By Ade Adeloye, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has said that the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard and the Ibadan Circular Road projects are dear to his government and quite important for the expansion of the state’s economy.
He promised to deliver part of the airport project and the 32km East Wing segment of the Ibadan Circular Road in the current year.
Governor Makinde stated this on Sunday at the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan.
He noted that his administration would do more for the people of the state in 2025, adding that the Ibadan Airport, when upgraded, will be viable and will compete favourably with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
He equally reiterated that his tenure would be remembered for building lasting infrastructure and institutions in the state.
According to Governor Makinde, Nigerians will survive the current economic hardship, because tough people are wont to outlast tough times.
He said: “I have always said that when I leave office, I do not want to be remembered just for the projects.
“But some projects are dear to my heart. These include the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international standard. Some people have said it is not a viable project because Ibadan is close to Lagos. That is true; but Ibadan Airport should have been an alternative airport to Lagos from day one.
Governor Makinde also urged residents of the state to be ready to be held responsible for their actions, as according to him, the government will enforce the rule of law across different sectors.
“My urge is for people to obey the rule of law, because we don’t want to be harsh on anybody. I said we will not take people off the streets until we build something for them as a replacement and we have done that at Gate and Challenge.
“We are building one at Ojoo. We are doing all of these and expanding the road so that we can shorten the travel time between point A and point B, and to make economic activities occur quickly. So, you must be ready to obey rules and regulations.
Earlier in his thanksgiving sermon, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, the Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, called for continuous support for the government through prayers so that it can deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
