive Council approved an initial ₦200 million take-off grant for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to support the Ibadan-based club’s quest for continental success after 27 years.
The Oyo State Government said the approvals reflect its commitment to strengthening security, expanding infrastructure, promoting industrialisation, improving healthcare delivery, supporting agriculture and encouraging sports development across the state.
