By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Oyo State Government has announced that its two surveillance aircraft will arrive before the end of July after delays in China, while the State Executive Council approved major investments in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, aviation and sports to strengthen security, improve public services and boost economic growth across the state.
Surveillance Aircraft Delayed by Manufacturing Process
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday after the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.
According to Oyelade, the state expected to receive the aircraft earlier. However, the manufacturing and assembly process in China delayed delivery.
He recalled that the government had earlier announced the arrival of the aircraft at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Ikeja, Lagos State. The aircraft are undergoing final assembly before becoming operational.
Governor Seyi Makinde told the council that he wished the aircraft had been operational during the recent rescue operation following the school abduction in Oriire Local Government Area. However, he explained that the government relied on the manufacturers’ professional and technical advice before deployment.
“The two aircraft were procured at the cost of ₦7.763 billion,” Oyelade said.
He added that the aircraft are DA 42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. They will monitor Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin.
Council Approves €55 Million Healthcare Initiative
The Executive Council also approved a comprehensive healthcare programme funded through a €55 million French loan backed by the Federal Government.
According to Oyelade, the initiative will provide modular hospitals and critical medical facilities across the state.
The project includes:
- A cardiac centre
- Emergency and maternity centres
- Intensive care units
- Operating theatres
- Thirty-nine ambulances
- Ten dental centres
- Two hundred primary healthcare centres
He said the investment will improve healthcare delivery and expand access to quality medical services.
₦3 Billion Loan Approved for Cassava Processing Factory
Furthermore, the council approved an interest-free ₦3 billion intervention loan for an indigenous cassava processing factory in Ado-Awaye.
Oyelade said the project will increase production, create jobs and benefit more than 25,000 farmers across the state.
Additional Investment for Oyo Sugar Factory
The council also approved financial support for the commencement of commercial operations at Oyo Sugar and Derivatives Industries Limited in Iseyin.
Oyelade explained that the state had earlier invested ₦850 million as equity to revive and complete the sugar processing factory.
“As a result of effective management by the investors and the government’s commitment to this objective, the Council approved the sum of ₦2.462 billion as an additional government equity investment in Oyo Sugar and Derivatives Industries Limited,” he said.
He noted that the project remains one of the state’s strategic industrialisation initiatives. It aims to promote agro-industrial development, increase value addition to agricultural produce, create employment opportunities and improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Road and Airport Projects Receive Fresh Funding
The Executive Council approved the construction of the 4-kilometre Idi-Igba/Akinmorin Road in Ilora at a cost of ₦2.901 billion.
According to Oyelade, the road project will stimulate socio-economic activities and support development in the area.
In addition, the council approved an extra ₦26.768 billion for the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.
The approval covers revised engineering works, including the construction of a 140-metre strip, runway safety area, blast pad, additional pipe covers and other supporting infrastructure.
Shooting Stars Receive ₦200 Million Grant
Meanwhile, the council approved a ₦200 million take-off grant for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
Oyelade said the funding will support the Ibadan-based football club as it prepares for continental competitions.
The approval forms part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen sports development and improve Oyo State’s representation in African football competitions.
