Oyo Deputy Gov Lawal Commissions New Egbeda LG Chairman’s Office

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem ‘Bayo Lawal, has commissioned the newly constructed office complex of the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon Sikiru Sanda, in Ibadan.

Speaking at the event held at the council secretariat on Friday, Lawal said Egbeda was strategically positioned for accelerated development, given the major projects currently underway across the council.

He identified the Ibadan Circular Road, Air Force Base in Ajia and Ajoda Housing Estate among projects expected to significantly transform the fortunes of Egbeda and place the council at the centre of emerging development corridors.

Lawal appealed to residents and property owners affected by the Circular Road project to view it as a long-term investment in Oyo State, assuring that those affected would be compensated in line with overriding public interest.

He said the government was determined to avoid the unplanned development that followed the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in 1977, stressing that the Circular Road corridor would be properly planned to support sustainable development over the next 20 to 30 years.

“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,” he said.

Lawal added that those whose houses were demolished would be compensated, urging them to understand the development plans of the state government.

He described Egbeda as a nodal point within Ibadan, surrounded by projects designed to drive development, including the Circular Road, Air Force Base and Egbe-Ona Ara Development Corridor.

Speaking on the commissioned office complex, Sanda said the project was funded entirely through the council’s internally generated revenue, describing it as a lasting legacy of his administration.

He appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for providing the platform and autonomy for local governments to implement development projects, assuring residents that more projects were underway.

In their goodwill messages, 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 LG Chairman, Elder Wole Oyelese, commended Sanda for his projects.

Earlier, the Head of Administration, Egbeda Local Government, Dr Monsurat Ayo-Alaga, said the new office building reflected the council’s commitment to prudent financial management, accountability and judicious use of public resources.

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.