Oyo Greenlights Major Road, Agriculture Projects in Push for Economic Growth

 

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The Oyo State Government has approved a major expansion of the ongoing Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, with new infrastructure additions like a toll plaza, flyover, underpass, and access points. These developments aim to boost traffic flow and support the state’s vision to make the Circular Road fully operational by 2027.

The new upgrades—centered around the Jagun/Ibadan/Ife interchange—were approved at the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday. The additional construction will cost ₦26.1 billion, bringing the total cost of that 16.7 km stretch to ₦92.28 billion (up from the initial ₦66.17 billion).

Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, presented the proposal, which the Council approved based on its merits. The new infrastructure includes entry and exit points and a mini toll gate, all designed to complement the road's growing scope.

Meanwhile, the Council also gave the green light to expand work on the 15.5 km Southeast section of the Circular Road (Lagos/Ibadan/Jagun axis), adding another ₦16.96 billion to the budget for that section.

Information Commissioner Prince Dotun Oyelade recalled that at a previous meeting, the Council approved the installation of public lighting along the Circular Road's first phase—another step toward enhancing road safety and visibility.

In addition to roadworks, the Council approved several other infrastructure and development projects:

• Urban Road Maintenance: Road mapping, kerb painting, steel rail installations, and patchwork will be carried out in key areas of Ibadan, including the Lead City University–Challenge junction. This will cost ₦120.47 million and will be executed through the Ministry’s Direct Labour unit.

• Agricultural Development: Approval was granted to establish Farm Service Centres across the state’s nine agricultural zones. The ₦570.78 million project aims to provide farmers with access to tools, modern techniques, market connections, and other essential support in a one-stop setting.

• Office Renovation for Training Institute: The Produce Department office of the Ministry of Agriculture in Onireke, Ibadan, will be renovated for use by the Federal Government’s Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) Southwest Regional Centre. The ₦128.53 million project is expected to promote job creation, reduce poverty, and boost economic development through agriculture.

These approvals reflect the state government’s ongoing push to invest in long-term infrastructure, improve transportation, support farmers, and boost Oyo’s economy at large.

This news was first seen in The Nation